The Plasma TV Blog

S-Video is an abbreviation for Separate Video. It is also sometimes known as Y/C, and also, not quite accurately as S-VHS. It is an analog video signal that carries data as two separate signals, one for brightness and the other for color. It differs from Composite Video which combines both into one signal. S-Video is a common video carrier for 480i and 576i resolution video.

Normally, S-Video signals are connected to display monitors using a 4 pin mini_DIN connector with a 75 ohm termination impedance. The DIN is a standard electrical connector using small pins. The name DIN comes from the German Institute that establishes standards. S-Video cables are in wide use for connecting DVD players, and this wide spread use has tended to make them fairly inexpensive. Their major disadvantage is that the pins are a bit fragile, and when one bends excessively it can impact signal reception. If a pin is broken, the connector needs to be replaced. Most older model VCRs do not support S-Video signals, and if they are used only the luminance signal, or brightness signal, is received resulting in a black and white picture.

S-Video signals are easily converted to composite signals, and converters are available at most retailers. None of them will improve the signal. They will merely convert it. S-Video does not have the necessary bandwidth to successfully carry High Definition signals, and therefore is not commonly used on the new generations of HDTVs. They are quite common on DVD units and many variations of camcorders have S-Video out plugs as well.