Setting up a dvd player.

Budmantom

Lifer
Aug 17, 2002
13,103
1
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I have two and I have set them up without a problem but my questions are:

do I need the s-video wire or are the three rca cables enough (red black and yellow)?

if I don't need the s-vide cable why do they make it, does it make that much of a difference in picture quality?


These are stupid questions but I am not at home to try it, thanks.

Tom
 

Rob9874

Diamond Member
Nov 7, 1999
3,314
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81
If your TV has S-video in, by all means use it. They offer S-video and RCA, because some TVs (like mine) do not have S-video. You will still need to use the red and white RCAs for audio. Search google to see the difference between RCA and S-video. S-video allows for greater resolution. Component video is even better (3 RCA-like plugs just for video).
 

vi edit

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Oct 28, 1999
62,484
8,345
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SVideo provides a better picture quality than the RCA video cable. Better is subjective based upon the quality of the DVD player, the quality of the TV it's hooked up to, and the pickyness of the eyes of the viewer.

I'm not *that* picky, and I don't have *that* expensive of a TV, but I can tell the difference between SVideo and RCA cables.
 

Budmantom

Lifer
Aug 17, 2002
13,103
1
81
Right now I am using the red, black and yellow rca cables and the s-video cable should I disconnect the yellow?

So in a pinch I could use only the rca (3) cables?

 

Viper GTS

Lifer
Oct 13, 1999
38,107
433
136
Originally posted by: Budmantom
Right now I am using the red, black and yellow rca cables and the s-video cable should I disconnect the yellow?

So in a pinch I could use only the rca (3) cables?

S-video is FAR superior to composite, the difference is night and day.

However, s-video is video only - You still must use the L/R audio connectors (or digital audio).

But yes, you can use the composite cables if you don't have RCA. It will just look like crap.

Viper GTS
 

Rob9874

Diamond Member
Nov 7, 1999
3,314
1
81
Yes, you are correct with all your assumptions. Yellow is video, red and white are audio. S-video only does video. Enjoy!
 

Rob9874

Diamond Member
Nov 7, 1999
3,314
1
81
I think you meant he can use composite if he doesn't have s-video.

And it won't look like crap. Just not as clean as s-video. I only have RCA in on my TV, and with a nice TV (Sony Trinitron) and monster cables, it looks fine. I'd rather have s-video, but my DVD movies are far from looking crappy.