Do I need S-Video if I use HDMI?

Question

Do I need to use the S-video cord if I'm running an HDMI cable from my DVD to my plasma? If you run HDMI cable, component cables, and S-Video will that cause a problem? Thanks, Theater Rookie!

Answer 1

Do NOT connect component and S-Video if you are connecting HDMI. It isn't that it will mess anything up it is just that you may not be able to tell that your picture isn't all it should be. I have been to many homes where devices were connected more than one way and the inferior connection is actually the one being used so the owner didn't know that it should have looked better and sounded better. Just connect the HDMI and make sure you are getting sound and picture. You may need to have the S-Video connected to do an initial setup if the DVD player needs to have the HDMI output turned on but then unplug the S-Video  and use the HDMI input on the TV.

The only exception to this rule is for Dual Zone receivers. Receivers only have 1 digital to analog converter which they use for zone 1 so any source being played in zone 2 needs to be connected through analog so the red and white audio connections need to be used as well in this case.

Answer 2

I agree with 42 (aka the answer to all)

If you have hdmi you dont need svid for MOST sources. But component is better than svid, use that instead

Answer 3

you only need 1 set of cables plugged in and HDMI is higher picture quality then S-video

Answer 4

Although the other poster are correct in that it is for the most part redundant, there are applications where you may need this. Not all devices will transcode video to a HDMI transport. So I will say that you have not provided enough detail on the exact models and hook up you intend.

Answer 5

If you already have an HDMI connection it will supply audio and video to your tv unit. You do not need an s-video to your TV from your dvd player. S-video will provide video, but since your HDMI already has it, you don't need it. It is far inferior to HDMI anyways, because it's an older analog connection.

Remember some dvd player requires that you tell it which connection to use. If you unplug your S-video cable and the tv goes black, plug it back in. You will first need to go into your dvd player settings and tell it to use the HDMI connection instead of your s-video connection.

Hope that didn't confuse you.