What is SVideo?

Question

What is SVideo?

Answer 1

Separate video, abbreviated S-Video and also known as Y/C (or erroneously, S-VHS and "super video") is an analog video signal that carries the video data as two separate signals (brightness and color), unlike composite video which carries the video signals mixed in one line. S-Video, as most commonly implemented, carries 480i or 576i resolution video, i.e. standard definition video. Three-line component video cables are commonly used to carry video resolutions higher than those supported by a S-Video cable — for example, YPrPb component video cables can easily handle 1080p resolution video. S-Video does not carry audio on the same cable.

The 4-pin mini-DIN connector (shown at right) is the most common of several S-Video connector types. Other S-Video connector variants include 7-pin locking "dub" connectors used on many professional S-VHS machines, and dual "Y" and "C" BNC connectors, often used for S-Video patch bays. Early Y/C video monitors often used RCA connectors that were switchable between Y/C and composite video input. Though the connectors are different, the Y/C signals for all types are compatible.