If you have an olderanalog TVor DVD player, you might still want an S-video cable.

What Is S-Video?

S-video technology transmits standard-definition video with 480 pixels or 576 pixels resolution.

Closeup of S-video cable with audio cables included.

riceteck at morguefile.com

S-video carries brightness and color information as two separate signals over two wires.

Because of this separation, video transferred by S-video is of higher quality than composite video.

S-video is also known as component video and Y/C video.

A photo of a video card with an S-video port.

S-Video Ports

S-video ports are round with multiple holes and a slightly flat bottom.

The ports can have four, seven, or nine pins.

S-Video vs HDMI

Newer video standards likeHDMItransmit digital video signals in code.

The main benefit of digital video is that the signal doesn’t degrade from source to destination.

It’s also capable of transmitting highervideo resolutions.

You’ll enhance your video and take full advantage of high-definition technology built into televisions and computer monitors.

Double-check the cable and ports to verify they have a compatible number of pins and holes.

Correction 11/29/2022: Updated article with the correct reference for S-video.

FAQ

Yes, but most newer devices no longer come with S-Video ports.

Other options forconnecting your box and TVinclude HDMI, DVI, VGA, and Thunderbolt.