🎥🔗 S-Video • S-Video Cable

S-Video cables transmit analog video by separating brightness (Y) and color (C) signals. The male/male version connects two devices directly, while the male/female version acts as an extension or port saver. Both are essential tools in legacy AV setups.
 
🔧 Cable Format
Connector Types:
🔹 Male/Male: S-Video Male ↔ S-Video Male
🔹 Male/Female: S-Video Male ↔ S-Video Female
Pin Count: 4-pin mini-DIN (standard S-Video layout)
Cable Lengths: Typically 3 ft to 24 ft; longer runs may degrade signal
Shielding: Often double-shielded to reduce EMI/RFI interference
Signal Type: Analog Y/C (luminance + chrominance)
 
🖥️ Compatible Devices
📼 VCRs, DVD players, camcorders
🎮 Retro consoles (N64, PS2, Saturn, etc.)
📺 CRT TVs and monitors with S-Video input
📽️ Projectors with legacy video ports
🎛️ AV switchers, patch panels, and receivers
🧪 Video capture cards and test rigs
 
✅ Common Uses
🔹 Male/Male Cable
🔌 Directly connect source to display (e.g., console to CRT)
🧩 Link AV gear with S-Video ports for clean analog video
🛠️ Patch into switchers or capture devices
🎛️ Route signal through AV racks or media zones
🔹 Male/Female Cable
📏 Extend existing male/male S-Video cable runs
🧯 Protect device ports by using as a port saver
🧰 Add modular flexibility to AV setups
🧪 Enable quick swaps in test environments
 
🧠 Signal Format Notes
Protocol: Analog Y/C separation (better than composite)
Pins Used: 4-pin mini-DIN (2 for luminance, 2 for chrominance)
No Audio: S-Video transmits video only—use RCA for sound
No Conversion: Cable does not alter signal type or voltage
❗ Not compatible with composite, RCA, or HDMI without active conversion
 
⚠️ Things to Watch Out For
🔌 Match connector gender to device ports
📏 Avoid chaining too many extensions—signal may degrade
🧯 Not suitable for format conversion—S-Video only
🔄 Confirm pin alignment—mini-DIN connectors are keyed
🧪 Use known-good source and display to verify signal integrity
 
🛠️ Quick Tips for Beginners
🔍 Identify S-Video by its 4-pin circular layout
🧭 Use male/male for direct device-to-device connections
📏 Use male/female to extend or protect existing cables
🧰 Keep both variants in your retro toolkit for flexibility
🧪 Test with CRT or capture card before final setup