Composite or S-Video

[calvert99]

Capturing VHS to AVI file...is there a very big difference between using composite video in, as opposed to s-video?

[Bud]

There is some debate on this, I use the S-Video from a S-VHS machine and it works great for me. I have used the composite mode when doing direct from the TV, however I do have a Digital Cable system so there is little difference for me when Cap from the TV.

Bud

[dphirschler]

S-Video is better, particularly if you have an S-video source such as a DVD player or SVHS VCR. I've even heard that you can slightly improve a native composite signal by converting to S-video before a long cable run. Since S-video splits the signals, the signals don't cross or interfere with each other as they tend to in a composite signal.

Try this if you have a stand-alone DVD player. Hook it up to your TV using S-video, then try it again with composite. You should notice a big difference. It's a big difference to me. Composite picture was much softer (blurrier). Stands to reason that capturing the S-video signal gives the possibility to capture a much more detailed picture.


Darryl

[calvert99]

Let me rephrase my question...I do not have a vcr with s-video output...would it be worth the money to purchase a vcr with s-video out? I know it is well worth it when dealing with a high res. source like DVD (I actually use component video out on my DVD player); I just didn't know if it made a significant difference with VHS?

[House de Kris]

Having an S-Video connection will be better than a Composite connection. But, determining whether it "would it be worth the money" is a subjective call that only you can answer. More than likely the difference, if perceivable, will be marginal. You may feel the veil that is lifted is worth every penny required to go the S-Video route. Then again, you may feel that geeky type nit pickers are the only ones who can appreciate the difference.

Personally, I'd be suspect of faceless internet advice on how I should spend my money to satisfy my values.

[zzyzzx]

I do not see any difference except I can capture 352x240 @ 29.97 with no dropped frames using the S-Video input on my capture card and I can only capture at 352x240 @ ~25 fps with no dropped frames using the regular composite input. It s better for me to capture at 29.97 fps because then TMPEGnc doesn't have to do a framerate conversion and it runs faster, but there is still no percieveable difference.

I have no idea why this happens.

[dphirschler]

You won't see a difference at that resolution (unless you have a long cable run). If that is the resolutiuon you are capturing at, then save your money. But if you want high quality hi-res captures, then use the S-video. It's worth it even if you are going to downsample to 352x240.


Darryl