Newbie to SVideo

[sonar]

I just got an Apex AD-1500 to play my s/vcds. Seeing as all my prior equipment was connect via RCA cables, I figured I would by a decent SVideo cable to hook the new player up. I ended up buying a svideo cable made by Acoustic Research, thinking that a $70 dvd player did not need a $40 Monster Cable.

Here's where my problem arose.

I used the audio cables that came in the box, but used the recently purchased SVideo cable instead of the RCA one. I used a test dvd, K-Pax. When the dvd started to play the screen was all black and white, puzzled I checked the settings to make sure the dvd wasn't set to PAL, or something of that sort. Everything came out ok. As it was still b&w, I put the rca cable back into the player and the tv. This time there still was no color, but I hit the p/n button on the remote, now the color appears. I then thought that the problem was solved and went back and unplugged the rca video cable. Back to black and white.

Here's my dilemma, what am I doing wrong, I thought that all you need were the two audio cables and the svideo cable.

I'm sorry about going on and on, but any help on this matter would be appreciated.

[Capt_Diode]

Check that the S-Video cable is plugged all the way or a bent pin on one of the ends of the cable. S-Video separates the color from the video which would explain the lack of color. If neither suggestion works try replacing the cable.

Good Luck,
Captain Diode

[sonar]

I checked my cable, nothing seems to be wrong.

I just compared the picture with the different cables:

1 RCA video cable : basic color
1 SVideo cable : black and white
2 RCA audio cables : no picture
1 RCA video cable and 1 SVideo cable : picture is slightly lighter and seems a bit sharper.

I watched as I inserted the SVideo cable with the RCA video cable already plugged in, the picture lighten up a little and seemed to sharpen, especially around the outline of Kevin Spacey's face.

So am I correct in assuming, that both cables need to be plugged in for this to work, or am I completely wrong and have a faulty cable?

[Capt_Diode]

Set up will require the following,
2 RCA audio cables
1 S-Video Cable or 1 RCA video cable, not both.

S-Video cables have 4 pins. 2 for the black and white picture and 2 for the color. Since the color is separated from the video, the quality in picture resolution is dramatic. I highly recommend finding a solution to your problem, you won't regret it. To save time, I would recommend a trip to the original place of purchase and ask to have your equipment tested to see if its the cable or the DVD player. Most stores have numerous TV's on display and can easily test your equipment. (I hope it's not the TV).

As for the 40 dollar cable, don't waist your money. The difference in quality will not be noticed.

Good Luck,
Captain Diode

[Tool Man]

Sonar, I had the same problem when I first bought an S-Video cable. Your TV set must be S-Video compliant, or you will either get B/W, or the colour will be mixed up. Does your set have an S-Video port, or are you using an S-Video to SCART cable?
On my TV (Panasonic) there are 2 Scarts, but only the second one is S-Video compatable. When I select AV, I have to scroll through AV1( socket 1 RGB), AV2( Socket 2 RGB) or AV2-S (socket 2 S-Video ).
Hope this helps,
Tool Man.