Using S-Video vs. RCA cables for capturing.

[MeekloBraca]

I am using the standard cheapo RCA cables, non gold plated cables to capture video. I know im probably asking the bleeding obvious here, but should I go out and buy the 50 dollar svideo cables to increase my quality or does it even matter?

[redwudz]

I would find a happy medium and pay about $10 -$20US for a 36" S-video cable. Keep them short and don't pay ridiculous prices for a piece of wire.

Even a cheap S-video cable would be better than composite; That is if you have S-Video in and out.

[edDV]

Don't get sucked into expensive cables.

You need to provide more info.

What are you capturing from? VCR? Cable/DBS box?
What is your capture device?

Generally if a device has S-Video out and the capture device has S-Video in, then a S-Video connection will provide equal (minimum) to much better quality.

There are exceptions depending on how the video was created.

All S-Video cables carry luminance and chroma signals separately (two pairs). That provides 95% of the difference vs. composite. Expensive cables may improve performance another 5% especially for long lengths. Most people can't see the difference.

[MeekloBraca]

Ok, im capturing VHS tapes from Toshiba VCR, into the Pinnacle MovieBox USB(probably soon to be the ATI AIW 9600 as I dont care much for this thing or its software) and then USB1 into my computer. The connection from VCR to Box is standard white/red/yellow cables.

Also on that note about my dislike for the box, in your opinion should I go for the AIW card or wtick with my Pinnacle?

[edDV]

Well, if the VCR has an S-Video out, then it is SVHS and yes you will get superior results if the tape is SVHS or equal to moderate improvement if the tape is VHS.

You shouldn't be using USB1 with the Moviebox. Get a USB2 adapter at the computer end and it may save you the expense of a new card. USB1 can't handle full quality video transfer.

http://www.computervideo.net/dec03-4.htm

[SaSi]

Although S-Video should provide superior quality, even with a low cost cable, compared to composite signal, my personal tests on the matter showed me there is no discernable difference between the two.

My tests were performed linking my VCR - in receiver mode - to my Hauppauge MPEG capture device and capturing in high bitrate (12MBPS) via USB.

Despite the above, if your devices provide S-Video links, use them. And don't use extra long cables if you don't need them.

[MeekloBraca]

Will the Svideo output look like the svideo input?

If so it doesnt appear any of my vcr's have one. So if thats the case then Im stuck with the RCA cables. What are my options there? Go Gold plated?

Also is there a way to see if I have a USB2 input on my computer?

[MeekloBraca]

Btw thanks for that article. Very nice.

[edDV]

Will the Svideo output look like the svideo input?

If so it doesnt appear any of my vcr's have one. So if thats the case then Im stuck with the RCA cables. What are my options there? Go Gold plated?

Normal cables should work fine. Gold on one of the two connectors can't hurt but won't help much.

Also is there a way to see if I have a USB2 input on my computer?

USB2 is a must. There are many cards sililar to these.
http://www.usbgear.com/USB-PCI-PCMCIA.html

[MeekloBraca]

It seems to me reading digitalfaq that the ATI software is not only more user friendly but easier and more involved where this Pinnacle studio software isnt very good.

[BrainStorm69]

Check this post I made awhile back...

https://www.videohelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=279561&highlight=various+cables