What did I do Wrong? Hooked up computer to TV with S-Video

[d13872]

I have had a computer hooked up to a PC before using an S Video Cable. I tried this again a while back and ended up frying my computer(laptop) and TV. What did I do wrong? I don't remember if the TV was on or not when I plugged the cable into it. The computer was on and when I plugged the cable into the computer there was a spark and the TV wouldn't turn on anymore. The laptop shut off but I was able to turn it back on again but it would not recognize the battery and had a lot of problems after that, I had basically fried the motherboard in it.

I am planning on hooking one up again but I am scared I will fry something. Any suggestions? My TV does not have RCA connectors, I think it has S-Video but other than that it just has the cable connector. Is there an adapter that you would suggest? Please let me know if you need anymore info.

Thanks

[redwudz]

That's a bit unusual. Had you used that very same S-video cable before? My first guess would have been that the cable is shorted out and I would replace it with a new one before I would try anything.

But, the 'spark' is the confusing part. There's no high voltages or amperages on a S-video cable to cause that. But it does have ground leads that may also be tied to the metal shell on the ends. I'm guessing it's more likely your TV may have had a wiring problem and put voltage on the S-video cable. Or it could have been the laptop, but less likely as they're not grounded, even through the power supply. I would also check the outlet that the TV was plugged into. It may be wired improperly and caused this.

A S-video pinout: http://pinouts.ru/Video/SVideo_pinout.shtml Also look in Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S-Video





Since this is a computer question, moving you to our Computer Forum.

And welcome to our forums.

[d13872]

Thanks for your reply. I hadn't used that particular cable before but it didn't look damaged. Also are there different kinds of S-video cables and would using the wrong kind cause a problem? As for the laptop, the DC jack had been replaced so maybe there was some damage to the board done during that. The spark I saw was as I was plugging in the cable to the laptop, right around where the port is. The TV seemed in pretty good shape it wasn't that old maybe 2-3 years. I just don't want to take any chances trying again, it could get expensive.

[Nelson37]

Are you certain this was not a static spark, or was this a major, high-voltage spark? Any burning smell?

I'd call that more than just a bit unusual.

S-Video cables all pretty much the same, there is no non-standard type. Maybe use one with no protruding metal ends.

Definitely start with both devices turned off. Might be worth having your electrical system checked out.

[d13872]

There was no burning smell and the spark wasn't very large. It seemed to come from just inside the laptop case, just slightly behind and beside the S-video connector. Right after the spark the computer shut off, the TV would never turn back on after that.

[johns0]

Most likely a problem with the laptop itself with something getting ungrounded when you plugged in the cable killing your tv at the same time,seen it in other electronic devices.

[d13872]

What do you mean by something getting ungrounded? Like in the motherboard, or the way I plugged it in?

[johns0]

Something on the mobo,plugging it in didnt do the damage,just a faulty mobo.

[d13872]

Thanks for your help. I am pretty sure it was the computer then that caused it. Just to be sure though I will start with everything off. I feel a little better.

[gll99]

There are many plugs found on electronic equipment and cables that at first glance have similar features (round, holes, pins) to that of svideo.

Could it be that you mistook a power connector on one device or the other for an svideo plug. As described before, the most common consumer svideo type has 4 pins with a plastic key hole/pin for support and to aid insertion. This is most likely the one on your equipment. Check your devices and see if that is what you have. If not then it might be a power connector or some kind of powered device port. Even if it's not fully inserted but is just touching the metal leads it would cause sparks like you describe. Although you can't discount a very dangerous live wire shorting on the ground, I would tend to believe that explanation before a peculiarly timed equipment failure.

[jagabo]

Was the laptop plugged into AC power when the problem occurred? If it was plugged into a different AC outlet it's possible there is a grounding problem. One of the outlets might be improperly wired. Check with one of these:
http://www.amazon.com/ELECTRICAL-RECEPTACLE-TESTER-OUTLET-PRONG/dp/B001DVSKZ2/

[Bjs]

More likely culprit was the tv developed a fault ... it has a far higher ratio as cause.

Check if tv had an earth pin ... those that dont short internally and seek the nearest point of earth ... maybe in this case you laptop provided the only point of earth available ?

For fear of doing it again I know monster and jackson both produce power boards with audio and video protection filtering and it might be a wise investment ... here about $60 to $300 depending on features.