S-Video or Composite: which is better?

I just bought a new TV, and am wondering about video cables: is Composite better than S-Video? I can use either, and would love some advice before I plunk down some cash for quality cables.

 

Composite? One RCA cable? Nah, S-Video is better. Or do you mean component, which is still better than S-Video?

 

S video has worked better for me in just about every case. Depends on the situation.

 

In my situation, I can only do composite video or I can buy a Composite To S-Video adapter for now, but what I am willing to do is to wait until LCD TVs drop down in price even lower than they have dropped down to allow me to make a better investment for the future. My current settlement is composite video.

 

As am I. They'll have to get them up to at least 42 inches though.

 

D'oh! Good catch -- yes, I meant component.

Anyway, it looks like more people are saying component is better. Thanks for the input, folks.

 

It depends. If your TV's comb filter is better than your source's (DVD, VCR or LD player), use the composite (RCA). Otherwise, use the S-Video.

 

I would not be able to afford a 42" TV due to my budget though.

 

I'm with Sckott on this one. I prefer s-video to component - but as he said it probably depends on the equipment/situation.
I am looking forward to hooking up my DVI out on my universal when I get a DVI/HDMI compatable TV.

 

If you have a progressive scan DVD player as your source, then component will almost always be better.


Cat

 

Exactly. And it makes no sense to use the S-Video if your source has component outputs.

 

Always use component for DVD when you can.

Always use S-Video on the following when you can:
VHS
S-VHS
standard-def Digital Cable box
standard-def Digital Satellite box

With laserdisc or an analog cable box, it depends on whether or not the comb filter in your TV is better than the one in the component.

I disagree with Ken's assessment that VHS is a native composite format. Most people do think this is the case. It is stored using a separated 'chroma under' method, same as S-VHS. Of course, most non-SVHS decks don't include an s-video out.

 

Heck, I only wish I was as wrong as rarely as you are.

 

Component WILL beat S.
HOWEVER, you will HAVE to recalibrate your monitor too get the benefit of component over S. If you do not recalibrate, the benefit is minimal (if at all). Of coarse if you re-c for C, your other input's WILL 'suffer'.
So............ S, if your using more than one input.
Or............ C, if your prime (DVD, etc.) source is THE most important too U.
Unless...... U can do video setup's for EACH input!!!

 

Just saw this re: HDI/HDMI:

http://www.techtv.com/screensavers/products/jump/1,24331,3419506,00.html

 

Unless you have a compatible television that has component input than it would be a great investment; those dam cables are expensive as hell. Fortunately I have a Toshiba set that gives me all options and I went with an S VIDEO cable. Have to say the picture is really, really gorgeous. I can't afford the component cables and was extremely pleased with the quality a 14.99 S cable gave me from Best Buy

 

If you DON'T have a compatible telivision, then indeed, the investment would be a waste, but if you DO have a compatible TV then the relative cost favors component over S-Video. In fact, dependent upon the kind of cables you choose the pricing runs the gamut.


Cat