Composite to S-video Adaptors

[myriad1973]

I was wondering if anybody is using an adaptor in their VCR setup?

The VCR I have is composite only and I tried using a composite to s-video adaptor for it, but the picture turns "grainy". I don't know if it is the adaptor or not. It was a pretty cheap part, so I don't know if it's just junk, or if all adaptors tend to do that. Any input would be appreciated.

[myriad1973]

Does anybody have any help on this?

[Hi Ho]

It sounds like it's just a cheap part. How much did you pay for it and where did you get it? Usually composite to S-Video adapters work fine. It could be a defective part too.

[myriad1973]

$1.00 on E-bay. I figured it would work fine. I figured it shouldn't cost $20 for a simple adaptor. I guess I'll have to go to Radio Shack.... at least they have reliable adaptors. :rolleyes:

[mtrycrafts]

$1.00 on E-bay. I figured it would work fine. I figured it shouldn't cost $20 for a simple adaptor. I guess I'll have to go to Radio Shack.... at least they have reliable adaptors. :rolleyes:


Well, I think it needs to be a comb filter type to separate the video signals to luminance and chrominance signals. Not sure if a passive filter will work well.

[myriad1973]

I definitely need to find out so I won't have to buy an new SVHS. The VCR I already have is not that old.

[mtrycrafts]

I definitely need to find out so I won't have to buy an new SVHS. The VCR I already have is not that old.


I seriously doubt that TV will make your VCR any better with Svideo.

[myriad1973]

I seriously doubt that TV will make your VCR any better with Svideo.

So you think I should just stick with composite for the VCR?

[jonnythan]

If you're turning a composite signal into an S-video signal, there's no increase in quality. At best, you are going to get a significant decrease because you're taking an already crappy signal (the composite) and passing it through a filter to separate it into two signals.

Just stick with composite, or get a VCR with S-video out.

[Stanton]

1) The only reason to use S-Video on your VCR is if you're recording in S-VHS mode or you're physically out of composite video connections (on either the receiver or TV).
2) A GOOD composite->S-Video converter is NOT cheap; the (old) one I have cost me $100.

[davelee98]

most modern tvs should have a decent 3-line digital comb filter built in. an external comb filter is pointless. It's not like you're attaching a laserdisc player...

[Hi Ho]

VHS is a composite signal in the first place. Converting it to S-Video offers no advantage.

[Rob Babcock]

I have a component-to-S adapter that works very nicely and didn't cost too much (maybe $10). It didn't improve the picture but it didn't visibly degrade it either. Initially I bought it to connect my Denon '3802 to the projector- turns out the adapter was cheaper than a 30' compositive video cable. Besides, since the cables were run along the ceiling I didn't want any more cabling than necessary, and I already had component & S-Vid running to it...

Now I have a '3805 which upconverts everything to component. Much more convenient to hook up.