How much should I spend on an S-Video lead?

mrscruffy

Seeing as they range from 99p to 50 pounds on eBay really how much should I spend on a 2m S-Video lead?

Do I really need gold connectors?
Do I really need oxygen-free copper?
Do I really need "screening"?

Many thanks

p.s. Any recommendations on sources other than eBay gratefully received!

DCFC79

I shouldnt have thought you would need gold connectors, i think screening is just to protect the data from outside interferences eg electrical noise but i could be wrong, id say a couple of quid maybe a max of £5,

i oculd be wrong thought so id wait for someone else who knows more to reply

kwikbreaks

All IMO. You may well get others insisting you need to spend a shedload but the fact is that S-Video is still not very high quality.

> Do I really need gold connectors?
No
> Do I really need oxygen-free copper?
No
> Do I really need "screening"?
Yes

eBay is usually the best source for cheap cables.

DCFC79

kwikbreaks wrote: »

All IMO. You may well get others insisting you need to spend a shedload but the fact is that S-Video is still not very high quality.

> Do I really need gold connectors?
No
> Do I really need oxygen-free copper?
No
> Do I really need "screening"?
Yes

eBay is usually the best source for cheap cables.

kwikbreaks, with my definition of screening am i on the right track

aliEnRIK

This really depends on what its for.
The tv is the biggest problem. Some have very good s-video sockets. Others are very poor so would be pointless buying a decent s-video cable for it

And I disagree with kwikbreaks ~ if you can, buy one with all 3 (Though screening is by far the most important)

Id buy THIS personally (If its long enough ~ if not theres also a 3meter version elsewhere)

kwikbreaks

DCFC79 wrote: »

kwikbreaks, with my definition of screening am i on the right track

Yes. It helps cut down on electrical noise pickup.

With S-Video gold contacts and oxygen free copper help cut down on your bank balance only.

mrscruffy

Many thanks for the super fast responses - I'll have a look around and hopefully find something that is a similar quality to the gear I'm connecting!

[Deleted User]

I was in a similar quandary recently when choosing cables to connect my laptop to my TV. The general consensus I found was gold connectors aren't worth it at all and infact silver conducts better than gold. VGA cables are better than S-Video. Don't buy anything longer than you need.

In the end I choose the following and I must say they're as good as the reviews, they're perfect.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Fisual-Pearl-VGA-Male-Cable/dp/B000WTT0EG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1240134161&sr=8-1
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Fisual-Install-3-5mm-Stereo-Cable/dp/B0012IRLTW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1240134167&sr=8-1

I appreciate it looks like I'm going back on my gold comment but after reading the reviews for both cables I was happy to pick these.

totalsolutions

There are only 4 pins in a s-video plug. Buy the plugs for a few quid and make your own. You will also need extra cables as the audio (sound) does not travel through this lead. Yes they are cheap they come gold plated, try Maplins, Radiospares, Farnell, etc...

weegie.geek

spend less than a tenner, get a nice thick shielded cable with quality connectors.

Making your own is an option but if you don't own a soldering iron, when you factor in the price of one, the connectors and the cable, you'll almost definitely be cheaper buying a premade one.