Composite or S-video?
Answer:
While S-Video is superior to composite, both are substantially lower quality than component and HDMI. Composite is a simple connection and usually a cheaper alternative however, the video stream is not a clean since the data all transfers on the same bundle of wire. S-video,component and HDMI all divide the video stream into multiple paths therefore allowing for cleaner and less restricted data transfer. The very latest in HDMI technology is the only way to get true HD 1080p (highest quality) video transfer. An added benefit to HDMI is that multi-channel audio can also be transferred on the same cable. An added detriment to HDMI is more restrictive copy protection. Be careful with the S-video cable if that is your final choice, the pins inside the connector tend to break off if the cable is forced in.
Composite.
Here is a list of signal quality from the current best to worst:
1-HDMI
2-Component or VGA
3-S-Video
4-Composite
5-RF (ch.3 etc.)
Always choose the best that your equipment is capable of.
S-Video is BETTER, but you still need a cable for the sound signal...Stereo RCA cable for sound
S-Vid keeps the black and white and color SEPARATED so they don't INTERMODULATE.(mix the signals together)
It can cause distortion of the information.
The HI DEFINITION CHOICES would be HDMI , then COMPONENT for LCD/DLP units (display is DIGITAL !!)
<AND>
COMPONENT 1st --- THEN HDMI for Projection CRT units..
Less conversion..LESS DISTORTION !
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