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18
PROVIDEO CONVERTER AND VIDEO CONVERTER II
Most of us are familiar with two forms of TV video: (1) “RF,” which is how
broadcast and cable TV comes into our homes, and (2) “Composite Video,”
“Baseband Video,” or just plain “Video,” which is a single electrical signal
(made up of brightness, color, and synchronizing components) used by most
VCRs.
A problem arises when your TV, monitor, or VCR has to break either of
these signals apart to show it on the screen or record it on tape. A lot of
processing is involved and distortions of the image occur. Several years ago,
TV engineers devised a simple scheme which was not only relatively inexpen-
sive to implement but very effective in reducing these distortions. It is called
“S-Video,” and can be used with your ProVideo Converter or Video Converter II.
In this TV-signal system, there are actually two signals. The “LUMINANCE”
(“Y”) signal carries the sync and brightness components of the picture,
while the “CHROMINANCE” (“CHROMA” or “C”) signal carries the
color component. By feeding these two signals into your video equipment
separately, S-Video eliminates the need for the equipment to do the work of
separating the signals internally. The result is a displayed image that has more
detail and less color distortion. If you were to compare two otherwise identical
images, one displayed using Video mode and the other using S-Video, the
difference in the quality of the images would be dramatic.
Almost all of the new larger-screen TVs that have audio/video jacks also
have an S-Video jack just like the one on the rear of your Converter. If it is
available, use it! You will see a difference.
Appendix A: S-Video, the Improved-
Quality Video Standard