How to Convert S-Videos to 3 RCA

Convert S-video to RCA with a bi-directional adapter.

You can convert any video device that has an S-video input or output to a yellow RCA "push-on" connector with a bi-directional adapter. S-video keeps video synchronization and brightness information separate from color information, but the two signals can be physically combined to form composite video which combines all information. A bi-directional adapter has a filter that separates a composite video signal into the two components of S-video. S-video cables do not carry audio, so the best conversion method is to use a three-connector RCA video cable with the yellow connector for the video and red and white for the audio.

Things You'll Need

• Bi-directional S-video to RCA adapter
• Three-way RCA composite video cable

Instructions

1. 

   Connect the converted video and the audio with RCA three-way cables.

   Plug the bi-directional S-video to RCA adapter into the S-video jack on the device you want to convert. This could be a video output or a input -- it doesn't matter, as it converts in either direction.

2. Plug the yellow connector on the three-way RCA composite video cable into the yellow connector on the end of the bi-directional adapter. Plug the red connector into the right audio jack and the white into the left on the equipment that has the adapter.

3. Plug the yellow video connector on the other end of the RCA three-way cable into the video in or out connector on the other device. Plug the red connector into the right audio and the white into the left.

Tips & Warnings

• S-video outputs appear on cable and satellite receivers, various types of video recorders, some computers and many types of monitors. Several of these units have more than one output. Use the bi-directional adapter on any S-video jack.

• S-video does not include audio. You need to make the audio connections separate from the video.

• Some computer outputs use a round seven-pin connector that greatly resembles an S-video jack. It may or may not put out S-video, but in either case, you cannot use the bi-directional adapter on this jack, as it will not fit.

• Although the bi-directional adapter works in either direction, always connect video and audio outputs to video and audio inputs. Never connect and input to an input or an output to an output.

References

• KAT5: Video Signal Formats