View Full Version : Can the SNES be hooked up with AV jacks?
stargate
03-13-2003, 12:55 PM
Or is it strictly an RF unit.
Thanks.
Raedon
03-13-2003, 12:58 PM
snes can be hooked up many ways AV is one. S-video is much better, no dot crawl from mixed Chroma and Luma.
wberdan
03-13-2003, 01:16 PM
where can you get the s-video adaptor for the SNES?
any online merchants, or just ebay?
also- does the SNES output in stereo?
willie
Raedon
03-13-2003, 01:40 PM
Any GameCube S-Video cable will work on a SNES 1 and N64 but not a SNES Jr. (SNES Jr.=AV only) All models support Stereo sound.
Eternal Champion
03-13-2003, 01:43 PM
Good question!
Check out this link to GamesX--they give an excellent primer on video signals and consoles and what not. That's what got me into it:
http://www.gamesx.com/rgbadd/
The SNES did indeed output composite (A/V), super-, and component (RGB) video! The second model of it didn't output RGB, but...Pick up your SNES console. At the back, there should be 3 plugs: AC power, RF unit, and a funky rectangular thing labeled "multi-out". There are special cables for this, because it is a unique input/output plug (N64 has it as well, but doesn't output RGB, but the SNES A/V and SVHS cables will work on N64 and vice versa)--A/V and super video (s-video or S-VHS) cables were manufactured by Nintendo and 3rd party. You can order them from Nintendo's online store, but they're about $20. There are various online merchants that sell third party. I just did a Google search for SNES or Super Nintendo multi-out, or A/V cable, or s-VHS video, etc. I've found it for $7 (3rd party).
If you want a component video (RGB) cable, it's hard to come by, as it will be custom. Try Redmond Cable--they do custom cables. They have A/V, s-video, and RGB for SNES, although they can't always get the parts to do it. Try this link:
http://www.connectworld.net/rcc/pages/game.html
Although, they are difficult to get a hold of!!
Now you just need an analog RGB monitor or a TV with A/V, S-video, or component inputs!
I haven't done any of this myself, as I don't have a modern-enough TV or an old analog RGB monitor, but I have seen the difference--ever wonder why arcade games looked so crisp and colorful and home consoles didn't? Because of crappy RF!!!! Every gamer should have access to higher quality video signals.
Tom61
03-13-2003, 04:31 PM
Component is Y Pr Pb, not RGB! Though most newer HDTVs will take RGB, older ones will only take component.
wberdan
03-13-2003, 04:49 PM
id also like to note that all HDTV's i have seen only accept an rgb signal via a 15 pin DIN connector.
fortunetely i do have an old computer monitor that accepts RGB signals... but i dont really think i need the extra expense or performance for the SNES
willie
Raedon
03-13-2003, 04:59 PM
yea, there isn't much of a gain past S-Video on the Snes, but there is a HUGE gain when going from composite (A/V) to S-Video. This is why I hardly ever use my SNES Jr. or SNES games threw a Super 8.
Eternal Champion
03-13-2003, 06:08 PM
Crap! RGB and Component (aka VIDEO DIFFERENCE) are indeed very different! Sorry!
I am a novice to this stuff as I don't have the equipment and am no engineer, but I find it interesting nonetheless.
So I know the Genesis 1 and 2 output RGB, but component video, ala DVD players?? Dunno...
I still would like to know what it would like with an RCA Video to S-video adaptor...
Anyway, thanks for the correction!!
CrazyImpmon
03-14-2003, 02:11 AM
S-Video to composite adapter wouldn't be any better than just using composite video only. In fact some TV with S-Video input won't take composite video gracefiully when using a plain S-Video to Composite adapter cable.
cheesystick
03-14-2003, 02:39 AM
I have an exta one of these. I am almost willing to give it to you. It is the official Nintendo version. PM me if you want it.
-crispy
Sylentwulf
03-14-2003, 08:48 AM
I have the Nintendo S-Video cables at my ebay store for about $5-$6 brand new (Somewhere around that price, they're pretty cheap at any rate)
http://www.ebaystores.com/id=3614179
Tom61
03-14-2003, 05:41 PM
I still would like to know what it would like with an RCA Video to S-video adaptor...
Only use those things as a last resort (no cables to natively output what you need). The quality in either direction (they work both ways) is degraded at best.
stargate
03-14-2003, 05:58 PM
what is the difference between AV and super AV? I am totally new to this. Isn't AV the red, yellow, and white cables? What is Super AV?
Eternal Champion
03-15-2003, 12:52 PM
The "V" in A/V is composite video. Super video (s-video or S-VHS) is a higher quality signal because it is split into two separate channels at the source. The best video signal is RGB--the video is sent in separate Red, Green, Blue channels (every electronic video signal consists of those signals). Here's a good primer on video signals:
http://www.gamesx.com/rgbadd/
Click on "Video Primer".
The first SNES and Genesis 1 and 2 did output RGB, but because of our televisions here in the US (most did not even have A/V inputs at the time, much less s-video, which was only on higher end TVs, much more common now), the Genesis only had A/V cables (only analog RGB monitors would work for RGB--from old computers, pre-VGA, ala Amiga, Apple IIgs, etc.). The SNES did have s-video cable.
Basically, s-video is a much higher quality signal than A/V! RF is the absolute worst. Ever wonder the text is always blurry? Not meant to be!
stargate
03-15-2003, 03:58 PM
The "V" in A/V is composite video. Super video (s-video or S-VHS) is a higher quality signal because it is split into two separate channels at the source. The best video signal is RGB--the video is sent in separate Red, Green, Blue channels (every electronic video signal consists of those signals). Here's a good primer on video signals:
http://www.gamesx.com/rgbadd/
Click on "Video Primer".
The first SNES and Genesis 1 and 2 did output RGB, but because of our televisions here in the US (most did not even have A/V inputs at the time, much less s-video, which was only on higher end TVs, much more common now), the Genesis only had A/V cables (only analog RGB monitors would work for RGB--from old computers, pre-VGA, ala Amiga, Apple IIgs, etc.). The SNES did have s-video cable.
Basically, s-video is a much higher quality signal than A/V! RF is the absolute worst. Ever wonder the text is always blurry? Not meant to be!
oooooooooooh, so S-video IS super- video IS super-vhs. ok, got it.