Can S-video (Separate Video) Cables Be Used for HDTV?

Often incorrectly referred to as "Super Video", S-video is an analogue video cable connector that allows for much better quality standard definition picture quality than basic composite cable, but is inferior to component cables.

The connector is easily identified as a compact ring of metal surrounding 4 pins. S-video is not capable of supporting a high definition signal. As far as high-definition TV goes, S-Video is a largely redundant connector, but if you have any old video devices that you need to connect up to your new TV, it does improve the quality over the frankly shoddy composite connector.

For more information, return to the HDTV glossary introduction.