S-Video is a video signal format which has grown in popularity in recent years and is widely used on satellite receivers, PVRs, DVD players and S-VHS VCRs. S-Video delivers better colour and resolution than one-wire "composite" video by separating the luminance (brightness) and chrominance (colour) elements of the signal, but is inferior to three-wire "component" video in that it doesn't support progressive scan or high-definition. We offer two types of S-Video Cables: a flexible single cables made with S-Video mini-coax, for runs up to 50 metres, and S-Video "Breakout" cable sets, for longer runs where only the lowest-loss performance will do.

Blue Jeans Cable YC-2 S-Video Cables:

BJC YC-2--our solution to the difficulties of s-video

S-video cable presents a couple of basic problems, both related to size. Because s-video cable needs to be small to maintain high flexibility (so that the mini-DIN plugs, which have no grip mechanism, won't pry themselves out of equipment jacks) and to fit the available cable entry room in a mini-DIN, the tolerances in s-video cable typically aren't very tight--and the shielding often isn't what it should be. With this in mind, we decided to custom-design our own s-video cable; we asked Belden to build us a cable the same size as its standard 1808A s-video cable, but with enhancements. First, we changed the centre conductor from stranded to solid, to help control impedance better. Second, to further contribute to impedance control and dramatically improve noise rejection, we changed the shield configuration completely; where 1808A has a "serve" shield and no foil, our design has a 100% coverage foil layer and a 90% coverage tinned copper braid. The result, which we call the YC-2 S-video cable, has improved impedance tolerance (+/-3 ohms, as compared to the typical +/-5 ohms) and improved shield effectiveness as compared with typical stock s-video cables--yet at no increase in price. Unlike many of the cables we carry, the YC-2 design is available only from Blue Jeans Cable.

The Connectors: After reviewing many samples of 4-pin mini-DIN s-video plugs from a variety of manufacturers, we've had these s-video plugs made to our requirements. The pin body is strong, and the pins are as bend-resistant and migration-resistant as any we can find. Strain relief on the cable is highly effective, provided by a robust internal cable clamp which grips right in to the cable jacket, taking the stress of bending and pulling entirely off the solder joints. The pins and the outer contact surface are all gold-plated for solid, no-corrosion contact. We cut, terminate and test all of our s-video cables in our own shop in Seattle, Washington.

Alternative Cables: Belden 1808A and 7700A

In addition to the YC-2, we offer two stock Belden s-video cables. 1808A is similar in appearance and outer dimensions to YC-2, but uses a stranded centre conductor and a spiral serve shield. 7700A, our plenum-rated s-video cable, is in a zip-cord configuration, and looks for all the world like a run of cheap lamp cord--but appearances are deceiving. 7700A is well-shielded, with a Belden "french braid" shield design, and well-built all around. The zip-cord design isn't quite as physically robust, particularly where it joins the connectors, but absent rough treatment, it's solid enough to last.

S-Video "Breakout" Cable Sets: Mini-coax, if it's built right, is just great for conveying video signals--but it does result in higher attenuation than you'd get from a full-sized coax. If you need to run S-Video over distances greater than 15 metres, or if you are just the sort of person who can't stand using mini-coax, take a look at our "breakout" cables.

Little Plugs, Big Coax

No amount of wedging and squeezing will get two full-sized coax cables into a mini-DIN plug, and even if it could, the pins are so small that you'd have to strip away most of the braid just to get something small enough to solder. The answer to the problem is simple: at each end of the S-Video run is a breakout adapter, with a mini-DIN at one end and two female BNC connectors at the other. Our breakout adapters are custom-made for us by AVLink; yes, we could make them ourselves, but it would cost more and, given that the breakout connectors run about six inches long, it's unlikely that any perceptible difference in video quality would result. Between these breakout connectors, we run our favourite high-bandwidth precision video coax: Belden 1694A, terminated with Canare BNC plugs (if you prefer another coax, write for a price quote). Instead of a mini-coax, your S-Video signals travel through full-sized, low-loss, high-bandwidth coax, suitable for runs of any length.

Shipping:

All cables ship from the U.S. by International Priority Mail, with average delivery time of 6-10 business days, and may be subject to VAT and customs charges on receipt; for more detail, see our shipping/taxes and duties page.

To Order:

Just fill in your cable length in metres in the appropriate form below, select any applicable options, and the price will display to the right. To purchase, click "add to cart." To see prices for these cables in a variety of lengths, see our S-Video Pricing Table.

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