Is there a significant loss in picture quality if I use an S-Video lead that is 5m long?

Question

I'm need to buy an S-Video lead to S-Video lead, and I have the choice of getting either 3m or 5m. Will the longer length mean a noticible loss in picture quality? Thanks,

Answer 1

5 M/ 15 ft wont be a problem. Some people run 30-50 ft runs to an over-head projector without major issue.

Answer 2

S-Video is an analogue signal so the longer the cable length the greater the potential for the signal to degrade in amplitude and pick up external electrical noise. So the longer the cable the lower the signal to noise ratio will be at the receiving end (higher S/N ratio is better).

However, it not only depends on length but on the quality of the cable, the lower the quality (like the cable bundled with camcorders) the more you will see the effect of increasing length.

Here is one I've used myself and can recommend, you'll see it's not so expensive.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ex-Pro-Premium-S-VHS-Connection-connections/dp/B000XEEVIU/ref=sr_1_35/202-4463795-1690247?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1194432528&sr=8-35

Hope this helps.

Answer 3

You will probably be fine. It is best to not tempt fate and get the shortest length of cables that will comfortably reach between your components. Don't get extra length in any cable - if you move or need longer cables later, you can sell your short ones and readjust!

Answer 4

Nope.I have two (2) 30 ' runs in my HT w/ no signal degradation.