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Chapter 6: Additional Information
S-Video Jacks and Cables
The S-Video (separate video) jack provides better picture quality than a composite video jack
(sometimes labeled VIDEO and color-coded yellow on TVs) because S-Video keeps the color
(chrominance, also called chroma) part of the signal separate from the black and white (luminance)
part of the picture.
S-Video cables are designed to keep the color information separated. If your TV has an S-VIDEO jack,
connect the Digital Media Recorder to the TV with an S-Video cable (not provided) for a better quality
picture.
Note: Remember to connect the left and right audio cables because the S-Video cable carries only the picture
signal, not the sound.
Audio/Video Jacks and Cables (RCA-type)
Audio
These jacks are used to send the audio from the disc you’re playing in the Digital Media Recorder to
the TV. The audio jacks and cables are often color-coded (red for right audio, and white for left audio).
You must connect audio cables to the AUDIO L and R jacks on the Digital Media Recorder and the
corresponding Audio Input Jacks on the TV no matter which Video jack you connect (VIDEO; S-
VIDEO; Y, Pb, Pr)
Note: If your component has only one input for audio (mono), connect it to the left (white L/Mono) audio jack
on the TV and don’t connect the right audio part of the cable.
Video
The basic Video jack (usually color-coded yellow) is also referred to as composite video. Composite
video doesn’t keep color information separated (like S-Video), but it’s better than the video quality you
get from an RF coaxial cable (the type used to plug the cable feed into a TV).
S-VIDEO
R
L
AUDIO
OUT
VIDEO
OUT
Component Video (Y, Pb, Pr) Jacks and Cables
The Y, Pb, Pr jacks provide optimum picture quality because the video is separated into three signals
(two signals are dedicated to the color portion of the image, and the other signal is dedicated to the
black and white part of the image).
To ensure maximum picture quality, use three video-grade cables for the connection. There are bundled
component video cables sold that are color-coded to match the Y, Pb, Pr jacks (red, green, and blue).
Component Video Input jacks are usually found on Digital Televisions (HDTV).
Note: Also, remember to connect the left and right audio cables because the Y, Pb, Pr jacks and cables carry only
the picture signal, not the sound.
Explanation of Input Jacks and Cables
This section describes the jacks and cables you can use to make connections (only audio/video cables are packed with your Digital
Media Recorder — you can purchase cables by calling 1-800-338-0376, details are on page 62, or order online at www.rca.com, or
go to your local electronics store). There are several ways to connect your Digital Media Recorder to your TV depending upon the
cables you have and the jacks that are on the back of your TV.
Different jacks and cables provide a different level of performance. It’s important to remember, we’re talking about degrees of
picture improvement for comparison. If your TV has Component jacks (Y, Pb, Pr), S-VIDEO, and composite video (often color-
coded yellow and grouped with Audio Left and Right jacks that are white and red); Component (Y, Pb, Pr), would be considered
excellent, S-Video would be very good, and the composite video jack (yellow) would be considered good.
VIDEO OU
Y
Pb
Pr
