The correct spelling of the word "s-video" is often mistaken as "svideo" due to its pronunciation. The prefix "s-" stands for "separate," referring to the two separate signals for luminance and chrominance in the video signal. The correct pronunciation is /ɛs ˈvɪdi.oʊ/, with the stress on the second syllable. It is important to use the correct spelling and pronunciation when talking about video/audio equipment to avoid confusion and miscommunication.
S-Video, also referred to as Y/C video, is a type of analog video signal format used for transmitting video information between devices, such as a television and a DVD player or a computer and a monitor. The term "S-Video" stands for separate video, as it separates the video signal into two distinct components: luminance (Y) and chrominance (C).
In S-Video, the luminance signal carries the brightness and detail information of the video, while the chrominance signal carries the color information. By separating these two elements, S-Video ensures a higher-quality video signal compared to the more common composite video format, which combines all video information into a single signal.
The S-Video signal is transmitted through a specific type of cable that has a round, multi-pin connector on either end. The S-Video cable is typically color-coded with yellow connectors for video and red and white connectors for audio, allowing for simple connection and setup.
S-Video was introduced in the 1980s as an improvement over composite video, offering enhanced clarity, color reproduction, and reduced interference. Although S-Video has been largely phased out in favor of digital video formats like HDMI, it is still supported by some older devices, particularly those that lack digital video connectivity.
The word "S-video" is derived from the abbreviation of "Separate Video". It refers to a video signal that is split into two separate signals: one carrying the black and white information (luma), and the other carrying the color information (chroma). "S-video" was coined in the 1980s when this type of video connection became popular for analog video signals, offering improved image quality compared to composite video.