I am so grateful Nintendo put S-video compatablity in the SNES/N64

Am I the only one in this congregation who is eternally grateful that Nintendo had the heart as well as the incredible foresight to include S-video compatibility in the SNES (and later N64) standard?  I actually was able to do a comparison of how the SNES looks on S-video versus standard composite (using of all things the menu screen for MegaMan X3) and with S-video, the lines and details look really razor sharp while on composite it looks quite blurred by comparison.  You'd think S-video wouldn't make THAT big a difference for a 2D based console but it really does.  Let's just say S-video quality spoiled me so much that I felt like I had to get a S-video modded Genesis instead of just being content with the standard issue Genesis. image

But I think the neat thing is the fact that Nintendo did this way back in 1991, back when S-video was a VERY new concept (and for some reason neither the SNES or N64 instructions even mention S-video hookup) and in fact, I think you were very lucky if your TV even took composite back then!

I just wish Nintendo thought that far ahead for the N64 and made it compatable with component and can do widescreen like the Virtual Console versions of the N64 games can (somehow).

Comments

  • Originally posted by: Estil

    Am I the only one in this congregation who is eternally grateful that Nintendo had the heart as well as the incredible foresight to include S-video compatibility in the SNES (and later N64) standard?  I actually was able to do a comparison of how the SNES looks on S-video versus standard composite (using of all things the menu screen for MegaMan X3) and with S-video, the lines and details look really razor sharp while on composite it looks quite blurred by comparison.  You'd think S-video wouldn't make THAT big a difference for a 2D based console but it really does.  Let's just say S-video quality spoiled me so much that I felt like I had to get a S-video modded Genesis instead of just being content with the standard issue Genesis. image

    But I think the neat thing is the fact that Nintendo did this way back in 1991, back when S-video was a VERY new concept (and for some reason neither the SNES or N64 instructions even mention S-video hookup) and in fact, I think you were very lucky if your TV even took composite back then!

    I just wish Nintendo thought that far ahead for the N64 and made it compatable with component and can do widescreen like the Virtual Console versions of the N64 games can (somehow).

    If I recall correctly the SNES Junior doesn't have S-video (I haven't checked it).

  • Originally posted by: DragonmasterDan

    If I recall correctly the SNES Junior doesn't have S-video (I haven't checked it).



    That's correct, a Junior is what I have. If S Video is as much of an improvement as Estil says it is, I may have to pick up an original model.
  • From what I understand S-video is a huge step up from composite, but how do you get sound?
  • s-video is the only way to play snes! Sound is still the same rca white and red jacks as on composite. Mini snes does not have s-video- but is easily moded to have it.

    composite to s-video makes almost as much difference as from rf to composite, in my opinion.

    As to the original post, my theory is that s-video was common in Japan at the time, so it just found its way into the NA snes as an afterthought. Hence no marketing of that capibility or 1st party s-video cables available here. But I have no evidence to support that!

    A snes on a wega crt via s-video hooked up to some rokit 6 speakers is my sne setup, and damn is it nice!
  • i gotta get me some Svideo for mine then
  • I have an s-video multiacable for Dreamcast, N64/SNES, and PS1/PS2 and it works great. I just leave it plugged into my tv and grab a system from upstairs whenever I want to play something. It's obviously some 3rd-party brand but it's awesome
  • Originally posted by: Shogun


    A snes on a wega crt via s-video hooked up to some rokit 6 speakers is my sne setup, and damn is it nice!


    KRK Ftw!

    I Have some VXT 8's image
  • what are you guys talking about. throw up a video showing comparison!
  • S-video does rock. For SNES it's NIGHT AND DAY. For N64, it's definitely a noticeable improvement but mainly the text looks a lot better.
  • i cant believe the snes jr doesnt support s video, it is bad enough that it doesnt have a light to say if it is on or off. jeez. useless.
  • Originally posted by: robin

    what are you guys talking about. throw up a video showing comparison!


    here's MN12Bird's comparison

Sign In or Register to comment.