Advice for S-Video Connection w/Sony VX500 (1 Viewer)

[davenportbuzz]

I REALLY hope someone can help me with this one. It sounds simple and I feel stupid asking but I need help. I'm picking up a Sony DVD recorder/VCR combo (VX500)tonight and I'm at a quandry for the best possible way to connect it. Here's why. I'm using a 90's model RCA 27" TV with only one S-Video input (in the back). I use a Sony satellite reciever connected to it with an S-Video cable (only has one S-Video out). Now, when I hook up the DVD recorder I want the best possible dupes onto DVD from the TV (satellite), AND I want to watch satellite with the best quality connection (i.e. S-Video). So here's the scenario:

I plug the sat into the DVD recorder (and for this DVD recorder, it means plugging an S-Video into the front panel jacks - "Line 2"), then plug the DVD recorder (out), (rear jacks) to the TV in, using a second S-Video cable. Am I on the right track with this? Will I still get optimum picture quality with both satellite and the DVD/VHS deck? Will I get a picture for both at all doing it this way? I'm worried about the Line 2 connection in front. Will the DVD recorder pass that signal out the rear to the TV properly?

I had a previous DVD recorder (Phillips, don't ask) and I had hooked it up with both the Coax F-pin cable and the S-Video and even though the manual said that S-Video supersedes the Coax F cable, I still thought the picture looked degraded. I don't want the same thing to happen with the Sony I'm getting tonight.

Any ideas...or advice?

Thanks!
Rick

 

[Alexander Kuch]

OK, it should work the way you described it, but to watch satelite, you will need to turn the DVD recorder on. S-Video will give you the best picture with a standard satelite box. Make sure that the S-Video on your DVD recorder is an S-video (In) instead of an (Out). You will know this if you have 2 S-Video's most likely.

Any other questions, E-mail me at [email protected]