Older hardware - what's "TV OUT?"

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Brian Boyko

[H] Consumer Editor
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Sep 27, 2005
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So I end up getting an SVideo cord to hook up an older computer to the TV, only to find that the little round port in the back isn't really an Svideo port. Instead, it's "TV OUT" - anyone got any kind of idea what kind of cord I'd need for this and if it can project video onto a standard TV through either an SVideo or RCA (Yellow Red White) connection?

If I can get this working, I might be able to turn my roommate's computer - otherwise junk - into a Media Center.

Yeah, I should know this but for a few years I was out of the loop with computer tech.
 
"tv-out" is likely an s-video cable - count how many holes it has - i think S-video is like 9 or something?.

it could be an old ATI all in wonder card in which you would need a special ATI output cord from it.
 
TV Out could be composite or S-Video, but you'd have to describe the connector in more detail. If it's a round protrusion with a single hole in the center it's composite. If there are 4 holes in a slightly trapezoid pattern it's S-Video.
 
Flo said:
TV Out could be composite or S-Video, but you'd have to describe the connector in more detail. If it's a round protrusion with a single hole in the center it's composite. If there are 4 holes in a slightly trapezoid pattern it's S-Video.
Click to expand...

It's neither. In fact, if I didn't know better, I'd swear it was the same general shape and placement as PS2.

It's not composite. But the SVideo connection wouldn't work and I can't fathom why.
 
probably need an adaptor cable or breakout box.
a few of my older cards had TV out and had a short cable with a couple of connectors on the end, svideo and composite.
 
Its a 9 pin connector that a break out box or chord (usually with an RCA/composite connector at the other end) that is suppose to plug into it. Usually comes with the card. Poke around you might actually have one laying around.
 
gsboriqua said:
Its a 9 pin connector that a break out box or chord (usually with an RCA/composite connector at the other end) that is suppose to plug into it. Usually comes with the card. Poke around you might actually have one laying around.
Click to expand...

So, when I next stop by Altex, I want a 9-pin connector to RCA/Composite video cord...
 
no you dont... 9 pin is generally used for grpahics cards with VIVO capabilities (9 times out of 10 its an ATI...) standard s-video is 4 pin and is remarkably similar to PS/2 ports :)

if you need a converter most modern graphics cards have them, i have one myself although i dont use it...

also a nice guide i found to make one yourself :)

http://www.tkk.fi/Misc/Electronics/circuits/svideo2cvideo.html
 
Brian Boyko said:
So, when I next stop by Altex, I want a 9-pin connector to RCA/Composite video cord...
Click to expand...

Yes sir. Wish I could hand one to ya. I have like 4 on my desk.
 
It's neither. In fact, if I didn't know better, I'd swear it was the same general shape and placement as PS2.

It's not composite. But the SVideo connection wouldn't work and I can't fathom why.
Click to expand...
Hang on.. if an S-Video cable fits into the connector then it's certainly not a VIVO port. Might be a software issue? Many older cards will only enable TV output if the TV is connected before you boot up the computer. Also make sure you have TV out enabled in the drivers.
 
I had a Canopus Pure3D (voodoo1, around 1996) and the TV Out (It was S-Video) only worked at 640x480 and 60Hz refresh rate. I'd try some lower resolutions and refresh rates.

Monty
 
yes they exist but the standar TV one AFAIK is still 4 pin... i had a sony tv from like 92 with s-video and it was 4 pin... my graphics card is fpin, and the adapter i sue to composite is 4 pin :)
 
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