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BigPhil

Hi, using s-video connection from ntl cable box to pc ( vgn-ar11s) as advised by sony, when scanning in settings for a tv signal i find one no problem but it's black & white not colour. When using a normal co-ax in the rf port it's in colour no problem but obviously the pictures not as good. Any ideas helpful, Thanks.

robpaxton

Is the connection from the cable box a SCART output? I've seen this sort of problem if the output is from a SCART socket to s-video converter.

BigPhil

Yes it is, the samsung set top box has 2 scart outputs, one to the tv the other i've used to my laptop. Any ideas on how to correct?

Blencogo

Hi BigPhil and welcome.

Most Scart sockets don't support S-video. If your picture is black and white, your Vaio is only receiving one component of S-video but not the second which gives colour. You are receiving the Composite Video signal only and that Scart is wired for Composite only.

In the setup of some boxes you can switch the Scart output between Composite/S-Video/RGB - have a look at your instructions or have a word with NTL. Also check one Scart is not designed as an INPUT.

You could try the other TV Scart and see if it supports S-video

If not, you will need a Scart to Composite Video/Audio (3 RCA Plugs).

Also it may be worth checking your documentation - I may be wrong but I thought the S-video was OUT only.

robpaxton

Wikipedia says:

A hack exists to possibly attain color on devices that do not support S-Video through SCART. This is done via joining the pins 15 and 20 in the SCART connector (either directly or using a 470pF capacitor), and may not yield optimal results.

Never tried it though.

You can get an adapter such as this monster from Maplin which should work if your cable box outputs RGB through the Scart.

BigPhil

Thanks so much for some sensible advice at last! I really do appreciate it. Using the s-video as an output from ntl to laptop. Can't change the settings to s-video in cable setup so maybe that is the problem??? Both outputs are the same, both work perfect to the tv using the s-video through a scart connector at each end, the picture is also colour so that's why i believe it's a laptop problem. Going through the built in sony info, i think i should have a setting on the nvidia control panel for pal ntsc screen size etc but this is not to be found where described or anywhere else, the driver for this is also updated at sony's request.
Any other tips or possible points of contact that could help would be fantastic!!! Thanks for your time.

Blencogo

Hi BigPhil,

I think the reason both Scarts work with your TV is because it is reading the RGB signal - not a S-video signal. I don't think the NTL box can output a S-Video signal and your Vaio cannot read a RGB signal.

I think you need one of THESE LEADS and one of THESE SCART ADAPTERS - the 3.5 mm AV Jack goes into the AV socket to the left of your S-Video sockets.