Using S-Video With a PAL N64 | IMNC 

SCART is still found on many new TV's. It's like the VGA of the TV world. It just won't die!

Play it on an old CRT and you will lose your mind at how good s-video really can look. Nice video mate

Thank you! This is exactly the information that I needed! :) I recently brought a SCART cable for PAL N64 wired for an S-Video signal over a German TV living in Australia. (Quite a mouthful right? haha) I'm happy to know it'll work for my PAL N64 without modding; I've been getting alot of mixed information online - some of which even told me that PAL N64 didn't do S-Video whatsoever without the RGB Mod. Thank you again! EDIT: Also, the reason you have a better picture with both the Composite and S-Video cables into the adapter as opposed to just one is because the cables you have use either the Composite cable or S-Video cable for it's for Sync information. This division of labour between the different cables means the sync for it's image isn't being processed with just the S-Video cable, which causes the picture quality to have less interference because the cable essentially has less work to do. This type of sync is called "Sync-on-composite" - the baby brother of cleaner types of Sync like Sync on Luma or CSYNC.

Watching IMNC before going to sleep is always a good start into the coming week.. :)

Yes. We do have SCART in Australia. It's EXTREMELY uncommon nowadays though. We used to have a 1988 Sony Trinitron KV-C27 that had SCART, and we used a SCART to composite adapter similar to yours. I also have one of those adapters in my TV and HI-FI Cable Drawer. Got mine at the local tip shop for 50 Australian cents (Approx. 30 Pence). Thanks for the awesome video Tom! I love N64s! -Nick, Nick's Tech Channel.

If your TV has another SCART socket try that and see if you have the same issue. Some TVs only accept an S-video signal on one of the SCART sockets, I know the Sanyo CE28FWN6-b is like that

I accidentally figured out something and I have to share that: S-Video cables actually do not require shielding to get rid of the jailbars interference. Okay, shielded cables for analog signals will always be better, but I feel like those custom PAL S-Video cables are insanely overpriced, they are almost as expensive as RGB board. This is just milking people who can't solder themselves. Those dot crawl artifacts are not caused by unshielded cables, this pattern is too constant - this is composite signal leaking on the N64's motherboard. If your TV has a separate composite and component inputs, you can verify that by connecting composite plug into the component Y port. I opened that cheap chinese S-Video connector and moved the ground pin to the opposite side (to pin 5). Apparently, N64 AV out has two ground pins. I believe that pin 5 is used for grounding alternative video modes and pin 6 is ground for audio + composite. Also, S-Video over scart is not a standard thing. Some TV's works fine with luma, but they try to process chroma as composite, which results in artifacts.

Here in the Netherlands we have scart as well

I think plugging the composite in as well as the S-video into the adapter must have enabled "composite sync" or "sync over composite video" (one or the other)

Have you tried this modded s-video cable on a grey N64? I've heard it doesn't work on coloured/transparent N64.

quite the rabbit hole you went down lmao

I've been watching consolegoods.co.uk. for a while but this cable has been out of stock for a long time. I emailed the guy and he is claiming the cables are in production now.

Just received and tried the Console Goods S-Video cable; works like a dream.

Scart splitters are absolute shite. Unless you buy a really high end one, most splitters leak voltage, the end result is the TV receiving an inferior signal than direct to the TV.

I'm getting really confused here. Some are saying its not true s-video, if it has the yellow composite cable as you'll get tearing and a checkerboard signal. Others are saying, nah its fine, since its modified. Which is it?

The composite-input needed grounding, which was done by plugging in the composite-output. Get scart adapters without composite, with a switch or just short the signal and ground inputs of the composite-input.

Maybe it's something to do with sink so the sink yellow cable might've added extra sync to the image basically making it a better image hope that was helpful

So, I'll just say this if you haven't figured it out, or if someone else ends up in the comments wondering about S-video and SCART. I don't think S-video over SCART ever had a standard wiring, because it was not a very common feature set originally thought out when SCART was developed. First, that means that S-video isn't inherently supported over SCART like Composite video is. It's an extra feature that needs to be supported, but since S-video and Composite are close to each other in terms of video standards and such, you might get a picturr, although incorrect one. Second, that's why there could be some differences in compatibility between those adapters and devices.

The effect is because the s-video doesn’t have proper sync, but the composite lead has extra sync to support the s-video.

Thank you so much for such an informative video. I'm trying to get the best picture out of my N64 which is also the ice blue PAL system. You just saved me a whole lot of time trying to find why that cable doesn't work.

Just an idea Use one of them gray adapters on the output of the spliter then a standard s--video cable to the s-video input on the tv that may fix the rainbow effect could just be a weird scart input on the tv

Yea, SCART was pretty big in AU, our pay TV boxes still use it.

I found a fix! On the SCART adapter, solder the pin 15 and pin 20 together. Just get a wire bridging both and done. It should get rid of the rainbow effect. Although my cable has red, white and black s-video without the yellow composite, I feel picture quality is not as good as it should be with direct S-Video. Maybe because my TV doesn't support S-Video input

If the picture is over-exposed, why not just change the brightness, saturation and exposure in the settings (if your tv can do that)

SCART was short lived in Australia. It was an option but I don't remember a lot of devices supporting it - more devices had RGB.

Thanks for letting me know it wont work for pal before i bought one

I have that EXACT same problem. Also, when you plug in the composite video cable as well, you get a standard composite feed that overrides the S Video.

Can anyone please help me? I have a PAL clear blue n64. Some say it supports s video, and some say it doesn't. Can someone please help me, because i really want to improve the image quality without screwing with the hardware.

Some good info here! I've just ordered the S-Video & AV cable from Robert at consolegoods, look forward to being able to play the N64 properly

Hellfire aren't a bad bunch. I use a Wii SCART cable, doesn't have a sync stripper, but it works fine. That said, they'll sell anything if you buy it without doing your research first, as with any online retailer. Retro Gaming Cables are the best for most of your RGB requirements. But this is S-video, so follow the above video I guess. :D

You need to plug all of the cables in for the circuit to be correctly grounded, that's why you saw the rainbow effect.

Happy New Year!!... Great video as always thanks for the free content.

Great video really helped me to decide on wether or not to use it as I did not know the difference but I do now thank you

If you want to get RGB out of your consoles, you're not gonna get it with an S-video adapter. SCART is capable of carrying composite, S-video, RGB and YPbPr. It's essentially a four in one connector. Those SCART to S-video adapters are designed to carry S-video over SCART, not RGB. To get RGB out of consoles, you need to get console specific RGB SCART cables.

Even though i don't care all that much for N64, this video was still very interesting. I like the other Nintendo consoles, but not so much the N64

Very nice video. I am also interested in upgrading the picuture quality of my Pal n64. I do not want to mod it, so S-Video and a SV video to HDMI converter is my best option.

Hi. Consolegoods also sell a Pal n64 Scart cable. I have heard that some Scart cables can carry svideo signal. if this is the case for the ones consolegoods sell, maybe you could use that, instead of an svideo+Scart adaptor.

Thanks! Your informative video solved all my issues. :D

Bummer I was planning to get the s-video cable for my Clear blue n64, Maybe I'll have to swap with my charcoal gray too...

Have you tried, if the Ground of the Scart is fed through to the Svideo connector on the adapter? Just use an continuity tester / multimeter

Hi, have you tried already the S-Video & AV to HDMI converter from Consolegoods ? will be awesome to have a video of it and comparing it with the s-video/scart adapter. thanks for the video!

Think your cable is taking sync from the composite video. I have a grey 64 which doesn't support s-video, apparently the change was made to the board around the product code starting NS. Mine starts NU, but going to rgb mod it with the Tim Worthington's universal rgb kit. can get them from oldskoolconsoles for £40. Was thinking about the ultra hdmi mod but it's £150 not worth it in my opinion.

What about the S-video to HDMI adapter, also from “Console Goods”? Have you tried that? If so, is it any good? Or is S-video straight into an S-video port the best way to go?

Thanks for this mate i miss my N64 days!! I just couldn't handle using the normal cable on an HDTV it hurt my eyes and head lol

If you just plug that cable into your tv will it look good? Normal AV looks terrible on my tv!!!

Hi! If I'm using a NTSC N64 console on my PAL CRT TV, that support colors through RGB scart, with an adapter like yours and a s-video cable, would it be in color or in black and white? Thank you for your video.

Oh man, being an American, when I learned of SCART, I was ticked that we didn't get a variant of it here in the states - not only is it a top notch analog connector, but it had control capabilities much like HDMI does these days... only in the analog days. Such would have been boss for me to toy with as a kid. Anyway, as for the cable and connection woes in the video, here is my advice: 1: Fix the aspect ratio on the SCART input. I dare say the issue you were having with that odd banding was partially caused by, or made more noticeable by, the aspect ratio being off. Even if that doesn't help the issue, at least it will look better, right? 2: I would have stuck with S-Video / Composite switch boxes, rather than the SCART conversion. You aren't going to gain any signal, and indeed, would lose some signal, in the conversion. Yeah, it's just electrical connections, but still, that's an area loss can occur. Think your lighting setups - you know you don't go beyond what you need. The same with AV equipment my man. 3: If all else fails, try to take advanage of an old CRT or 2 and make a dedicated classic gaming area, maybe? Then again, I know you are in the UK and that may be easier said than done for varying reasons (that BBC TV license issue that I still don't understand fully, the availability of such CRT's, and general interest / how you can work it into your new homes layout). Just throwing what I would do out there. I totally understand your goal, and I'm sure I would go the same route initially, only to discover the same messed up situations. The above is how I would solve these problems, as a guy who has one of those insane 10 systems to a single CRT setups himself. Hope anything I have said here can be of help to you Tom. Keep up the good work on project after project!

In my 20 inch led hdtv led looks like a shit using s-video, i don't know, cable is from consolegoods

Loving these new gaming videos!

i bought this cable and then discovered my tv doesnt have s-video input. not sure if i should use an s-video-scart adaptor or s-video to hdmi adaptor.

Wait what? I thought scart was a world wide thing :D

Hey, I know it's been a while but I have a question. I have a PAL n64, but when I plug it into my CRT it displays in 480i with the flickering lines, would using S-Video fix this?

Loving the new content

Is it also possible to connect the Scart Cable to an Scart to HDMI Adapter for using it with HDMI?

Great video, very informative. I was just wondering if I could somehow connect that Hama scart switch box to my 4K tv. The thing is it doesn't have scart or composite output, just one yellow socket that I plug a sort of a short cable with yellow male in one end and red, white and yellow female in the other end. Would that negate the s-video or make the image worse being daisy-chained like that? I hope that made sense!

Tom GET RGB scart cables for your Gamecube! Use S-video to record but RGB SCART in normal use

yo I have the exact same tv and hama scart-splitter. How scary haha

YAY MORE IMNC!

Why didn't you get a N64 scart adapter, rather than going Svideo>Scart?

I see consolegoods.co.uk are now doing a direct n64 to scart cable. Do you think this is a good option?

I got the cheaper cable you showed in the video and modded my N64 instead. I've added a 75ohm resistor to both chroma and luma connected to ground on the N64 AV output. Thats all I needed and it works fine for me ^^

3:04 ... haha you got me.

Do you need a modded N64? or is S-video compatible with the console without needing an rgb-capable mod?

how about a used older reciever to tide you over until you get a new hdmi modern one ?!

Would you do the same thing with the SNES?

I feel like it could do with some power issues. I'm not sure though.

So, will it play ntsc and pal games then?

dis you testes pluging the S-video directly to the side tv s-video input??

9:00 a Scart cable for full RGB use? where can you get one of those?

Should I care about this s-video content if im in a NTSC region? Probly, I guess.

My question is what is a scart cable? Is it because i'm american or something?

Do i need scart?

Nice job

why do you have a choke on your controller?

Hey Tom, I am planning on getting one of these for my PAL Super Nintendo but I don't need the S-Video. Is there a quality loss without the S-Video or does it not matter? I will be using a composite to VGA converter for my monitor. EDIT: Also here in Australia we do have Scart, not used much at all anymore. HDMI has taken over! :(

On this website you can buy N64 Scart Cables...

Your cable has a Right side (red) audio , Left side (white) audio, Composite video (yellow), and a single cable terminating in an s-video plug. I suspect this last cable has just two wires in it. The reason why its behaving strangely is because I don't believe your s-video cable is carrying a real s-video signal. Real S-Video only carries VIDEO, no audio. And it carries video over 4 separate cables: One for color, one for brightness and a ground for each of color and brightness. Separating color and brightness is why S-video gives a bettrer picture compared to composite which combines color and brightness in on wire. Your s-video cable has a single cable terminating in the s-video plug. It does not have 4 separate wires inside it. It has TWO. This is not real s-video-its composite video over an s-video plug. Sure you can plug it into your s-video port of your TV, but you ARE not getting a real s-video picture! If you want REAL s-video this is how its done: nfggames.com/forum2/index.php?topic=3460.0

Commenting on a old video here, anyway: Just bought a PAL n64 with Mario 64, but as usual the n64 has only the single 3-Pin RCA/composite connection, and none of my tv's have either s-video or scart, just composite and hdmi, This video is has been broken for me so I can't watch all of it, would like some help/recommendations.

SCART is a favorite of the 90 s

will I get good quality video from using a rgb scart cable?

Whats the solution to getting S-Video to HDMI?

It's probably a grounding issue inside the adapter

Alright tell me how you do that to get n64 s video av cable from consolegoods.co.uk

>that would be FUNTASTIC lol

could maybe look into your dm by any chance?

Retro Scaler2x limpar sim on Retro Tink 4k limpar CRT off N64 SNES NES Wii é wiiu Ps2 é ps3 Qualquer coisas

tom! what are your plans for the channel 2016.

Also, this switch supports s-video. goo.gl/1KzILp

that's not a real s-video cable that is just sending composite out of the s-video port us n64 is the only unit capable of the s-video output more info here : www.retrorgb.com/n64.html . pal units are not the best its better to get a region modded us console and use a real s-video cable like this one : www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=s-video&LH_SpecificSeller=1&_saslop=1&_sasl=maxwar82&_mPrRngCbx=1&_sop=12&_ex_kw=&_udlo=&_udhi=&_fosrp=1 aarron ur local rgb n64 modder

Where the fuck did you get a white n64?

You just saved a bad purchase then

PAL gamecubes can only do RGB

Quick video yeah sure rofl

"a quick video" 23min long