s-video cable length

[darkangel]

is their a max limit on s-video cable length without loss of signal quality i'm looking at a cable of 12-15m, is this too long without a booster?

[OvERaCiD23]

Depends on the brand of cable. If you get some no-name, little-insulation, low-quality cable, you'll get quality loss. If you buy a nice cable (www.bettercables.com, probably some of the best out there), you won't receive any signal loss. 12-15m is quite long (~45ft, right?), but nicely insulated wires should transfer the signal very well. Just remember, a cable that long is going to cost a pretty penny as well.

PS...a bit later with this addition, but the main reason for quality loss is varied resistance in the wiring. if the resistance stays constant, no quality loss occurs. this is the main difference. in case you were wondering (probably not though).

[masken]

I bought a 10 metre HQ SVHS cable with separately insulated wiring and gold-plated connectors. It costed ~ €/$ 60, but it was worth it. Had a regular no-name cable before that, and there's difference alright.

[evilhomer]

it depends on how good your eyes are. what is your definition of "noticible" loss?

i run 25 feet (approx 7 meters), which i have seen stated time and time again as the max acceptable length for minimum signal loss. the maximum length of monster cable's best premium cable is 4 meters (approx 13 feet) for a reason. ( http://monstercables.com/productPage.asp?pin=196 ) the maximum length of their best standard cable is 8 meters (approx 26 feet) ( http://monstercables.com/productPage.asp?pin=228 )

remember if you add a booster, you will also amplify the noise, you will need a filter for that.

[evilhomer]

just for reference (in case you care) firingsquad.com has a nice close-up of a comparison with cheap s-video cable versus monster. you can equate this to a comparison of a short cable versus a long cable.

cheap s-video image: http://firingsquad.gamers.com/guides/ps2picture/std-thx-zoom.png

monster s-video image:
http://firingsquad.gamers.com/guides/ps2picture/monster-thx-zoom.png

compare them side-by-side. HUGE difference.

[BarryMurphy]

FWIW:

Another good place to buy cables, etc is Parts Express:

http://partsexpress.com/