Karaoke Forums

Just purchased a desktop that has a single outlet for the video monitor. It has an S video outlet right next to it, will this S video outlet be sufficient to run the second screen, or do I need to get a different video card?

Thanks for the help...


                                                                                            bigjim56

For karaoke purposes S-video is really about all you need.  The graphics on karaoke is not that high tech.  I run a 52" Hi-Def off my S-video on my laptop and it does great.  Not to mention these s-video cables can be had cheaply.  I purchased a 25' cable from the following site:

http://www.partsexpress.com/webpage.cfm ... roup_ID=81

_________________
IRBent, but not broken!

Presumably it will, though the presence of a connector doesn't
automatically confirm the hardware necessary.

Normally, you would set the machine to "extened desktop" with
"telivision" as the output, and the second screen will run off
the svideo.

If you want to have more than one output screen you will need some way
to split the signal. I use an s-video --> composite converter and then a
composite splitter box.

If anyone knows of an S-video splitter, I might like a pointer to be
able to buy one. I am not sure I would buy one, though, because it is
hard to find very long s-video cables while I can easily run
composite 25 feet.

They do indeed make S-video splitters.  There are two types that I've seen.  One being a powered box with one input and two outputs.  It is a bit expensive though.  The cheaper option is a simple Y splitter cable that cost less than $20.

http://www.cablestogo.com/product.asp?c ... &sku=29164

As for the long S-video cables, the link I posted in my first answer did include S-video cables at 50' for less than $10.  I do agree with you an the output definition you gave.  Between our two posts I'd think he'll be able to answer his question.

_________________
IRBent, but not broken!

Thanks for the pointer. With a bit more searching, I found the S-video splitters which are indeed pricy. There doesn't seem to be any easy answer for me. I want to use LCD screens because they are light and not bulky to carry, and I would love to use some VGA ones because they are cheap.

Maybe LCD TVs wil come down in price -- I guess they are already, but it sticks in my craw to pay $250 for a 15" TV....

Probably I will stay where I am, because I already have the composite splitter.

I use MCM electronincs, online.    They are way cheaper than Radio Shack for the same stuff.

Thanks for the tips. I will use S video and I have an RF Modulator or 2 sitting around that may come in handy. Have to hook it up and see.

                                                                                           bigjim56

After getting the cost for a Svideo splitter I instead purchased from Radio Shack, for under $30,  what they call a 4Way and it's working out great.  (I don't know where else this is available).

It provides four separate input areas.  All four accomodate the R-W-Y RCA wires.  Two of the areas accomodate coax input and three accomodate S-video.

On the output side you have two sets of RCA, 2 Coax and 2 S-Video.
For the longest runs from the 4Way I use coax.  I have shorter runs of coax and adapters to modify the lengths.

For up to twelve feet I've been using S-Video.

The 4Way has an RF modulater built in.