Topic: Wii S-Video/Component Cables, aka NINTENDO PHAIL REPORT

[IceCold]

Hey Pro, I found a great site for cheap cables, but I'm not sure if they're any good. Here and here are their Wii component cables - look any good?

EDIT: Apparently the second link is the same as the first - just search for "3566" to see the second one.  

[NinGurl69 *huggles]

They look like Frankenstein mix-ups of previously released cables.  They probably get the job done as good as any other set since they're probably from the same factories that other brands originate from.

But I'd stay away from the store cuz the pictures and product descriptions are INCONSISTENT.

[oiram]

I have a question for you S-video cable owners.

With my gamecube, my s-video cable is split so that the s-video plug goes to the TV and the audio plugs go to my surround sound.  However, all of the Wii s-video cables look like they can't be split (the cable is one big cable until the last few inches).  Is there a way to cut them open and split them, or are there any that can be split?

[Ghisy]

My S-Video cable for the Wii is split as well. I have the Blaze one.

[oiram]

How did you split them?  With my GC cable I just pulled them apart, but with the blaze cables it doesn't look like you can do that, on this diagram it looks like it is one cable for most of the length. (the diagram could be wrong though)

[NinGurl69 *huggles]

Ghisy's cable is not split, or he's totally identifying the wrong brand.

What should be done is completely connect the A/V cable to the TV set.  Set the TV audio into a pass-thru mode (deactivate TV speakers; deactivate TV volume control).  Then route the RCA Audio-Out from the TV to the surround sound receiver using an additional RCA stereo cable.

OR

Buy an A/V switchbox.  Route the switchbox directly to the TV and surround sound, separately (more cables needed).  All other A/V sources will neatly connect to the switchbox, so no cable splitting required.

Don't go splitting cable sets.  Avoid such extremes.

I don't mind splitting typical male-male A/V sets, cuz I'll completely detach them for separate uses.

[oiram]

Thanks for the response.  I figured it might screw up the shielding if I messed with the cable.  I'll try the TV-out thing or purchase some extension cables (the good switchbox's cost too much).

[Ghisy]

My S-Video cable
My bad, I did not understand your question correctly: it is split but only towards the end of the cable, near the plugs, like you said.

[NinGurl69 *huggles]

Finally sharing this article with everyone. (also added it to my 2nd post in this thread for faster reference)


>> My Wii / GameCube Video Connection Comparison <<
Screenshot comparison of the different video connection options for Wii & GameCube

[BigJim]

Nice job. Component WTF.

[oiram]

Got my Wii the other day, just dropping in to let you guys know that the best deal for S-video is now probably Gamestop's "premium" cable. They lowered the price to 13 bucks.  It's solidly constructed and the picture is great.  No complaints, except maybe Zack and Wiki is too fun and taking up too much of my free time.

Also, the cable is actually manufactured by Madcatz, which is funny considering the "gamestop" one seems to be of higher quality than the more expensive "madcatz" cable.

[NinGurl69 *huggles]

Not funny, more like late to the party and taking a price drop under pressure (cuz no one would buy it at the ridiculous original price).  The original Madcatz cable has been out about twice as long as the GameStop version.  The GameStop version simply has extra plastic, extra paint, and lacks the composite video connector, meaning you can't consider it as the definitive replacement of the default Nintendo cables since it doesn't provide you with that "backup" option.

originally,
GameStop = $30, no composite hookup, 6-ft long
Madcatz = $20, w/ composite hookup, 10-ft long
^ this info is already on the first page of the thread

The price drop tells me something more interesting:  the "GameStop" brand cable is being discontinued and they want to clear stock since sales have been slow from the start.

$13 is simply a deal for those who haven't upgraded till now.

[NinGurl69 *huggles]

Updated the first post with a real guide.

[Nephilim]

I bought my component cord from dealxtreme for 6us posted from hong kong, works great

[NinGurl69 *huggles]

You saved big $$$.

Then again you didn't ask for much.

[mantidor]

I have a question, is there some card that can capture from component cables in a PC? or PC capture devices are exclusively s-video? I finally upgraded my PC and it would be a shame if I don't take advantage of its new shiny 22" monitor for playing wii games, but the thing only has dvi inputs.

[Mikintosh]

mine uses AV cables (like the ones that come with the Wii) tho I bought it in 2004/5.

[mantidor]

a quick google search tells me that these devices are either scarce or way too expensive, so I will have to live without capturing screens and video from the wii in 480p, also simple conversion of component signal to DVI signal seems hard (read: expensive), so I will have to just resign to s-video, thats it if I can find s-video cables in my area. I really wanted to try some widescreen wii action maybe not all hope is lost, I will research more about it too see if I can find a cheap solution

[NinGurl69 *huggles]

I paid $400 to get my capture card from a Japanese AUCTION 1.5 years ago (It was lying in a box for a half-year until I could afford to make a computer to put it in).  It covers the bases like 480p, 720p, 60fps, widescreen detection, and stuff, but it's only sold in Japan, requires Japanese D-Terminal cables, requires TOSLINK optical digital audio input, and the software/menus are only in Japanese (my WinXP is running in Japerneze mode), and I knew enough Japanese to surivive the whole purchase/installation/usage process. (yes, it was a gamble)

The only other card that does 480p-Component and is in the CONSUMER end of the market is
http://www.leadtek.com/eng/tv_tuner/overview.asp?lineid=6&pronameid=399

It's mostly found in Euroland at the moment, for abour 45 Euros.  I don't know anyone who has it, and the reviews I found were not helpful.  I do not know if it will display/capture 60fps, has video lag, or if it detects/ignores widescreen images.

If it detects widescreen properly, then the TV window should be wide like this http://ssv.vgafix.com/misc/vidcomp/re4_cut8.html
(or include a widescreen viewing option)

If it doesnt detect properly, the window will look like this http://ssv.vgafix.com/misc/vidcomp/re4_cut7.html
(cuz the picture is like this in reality; widescreen televisions do the extra step of stretching it to the proper ratio)
... in which case, when running the TV tuner program on your computer, you have to stretch your TV window horizontally to get the proper effect -- but there's a small chance the window won't allow independent stretching between the horizontal and vertical dimensions.

[mantidor]

Thanks, that was very informative!

I think I'm going to search locally to see what the market has to offer, and I will get back to the thread in case I find something.

[mantidor]

ok I just wasted $60 on those damn component cables.

Seriously, I was expecting at least some improvement, but the games look even more jagged than before! what the hell am I doing wrong? The new HDTV we got has so far been a disappointment. I'm going to try a more direct comparison with simple AV cable to at least try to justify the waste of money.

[NinGurl69 *huggles]

"Seriously, I was expecting at least some improvement."
What would be your reference?

SDTVs display standard resolutions better than HDTVs, that is the truth. (lolololol blurry jaggies, fail-definition television)
Standard AV and 480p-component on HDTVs worsen by similar degrees, but AV will still look relatively worse than component.

[mantidor]

Indeed, my reference is SDTV.

I will plug the wii directly into the AV as I said which will make me see the difference more clearly. I'm glad however to finally be able to play in widescreen.

[vudu]

This guide is FAIL.  Don't make me think for myself.  Just tell me what is the best component cable for $X.XX. 

[NinGurl69 *huggles]

ask ebay!