Topic: Video Cables, Which are best?

[Gator]

I'm new to this forum, so I apologize if this has been covered before... I have a simple question about Gamecube video hookups.  

Looking at the online store it seems as though I can hook up the Gamecube to my TV one of four ways:

1.  RF Modulator/Switch
2.  Stereo A/V cables (yellow, red, white)
3.  Component Video Cable (red, green, blue)
4.  S-Video (S-VHS) cable

Which one of these will give the best picture? I would have guessed that the S-Video gives the best picture, but it is priced much lower than the Component Video ($15.95 compared to $29.95).  

Other questions I have include:
- Does it make that much of a difference?
- My TV only has one S-Video input, are there splitters available that would allow me to hook up my DVD player and Gamecube to the same port?

Any advice would be great! I'm buying a new TV today and can't wait to hook up the Gamecube.

Thanks!

[RickPowers]

Component video is a MUST if you have an HDTV.  If you don't, Component video is still the best quality if your TV supports it, but S-Video will give you the most "bang for the buck".

Yes, there are literally dozens of S-Video switches you can use to switch that input.  I personally use the Sony one ... I have about five of 'em.  

[Gator]

Thanks for the super fast response...

Basically I'm choosing between 2 TVs... one TV (a Daewoo, flat 27") has 1 component and 1 s-video connection, and the other TV (a Sanyo flat 27") has 2 s-video connections.  Neither TV supports progressive scan (or supports HDTV), so I guess the question now is:

On a side-by-side comparision can you tell a major difference between component and s-video? I mean does it really matter?

The Sanyo seems to be a better quality TV (better brand name, more features, better remote, cheaper, etc.) ... the only pro of the Daewoo is this component connection.  Is that enough to sway my decision?
Thanks!

[RickPowers]

Yes, you can tell a difference side-by-side, but the difference going from S-Video to Component, compared to going from Composite to S-Video isn't nearly as great.  Plus, you can only get the Nintendo Component Cables directly from Nintendo, so S-Video might be your best option all around.

If the Sanyo appears to be better quality, I don't think you'll be disappointed in not having a Component input.  

[Gator]

Thanks for all the great advice Rick!  With the new TV I can actually see TIE fighters!! It's brought a whole new life to all of my games, I'm gonna have to replay the Wind Waker, Metroid Prime, Eternal Darkness, and Rogue Squadron.  Thanks again.

[abdeldark]

only you have have to beware a poor S-vhs cable can diliver a worst image quality than the original nintendo av cable , rgb is the better but
only a few tv accepted it , and the best is an hdtv cable if you have an hdtv ready or an hdtv tv , you can have a better quality , because there is
no lost in the video signal , is't anteriely numeric transmission and some game are compatible with hdtv and you will have a better image resolution
beware cheapest cable may have a poor image quality , there is a little difference between composite and s-vhs and rgb cable

[abdeldark]

the diffirence is mostly , less alyising and better colors