Ps2 component/s-video comparison

[jay_red]

I have since decided to take the advise and go for the component cables on my ps2, I picked up a nice Monster set at my local used record/game store for a cool $3, so I couldnt lose anyway. I wanted to do a personal comparison between the 3 different methods, composite (the one that most people use, red, white, yellow) s-video, and component. You might be surprised at some of the results.

My testing is not very scientific, switching inputs and taking pictures with my camera to try to capture the differences, but I feel you can see a distinct difference with each input, and I have to say, that they look MUCH better in motion. My test TV's will consist of a 36" Toshiba CRT that is set up in my game room, and a 42" LCD Toshiba that is in my living room.

First off, the CRT, I tried my best to get decent pictures, and ended up having to take them in the dark to get the best quality. I will list pictures in order of Component, S-Video, and Composite.



You can see here that the s-video looks considerably better, with more vibrant colors, the composite and component look kind of washed out. The component and s-video both have sharp lines causing jagged edges.




Here you can see the sharpness of the text pretty well. The first 2 both have nice sharp text, colors are comparable. Interestingly the composite shot has much more color, not sure if this is my camera or actual colors. Notice the fuzzy text, this is much more apparent with smaller text that scrolls on screen, or within the HUD.




This one really shows a difference across the board. The Component is a little fuzzy, the s-video is razor sharp (and looks fantastic) and the composite rears its ugly muddy head.





Once again, I think s-video takes this one. The colors seem more vibrant and sharper. The composite is a very ugly way to play this game.

That concludes the CRT testing, I feel with these shots the s-video is the way to go in terms of sharpness and colors. I am working on the HDTV testing currently, and will update this post as soon as I get the shots. I think the component may make a comeback yet!

***NOTE: it has been brought to my attention that I was not running the games with component to their full potential in progressive scan mode, and thus are now an unfair comparison. I will update with shots taken in the correct setting.***

Finished the HD testing, here the component shines (after I figured out that I need to manually enable progressive scan mode lol)
component, s-video, Composite.



















Blah, the in game camera started to move while taking these! didnt notice it till now.

Well there you go, I hope this has been insightful and somewhat interesting to read! On a SD CRT I dont think you can go wrong with either s-video or component if you have the option. Thanks for everyone that gave their input and steering me in the right direction for getting this ps2 looking its best!

[sheath]

Component and S-Video are similar quality in SD resolutions, but the white/black levels are different. Component will give you 480p in what few PS2 games support it and that's about it.

[CRTGAMER]

Go the best connection for each console
Definitely get Component cables for the PS2, some games do require a combo button hold while loading to enable 480p. There are actually quite a few games that go 480p, even two that go all the way up to 1080i. Even the 480i games work fine with the better component hookup.

Da list: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Pl ... HD_support

[CD AGES]

Ur using a CRT right? Then i'd say Nah, your fine with S-vid. ALL your PS2 library looks improved over AV with your current setup, where as using component doesn't give you that sharp clarity on your CRT across ur ever expanding PS2 catalog. If you were using your PS2 on a modern LCD type TV, i'd suggest otherwise.

[AppleQueso]

You should just nab some component cables and try it out. If it doesn't look good enough for you you can always just resell it here and make up the costs back.

[jay_red]

Im thinking I will pick them up (they are cheap enough) to do some comparisons, maybe even take some pics and do a small write up. I can compare them on my CRT in the game room, and the 42 inch HDTV in the living room.

Edit:
I have to say though, anyone not using at least s-video that has the option to do so is really missing out, it was almost as good as going from composite to VGA with the dreamcast...Well not THAT good but you get the point (S-video looks pretty good with a DC as well btw)

[Dakinggamer87]

I would agree with CRTGamer get the best connections possible for your systems.

[CRTGAMER]

Im thinking I will pick them up (they are cheap enough) to do some comparisons, maybe even take some pics and do a small write up. I can compare them on my CRT in the game room, and the 42 inch HDTV in the living room.

Edit:
I have to say though, anyone not using at least s-video that has the option to do so is really missing out, it was almost as good as going from composite to VGA with the dreamcast...Well not THAT good but you get the point (S-video looks pretty good with a DC as well btw)

Agree, my Dreamcast, N64 and PS1 all improved by stepping up from Composite to SVideo. My HD CRT has no VGA, but still happy with the Dreamcast at SVideo. I do get a DC VGA fix on the computer monitor though

Wait till you see God of War 2 on the PS2 with Component. The PS3 HD version is best route, but the PS2 version at Hirez mode is very good.

I covered all the video connections in my CRT vs LCD signature link Guide.

[DinnerX]

I'd get the component cords. Component inputs look noticeably different even on my cheap SD CRT TV.

[jay_red]

Ok so lucky me, I went to my local used record/game store that I normally find obscure av cables at and the gaming gods smiled on me with a set of Monster Component cables for 5.99, but it gets better, I had enough frequent buyer points to get it half off!

But it gets even better, I stopped at a thrift store on the way home, almost left empty handed, but then spotted a cart of stuff not on the shelf yet, nothing too great...wait whats this? ANOTHER set of Monster component cables! For only $2! pretty random find. Well I am going to do some testing with these bad boys, and report back.