1

With a Y splitter Svideo cable

Example

   ---F
M--
   ---F

Would plugging the input in to the F side allow the output to come out of both the M and other F side?

End setup would be

Camera       M - F---
                    --- M - F Monitor
Capture F - MM - F---

I basically want to make sure the M side doesn't need to be the Input, couldn't seem to find an answer, sorry if it's a simple question.

Improve this question
11
  • 1
    There is nothing electrically that would prevent you from putting the input on a female connector and an output on the M and F. But what you describe doing won't work. You need to use an analog distribution amplifier.
    – Michael Liebman
    Apr 5, 2018 at 23:15
  • The monitor has a CVBS out, would it be better to just go from camera to monitor to capture to pc?
    – Scriven
    Apr 6, 2018 at 13:09
  • What exactly are you trying to do? What make and model devices do you have?
    – Michael Liebman
    Apr 8, 2018 at 15:43
  • If the monitor has an input and output it has an amplifier built-in, so you should be able to put it between your source and the capture, but best practice is to monitor out of the capture device if you can.
    – stib
    Apr 9, 2018 at 2:40
  • @MichaelLiebman The company I work for just bought a big van with a 2500 ft sewer camera. They didn't want to pay 10 grand or something for special software, they just want to be able to record. The camera is attached to a monitor via svideo, the monitor has BNC output. I was basically deciding whether a splitter on the svideo connection, or using the BNC output would be better to connect to a capture card, so a computer can record. Not really my specialty
    – Scriven
    Apr 9, 2018 at 13:47

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
0

Analog cables are thin bits of metal with connectors at each end. The signal that comes out of the source is present instantly* at all of the other connectors whether they are male or female.

However, connecting two outputs does change the impedance that the signal is seeing. Since you're dealing with an analogue signal, where the amplitude of the signal directly relates to the brightness of the image this could cause problems. To oversimplify it, it's like you had a battery and two light bulbs connected in parallel: they're each going to be less bright than a battery connected to only one light bulb.

So where possible you're better off connecting one source to one input. To split the signal use the output from the equipment, as it will be buffered by an internal amplifier.

*ignoring the time it takes for the signal to propogate which will be based on the electomechanical properties of the wire, but will probably be better than 0.5c (where c is the speed of light), or in other words for a 1 metre cable the signal reaches the end ~ 6.7 nanoseconds after it appears at the other.

Improve this answer

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.