Adapters

This is as true for video game consoles as it is for anything else. When purchasing a console, an adapter typically comes in the box to attach the device to the television. This adapter is usually an RCA cable, which provides the lowest quality in terms of picture. This adapter is by no means inadequate, but it is often a far cry from the best available.

Other video adapters include S-Video and component video. S-Video--or separated video, or Y/C--provides a marked upgrade over an RCA cable. The luminescence (Y) signal and chrominance (C) subcarrier are carried separately. The net result of this is better bandwidth and better use of the chroma decoder. Component video is, however, better still.

Most component video splits the signal into three discrete parts: red, blue, and green. Component video results in a surprisingly rich, dense picture that better captures the nuances of an image. Adapters are available for most video game systems, including the PlayStation 2 and Xbox, that upgrade the video output. Before making any purchase, however, the buyer should first verify that the television or monitor the system will be attached to is set up for that type of signal. Many older televisions, for example, do not have component video inputs. A quick glance at the owner's manual (or, barring that, the back of the television) should indicate what types of input can be used.