How do I Connect a PC to a DVR S-Video?

by James Clark, Demand Media

Use a computer USB port for hooking up an external TV tuner.

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Many digital video recorders are equipped with a round S-Video jack for transmitting video signals at a higher quality screen resolution than would be available with coaxial or composite-type cables. Hooking up a PC to a DVR with S-Video requires a TV tuner card connected between the two components. The simplest connection involves an external TV tuner that plugs into one of the computer's USB ports. The DVR connects to the opposite end of the tuner.

Step 1

Line up the pins in the plug on one end of the S-Video cable with the holes in the S-Video jack on your DVR. Push the plug straight in.

Step 2

Connect the opposite end of the S-Video cable to the jack on the external TV tuner.

Step 3

Connect the red and white plugs on the audio cable to the matching output jacks on the DVR. Plug in the other ends to the two jacks on the external TV tuner.

Step 4

Plug in the USB cable from the port on the TV tuner to any USB port on the PC.

Step 5

Eject the computer's media tray to insert the software disc that comes with the tuner. Close the tray and wait for the disc to begin playing.

Step 6

Click each prompt on the PC monitor to install the communications software on the machine. The software enables the PC to receive and process digital audio-video signals from a connected device such as the DVR.

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References

  • CNET: External USB TV Tuner Showdown
  • Lyberty.com: Component or S-Video?

About the Author

James Clark began his career in 1985. He has written about electronics, appliance repair and outdoor topics for a variety of publications and websites. He has more than four years of experience in appliance and electrical repairs. Clark holds a bachelor's degree in political science.

Photo Credits

  • Thinkstock/Comstock/Getty Images