On Thu, 30 Aug 2001 20:59:17 +0300, "George S" wrote:

>I think that it would be very usefull for many newbies in the world of
>camcorders if someone explain the use of [these features] :
>
>So, what is and why should be a:
>
>a) S- Video Out
>b) S - Video In (don't know if it is exist)
>c) AV In
>d) AV out
>
>( what is the difference betweeen s-video and AV ?)

"S" connectors maintain separation between the color
and brightness parts of the video picture signal -
keeping them separate improves resolution and reduces
"crawling dots" effect on reverse-color edges. Some
gear does not have "S" capability, so the AV in/out
includes a combined ("composite", RCA-connector)
video signal along with sound left/right (also RCAs).

>e) Audio In/Out (why there is seperate headphone or microphone jack, isn't
>it the same thing ?)

No - the headphones (and built-in speaker) are
"low-impedence" devices and require a current amplifier
to drive them - usually of low quality in camcorders, so
one avoids using the headphone amp output for high-quality
audio playback. The response may also be "equalized" to
make hearing of high-frequency material easier with
headphones in noisy environments.

>What are the basic (necessary) terminal a good camcorder should have ?

"S" in/out, audio L/R in/out, "FireWire" bi-directional,
if DV... (and 3-connector RGB for picture, if fancy [pro
gear only...]).