An S-Video, or Split Video (sometimes called Super Video), cable provides the highest quality video outside of High-Definition (HD). However, this cable is video-only, so a separate set of audio cables must be used (the red and white RCA cables, optical / digital coaxial). [Note: Some TV's can support using only the audio from standard coaxial cables (ex. RG-59) using a "Multicasting" option in their menus, however any of the other cables listed above will provide higher-quality audio.] Every receiver with the exception of the 1000 and 111 has an s-video output. Of all standard definition video formats, S-video is supported in the least number of televisions.

When installing this cable into a television, it must be in the appropriate input mode. Specific names for these modes depend on the television, are generally labeled near the physical input on the device into which the s-video cable is being inserted, and may be numbered if multiple such inputs exist (such as two sets of s-video inputs being labeled "Input1" and "Input2". Some examples are: Input, Video, Aux, Source, Line, L, or even virtual channels - channels that don't exist through standard off-air broadcasts, such as ch. 0, 1, 91, 92, 95, etc. If also connecting a VCR using these cables, the VCR must be on and must be in its appropriate input mode to view satellite programming. Lastly, s-video cabling is less tolerant of "hot-swapping" than other cables - removing and reinserting the cable while the television is on, and can result in a poor video picture, such as scrambled black and white flashes on the screen, until the television is power cycled.

DISH Network doesn't recommend runs over 12 feet.

If a properly installed s-video cable begins to fail, symptoms could include intermittent / permanent loss of all color, scrambled black and white flashes, and complete loss of video - blue screen, black screen, etc.