Problem Solver: Ultralink Converter Cable By HT Staff March 18, 2002 — Have you ever needed to connect a source to your display but had used up all the composite inputs? That S-Video input was still available but . . .

Toronto-based Ultralink Products Inc. has a new product to solve just exactly this dilemma. The company is now shipping an industry first: a composite video to S-Video conversion cable in four lengths. The unique conversion cable---being marketed under the brand's Challenger line---houses a converter that changes composite video to S-Video, thus expanding the connection options for many video sources such as VCRs and cable boxes.

Using the converter cable, these devices can be connected to audio receivers and preamplifiers, along with display devices that can only accept or have only S-Video type connections. And it goes both ways: because the converter is bi-directional, it can be used to connect an S-Video source to a display that does not have an S-type connection available.

Is there really a big need for such cables? Ultralink's research indicates there is. "Our recent test marketing for the converter has been phenomenal," stated sales and marketing v.p. Bruce Ball. "Specialist retailers and custom installers have immediately seen the application and problem-solving ability of our converter cable. Because of their response we're offering them in four lengths and we should have run rates up to demand by mid-March."

Challenger cable features Ultralink 6N (99.99998% pure) oxygen-free, laboratory grade copper conductors. Termination is provided by Challenger premium-grade S-Video and RCA 24K gold connectors. Available now in lengths of 1, 2, 4- and 8-meters, the Ultralink Challenger composite to S-Video cable carries suggested retail price of $30.00, $35.00, $45.00 and $60.00 US, respectively. A premium version of the converter cable in the brand's Advanced Performance Series will be available in late spring.