I have been connecting my laptop to a video projector for presentations. I worked fine until a few months ago when the video display turned to Black & white--no color. (I still have color on my notebook monitor) I have tried everything I know to fix the problem. New cable, changing resolution, tried a different projector--all with same results. When I connect via a VGA port, the color shows up on the projector display. The laptop has been returned to the manufacturer twice for replacement of the system board (which includes the s-video port), but the problem is not resolved. Any idea?
If you normally connect the projector via S-video, your cable may have gone bad. Try using a new S-Video cable. If your color returns, there was your problem.
I've already tried a new s-video cable with the same result.
What happens when you wiggle the cable at either end? Does the color flicker on and off?
No, it stays B&W. I've tried "blowing-out" the connections with air, spraying that stuff that's supposed to help with the connection, etc.
I've had 2 extensive sessions with Dell tech "support" (one online, one on the phone) discussing all the things to try. Both sessions ended with their saying my s-video port was bad, and I would have to send it back for replacement.
That's my thought as well. Which is why I asked you to wiggle the S-video cable. If the color flickered in and out, then it there would be a short or problem with the S-video jack. However, I'm not totally convinced it's the output on your notebook. Have you tried testing the S input on your projector by plugging something else into it, like a DVD player or set-top box?
Yes, I have the same result when I plug in to a TV.