have been using hoster for a long time just changed laptops to a dell 1720 with vista need to use s-video to rca output and it's not working never had trouble before any help????

I used to have same problem, Not all S Video Cables are the same, I bought some online and would not work so I went to Radio Shack and Bought the cheapest one they had and worked perfect. I have 3 adapters here that won't work and if you use ATI Sound card will probaly have to use one from them. Hope this helps alittle, If not maybe somebody else will have a different answer

Are you getting no second display or getting the same as the laptop display?
If no display then check the number of pins on the S-Video plug and cable and see if they match. There are two types of S-Video Cables, 4 pin and 7 pin. Also check to see if the second monitor is active by following the directions below to get to the controls.
If you are getting a duplicate of what the laptop is showing then you need to right click anywhere on your laptop screen that is blank. Go to Properties and the last tab (Settings). Click on the second monitor and check the box to Extend the Desktop.

dell uses 7 pins s-video, you can get those from www.s-video.com and you can choose any length..