Cables

Cables

Composite Video

Composite Video
(Analogue)

• Uses standard format: NTSC, PAL and SECAM
• Carries 1 signal whereas the S-Video or component
• Transmission used carries standard definition such as; 480i/ 576i signal

S-Video

(Analogue)

S-Video

• Used to separate black and white colour signals which achieve better images rather than composite although this results as a lower resolution than a component video
• Each pin includes it's own ground pin as a result there is 5 pins but one is used on the bottom for holding purposes
• Analogue cable carries a standard definition (480i/576i)

Component Video

Component Video

(Analogue)

• Allows full HD resolution however due to the nature of digital tv's an extra conversion must be applied to create artifacts (edge clarity)
• The majority of HD sources support progressive output although some are limited to 1080i
• RGB distributes colour signals in three ways (Green, Blue and Red)

VGA

(Analogue) - Don't carry audio

VGA

• Uses the same RGB method as a component cable
• This allows higher resolutions which range from 640x400 continuos throughout to 2048x1536
• Higher resolutions cables require coaxial wiring and insulation for a higher quality
• Commonly used for computer monitors to connect to video cards, HDTV's, laptops, netbooks and a variety of other equipment

DVI Cable

DVI Cable

(Digital) - No audio

• Digital cable meaning no loss in quality
• Often found in HDTV's and Video cards
• Three main types of DVI cables; DVI-D, DVI-A and DVI-I
• Cables are single in a dual link
• Resolutions consist upto 3840x2400

HDMI

(Digital)

HDMI

• HDMI is used for an array of devices ranging from cameras, monitors, computers and blu-ray players
• Single cable that carries video and audio signals digitally (no loss of signal) 
• Version 1.0 allowed for 1920x1080p
• Version 1.4 supports ethernet and 3D (3840x2160p)/30fps
• Version 2.0 supports 3840x2160p at 60fps

RCA Connector

RCA Connector

(Analogue)

• Carry video and audio signals
• Primarily used for stereo equipment often consumer grade 
• Used by many devices before and after the digital switchover (VHS,DVD players,TV's)
• Loss of quality is retained over long distances
• Susceptible to noises (hum) 

1/4 Jack

1/4 Jack and 1/8 Jack (3.5mm)

(Phone Connector - Analogue)

• 3.5 mm is commonly found on phones and DSLR's (intended for short runs)
• 1/4 Jack is used for audio recording equipment, stereo, guitar and bass leads

XLR Connector

(Digital)

• Commonly used for microphones
• The design initialises that the microphone is unable to disconnect on it's own accord
• 3 pins used (similar to the balanced connection on a 3.5mm or 1/4 Jack)
• Female is the source whereas the male is the input

  

  XLR Connector