Deciphering Cables & Connections

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HDMI connection

HDMI Cables


HDMI stands for High-Definition Multimedia Interface. It transmits uncompressed digital video and audio over a single, compact cable. The type, amount and speed of data HDMI carries expands with each HDMI release.

As of May 2010, HDMI was currently on version 1.4, which includes the capacity to transmit a 3D signal, as well as an Ethernet connection, among other features. The HDMI consortium has banned manufacturers from advertising the release number (i.e. 1.3, 1.3b, 1.4, etc). Instead, manufacturers should promote the cable's features, for example HDMI with Ethernet, HDMI standard or HDMI high speed.

HDMI supports any TV or PC video format, including standard, enhanced and high-definition video; up to 8 channels of digital audio; and a Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) connection. The CEC allows HDMI devices to control each other when necessary and allows the user to operate multiple devices with one remote control.

HDMI connections are backwards compatible among the various releases (i.e. 1.4 and 1.3), as well as with DVI devices for video sources. Since the conversion is a pin-to-pin connection, there should be no detectable signal loss when converted. However, the DVI to HDMI conversions will not be able to carry the 8 channel audio signal available on a pure HDMI connection, since DVI ports don't support audio. Since video projectors and computer monitors do not typically provide high quality audio, DVI is likely to remain strong in these areas. Browse our selection of HDMI cables »


VGA connection

VGA Cables

This is your standard monitor cable. It is typically male-to-male with three rows, 15 pins. A VGA cable is used for computer to monitor, or computer to projector connections. Its only home theater application may be as a connection to an HDTV decoder, such as the current RCA model. View our VGA cables and adaptors »


DVI connection

DVI Cables

Digital Video Interface (DVI) cables look a little like a standard VGA cable, but they are slightly larger. Under ideal circumstances, the DVI cable creates a 'digital to digital' connection between video or data source and display device. There are, however, only limited situations when this ideal circumstance occurs.

See our HDCP over DVI article for more about this technology. Browse our selection of DVI cables »


USB type A and B

USB Connections

USB was designed in 1993 by a cooperative of several companies including Intel, Compaq, Digital, Microsoft and NEC. With a maximum bandwidth of 12 Mbits/sec (equivalent to 1.5 Mbytes/sec), USB transfers data at a modest speed. However, it is considered very user friendly, due in part to its "hot swap" capability.

USB is available in two different connection types, Type A and B. The type A socket (see diagram) is rectangular in shape, and usually connects to the host or hub, typically a PC. The type B connection (see diagram) looks more like a square, and connects to the end peripheral, such as a digital camera.

Video projectors do not always offer either USB connections, but when they do, they more commonly use the type B connector for the purpose of providing remote control mouse function. Some projectors also include a type A connector which is used in combination with a USB key. Since most projectors do not have built-in processors, they cannot run PowerPoint presentations in their native environment from a USB key. Manufacturers include special software that essentially takes image captures of each slide, and stores them in .jpeg format. Those jpegs are then stored on the USB key and accessed from the projector and act as your presentation. This allows you to present (and possibly travel) without your laptop computer.


S-Video connection

S-Video or Y/C Cables

This cable might also be referred to as a SVHS cable and can be found on most high-end televisions, all videodisc players, camcorders, digital cable and satellite set top boxes, and SVHS VCRs. S-video cables differ from composite cables in that they split video signal into two different components: luminance and chrominance. The S-video cable will offer marked improvement over a composite cable. Browse our selection of S-Video cables »


Component connection

Component Cables

Component cables look just like composite cables. The difference is that, where a composite cable carries the entire video signal on a single cable, component cables split the signal in three. This connection gives a superior image over composite or S-video connections. The signal itself is referred to as either Y,Cr,Cb, or Y,Pb,Pr. Most manufacturers make connecting these cables easy by color coordinating them. The tips of the cables and jacks will be red, green and blue. Unfortunately, this can be a bit confusing because computer RGB connections are colored the same way. A good rule of thumb is that, if the connections are RCA type, it is usually a component cable. Computer RGB cables will usually be BNC type. Most high-end DVD players and HDTV tuners will have component connections. Browse our selection of Component cables »

Portable Projectors and Component Cables (15-pin to 3-RCA connection)

Portable projectors usually have very little space for connections. Due to the space restriction, many have the 15-pin VGA connection double as the component connection as well. The projector will use the same three pins out of the fifteen-pin connector for component video that it uses for its RGB computer connections. The projector is designed to detect the type of signal it receives and process it accordingly. If you need a component cable for one of these projectors, you should order a cable that has a 15-pin connector on one side, and three RCA/BNC connectors on the other.

Some larger projectors have separate component connections. Consult the spec sheets.


Standard RCA cable

RCA or Composite Cables

These are the most common cables, used to hook up your standard VCR and stereo equipment. Typically, they are color-coded: red, white, and yellow. Red is for right channel audio. White is for left channel audio. Yellow is for video. The entire video signal is transmitted by one cable. This is the lowest quality cable for a video source, but again, it is also the most common. Most new televisions, all video camcorders, all VCRs, and all videodisc players will have RCA jacks for these cables.


BNC connection

BNC Cables

A BNC cable is actually just another form of an RCA/composite cable. The end of the cable looks different from an RCA cable, but can be changed to an RCA end with a simple adapter. Most professional video equipment will have a BNC jack instead of a RCA jack. The physical connection is more secure because BNC cables twist and lock in place. Browse our selection of BNC component cables »


RGBHV connection with BNC ends

RGBHV Cables

Again, these cables look identical to simple composite cables. But this time, the RGBHV cable splits the video signal into five. There are three different types of RGB cables. RGBHV is a five-cable system that splits the video signal for color into red, green, and blue, and then has two more cables to carry the sync for the signal (horizontal and vertical sync). RGB H/V is a four-cable system that splits the color the same way, but has the horizontal and vertical sync on a single fourth cable. Straight RGB video cables again split the color signal in three, but carry the additional sync signal on one of the color cables, usually the green (called RGB sync on green).

An RGBHV signal is the way a computer connects to a projector. Five pins on a 15-pin VGA cable are RGBHV. The projector recognizes the type of signal and projects accordingly.

RGBHV connectors are found on most high-end professional monitors and on the most popular HDTV decoder (by RCA). Note that RCA has chosen to send the HDTV signal via a 15-pin VGA cable instead of a component connection. This may become the standard connection for HDTV tuners in the future. We will have to wait and see.