Video cables are used to connect the various modern visual electronic devices we use today. There are a few distinct types of cables that each have their own method of transmitting video signals, thereby producing varying degrees of image quality.
Coaxial Cables
Coaxial video cables are the standard cables used to relay the video signal coming into a home from the source, whether it be a cable or satellite provider, and through the home to the outlets and then to connecting the receiver. These cables consist of copper wires braiding around the core wires and then insulated, with connectors on the ends to screw into the device inputs.
HDMI Cables
HDMI (High Definition Media Interface) cables provide the highest quality digital video. Most newer TVs, cable/satellite receivers, Blu-Ray/DVD players and even some computers have HDMI inputs. HDMI cables have rectangular ends, slightly smaller on one side, and transmit high definition video and audio.
Component Video
The other option for providing high definition pictures are component video cables, which look like regular audio/video cables, but have five prongs at each end for the connectors: red, blue and green for video, and red and white for audio. Most newer TVs, cable/satellite receivers and DVD players have inputs for these as well.
S-Video
If your equipment doesn't have HDMI or composite video inputs, or if those inputs are used by other devices, another option is S-Video (Super Video) cables. These carry the video as two separate signals, still offering higher quality than standard video cables; the ends are round with four small pins inside to fit into the inputs.
Standard Video Cables
For basic quality video, there are also standard audio/video cables, usually grouped together with three prongs at each end--one for video (usually yellow) and two for stereo audio (red and white). These have been widely used to connect VCRs, DVD players and camcorders to a TV, though most devices now offer the higher quality inputs.
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