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DIGITAL VIDEO – GUIDE TO CONNECTORS SDTV (Standard-Definition TV) Standard-definition digital TV, defined as a 480i signal (480 interlaced scan lines) presented 30 times per second. (720x480 pixels, a 4:3 ratio). DVDs are Standard Definition (480i), displayed as 480p. (total resolution: 345,600 pixels)
HDTV (High-Definition TV) Digital TV standard that features increased horizontal & vertical resolution (1280x720 or 1920x1080 pixels), a choice of progressive or interlaced scanning, & a widescreen aspect ratio of 16:9 that conforms to the widescreen visual format of modern movies. The most common HD formats are 720p (720 progressively scanned lines) or 1080i (1080 interlaced scanned lines). (total resolution: 777,600 pixels for 720p and 2,073,600 for 1080p) Component Video The most common type of connector used for both SD & HD video, it uses three coaxial RCA cables and plugs color-coded red, green and blue. Note: Component video cables do NOT carry audio signals. You must connect separate audio cables (either analog or digital) to carry the sound signals. Component video cables keep the 3 color elements of a video signal separate from each (higher quality) Component-video can, with proper signal levels, give exactly the same quality as HDMI or DVI as long as the native resolution of the set is sent to it.
Composite Video A single video connector that combines the color, brightness, and sync signals into one cable (hence "composite") using a single RCA connector. Often coded yellow; most common analog video connection between older VCRs and TVs (except RF connectors). Use composite video only if your TV, VCR or DVD player lacks Svideo or component. NOTE: Composite video will not carry HD or progressive video. D-Sub (VGA or RGB) A type of multi-pin connector so-named because of its rough "D" shape, originally used in computer and data applications and now used in several variants for audio/video purposes. DVI (Digital Visual Interface) A large computer-like 18-pin connector that carries digital video signals, including HD. DVI digital video signals are protected by HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) protocol, which prevents you from copying high-quality digital video. DVI is gradually being replaced by the HDMI connector (see below). Although a DVI or HDMI connection eliminates several digital-to-analog and A/D conversions, it does not visibly improve image quality over correct componentvideo connections and may introduce incompatibilities in the HDCP anti-copy protocol (see HDMI).
FireWire 400 (IEEE 1394; i.Link) First common in the computer world, this 4 or 6-pin connector is a link that carries compressed digital MPEG-2 video and digital audio for recording on a hard-disk. Found on some digital TV displays and set-top boxes, FireWire also carries an anti-copy code and can serve as a 2-way link between various devices in a network. Used to mount hard drives. Transfers data up to 400 Mb/s. (mostly replaced by FW 800 now)
FireWire 800 (IEEE 1394b) The next generation of FireWire technology, doubles the throughput of the original FireWire interface to 800 Mbit/sec & dramatically increases the maximum distance of FireWire connections. HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) HDMI is a USB-like digital video connector that carries the same digital video signals as DVI but with a Dolby Digital surround sound bitstream. Copy protected with HDCP so you can't pirate high-quality digital video, it's compatible with DVI through DVI/HDMI adaptors. HDMI is an evolving standard and many incompatibilities in the digital "handshake" of the HDCP protection code still exist between HDMI-connected components, especially when routed through an A/V receiver or A/V processor.
Thunderbolt (interface) A hardware interface that combines PCIe, DisplayPort and DC power in one cable. USB A-Type (3.0 and 2.0) Universal Series Bus is an industry standard for connecting cameras and other peripherals to computers. Initially rather slow (2.0 = 12 Mbps), 3.0 has dramatically increased transfer speed to 5 Gbps. The distinction is made in the color of the connector (blue for 3.0) USB mini-B, Micro-B, etc. Various smaller versions of USB have been developed for use with smaller cameras, phones, and devices. Note that you will need to examine very carefully what type of connector works with each device. S-video A small multi-pin connector cable that carries the chrominance (color) and luminance (brightness) video information separately. Not capable of carrying HD video signals but superior to composite video connections. Use this connector for better image quality if your TV, A/V receiver and VCR has S-video inputs and outputs. Mini-jack, mini-plug A miniature connector, in mono and stereo versions, commonly found on portable audio equipment for headphone and line-out audio connections. Small cameras also carry video on a third line (look for three rings) via Mini. RCA Connector By far the most common small audio or video connector, with a pin (male) plug and female jack. Uses 2-conductor shielded coaxial cable. Often found with yellow (video), red & white (audio). XLR (Balanced) Connector A secure, 3-wire connector found on all professional / semi-pro sound gear, enabling very long cable runs without hum pickup or frequency response losses. Must be used with matching balanced connectors on an A/V processor, preamp, or receiver to benefit from its hum-free traits. Over long cable runs, sound quality is better than shielded RCA coaxial cables.
