Video Cables are available as either analog or digital interconnects, with the majority of analog video interconnects being based on the same type of RCA or BNC connectors found in home theater sound systems.

Up to very recent, the most common digital video interconnects were the i.LINK and DVI;  however, these were soon superseded by a new digital standard - HDMI - that can carry both video and audio over the same cable.

These digital interconnects were developed to support the higher speeds required for the transfer of digital high resolution video information.

Home Video Interconnects

Although most analog video cables use the same end-connectors found on audio cables, this does not imply that audio cables can replace video interconnects.

Because of the higher frequencies involved in video information, video signals are more susceptible to degradation as a result of radio frequency (RFI) and electromagnetic interference (EMI) than audio signals. 

Even more so are HDTV signals; these signals carry much more information than a standard-definition video signal, leading to even greater constraints on video performance and bandwidth response.

The use of substandard video cables would not only affect picture clarity due to possible insufficient bandwidth response of the interconnect cable, it will also result in lines, 'snow', and other artifacts on your TV screen as a result of interference effects.

As such, home theater cables designed to handle video signals have to be engineered specifically for the purpose. One cannot simply exchange video with audio cables even if the end-connectors are the same.

The use of double shielded interconnects using both braided copper and metal foil, with high quality 'silver-plated' inner conductors and 'gold-plated end connectors', is almost a pre-requisite in quality video cables to preserve the strength and accuracy of the original video signal.

Analog Video Cable Types:

Most common video cables are equipped with at least one of the following types of connectors (listed in order from lowest-quality signal transfer to highest):

Coaxial RF-Cable

Composite Video

S-Video

Component Video

RGB Video and the SCART A/V Connector

Not all of the above are present on all equipment. A standard VCR may only have a composite connection, whereas a DVD player may provide for composite video, s-video, or component video connections.

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Always check your equipment to determine the type of supported interconnects before buying home theater cables.

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The SCART Analog A/V Connector

Also known as the Peritel connector, this is a 21-way connector for both audio and video connections.

Mainly in use in Europe rather than the US, the SCART plug provides for separate composite video in and out connections, RGB video, separate audio input and output connections, as well as a number of control signals.

Typical applications include home cinema, Audio/Video equipment, satellite receivers and Cable boxes. 

For SCART-plug connection details, click here.

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Digital Video Interconnects

There are three main types of digital video cables, i.LINK, DVI, and HDMI. Note however that both i.Link and DVI were originally developed to be used by PCs, while HDMI was specifically developed by some of the major electronic manufacturers for use in consumer electronic products such as DVD players and digital televisions.

i.LINK: The i.LINK, also known as IEEE 1394 FireWire is a 400 Megabit/sec high speed interconnect for the transfer of digital information - video, audio, data - between compatible camcorders, computers, HDTV products, etc. i.LINK ports can have either a 4-pin or 6-pin configuration though most A/V equipment is mainly 4-pin.
	An i.LINK 4Pin to 4Pin Digital Video Cable from Sony
DVI: The second type of digital video interconnect is the DVI. Digital Visual Interface (DVI) technology was developed to enable high-resolution applications such as HDTV tuners and DVDs, to run on digital flat-panel displays.  These applications call for specialized video cables to handle the wider bandwidths associated with High Definition while providing excellent EMI/RFI interference reduction. For a detailed explanation of DVI cables and connectors, please refer to our Guide to DVI Cables.
	(click on image to enlarge) A Dual Link DVI Interconnect from Cables To Go
HDMI: HDMI - short for High Definition Multimedia Interface, was originally released in Dec. 2002. Since then, it has become the 'de facto' standard in digital video. Its primary advantage over previous digital interconnects is its capability to carry both digital video and digital audio over the same interconnect - hence eliminating the mess of cabling behind home entertainment centers. For more information on HDMI, please check out Quick Guide to HDMI.

 

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