A.V. connectors
Here is a list of common video connectors and a brief description which may prove useful for people new to A.V. (audio visual)


HDMI or DVI both will provide the same video quality, but HDMI has the benefit of digital sound so you need separate connections for sound on DVI. HDMI has the capacity to support existing high-definition video formats (720p, 1080i, and even 1080p). It also supports enhanced definition formats such as 480p, as well as standard definition formats such as NTSC 480i or PAL 576i so what do all these numbers and letters - eg 480p, 720p, 1080i, mean?
The number refers to the number of lines on the screen. The letter after it either refers to Progressive (P) or Interlaced (I) video. Interlaced video is a way of compressing the video signal. Essentially, it halves the vertical resolution of anything that moves. It is used in existing standard definition television, and even in the 1080i HDTV format.
Progressive video is what your computer screen uses. The whole image is sent to the screen from top to bottom in one pass. This provides a more "stable" and natural looking image. Progressive video will look better on an LCD TV because these panels are progressive in nature. Any Interlaced content is converted on the fly to Progressive (it 'fakes' a progressive picture, which never looks as good as a real progressive one).
All the DVI connectors are capable of transmitting both Analogue and digital signals. The certain Pins on the connectors represent weather it is capable of transmitting the analogue or digital (or both) signal... You can find out exactly what each one is/does below...





Component (not to be confused with Composite) - allows HDTV and Progressive video, but no copy protection, so may not be an option for some high definition capable devices. Good DVD players will normally have a component output. Component Video is a connection which requires three cables with RCA type connectors. Component Video separates the chrominance (colour shade and vividness), and luminance (brightness) portions of the video signal, but achieves greater colour accuracy by splitting chrominance into two separate portions Component video. What is component video? It's simply video where the components (the elements which make up a picture) are separated so there's even less chance of them interfering with one another.
Ideally the connection will be colour coded to make it easier to avoid putting the lead in the wrong output. You'll get some weird effects if you mix them up. The three component sockets on products send out picture signal only you also need separate connectors for the sound.







SCART connectors on products can (but not always) output various types of signals for example SCARTS can be Composite or S-VHS or RGB all with mono or stereo sound. Note also that just because equipment is fitted with SCART connectors, this doesn't necessarily mean it's capable of handling RGB component video or S-VHS or stereo sound for that matter. To find out which of these formats a piece of equipment can actually handle you'll generally need to refer to its manual.
The highest level of connection on an enabled SCART is RGB. RGB consists of the three basic colour components: red (R), green (G) and blue (B).Sometimes the sync information is combined with the green video, and sometimes its separate again.
Like Y/R-Y/B-Y component video, RGB offers the potential of very high image quality. However the two types of component video are not interchangeable, you can't feed one type directly into equipment inputs designed for the other. Conversion circuitry is needed to change from one to the other. SCART set to RGB - This is what you should use for Digital TV decoders like Freeview, Sky+ etc if it's available on your TV






S-Video is sent through a single cable terminated with 4-pin plugs. S-Video provides a sharper, higher resolution picture than composite video by separating the chrominance (colour shade and vividness) and luminance (brightness) portions of a video signal. Processing chrominance and luminance separately greatly reduces interference. S-Video mini din sockets on products outputs picture signal only you also need separate connectors for the sound.



Composite video is sent through a single cable with RCA-type/Phono type connectors, the socket is often yellow in colour. Composite video combines the chrominance (colour shade and vividness), and luminance (brightness) information of the picture into one signal. Composite video does not deliver the highest quality picture possible, but it does afford the greatest compatibility among equipment Composite video. This single lead is for picture only so you also need separate connectors for the sound.

Sound connectors commonly used on AV gear

Single RCA/Phono is for Analogue mono sound
Two RCA/Phono’s for Stereo Analogue sound this is the minimum required for Dolby pro-logic surround sound
Optical digital (Toslink),one optical lead supplies the information for multi channel surround such as Dolby Digital or DTS surround sound.
Coax digital. one coax 75 Ohm lead supplies the information for multi channel surround such as Dolby Digital or DTS surround sound try not to confuse this output with a composite video output (which do look the same but are often labelled to avoid confusion).

This message was edited by Mr Griffiths on 06/28/05 15:39 ET.

You forgot VGA, 5 channel component, and BNC connectors.

you can do them Spiky! I wondered how long it would take for someone to p on my parade! lol ; )

Well, what more can one say . . . about a connector devised by the French.

what more can i say ..well it falls out too easy djy :)

Come on guys spread a bit of knowledge around about connectors and post a few piccys and descriptions so if anyone has a question you could link it to the relevant post here.

Let me be the first to thank you..although i knew some of things you mentioned im still trying to learn more about the technology of today...and tomorrow!!..RG

There's also bad old F-Type coax for RF.

Oh, and XLR. AES/EBU.

Well, if we're doing this, there's also Japanese connectors. D1, etc. I know next to nothing about them except for their existence.

see the post title" for beginners"! The connections i posted are the most common on UK AV gear.I take the point about F-plugs and RF plugs and will post a description soon.If there are USA or any other country common type of connectors that i have missed out i invite you all to post a picture and description.(spiky you have got me interested in the mystery of the japanese D1 connector how sad am i? lol)

#1
#2

BNC

BNC can be used by a manufacturer anywhere where the RCA connector is used, (for example component or composite....). You find them instead of RCA on professional or high end equipment. The advantage is that BNC locks into place (you can see the two protruding at the top and bottom of pick#1, the male part in pic#2 has little holes for it and you plug it n and then turn it 90^o)


HDMI an HDMI signal is encrypted, the player needs to have an encryption HDCP chip and the display a decryption chip. That is why HDMI is pushed by content providers (studios)

Coax (TV / Radio):


Plug

Socket
See diagram below for exploded view of a plug connector.
1: Unscrew the two parts of the plug and slide the cover (the back part) onto the cable.
2: Twist together the screening and wrap it around the outer insulation. Place the brass 'claws' over the centre conductor, covering the screen.
3: Strip away half the inner insulation to expose the inner conductor. Check that the inner conductor is not touching the screening.
4: Push the centre conductor into the hole in the front half of the plug as far a possible. The centre conductor should show trough the hole from outside, and the brass claws should trap the screen, with the outer insulation underneath. Screw the two halves of the plug together, this will squeeze the brass claws tight on the cable insulation to grip the cable.
5: Cut off the excess wire showing through the centre stem of the plug. To give a really good contact the centre wire should be soldered.

F, N, BNC, TNC:
Most R.F. Connectors are available in 3 fitting assembly types - Solder, Screw-on and Crimp. Crimp connectors are generally neatest, but require a crimping tool. Here's how to fit the other 2 types:

Solder:
1: Disassemble the connector into the parts shown in diagram below.
2: Cut cable to length and prepare end as shown. Be careful not to damage the braided screen or the centre conductor.
3: Slide the nut, washer and grommet onto the cable, then tin the centre conductor and solder the contact pin onto it. Place the top hat over the braid and push it back against the outer cable insulation, then pull the braid back over it.
4: Insert all the parts into the connector body and tighten the hex nut, using a spanner if necessary. This compresses the cable gland and secures the connector.



Screw-on F plug:
See diagram below for exploded view of assembly.
1: Strip about 15mm of outer insulation from the cable. Twist together the screening and wind it around the outer insulation.
2: Strip half of the inner insulation to expose the centre conductor. Check this wire is not touching the screen.
3: Feed the centre conductor into the connector and screw the connector clockwise (viewed from the plug side) until tight.

What about SMB for XM radio



Molex for Volume Controls, Xantech, Niles, etc



DB9 Seriel for seriel/rs232 control



Mike

I wish the same could be said for weight!