Based on Michael J’s request, I’ve decided to write this 101 on video cables. You’re probably thinking, wtf, why do I want to read about cables? Well, let’s all blame Mr. Michael J for that. =) Hopefully this will help clear up some of your long dying questions about cables.

Composite
Composite cables are denoted by the yellow, white, and red connectors, also known as RCA cables. Practically every device that plugs into your TV are compatible with them. The yellow connector outputs video while the white and red carries audio. These cables often come bundled with your DVD player or game console and they very affordable. However, these are the worst cables that you can buy. You can’t really notice the low quality visuals from SD televisions, but the quality is much diminished when viewed from HD displays. With composite cables, your television can only view 480i resolution.

S-Video
S-Video is the next step up from the crappy composite cables. In addition to the yellow, white, and red cables, there’s a fourth pin connector that provides substantial video enhancement. This fourth connector allows higher video bandwidth and carries 2 separate signals for color and luminance. This provides greater video quality when compared to the composite cables. You should see a noticeable increased in sharpness when using S-Video. Although S-Video is a step up from composite, you’re still only limited to 480i resolution. A lot of the older DVD players support S-Video, but this cable is definitely being phased out. Only buy this cable if you do not have a HD display.

Component
These are the best analog cables that you can get. Component cables have red, green, and blue connectors for video in addition to the white and red connectors for audio. Yes, there are 2 red connectors! What makes these cables so special is that the video signals are divided up into 3 individual connectors. One connector carries the luminance signal, while the other two carries separate color signals. These cables are capable of displaying HD video at 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i, and 1080p resolutions. Despite the stunning performance, there are some minor issues that these cables are prone to. First thing to point out is that these cables are comprised of 5 connectors. The clutter behind your entertainment center can easily be blamed by these cables since so many connections are required. Secondly, since these cables are analog, it’s important that you purchase cables that are properly shielded from outside electrical interference. Good quality component cables cost anywhere from $40-$100+. If you decide to buy cheap $10 cables, you’ll most likely run into discoloration, fuzziness, shaking, or even repeated video signal loss.

HDMI
This is the granddaddy of all audio/video cables. The cables that I mentioned previously are classified as analog cables. HDMI is purely digital. The main difference between analog and digital is the type of signals that it emits. Analog signals carry data in the form of wave frequencies, whereas digital signals carry data in a series of 1’s and 0’s. What’s most beneficial about digital is that you either get a really clear picture, or you don’t. You don’t suffer through the in between fuzziness that analog cables are prone to.

HDMI stands for Hi-Definition Media Interface, and it basically looks like a slightly larger USB cable. Not only do you get the best picture and sound quality, but it all comes packaged in a single connector. You no longer need to deal with the tangled mess that component cables are notorious for. These cables are capable of viewing 1080p HD video, and uncompressed HD sound. What’s even better is that this cable is really cheap. DO NOT go to Best Buy and shell out $50-$100 for this cable. Because this cable is digital, you don’t need the top of the line HDMI cables to get great results. I highly recommend visiting www.monoprice.com for all your cable needs. There, you can get a 6ft HDMI cable for under $10. The main problem with this cable is that only more recent HD televisions support this cable. If you’re running on that old 19′ Sony, then you’re out of luck.

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