Types of Video Connectors

With the vast selection of current and past video technologies available comes an equally large selection of cables and connectors to make them work properly. Knowing what kind of signal and resolutions your device or display supports makes it easy to find the proper video connector.

Currently, the biggest difference between video connectors is whether these transmit an analog signal or a digital signal. Analog signals are older technology and tend to support lower resolution displays and devices. Digital signals have allowed higher resolutions and clearer sound and are found in many of the popular media players, game consoles and displays on the market today.

While there are hundreds of video connectors in existence, the most commonly used video connectors and cables are listed below.

Analog Video Connectors

• RCA or Composite Video Connectors—these video connectors are very common. Typically, RCA cables consist of a bundle of three cables with red, white and yellow connector tips. The yellow connector and cable pairing is the cable that video is transmitted across. These connectors only support the standard definition display resolution of 480i.


• YPbPr or Component Video Connectors—these video connectors are used by many video devices that display 480p resolutions or support the progressive scan feature. The video connectors look similar to RCA cables. However, there are five connection points instead of three. There are typically red, blue and green connectors for video and a pair of red and white cables for audio. These connectors can support resolutions up to 1080i.


• S-Video, Separate Video, Super VHS or Super Video Connectors—these video connectors were used commonly before the release of component cables. They offer better contrast and color when compared to RCA cables. However, the resolution is still standard at 480i and do not provide any means to transmit audio. They have a small round plug with a 4-pin receptacle.


• Video Graphics Array, VGA or DE-15 Connectors—these video connectors are commonly found on computer motherboards and video cards. They have a small 15-pin connection, typically held in place with small thumbscrews. VGA connectors and cables support resolutions up to 2048 by 1536 pixels, depending on the display connected. They also support progressive video. Like S-Video, the VGA connector has no built-in support for audio transmission. Mini-VGA connectors are a variation of this format.

Digital Video Connectors

• High-Definition Multimedia Interface or HDMI Connectors—these video connectors are rectangular in shape and have a 19-pin connector. HDMI connectors and cables are capable of resolutions exceeding 1080p and support 3D playback technology. HDMI cables also are capable of transmitting 7.1 channel digital audio. HDMI Mini is a variation on this format, intended for mobile device use.

Digital and Analog Video Connectors

• Digital Visual Interface or DVI Connectors—these video connectors are rectangular and come in a few variations. These include DVI-I Single Link, DVI-I Dual Link, DVI-D Single Link and DVI-D Dual Link. The DVI connector consists of 18 to 24 pins and a grounding bar. As the name implies, DVI connections can support both digital and analog video connections. The resolution of the video is dependent on the display used. Mini-DVI connectors are a variation of this format.


• RF or Coaxial Video Connectors—these are commonly used as the main video transmission cable for Cable and Satellite television providers. They consist of a round threaded adapter with a single copper pin in the middle. Coaxial connectors support resolutions up to 1080i and can transmit audio data as well. They are also capable of both digital and analog video transmission.