TV Connectors
There are various inputs that connect a TV to other components (e.g. a video game console, VCR, home theatre system, digital camera, etc.). A modern TV offers a bewildering array of connectors, most of which are only there to provide backward compatibility. The different connectors produce marked differences in audio and video quality, and careful selection of the right connector is important for the optimum TV experience.
The most common connector types found today are listed below. New connector technologies are being developed all the time, and some TV's may have additional connectors not listed here. Generally, these will only be variations on the connectors listed here (such as a BNC connector).
The key point to remember is that not all connectors are created equal, and that you should try and use the best connector that your TV and the connected device (DVD player, video game console, VCR, home theatre system, digital camera, etc.) can support.
| Connector | Name | Typical use | Video quality | Analog Signal |
Digital Signal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Aerial Also known as radio frequency (RF), antenna, Belling Lee, IEC 169-2 |
Antennae, VCR's, cable TV, and satellite TV boxes | Lowest |  |
|
 |
Component Also known as YPbPr, and YCbCr |
Digital set top boxes, DVD players, game consoles | High | |
|
 |
Composite Also known as yellow video, A/V (when combined with audio jacks) |
Digital set top boxes, cable TV and satellite TV boxes, VCRs, DVD players, game consoles | Low | |
|
 |
DVI Also known as Digital Visual Interface |
Some computers, digital set top boxes and DVD players | Highest | |
|
 |
FireWire Also known as IEEE 1394 & iLink |
Digital set top boxes, Camcorders, some game consoles | Highest | |
|
 |
HDMI Also known as High-Definition Multimedia Interface |
Digital set top boxes, and DVD players, some game consoles | Highest | |
|
 |
Optical Also known as TOSLINK, S/PDIF, or EIAJ optical. Used for digital audio only. |
CD players, digital set top boxes, cable TV and satellite TV boxes, DVD Players, Game Consoles | N/A | |
|
 |
RCA | TV's, DVD Players, Digital set top boxes, cable TV and satellite TV boxes | Low | |
|
|
RGB | Some computers, digital set top boxes, and projectors | Very high | |
|
 |
S-Video Also known as DIN 4 |
Digital set top boxes, cable TV and satellite TV boxes, VCR's, DVD players, game consoles | Medium | |
|
 |
SCART | Digital set top boxes, cable TV and satellite TV boxes, game consoles | High | |
|
 |
VGA | Computers, TV's | High | |