The Different Video Signals These are the common languages now used in the world of AV
Composite
-
The basic A/V language used by all devices
S-Video
-
otherwise known as YC, SVHS
RGBS
-
Red, Green & Blue and Sync
RGBHV
-
Red, Green & Blue + Horizontal & Vertical Sync
Component
-
otherwise known as YUV
DVI
-
Digital Visual Interface
The Different Audio Signals These are the most common audio signals:
Mono
-
Monaural, a single analogue channel (RF Audio)
Stereo
-
A Dual Analogue Channels (2 speakers: L & R Audio)
SPDIF/Coaxial
-
An Interface for carrying Digital Stereo Sound
Optical
-
otherwise known as Toslink for Digital Stereo or S/Sound
** For Nicam, Dolby Digital etc., See our pages on Audio Processers
Explaining the Video Signals & Connectors
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RF
The radio frequency (an aerial signal) will always require connection to any device that has a tuner so that it can be transposed to AV. If this is your only way of connecting video equipment to your TV, you will have to tune a spare channel on your set in order to see the video input.
Connector/Cable:(RF) coaxial cable
the standard way of linking an aerial to a TV, VCR or set-top box receiver.
COMPOSITE VIDEO
This is the standard type of connection on video equipment, such as VCR's, DVD-Video players, etc. It's used to feed a picture to a monitor, TV or any other product capable of taking video signals. It's a universal and convenient system. It combines the three basic elements of a video picture (light, colour & synchronization data) into a single combined composite signal. However, its result tends to be of an average quality - you may notice fuzzy outlines or shimmering patterns on fine detail.
Connector/Cable: RCA phono-plugs
(usually a yellow-coloured plug- picture only) and BNC Plugs
OR
Connector/Cable: Scart Plugs
are used to carry composite video and analogue audio signals (mono & stereo) by default.
Note all these connectors are interchangeable: i.e. scart at one end, terminating on BNC/Phono
S-VIDEO
This high quality video connection offers better picture quality than the standard composite connection. S-Video separates colour & light (Chrominance & Luminance) information in a video signal and this process results in sharper, clearer images.
Connector/Cable: 4-pin Mini-DIN connectors
(Picture Only)
OR
Connector/Cable:Scart Plugs
But the Scart Socket(s) on the equipment must be wired for S-Video or the result will a black and white picture.
Note all these connectors are interchangeable: i.e. scart at one end, terminating on 4-pin Mini-DIN
RGB
Like the S-Video 4pin connector, RGB carries picture information only and also offers superior performance - arguably better that S-Video. RGB carries the primary colours (Red, Green & Blue) in a picture signal separately for greater picture clarity, sharper images and better colour plus a fourth connector is used for the sync information.
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This signal often gets confused with Component (YUV) - a Scart or FOUR independent connectors are needed to carry RGB.
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Beware, not all AV equipment can output an RGB signal - VCR's cannot. Today most games consoles, satellite/cable boxes, DVD players can - however, this must be set-up in the equipments on screen menu.
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To connect an RGB Scart output to a projector or a plasma screen using BNC's or phono's for RGB connection, make sure you have four sockets marked R,G,B & Composite Sync - the latter is necessary to stop the picture rolling.
Connector/Cable: 4 x Phono Plugs OR 4 x BNC Plugs
Normally colour coded.
OR
Connector/Cable: Scart Plugs
Fully wired, providing that the scart socket has RGB capability.
Note all these connectors are interchangeable: i.e. scart at one end, terminating on 4 BNC's/Phono's.
RGBHV
RGBHV is the signal output produced by PC's using the 15-pin D-sub (VGA) Connector. This type of RGB connection cannot be outputted from a Scart. RGBHV requires five conductors / connectors: three for the colour information, red, green and blue, plus two others, which are for the Horizontal & Vertical synchronisation.
Although most modern screens accept both - most things are usually de-interlaced in modern equipment. RGBHV de-interlaced is the signal produced from computers through VGA connectors.
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Some Plasma Screens that have these five connectors offer you an either/or situation enabling you to use all five for RGBHV or the ones marked R, G & B for Component (YUV).
Connector/Cable: 5 x Phono Plugs
OR
Connector/Cable: 5 x BNC Plugs
OR
Connector/Cable: 15pin Dsub (VGA type)
Note: You cannot connect Scart to RGBHV Connections.
VGA
An RGBHV (de-interlaced) signal set at 640x480 resolution. See Introduction to VGA.
YUV / COMPONENT VIDEO
Originally found on professional broadcast equipment, this high quality video connection is now becoming increasingly available on domestic DVD Players, Projectors and high specification TV's, Plasma's and LCD's. Colour and detail elements in a picture signal are kept separate for minimising interference and improving colour and sharpness. Picture Only.
Connector/Cable: 3 x Phono Plugs
OR
Connector/Cable: 3 x BNC Plugs
Note: You cannot connect Scart to Component Video.
