This is the start of a quick reference guide for Shacksters who are new to the world of HT and want a quick and dirty explanation of different cable types. Please add your input to this thread to try to make this an easy read for people who may not have quite as much experience with consumer electronics.
Cable Types
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HDMI: This is the most common type of connector in home theater today. It carries both Audio and Video (sound and picture). See also HDMI Cables Help
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Composite Cables: This is the typical RCA type cable used for years in the U.S. You'll typically find them color coded. This cable is used versions types of connections across the whole spectrum of A/V (this cable has an alternate fitting, tip, called BNC. This fitting locks into place and is typically found in professional gear)
Red/White: Stereo Audio (Left/Right)
Yellow: Video (Standard Definition, 480i)
Red/Blue/Green: Component Video (480p,720p,1080i)
Digital Coax/SPDIF (Color Varies - Typically Orange): Digital Audio Connection carried up to 5.1 Compressed Audio or 2.0 Uncompressed (LPCM)
Subwoofer (typically black): sends low frequency effects (LFE) to a subwoofer
It's important to remember that any composite cable can be used in any of these application regardless of the color on the cable's tip or jacket.
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Coax Cable (RG-6/F-Type Fitting): This is the cable that screws onto your TV, Cable Box, or Cable Modem. While this is one of the oldest types of connector it is still used to transport video/audio/data into your home. Coax cables can me modified to work like compost cables.
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Fiber-Optic/Toss-Link: Similar to digital coax this cable carries stereo or up to 5.1 compressed audio. Unlike composite type connections this cable used light to carry a signal. It is not effected my electromagnetic or radio frequency interference (EMI/RFI).
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DVI/VGA: These are computer connections that can carry video only. Some older HDTVs and Cable Boxes have a DVI connection on them. Supported resolutions very depending on the equipment.
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Speaker Wire/Cable: Positive/Negative, typically stranded copper wire that delivers power to a pair of speakers from an amplifier. Speaker wire is rated in AWG (American Wire Gage). Lower numbers are thicker cable. 14-16 AWG is usually used in most home theaters.
Cable Types
-----------
HDMI: This is the most common type of connector in home theater today. It carries both Audio and Video (sound and picture). See also HDMI Cables Help
------------------
Composite Cables: This is the typical RCA type cable used for years in the U.S. You'll typically find them color coded. This cable is used versions types of connections across the whole spectrum of A/V (this cable has an alternate fitting, tip, called BNC. This fitting locks into place and is typically found in professional gear)
Red/White: Stereo Audio (Left/Right)
Yellow: Video (Standard Definition, 480i)
Red/Blue/Green: Component Video (480p,720p,1080i)
Digital Coax/SPDIF (Color Varies - Typically Orange): Digital Audio Connection carried up to 5.1 Compressed Audio or 2.0 Uncompressed (LPCM)
Subwoofer (typically black): sends low frequency effects (LFE) to a subwoofer
It's important to remember that any composite cable can be used in any of these application regardless of the color on the cable's tip or jacket.
------------
Coax Cable (RG-6/F-Type Fitting): This is the cable that screws onto your TV, Cable Box, or Cable Modem. While this is one of the oldest types of connector it is still used to transport video/audio/data into your home. Coax cables can me modified to work like compost cables.
------------
Fiber-Optic/Toss-Link: Similar to digital coax this cable carries stereo or up to 5.1 compressed audio. Unlike composite type connections this cable used light to carry a signal. It is not effected my electromagnetic or radio frequency interference (EMI/RFI).
------------
DVI/VGA: These are computer connections that can carry video only. Some older HDTVs and Cable Boxes have a DVI connection on them. Supported resolutions very depending on the equipment.
-------------
Speaker Wire/Cable: Positive/Negative, typically stranded copper wire that delivers power to a pair of speakers from an amplifier. Speaker wire is rated in AWG (American Wire Gage). Lower numbers are thicker cable. 14-16 AWG is usually used in most home theaters.