There are many types of audio and video cables that have fallen in and out of use as technology has progressed. There are familiar cables found in every home theater and computer setup, while others are strictly for professionals.
Composite
Composite video cables transfer luminance and chrominance--light and color--over an analog signal, and were the standard cables connecting a TV to a VCR, video game console or computer in the 1980s. A composite cable is usually accompanied by two audio cables for stereo sound.
Component
Component cables split a video signal into multiple parts over three cables. The three cables transfer uncompressed signals to provide higher resolution video. Audio is separate.
HDMI
The HDMI standard was developed to handle digital audio and video in one cable. HDMI cables provide enough bandwidth for high-definition audio and video, and modern HDMI cables also support Ethernet for networking.
Optical
Optical cables contain hair-thin fibers of glass or plastic that transfer digital audio signals through light. The cables are lightweight, use little energy and are non-flammable. Optical cables are less durable than other audio cables.
Multichannel Audio
Multichannel audio cables transfer multiple audio signals for surround sound. Each cable in the group leads to its own speaker to deliver a different audio channel. By splitting the audio into separate channels, high-quality signals are transferred for output.
XLR
XLR cables are used in professional audio and video work. The cables are thick, heavy and transfer uncompressed line-level signals while protecting signals from corruption and degradation.
Tags: audio cables, audio video, cables transfer, audio signals, digital audio, HDMI cables, Optical cables
