What exactly is an RCA cable?
The RCA cable collection in the electronics store might be renamed as the “wall of confusion.” There are many of different types of audio/video cables — some for stereos, others to be used in home theaters, a few for HDTVs and others to … whom is it? If you’re fortunate enough to locate the cable that you want, you’ll need to choose between expensive and shockingly inexpensive.
Then there’s the salesperson. “Have you heard of silver-plated connectors?” What? “If you’re buying speaker wire, then you should also buy these stands that keep the wire from touching the floor.” Why? “The more expensive the cable, the better the sound.” Really?
In this post, we’ll attempt to give you the facts plainly. We’ll outline, in easy phrases, what each type of audio/video cable is and the best way to use it. Utilized. In the process, we’ll expose some common misconceptions about cables, beginning with the notion that the highest-priced cable is the most effective.
What exactly is cable?
The function of cables is to transport signals in audio or video across a device from the next. Cables transfer the signals of DVD players, televisions, stereo receivers, speakers, as well as video projectors and computers. They don’t alter what kind of video or audio signal they transmit. They do not change or alter the signals in any manner. That’s the task of the equipment on the other end. The cable itself is the intermediary.
Cables consist of three main components comprising: conductor, shielding and connector. The conductor acts as the cable that transmits the signal.
Cables are an essential part of any home stereo or theater system. If you do not use appropriate cables to accomplish the task, then you may have poor sound quality or image quality. If you choose to use cables that are damaged or unclean, you could get a poor experience. For audiophiles, using cheap cables on an expensive plasma HDTV is similar to putting poor tires on the wheels of a Ferrari.
Some audio/video experts believe that users should invest 20 percent of the total system’s cost on cables alone. The reality is that many less expensive cables can provide a listening or viewing experience that consumers will not distinguish from expensive cables. To make things straightforward We’ll dissect the vast number of different types of cables into three categories: video-only, audio-only and audio/video cables which carry both video and sound.
Audio Cables
Let’s begin with audio-only cables. The most popular audio cables are referred to as analog RCA cables. They are cables that have white and red, or, in some cases, black and red connectors. Experts suggest gold-plated RCA connectors to protect against corrosion, particularly when you live in a humid area.
The second most popular kind of audio cable is the speaker wire. The speaker wire connects an audio receiver, which connects all the speakers with the exception of that of the subwoofer (that requires coaxial cables). Each speaker requires its own wire. Speakers do not just receive audio signals using speaker wires and power, but they also receive power.
Speaker wire is composed of 100% oxygen-free copper. It generally is “unshielded,” which means you can observe your copper wire. Speaker wire comes in various gauges and thicknesses, ranging between 12 and 18 (thickest to the thinnest).
In general the greater length of speaker wire you choose, the greater the gauge you need to use. For speaker wires that are that are up twenty foot (6.1 meters) long, 14-gauge wire is sufficient. Anything more that 60 feet (18.3 meters) will require 12-gauge wire. wire is quite easy to make, and you’re able to avoid purchasing cheap, bulk wire. Do not let anyone tell you that all audio wires you have must be of the identical length. It’s a myth. The majority of audio recordings are now digital There are a variety of modern cables that are specialized in carrying high-bandwidth audio signals.
Digital optical cable (also called fiber-optic and Toslink) is able to transmit audio data in the form of pulses of light, and is indestructible to interference. Another audio digital cable is known as digital coaxial. It resembles the coaxial cables which connect satellite dishes or cable TV signals to TVs however, this one is made to support digital audio. There are both digital and optical coaxial coaxial jacks on modern DVD players as well as CD players and stereo receivers.
Each is of which is responsible for a distinct audio channel in the rear of an stereo receiver.
Video Cables
They’re perfect for watching VHS tapes with an old television in the basement however, if you own an upgraded television or an HDTV with composite video cables, they aren’t the best choice.
S-video cables are a step forward from composite video, with the highest size at 400 lines. You can recognize S-video cables by their circular connector with nine pins. S-video is a cable that separates pictures and color information, which results in an image that is more clear.
Video component cables work great for connecting high-definition video equipment such as Blu-ray players or HDTVs.
They feature big, 18-pin connectors which appear like computer cables. Some critics of DVI say that the built-in copy-protection mechanism creates compatibility issues with specific devices.
Audio/Video Cables
There are a few cables that carry both video and audio signals. For a long time, cable for video coaxial were the sole options for connecting video components. One coaxial cable can carry both audio and video signals.
HDMI also has HDCP Copy Protection. The companies that make HDMI cables are prone to promote their products as the best option to connect HD component video, however it’s not the case. DVI cables are equally effective. If your TV is analog, the three works similarly
In Europe, SCART cables perform the job of RCA audio cables in analog form and composite s-video, and component video cables. However, they aren’t able to carry high-bandwidth digital audio or video signals like those required for TVs with high-definition. HDMI is the most popular cable for use in Europe, used for HD components.
However, there are a few premium home theater receivers as well as HDTVs have FireWire ports. FireWire can carry high-quality MPEG-2 videos and digital audio.
Home stereo system (CD changer, stereo receiver, speakers):
- Lower-end: If you’re playing MP3s or CDs that are standard, then you’ll require RCA headphones and speakers.
- Higher-end: If your goal is clearer and crisp digital audio, opt for digital or optical coaxial cables, as well as larger speaker wire.
- The highest-end: If you’re seeking the unbeatable sound quality of DVD-audio with full surround sound, You’ll require special audio cables for DVD and 12 gauge speaker wire.
Theater system for the home (Blu-ray player DVD player VCR video game console Home theater receiver, TV speakers):
The home theater system(Blu-ray player DVD player, VCR video game console Home theater receiver, TV speakers):
- Lower-end: If you own an older TV that is standard definition and you generally use your device to play regular VHS or DVDs, then you’ll have no problem using the composite video cable, which is packaged together with RCA Audio cables that are analog.
- More expensive: For a higher-end standard-definition television, you must definitely upgrade into component video cable. RCA cables are perfectly for audio.