Video Cables & Connections

As video creators, we all know that finding a subject and getting it on tape are only the first steps in a long process. Back at the editing station, we still have to wrangle with an array of cables, connectors and communication standards to get from the raw material to your finished product.

In this article, the first in a two-part series, we'll look at the most widely used video connectors and standards. The discussion below puts these in order from best to only so-so for video applications. In part two, we'll focus on the audio side of the equation.

Are All Cables Made the Same?

There are wide variations between cables made by different manufacturers, and it's undeniable that some are better than others. You'll often see an emphasis placed on gold connectors; these can be helpful in avoiding corrosion at the contacts. (Still: How often have you ever seen corrosion on your cables?) Internal construction is also important. Look for an indication that wiring is of the appropriate gauge and resistance; analog video devices use 75 ohm impedance wire made for video transmission, not audio (that's most important with RCA cables). And whether it's an RCA or a FireWire cable, look for plenty of insulation - some manufacturers use almost none, and it makes a diffe…