Video Cables & Connections (page 3)

• Four-pin cable end is fragile.
• Cable is actually two single-wire cables molded together, so chances for magnetic and radio frequency interference increase. Shorter cables help reduce the likelihood of receiving interference and signal loss.

Composite RCA connectors are everywhere; they are cheap, simple and widely compatible across a range of devices and manufacturers. Their video performance is only so-so, however.

• Cables are single-wire, which means they must carry a blended or composite video signal with both luminance and chrominance information.
• Cables pass along a second generation signal that's composited by the originating device and must be un-composited by the receiving device.
• Some signal loss, image degradation and color bleeding is common.

• Pin-and-cuff design couldn't be simpler to use; male cable ends plug into the female device sockets.
• Central conductor carries a frequency-based electrical signal between devices.
• BNC connectors can also be used to transmit composite video, but terminates in a highly durable locking connector that's found mainly on professional equipment.

• Use to monitor and dub video when S-video connectors aren't available.
• Can sometimes be vital, since not all camcorders are digital, and not all digital camcorders provide S-video sockets.
• Found also in three-part A/V camcorder output cable with a 1/8" mini-plug at one end and three RCA connectors at the other.

• Vary widely in quality, length and best use. Not all RCA cables are good enough for video.
• Use cables specifically designed for video signals; these should operate at exactly 75 ohms of impedance, and they should be thoroughly shielded from radio frequency and magnetic interference.
• Look for durability in the metal connector ends.

One of the oldest kinds of video transmission, radio frequency (RF) video transmits analog signals in the high frequency range of broadcast television. It's inherently lossy and prone to degradation and interference, making it useful only as a last resort. Analog RF signals should not be confused with a high-quality digital connection.

• RF bundles together video and audio signals into a single transmission of high-frequency radio waves, and sends it to receiving devices like cable boxes and televisions.
• The bundled signal is then converted back into usable video and audio information and rendered on screen or tape.

• Coaxial cable has a copper F-pin with a free-turning threaded sleeve on the cable end; this fits the threaded receptacle on televisions and VCRs.
• Screw these together carefully, since the copper F-pin is extremely fragile and easily bent.
• Only devices that generate and understand RF video signals, like VCRs, televisions and some older camcorders that came with RF adapters, can accept coaxial connections.

• Use when there's no other choice.
• Connect to a television using the S-video or RCA inputs on a pass-through VCR with a coaxial connection.

• Stereo speakers, electrical devices, and even airplanes passing overhead can all interfere with RF signals.
• Look for high-quality materials, a durable center pin, and plenty of shielding to minimize interference.

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