What's the Difference Between HDMI Cables, Component Cables and RCA Cables?

Taking a look back into the change of technology over the past ten years, it is hard to incorporate some of the new technology with old. Even though you bought a brand new TV that does not mean that everything going into it has to be updated as well. However, the cables that go into your components such as HDMI Cables, Component Cables and RCA Cables may need some adjusting or updating.

What's the Difference Between HDMI Cables, Component Cables and RCA Cables?

What's the Difference Between HDMI Cables, Component Cables and RCA Cables?

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What's the Difference Between HDMI Cables, Component Cables and RCA Cables?

What's the Difference Between HDMI Cables, Component Cables and RCA Cables?

HDMI cables have been one of the most quality improvements in regards to transporting audio and video. HDMI cables transmit sound and video digitally at the speed of light which requires no conversion to the video or audio coming through. Because of the way HDMI Cables keep the integrity of audio and video, they are consistently used for connecting DVD players, cable or satellite and music input through only one cable that is also interchangeable with many different kinds of converters and adapters. HDMI cables are your best bet for keeping the wire configurations to a minimum and getting the most out of it.

However, keep in mind that whatever is put into the HDMI Cable does not mean that it will be HD. So the image and sound of your BlueRay Player will not be the same as watching your 1984 home videos through it. The number of HDMI plug-ins on your television may be limited which would mean that you may have to pick and choose which devices take priority.

Component Cables are essentially video cables that are split up into three components. If you are looking to bring to life that 1984 old home video, than this may be what you need to help relive those memories without them becoming pixilated and or stretched. The name 'component cables' is derived from the fact that different signals are separated from each other in order to prevent interference with each other. Most component cables are split up by video and audio transmissions. The video transmissions are also separated further sometimes into color based transmissions which include S-Video, RGB and YPbPr.

Component Cables can run anywhere from a half foot to 50 feet in length. They are easy to plug in because most televisions have color coordinated plug-ins on multiple locations of the TV. This means that if you are in need of a quick use of component cable plug-ins (such as a video camera) they are easy to get to and provide a quick way of getting what you want on the big screen.

The most popular type of component cables are called RCA Cables which always consist of a male end that is color coordinated and has a copper ring around the input which provides flexibility and stability. Unlike HDMI Cables, the gauge of HDMI Cables is irrelevant to the quality that comes out. However, the quality of the cables is important as well. Consider the engineering of the cord and how it will be used. You don't want to send such thin RCA Cables through the attic that gets upwards of 140 degrees in the summer nor do you want to coil up 10 feet of RCA Cable behind your entertainment center.

While building your entertainment center, consider the priority of your video and audio devices and the capabilities of your TV, then measure out the length, gauge and quality of your prioritized cable needs and you will have gotten more out of your home entertainment center than you could have imagined.

What's the Difference Between HDMI Cables, Component Cables and RCA Cables?