Component Video Cables
Component Video Cables - What are they?
Component video cables are used for the transmission of component video, often
referred to as YUV, YPbPr or YCbCr. The most common component video cables
consist of three phono / RCA connectors each end with 75ohm coaxial cable used
as the interconnect. Component video cables aren't limited to phono connectors
each end, they are also available with a scart plug on one end, BNC connectors
on either or both ends etc. One thing all component video leads have in common
is they always have three coaxial conductors, one for the Luminance channel Y,
one for the Blue colour difference channel (U / Pb / Cb) and one for the Red
colour difference channel (V / Pr / Cr). Component video cables only transmit
the video signal, separate cables are needed for audio signals.
Component Video vs RGB
Is component video better than RGB? Well, yes and no, RGB provides the widest
bandwidth and is the best choice for connecting audio visual devices like
a Freeview box, digibox or Sky+ box to your TV, home cinema or home theatre
system. DVD is however different, to reduce the amount of storage required DVDs
are recorded using component video, it is therefore better to connect a DVD
player via a component video cable to your TV, plasma or LCD TV etc.
Can I use a Component Video Cable for RGB?
The use of component video cables for RGB causes the most confusion, firstly the
two signal systems are not compatible, if you try to connect component video to
RGB you will not get a picture. The problem with using component video cables
for RGB is that most consumer electronic devices require a video sync or a
horizontal and vertical sync, the only way a component video lead will work for
RGB is if both devices can sync on green, often referred to as RGsB or RGB3.
Most devices use the RGB4 format or RGBs (RGB+Sync) where four signal cables are
required, cables like the Profigold PGV7405 or PGV7410 are ideal in this
application. A third less common mode is RGB5 or RGBHV, this format uses
separate Horizontal and Vertical Syncs and requires five signal cables.
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