Composite Video Cables


    Composite cables are the next step up in performance from coaxial cable, at least RF coaxial cable.  The composite cables use RCA connectors to make the connections between home theater components.  It is for this reason that they are often referred to as RCA cables.

How Composite Cables Work

    Unlike coaxial cables which send all video and audio information in the same signal, composite cables divide the information into three categories: video, audio right, and audio left.  These categories are essentially self-explanatory.  The video cable carries all information pertaining to Composite Video Cablesvideo; this information being color and luminescence or brightness.  The video portion of the composite cable is denoted by yellow on the RCA connector.  This color arrangement is a standard in the home theater industry.
    The audio portion of the signal is split into audio right and audio left as previously mentioned.  The colors are also a standard by which the entire home theater industry follows; red is audio right and white is audio left.  By separating the two, the audio from a source is capable of being presented in stereo sound.

Why Separate the Signals?

    The reason for separating the signals is simple.  With coaxial cable, all information for audio and video is transmitted along the same wire.  This arrangement leads to a loss of integrity between the original source and the signal that is received.  By separating the signal into lines dedicated to a single portion of the original information, the result is a higher fidelity.  This design makes the composite cable a superior choice over RF coaxial cable.

Applications of Composite Video Cables

    Composite cables can be connected to just about every piece of your home theater system that uses both audio and video such as DVD players, VCRs, video game systems, televisions, and receivers.  If you ever have a choice between using composite cables and using RF coaxial cable, elect the composite cables.  There is a noticeable difference in audio and video quality between the two.