How to Buy Video Cables

Establishing a quality video system is the most important part of any home theater experience. Whether a person is adding a new high definition television or simply working around the existing set-up, buying the right video cables is a critical step in putting it all together. Read over these tips to make an informed video cable buying decision.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Determine the video source's output. High definition televisions that contain a high definition signal tuner will have an HDMI source cable output connector. This is typically found at the rear of the unit. One HDMI cable will carry both the audio and video.
2. Look to see if the legacy television, VCR or DVD player has F-Type coaxial output connectors. These are the most common output connections on most video devices. They are most commonly associated with satellite and cable television connections.
3. Find out if the video device offers composite video connectors. These cables are RCA connectors that carry a higher quality signal than coaxial cables.
4. Use an S-Video cable, if available. S-Video resembles a rounded, four-pin computer connection. These cable connections are available on most higher-end video devices.
5. Make a component connection. Component video cable connections are the top end of analog video signal delivery. These cables closely resemble RCA cables; yet have red, blue and green connectors.
6. Inspect the rear of the video device for VGA or DVI connections. These are digital connectors commonly found on computer video cards to output a digital video signal to a device. Many HDMI cables offer a converter to connect a computer signal to a video source.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep the distance between the video sources and output as short as possible to avoid signal degradation.
• Buy a quality built cable that has a gold plated connector. These cables cost a bit more than typical cables but will carry a crisper digital signal.

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