Component Cables

Old telecommunication devices used analogue signals and thus demanded an entirely different medium for transmitting data. But component cables are a relatively newer concept.

Newer devices, however, use digital signals, and each of them can have different types of connectors to support everything to work together. For instance, in-home theatres, analogue signals usually use two different connector types: component and composite. The composite RCA cables feature a yellow connector for video and a red and white connector for audio transmission. In contrast, component cables use the red and white audio connector. Here the video is divided into three or more components. Among this three, one is for luma, and the remaining two are for colour information.

Everything you need to know about component video cables

Both composite and component cables transmit audio and visual data using an analogue signal. But this is also where the similarities between the two end. Modern devices and data standards no longer support the old-style composite cables. On the other hand, the new component wires are much more relevant and capable to work with modern high definition devices. Although they also have limited use and suitability, they can still be used both at the commercial and domestic levels. Here is what you may need to know about component video cables before you head to buy one.

The component video cables

The component video cables split the video signals into three red, blue, and green cables. Each of these cables transmits a specific component of the video signal. Another name for green cable is the Y cable. It is responsible for transmitting the brightness information of a signal. The blue and red are respectively known as Pb and Pr. These two are responsible for transmitting the picture colour. The green components are inferred by a combination of all three signals. As the video signal spreads across three cables, it does not need compression in the composite video. Thus, it allows support to HD resolutions as high as 1080p.

Common uses of component cables

Initially, these cables replaced composites as the de factor analogue video cables. The decision was based on the improved picture quality cables can offer. Another benefit of use was its ability to support HD devices and data signals. Today, almost all HDTVs have at least one set of component inputs. Likewise, the component video gets support from DV players, gaming consoles, cable set-top boxes, digital video recorders or Blu-ray players.

Limitations of component cables

Component video cables are highly analogue. Also, just like composite cables, they have inherited limitations that are associated with the analogue format. The analogue cables transmit their signals via waveform. The digital cables transmit their signals the same way as the computer transmits data via binary code decoded by the displaying device into a colourful viewable picture. Now, as they travel via waveform, the signals are susceptible to interference from radio waves. Likewise, they can experience interference from electronic signals resulting in increased compression that harm the picture quality.