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Next PagePrevious PageCables and Connectivity

Remember, HDTV is a family of digital broadcast formats. To display high-definition content, you need several types of connectors to handle the multiple devices you will want to connect to your home theater equipment. Not all of these connections carry all HDTV signals equally well, or at all.

Bottom line? Make sure your HDTV has at least one HDMI input. HDMI provides a high quality digital connection. Component video is the second highest quality connector. Avoid using composite video S-video, as these are not HDTV-level connectors.

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Connectivity Diagram

Video & Audio

Video and Audio HDMI CableHDMI
  • Replaces S-video connections to HDTVs
  • Carries high-definition digital video and multi0channel audio, eliminating need for separate audio and video cables
  • Provides all-digital content protected connection from content source devices to televisions, preserving signal quality

Video and Audio RF Coaxial CableRF Coaxial
  • Connects a satellite video source, cable box or VCR to your television
  • Typically standard definition

Audio

Digital Optical Audio CableDigital Optical Audio
  • Digital multi-channel audio connection to use with DVD and CD players, A/V receivers and digital satellite receivers
  • Ideal for Dolby Digital and DTS surround sound

Digital Coaxial Audio CableDigital Coaxial Audio
  • Digital multi-channel audio connection to use with DVD and CD players, A/V receivers and digital satellite receivers Excellent for Dolby Digital and DTS surround sound

RCA Audio CableRCA Audio
  • Provides left and right channels of analog stereo audio

Subwoofer Audio CableSubwoofer Audio
  • Ideal for the bass frequencies produced by subwoofers

Video

Video DVI-D CableDVI-D
  • Supports variable display resolutions and video timing formats for PCs and televisions
  • Provides all-digital connection from content source devices to monitors and some televisions with optional content protection

Video VGA CableVGA
  • Traditional analog display connection between PCs and monitors
  • Supports variable display resolutions and video timing formats, but without content protection

Video Component CableComponent
  • High definition analog video connection between content source devices and television
  • Provides more color and detail than S-Video

S-Video CableS-Video
  • Standard definition analog video connection between content source devices and televisions
  • Not a high-definition connection, but offers slightly better quality than composite

Video Composite CableComposite
  • Most common standard definition analog video connection
  • Not a high-definition connection; basic low resolution; low picture quality

Video Display Port CableDisplay Port
  • High performance digital interface with optional audio and content protection over small connector
  • Enables sleek displays, long cables, and cable clutter reduction for connecting to monitors
  • Supports variable display resolutions and video timing formats for PCs and televisions
  • Replaces DVI and VGA connections long term

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