A Visual Guide to Common AV Connectors
The connector is the crucial physical link in your AV chain. Choosing the right one—and a high-quality one—is essential for a secure and reliable signal. Use this guide to identify the connector you need for your project.
Digital Video Connectors
- HDMI
HDMI (High Definition Media Interface) connectors are used for digital connections between the audio/video source and audio/video monitor or equipment, combining a digital audio and a digital video cable into a single connector. Found on DVD players/recorders, Plasma & LCD displays and digital surround-sound amplifiers & receivers.
- DVI
There are 3 types of Digital Video Interface connector (DVI-A, DVI-D and DVI-I) as detailed below. DVI-D and DVI-I are available in either single-link or dual-link types. In the pictures below, the single-link socket is shown on top of the corresponding dual-link socket. Most manufacturers make their female plugs with all available pins to prevent pin damage if an incorrect cable is inserted.
DVI-A
Carries signals to an analogue display only. Has two pins above\and two pins below the flat-bladed pin (shown on the left-hand\side of the\picture) that are used for the analogue signal. The right-hand side has 8-pin & 4-pin separated pin-sets.
DVI-D
Used for digital signals only. Has three rows of 6 pins or three rows of eight pins on the right-hand side and no pins above or below the flat-bladed pin on the left-hand side.
DVI-I
Refers to a connector type which combines DVI-A and DVI-D with pins provided to carry either an analogue or digital video signal. A DVI-I cable can therefore be used either for a digital signal (in a DVI-I socket) or for an analogue signal (in a DVI-A socket). Because of the extra pins, they cannot physically fit into a DVI-D socket. Has three rows of 6 pins or three rows of eight pins on the right-hand side with two pins above and two pins below the flat-bladed pin on the left-hand side.
Analogue & Professional Video Connectors
- RCA
The RCA is the most common connector type on consumer gear for composite and component video, as well as for both digital and analogue audio. RCA jacks color-coded yellow on a device usually are composite video inputs or outputs.
- BNC
Used for video signals and labeled similarly to RCA. Used to carry Composite video (one connection), S-video (two connections), Y/Pb/Pr (three connections), or one of the RGB variants.
- DE-15 / VGA / HD15 / D-Sub 15
As used on LCD and Plasma displays and computer monitors for RGBHV signals. Also used for RGBS, RGB sync-on-green, and Y/Pb/Pr Component video.
- 4-Pin Mini Din (S-Video)
Very common on consumer audio/video gear. Carries an S-video signal (also referred to as S-VHS on older VCRs). The cable consists of twin coaxial cables in a common sheath.
- SCART
SCART (Syndicat des Constructeurs d'Appareils Radiorécepteurs et Téléviseurs) connectors are used to connect audio and video equipment using the Composite Video signal format. Also known as EURO CONNECTOR or PERITEL.
Audio Connectors
- XLR
A three-pin balanced audio connector. Typically used for microphone cables.
- PHONO JACKS/PLUGS
Common stereo (3-wire tip/ring/sleeve) connectors providing a balanced circuit for analogue audio such as inputs/outputs to equipment and peripheral devices like headsets. There is also a mono (2-wire tip/sleeve) version which is used for unbalanced circuits. Standard sizes are 6.3mm, 3.5mm (mini phono) and 2.5mm (sub-mini phono).
- EIJA OPTICAL (TOSLINK)
Commonly called "TOSLINK" (Toshiba Link). These cables/connectors are used for digital audio using light from an LED "transmitter" as the source.
Antenna / RF Connectors
- F-Type Connector (F-81)
Used for most antenna and cable TV connections being rarely used for anything other than RF with one notable exception when they were used as digital audio connectors on some laser disc players.
- PAL (Belling Lee)
PAL (Belling Lee) connectors are a push-on connector that have been traditionally used for TV antenna wall plates and connections. With the exception of TV/VCR hook-ups, PAL connectors are being replaced by F-Type connectors as required for CATV, SATV and DTV. PAL connectors are specified by IEC standard IEC60169-2.
Data & Multi-Purpose Connectors
- USB Type-A, USB Type-B
A 4-wire cable carrying 2 power and 2 data connections to transfer digital information between computers, personal music/video players, cameras etc. The cable is terminated with type-A, type-B or a combination of A and B USB connectors.
- IEEE1394 (Firewire, i-Link)
Widely used for digital video and audio for DV (Digital Video) in cameras, DVD recorders and PCs. The 6-pin connector has twin separately shielded twisted data pairs for transmission/reception of data signals plus two power conductors. The smaller 4-pin connector has only two data pairs and is used primarily with battery-powered devices.
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