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Analog Video and Audio.
Analog component connection of HDTV is made using component-grade cables using the RCA
connectors illustrated. Component cables are color coded , green for Y, red for Pr and
blue for Pb. For very short lengths, other similar cables may work but with possible
reduction in signal quality. Audio cables are color coded, red for Right audio and white
for Left audio. |
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Digital Video and Audio.
Digital interconnection of the video will result in the highest quality on the screen.
Some HD televisions and may use either the DVI connection or the HDMI connection. |
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DVI High speed digital connections
for HDTV can be made using the DVI (Digital Visual Interface) which uses a number of
variants of the 24 pin connection. Illustrated is the dual-channel DVI-I version commonly
used to enable bi-directional or two channel connection between interactive STB’s or
computers and some high-end displays. DVI connections carry only video so that audio must
be carried by other cables. Pre-formed cables for DVI up to 10 ft. in length are
available. Longer lengths require specialized materials and are expensive. |
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HDMI High-Definition Multimedia
Interface. HDMI is designed to carry digital HDTV (uncompressed), audio and
control between consumer devices, such as an STB and a display. The signals are backward
compatible with DVI but HDMI uses smaller connectors and include. multi-channel audio. The
interface can be bi-directional, thus enabling interactive TV or device control. Cables to
interconnect DVI and HDMI devices are available. HDMI uses either a 19 pin connector for
single link (HDTV) or a larger 29 pin connector for the dual link. |
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Mini DB 15 RGB Monitor Cables.
Some STB’s and HDTV monitors are equipped with analog RGB interfaces which, when
connected through this cable with Mini DB 15 pin connectors, yields a very high quality
picture on the screen. This connection may also be used to connect a PC to the HDTV
display. The cables are usable directly in lengths up to 5 m. with special cables needed
beyond that. The connectors are secured with screw locks to ensure reliable connection. |
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Firewire/1394 Some digital
video connections may be made using the Firewire (IEEE1394) connection, commonly used on
digital video cameras. Usually both video and audio are carried together. The four pin
version of the connector is illustrated here but a six pin version may also be encountered
on some devices. Prefabricated cables up to 3 m. long and adapters between the two
versions are available in electronics dealers. |
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Fiber link The data stream
of the Dolby Digital audio in SPDIF format is frequently made available in optical form
(IEC-958) for sending to the decoder in the audio system. An optical fiber cable may be
employed for this purpose and is referred to as an “Optical audio output cable”.
Care should be taken to avoid excessive bending or twisting of these cables to avoid
breaking the fiber inside. In some cases this digital audio stream connection may be in
electrical form using RCA coaxial jacks. The cable used is then similar to that for analog
audio illustrated above. |
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| NTSC Connections |
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The SDTV NTSC signal from external devices,
such as a DVD or VHS player are connected using RCA cables and jacks similar to those
illustrated above for HDTV components. However, they do not have to meet the same
performance characteristics and are color coded differently. Yellow is used for NTSC SD
analog video, red for analog audio Right and white for analog audio Left. If the SD video
is in analog component form, component cables similar to those described for HDTV may be
used. |
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S-Video Cables. Available in
various lengths and used in some televisions to improve picture quality of NTSC signals,
for instance when down-converted from HDTV. If the choice exists, use of the S-Video
connection will give better quality of picture. With S-Video interconnection, audio must
be interconnected separately using RCA cables (see above). |
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BNC Cables. Coaxial cables
used to interconnect professional and prosumer equipment. Not commonly used in DTV
equipments. |
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| RF Signal connections |
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F Cables The connection to the
TV cable system, the antenna or to the satellite dish will make use of coaxial cable with
F connectors. Dependent on the length of the cable needed, one of several possible cables
may be selected. For short lengths, RG-59 (shown here) is acceptable, but for longer runs
to a roof-top antenna a low-loss cable may be needed. An expert installer should consulted
in this case for guidance. |
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