Audio Visual Cables

When you need to connect electronic components such as TV’s and camcorders, you need to use audio visual cables.

These cables transmit both audio and visual images between components, and allow you, for example, to see what you just filmed on your TV screen.

The most common audio visual cables are the RCA audio/visual male cables. These come in a number of presentations but the most common is one where at both ends of the cable there are three round plugs or jacks, which are different only in their color. The set at each end includes a white, a red, and a yellow plug. The white plug feeds the left speaker of the audio equipment, including if this is a TV. The red plug communicates with the right speaker, again as an audio channel, and provides the stereo sound. Without the red connector, the white connector on its own can provide mono sound. The third and last connector is yellow and it transmits compressed video images.

These male plugs correspond to a female, hollow jack at the rear of the component, and they are plugged in, always making sure that you are matching the colors. If you are connecting a camcorder to a TV, for example, both components must have the three jacks in the rear, and one triple cable will suffice to communicate them. Every component comes with a set of jacks, so you should first check with which type of cables your equipment is prepared to communicate.

In some cases audio visual cables are not long enough. For these situations, there are extension cables. These cables allow you to extend the reach by attaching two or more cables together with extension cables that are fitted with female plugs. Be sure to always match the correct color of the jacks when using extension cables.

Audio visual cables should never be stretched or pulled except from the plug. Stretching any cable can sever the filaments inside, reducing the effectiveness of that cable. A cable should also not be wrapped, knotted, or placed under heavy furniture or moving hinges such as doors. All of these actions can damage your cable. Cables should never be placed near a heated surface, heater, or fireplace. The sleeve or casing of a cable can melt and expose the filaments inside. If the termination of a cable comes loose, even though they are normally sealed or soldered, that cable should be removed and replaced. There is danger of electrocution and fire hazard from a damaged cable. Some pets are very attracted by wires and may try to chew on them. Be sure to hide your cables, and never leave them within reach. The tip of an audio visual cable termination can be bent or broken by mishandling it. Once the tip is broken you should not try to repair it; you should replace it.

Many hours of listening and viewing pleasure are made possible by audio video cables. Treat your cables kindly and they will provide safe, clear images and sounds for many years.