COMPONENT VIDEO CABLE

Component video cable

NOTE: The component video standard has more or less been phased out in favor of HDMI. Therefore, the selection of cables, connectors and adapters is unfortunately quite limited.

Component/component video signals were primarily used in connection with better video equipment, such as DVD players, projectors and flat screens. The component standard was therefore also something close to the top in analog video transmission. The standard is originally from the USA and actually corresponds to the European RGB video standard, which was used in Scart cables, but should not be confused with it. The component signal is a lossless compressed RGB signal using only 3 conductors with the sync signal integrated, where RGB in Scart cables has separate sync.

Component and RGB video transfers stand out by giving a visibly more colourful and calm image, yet less noise than both composite and S-video transfers, and are clearly recommended if possible. In addition, Component video is able to carry a true HD signal up to 720p (progressive) or 1080i (interlaced) resolution, unlike the others which only go up to 480p (NTSC) or 576p (PAL).

For transmission of component video signals, as for all other analogue video signals, coaxial cables with an impedance of 75 ohms are used for optimum quality. If the cable does not have the correct impedance, it will often result in shadows in the image. Component cables do not transmit audio signals, which are usually routed as a separate cable.

Component standards can run at resolutions up to 1080i and are therefore close to the cutting edge of analogue video transmission. The standard is originally from the US and corresponds to the European RGB video standard used in Scart cables, but should not be confused with it. Component signal is a compressed RGB signal (with no visible loss) using only three conductors with the sync signal integrated, whereas the RGB has separate sync.

The advantage to component video with respect to SCART is that it supports HDTV formats in which the SCART is limited to the regular 720x576/480 resolution. The downside is that audio signals cannot be transmitted through these cables and that control signals, such as AV channel switching and 4:3/16:9 switching on the TV must be done manually. Component supports resolutions up to 1080i, if the equipment permits it.

Component and RGB video transfers stand out by giving a visibly more colourful and calm image with less noise than both Composite and S-Video transfers, and are recommended if possible.