Currently, there are many audio transmission standards. They evolved different companies at different times and it is not surprising that different standards use different connectors and cables. If this does not cause problems within one device, then when expanding a multimedia system, sooner or later you will encounter problems when transmitting an audio signal from one device to another. These problems can be divided into three types:

1. There is no standard cable or its length is not enough.
2. Paired devices use the same audio signal transmission standard, but have different connectors.
3. The paired devices use different audio standards.

The first problem can be solved using audio cables. You can lengthen the standard connection cable using an extension cable, or (preferably) replace it with a longer connection cable. Sometimes it becomes necessary to assemble the cable yourself - then, in addition to the speaker cable, you will need to purchase connectors.

To solve the second problem, adapters are designed, which are a pair of connectors of different standards connected in a small housing. Here you need to have a good understanding of which connectors are used by one audio transmission standard and are, in principle, compatible with each other.

On the Internet you can easily buy an adapter for anything to anything – even USB to RCA. What is soldered to where and what might result from an attempt to use such an “adapter” - one can only guess.

To be fair, it should be noted that strange-looking adapters do exist and even work. But such adapters are always included with some kind of equipment that can recognize a non-standard signal on the connector and process it accordingly. Using such adapters on other devices may be fatal for those devices.

To solve the third problem, audio signal converters are used, and their choice is a topic.

Characteristics of audio cables and adapters.

Type.

Connecting cables are intended to connect two elements of an audio system. Typically, on both sides of such a cable there are connectors of the same type and type. However, it often happens that the connecting cable is also an adapter.

Extension cable designed to extend the cable and always has the same type of connectors at different ends, but different types: on one side Female (socket), on the other side Male (plug).

Connector – a connector designed for installation on a cable. I would like to warn the reader against the temptation that often arises among people who have not found the required adapter on sale: take the two necessary connectors and connect them with a piece of speaker cable. In no case should you do this without thoroughly understanding the compatibility of the connectors being connected and the intricacies of such a connection. Even if the standards used at both ends of the wire are in principle compatible (for example, balanced and unbalanced input/output - both have an analog signal), then direct connection of connectors can, at a minimum, degrade the signal quality.

An adapter is a device designed to move from one type of connector to another or, for connectors of the same type, from one type to another (from a plug to a socket or vice versa). Sometimes it happens that, despite the full compatibility of standards, the required adapter is not found - for example, you need an adapter from RCA Female to jack 6.3 Male, these are not on sale, but there are RCA Female adapters to jack 3.5 Male and 3.5 Female on jack 6.3 Male. You can combine the required adapter from two available ones, and if the quality of the connectors is good, then you will not hear any deterioration in sound. But you need to keep in mind that every additional detachable connection is a point of risk. If you come across an unsoldered contact, oxidized or loose connector in the chain of connections, the sound quality will drop very significantly. Therefore, you should combine composite adapters only in cases of extreme necessity.

The length of the cable should be selected so that it is sufficient for the required connection with a small margin. You should not take a cable that is too long unless necessary - even the best cables reduce the level of the useful signal, and the longer the cable, the more.

Ferrite rings or cable shielding is a method of protecting the transmitted audio signal from electromagnetic interference. Ferrite rings protect the signal from high-frequency interference, so they are not used in analog cables. Shielding protects the cable from all types of electromagnetic interference.

Connectors.

To understand which connectors can have adapters from which ones, let’s divide all connectors into groups that use compatible data transfer formats.
Working adapters are only possible within one group.

TS, TRS, TRRS (Jack) are used to transmit analogue sound signal line level. There are different diameters:
- 6.3 mm jack (TS, TRS) – used to connect professional audio and music equipment;
- mini-jack 3.5 mm (TS, TRS, TRRS) – used to connect microphones, household headphones, computer audio equipment;
- micro-jack 2.5 mm (TS, TRS, TRRS) are used in mobile phones.
Provided they are used to transmit a signal of the same level, they can be combined in any combination, the most common adapters: 6.3 TRS – 3.5 TRS, TRS – 2 x TS, TRRS – 2 x TRS.

RCA (Phono) are used to transmit line level signals and are widely used in both home and professional audio and video equipment. Also used for digital signal transmission. The connector contains two contacts and can be designed to transmit only a mono audio signal. A pair of RCA connectors are used to transmit a stereo signal. Can be combined with jack type connectors, the most common adapters: TRS – 2 x RCA, TS – RCA. When using such adapters, you should make sure that the signals on both sides of the adapter are consistent - digital RCA cannot be connected to an analog TRS with an adapter.

XLR – used to transmit analog microphone and line level signals. Widely used in professional equipment thanks to good contact(large area of ​​contact of contacts) and reliable connection (cannot accidentally jump out). The “mic jack” on professional equipment usually means an XLR type connector. On line I/O, the XLR connector is typically used to carry a balanced signal. Also sometimes used for digital signal transmission. Adapters for these connectors exist, but when using them you need to understand what signal is transmitted through the cable. The microphone level is much lower than the linear level; when connecting a microphone adapter to the line input, the sound will be very quiet. With a TRS-XLR adapter you can connect a balanced signal to a simple stereo input, but the protection against interference, which is distinctive feature balanced channel, it will not work.
The most common adapters: XLR - 6.3 mm TRS (microphone level), XLR - TRRS (balanced signal line level)

SpeakON connectors are used (more often in professional equipment) to transmit an amplified signal from amplifiers to speakers. There is usually no need for adapters with such a connector; most often, an acoustic cable with a SpeakON connector at the other end has the same connector or simply bare wires, cut for fastening into a screw or spring clamp of the speaker system.

ODT Toslink – used to transmit a digital signal (in S/PDIF or ADAT format) over a fiber optic cable. Accordingly, the adapter can also only be for fiber optic cable. For example, some miniature audio devices use a smaller version of the Toslink connector, which looks similar to a 3.5 mm jack, to save space. For such a connector, there are Toslink adapters - 3.5 mm jack. Of course, it is impossible to connect an optical S/PDIF output to a regular line input using it.

USB, mini-USB, micro-USB – a connector for transmitting digital data of the widest profile, can also be used for transmitting audio signals in digital form. It is impossible to convert a digital signal transmitted via USB into analog using a simple adapter. Some confusion in the use of these connectors began recently and is associated with the widespread use of mini and micro-USB connectors in mobile devices. Often in such devices the USB connector is used not for transferring digital data, but for recharging and connecting headphones. Such devices usually come with a cable that looks like an adapter from mini-USB (micro-USB) to 3.5 mm jack. Of course, you shouldn't use it with other devices.

Type of connector. Most types of detachable connections contain two contacts of different types: one is a plug (pin, Male, “male”), the second is a socket (socket, Female, “mother”). Block connectors (attached to the equipment body) for transmitting audio signals usually have the form Male, cable connectors - Female.

Choices.

To easily extend a short audio cable, select an extension cable of the required length with the appropriate pair of connectors. They cost 100-500 rubles.

To connect two elements of an audio system, choose a connecting cable at a price from 100 to 1000 rubles.

Perhaps you want to assemble the audio cable yourself - in which case you will need connectors. They cost about 100 rubles.

Finally, to connect matched lines of the same type with different connectors, you will need an adapter - you just need to know the brands of connectors on both sides. Adapters cost from 75 to 240 rubles.

I am glad to have new communication with my readers and today we will talk about the good old RCA connector. For some, it will be nostalgia for the first experience of using audio-video equipment. Well, I’ll tell the younger generation what this unprecedented curiosity is that is still found on some devices.

To begin with, according to tradition, a short excursion into the history of radio electronics.

Back in 1940, it became necessary to connect phonographs to amplifiers, and the still well-known company Radio Corporation of America (RCA) proposed using a connector in the form of a shielded axial contact. Which later inherited the same name and gained enormous popularity.

By the way, the principle itself, when one of the contacts acts as an external protection, received further development and is successfully used in more modern connectors.

Subject of conversation

Now let's take a closer look at the RCA connector and figure out what it is. First, let's pay attention to the element that is inserted (therefore called “male”) and placed on the cable itself. Since a two-core wire is used, the connector accordingly consists of 2 contacts. The first (main) is a pin 15 mm long and 3.2 mm in diameter with a rounded head (for easy fit into the socket).

It is located inside a cylindrical screen contact with a diameter of 8 mm, and protrudes from it by 9 mm. The nest, called, respectively, “mother”, is made in the form of a sleeve. Its outer part is a screen contact, and inside there is a hole for the pin to enter.

In both halves of the connector, the space between the central and outer contact is filled with dielectric material. In inexpensive models, ordinary plastic (polyethylene) is used for this purpose, and in more expensive variations, textolite washers are used. Well, in the most trump version - Teflon or ceramics.

We have figured out the physics of the process. Let's move on to the lyrical-floral part of our review. This is not just a literary phrase, but an allusion to the second name of the RCA connector, which is commonly called a tulip. A very accurate figurative hit since three connectors are usually used: one for the video signal, the other two for stereo sound. To differentiate them, the plastic shell of each connector has its own strictly defined color:

• Yellow – video;
• Red – right audio channel;
• White – left audio channel;

Take the cable in your hand, at the end of which there are 3 RCA plugs. Doesn't it really look like a bouquet of tulips?

Until now, no one has argued with this.

For sound 2 and for video 1 plug

You can ask a logical question. How is it possible that there are already 2 connectors for audio, but only one for technologically more complex video?

The fact is that a composite signal passes through the “yellow tulip”, combining all the information:

• Brightness;
• Chroma;
• Extinguishing;
• Line, frame and color synchronization;

But there are also blue and green “tulips”. These are already component plugs for transmitting individual color video streams.

Popularity breeds excellence

Since we've gotten into such complex technical details, it's time to talk about the technical aspects of using an RCA connector.

Its main purpose is the transmission of analog audio-video signals. And he coped with this task brilliantly before the advent of digital standards. At one time, tulips were the only way to connect televisions to VCRs or DVD players.

The convenient connection was actively used in audio equipment and amplifiers. Computer hardware manufacturers even made such outputs on sound cards.

And the craftsmen performed special RCA wiring to connect TVs as a monitor to a PC.

Over time, many industrial cables and adapters have appeared that allow you to connect TV to more modern gadgets. For example, using an RCA-mini jack cable it was possible to output content from some smartphones.

Nowadays, the RCA connector can also be found on modern televisions or projectors designed for connection with some video playback devices. However, on screens with a maximum resolution of 4K and higher, transmitting an analog signal via RCA seems pointless. Why?

Yes, because a regular composite (rca) can output maximum Full HD.

And therefore, manufacturers are abandoning it in favor of more modern information transfer standards.

As you understand, my dear readers, the era of RCA connectors is ending. But it is still necessary to pay tribute to them. I hope that you will have more modern technology at your disposal. And the one with tulips will simply remind you of the rapid progress of technology.

At this point I say goodbye and promise that we will continue talking about different connectors.

See you soon.

Connect? There is a connection!

03/31/2009 17:25 Vladimir Zakamenny

In previous articles we talked about media and file formats, about the main multichannel audio formats, and also about 3D sound technologies. This time we will talk about different types of connections for audio and video signals.

Interfaces for video signal transmission

Composite interface

The oldest type of connection currently used. On cheap TVs this is the only video input. It is a single RCA connector (tulip), usually yellow.

In the VHS era, this method of transmitting video images was the only one, but with the advent of DVD There are new ways to connect video devices to your TV that provide higher picture quality.

To the advantages composite video interface It can be attributed to the fact that almost all televisions are equipped with it. The main drawback is that it coarsens the image a little, removing small details.

S-Video (orY/C)

Interface S-Video (Separate Video) is used to transmit video signals. It is a round four-pin connector that uses separate wires for the chrominance (C) and luminance/sync (Y) signals (hence the name Separate Video).

A connection using this standard provides good image quality when using simple DVD systems, but on high-quality players and TVs it produces noticeable blurring of the picture. Difference in image quality between composite interface And S-Video can only be seen on TVs with a fairly large diagonal (25 inches and above).

Component interface (or YUV)

It consists of three RCA type connectors in green, red and blue colors, designated Y, P/r, P/b (or Y, C/r, C/b). Separate wires carry the brightness/scan signals (Y) and two color difference signals (U and V). It is in this format that color information is encoded when recording on DVD, as well as when broadcasting broadcasts.

This type of connection allows you to get the best image quality for a TV (specifically for a TV, since final signal processing occurs in its path). Fully appreciate all the benefits component interface only possible on large diagonal TVs (29-36 inches or larger).

It is a standard interface for computer monitors, video projectors, plasma panels and LCD televisions. It includes signals of three primary colors, synchronization signals and a special channel for transmitting service information. Interface VGA allows you to transmit video images with virtually no distortion, with very high quality. The connector is usually HD D-Sub 15 pin.

DVI interface

Interface DVI (Digital Visual Interface) is used to transmit video signals in digital form. Since the video signal is transmitted digitally, the image is transmitted without any distortion or interference. Designed to transmit video images to digital display devices such as LCD monitors and projectors.

Data format used in DVI, is based on PanelLink, a serial data format developed by Silicon Image. Uses technology for high-speed transmission of digital streams TMDS (Transition Minimized Differential Signaling, differential transmission of signals with minimization of level differences) - three channels transmitting video streams and additional data, with a throughput of up to 3.4 Gbit/s per channel.

Single link DVI consists of four twisted pairs (red, green, blue, and clock), providing the ability to transmit 24 bits per pixel. With it, the maximum possible resolution of 2.6 megapixels at 60 Hz can be achieved.

There are three types DVI: DVI-A- analogue transmission only, DVI-I- analogue and digital transmission, DVI-D- digital transmission only. With analog transmission, an RGB signal bandwidth of 400 MHz (−3 dB) is achieved; with digital transmission, the minimum clock frequency is 21.76 MHz, the maximum clock frequency in single mode is 165 MHz, the maximum clock frequency in dual mode is limited only by the cable.

Interfaces for audio signal transmission

Line output

This is the main interface for transmitting audio signals between the individual components of the music complex. This interface is used to connect stereo speakers, so when using a multi-channel speaker system, this connector will not be used.

Microphone input

Microphone input designed to connect a microphone. The microphone can be used to amplify the sound of the human voice, for karaoke, and for calibrating surround sound. The number of such inputs determines how many microphones can be connected simultaneously.

Headphone output

Headphones are used for individual listening to music, to maintain silence in the room, for example, at night. Connecting headphones directly to your home theater can be convenient if your TV does not have a headphone output. You can also listen to music CDs using headphones without turning on the TV.

Subwoofer output

A subwoofer is a special loudspeaker for reproducing low-frequency bass sounds. When watching movies, the subwoofer helps reproduce the sounds of gunshots, explosions, etc. Many multi-channel amplifiers and AV receivers provide an output for connecting an active (with its own built-in amplifier) ​​subwoofer.

It consists of six line-level (RCA) connectors that are used to transmit multi-channel 5.1 audio in analog form. Most home theaters are equipped with this output.

6.1CH

These are seven line connectors that are used to transmit multi-channel 6.1 audio in analog form. Using this interface, you can connect a media player, amplifier or sound card 6.1.

It consists of eight line inputs that are used to transmit multi-channel 7.1 audio in analog form. The 7.1CH connector is used to connect a power amplifier or active 7.1 speaker system to a home theater.

Coaxial interface

Coaxial input used to transmit a digital audio signal, and both multi-channel and stereo audio can be transmitted through this interface. To connect via digital coaxial input You can use a simple shielded audio cable with an RCA connector (“tulip”).

Optical output

Used to transmit digital audio signal over optical cable. Both multi-channel and stereo audio can be transmitted through this interface. Of the advantages optical interface It can be noted that it is completely protected from electrical interference.

Mixed interfaces (audio and video)

RCA jack(also called phono connector, or CINCH/AV connector, and also in common parlance " tulip") is a connector standard widely used in audio and video equipment.

Name RCA comes from the name Radio Corporation of America, which introduced this type of connector in the early 1940s for connecting phonographs to amplifiers.

In Russian, this type of connector is often called “tulip”.

Connectors RCA used to transmit video signals and stereo audio: yellow - for video, white - for mono audio or the left channel of a stereo audio signal, red - for the right channel of a stereo audio signal.

SCART (or Euro connector)

European standard for connecting multimedia devices such as TV, VCR, DVD player. The same age as the composite interface, proposed by the French association of radio and television equipment developers Syndicat des Constructeurs d’Appareils, Radiorecepteurs et Televiseurs (abbreviated SCART). Other names: Peritel, euro connector, Euro-AV.

SCART unifies the connections of various devices, it combines all the necessary signals in one multi-pin plug. It is a flat double-row 21-pin connector, which outputs video signals of various formats, stereo audio signals, and control signals. The shape of the connector makes it impossible to connect the plug by mistake. A small limitation is that physical force must be applied to connect or disconnect the socket and plug.

Today, every television or video device produced for Europe is equipped with at least one SCART. Before the standard SCART a large number of different connectors were used, which often made it difficult to connect devices made by different companies. There were differences both in the physical design of the connectors and in the signal specifications.

DV (IEEE 1394)

Serial data interface. In some cases it can be used to transmit audio and video signals. It has become widespread thanks to miniDV video cameras. Using the DV interface, you can connect your camcorder to a DVD recorder and immediately transfer video from it to a DVD disc.

When recording from digital video cameras, it is advisable to use a digital interface rather than an analogue one for connection. DV (IEEE 1394). Choice digital interface will allow you to avoid the loss of quality that occurs when using analog video interfaces (composite, S-Video).

HDMI interface

HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface- high-resolution multimedia interface) is a digital connector that consists of two types of small-sized connectors: 19- and 29-pin. In any of the options, it provides transmission of eight-channel audio in 192 kHz / 24 bit format and a video signal compatible with high-definition television standards. Requires a digital decoder in the TV.

HDMI It has throughput ranging from 4.9 to 10.2 Gbps, the recommended cable length is 1.5 m, but connection distances up to 5 meters are possible. The standard supports CES and European AV.link control protocols.

This interface provides support for HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) technology against illegal copying. Is a modern replacement for analogue connection standards such as SCART or RCA. This is the most promising format for the coming years, and with quality that is excessive for a classic DVD. Interface HDMI backwards compatible with DVI.

DisplayPort

New signal interface standard for digital displays. Adopted by VESA (Video Electronics Standard Association) in May 2006. DisplayPort It is intended to be used as the most modern interface for connecting audio and video equipment, primarily for connecting a computer to a display, or a computer and home theater systems.

Supports HDCP version 1.3 and has twice the throughput of Dual-Link DVI, low power supply voltage and low sensitivity to interference, the Mini DisplayPort connector is approximately the same size as USB.

Technology implemented in DisplayPort, will allow you to simultaneously transmit both graphic and audio signals. Main difference from HDMI- a wider channel for data transmission (10.8 Gbit/s instead of 5 Gbit/s), which will provide high resolutions. Maximum cable length DisplayPort three times more than HDMI- 15 meters versus 5. Well, instead of HDCP, copy protection, DPCP (DisplayPort Content Protection) technology with 128-bit encryption will be implemented.

Universal connectors (for connecting external devices)

USB

USB- serial interface for data transfer. There are two types of this interface, differing in the shape of the connector: USB Type A And USB Type B. Interface USB (type A) Used to connect a USB flash drive or external hard drive with support for this interface. On a home theater with a USB interface, you can listen to music and watch video files recorded on a flash drive. Using the port USB (Type B) You can connect your home theater to your PC and listen to music or watch videos from your computer.

Ethernet

A common technology for transmitting data in computer networks; almost all modern computers are equipped with an interface Ethernet. With it you can connect your home theater to your home local network and view photos, video files saved on your computer’s hard drive, and listen to music in MP3 format. In home theaters as an interface Ethernet Typically 10/100BASE-T Ethernet with an RJ-45 connector is used.

RS-232- serial interface for data transfer. Through this interface, using special software installed on your computer, you can remotely change the home theater settings. On some models, via RS-232 you can change the firmware of the digital part of the devices or change the technological parameters.

FireWire (iLink)

FireWire (iLink) - serial data transfer interface. In some cases it can be used to transmit audio and video signals. AV amplifiers and receivers typically have multiple audio and video inputs. With their help you can connect all your audio and video equipment. On the amplifier's remote control, you can select the desired audio source to amplify or AV source to watch on your TV.

Exclusively important characteristic An often overlooked aspect of a projector is the number and types of video connectors available, and the types of video cables used to connect the projector to signal sources. Whereas specifications A projector's contrast ratio or lens type are major factors in determining the quality of the projected image, a good connection can greatly improve the image, and the array of connectors on the back of the projector determines which devices you can and cannot connect to it.

Each projector on the market comes with a different number of connectors, or inputs, that allow you to connect different signal source devices, such as laptops and computers. So, almost all projectors are equipped with a composite socket; this is the most common standard for transmitting video data. However, technology does not stand still; new methods of transmitting video signals are emerging, which over time began to be used on projectors that can be equipped with more than eight options for video inputs.

Fast passage:

Video interfaces

Video signal source devices are equipped with a wide variety of interfaces that are used to connect to projectors. Most video connectors are easy to connect: manufacturers consumer electronics they prefer to install simple connectors so that the average user can make connections without screwing in any screws or latches. This trend is a challenge for manufacturers who have to balance between performance and convenience.

Composite video connector (Tulip,RCA)

This is the most common and oldest connector, first used with the advent of color television. Developed by Radio Corporation of America (RCA), this connector is widely used in transmitting video and audio signals. It is sometimes called a "Phono Plug" due to the fact that the original purpose of the RCA was to connect a phonograph to an amplifier. As you can understand from the above, this connector is not at all optimal for use with projectors and cannot transmit video high resolution. Even standard definition images transmitted over a composite cable lack clarity. A composite connection involves the use of three cords: one for video (yellow) and two for audio (red and white).

S-Video (Separate/Super Video)

This video standard was created in the 80s and, as the name suggests, differs from composite video in that it separates video into two separate signals: luminance and color. This leads to improved color reproduction and image clarity. However, S-Video is an analog format and cannot carry an HD TV signal. In addition, as in the case of a composite signal, the sound must be transmitted through separate cables.

Component connector

Component cables can significantly improve image quality compared to composite cables due to the separation into red, blue and green channels, each of which has its own cable. If these connectors are marked as Y, Pb and Pr, then the cable allows you to transmit high-definition video. Regardless of whether the image is transmitted in high definition or standard definition, it will be displayed in significantly better quality and with better color reproduction than using a component cable or s-video. However, this connector, like composite and s-video, requires audio transmission via separate wires.

DVI (DigitalVideoInterface)

DVI was created to connect a computer to a monitor, but has now become one of the standard connections for audiovisual devices such as projectors due to its ability to transmit high-resolution images. The DVI signal is transmitted through a single cable, which is screwed to the back of the device, similar to a VGA connector. As with the previously listed interfaces, DVI does not carry an audio component. The DVI connector itself is 24 pins arranged in three horizontal rows of 8 pins. To the side of these 24 pins is a wide, flat ground pin. A dual-channel interface provides two TDMS channels, or, in other words, two groups of data “channels” capable of transmitting digital video information at speeds in excess of 10 GB per second. A dual-link cable is backwards compatible with single-link cables, but most DVI uses a dual-link DVI-D connection.

HDMI

HDMI stands for High Definition Multimedia Interface and is designed specifically for modern HD-capable consumer electronics. If you need best quality images, then HDMI should be considered first. This interface is also attractive because, in addition to HD video, it carries multi-channel Dolby sound and control signals, it is extremely convenient to connect, and the cable length can easily reach 30 meters. HDMI is also attractive to film studios because it supports HDCP (high bandwidth digital content protection) anti-piracy technology. Current version HDMI carries one TMDS digital video channel. Used in many home theater and consumer electronics products, HDMI uses a 19-pin connector that is held in place by friction. This connector is called HDMI Type A.

HDMIMini

Otherwise known as HDMI Type C. Having the same number of pins, but in a more compact design, HDMI Mini is usually used in portable devices Oh.

VGA connector (akaRGB connector,DE-15,HD-15,D-sub 15,minisubD15)

VGA (Video Graphics Array) is a very common connector, used mainly as an interface for computers and monitors. It can be found on projectors, high-definition TVs and monitors, as well as older high-definition devices such as satellite receivers and boxes. cable television. The VGA standard does not carry audio information. A VGA connection may be preferable for business and education applications, since the VGA port is the most common and standard on both older and modern PCs. The HD15 is a high-density video DB connector, for this reason it is also called HD DB15. Another popular name is the VGA connector, although it is usually used for higher resolutions (SVGA, XGA, UXGA, etc.). The HD15 connector is the same size as the DB9, but has three rows of 5 pins. Most HD15 male plugs are missing pin #9 in the middle row. This pin is not used to transmit any component of the video signal from the computer.

USB-A (Universal Serial Bus)

The USB interface is designed to connect all kinds of devices to a computer. Nowadays, the projector can be equipped with a USB connector, which allows you to connect storage media to play certain types of files without using a computer. Depending on the capabilities of the projector, images, or presentations, or video and audio are reproduced from USB media. Some projector manufacturers have gone further and allow you to replace video and audio cables with a USB cable, and also allow you to control the projector from a computer via USB. Please note, however, that USB data transfer speeds are limited and displaying video may result in image stuttering. And yet, the USB connection is extremely convenient.

BNC

BNC connectors are a round shaped plug with a bayonet locking system and are used with coaxial cables. BNCs have good resistance values, and their locking mechanism securely holds the connected wires. Because BNC is more expensive than RCA and more difficult to connect, they are often used in high-end and professional A/V equipment. BNC is a typical solution for closed circuit television and surveillance cameras. There are several theories to explain the "BNC" acronym, but the most plausible one seems to be "Bayonet-Neill-Concelman", referring to the two people who developed the connector years ago (Paul Neill of Bell Labs, and Carl Concelman of Amphenol). The most common types of BNC connectors are for 3-BNC (RGB) component video cable and 5-BNC (RGBHV) component video cable. The component connection carries one luminance signal and two out-of-phase chroma signals over three 75-ohm coaxial cables. The all-analog component interface of the 770.3 boasts as much functionality as RGBHV.

Audio interfaces

To transmit sound, a large number of both digital and analog interfaces. Applications range from home theaters, to portable systems, to professional mixing consoles used by DJs and other professionals. Ease of connection is a common feature of most audio connectors: equipment manufacturers prefer to use simple interfaces that the average user can easily connect without tightening screws on locks. This circumstance will always be a challenge for manufacturers who are forced to balance between convenience and quality.

3.5 mm

3.5mm connector, also called “stereo mini jack”, “mini plug”, “TRS connector”, “1/8 inch connector”. The plug is divided into several segments by insulating rings, depending on the number of channels: ground and audio channel 1 are always present (one insulating ring). In a stereo jack, or an audio/video version of the connector used by video cameras, there are two and three insulating rings, respectively (3 and 4 sectors on the surface of the pin, respectively). 3.5 mm connectors are often used in computer audio cards and portable devices to transmit mono and stereo audio: line input and output (to speakers), microphone, headphones, external amplifier.

RCA

The RCA connector is used for a number of purposes. The protocol standard is S/PDIF (Sony®/Philips Digital Interface), capable of carrying a PCM signal, or Dolby® AC-3/DTS multichannel. When using an analog signal, two RCA connectors are used for stereo, usually marked red and white. In home theater systems, powered RCA is used to connect the subwoofer. In professional equipment, RCA can connect an unbalanced source to a balanced XLR input, as part of an XLR to RCA cable for CD/DVD players, mixing consoles and amplifiers. RCA can also connect balanced line outputs from mixing consoles to the unbalanced inputs of recording devices and amplifiers.

XLR

The XLR connector is very often used to transmit audio signals. Developed by ITT Canon, the most commonly seen configuration is a three-pin plug for balanced audio signals. When connecting a connector to a connector, pin 1 (ground) is connected first, which prevents possible damage to the equipment. Balanced audio signals are well protected from electromagnetic noise and can be longer. For this reason, a balanced XLR connection is very often used for microphones, mixers, amplifiers and other audio devices.

USB interface

Universal Serial Bus ("universal serial bus") was developed in the 1990s with the goal of making easier connection between computers and peripheral devices. The popularity of USB is due to the compatibility of the connector with many platforms and operating systems, low installation cost and ease of use. Most computers manufactured today have multiple USB ports, and USB is preferred for most home office devices, including printers, cameras, modems, and portable storage devices.

USB standards are developed by the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF), the "USB Implementation Forum". In the original specification, USB was represented by two connectors: Type A and Type B. Revisions of specifications and consumer demands led to the emergence of new USB connectors, but most devices to this day use Types A and B.

USBB-Type

The Type B connector is designed for use with USB peripherals. The plug has a square shape with bevels at the top of the connector. Like connector B, it uses friction to stay securely in the socket. The Type B connector is always installed "source side" so most USB applications require a USB A-B cable.

USBA-Type

Typically installed on computers and control devices, USB Type A is a flat, rectangular plug. The connector is held in place by friction and is extremely easy to connect. Instead of rounded pins, the connector uses flat pins, allowing it to withstand multiple connections much better. USB A is installed exclusively on host devices and hubs and is not intended for external use. peripheral devices, since from the side of the main device one of the contacts is supplied D.C. 5V. Although not as common, USB A-A wires are still used to connect two computers with USB A connectors. However, this method is not usually used to transfer data between computers. You must ensure that the manufacturer has provided this type of connection between the two devices, otherwise it may cause serious damage to the equipment.

Micro-USBA/B

USB-IF certified, this connector can be found on new portable devices: smartphones, GPS navigators, PDAs and digital cameras. Micro-USB A provides a connection to Micro-USB B. Both connectors are extremely miniature, while supporting data transfer speeds of up to 480 Mbps and OTG functionality, thanks to which the device can act both as a peripheral when connected to a computer, and as a host. The connector holder on side A is white, on side B – black.

Connector Micro USB A/B allows you to connect both Micro-USB A and Micro USB B cables. The connector is not installed on cables, but only on devices that support On-The-Go technology.

USBMini-b (five pin)

The disadvantage of the USB type B connector is its size: each side is almost a centimeter. This drawback has made USB B unsuitable for many compact devices such as PDAs, digital cameras, smartphones. As a result, many portable device manufacturers have begun miniaturizing USB connectors, replacing Type B with this connector. The five-pin Mini-b is the most popular and the only approved USB-IF. By default, the Mini-b cable has five pins. This connector is approximately 1/3 the size of a USB A connector. This connector also supports new standard OTG (On-The-Go).

USB 3.0 TypeA

This connector is identical in size and shape to USB Type A used for USB 2.0 and USB 1.1 data transfer. However, it has additional pins not found on USB Type A. The USB 3.0 connector is designed for SuperSpeed ​​data transfer, but also allows data transfer at lower speeds, and is backward compatible with USB 2.0 ports. The connectors are usually blue to distinguish them from earlier USB versions.

USB 3.0 TypeB

The USB 3.0 connector is installed on devices that support USB 3.0 and is designed to transfer data at SuperSpeed ​​speeds. Cables for this connector are not compatible with USB devices 2.0 and 1.1; however, USB 3.0 devices with this connector can be connected USB cables 2.0 and 1.1.

USB 3.0MicroB

The USB 3.0 Micro B connector can be installed on USB 3.0 devices and is designed to transfer data at SuperSpeed ​​speeds. USB 3.0 Micro B cables are not compatible with USB 2.0 and 1.1 devices.

DB9

The DB9 connector has 9 pins arranged in three rows, one above the other. The top row has 5 pins, the bottom row has 4 and is usually used to transmit data via the RS-232 serial protocol. For many years this interface was supplied on all PCs, but today most modern computers are not equipped with it. On a PC, the serial port is usually represented by a DB9 male.

The main and most significant feature of connecting a computer and a TV using an RCA cable is that the necessary connectors are not available on video cards by default. Despite this limitation, in further instructions we will talk about methods for such connection.

The process of connecting a PC to a TV using this method is the least recommended, since the final image quality will be quite low. However, if there are no other interfaces on the TV, you can get by with RCA connectors.

Step 1: Preparation

The only one current method Converting a video signal from a computer involves using a special converter. Most the best option is an adapter "HDMI - RCA", since the vast majority of video cards are equipped with this interface.

Devices similar to the above can act as a converter for other types of signal, for example, "VGA - RCA". And although their cost will be somewhat lower, the signal quality and capabilities are inferior to HDMI.

Based on the selected connection interface, purchase a cable to connect the computer and the converter itself. It can be dual VGA or HDMI.

On TVs with the ability to connect devices via an RCA cable, there are three connectors, each of which is responsible for transmitting one signal. Prepare a wire that has plugs with the same colors:

• Red – right audio channel;
• White – left audio channel;
• Yellow – main video channel.

In some cases, you can get by with only one video channel, since audio transmission is supported exclusively by HDMI.

Note: The necessary cables may be supplied with the converter.

If you use a video signal converter, sound from your computer to your TV can be transmitted using a cable “2 RCA – 3.5 mm jack”. You can also use a suitable adapter.

Regardless of the type of converter you choose, you need to take into account that such a device requires separate power. In this case, the converter "HDMI - RCA" receives the required amount of electricity from the PC directly through the cable.

Be careful that the cable for direct signal transmission, e.g. "HDMI - RCA" or "VGA - RCA" not suitable for solving the task.

Step 2: Connection

We will look at the connection process using the example of two different converters designed to convert HDMI and VGA signals to RCA. The converters mentioned below are perfect for connecting not only a PC and TV, but also some other devices.

HDMI - RCA

This connection method requires the presence of a special converter that converts the HDMI signal to RCA.

After these steps, the image from the computer should be displayed on the TV screen.

VGA - RCA

Remember to look at the labels on each connector when using the converter. Otherwise, due to correct connection the video signal will not be transmitted.

After transmitting the video signal, you need to do the same with the audio stream.

2 RCA - 3.5 mm jack

Now you can move on to detailed settings of the TV as a monitor.

Step 3: Setup

You can influence the operation of the connected TV through various parameters both on the computer itself and on the converter. However, it is impossible to improve the final quality.

TV

Converter

Computer

Once properly connected and configured, the TV will be an excellent addition to your main monitor.