AUDIO AND VIDEO CONNECTORS

 

This is the end of an RCA phono plug. This is one of the most popular type of connectors for both audio and video connectors.The top illustration shows a "male" plug. Male plugs are named for the protruding metal pin at the end. Below that is shown a "female" receptacle. The male plugs into the female receptacle. If you own a video game, VCR, or stereo, you are probably familiar with these connectors. They are usually color coded. Yellow plugs carry video information, while red and white connections carry audio information. Higher grade connectors are metal like the one shown in the illustration. These are also called "composite video connectors".

 

 

This is the end of a "mini" male connector. The mini connector is a 1/8" connector that usually carries an audio signal. It is found on smaller microphones and speakers for computers. It is also found on headphones and earphones. The top connector shown is a "mono" plug. Notice the one dark band toward the end of the plug. Below that is an illustration of a stereo mini plug. Notice that there are two bands on the end of the plug. There is a corresponding female input receptacle for both of these types of mini connectors.

 

 

This connector is called a 1/4" phone plug. It gets its name from its original use. It was used by telephone operators long ago to make phone connections. Anyone who plays a guitar is familiar with this kind of plug. It is primarily used for audio applications and is found on the end of microphones and headphones. The illustration shows a "mono" plug. There are stereo varieties similar to the mini plug shown above that have two bands on the end of the plug. There is a corresponding female receptacle.

 

 

The last audio connector that we will discuss here is the "XLR" connector. These connectors are used with high quality microphone and audio signals. The audio connectors are usually of the three-pin variety. They have a locking release button on the side that will usually prevent them from being disconnected. Cables are connected in a series by using "barrel connectors. They are special connectors that have female to female connections. Therefore, a male plug can be inserted on both ends to link together two cables.

There are also four and five pin XLR connectors. Those types of connections are not for audio, but for power connections to certain video devices.

 

 

A higher quality video connector is the "S-Video" connector. This connector is used on equipment that supports an enhanced video signal. It is now used on new TV's and DVD players for a high quality image. Specifically, it allows the introduction of another color into the video signal. A typical video signal carries RGB. The S-Video connector adds black as an additional color. This results in a sharper video image. The main type of "s-video" seen on decks and video capture devices is the four-pin variety. However, there is also a seven-pin variety. There is a female receptacle for both as well.

 

 

Probably the most secure connection for audio and video applications is the "BNC" connector. It is used in conjunction with coaxial cable to carry very high quality audio and video signals. The feature that makes this such an exceptional connector is the "twist and lock" action that is characteristic of this connection. The female receptacle has an external two-pin protrusion that allows the male connector to lock onto it. This is a connector used when secure connections are essential.

 

 

Anyone who has ever connected a television set to a cable connection has, in all likelihood, used an "F" connector. This connector is a fairly secure connection due to the threads on it. The male connector is inserted into the female connector by threading the connector on. The turning of the threaded ends tightens the connection, and a wrench may be used to further tighten them together. The "F" connector carries a "radio frequency" (RF) signal into the television set or monitor. The RF signal contains both audio and video information that is translated by the deck or set. For the most part, this is used on home quality decks. There is also a "press-on" type of "F" connector. These are used almost exclusively for home video decks and do not afford a secure connection, since the slightest pressure may cause them to loosen.