Cables

Composite Video (analogue)

The analogue transmission carries standard definition - 480i (interlaced) or 576i signal. It's used for standard formats such as SECAM, PAL and NTSC. The cable only carries one signal, unlike S-Video or Component, meaning the quality of the signal can be quite poor. In addition, once the signal is lost, it can't be brought back. These cables can be used for most home analogue video equipment, such as a TV. However, this cable doesn't transmit audio, making it inappropriate for DVD players etc.

S-Video (analogue)

This cable carries a standard definition signal, just like Composite video (480i and 576i). However, S-Video is a higher quality cable, as it separates black and white colour signals. Two signals are better than one. However, it doesn't support as high a resolution as the component cable. The cable has 5 pins, four of which have their own ground pin. The bottom pin is simply for holding purposes. This makes it more appropriate for analogue equipment that may need to move (e.g. if you're using a TV on a movable stand the wire is less likely to fall out). Again, this cable doesn't transmit audio.

Component Video (analogue)

Component Video is separated into three different signals - red, green and blue (RGB). This allows for a higher quality colour image. Component is capable of full HD resolution, but the nature of digital TVs means that extra conversion must take place, which can create artefacts. Not all HD sources support progressive output, so the signal may be limited to 1080i. Although component isn't as impressive as HDMI, it's the cable you'd use if a HDMI was unavailable. You may use it for a games console etc. This cable also doesn't transmit audio, making it appropriate for store use (in the display area you can see the images on screen, but you can't hear anything).

VGA (analogue)

VGA is often used for computer monitors and can connect to an array of equipment including: HDTVs, netbooks, video cards and laptops. Similarly to the component video cable, it splits the signals into three different colours - red, green and blue. These cables can allow for any resolutions between 640x400 and 2048x1536, but the higher resolution cables often require coaxial wiring and insulation for a higher quality. VGA doesn't support audio, making this cable appropriate for showing presentations etc.

DVI Cable (digital)

DVI is considered to be a better cable than VGA, because it's a digital cable, meaning no loss in quality. There are three main types of DVI cables, all made  for different uses. These are DVI-D, DVI-A and DVI-I. It can be used for HDTVs and video cards and the cable comes in single and dual link. DVI cables are capable of a higher resolution than VGA (3840x2400), making them the preferred option. Despite how high quality these cables are, they still can't transmit audio.

HDMI (digital)

HDMI can be used on a wide range of devices including: cameras, blu-ray players, monitors and computers. It is a single cable that transmits both video and audio, making it a preferable cable. The fact that it's digital also makes it preferable, as there's no loss of signal. There are three versions of HDMI cable; version 1.0 supports 1920x1080p; version 1.4 supports ethernet, 3D and 3840x2160 at 30fps and version 2.0 supports 3840x2160 at 60fps.

RCA Connector (analogue)

Similar to HDMI, RCA cables are used to transmit audio and video signals. The cables are considered to be consumer grade, as they are very common and often come with most electronics (e.g. consoles). However, they are primarily used for stereo equipment. They can be used for many devices before and after the digital switchover (VHS, DVD players, TVs). Despite their usefulness, they are susceptible to hum and noise and they lose quality over distance.

1/4 and 1/8 (3.5mm) jack (analogue)

The smaller jack (3.5mm) is mainly used in phones and DSLR's, as these cables are intended for short runs. The larger jack (1/4) is for audio recording equipment, stereo equipment, guitar and bass leads. Generally, the bigger the equipment, the bigger the jack needed. Also the larger jacks are of a higher quality, but they wouldn't be appropriate for phones, because phones are too small.

XLR Connector (digital)

This is the most common cable used for microphones, as the switch allows for a large amount of movement without letting the microphone fall out of the back of the camera. There are 3 pins, similar to the balanced connection on a 3.5mm or 1/4mm jack. The female end is usually the source and the male end is the input. Using a 1/4 jack on a set to record audio would be a bad idea, as the cable could easily fall out of the camera without anyone knowing and so the footage would be audio-less and unusable.