When you want to hook up a DVD recorder or connect a particular peripheral to your personal computer, then you will require some common audio and video cables. All these accessories are available at your local electronics store or computer equipment retailer. If you are sourcing the digital video recorder (DVR) from an AV equipment rentals company, then make sure that the audio/video cables are included in the rental package. It is good to understand how these cables actually work before you use them to hook up electronic devices.

Parts of a cable

– A cable consists of a conductor, which receives electromagnetic interference and radio frequency interference. The received signal passes through the conductor.
– A cable comes with a shielding which acts as a filter to remove all potential noise sources.
– A connector, as the name implies, is what comes in contact with the electronic device.

Types of audio and video cables

Analog audio cables: RCA/phono/cinch connectors pass the analog line level audio signals between electronic components. All kinds of audio visual equipment, including DVRs, DVD players and televisions come with RCA jacks. The RCA audio cables come in stereo pairs, one connecting to the right audio channel and one to the left.

Digital audio cables: There are two types of digital audio cables- coaxial and optical. Coaxial cables transfer digital audio signals and while they look like analog RCA cables, they typically consist of a single cable unlike RCA that consists of double plugs. Optical cables, also known as SPDIF connectors are also found on DVRs, DVD players and home-theater receivers. Digital audio signals are transmitted through optical cables in the form of light pulses.

Analog video cables: Coaxial RF is used to connect TVs, antennas, set top boxes etc. Audio and video signals are carried on a single coaxial cable. It is a low quality analog cable, used only to connect a television which does not have any other input. An RCA or composite cable can be plugged into the video jack present on DVR and DVD players. S-video cables consist of four pin connectors. They transmit a video signal’s color and brightness separately. The color accuracy is better with this type of cable when compared to RF cables.

Component video delivers better color accuracy and detail when compared to other analog video cables. The video signal is split into three parts and each part is transmitted through its own cable. When you go for AV equipment rentals to rent a DVD player or recorder, a component cable should be included in the rental package.

Digital video cables: HDMI and DVI cables are the two main digital video cables. They can transmit high definition and standard definition video signals. HDTVs, HDTV tuners and some DVD players come with HDMI or DVI. Components with DVI terminals can be connected to components with HDMI terminals using an HDMI to DVI adapter.

When you rent or buy a DVD player or a high-definition television, make sure that you understand the type of audio/video cables to be used with each electronic device. When you go for AV equipment rentals, check with the rental provider about the cables you can use to hook up the audio-visual equipment.

Author Bio: For more information on Denver computer rental or Durham computer rental, contact a technology professional at Vernon Computer Source.

Category: Computers and Technology
Keywords: event equipment rental, computer equipment rental, audio visual rental