Audio Visual

Before monitors and televisions can display visuals and play audio, they must receive electrical signals from the relevant source. Audio Visual (AV) cables function as the bridge between the display device and this source of information, transferring data that the display device can then convert into sound and images. The technology supporting audio and video cables allows you to use devices such as DVD players, gaming consoles and Blu-Ray players.

There are numerous types of Audio Visual cables that suit various purposes. HDMI cables are a popular form of Audio Visual cabling. These AV cables are able to digitally transfer high-resolution video and audio, making them the standard for supporting 720p, 1080p and higher video formats.

For your Audio Visual installation needs, look no further than 4Cabling as we stock high-quality coaxial cable connectors, AV Cables, wall plates and inserts, network extenders and more! Check out our full range of AV cables below.

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Audio visual cables are used mostly for entertainment purposes. As an audio video cable can transfer both sound and visual signals, they are often required for television systems, computers and gaming consoles.

With a wide variety of Audio Visual products available, it can be slightly complex to determine which AV cable you need for your specific device. Here is a summary of the most common types of AV cables:

This is an older-style of audio video cable that uses analog signals, recognisable by its three coloured connectors: one yellow connector for video, and one red and one white connector for audio. Nowadays, most modern devices do not support composite AV cables.

Often mistaken for the composite AV cable, the component AV cable uses three cables to transmit video signals. The green cable transmits brightness, while the blue and red cables transmit the blue and red colours within the image. Component AV cables can display better quality images in comparison to composite AV cables.

These cables are used for linking S-Video connections on various audio-visual devices. S-Video cables carry video through two separate signals: chroma (colour) and luma (lumeninance). While S-Video cables are known for producing higher-quality video in comparison to composite AV cables, they are also gradually becoming less common.

This type of AV cable consists of an inner conductor that is encapsulated by a surrounding shield.  A coaxial cable connector can transmit both audio and visual signals in a single system. They are more commonly used in analog televisions and CCTV systems.

As a relatively new technology, HDMI cables provide high-resolution video and sound using digital signals. They are generally considered to be the ‘replacement’ to the traditional composite AV cable and are more simple to manage as they carry multiple signals through a single cable.

HDMI is typically considered to be the superior choice when it comes to AV cables, specifically when compared to analog RCA cables. An increasing number of newly-manufactured devices are no longer compatible with RCA cables, instead opting for HDMI Audio Video cables.

The main disadvantage of RCA cables is that each signal needs its own plug. This can contribute to a more confusing configuration by adding unnecessary clutter to the television’s setup. On the other hand, HDMI cables are made up of only one cable, making them much more simplistic to set up. 

 As they are a newer piece of technology, HDMI cables offer a range of benefits that simplify usage and management, including:

• A single cable for both sound and video
• Higher quality video and loss transmission
• Deep colours
• Autonomic configuration
• Compatibility with a wide range of devices
• Maintains encryption of data

If you are still unsure which AV cable your system requires, explore our visual AV cable guide to discover more about the performance abilities of each cable type.

Have any more questions about AV cables? Contact our team to speak with an expert who can provide you with more information into the Audio Visual cabling solution that’s best for your needs.