Bnc composite. Composite video. There is no video connector on the graphics card

AV input

A somewhat outdated element, since its heyday was during the VHS and super-VHS video signals, when it had no competitors in the video signal transmission system. The advent of DVD forced composite video output to fade into the background, under the pressure of more modern methods reception and transmission of video information. Its main disadvantage is that it “discards everything unnecessary,” that is, sometimes it removes not too large elements of the image and smoothes the image. However, if the diagonal of your screen does not exceed 21 inches, this means that you will hardly notice the difference: anyway, such small screens are usually not designed to reproduce high-resolution images.
Equipping your TV with a composite video input means transmitting the video signal over a single coaxial cable. The connection is made through a standard RCA connector, colloquially called a “tulip”.
Almost all TV models have this connector, which can be considered the most significant advantage of this technical element.

AV on front or side

If your TV has an AV input, this means the simplest way connecting a DVD player or VCR to your TV.
The AV interface is a composite video and audio access.
An AV input on the front or side panel means easier and faster access to this interface than, for example, the same input located on the rear panel, the so-called rear interfaces.

S-Video

If your TV is the latest generation and has a diagonal of 25 inches or larger, then, undoubtedly, you will notice a difference in image quality if you receive the image through the Separate Video interface. To do this, your TV must be equipped with an S-Video input. It is this system that ensures separate transmission of such image components as brightness and color. Split transmission means transmitting video signal components on different wires. This technology guarantees higher image quality. To connect this interface, a mini DIN, a standard four-cycle connector, is used.

An S-Video cable is also called an SVHS cable; Most high-end TVs, all video disc players, camcorders, satellite receivers and SVHS VCRs. When using an S-Video cable, unlike a composite cable, luminance and color are transmitted separately as 2 different components. The picture quality when using an S-Video cable is significantly higher than when using a composite cable.

S-Video on front or side

S-Video input is required for video transmission.
For comfort quick connection Separate Video interface, the latest generations of TVs are equipped with an S-Video input on the front or side panel. This placement greatly simplifies access to the S-Video input for quickly connecting, for example, a video camera. When the S-Video input is placed on the back of the TV, access to it can be significantly difficult.

Number of S-Video inputs

The Separate Video system is required for video signal transmission. How big amount The number of video inputs your TV is equipped with, the more external video sources you can connect at the same time. Simultaneous connection is convenient because you can adjust the image or switch from one source to another simply with the remote control remote control your TV. You won't have to get up and switch cables from one device to another.

Video component

Component video input is used to transmit video signal. The component interface allows you to transmit all three components of the video signal (two colors, brightness) over different wires. This certainly guarantees higher image quality than composite or S-Video transmission. However, it must be kept in mind that the main benefits of component video input can only be appreciated on very large screens. For TVs with a screen diagonal of up to 29 inches, this interface is not essential. To connect to this video input, as a rule, a “tulip” connector or three BNCs are used.

Number of component video inputs

Component video input is required to receive video signal.
If your TV has several component video inputs, you can connect several external signal sources at the same time. For example, a DVD player, VCR, cable or satellite receiver. At the same time, you will not have to constantly switch the cable; to switch to another signal source, you will only need to use the remote control.

Number of composite video inputs

A composite interface is necessary for transmitting video “pictures”. In this case, the signal is transmitted through one coaxial cable. A standard RCA connector ("tulip") will allow you to connect the cable to your TV. If your TV has several composite video inputs (up to 6), you can connect several external signal sources simultaneously. For example, a DVD player, VCR, cable or satellite receiver. At the same time, you will not have to constantly switch the cable; to switch to another signal source, you will only need to use the remote control.

RGB

The RGB input interface on your TV is designed to transmit video signals in the RGB (red, green and blue) color model. Each color signal is transmitted by a separate wire, which increases the quality of the video signal, as well as its synchronization.
For large screen TVs, RGB will be best choice, unless you have an analog TV.
The connectors needed to transmit RGB signals are SCART, RCA or BNC - three cables each.

VGA

VGA is a standard system used for computer monitors. It transmits not only the image of three primary colors and synchronization signals, but also has a separate channel for transmitting internal information from the source to the TV. This function allows you to transmit a signal of very high quality, with virtually no interference. Using this device, the TV connects to a computer, DVD player, and other recording devices. The standard HD D-Sub 15 pin connector is most suitable for connecting via the VGA input. Compatible with video cards with DVI-I and similar connectors.

Number of VGA inputs

The VGA system is standard for computer monitors. The more video inputs your TV has, the more external video sources you can connect simultaneously. Simultaneous connection is convenient because you can adjust the image or switch from one source to another simply using the remote control of your TV.

DVI

If your TV has a DVI input, this means that you can receive a high quality digital television signal, without any kind of distortion. The DVI or Digital Visual Interface input is designed for transmitting a digital video signal. The DVI interface can contain up to two digital channels and one analogue (VGA), which determines the existing variety of connectors:

• DVI-I Single Link - one analog and one digital channel.
• DVI-D Dual Link- two digital channels. Allows you to use permissions up to 2560*1600 at a refresh rate of 60Hz or 1920*1080 at update rate 120Hz(required to use nVidia 3D Vision technology). Most relevant at present.
• DVI-D Single Link- only one digital channel, interface capabilities are limited by resolution 1920*1200 or 1600*1200 at a refresh rate of 60Hz, to support higher resolutions you must use Dual Link or an analog interface.
• DVI-I Dual Link - one analog and two digital channels, the most complete implementation of the interface.
• DVI-A is only an analog part, without a digital one, in fact it is a VGA connector made in a new form factor. Usually found only on the DVI part of the DVI-VGA adapter.

If the documentation for the monitor indicates that this modification uses the DVI Dual Link option, then to fully support the maximum monitor resolutions (usually 1920*1200 and higher), the video card and the DVI cable used must also support Dual Link. If you use the cable included with the monitor and a relatively modern (at the time of writing the FAQ) video card, then no additional purchases are required.

The maximum length of a DVI cable is not strictly specified in the standard, but without any restrictions, the cable can only be up to 5 m long, then the maximum supported resolution decreases with distance, for example, for a Single Link cable with a standard 15 m long screen, the maximum supported resolution is 1280 * 1024 .

If the DVI cable is faulty, or the resolution set is excessive for its frequency characteristics (this is especially common with cables 10 m or more in length), then this manifests itself in the form of specific flickering pixels on the monitor.

HDCP support in DVI interface

If your TV supports HDCP in the DVI interface, therefore, supports High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection or specially developed protection technology digital information from pirated copying. The technology is based on the formation of a set of password signals for the transmitter and recipient of information. If the signals match, the video signal will be of high quality; if the passwords do not match, the resolution will be at a very low level.
If your TV has an HDMI interface, then you can receive an HDCP-encoded signal without problems. If your TV has DVI, then you should check whether you can actually receive a signal in HDCP format - in this case this is not self-evident.

HDMI

HDMI was created for a new generation digital television and supports HDTV high definition standard. The High Definition Multimedia Interface, abbreviated HDMI, is necessary for transmitting data in digital format. It is also equipped with special copy protection High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection.
HDMI input is an adaptation of DVI-D for household equipment, complemented by an S/PDIF interface for multi-channel audio transmission. Present for virtually all modern LCD TVs, plasma panels and projectors. To connect a video card with a DVI-D or DVI-I interface to the HDMI connector, a simple passive adapter or cable with the appropriate connectors is sufficient. It is impossible to connect a video card with only a VGA (D-Sub) connector to HDMI!

But if you choose between DVI and HDMI, it should be noted that HDMI allows you to get the highest quality image and sound.

HDMI on front or side

HDMI input (High Definition Multimedia Interface) is used to transmit video signals and multi-channel audio to digital form(See "HDMI input").
The location of the input interfaces on the front panel makes them much easier to access. This arrangement can be convenient in cases where you need to quickly connect an external video source to the TV (for example, a video camera to view a filmed video).

Number of HDMI inputs

The High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) input is used to receive video and multi-channel audio in digital form. If your TV is equipped with several of these interfaces, this will allow you to connect several types of external equipment, and then connect to each of them with ease. This could be a DVD player, a VCR, or a cable or satellite receiver. In this case, each device can be connected using a simple remote control.

Number of audio inputs

The TV's audio inputs are used to transmit audio from an external source.
If your TV has multiple interfaces, this will allow you to connect several types of audio and video signals from external equipment to the TV at once, and then connect to each of them with ease. This could be a DVD player, a VCR, or a cable or satellite receiver. In this case, each device can be turned on using a simple remote control.

Audio optical

If your TV has a digital optical audio input, this can significantly improve the sound quality of your equipment. The main difference between the optical input is that in this case, not an electrical cable, but a fiber optic cable is used to transmit the signal. It is this difference that makes it possible to avoid almost any electromagnetic interference during optical signal transmission by transmitting multi-channel audio over a single cable. The remaining functions are similar for the user: the audio signal (both stereo and multichannel) is transmitted from the media in digital form.

Audio coaxial

The digital coaxial input is used to transmit audio signals from any external source in digital format, both in stereo and multi-channel mode. Any recording or transmitting device with an appropriate interface can be used as an external source. The advantages of transmitting a signal in digital format are obvious: it is playback with virtually no interference and noise and the transmission of a multi-channel signal over a single cable. A standard shielded RCA cable will allow you to connect to the digital coaxial input.

D.V.

If your TV has a DV or IEEE 1394 input, this means that you can easily connect a digital video recorder or camcorder that supports the miniDV standard to your TV.
Basically, DV is designed for the TV to receive digital audio and video signals.

The IEEE 1394 standard dates back to the early 1990s, when Apple developed the FireWire bus specification for connecting computers to computers. peripheral devices. In 1995, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) adopted the FireWire standard and named it IEEE 1394.
IEEE 1394 is a high-speed serial data technology for connecting a computer to peripherals. Unlike USB, which is optimal for low speeds and, accordingly, connecting keyboards, mice, joysticks, IEEE 1394 is aimed at high-speed multimedia peripherals, for example, digital video cameras, external drives(CD drives, hard drives, devices Reserve copy), musical synthesizers. IEEE 1394 data transfer speeds reach 400 Mbit/s.
In March 2002, an agreement was reached to use a common logo for FireWire and IEEE 1394 to promote the standard.

Modern computers have ample capabilities for working with video, and their owners often watch movies on the monitor screen. And with the advent of barebone multimedia platforms aimed at use as a home media center, interest in connecting audio and video equipment is only increasing.
It is much more convenient and practical to watch videos on big screen TV, especially since almost all modern video cards are equipped with a TV output.
The need to connect a TV to a computer also arises when editing amateur video. As you can easily see in practice, the image and sound on a computer are significantly different from what you later see and hear on TV. Therefore, all video editors allow you to view preliminary editing results on a television receiver directly from the working timeline before creating the film. Experienced video amateurs constantly monitor the image and sound, displaying them on a television screen rather than on a computer monitor.
Topics such as setting up video cards, choosing an image standard, and comparing the quality of video outputs of video cards various manufacturers and solving the problems that arise in this case are beyond the scope of this article - here we will consider only the following questions: what connectors can be found on the TV and on the video card, how they are consistent with each other and what methods there are for connecting a computer to a TV.

Display interfaces

Classic analog interface (VGA)

Computers have been using the 15-pin analog D-Sub HD15 (Mini-D-Sub) interface for quite some time, which is traditionally called the VGA interface. The VGA interface carries red, green, and blue (RGB) signals, as well as horizontal scan (H-Sync) and vertical sync (V-Sync) information.

All modern video cards have such an interface or provide it using an adapter from the universal combined DVI-I interface (DVI-integrated).

Thus, both digital and analog monitors can be connected to the DVI-I connector. A DVI-I to VGA adapter is usually included with many graphics cards and allows you to connect older monitors with a 15-pin D-Sub (VGA) plug.

Please note that not every DVI interface supports analog VGA signals, which can be obtained through such adapters. Some video cards have a digital DVI-D interface to which you can connect only digital monitors. Visually, this interface differs from DVD-I in the absence of four holes (contacts) around the horizontal slot (compare the right parts of the white DVI connectors).

Often modern graphics cards are equipped with two DVI outputs, and in this case they are usually universal - DVI-I. Such a video card can simultaneously work with any monitors, both analog and digital in any set.

Digital interface DVI

The DVI interface (TDMS) was designed primarily for digital monitors that do not require the graphics card to convert digital signals to analog.

But since the transition from analog to digital monitors is slow, graphics hardware developers usually use these technologies in parallel. In addition, modern video cards can work with two monitors simultaneously.

The universal DVI-I interface allows for both digital and analogue connections, while DVI-D allows for digital only. However, the DVI-D interface is quite rare today and is usually used only in cheap video adapters.

In addition, DVI digital connectors (both DVI-I and DVI-D) have two varieties - Single Link and Dual Link, which differ in the number of contacts (Dual Link uses all 24 digital contacts, while Single Link uses only 18 ). Single Link is suitable for use in devices with resolutions up to 1920x1080 (full HDTV resolution), for O Higher resolutions require Dual Link, which allows you to double the number of output pixels.

Digital HDMI interface

The digital multimedia interface HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) was developed jointly by a number of large companies - Hitachi, Panasonic, Philips, Sony, etc. The 19-pin version of HDMI is widely used today for transmitting high-definition television (HDTV) signals with resolutions up to 1920x1080 (1080i ). Higher resolution video requires 29-pin Type B connectors. In addition, HDMI can provide up to eight channels of 24-bit, 192 kHz audio and has built-in Digital Rights Management (DRM).

The HDMI interface is relatively new, but in the computer sector it has quite a lot of competitors - both from the traditional DVI interface and from newer and more advanced interfaces such as UDI or DisplayPort. However, products with HDMI ports are systematically moving onto the market, as modern household video equipment is increasingly equipped with HDMI connectors. Thus, the development of the popularity of multimedia computer platforms will stimulate the emergence of graphic and motherboards with HDMI ports, even though computer manufacturers To use this standard, you have to buy a fairly expensive license and also pay some fixed licensing fees for each HDMI product sold.

License payments also lead to higher prices for products with HDMI ports for the end manufacturer - for example, a video card with an HDMI port will cost about $10 more. In addition, it is unlikely that the package will include an expensive HDMI cable ($10-30), so you will have to purchase it separately. However, there is hope that with the growing popularity of the HDMI interface, the size of such a markup will gradually decrease.

HDMI uses the same TDMS signal technology as DVI-D, so low-cost adapters for these interfaces are available.

And while the HDMI interface has not yet replaced DVI, such adapters can be used to connect video equipment via the DVI interface. Please note that HDMI cables cannot be longer than 15m.

New UDI interface

At the beginning of this year, Intel announced a new digital interface UDI (Unified Display Interface) for connecting digital monitors to a computer. So far, Intel has only announced the development of a new type of connection, but in the near future it plans to completely abandon the old analog VGA interface and connect computers to information display devices through a new digital interface UDI, recently developed by the engineers of this company.

The creation of a new interface is due to the fact that both the analog VGA interface and even the digital DVI interface, according to Intel representatives, are now hopelessly outdated. In addition, these interfaces do not support the latest content protection systems that are equipped with new generation digital media, such as HD-DVD and Blu-ray.

Thus, UDI is practically an analogue of the HDMI interface used to connect computers to modern HD TVs. The main (and perhaps the only) difference between UDI and HDMI will be the absence of an audio channel, that is, UDI will transmit only video images and is entirely designed to work with computer monitors, and not with HD TVs. Additionally, Intel apparently doesn't want to pay licensing fees for every HDMI device it produces, so UDI would be a good alternative for companies looking to cut costs for their products.

The new interface is fully compatible with HDMI, and will also support all currently known content protection systems, which will allow smooth playback of new media equipped with copy protection.

New DisplayPort interface

Another new video interface, DisplayPort, recently received approval from companies that are part of the VESA (Video Electronics Standards Association).

The open DisplayPort standard is developed by a number of large companies, including ATI Technologies, Dell, Hewlett-Packard, nVidia, Royal Philips Electronics and Samsung Electronics. It is expected that in the future DisplayPort will become a universal digital interface that allows you to connect displays various types(plasma, liquid crystal, CRT monitors, etc.) to household devices and computer equipment.

The DisplayPort 1.0 specification provides for the possibility of simultaneous transmission of both video and audio streams (in this sense new interface completely similar to HDMI). Note that the maximum throughput According to the DisplayPort standard, it is 10.8 Gbps, and transmission uses a relatively thin connecting cable with four conductors.

Another feature of DisplayPort is that it supports content security features (similar to HDMI and UDI). Built-in security controls allow the contents of a document or video file to be displayed only on a limited number of "authorized" devices, theoretically reducing the likelihood of illegal copying of copyrighted material. Finally, connectors made according to the new standard are thinner than today's DVI and D-Sub connectors. Thanks to this, DisplayPort ports can be used in small form factor equipment and easily make multi-channel devices.

Dell, HP and Lenovo have already announced support for the DisplayPort standard. Apparently, the first devices equipped with new video interfaces will appear before the end of this year.

Video connector on graphics card

On modern video cards, in addition to connectors for connecting monitors (analog - D-Sub or digital - DVI), there is a composite output for video output ("tulip"), or a 4-pin S-Video output, or a 7-pin combined video output ( simultaneously S-Video and composite inputs and outputs).

In the case of S-Video, the situation is simple - S-Video cables or adapters for other SCART-type connectors are commercially available.

However, when video cards have a non-standard 7-pin connector, then in this case it is better to keep the adapter that comes with the video card, because there are several standards for wiring such a cable.

Composite video (RCA)

The so-called composite video output has long been widely used for connecting household audio and video equipment. The connector for this signal is usually designated as RCA (Radio Corporation of America), and is popularly called a “tulip” or VHS connector. Please note that such plugs in video equipment can transmit not only composite video or audio, but also many other signals such as component video or high-definition television (HDTV). Typically, tulip plugs are color-coded to make it easier for users to navigate the tangle of wires. Common color meanings are given in table. 1.

Table 1

	Usage	Signal type
White or black	Sound, left channel	Analog
	Sound, right channel	Analog
	Video, composite signal	Analog
	Component Luminance (Luminance, Luma, Y)	Analog
	Component chrominance (Chrominance, Chroma, Cb/Pb)	Analog
	Component chrominance (Chrominance, Chroma, Cr/Pr)	Analog
Orange/yellow	Digital audio SPDIF	Digital

The wires for transmitting the composite signal can be quite long (simple adapters can be used to extend the wires).

However, the use of low-quality connections and sloppy switching with “tulips” is gradually becoming a thing of the past. In addition, cheap RCA connectors on equipment often break. Today, digital audio and video equipment is increasingly using other types of switching, and even when transmitting analog signals it is more convenient to use SCART.

S-Video

Often the video card and TV have a four-pin S-Video connector (Y/C, Hosiden), which is used to transmit video signals of higher quality than composite. The fact is that the S-Video standard uses different lines to transmit brightness (the luminance and data synchronization signal is denoted by the letter Y) and color (the chrominance signal is denoted by the letter C). Separation of brightness and color signals allows you to achieve better picture quality compared to a composite RCA interface (“tulip”). Higher quality when transmitting analog video can only be provided by completely separate RGB or component interfaces. To obtain a composite signal from S-Video, a simple S-Video to RCA adapter is used.

If you don’t have such an adapter, you can make it yourself. However, there are two options for outputting a composite signal from a video card equipped with an S-Video interface, and the choice depends on the type of video card you have. Some cards can switch output modes and supply a simple composite signal to the S-Video output. In the mode of supplying such a signal to S-Video, you simply need to connect the contacts to which the composite signal is supplied with the corresponding outputs of the “tulip”.

The wiring of the RCA cable is simple: the video signal is supplied through the central core, and the outer braid is the “ground”.

The S-Video layout is as follows:

• GND - “ground” for the Y-signal;
• GND - “ground” for the C-signal;
• Y - brightness signal;
• C - chrominance signal (contains both chrominance signals).

If the S-Video output can operate in the composite signal mode, then ground is supplied to the second pin of its connector, and a signal is supplied to the fourth. On a collapsible S-Video plug, which will be needed to make an adapter, the contacts are usually numbered. The socket and plug connectors are numbered mirrored.

If the video card does not have a composite signal output mode, then to obtain it you will have to mix the color and brightness signal from the S-Video signal through a 470 pF capacitor. The signal thus obtained is fed to the central core, and the ground from the second contact is applied to the braid of the composite cord.

SCART

SCART is the most interesting combined analog interface and is widely used in Europe and Asia. Its name comes from a French abbreviation proposed in 1983 by the Association of Developers of Radio and Television Equipment of France (Syndicat des Constructeurs d’Appareils, Radiorecepteurs et Televiseurs, SCART). This interface combines analog video (composite, S-Video and RGB), stereo audio and control signals. Today, every TV or VCR produced for Europe is equipped with at least one SCART connector.

To transmit simple analog signals (composite and S-Video), there are many different SCART adapters on the market. This interface is convenient not only because everything is connected using just one cable, but also because it allows you to connect a high-quality RGB video source to your TV without intermediate encoding into composite or S-Video signals and get best quality images on the screen of a household TV (the quality of the image and sound when supplied via SCART is noticeably superior to the quality of any other analog connections). This feature, however, is not implemented in all VCRs and televisions.

In addition, the developers included in the SCART interface additional features, reserving a few contacts for the future. And since the SCART interface became a standard in European countries, it has acquired several new properties. For example, using some signals on pin 8, you can control the TV modes via SCART (switch it to “monitor” mode and back), switch the TV to the mode of working with RGB signals (pin 16), etc. Pins 10 and 12 are designed to transmit digital data via SCART, making the number of commands virtually unlimited. There are several known systems communication via SCART: Megalogic, used by Grundig; Easy Link from Philips; SmartLink from Sony. True, their use is limited to communication between a TV and a VCR from these companies.

By the way, the standard provides for four types of SCART cables: type U - universal, providing all connections, V - without audio signals, C - without RGB signals, A - without video signals and RGB. Unfortunately, modern component modes (Y, Cb/Pb, Cr/Pr) are not supported in the SCART standard. However, some DVD player and TV manufacturers large format they build in the ability to transmit via SCART and a component video signal, which is transmitted through the contacts used in the standard for the RGB signal (however, this possibility is practically no different from connecting via RGB).

Various adapters are available for connecting composite or S-Video sources to SCART. Many of them are universal (bidirectional) with an input-output switch.

There are also simple unidirectional adapters, adapters for connecting mono or stereo audio, and jacks for switching control. In the case when you need to connect two devices at once, you can use a SCART splitter for two or three directions. Those who are not satisfied or for whom the proposed options are not available can make their own in accordance with the pin assignments in SCART given in Table. 2.

The pin numbering is usually indicated on the connector:

Of course, computers do not use a SCART connector, however, knowing its specifications, you can always make an appropriate adapter to use an analog computer monitor as a receiver of a video signal from a tape recorder or, conversely, to supply a video signal from a computer to a TV equipped with a SCART connector.

For example, in order to input or output a composite signal from a SCART connector, you need to take a coaxial cable with a characteristic impedance of 75 Ohms and distribute the outer braid (ground) and the inner core (composite signal) on the SCART connector.

Outputting a video signal from a computer to a TV (TV-OUT):

• the composite signal is supplied to pin 20 of the SCART connector;

To input a video signal from a VCR to a computer (TV-IN):

• composite signal - to pin 19 of the SCART connector;
• “ground” - to the 17th pin of the SCART connector.

The correspondence of contacts when making an adapter for S-Video is also indicated in table. 2.

Outputting a video signal from a computer to a TV via S-Video (TV-OUT):

• 3rd pin S-Video - 20th pin SCART;

Inputting a video signal from a VCR to a computer via S-Video (TV-IN):

• 1st S-Video pin - 17th SCART pin;
• 2nd pin S-Video - 13th pin SCART;
• 3rd pin S-Video - 19th pin SCART;
• 4th S-Video pin - 15th SCART pin.

To connect a computer to a TV via RGB, the computer must output an RGB signal in a form that the TV can understand. Sometimes the RGB signal is supplied through a special 7-, 8-, or 9-pin combo video output. In this case, the video card settings should be able to switch the video output to RGB mode. If the video output on the video card has seven pins (this plug is called a mini-DIN 7-pin), then in normal mode the S-Video signal is supplied to exactly the same pins as in a regular four-pin S-Video connector. And in RGB mode, signals can be distributed across the contacts different ways depending on the video card manufacturer.

As an example, we can give the correspondence of the contacts of one of these 7-pin connectors with SCART (this wiring is used on some video cards based on the NVIDIA chip, but it may be different on your video card):

• 1st contact mini-DIN 7-pin (GND, ground) - 17th SCART contact;
• 2nd contact mini-DIN 7-pin (Green) - 11th SCART contact;
• 3rd contact mini-DIN 7-pin (Sync, sweep) - 20th SCART contact;
• 4th contact mini-DIN 7-pin (Blue) - 7th contact SCART;
• 5th contact mini-DIN 7-pin (GND, ground) - 17th SCART contact;
• 6th contact mini-DIN 7-pin (Red) - 15th SCART contact;
• 7th pin mini-DIN 7-pin (+3 V RGB mode control) - 16th pin SCART.

For any type of adapters, you must use high-quality cables with a resistance of 75 Ohms.

There is no video connector on the graphics card

If your video card does not have a TV output, then, in principle, the TV can be connected to a regular VGA connector. However, in this case you will need electrical diagram signal matching (in the general case, although not complicated). There are special devices on the market that convert a regular computer VGA signal into RGB and into a scan (sync) signal for a TV. Such a device is connected to a VGA cable between the computer and the monitor and duplicates the signal that goes through the VGA output.

In principle, such a device can be made independently. The correspondence between VGA and SCART signals will be as follows:

• VGA SCART PIN SCART Description;
• VGA RED - on the 15th SCART pin;
• VGA GREEN - on the 11th SCART pin;
• VGA BLUE - to the 7th SCART pin;
• VGA RGB GROUND - on the 13th, or 9th, or 5th SCART pin;
• VGA HSYNC & VSYNC - on the 16th and 20th SCART pins.

You will also need to apply +1-3V to the 16th SCART pin and 12V to the 8th SCART pin to switch to AV mode with an aspect ratio of 4:3.

However, a direct connection most likely will not work and you will have to make a wiring diagram for synchronization, as shown at http://www.tkk.fi/Misc/Electronics/circuits/vga2tv/circuit.html or http://www.e.kth .se/~pontusf/index2.html .

Through a TV (except television), you can watch programs whose sources are external devices connected to the TV through separate inputs provided for this. Such program sources are a DVD player, a VCR, a video player, most video cameras, a game console, a satellite receiver, various pay television decoders, etc. Compatibility of the TV and these external devices is determined after reviewing the specifications and operating instructions for the TV and external device. The first one says what exactly can be connected to the TV, and the second one says what properties the TV must have in order to be able to connect this device to it.

How do you determine which signal standards your TV must “understand” in order for it to suit you?

If you just need a TV to watch regular television, in the meter or decimeter range, any TV that is sold in stores will do.

If you also want to watch videos from external devices, many questions arise at once. When choosing a TV, it is very important to keep in mind in advance all the devices that you want to connect to it, not only now, but also in the future, and monitor so that your TV is equipped with enough necessary connectors. Otherwise, you will only have to regret the wrong choice (and, unfortunately, there are many such cases).

However, TVs have many different connectors, and not everyone can understand them. The user of a TV equipped with every conceivable connector will be faced with another problem - choosing the most correct and best one from the many connection options through these connectors.

Let's try to figure out how best to connect when there is a choice by analyzing the paths of standard external signals in the TV.

The color image is formed from the basic color signals R G B, that is, red signals R, green G and blue B colors, based on data about the color and brightness of each point in the image. If you are going to connect an external device to your TV that has an RGB output signal, it would be correct to use RGB input on a TV is a convenient way to ensure high-quality signal transmission. At the TVs RGB input usually implemented via a SCART connector.

The high quality of connecting devices via the RGB input is quite comparable to another connection option - via component input , which can be equipped with televisions. Component signals accepted name the combination of the luminance signal (the "Y" component) and the chrominance signals indicating the amount of color (the blue component "Pb" and the red component "Pr"). Various digital program sources can be connected to the TV via the component input and RGB: DVD player, digital satellite tuner, computer, digital television decoders, game console, etc.

Connecting via the component input is optimal for a DVD player, since all information is on DVDs is contained in a component format, and the DVD player is the source of the component signal.

Component connectors can be made with tulips (RCA) or bayonets (BNC), usually there are corresponding markings Y Pb Pr. So, if you have a DVD player or other device with a component output, when choosing a TV, pay attention to Special attention on models equipped with a component input ( RCA component.Y Pb Pr).

Another standard for connecting to a TV is S-Video(Separate Video, i.e., “separate video”).

It should not be confused with the S-VHS standard (Super VHS, a further development of the VHS cassette recording standard).

The S-video connection standard was developed when video players that were superior in quality to the over-the-air signal appeared on the market so that they could be seen as superior to TV programs on the TV screen. We are talking mainly about VCRs and video cameras of S-VHS, Hi8 standards, which use separate brightness and color channels for recording and playback. The idea was simple and ingenious: transmit these brightness and color signals further separately to the TV input. This, in addition to simplifying the video player and TV circuits, gave a big gain in image quality. So, if your VCR or camcorder has an S-Video output, we recommend choosing a TV with the same input.

Additionally, S-Video is an excellent option for anyone whose DVD player doesn't have component or RGB jacks.

The most common (but not the best) standard for connecting additional devices to the TV is composite signal. It represents the combination of all components containing video information into one signal. It is the composite signal that is obtained at the output of the television tuner (i.e., the receiver of the terrestrial television signal). VCRs, camcorders, DVD players, etc. are equipped with composite video outputs. In fact, it is difficult to find a device that does not have these outputs. The advantages of the composite method are clear - combining signals allows you to obtain the most capacious and convenient signal for transmission, which requires only one wire. However, when the original RGB or component signal is converted to a composite signal, some of the information is lost, and when the TV subsequently converts the composite signal back to RGB, the information cannot be restored. As a result, the resulting image is noticeably worse in quality.

On the other hand, if you are not going to connect a component signal source device (DVD player, etc.) to the TV, this circumstance should not worry you, and composite connectors will be quite sufficient. The composite connector is made in the form of RCA, and is usually adjacent to the audio connector (one if it is mono, and two if it is a stereo TV). Traditionally, they are indicated together - RCA audio/video. The TV can be equipped RCA audio/video input and RCA audio/video output.

The universal connector is very interesting SCART, which can allow you to connect signals at one time: composite, RGB and stereo sound, and the connection is bidirectional. In addition, a control line is provided between the connected devices. Later versions of SCART provide for the connection of both S-Video and component signals, while the functions of transmitting a composite signal and RGB are limited - the number of pins in the SCART connector is limited. For S-Video and component connections, the TV must have 2 additional SCART connectors installed.

Connecting cables using a SCART connector may not be completely wired - always check with the seller whether a particular cable will suit you or not.

The TV can also be equipped with separate audio RCA connectors. For example, the RCA audio output (R and L) of a TV allows you to connect to it a stereo system equipped with the appropriate inputs, and reproduce the TV sound through the stereo system, which significantly exceeds the sound power of the TV itself.

Some TVs are equipped with special connectors VGA, or D-Sub, allowing you to connect a computer to them and use them as monitors. However, it should be borne in mind that televisions are not designed to operate continuously for many hours, like monitors, and cannot replace them in this regard. Connecting a TV to a computer can be used, for example, to computer games and the like.

Please note that even if you have connected all cables correctly, collaboration connected devices may require more additional customization TV inputs, the procedure for which in this case will be described in the operating instructions.

When choosing a TV, pay attention not only to the number of connectors (remember, there should be no less than the number of devices you want to connect), but also to the location of the connectors.

The connectors on the back of the TV are intended for permanent connection of equipment. It is advisable to have as many of them as the number of devices that will be permanently connected to the TV (plus one for the possibility of expanding the system). The connectors on the front (front) or side of the TV are intended for occasional and, as a rule, short-term connection of equipment (video cameras and game consoles). You should not consider them as an option for a permanent connection, since in most cases this is inconvenient and not very aesthetically pleasing.

When selecting equipment, we recommend that you try to ensure that the connectors are of the same type (for example, SCART on both the TV, DVD, and VCR), this will significantly simplify switching and eliminate the problems associated with finding specific cables, adapters, etc. .

Switching the video part of the complex

Let's continue the conversation. This article will focus on switching video signals between sources and display device(s). Types of video signal transmission and, of course, the problem of making homemade cables will also be considered.

Cables

In fact, regardless of the type of analog video signal (composite, S-Video, RGB, component), the conductor is structurally a coaxial cable with a characteristic impedance of 75 Ohms. Depending on the type of video signal, there can be either one such cable, or several such cables are used to transmit the signal.

However, there are a huge number of varieties of practical implementation of this design. The center conductor may be a thick solid copper strand, may consist of many thin copper or silver-plated copper strands, and so on. The screen can be single, double or even triple, and can consist of wire, or wire in combination with foil or foil-coated plastic. The cable itself can be quite impressive and thick, or it can be very thin and inconspicuous. In general, there are many options here. And the most interesting thing is that it is quite difficult to say for sure which design provides guaranteed high image quality when transmitting an analog video signal - each manufacturer has its own methods and proprietary technologies. Some manage to make excellent cables consisting only of a stranded copper conductor and one copper screen. And someone makes a super-sophisticated cable using expensive materials, and the image quality does not live up to expectations, given the considerable cost of such a cable. That is, when choosing a cable, you should under no circumstances exclude the “image factor” and blindly trust the phrase “expensive means high quality.” However, it’s not all that scary, since most well-known “cable manufacturers” still have a well-deserved reputation as a conscientious manufacturer, which means that if you buy a cable from a well-known manufacturer that has proven itself well in the production of cables, you can hardly go wrong. At least it’s better than buying a cable from an unknown manufacturer, which, according to a seller on the market, is “much cooler than all these fancy branded ones.”

Can you at least give a few examples of trusted video cable manufacturers?

Supra, Wire World, Straight Wire, Canare, Monitor cable, QED, Ixos, Liberty. Of course, this is not a list, but brands named “at random”. I remembered, as you understand, not all of them...

Types and methods of analog video signal transmission

Composite

Since the most widespread is relatively inexpensive video equipment and budget-class TVs, the most widespread among people so far is the method of transmitting a video signal, where all its components are transmitted in mixed form over one single coaxial cable. This video signal is called “composite video”. And if in the era of the dominance of VHS cassettes this method of transmitting a video signal could be considered quite acceptable in quality, since the VHS cassette itself (in comparison with DVD, for example) cannot boast of a high-quality, clear image, then with the advent of inexpensive DVD players The composite video signal, if not doomed to death, at least began to fade into the background even in the class of budget equipment (it has not been used in expensive household video equipment for a long time). Now only VHS players/cassette recorders have a composite video output (in fact, they have never had and never will have another low-frequency video output except for a composite one), and karaoke set-top boxes. The vast majority of other devices, such as DVD players, modern video cameras, satellite receivers, and so on, already have much higher quality video outputs, where the components of the video signal are transmitted separately from each other. Although, in the majority modern devices The composite video output is still present, so as not to deprive the user of the ability to connect the device to “less advanced” display devices. For example, many modern TVs with small screen diagonals (14″-21″), not to mention previously released models, still only have a composite video input.

Typically, the output and input of a composite video signal is made in the form of a yellow RCA socket (in the photo the connector is in the lower left corner), or can be transmitted through a universal one.

The cable used to transmit a composite video signal consists of 1 coaxial cable with RCA (“tulip”) connectors at the ends.

S-Video

This type of video signal provides separate transmission of a luminance (Y) signal and two combined chrominance (C) signals via independent cables. Standard for of this type connection is a round 4-pin connector. S-Video transmission can also be organized via Scart

Compared to a composite video signal, connecting via S-Video provides some improvement in image clarity and stability, and to a lesser extent in color rendition. However, these improvements will be noticeable only when using a high-quality source (DVD player, high-quality satellite receiver, etc.) together with a sufficiently large diagonal screen (25″ or more). With a TV screen diagonal of 21″ (or less), the difference between a composite video signal and S-Video may not be so obvious, since much depends on the quality of the TV itself.

Component

Or another name - color difference (Y"PbPr or in other words YUV, YIQ). To transmit the components, three independent coaxial cables are used, where one cable (Y) transmits signals in the ratio 0.299R + 0.5876G + 0.114V, according to the other (Pr) is red minus brightness (R-Y), and the third (Br) is blue minus brightness (B-Y). The connectors at the ends of the cable are usually RCA or BNC.

And here is what the component video output of a DVD player usually looks like.

The picture quality when connected via a component is radically (in better side) differs from S-Video and even more so from composite. Here the improvements are immediately visible: the picture is clearer and more stable with accurate color reproduction. The advantages of a component connection will be especially obvious when using high-quality video signal sources and large screens (29″-36″ TVs, good plasma panels, large-screen projectors).

RGB

In this case, separate transmission of three primary colors and a synchronization signal is used. To be precise, this type of video signal is called RGBS (Red, Green, Blue, Sync). Information is transmitted via independent cables. This can be 3 or 4 separate coaxial cables (in the case of 3 cables, the sync signal goes along with the green) with RCA or BNC connectors, or RGBS can be transmitted via.

There is also an even more complex variety of RGB, where not 3 or 4, but 5 cables are used to transmit signals, since the horizontal and vertical sync signals are transmitted separately from each other. This variety is called RGBHV (Red, Green, Blue, H-Sync, V-Sync). It is no longer possible to find RGBHV in a Scart cable, since such a video signal usually uses separate coaxial cables with RCA or BNC connectors, or one VGA cable (on one side of which there may also be BNC connectors (pictured)).

By the way, it is RGBHV that is used to transmit the signal from the video card system unit your computer to an analog monitor - see how clean, clear and stable the picture is.

FAQ:

How do the analog video transmission standards described above compare in terms of image quality?

In ascending order:

• composite video
• S-Video
• component video
• RGBHV

  But this is the case if we abstract from practical implementation. Although, of course, a component or RGB is better in any case than S-Video or, especially, a composite. But between the component and RGBS (Scart), the difference in picture quality is often subtle. Often, a component connection turns out to be even more optimal, since, as already mentioned, RGBS is usually implemented via Scart, the quality of the conductors of which may be inferior to the individual coaxials used in the component cable. In addition, Scart is not very long, and this is often required when, say, mounting a projector on the ceiling or installing a cabinet with equipment away from a plasma panel or TV. And finally, many plasma panels and Scart projectors are simply not equipped.

  And RGBS via Scart will be an excellent solution if you connect, say, a DVD player to a nearby large-screen TV or plasma panel (many modern plasma panels perfectly “understand” not only RGBHV, but also RGBS - this will require a special Scart cable - 4 BNC or Scart - 4 RCA).

  So both options (component video and RGBS) provide very high image quality, it’s just that each option is convenient for certain cases (depending on the installation conditions of the equipment and the switching capabilities of the equipment). But if you are concerned about connecting a high-end projector to a high-end DVD player, and plan to use a scaler too to improve picture quality, then it’s worth looking towards RGBHV, or even using digital connection(SDI or DVI) source to the processing and display device.
  

  Are there RGB converters to component video or vice versa?

  Yes, I have. However, the price of such devices is very high, so it’s easier to immediately select a source (DVD player, satellite receiver, etc.) and a display device (TV, plasma panel, projector) in order to connect them directly without any converters.
  

  Are there S-Video to composite video converters or vice versa?
  

  In the case of converting a composite signal to S-Video, you only solve the problem of compatibility of switched devices - the image quality will not improve from such conversion. Often such converters are built into S-VHS video recorders or high-end AV receivers. There are also separate devices.

  When S-Video conversion With a composite signal you noticeably lose picture quality. True, for small screens (14″-21″ diagonally) this problem is practically not relevant. You can make such a converter yourself in a few minutes:

  

  
  

  What is the difference between an S-VHS cable and an S-Video cable?

  S-VHS is not a cable, but a video cassette format. The cable has one name - S-Video, although, unfortunately, sellers in many stores for some reason call it S-VHS, which only indicates their incompetence.
  

  Does the presence of a Scart connector on a TV or source indicate the presence of RGB in this Scart?

  No. The fact is that a composite video signal, RGBS, and S-Video can be transmitted through Scart. Plus, sound and service commands. Therefore, it is not at all necessary that RGB is present in the Scart output of the device or the Scart input of the TV. It’s easy to find out: look at the instructions for the device. Or spend visual inspection rear panel of the device: often they write “Scart (RGB)” above the Scart connector. However, they do not always write, but this information is required in the instructions.
  More detailed information about the Scart connector can be obtained from. However, I can reassure you: almost all modern large-diagonal TVs, if equipped with Scart connectors, then one or two of them will definitely have RGB. As for DVD players, almost all modern models with Scart allow you to output RGB through it. But it’s better to check, just in case...

  I have only one Scart with RGB on my TV - who should I “give” it to: a DVD player or a DVB satellite receiver (say, NTV+)?

  If the picture from the satellite receiver is not in HDTV (high-definition television) format, then it is better to connect the DVD player via RGB, and the satellite receiver via S-Video. Karaoke and VHS video recorder - composite, of course.

  Does switching the video signal through an AV receiver harm the quality of the picture?

  The switches of most modern AV receivers from well-known manufacturers do not introduce visible interference into the video signal. Moreover, in most cases, the highest quality video source (for the vast majority of people this is a DVD player) is usually connected to the TV (plasma panel, projector) directly. Often only composite video signals and S-Video are switched through the AV receiver.

  Which S-Video cable should you buy?

  If a cable is needed to connect an S-VHS VCR or a relatively inexpensive satellite receiver (say, NTV+) to a TV with a screen diagonal of up to 29″, then you can safely limit yourself to an inexpensive cable for $10-15 (for a ready-made cable 0.7-1. 5 meters). If you have a high-quality large-screen TV to which you want to connect, say, a DVD player (bearing in mind that neither RGB nor component connections are available in your case), then it is worth paying attention to higher quality cables for $25- 40. Also, the quality of the cable is of considerable importance if you need an S-Video cable longer than 4-5 meters.

  Which Scart cable to connect a DVD player via RGB should I buy?

  To connect to a 21″-25″ TV, any inexpensive cable for $15-20 (Hama, Monitor Cable, Bandrige, etc.) is sufficient. If you have a decent TV with a diagonal of 29″-36″, then it is better to buy a cable with a class no lower than Profigold PGV-78x. Such a cable will cost $35-50. For big ones plasma TVs It’s worth taking a closer look at serious cables from Supra, QED (in the picture in the RGB description in the middle of the article), top models from Monitor cable and so on. Such a cable will cost $50-100.

  Which component cable should I buy?

  To connect the projector to a DVD player, it is better to use a high-quality component cable, which will cost $100-150 (for a 2-3 meter sample). To connect a DVD player to a projection or regular TV For any diagonal, it is enough to buy a component cable for $30-50 (2-3 meter sample). Although the most optimal solution would still be to manufacture the cable yourself, or to have such a cable made to order in any large professional equipment store. Such a component cable (2-3 meters long) together with connectors will cost $30-60. I have already described the benefits of buying professional cables, but I will repeat: when buying a cable from a well-known brand, you pay not only for the product, but also for advertising in glossy magazines, beautiful packaging and, of course, the big name of the manufacturer. In the case of component cables, the problem of needlessly overpaying money is especially relevant, because often even a very cheap component cable made from 3 identical pieces of good antenna cable and 6 connectors (the total cost of the cable will be no more than $10) will not perform much worse than a branded one for $50. Unless, of course, we are talking about inexpensive LCD projectors and plasma panels entry level, projection or picture tube TV. On high-quality plasma panels or high-end projectors with a large screen, this “trick” with a cable will not work.

  How to make a high-quality component cable yourself?

  You need to buy a high-quality coaxial video cable ($2-4 per meter) and 6 connectors of the required type (RCA or BNC) from a professional equipment store. However, the situation is such that almost all modern RCA or BNC connectors for professional equipment are not intended for soldering, but are connected to the cable by crimping with a special tool. Most professional hardware stores provide a crimping service for connectors - usually costing about $1 per connector. And since the manufacture of a component cable involves cutting the cable into 3 equal pieces and installing connectors, then consider that for the work of making a component cable you will be charged only $6, or a little more - depending on the company. The crimp connectors themselves cost $3-5 apiece (these are high-quality metal connectors with a characteristic impedance of 75 Ohms). Just consider: even if you need a 3-meter component cable, it will cost about $50-60 including labor and connectors. And such a cable, believe me, can easily compete in picture quality with a purchased branded component cable for a couple of hundred dollars. I am not kidding. By the way, in serious home theater installations based on good projectors, a high-quality professional video cable is usually used, and not a “fingered” Hi-End video cable in a mahogany box. Among the most well-known companies producing professional video cables, one can name, for example, the Japanese company. In no case do I want to offend other respected manufacturers of high-quality professional cables by giving a description of self-manufacturing cables using the example of Canare products. It just so happened that I often used Canare in both installations and at home - I have nothing to blame these cables for. So, to make a component connector, you can use Canare or even . By the way, such cables allow you to use lengths of even several tens of meters without any visible loss in picture quality.

  

  Is it possible to make an S-Video cable yourself?

  The scheme is the same: purchase a high-quality professional cable (let me remind you, you will need two coaxial cables) and a pair of S-Video connectors. You can find the cable wiring in the middle of the article. But get ready: soldering S-Video connectors is quite inconvenient. It is better to take a relatively thin cable, otherwise it will be very difficult to solder it to the connector pins.

  Frankly, making S-Video yourself has more disadvantages than advantages, given the relatively low quality of the video signal via S-Video, the complexity of soldering and the low price of many S-Video cables, the quality of which is quite sufficient for switching a satellite receiver or S-VHS VCR.
  

  Is it possible to make Scart yourself?

  If you have a lot of patience, then yes. Why patience? , you have to solder 21 pins on each side. Is this really necessary? No no need. What do you need from a Scart in a home theater? That's right, video signal transmission, often only RGBS and composite (the sound still goes through the home theater audio system) - and this is much less hassle. Here you need to buy a couple of good Scart connectors ($3-10 piece) and a cable of the Canare V5-1.5C class (pictured), which costs a few dollars per meter, but contains 5 full-fledged thin coaxials with a characteristic impedance of 75 Ohms. Such a cable will provide a high-quality signal and is convenient to solder.

  

  As a result, such a homemade Scart for $30 can easily compete with a purchased Scart for $70-100 in terms of picture quality in S-Video or RGBS mode.
  

  What is the maximum length of component, RGB (if implemented as 3-5 separate coaxial cables) or composite cable?

  Since in all cases separate coaxial cables are used, we can talk about all three types of connections at once. So, if you use high-quality coaxial cables (including professional ones), then without visible degradation of the image you can use lengths of 20-30 meters, and, if desired, longer. On low-quality cables, the image may become noticeably worse even with a cable length of over 5 meters.
  

  What is the maximum length of an S-Video cable?

  Often, relatively inexpensive ready-made S-Video cables use not the best coaxials, which behave well over short lengths, but if you want to stretch the cable more than 3-5 meters, then it is better to buy high-quality (that is, quite expensive) S-Video Video cable, or make it yourself from a professional video cable (it will be cheaper and better) - in this case, a distance of ten or two meters will no longer be a problem.

  To be continued…

The component input on your TV can significantly improve picture quality. This is relevant not only for watching TV shows, but also when using it as one of the components of a home theater.

What is component input used for?

The component input is a three-cable connection:

• one cable is designed to transmit brightness and synchronization signals, it is marked with a yellow-green circle and the Y symbol;
• the rest are responsible for the color difference;
  • the second - for the difference in the level of blue color and brightness, so it is marked with a round blue sticker and the symbols Pb or V;
  • the third is for the difference in the levels of red color and brightness, so a red circle and the symbols Pr or U are used to mark it.

The component input on the TV also serves to connect third-party devices

DVD players and satellite receivers are connected to the TV through this connector. Its bandwidth allows you to convert an analog signal into a quality corresponding to the digital format:

• interlaced (1080i) – in all television broadcasting systems;
• progressive (1080p) – in HDTV standards.

Where is?

Finding a component input is not difficult

Since devices for long-term operation in tandem with a TV are connected to this connector, it is most often located on the rear panel.

Thus, the component input, due to differential color rendering and control of the brightness and synchronization of this indicator, increases the clarity of the picture and its saturation. Additionally, the image quality parameters are influenced by the signal conversion methods: through a pixel line or a full set.