Understanding Video Connections - Gateway GTW-P42M102 User Manual

Chapter 2: Connecting Components

Understanding video connections

The four types of standard video connections shown in this chapter give you
four levels of quality. Optimize your viewing experience by using the best
connection available for your connected component. For example, if your DVD
player supports a component video connection, connect the DVD player to
your plasma TV using component video instead of composite video or S-Video.
Connection
Basic
Good
Better
Best
20
Cable and Connector Description
Coaxial (RF). The video and audio signals
are both carried in one cable (the other three
connection types only handle video,
requiring separate connections for sound).
Coaxial is the only way to connect an
antenna to your plasma TV.
Composite. The video signal is carried
through a single "pin." This slightly better
connection method is the one that is most
commonly found on components.
S-Video. The video signal is split into two
signals, black-and-white and color, giving
you an even better quality picture. For
example, text displayed on-screen through
this connection will be noticeably sharper
then composite or coaxial (RF).
Component. The video signal is split into
three signals, two color, and one
black-and-white, giving you the best picture.
Use component video to take advantage of
the superior picture found in such signal
sources as HDTV and progressive DVD.
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