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C
O L U M N
Practical knowledge about jacks and plugs
Poor cables and connections are a common source of problems
You will find an assortment of jacks on the rear
panel of most equipment. Here, we will focus
primarily on the connections for Standard
Definition signals to learn the basics of what
you need to know.
To start with, there are two types of connectors;
those used mainly for consumer level video and
those used with professional equipment. There
is typically an effective locking mechanism
f o r e q u i p m e n t u s e d b y p r o f e s s i o n a l s .
This minimizes failure due to inadvertent
disconnection. When sound or vision signals are
disrupted or impaired, the cause is usually due
to a poor connection. Make sure to firmly push
the cables together when connecting them.
To help you become familiar with the many
different types of signals and the connectors
they require, see the table below. There are
three main types of image signal connectors:
c o m p o s i t e ; S - V i d e o ( s e p a r a t e Y / C ) ; a n d
component. You are probably familiar with the
15-pin D-Sub analog connector ( sometimes
referred to as a VGA ) used with computers.
Pay special attention to the arrangement of
your cables at the venue. When they cross over
the floor, it is wise to secure them with gaffers
tape or overlay a protective cover carpet to
prevent a tripping hazard to those attending
●Video connectors
Connector type
Signal
BNC
Composite
RCA pin
Composite
S-Video (mini DIN)
Separate Y/C
BNC / 3 RCA pin
Component
D-Sub 15-pin (VGA)
For analog monitor
DVI (digital component)
For digital monitor
DV i.Link
Digital serial
AV connectors
Composite
●Audio connectors
Connector type
Signal
XLR (Cannon)
Audio
RCA pin
Audio
Phones or standard jacks
Audio
024
the event. Try to arrange the cables in a manner
in which they will not disconnect or become
disconnected if they are snagged. It is best to
use thicker cables for video. If you encounter
noise, try rerouting or vertically separating the
crossed video cables from lighting, sound and
power cables.
Delay is another potential problem. With the
shift to digital technology, delays can result
when the signals pass through time-based
correctors (TBC) and frame sync (FC) circuitry.
Usually any delays are well within the accepted
level of not being noticed but pay attention to
your signal path to minimize any latency.
Cable
Max. cable length in meters
Coaxial
50m〜100m
Coaxial
Under 10 m
Special cable
Normally under 10m
Coaxial
Varies
Special cable
Normally under 10m
Special cable
Normally under 10m
Special cable
Normally under 10m
Special cable
-
Cable
Max. cable length in meters
Shielded twin core
50m/100m
Shielded single core
Under 10m
Shielded single core
Under 10m
r o m l e f t : R C A
pin; BNC; S-Video;
c o m p o n e n t j a c k s .
L o c k i n g
j a c k s a r e m o s t
c o m m o n l y u s e d
w i t h p r o f e s s i o n a l
equipment.
From left: D-Sub
( V G A ) ; D V I ; D V .
(4-pin 1394) Mainly
used for connecting
t o
L a r g e r s i x - p i n D V
c o n n e c t o r s a l s o
exist.
Coaxial cable: left, 3C;
right, 5C. The length differs
d e p e n d i n g o n t h e c a b l e
thickness (see table below).
Notes
Commonly used with pro equipment
Usually yellow. Easily confused with audio connectors (red or white)
Ensure proper alignment when inserting
Plugs come in sets of three
For analog computer monitors
For digital monitors, partially compatible with HDMI
Two types: DV (DVCAM) and HDV
Types vary according to manufacturer
Notes
Shielded quad core is sometimes used
Usually red or white. Easily confused with video connectors (yellow)
Stereo, mono, and mini jack types also exist
B N C
c o m p u t e r s .
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