What Are Component Video Cables and How Do They Work?

The red, yellow and white cables we connect to our televisions to watch our DVDs were so common over the last decade that the likelihood of an adult reading this blog post having never seen them, is slim. This connection, called RCA or composite, carry both video and audio over those three wires, the yellow being video and the red and white, audio. 

Taking the yellow cable a step further, Component video breaks down the signal the RCA cables use for the one yellow wire for into three separate elements. The Y signal controls brightness and contrast, C controls red and blue colors, and green colors are extrapolated when all three signals are read. Thus, this is sometimes known as Red, Green, Blue or an RGB interface. 

Like the RCA and S video, Component video is analog. Analog video is capable of only 480i. That’s 720x480 interlaced @ 59.94 Hertz (NTSC) or 720x576 interlaced @ 50 Hertz (PAL).

Depending on your TV and assorted equipment such as a Blu-ray player and the quality of your Component cable, Component can technically reach 1080p but there are few players that support it due to copy protection. Thus, Component is generally limited to 720p or 1080i.

What’s Better HDMI or Component?

Equipment is a big factor. Even if your cables are of the highest quality, some televisions support higher image resolution via Component, where others don’t even have a Component input. Some other devices such as Blu-ray players may have Component outputs, but might not support the high resolution pictures.

Other factors that could contribute to analog signal interferences include, but are not limited to, Electro Magnetic Interference (EMI) that are signals from other devices like power cords or magnets in speakers. You can, however, purchase surge protectors that reduce EMI noise such as the one seen below.

Under even the most perfect circumstances, you might find that your Blu-ray player looks better over a Component connection than it does over HDMI. You may find that your cable television looks far better over HDMI than Component.

Still, there are some analog purists who contend that analog is better than digital—but this is an opinion of choice. Analog vs. digital is much like the argument of which is better: Vinyl records or CDs and their ability to capture the exact sounds originally recorded in a recording studio.

Something else to consider when selecting a cable to carry your signal is convenience. Component Video has three cables that deliver an analog video signal—and it ONLY does video. You will still need to figure something out for your audio. HDMI is one cable that handles high definition digital video AND digital audio, saving time running and plugging in wires.

CZ Labs offers component cables and HDMI connectors—we are your one stop business, especially if you’re looking to buy in bulk at wholesale prices.

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