The following list of TV connection types is presented in descending order with regards to picture quality (best to worst) and in ascending order with regards to cost effectiveness when used for video distribution (most expensive to least expensive).

To view our Standard Definition vs. High Definition tutorial click HERE

*HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) cables carry full High-Definition (1080p) digital video and digital audio over 1 cable and they are highly cost effective when NOT being used for widespread video distribution or distances over 30 meters. All new HD capable video sources are equipped with HDMI outputs. Typically new TV sets have anywhere from 1 to 4 HDMI inputs.

*Component Video cables are also capable of full HD (1080p) but are NOT digital and carry only video signals, therefore when using a Component video cable, a separate audio connection will be required. All new HD capable video sources are equipped with Component Video outputs. Typically new TV sets have 1 or 2 Component Video inputs (and the accompanying audio inputs).

'S'-Video cables are only capable of carrying standard definition signals, are NOT digital, and carry only video signals, therefore when using an 'S'- Video cable, a separate audio connection will be required. Typically new TV sets have 1 or 2 'S'-Video inputs (and the accompanying audio inputs). Video source equipment may or may not have 'S'-Video outputs.

Composite Video cables are only capable of carrying standard definition signals, are NOT digital, but carry both audio and video signals. Typically new TV sets have 1 or 2 Composite Video inputs (sometimes more). All Standard Definition sources are equipped with Composite Video outputs, most High Definition sources have them but some do not.

RF Co-axial (old style screw-on "regular cable" connection) cables are only capable of carrying standard definition signals, are NOT digital, but carry both audio and video signals. Typically new TV sets have 1 or 2 RF inputs. Video source equipment may or may not have RF outputs.

*Please note that in order to obtain 1080p from many high definition video sources such as Blu-ray players, you MUST use an HDMI cable and the TV set must also be HDCP compliant (High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protection) HDCP is a means of preventing 1080p signals from being recorded or otherwise copied and only functions with HDMI, therefore a HDCP compliant TV must be connected to a 1080p source using HDMI in order for HDCP authentication to occur and thus for 1080p video to be displayed on your screen. To use an existing A/V receiver you already own to switch HDMI 1080p signals, make sure your unit is at least HDCP 1.3 compliant.