Although nearly all connectors, including analog and S/PDIF audio as well as composite and component video, can use identical 75Ω cables, sales of special-purpose cables for each use have proliferated. For a time the 5-pin DIN connector was popular for bi-directional stereo connection between A/V equipment, but it has been entirely displaced on modern consumer devices. Originally, the concept was intended as an easy method to unhook sources while troubleshooting the console during servicing. Most modern equipment with RCA connectors for recording devices simply uses white and red for all stereo pairs, whether record or playback.

The signal-carrying pin protrudes from the plug, and often comes into contact with the socket before the grounded rings meet, resulting in loud hum or buzz if the audio components do not share a common ground and are powered while making connections. Varying cable quality means that a cheap line-level audio cable might not successfully transfer component video. audio, the standard has degraded to a more general white/yellow, red/blue, and green/yellow color scheme for each cable respectively. Adapters between this connector and RCA connectors have used white and red for left and right channel recording, and blue (or sometimes black) and yellow for playback, but this is not universal. The RCA connector [3] is a type of electrical connector commonly used to carry audio and video signals.They are often color-coded, yellow for composite video, red for the right audio channel, and white or black for the left channel of stereo audio.

Outside Europe, separate RCA connectors are usually used, [ citation needed] supplemented by RF connectors for backward compatibility and simplicity. The ring on the jack is slightly smaller in diameter and longer than the ring on the plug, allowing the plug's ring to fit tightly over it.The name RCA derives from the company Radio Corporation of America, which introduced the design in the 1930s. RCA Victor Service Notes for 1937 Broadcast Radio Receivers, All-Wave Radio Receivers, Phonograph Combination Instruments, and Miscellaneous Service Information (PDF) (1sted.

RCA connectors and cable are also commonly used to carry S/PDIF-formatted digital audio, with plugs colored orange to differentiate them from other typical connections.

The hot signal wire and signal ground provided by an RCA connection implement an unbalanced connection. For digital audio, as long as a connection is successfully made using the cables the sound will remain faithful to the original signal because a digital signal can only be fully received or not received at all. The word phono in phono connector is an abbreviation of the word phonograph, because this connector was originally created to allow the connection of a phonograph turntable to a radio receiver. mm Gold Bullets, 4 mm Gold Bullets, 6 mm Gold Bullets, HXT Connectors, EC3 Connectors, EC5 Conectors, JST Connectors, Micro Deans, MT60 Connectors, Multiplex MPX Connectors.

citation needed] Refinement of the RCA connectors came with later designs, although they remained compatible. citation needed] History [ edit ] Rear panel of a 1939 RCA model 45EM vacuum tube desktop AM radio with a female RCA jack. This situation is made worse if one considers more complex signals like component video (a total of three for video and two for analog audio or one for digital coaxial audio). The connector was labeled on the back of radio with one of the following terms: " Victrola", " Phono", "Pick-up", "Television".Cables should meet the S/PDIF specification as defined by the international standard IEC 60958-3 for assured performance. In the digital realm, however, combined A/V connectors are gaining ground; HDMI is commonly used today for consumer electronics, and DisplayPort, a potential competitor to HDMI, is often found on home computers and peripherals. Even the simple case of attaching a cassette deck may need four of them–two for stereo input and two for stereo output. Though RF modulators inherently transmit combined A/V signals in video applications, they depend on broadcast television systems and RF connectors which are not universal worldwide; RF signals are also generally inferior to direct signals due to protocol conversion and the RF limitations of the three major analog TV systems ( NTSC, PAL and SECAM).