How to use RCA cables?

How to Use RCA Cables for Components

• Answer:

  Many TV viewers confuse the term component - commonly used to describe any electronic device in a home entertainment system - with the three-cable video format component video. Connecting components with RCA cables requires only pushing the cables into place, but making sure the cables connect the signals from the correct output to the correct input. RCA connectors and jacks use color codes to prevent confusion. Audio connections use red for the right channel and white for left, composite video uses yellow and component video uses green for the Y signal, red for the Cr and blue for Cb. Difficulty: Moderately Easy Instructions Select the proper RCA cable for each connection. Many manufacturers fuse cables together for convenience. Use a two-cable version with red and white connectors for audio only. Use a three-cable version with yellow, red and white connectors for composite video and audio. For component video, use a three-cable version with green, red and blue connectors for the video along with a two-cable version for the audio. Align the center pins at one end of the RCA cables with the holes in the appropriate jacks on the output section of a signal source. Push the connector into place until it stops, making sure the colors match. Output sources include DVD players, cable and satellite receivers, and VCRs when used for playing cassettes. Push the other end of the cables into the appropriate input jacks on the components that receive the signals. Components that receive signals include television sets, video monitors, AV receivers, audio amplifiers and VCRs when used for recording. Tips & Warnings Tip: Most home entertainment system components have labels such as "video in," "video out," "audio in," "audio out" and "component video" to identify connector groups. Tip: Always connect outputs to inputs. Never connect outputs to outputs or inputs to inputs. Warning: Turn equipment off before making connections. Shorting cables may damage energized equipment. Warning: Carefully match colors and don't confuse the red component video Cr connection with the red right audio connector. Warning: Never remove an RCA cable by pulling on the wire. Hold the connector in your hand to pull it out.