Video Cable FAQ & Buying Guide
Choosing the correct video cable for your TV, monitor, projector or AV setup can be confusing with so many connection types available. This guide explains the most common video cable standards and helps you choose the right connection for your equipment.
HDMI Cables
What is HDMI?
HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) is the most widely used digital audio/video connection for modern TVs, monitors and AV equipment.
HDMI carries:
- Digital Video
- Digital Audio
- Multi-Channel Surround Sound
- ARC / eARC (on supported devices)
- Ethernet / CEC features (on supported equipment)
Because HDMI is fully digital, it can deliver sharp image quality and high fidelity audio with no analogue conversion.
What Resolutions Does HDMI Support?
HDMI capability depends on cable and device specification:
- HDMI 1.4: Up to 4K @ 30Hz
- HDMI 2.0: Up to 4K @ 60Hz
- HDMI 2.1: Up to 8K @ 60Hz / 4K @ 120Hz
What Devices Use HDMI?
Common HDMI compatible devices include:
- TVs
- Monitors
- Games Consoles
- Blu-ray Players
- Sky / Virgin / Streaming Boxes
- AV Receivers
- Projectors
What Audio Formats Does HDMI Support?
HDMI cables supports a wide range of digital audio formats including:
- LPCM
- Dolby Digital
- Dolby TrueHD
- DTS
- DTS-HD Master Audio
- Dolby Atmos (supported devices required)
DVI Cables
What is DVI?
DVI (Digital Visual Interface) is a video-only connection commonly used on older PC monitors, graphics cards and business displays.
Important:
DVI Cables carries video only and do not carry audio.
DVI Connector Types
There are several DVI variants:
- DVI-D – Digital Only
- DVI-I – Digital + Analogue
- DVI-A – Analogue Only
Single Link vs Dual Link DVI
Single Link DVI
Supports resolutions up to approximately:
- 1920 x 1200 @ 60Hz
Dual Link DVI
Supports higher resolutions up to approximately:
- 2560 x 1600 @ 60Hz
Can HDMI Convert to DVI?
Yes — HDMI and DVI-D are electrically compatible for video.
However:
HDMI to DVI cables/adapters carry video only
Audio must be connected separately.
DisplayPort Cables
What is DisplayPort?
DisplayPort is a modern digital video and audio connection primarily used for PC monitors and professional displays.
DisplayPort cables support:
- Higher refresh rates
- Higher bandwidth than older standards
- Multi-monitor daisy chaining (on supported hardware)
- Audio transmission (device dependent)
What Resolutions Does DisplayPort Support?
Depending on version:
- DisplayPort 1.2: Up to 4K @ 60Hz
- DisplayPort 1.4: Up to 8K @ 60Hz (with DSC)
- DisplayPort 2.0/2.1: Higher resolutions/refresh rates supported
Does DisplayPort Carry Audio?
Yes — DisplayPort cables can carry audio, but support depends on the source and display device.
Component Video Cables
What is Component Video?
Component video cables use three RCA connectors (Red, Green, Blue) to carry analogue video.
It supports higher quality than composite video and can support HD resolutions on compatible equipment.
Typical supported resolutions:
- 480p
- 576p
- 720p
- 1080i
- 1080p (device dependent)
Important:
Component video cables carry video only — separate audio cables are required.
Composite RCA Video Cables
What is Composite Video?
Composite video is an older analogue video format using a single yellow RCA connector.
It is commonly found on:
- Older TVs
- VCRs
- DVD Players
- Retro Games Consoles
- Camcorders
What Resolution Do Composite Video Cables Support?
Composite video is limited to standard definition:
- 576i / 480i
It provides the lowest image quality of the cable types listed here.
Which Video Cable Should I Use?
In general, best to worst picture quality:
- HDMI
- DisplayPort
- DVI
- Component Video
- Composite RCA
Where possible, always use the highest quality connection supported by your equipment.
Need Help Choosing?
If you are unsure which video cable you need, please contact our team and we’ll be happy to help.