Did you recently buy a new television and don’t know how to hook it up?
In this article, we’ll cover the ten main types of video connectors available for televisions and computers.
Types of Video Connectors
Are you confused by the different ports on the back of your new TV or computer? Below, we’ll cover the main types of video connectors available for your home.
1. HDMI Connectors
If you purchased a TV in the past ten years, you’ll probably use an HDMI video connector to watch your favorite shows. HDMI is the current industry standard for HDTVs and computer monitors.
You only need to connect one cable to experience high-quality video and audio if you use an HDMI connection. Micro-HDMI connectors are a miniaturized version of HDMI. The port is much smaller and lets users connect smartphones, tablets, and other devices to HDMI ports.
Currently, most HDMI devices feature either HDMI 1.4 or HDMI 2.0. HDMI 2.1 is available and slowly gaining popularity thanks to its impressive features.
These include:
- HDMI 1.4 can produce 4K UHD at 24 Hz, 4K at 30 Hz, and 1080p at 120 Hz.
- HDMI 2.0 produces 4K UHD at 60 Hz and offers support for HDR.
- HDMI 2.1 produces video at up to 10K resolution at 120 Hz.
You’ll also find HDMI on every modern video game system, computer, and Blu-ray player.
2. DVI Video Connector
DVI connectors began to replace VGA connectors on PCs in the 1990s. DVI transfers an analog or digital signal and gives users a sharper and better image than VGA ports.
DVI boasts a resolution of up to 1,920 x 1,200 pixels. This is a huge improvement over older VGA displays. It’s also capable of running at up to 144 Hz.
Gamers praise the faster refresh rate since it lets them perform split-second decisions with little error.
Unfortunately, you can’t run 4K resolutions with DVI. While DVI is an older technology than HDMI, many computer owners still rely on it for their systems.
DVI connectors come in full-size, mini, and micro versions, and you’ll find the smaller version on many laptops. Each offers the same performance.
3. DisplayPort (DP)
DisplayPort is a common video connector for modern PCs. The connection offers high-definition video and audio performance. DP is one of the best video connection options for gamers, video editing, and other graphically intensive programs.
DisplayPort also comes in a mini version and can produce up to 8K resolution. Mini-DP connectors on many Windows-based laptops and some older Mac computers.
Apple’s newer Thunderbolt interface uses technology from the Mini-DisplayPort. DisplayPort also supports multiple monitors through one DisplayPort connector.
The different types offer:
- DisplayPort 1.2 offers 4K video at 60 Hz.
- DisplayPort 1.3 provides 4K at 120 Hz and 8K at 30 Hz.
- DisplayPort 1.4 supports 8K at 60 Hz and HDR video.
- DisplayPort 2.0 improves resolution to 16K HDR at 60Hz and 10K at 80Hz.
4. VGA
Video Graphics Array (VGA) connectors were a popular video display controller on many computers in the 1980s and 1990s. At the time, VGA was a premium video connector and offered a startling 640×480 resolution and 16 colors for gaming and professional graphic work.
Over time, SVGA adapters increased the resolution up to 2048×1536 for some computers. With the invention of DVI, most PC owners switched. Today, it’s rare to find any modern equipment with a VGA port.
5. USB-C
USB-C is one of the most popular ports on computers, smartphones, and other devices. It can charge your phone, transfer data, and power other devices. USB-C uses a technology called USB-C Alt Mode to send a video signal.
Alt mode converts the USB-C cable into a DisplayPort cable. This means you can get the same display results that a DisplayPort cable provides.
For laptop owners that don’t have DisplayPort, USB-C is a great option if you want excellent external display performance. Of course, this consumes a USB port that might power another device.
6. Thunderbolt
Thunderbolt is a technology available on newer Mac computers. Older Mac models feature a Thunderbolt interface based on the same connection as a Mini-DisplayPort.
Current-model Macs come with Thunderbolt 3 or 4 ports that use a USB-C connector. Thunderbolt 4 is Mac’s best-performing option and can produce 8K resolution at 60 Hz.
7. AV Component (RCA) Input
RCA cables were one of the most popular ways to transmit analog audio and video signals for decades. In the 1930s, RCA used component wires in their radios and phonographs.
By the mid-1980s, the cable included the video component connector and transmitted both audio and video.
AV component connectors were incredibly popular, and nearly every VCR, DVD player, and video game console used these to connect to a television.
8. F Connector
Designed in the 1950s, the coaxial analog F connector transformed entertainment. The cable connects a television to a television antenna or cable box. This gave owners access to local VHF and UHF channels and cable television.
F connectors let owners connect early video game systems like the Atari 2600 to their TV. While the signal comes to your home through a coaxial cable, you’ll need to use an HDMI cable to get the best-quality image from your television.
The cable box converts the signal so you can watch your favorite TV show in high definition. The F connector is also used on most cable internet modems to connect your home to the internet.
9. SDI Connector
SDI is a professional video standard developed in 1989. Originally, SDI connections transmitted video in either 408i or 576i video formats. Over the years, the technology has improved, and the newest version can produce video at up to 2160p.
While SDI offers excellent resolution, it’s not common in homes, as most consumer products use HDMI. However, SDI offers some benefits over HDMI, and it is a good option for professional use.
Benefits include:
- SDI can transmit video beyond 50 feet without distortion to the video.
- You can use SDI to send signals up to 1,000 feet with optical fiber cables.
- The latest version of SDI can produce 4K video resolution.
10. S-Video
S-Video is an older video connector used in early home computers and VHS players.
The interface produced an analog signal and worked with a TV or monitor. The Atari 800 and Commodore 64 home computers popularized the use of this connector.
For the time, S-video offered an impressive 480 X 576 resolution S-Video can also produce NTSC, PAL, or SECAM video, and JVC popularized its use in VHS players in the 1980s.
Unless you own antique computers or VHS players, you probably won’t have an S-video port on any electronics in your home.
Things to Consider About Video Connectors
Now that you understand the different video connectors, it’s time to cover the terminology. Below, you’ll find things to consider when researching video connectors.
Image Resolution and Refresh Rate
When looking at TV and monitor specs, you’ll want to pay attention to two numbers. The resolution is the pixel count of the display. It’s represented as horizontal vs. vertical pixels.
For example, a TV that produces a 3,840 x 2,160 resolution has 3,840 horizontal pixels and 2,160 vertical pixels. The higher the number, the better the resolution of the display.
The refresh rate represents how quickly the display refreshes the image and is reported as HZ. Most modern displays offer a refresh rate of 60 Hz or 120 Hz. For most users, the higher refresh rate provides a smoother viewing experience.
1080p, 4K, and Ultra HD Explained
Modern TVs offer a variety of resolutions and use confusing terms to describe the display quality. While shopping for a television or monitor, you should always review the actual display resolution instead of relying on marketing buzzwords.
- 1080p is full HD and provides 1920 x 1080 resolution with progressive scan.
- 1080i displays offer 1,920 x 1080 interlaced video.
- 720p HD Ready displays offer 1,280 x 720.
- 4K Ultra HD provides a resolution of 3,840 x 2,160.
- 8K Ultra HD increases the resolution by 7,680 x 4,320.
Most cable television providers broadcast in 1080p. Streaming services like Netflix offer premium plans that let you stream content in 4K resolution.
8K content is currently only available on YouTube and Vimeo. For most users, 1080p or 4K is the ideal mix of performance and cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you still have questions about video connectors? Below are the most commonly asked questions:
Does HDMI replace audio and video cables?
Yes, one HDMI cable replaces any audio and video component cables you had installed on your TV or monitor.
What is the most common video connector?
HDMI is currently the most common video connector for TVs and computers. DisplayPort is also standard on computers but rarely seen on modern televisions. For Mac Users, Thunderbolt is the most common video connection.
What type of video connector has the best resolution?
HDMI is currently the most common video connector for TVs and computers. DisplayPort is also standard on computers but rarely seen on modern televisions. For Mac Users, Thunderbolt is the most common video connection.
What video connector can I use to connect my smartphone to my TV?
Many newer televisions offer instant wireless connections for smart devices. But, if you have an older TV, you’ll need a cable to connect the device. If your phone has a USB-C port, you’re in luck. You can use a USB-C to HDMI adapter to connect your smartphone to the television.
What video connector should I use for the latest generation gaming consoles?
Both the Xbox Series X and Sony PS5 feature HDMI 2.1 display connections. This display connector lets you experience 4K gaming at 120HZ. You can use earlier-generation HDMI cables with your console as well. But, for the best performance, you’ll want to pair the console with 2.1 HDMI cables.
How far can I run HDMI cables without losing image quality?
HDMI is the most common video cable used for home theaters. But, you won’t want to run an HDMI cable longer than fifty feet. Over long distances, HDMI can cause signal degradation.
This can mean poor image and audio quality from your home theater system. Most installers won’t run HDMI cables longer than 25 feet during an installation.
Instead, large installs may use coaxial, CAT, or wireless solutions to extend the distance.
Are gold-plated video connectors worth the price?
Many manufacturers offer premium gold-plated video connectors that promise improved performance. These cables also come at a premium price.
Most home users won’t notice a performance increase when using these cables. But premium cables are made of high-grade materials. They’ll last longer and look better than cheaper cables.
Which Type of Video Connector Is Best?
Hopefully, we didn’t use too much technical jargon to explain the differences between the types of video connectors.
For most users, you’ll want to use HDMI or DisplayPort if you want the best performance from your modern TV, gaming system, or computer.