Key Points
- Video connectors transmit analog or digital data and video signals with some carrying audio in addition to video.
- There are two main types of video connectors: analog and digital. Digital cables typically having higher quality and less prone to interference.
- Some popular video connectors include VGA, HDMI, DisplayPort, and DVI, each with their own specifications and suitability for different devices.
Video connectors come in different variants, each meant for a different type of data and purpose. Knowing the various types of video connectors is important so that you can know which one best suits your device. Always check on the back of your display device to identify the video connectors it supports. In this article, we will cover the 20 different types of video connectors and their uses. Let’s dive in.
Video Connectors Overview
Video connectors are electrical connectors that transmit analog or digital data and video signals. They may be attached to the end of a cable, included in an electronic device, or used with another device with a video input or output. While some video connectors use a multiconductor cable to transmit video, others use an RF signal and a coax. In fact, they may carry audio in addition to video.
Two Main Video Connectors Distinctions
Video connectors come in many configurations that are suited for different purposes. We can divide them into two main types. Let’s take a look:
Analogue Video Connection Types
In this type of connection, video is transmitted over an analog video cable using an erratic electronic signal. The transmission uses an undulating wave type, but its simplicity makes it vulnerable to interference. Older cables typically use analog transmission.
There are four types of analog cables:
- Coaxial: Coaxial cables are the most basic RF cables. Though that is a low-quality transmission by today’s standards, they can transmit video signals up to 350i. Coaxial cables are most responsible for “fuzzy” images. High-frequency electric signals, such as those in phone lines, can be transmitted using coaxial cables. They come with an inner conductor and an outer insulating layer.
- Composite: The signal carried by composite cables is 480i, higher than that of coaxial cables, but less than the requirement of most modern devices. However, you should be able to see clearly on an analog TV.
- S-video: S-Video signals can also carry 480i signals. However, S-Video cables provide better coloration. They send the color and brightness data separately.
- Component: Component analog cables have a much higher transmission capacity. They can reach qualities of up to 1080p.
Digital Video Connection Types
Digital cables typically have higher quality than analog cables and transmit data using binary code (1s and 0s). Their dependability derives from the fact that they are less prone to deterioration or interference than competing solutions.
21 Different Types of Video Connectors
Let us now look at the different types of video connectors.
#1. VGA Connector
- Contains 10 foot VGA to VGA cable
- Comes with a screw-in VGA cable
- Support high-resolution LCD and LED monitors
- Clear, quality transmission
VGA connectors, also known as DE-15 analog connectors, are a classic solution mostly used in older computers, such as IBM. The connector grew in popularity in 1999 when it started replacing the 9-pin connector design. We frequently found it on dated desktop computers, projectors, TVs, and other electronic devices. The connector is locked in place by two thumbscrews on the end adapter, which is usually blue and prevents unintentional disconnections.
While it supports video transmission with resolutions ranging from 640×480 to 2560×1600, it does not support audio transmission. It transmits analog signals. It distorted the transmitted image because the VGA video signal is susceptible to interference from other signals. Therefore, if you want 1920x1080P or lower resolution, we advise you to use the VGA port.
#2. Apple Display Connector
The Apple Display Connector is made up of power cords, a USB, and both analog and video signals. This type of video connector is, however, only common in older models, with newer models using standard DVI connectors.
#3. AV Multi
- Length: 8 feet (2.5m)
- Uses high quality internal copper wire
- Features copper pins in the connector heads
- Compatibility: PS1, PS2, PS3
AV Multi video connectors are most common in older Sony PlayStation products. The connector consists of an AV port on one end and three jack inputs on the other end. The inputs are yellow, white, and red; yellow is for video, while white and red are for audio. However, newer iterations of PlayStation use HDMI cables.
#4. DisplayPort
- Supports up to 8K at 60Hz and 4K at 120Hz
- 32.4Gbps bandwidth transmission speed supported
- Backwards compatible with previous DisplayPort versions
- Supports multiple monitors over a single cable
The DP interface links home theater gear, monitors, and PCs with advanced graphics capabilities. We primarily used them for visual-intensive tasks like video editing and gaming. It is also a high-definition display interface standard that transmits data using digital signals while supporting audio and video data streams. One of the primary benefits of DP is that it can transmit to multiple monitors using a single cable and a daisy-chain connection. The number of monitors varies based on the video resolution. The DP connector also includes a locking mechanism to stop unintentional cable disconnections.
#5. DB13W3
- Length: 6 feet (1.8m)
- Male HD15 M SVGA to Male DB13W3 cable
- Compatibility: IBM monitors and server
Before the onset of VGA and DVI connectors, DB13W3 connectors ruled. They are analog computer video connectors that have pins. Older models of Apple, IBM, and other computer models still use this connector.
#6. DMS-59
- Male DMS-59 to 2 x Female DVI24+5 cable
- Supported resolutions: 1920*1080p at 120Hz, 2560*1600 at 60Hz
- Plugs are gold-plated for durability
- Compatible graphics cards: DMS/LHF
A DMS-59 cable is an old-school twin DVI adapter that allows multiple monitors to work concurrently via an adapter. DMS-59 video connectors also have pins.
#7. DVI
- Features a DVI-D Dual Link
- Supports resolutions up to 2560x1600
- Very durable
- 120Hz refresh rate
DVI stands for Digital Video Interface. Older monitors, desktop graphics cards, and laptops frequently use the video-only cable type known as DVI. Typically, a DVI cable’s end adapter is white. The connector has two thumb screws that lock it in place to prevent unintentional disconnection and is physically larger than the VGA. The video connector is standard with all computer video cards and it is available in five variants:
- DVI-I single link – Supports analog and digital signals and has 18 + 5 pins.
- DVI-I dual-link – Has 24+5 pins and supports analog and digital signals.
- DVI-D single link – Only supports digital signals and has 18+1 pins.
- DVI-D dual-link – Only accepts digital signals and has 24+1 pins.
- DVI-A – has 12+5 pins and is limited to analog signals.
The output of the Dual Link digital video interface is superior to that of the VGA interface, and it supports resolutions of 2560×1600 at 60Hz and 1920×1080 at 120Hz.
#8. HDBaseT
- Male HDMI to Female HDBaseT
- Resolution: up to 4K
- Range: 130 feet (4K), 230 feet (1080p)
- also compatible with all other HDBaseT hardware
HDBaseT, also known as 8P8C video connectors, can be used to transfer high-quality video, audio, and ethernet. Although it is more common for phone and ethernet applications, consider using the HDBaseT connector when transmitting uncompressed high-definition video.
#9. HDMI
- Connects a Mini HDMI-enabled device to a device with HDMI input
- Corrosion-resistant gold-plated conductors for improved connectivity
- Supports Ethernet, 3D, and ARC
- Meets the latest HDMI standards
High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) cables are the newest and most popular video connectors. HDMI is available in three different variants: Type A, which is usually larger, Type D (micro), and Type C (mini). This video connector is a standard for both video and audio transmission, with most devices including it nowadays. The transmission of both audio and video via a single cable makes it popular in several devices, including Roku, Apple and Windows computers, DVD players, video game consoles, and TVs, among others.
#10. Mini-DVI
- Length: 6"
- Mate Mini-DVI to Female DVI cable
- Supported resolution: 1920*1200
- Compatible with DVI-I and DVI-D monitors (not DVI-A)
Mini-DVI preceded Mini-DisplayPort cords, with older models in the Apple line-up using it. The video cable is smaller than the HDMI cable.
#11. Micro-DVI
Older MacBooks used to come with micro-sized DVI connectors. The video connector was later on replaced by Mini-DisplayPort cords.
#12. Mini-DIN
- 8-pin Male Mini-DIN to Male Mini-DIN cable
- length: 6 feet
- Primarily used for printers
A Mini-Din connector transmits S-video type via a rounded connector with internal pins. The video connector has many variants that differ in the number of pins. The variants have between four to ten pins.
#13. F Connector
- Style: twist on
- Compatible cable: RG6/U Quad shielded
- Manufactured by NSI
F connectors are another classic type of video connector. As far back as the 1970s, the connector was commonly standard with cable television. An F connector may look like your average TV antenna plug, but it had several uses in computers, gaming consoles, and VCRs.
#14. N Connector
- Male N Connector to Male N Connector cable
- Length: 3 feet
- Impedance: 50 Ohm
- Waterproof cable
These connectors are most common on consumer devices. The connector dates back to the 1940s and is used to join coaxial cables. You can also use N connectors on professional video equipment.
#15. RCA Connector
- Deliver sharp and clear video
- Connectors made from high-quality nickel
- Economical solution
- Transmit analog audio and video signals
RCA Connectors are a common consumer solution for audio and video transmission. They are usually composed of three cables: yellow for composite video, and red and white for audio. While each connector transmits its own signal, you can use only the video plug if you don’t require any audio.
#16. Twin-Lead
Twin-Lead connectors were most common with TV antennas back in the day. Currently, they are less common. Twin-lead connectors were preferred for TV antennas, since the uniform spacing between the conductors significantly reduced the chance of signal interference.
#17. USB C Interface
- Transfer speed of up to 80Gbps
- Backward compatible
- Supports a maximum 240W charge
- Long-lasting
The USB Interface is compatible and more straightforward to plug and unplug than USB A and USB B ports. It can support Thunderbolt, DP Alt Mode, PD fast charging, and USB transmission protocols. Chargers, an external display with a resolution of up to 6K at 60Hz, and data transmission at 40Gbps are all supported. Therefore, a fully functional USB-C to C cable is all you need to connect your MacBook Pro to a USB-C monitor.
The host device powers the USB-C displays through a single port. The USB Monitors can also supply power to the connected laptop. Advanced daisy-chaining of multiple monitors using a single string of cables is also possible with Thunderbolt 3/4 cables. But please be aware that not all USB C ports have fully functional setups. For instance, some mobile phones’ Type-C ports can only support audio functions, power supply, and USB 2.0 data transmission; meanwhile video transmission is impossible.
#18. BNC
- Female BNC to Female HD Micro BNC cable
- Length: 1ft
- Impedance: 75 ohm
- Includes braided dual copper shielding against interference in addition to increased strength and flexibility.
Bayonet Neill-Concelman (BNC) cables are mostly used in professional video components. The coaxial cable variant replaces RCA options, with most people using it in test equipment, amateur radio applications, and aviation electronics.
#19. Mini-VGA
- Male Mini-VGA to Male VGA
- For use with compatible monitors/devices
- GEN branded adapter
Mini-VGAs are smaller solutions to normal VGA cables. The connector was especially common in older Apple and Sony computer models.
#20. FireWire
- Male 9-Pin FireWire to Male 4-Pin FireWire cable
- length: 6ft
- Cable type: IEEE 1394b
- Speed: 800Mbps
FireWire cable, also known as iLink or IEEE 1394, is an older connector used in external hard drives and digital cameras. The FireWire cables have two variants, the b-only port, and the “bilingual” port.
#21. Mini-DP
- Length: 6ft
- Male Mini DP to Male 4K Mini DP cable
- Incompatible with iMac
- Bi-directional
Laptops usually use this connector. It has the same functionality as the standard DP connector, but is smaller. Video, audio, and daisy-chaining are all supported by Mini DP. Though on some Mac models, it does not support audio. It does not transmit audio over the Mini-DP connection on Macs built before 2010.
A mini-DP connector may produce a different result, even though it physically fits into a Thunderbolt port. By looking for the Thunderbolt icon, you can tell a mini-DP cable apart from a Thunderbolt cable. You also need a mini-DisplayPort to a standard video port cable or adapter to connect to an external monitor because most monitors only have a standard DisplayPort or HDMI port.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Video Connectors
The selection of a cable seems straightforward. However, after picking the appropriate length and color, there are some crucial factors you need to consider if you want to maximize the performance of your connected devices.
The Use of the Connection Cable
The use of the cable must be established as the first and most crucial step. Once this has been determined, it’s time to examine the options available. Is it for a TV, a multimedia projector, an office or gaming monitor, or something else? It would help if you thought about the requirements of the port the cable will be going into in order to get the best experience possible. Plus, it’s critical to consider the monitor’s and graphics card’s limitations when selecting a video cable for a PC monitor.
Compatibility With Your Device
You may have to decide between an HDMI and a DisplayPort cable connecting a modern TV or monitor. High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), which transmits audio and video signals, has long been a standard for PC and television connections. There are three different kinds of HDMI ports available today.
- For 4K resolution at 30Hz and 8Gbps, as well as 1080p at 144Hz, HDMI 1.4, also known as High-Speed HDMI, is the preferred choice.
- A more immersive visual experience is provided by HDR and a 4K resolution at 60Hz via HDMI 2.0, also known as Premium High-Speed HDMI.
- The ultimate in HDMI cable is HDMI 2.1, also known as Ultra-High-Speed HDMI. It provides up to 10K resolution at 120Hz, improved HDR, and variable refresh rates.
Type of Display Port Used by Your Device
Display ports are common on TV and monitors. They allow HD video and audio signal transmissions on PC monitors and TVs. A DisplayPort port, however, provides slightly different port standards from HDMI ports.
- Compared to HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.2 can support up to 4K resolution at 60Hz.
- DisplayPort 1.3 is positioned between HDMI 2.0 and 2.1 and offers 4K resolution at a refresh rate of 120Hz.
- DisplayPort 1.4 supports HDR and 8K resolutions at a refresh rate of 60Hz.
- DisplayPort 2.0 supports 10K at 80Hz with no HDR, 16K resolution at 60Hz, and HDR.
Wrapping Up
The type of video cable you need depends on the purpose of the connection and the type of data you’re transmitting, among others. Video Connectors come in different categories, each with different specifications and suitability. Knowing the different types of video connectors and how to use them is vital before getting one.
- Cable Matters VGA to VGA Cable 10ft With Ferrites
- Contains 10 foot VGA to VGA cable
- Comes with a screw-in VGA cable
- Support high-resolution LCD and LED monitors
- Clear, quality transmission
- PS2 AV Cable, Audio Video Cord for PS2 PS1 PS3 (8.2FT)
- Length: 8 feet (2.5m)
- Uses high quality internal copper wire
- Features copper pins in the connector heads
- Compatibility: PS1, PS2, PS3
- Amazon Basics 8K DisplayPort 1.4 Cable, 10 Feet
- Supports up to 8K at 60Hz and 4K at 120Hz
- 32.4Gbps bandwidth transmission speed supported
- Backwards compatible with previous DisplayPort versions
- Supports multiple monitors over a single cable
- DB13W3 to HD15 M SVGA Monitor Video Cable
- Length: 6 feet (1.8m)
- Male HD15 M SVGA to Male DB13W3 cable
- Compatibility: IBM monitors and server
- DMS 59 to Dual DVI Adapter Cable
- Male DMS-59 to 2 x Female DVI24+5 cable
- Supported resolutions: 1920*1080p at 120Hz, 2560*1600 at 60Hz
- Plugs are gold-plated for durability
- Compatible graphics cards: DMS/LHF
- DVI to DVI Cable, Benfei DVI-D to DVI-D Dual Link 6 Feet Cable
- Features a DVI-D Dual Link
- Supports resolutions up to 2560x1600
- Very durable
- 120Hz refresh rate
- StarTech.com 4K HDBaseT Extender
- Male HDMI to Female HDBaseT
- Resolution: up to 4K
- Range: 130 feet (4K), 230 feet (1080p)
- also compatible with all other HDBaseT hardware
- Rankie Mini HDMI to HDMI Cable (6 Feet)
- Connects a Mini HDMI-enabled device to a device with HDMI input
- Corrosion-resistant gold-plated conductors for improved connectivity
- Supports Ethernet, 3D, and ARC
- Meets the latest HDMI standards
- Mini DVI to DVI Converter (White) - 6 inches
- Length: 6"
- Mate Mini-DVI to Female DVI cable
- Supported resolution: 1920*1200
- Compatible with DVI-I and DVI-D monitors (not DVI-A)
- Mini Din 8 Pin Male Male Black 6 Ft Cable
- 8-pin Male Mini-DIN to Male Mini-DIN cable
- length: 6 feet
- Primarily used for printers
- Twist On "F" Connector
- Style: twist on
- Compatible cable: RG6/U Quad shielded
- Manufactured by NSI
- MOOKEERF N Cable
- Male N Connector to Male N Connector cable
- Length: 3 feet
- Impedance: 50 Ohm
- Waterproof cable
- PASOW 3 RCA Cable Audio Video Composite Male to Male DVD Cable
- Deliver sharp and clear video
- Connectors made from high-quality nickel
- Economical solution
- Transmit analog audio and video signals
- Anker 515 USB 4 Cable 3.3 ft
- Transfer speed of up to 80Gbps
- Backward compatible
- Supports a maximum 240W charge
- Long-lasting
- 1 Foot Standard BNC Female to HD Micro BNC HD-SDI Mini RG59 Adapter Cable, Black
- Female BNC to Female HD Micro BNC cable
- Length: 1ft
- Impedance: 75 ohm
- Includes braided dual copper shielding against interference in addition to increased strength and flexibility.
- Mini-VGA to VGA Display Adaptor
- Male Mini-VGA to Male VGA
- For use with compatible monitors/devices
- GEN branded adapter
- PASOW FireWire Cable 9 Pin to 4 Pin IEEE 1394 Firewire 800/400 Cable 6 Feet
- Male 9-Pin FireWire to Male 4-Pin FireWire cable
- length: 6ft
- Cable type: IEEE 1394b
- Speed: 800Mbps
- Cable Matters 4K Mini DisplayPort to Mini DisplayPort Cable in Black 6 Feet
- Length: 6ft
- Male Mini DP to Male 4K Mini DP cable
- Incompatible with iMac
- Bi-directional
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©masuti/Shutterstock.com.
