Video Cables

Video cables transfer the video signal to the playback device. They are divided primarily into analog and digital. While old analog technology is slowly going the way of the dinosaurs, advanced digital video cables (e.g. HDMI and DisplayPort) can now transmit audio and other information along with the image. If you want to learn how to make sense of all the video cables, read on.

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How to Choose a Video Cable

When it comes to video cables, your device usually offers several options.

Monitor cable - a lot depends on the maximum image resolution you want to have, but a digital DVI or DisplayPort cable should usually suffice. Older monitors may require an analog VGA cable.
TV cable - generally speaking, you want a cable that supports the highest transmission quality, capable of transmitting audio tracks as well. This is what HDMI cables are for, or SCART if you are dealing with an older TV.
Projector cable - here the cables used may vary greatly. The oldest projectors still use the analog VGA standard, but modern home theatre projectors also require modern digital connectors such as HDMI or DisplayPort.

The cable affects not only the image quality but also the refresh rate.

HDMI

The HDMI cable is capable of transmitting uncompressed video and audio in digital format. The latest versions support Ethernet, 8K video transmission, and 3D.

HDMI Connectors

HDMI 1.4 - 3D video transmission and 4K resolution at 24Hz, in addition to audio and internet
HDMI 2.0 - higher throughput, capable of outputting 4K resolution at up to 60Hz plus 32 audio channels
HDMI 2.1 - 3x faster than 2.0 with 8K support at 60Hz, capable of dynamic HDR

Uncompressed image transmission
Up to 32 audio channels
One cable for video, audio and internet

No bidirectional data transmission
Higher purchase price compared to other cables

VGA/D-Sub

VGA is the oldest and still actively used video cable. It is especially useful for devices that do not require the transmission of large amounts of data or audio, like old monitors or projection devices.

Support for up to FullHD resolution
Low price

Analog signal
Limited support for new devices

DisplayPort

A digital interface widely popular with computer component manufacturers. DisplayPort is primarily designed to transmit images, but can also transmit sound and other data. Due to its design it can also work as a DVI or HDMI cable with a passive adapter. It is primarily designed to replace obsolete DVI and VGA connectors for computer monitors and graphics cards.

DisplayPort Connectors

DisplayPort 1.0 and 1.1 - the first version of the interface
DisplayPort 1.2 - 3D image support and better audio transfer, 1 microsecond audio/video synchronisation, Apple Mini DisplayPort compatibility
DisplayPort 1.3 - 4K resolution at 120Hz and 8K at 30Hz.

Support from the largest electronics manufacturers
Great image quality
Excellent backward compatibility

Designed for PCs
Higher purchase price compared to other cables

DVI

A cable with interface capable of communicating in both digital and analog signals. Due to its design, it is widely compatible with most interfaces. Some DVI connectors have a second data link (dual-link) for high-definition transmission.

DVI Connectors

DVI-D (digital only) - transmits only digital signal
DVI-A (analog only) - transmits only analog signal
DVI-I (digital & analog) - transmits both digital and analog signals

Digital and analog signal transmission
Great compatibility and widespread support
Sufficient image quality for most users

Most used in personal computers
Gradually becoming obsolete

SCART

An interface for connecting audio/video equipment that used to be rather common in Europe. It is gradually being abandoned in favour of HDMI.

Audio and video in one cable
Multi-signal RGB
Also transmits composite video

Old technology that is being replaced by HDMI

Reducers and Adapters

These are cables that convert one connector into another. When converting analog signal to analog or digital to digital, a cheap passive reduction is enough. But if you are converting analog to digital and vice versa, you have to get an active powered adapter, which will actively convert the signal. In this case, the image quality is often reduced.