Composite [Video] Connector

Not a specific connector, but standard for transferring analog video. Most commonly implemented as a single yellow RCA connector. The interference of multiple signals in the single RCA connector produces a low quality image.

Composite (RCA) Connector
A Composite (RCA) connector

The format of an analog television (picture only) signal before it is combined with a sound signal. The standard connection for composite video is via a yellow RCA connector, but professional equipment may use a BNC connector.

The video signal is a composite of three source signals Y (brightness or luminance), U and V (which together carry colour information or chrominance).

Advantages of Composite Video

  • Almost guaranteed to be found in audio and video components, so useful as a fallback if you don't have any other more sophisticated connectors (e.g. S-Video, DVI, HDMI).
  • Low cost.

Disadvantages of Composite Video

  • Poor signal quality. Inferior to almost all connectors (except the Belling-Lee/IEC 169-2 aerial connector).

For more information about other TV connectors see here.