RCA Connector
RCA connectors are a low cost and low quality analog connector found on almost all TV's. They are easy to use and can be found as a default connector on almost all audio and video components, but their poor signal quality, and the jumble of cables they present mean that they will eventually be replaced by the higher quality HDMI connector.
Also referred to as a phono connector or CINCH/AV connector, this is a type of analog electrical connector commonly used in the audio/video market. Each channel of information must be carried on a separate cable and use its own RCA jack.
RCA jacks are often color coded, yellow for composite video, red for the right audio channel and white or black for the left audio channel. RCA connectors are also used to carry S/PDIF formatted digital audio, with the plugs colored orange to differentiate them from other typical connections. When carrying YPbPr component video the Y signal is carried via the green connector, Pb by the blue, and Pr by the red.
The name "RCA" derives from the Radio Corporation of America, which introduced the design by the early 1940s to allow phonograph players to be connected to radios.
Advantages of RCA
- 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 RCA
- Poor signal quality (particularly for video). Inferior to almost all connectors (except the Belling-Lee/IEC 169-2 aerial connector).
- Has limited shielding from electrical interference.
For more information about other connectors see here.