Introduction: What You Need to Know about Cable Connectors
If you’re buying a new TV or looking behind your old TV and wondering what cords you’ll need for everything to operate. Read this blog to get all the information you need. There are several types of TV leads and cords, each with a unique purpose, so let’s explore what they do.
The Different Types of Cable Connectors
1- HDMI Cable
HDMI cables are the most prevalent type of TV lead. HDMI lets you connect your AV equipment to high-definition digital video and audio over a single cable.
HDMI is a digital connection, providing better picture quality than SCART and RCA composite connections.
The advantage of HDMI cables is that the technology may be expanded over time, as it has been. The most recent HDMI standard is HDMI 2.0, which enables 4K video and Ultra HD, but this will evolve in the future to allow for greater quality video resolutions such as 8K.
HDMI cables may also be used to connect soundbars and surround sound systems. HDMI can power a 7.1 speaker system, and a single cable can connect your TV to your sound system/soundbar with HDMI ARC compatibility.
2- SCART Leads
SCART leads were the standard in Europe, but the HDMI cable has replaced them. However, there may be times when you still need them, such as when connecting to DVD players and ancient VCRs.
SCART, stands for “Syndicat des Constructeurs d’Appareils Radiorécepteurs et Téléviseurs”. It is also known as the “Euro connection” in the United States; it is the most flexible AV cable available.
Before the advent of HD video and audio, a single SCART cable could replace many other cables, including RCA and component video/audio lines. S-Video cables and stereo sound were supported, as well as PAL, S-Video, and RGB video.
SCART cables are identified by their large, bulky connectors, which are prone to coming loose. They can be difficult to fit behind wall-mounted televisions and route through walls. A wired SCART cable comprises 20 pins, each with a specific purpose.
One distinctive aspect of the SCART lead was the source switching on pin 8. When you turned on your AV equipment, it would override whatever was on the TV. Things that made them popular with folks who like their television to be as simple as possible.
3- Optical Cable
The optical audio cable, also known as the Toslink cable, is the most popular audio connection. An optical audio cable should be used if you are not utilizing HDMI to connect your audio equipment. The optical audio connection comprises a fiber optic cable that delivers the signal downlight. It supports 5.1 surround sound, making it ideal for most surround sound systems.
4- Antenna
If you want to watch live TVs, such as Freeview or Freesat, you will need a coaxial cable connected to your TV. If you have a TV aerial socket plate or satellite socket, you will need a coaxial lead to connect it to your TV. Almost all modern digital TVs include a connection for a TV aerial, which requires a lead with a coaxial IEC plug connection. Some of the latest bigger TVs also feature Freesat tuners, which need a lead with F connectors.
TV aerial and satellite leads may be purchased online. High-quality ones can be made using a length of decent coax cable, a few hand tools, and a few connectors.
It’s also usual to use RF leads with a male connector on one end and a female connector on the other. This helps connect pieces of equipment, such as a Freeview+/BT Vision box, VCR, and TV tuner
5- RCA Cable
The RCA cable is the final form of connection we’ll look at. The RCA video connection is analog, with yellow for video and red and white for stereo sound. Due to the prominence of the SCART connection, phono cables were not very popular in Europe. But they have lately seen a rise in favor of equipment that does not have an HDMI connection. This is due to the fact that almost all new televisions no longer have SCART ports.
6- Coaxial Cable
A coaxial audio cable is a hybrid of an optical audio cable and a phono cable that is used for analog mono or stereo sound. It is a digital connection with an RCA connector on the other end. The cable is thicker than normal RCA cables. Which helps include more protective cable screens to protect digital signals from interference. 5/7.1 surround sound may be supported with a digital audio connection.
How to Install a Cable Connector
HDMI Cable:
Install the HDMI cable clamps that come with your projector to provide the HDMI cables you attach more stability.
- Connect the HDMI cord.
- Place the cable clip anchor end into the cable clip slot near the HDMI port.
- Wrap the open cable clip around the HDMI cable but do not secure it.
- Attach the cable clip to the anchor and secure it to the HDMI connector.
- If required, repeat these instructions for the second cable clip.
Open the cable clip and detach the HDMI cable to remove it. Then, squeeze the cable clip anchor’s sides and take it out of the cable clip slot.
Source support: Attaching and Removing the HDMI Cable Clips
Optical cable:
Some cables may include a protective cap, which you should remove before plugging it in.
Connect one end of your optical audio cable to your TV’s optical output on the back. Just make sure the form of the cable’s connector matches the connection’s shape on your device.
An optical port is designed only to plug in when adequately aligned. Please don’t push it.
When you line it correctly, it will effortlessly click into place.
Source support: How to connect an optical cable
Antenna:
Source support: How to connect coaxial cable connectors
Slide the crimp ring around the cable:
Leave it below where you cut it, so it’s out of the way until you need it. If you don’t slip the ring on first, you’ll have to remove the connector and start over.
- Not all connections have individual crimp rings. Some connections already have the crimp ring connected. Check to see which kind you have.
Put the connector over the cable so that the copper conductor is visible.
With one hand, hold the cord and the connection. Then, put the conductor into the connector’s center hold. Push until the conductor protrudes above the edge of the connection on the opposite side.
- This will need some pressing since the connector must fit between the rubber casing and the plastic layer. To work the connection onto the cable, try twisting it back and forth a little.
- Remember to pick a waterproof connection if placing the cable outside. This is protected with rubber.
Crimp the connection and wire.
The crimp ring is pushed entirely within the connector using a crimping tool, establishing the connection. Choose the appropriate die, or width, for the cable you’re using. The cable should next be inserted into the crimping tool. Squeeze the handle until you hear a click, which means the crimp is finished.
- Some crimping tools operate uniquely. Follow the instructions for the individual tool you’re using.
Remove any wire mesh from behind the connector.
These metal fragments may interfere with your signal or wiring. Examine the connection for any exposed wires. If you see any, use a wire cutter to remove them.
Coaxial Cable
Source support: How to install F connectors on Coaxial cable.
Remove the Wire:
First, using a utility knife, remove 3/4 inch of the black or white outer jacket off the end of the coaxial cable.
Make a shallow incision all the way around the cable, barely cutting through the outer jacket. Peel the jacket away from the cable using your fingernails. This reveals the thin metal shielding wires and foil layer inside the jacket.
Cut the Shielding Foil:
Fold the shielding wires back onto the cable jacket and cut them to about 1/8 inch length with wire strippers or scissors. Cut through the metal shielding foil with the utility knife, so it only reaches approximately 1/4 inch from the cut in the cable jacket.
Cut the Plastic Layer:
Using wire strippers or a utility knife, remove 1/4 inch of the white plastic insulating coating from around the copper wire core of the cable. Avoid cutting or nicking the copper wire, which might impair the cable’s functionality. From the end of the white plastic layer, 1/4 inch of exposed copper wire should now protrude.
Place the Connector:
This step is determined by the type of connection used:
- F-type crimp connector:
Slide the F connector’s crimp ring over the end of the cable and down over the outer jacket and shielding wires. Slide it until the white plastic coating contacts the connector’s hole. Inside the F connection, you should see around 1/4 inch of copper wire. Proceed to the final stage.
- F connector twist-on: Insert the F connector into the cable’s end. Twist it clockwise until the white plastic layer touches the hole inside the connector. The copper wire should extend about 1/16 inch beyond the connector’s front end. Your job is finished for twist-on connections.
- If necessary, do a crimp-type installation
Place the crimping tool jaws over the crimp ring of a crimp-type F connection and press the tool handles to attach the connector to the cable. You have now completed your task.
RCA CABLE:
Source support: How to make RCA cables.
Preheat a soldering iron: Ensure it’s hot enough before you start soldering. Check that the tip of the iron is not in contact with anything and is out of the way so that you do not bump into it.
Cut an audio cord to the desired length.
Remove the outer jacket of the audio cable by 3/4 inch (2 cm).
- If the cable is too large to fit in one of the wire cutter’s gauge holes, use the sharp edge at the base of the cutters or a pair of scissors.
- With the cutting tool, apply light pressure and spin the cable around until you’ve cut through the outer jacket. Take caution not to cut the conductor wires.
Remove the conductor wires: Many cables are made up of four conductors. In this situation, twist the standard colors together.
Tin or coat the conductor ends: A modest quantity of solder applied to the twisted ends holds them together and makes connecting them to the RCA end simpler.
- Heat the wire and place the solder on the other side of the iron from the wire. The heated conductor wire should offer a hot enough surface for the solder to melt and coat.
Use heat shrink wrap:
If you’re going to make many cables for a stereo application, use a distinct colored shrink wrap for each channel.
- Make a 1-inch (2.5 cm) length shrink wrap tube. Slide the shrink wrap over the conductor wires and onto the cable. Allow the shrink wrap to dangle over the cable’s end, but not past the conductor wire tips.
- Using a blow dryer, heat the shrink wrap.
Disassemble your RCA ends and keep all components together.
Slide the RCA ends’ outer barrels onto the cable, past the conductor wires: This is required to screw the end together once it has been soldered.
Place the signal conductor at the RCA end: Locate the U-shaped component that goes parallel to the middle pin. Insert the tinned conductor end into the “U” and heat the wire with the soldering iron. This will cause the solder to heat up and bond to the middle pin. Apply a tiny quantity of solder over the top of the wire if necessary to ensure a secure connection.
Attach the ground connection to the RCA end: Locate the long tab that protrudes from the RCA end and has a hole in the center. Insert the tinned ground connection into the hole and heat the conductor wire with the soldering iron. This should be sufficient to form a strong relationship. Apply a tiny bit of solder on top if necessary.
Connect the outer barrel and the end.
Conclusion:
You will need a cable connector if you want to connect your devices to a television or other display. There are many different TV cable connector types, and each has its benefits and drawbacks. This guide covered some of the most popular types of cable connectors and what you need to know about them. Now that you know more about the different types of cable connectors, you can decide which one is right for you.
For more interesting articles on the same topic, check out our blog!
