Audio & Video Connectors

Audio and video connectors are found in a wide range of devices, including televisions, telephones, consoles, DVD players and more. As the name suggests, the cables carry audio and video signals from one device to another, and the connectors are required to link either two cables together or to connect cables to a device.

At RS, we stock thousands of audio visual connectors that are ready to be shipped the same day. We can offer a wide variety of types, including jacks, XLR connectors, HDMI connectors, DVI connectors and more – all designed to the highest possible standards from leading manufacturers, such as Amphenol, Adam Tech, Neutrik, Switchcraft and our own brand RS PRO.

Read on for more information on audio connectors, video connectors, how they work, the different types, and in which devices they can commonly be found.

What are audio and video connectors?

The primary function of audio and video connectors is to transfer audio and video signals from one device to another. For example, when hooking a games console up to a television, audio and video connectors will be used so that the signals from the game through the console are successfully transmitted to the television screen for the user to see and hear.

To perform this function, audio visual connectors are used in conjunction with various cables. The cables themselves vary widely – HDMI, RCA, XLR, coaxial, optical, and speaker cables are just some of the products available – and each one requires a different video and audio connector depending on the devices that are being connected.

How do audio and video connectors work?

Audio and video connectors have what are known as male and female components. The male part features one or several pins that are inserted into the socket(s) on the female part, thus completing the connection. Once this connection is made, the audio and video signals can be transmitted between the two devices that have been linked by the cables and connector.

Some connectors carry solely video or audio signals, while others carry both at the same time. Audio connectors can be analog or digital, and transmit audio frequencies, while video connectors carry video signals. They tend to be analog, although DVI connectors are a video connector type that can be both digital and analog.

Some cables have different ports at either end, for example a DVI to HDMI lead, which will require different audio video connectors to make the appropriate, compatible connections.

What are audio visual connectors used for?

Video and audio connectors can be found in a wide range of domestic, commercial and industrial appliances. For example they are used to provide audio and video signals to television sets from other devices, such as DVD players and games consoles.

Audio video connectors can also help to provide connectivity solutions in a range of settings, such as lighting, sound, and video in the likes of schools, theatres, offices, and radio and television studios. They are also found in cars, where they can be used to link sound from cell phones and other mobile devices to the vehicle’s internal stereo system.

What are the different audio and video connector types?

There are a number of different video and audio connector types, all of which are compatible with different cables and ports, so it’s important to choose the correct one in order to transmit the signals successfully from one device to another. Below is an overview of some of the more commonly used audio visual connectors.

• Jack connectors are typically used for headphones with cell phones and can provide audio from such devices to car stereos via AUX cables. These audio jack types can come in single, dual, or triple channel versions – the latter for when video signals are also required.
• High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) connectors are fundamental input/output components that operate in conjunction with a number of everyday devices, such as televisions, satellite TV boxes, games consoles and more. Developed and launched around the turn of the 21st century, HDMI connectors are now the most popular kind of audio and video connector.
• Digital Video Interface (DVI) connectors can transmit both digital and analog signals, which is one main point of difference from HDMI connectors, which transmit solely digital. DVI connectors are typically found in computers as well as televisions and DVD players.
• XLR connectors are usually found in theatres, studios, and other professional settings where high-quality sound and lighting is required. They are robust video and audio connectors, the male and female parts locking in place with the push of a button, and can deliver signals that do not weaken, even over long cable distances.

Why choose RS for your audio and video connectors?

As one of the largest distributors of electronic equipment in North America, we’re confident we’ll be able to provide you with what you need, when you need it. We have thousands of audio and video connector types available for you to choose from, including audio adapter cables, audio jacks, stereo connectors, XLR connectors, HDMI connectors and more.

And we only stock components from brands whose products meet the very highest industry standards, such as Amphenol, Adam Tech, Neutrik, and Switchcraft, so you can rest assured our selection of audio and video connectors is unrivalled.

Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions about our video and audio connectors or would like further information on which components best suit your specifications. Alternatively, why not head on over to our expert hub, where we offer plenty of specialist advice and guidance to help you out.