Smart Home Lifestyle

March 26, 2006

Audio-video specifications for dummies

Do you love users manuals? Do you always follow the “please read first” inserts? Does the movie "Revenge of the Nerds" hit a little too close to home? When it comes to electronics, “by the book” is the only way to go. Specification sheets aren’t just extra padding in the box, they provide the secrets to optimal performance of your new electronics.

But it’s a tough read

Electronics are designed to be compatible, although sophistication levels vary. To start, getting familiar with the connection options puts you way ahead in the game. The first rule: forget the red, white and yellow cables that usually come w/the unit. These audio/video cables provide the lowest quality and should always be upgraded.

Audio

Audio has three main options, line level RCA, coaxial RCA and optical. The red and white “freebie” line level RCA cables plug into the jacks marked L and R for marginal quality. The next step up is coaxial RCA, an orange single connector that distributes digital signals from DVD players or digital TV set-top boxes.

Optical cables give the best audio digital signal. An optical cable is a small cable with a square connector. It uses fiber optics and only runs about $30. So, at the very least, ditch the red and white cables and opt for coaxial, or optical if the unit allows. Just remember, make sure to buy at least 6’ cables, with 12’ preferred. It’s better to go long for easier installation and unit maneuverability.

Video

Video cables included composite, super video (S-Video) and component. Composite cables have a single yellow plug. They’re usually the other “freebie” with your unit, along with the red and white RCA line level audio connectors. Like audio, it’s better to upgrade from the yellow cable to S-Video or component.

S-Video is a round multi-pin connector. S-Video is a single cable that can be substituted better quality than composite, and can be substituted for the yellow connector in the red, white and yellow composite bundle if desired.

Component cables are the next step up in digital video distribution. Component consists of three cables, red, green and blue, corresponding to the red, green and blue video colors that create the picture on your monitor. Currently, it’s debatable if component cables or the newer HDMI cables, seen most often with high definition TV, provide the best digital picture quality. In this case, if cost is the main issue, opt for component, which can run half as much as HDMI cables for similar quality.

Any hints with my DVD player?

There are two things to look for when setting up your DVD player. First, just about all DVD players offer multiple output options. Do you have a 2-channel speaker system, which means just a front right and left speaker? Or, do you have a surround system, which includes front, surround, center and subwoofer speakers? Make sure to set your DVD player to match your speaker set-up.

Second, it’s important to tell your DVD player what kind of TV you have. Is it widescreen or a standard 4:3 screen? If the settings are incorrect, a distorted or stretched picture could occur.

What about my receiver?

An incorrect receiver setting really can break your entire movie watching experience. It may seem like a lot of up front steps, but it’s important to give your receiver all the needed information, like what kind of speakers you’re using and the types of audio and video inputs.

Are you using bookshelf or tower speakers? How many speakers are in your system, 5.1 or 7.1? Do you have a subwoofer? Receivers provide bass management, which means they redirect bass from the surround speakers to the sub. Knowing the number, size and type of speakers helps give the best sound.

Some receivers have assignable inputs for both audio and video. That means you need to let your receiver know what’s being connected, and with what cable. In other words, you need to let your receiver know that your DVD player will be connected with component video cables and optical audio cable. And that your CD player will be connected with the standard red and white RCA line level audio cables. This ultimately gives the best picture and sound quality.

Author: Diana Kostigen, Marketing/Public Relations Director, Comtec