Many electronics have to be connected to a monitor before you can use them. Even devices with their own screens like smartphones and laptops have that option so users have the option of using bigger displays like televisions and projectors. Over the years, many new video cables been introduced and gradually replace the old as technology continues to grow. Modern high-def TVs have come a long way from the black and white TVs of old.

 

Key Takeaways

  • Video cable technology has evolved from primarily analogue connections to increasingly sophisticated digital interfaces.
  • Common legacy video interfaces include VGA, composite, S-Video, component video, and DVI.
  • Modern systems commonly use HDMI and DisplayPort for digital video.
  • Different video interfaces support different resolutions, bandwidths, audio capabilities, and features.
  • The correct cable depends on the ports available on both connected devices.
  • Analogue and digital video interfaces are not automatically interchangeable.
  • Older equipment may require adapters or active converters when connected to modern displays.
  • Cable length and construction can affect signal integrity, particularly for high-bandwidth video.
  • For professional installations, consider the video standard, resolution, bandwidth, connector, distance, and environment.
  • Choosing a video cable based on the complete system requirements is more important than simply choosing the newest cable type.

 

1956: Composite RCA is introduced, becoming a common standard for televisions, VCRs, LaserDisc, video game consoles, computers, and more for the next several decades. Each cable can only send a single signal, paving the way for multi-signal cables to eventually replace RCA in the future.

1979: S-Video is released as a superior (for its time) alternative to composite RCA. It is included on VCRs, home computers, and some early video game consoles up through the early 90s.

1987: VGA was initially created by IBM for their x86 machines. It worked so well that VGA went on to become an industry standard on computers, televisions, projectors, and other electronics. Over time, it becomes the most successful and longest lasting analog connector.

1990s: Component RCA, an upgrade to composite, is developed. While powerful for an analog cable, it has little time to catch on before digital cables start becoming the new standard.

1999: DVI is invented by the Digital Display Working Group, a collaboration between seven major tech companies, and becomes the first major standard for digital video cable. It holds the advantage of also being compatible with older analog formats. Mini- and Micro-DVI are introduced as well, being heavily used with Apple products.

2002: HDMI 1.0 is developed as a collaboration project between multiple tech companies, with backing from various media and telecom companies, as a new industry-wide standard. It quickly becomes implemented on computers, televisions, and virtually every other electronic that connects to monitors.

2004: HDMI 1.1 is released, adding support for DVD audio.

2005: HDMI 1.2 is released, featuring several changes to make it more friendly for computers.

2006: HDMI 1.3 is released, with superior data transmission speed and support for more colors allowing for better resolution.

2007: DisplayPort is created by the Video Electronics Standards Association. Designed specifically for computer monitors, DisplayPort was built to replace the older VGA and DVI formats.

2008: Apple discontinues Mini- and Micro-DVI and begins implementing Mini DisplayPort in its place. They offer a free license for other companies to use Mini DisplayPort as well.

2008: Companies involved with the development of HDMI are awarded the Technology and Engineering Emmy Award by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.

2009: HDMI 1.4 is released, being the first HDMI capable of 4k (albeit limitedly). HDMI cables from this point onwards are also capable of supporting ethernet.

2011: Thunderbolt (outwardly identical to Mini DisplayPort) is developed via collaboration between Intel and Apple and begins seeing implementation on Macs.

2013: HDMI 2.0 is released and is the first HDMI capable of fully supporting 4k resolution.

2013: Thunderbolt 2 is developed and first released with the 2013 MacBook Pro.

2016: Apple begins phasing out Mini DisplayPort, replacing it with USB-C. The USB-C right angle cable would shortly follow as a space saver.

2016: Thunderbolt 3 (physically identical to USB-C) starts seeing implementation on Apple products.

2017: HDMI 2.1 is released, ushering in “Ultra High Speed” HDMI. 2.1 is capable of up to 8k resolution and supports backward compatibility with older versions of HDMI.

 

Recommendations

 

For Modern TVs and Home Entertainment

For modern televisions, streaming devices, gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, and AV equipment, HDMI cables are generally the primary choice when the connected devices provide HDMI ports. Verify the required HDMI features based on the resolution and capabilities of the equipment.

For Computer Monitors

For computer monitors, select the interface supported by both the computer and display. HDMI and DisplayPort are common choices for modern systems, while DVI and VGA may still be encountered with older equipment.

For Legacy Computers and Displays

When working with older computers or monitors, VGA or DVI may be required. If connecting legacy equipment to a modern display, verify whether an active converter is necessary rather than assuming a passive adapter will work.

For Professional Video Systems

For professional video environments, select cables based on the specific video standard, resolution, transmission distance, connector type, and equipment requirements. Coaxial cables with BNC connectors may be used in various professional video applications.

For Surveillance Systems

For surveillance installations, choose the cable according to the camera technology, video format, transmission distance, and recorder requirements. Analogue and network-based surveillance systems use different cabling approaches.

For Gaming

For gaming systems, choose a cable that supports the console or graphics hardware's required resolution and refresh rate. For advanced gaming displays, verify bandwidth requirements before purchasing.

 

FAQs – Frequently asked questions

 

What are video cables?

Video cables are used to transmit video signals between a compatible source and display or processing equipment. They can carry analogue or digital video signals depending on the cable and interface.

What are the different types of video cables?

Common video cable types include HDMI, DisplayPort, DVI, VGA, composite, S-Video, component video, and professional coaxial video cables.

What was the first type of video cable?

There is no single cable that can universally be described as the first video cable. Video transmission technology developed through multiple electrical and broadcast standards over time.