Features

VGA

The common name for the blue 15-pin d-sub connector found on the back of laptops and computers. The video signal carried over this type of cable is relatively weak, is carried on five of the cables, and is split into red, green, blue, horizontal sync, and vertical sync. The signal carried over it is analogue.

DVI

The digital version of VGA, DVI appeared on Apple laptops first but has not become widespread, possibly because they have not appeared on PCs and possible also because the cable lengths were restricted to around 7 metres. Longer cables are available but are made from fibre-optic which makes them much more expensive.

Minijack

The small "jack" typically used for headphones, as seen on laptop and MP3 players. The barrel diameter is 3.5mm and the barrel is typically split into three parts for the audio signal: left, right and ground.

Phono

Also known as RCA or Cinch, the phono is a cheap, universal connector used for both video and audio signals. Normally the connectors are colour coded to allow quick and easy connection. The most common use is for audio (red = right, white = left) and composite video (yellow). Phono should not be used for speaker cable as this leads to confusion and potential mis-connecting of equipment.

S-Video

A video only connector. The signal is split into two cables (rather than composite video which is all combined down one cable) which gives a substantial increase in image clarity and quality. A novice can easily see the difference between S-Video and Composite video.

Component Video

Typically carried over three phono connectors coloured red, green and blue. Component video carries the signal down three cables. This separation leads to even better clarity and accuracy than S-Video. Although a novice might find the improvement over S-Video hard to spot, they will very easily see how much better it is than composite video.

USB

Used for connecting peripherals to a computer. The flat end that goes into the computer is "Type A" and the square end that goes into your interactive whiteboard, or printer, is known as "Type B". A USB cable is limited to about 5m, although in some cases a basic function like an interactive whiteboard will work over a 10m cable.

HDMI

The modern digital equivalent to Scart, this HDMI cable carries very high quality digital audio and video simultaneously down the single cable.

Speakon

A large locking connector, designed to carry high-voltage speaker signals through thick cables for professional audio. It normally has 4 terminals, although only two need be used.

XLR

Another professional audio connector used for speaker signals and lower voltage microphone signals, easy to indentify because of it's three pin design. Almost all professional microphones use this type of connector. The rule of thumb is for the prongs to point in the direction that the signal flows - apart from speaker cables which are often male to male to avoid confusion.

F, RF, BNC

All closely related, these connectors can all be used for aerial "RF" signals, or video signals. They are always connected to a co-axial cable and are never used for audio. The "F" connector is the one on your sky box with a sharp pin and a screw-on locking system. The "RF" connector has a rounded prong and is found on your TV aerial. The BNC is a locking bayonet-style connector used more in professional video applications.

RJ45

Used for networking and is also back-ward compatible with the RJ11 telephone jack, which has a slightly narrower connector. RJ45 uses four pairs of unshielded cable often referred to as UTP - "Unshielded Twisted Pair". Also called "CAT5", even though category 6 is now more common because if it's faster data speeds.

Phoenix Connectors

As used on the Techconnect system, the simple captive screw fitting means cables can be terminated to a connector without the need for soldering and without special preparation. All that is required is the ability to use a screwdriver. Soldering requires a high level of skill and often if a mistake is made the problem will not manifest itself until some time after the job has been completed. In 2006 the European RoHS (Reduction of Hazardous Substances) directive came into force, forcing manufacturers to use less lead. Because solder contains lead a new type of solder now has to be used which is even harder to use than normal because it does not go shiny in the normal way.

Modular

Some faceplates on the market are pre-terminated. If the client changes their mind and wants to change the connectors on their faceplate they don't have the option, or if the cable is too long and there isn't a false ceiling to hide excess away in there is no way of easily shortening the cable. So one end of the Techconnect cable is terminated to a connector, so it isn't necessary to solder at the top of a ladder, the other end is bare-wire. The Techconnect system is fully modular meaning one can mix and match as much as necessary and can even retrofit modules a year!