We all want that pristine, sublime landscape image we saw on the store display model of the TV we just bought – but somewhere along the line, our cables got crossed and we’re left with a washed-out wasteland. Getting the cables right for your TV hook-ups is almost as important as getting the right features in your TV and your media players, and it can stand in the way of a great looking image if not done correctly. It’s also important to know your cables if you are going to install a wall mount TV frame, because it will make the process quicker and more efficient.
The following descriptions are to give you an idea of what all the talk of digital versus analog is all about, and to clarify what each cable is for. And remember to keep in mind that by using a wall mount TV frame, these cables can be discretely hidden and you can free up a lot of your home theater space.
VGA Cables
This type of cable is found solely on computers, and mostly older models. It is an analog video connector, and because of this, the quality will not be as high as a digital connector. Some newer LCD and plasma TVs will have a VGA input in order to allow older PCs to connect and display their pictures, video and other media.
RGB Cables
The RGB (red, green, blue) signal is often carried through a computer’s VGA port. This is a composite cable, meaning that it is composed of several different signals that are transmitted and stored separately. This is an analog signal, and as such it requires a lot of bandwidth and it is falling out of favor quickly as newer TVs and computers begin to use digital signals. RGB cables can still be incorporated into a wall mount TV frame, and hidden just as easily as their digital counterparts.
DVI Cables
A DVI cable is the standard for transmitting a digital image. It is found on LCD computer monitors, and it allows digital signals to be transmitted between digital devices with converting them to analog. This means a clearer picture, sharper text and overall better quality. A DVI cable cannot transmit digital sound, only digital video, so an adapter is usually necessary when connecting to an HDMI connector on your flat screen TV.
HDMI Cables
This is the standard, best, and most widely-used cable today. It is capable of transmitting both 1080p images and multi-channel audio through its single cable unit. It provides the highest quality image and sound, along with the best bit rate for the smoothest experience possible. These are quickly become the industry standard because of their ease of installation, high-quality and flexibility. And even though their single unit will cut down on cords, you can still use a wall mount TV frame to hide them, and to hang your TV.
COAX Cables
The COAX cable has seen better days, and has been usurped by HDMI cables in newer TVs. It is a video and stereo audio transmitter, and produces comparatively low quality sound and video. Some older TVs have only COAX inputs, so you may need a converter if you are trying to hook up an older TV to newer digital devices.
