The following information explains the different types of cables and connections that our Digital TV Receivers support, as well as future cables that might be supported which are on new devices today that you could be asked about.
The two tables below are broken down by Video and then Audio. Each list is sorted by the quality of the connection, the best being the last in the list.
Video Cables
Coaxial
Composite
S-Video
Component
DVI
HDMI
HDMI to DVID
Audio Cables
Coaxial
Standard RCA Stereo
Coaxial S/PDIf
Optical S/PDIf
Audio and Video Cable
HDMI
Video Cables
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- Coaxial cable is capable of carrying multiple channels of video and audio.
- This type of connection screws on.
- The coaxial cable size that Eastlink uses is R6.
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- Composite video cable is made with a coaxial cable but with a push-on RCA cable end.
- This cable carries video only - no sound
- The quality of video compared to coaxial is about the same.
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Super-Video
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- S-Video provides a brighter and sharper image than the previous types of video cables.
- The cable pushes in to its connector. The proper pins must be aligned in order to make the connection.
- S-Video carries only video signal.
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- Component video cables are the first of HDTV compatible video cables.
- This cable is often thought of as an RGB (Red/Green/Blue) cable. This is not the case. RGB is a type of video connection, but it is not the same as Component video and the two technologies vary in the way they work.
- The Component cable is made up of three coaxial cables with push-on RCA cable ends, the colors must match up in order for the cable to work properly.
- Component video is a large bulky, heavy cable.
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Digital Video Interface
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- DVI is the first digital connection between a Digital TV Receiver and a TV.
- This cable is a very popular choice for high-end HDTV's.
- In order to use a DVI cable, the television must be HDCP compliant. HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) protects the digital video signal from theft. If a television is not HDCP compliant, the picture will not show up on the screen.
- DVI carries video signal only.
- The DVI cable connects by aligning the pins then pushing the cable into the connector, followed by tightening the thumb screws on the sides of the cable end.
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DVI Connects to TV
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HDMI Connects to DCT
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DVI Connects to TV
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HDMI Connects to DCT
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-Installer will determine if customers requires a HDMI-DVID cable
-Installers follow The Special Order Item process to request cable for the customer
-These cables are not provided by Eastlink if a customers upgrades their Television after the initial installation.
-This cable is used when a customer requires a digital high-definition video connection but their DCT has an HDMI output and the TV has a DVI input.
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-This cable shares the same properties as DVI and does not carry audio like the HDMI cable. Also, this cable does not provide the same two-way communication like HDMI.
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*Used for HDTV connections
Audio Cables
A channel of sound refers to the specific sound that is sent to individual speakers. A decimal place refers to a sub-woofer for bass. For example, 5.1 surround sound means there are 6 channels of sound. The number 5 represents the five main speakers, front left, front centre, front right, rear left, and rear right. The .1 represents the sub-woofer, which can be placed anywhere in a room.
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- Coaxial cable is capable of carrying multiple channels of video and audio.
- This type of connection screws on.
- The coaxial cable size that Eastlink uses is R6.
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- RCA Stereo audio cables provide two channels of sound, left and right.
- The cable wire used is usually standard, flimsy speaker wire.
- The cable ends are simple push-on RCA connectors.
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Sony/Philips Digital Interface
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- S/PDIf is capable of carrying multiple channels of audio.
- Digital Coax S/PDIf requires a coaxial cable with RCA cable ends.
- The cable MUST be made from coaxial wire.
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Sony/Philips Digital Interface
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- S/PDIf is capable of carrying multiple channels of audio.
- Optical S/PDIf sends the audio signal with light over a fiber optic cable.
- There are two types of fiber optic cable. One is made of glass and the other is made from nylon. Because the signal is being sent with light, it's important that the material carrying the signal is clear. Fiber optic cables made with high quality glass are preferred over low quality, cloudy nylon cable.
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*Used for HDTV connections
Audio and Video Cable
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High-Definition Multimedia Interface
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- HDMI is a feature only on DVR's that have a serial number begining with 'M'
- HDMI, like DVI, provides a digital connection between devices.
- Unlike DVI, HDMI is capable of two-way communication so that DCT's and TV's can communicate with each other. This two-way communication means that a DCT and TV can automatically learn what each other is capable of and then adjust to the best possible viewing experience for the content being viewed.
- HDMI carries both video and audio signal.
- The cable connects by aligning the cable end with the connector then pushing the two tightly together.
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*Used for HDTV connections