In order of quality, Component is the highest quality followed by RGB Scart, S-Video then Composite. The three signal types are explained below:

Component

A Component Video cable separates the information, with the picture's luminance information, red colour-difference information, and blue colour-difference information on three separate conductors. Component Video provides better colour resolution than S-Video. It also has wider bandwidth, which is necessary to deliver high-quality video from DVD players, digital satellite systems, and HDTVs. Component can also carry high definition progressive scan signals.

RGB Scart

RGB is the best video signal you can send over a fully wired 21 pin scart cable. Uses 3 separate signals (red, green, blue) to send the video.

S-Video

An S-Video cable carries the picture's brightness information and colour information separately on two conductors. This improves brightness and colour accuracy over Composite Video. S-video signals are also sometimes referred to as S-vhs or Y/C (Y for luminance and C for Chrominance)

Composite

In Composite Video cables, the brightness information, the colour information, and the synchronization signals are all combined in one conductor. This can reduce the picture quality with blurred edges, dull colour, and less detail.

The Scart to Scart cables that Clearly AV sell are all fully wired unless specifically stated otherwise. These cables will work in both directions.

Scart breakout cables like the scart to phono or scart to s-video are generally designed with the signal direction being from the breakout connectors to the scart connector.

Once you have identified the type and length of cable that you require you will no doubt then have a range to choose from which will include different manufacturers and varying prices. We frequently get asked which is best and why are they different prices? These questions can be answered by considering that the cables will probably differ in the following ways;

Shielding. All signals are susceptible to electro-magnetic interference. This interference can be significantly reduced by surrounding the signal conductors with an interference blocking shield of metal. The best cables will have shielding around individual signal wires which is constructed to encase as much as possible of the conductors. Adding greater shielding to a cable adds to the cost of construction and materials. It will also make the cable less flexible, larger and heavier. The connectors of the cable should also be shielded. This is often achieved by using metal connector housings.

Conductors. The quality of the signal will be affected by the type and purity of the conductor material. Various versions of Oxygen Free Copper (OFC) are used, often displayed with a purity percentage. Some manufacturers also have developed hybrid conductor constructions or conductors coated with silver designed to optimise the signal path at certain frequencies.

Contacts. A good cable requires a good electrical contact with the piece of equipment with which it is interfacing. Gold plated contacts are often used to provide a solid contact with low resistance.

Flexibility. Flexibility of the cable is important as often the cables on equipment have to fit within a defined space. Inflexible cables can make positioning equipment difficult and will lead to increased forces on the connectors and equipment. Greater shielding often comes at the price of reduced flexibility, however, some manufacturers use hybrid construction techniques in order to deliver good shielding and flexible cables.

Durability. All cables will come under stresses and strains and abrasions therefore it is imperative that materials used and the construction be adequate for the purpose.

Most of the cables we sell do not have a choice of colour options. Please see the individual product pages for details of item.