A composite cable is a necessity for connecting a variety of different electronic devices to your television set. Anything from videogames, to DVD players require their use in order to project a high quality picture on your television screen. While a composite cable doesn’t quite provide the quality of component cables, you’ll still find that your picture is fantastically clear. Plus component cables are usually much more expensive, and don’t provide any better quality when used with standard devices.
A composite cable consists of three separate plugs, each for a different purpose. Each are also color coated with white, red and yellow. Yellow always signifies video, and is the cable directly responsible for the video signal from your device to the television set. Red and white apply to audio directly, red signifies the right stereo signal, while white is used for the left. It’s important to place these on the right connectors, especially if you have surround sound. Otherwise the sounds will appear mixed up, and noises that are supposed to be delivered from the right side of your environment, will sound on the left.
There are a few things you’ll want to think about beforehand however, prior to purchasing a composite cable. One of the first will be considering the size that you need. This type of cable can be very small, or very long to accommodate the distance your television may be from your electronic devices. You’ll want to measure, or guess at about how far you’re planning on placing each from the other. But be sure to allow for a few extra feet so that the composite cable isn’t pulled too tightly. You want plenty of give so that the electronics can sit comfortably, otherwise a simple tug on one can result in damage on the other.
Another thing to consider is whether or not your television has the proper connections available to facilitate a composite cable. Some older televisions can only accommodate a coaxial cable, and in this case you’ll need to purchase a digital converter box. These have the capability to receive composite cable signals, and convert them into a readable format for a coaxial receiver. You can find a converter box at practically any store that sells electronics. They can feature several connections for multiple devices, or also only one to connect a single DVD player or game console.
When you’re looking to buy a composite cable of any length, you can find them practically anywhere. There are options at Walmart, Target, or even electronics specific retailers like Best Buy and Circuit City. Typically you can expect to pay around $5 to $15 depending upon the size of the cable itself. The longer a composite cable you require, obviously the more expensive it will be in the end. Be careful not to accidentally purchase a component cable however. You can easily see the difference as a component cable has five connectors, opposed to the composite’s three. A component cable will not be compatible with any device that isn’t optimized for high definition picture.