These are the different video inputs found on Sony® TVs.
- Radio Frequency (RF), also known as coaxial, include the VHF/UHF, CABLE, and AUX jacks. These input terminals carry video and audio signals and are used for connecting an indoor/outdoor antenna or cable for cable TV service.
- Composite Audio/Video (A/V), sometimes known as an RCA connection, combines black & white and color information into a single video signal and separates the audio into left and right channels. It provides better picture quality than RF. This connection is currently the most commonly used method for hooking up home A/V products and carries both audio and video signals.
- S-Video offers somewhat higher quality than composite video because it has conductors to separate the black-and-white and color signals. Only video is transferred through this connection.
- Component Video terminals offer better quality than S-Video. These terminals divide the video signal into three component parts: black & white luminance (Y), blue color difference (PB), and red color difference (PR). This enables rich, accurate color. Only video is transferred through this connection.
IMPORTANT: The RGB terminals found on some computers and monitors are a different configuration and are not compatible with component video.
- Digital Video Interface (DVI) enables compressed digital-to-digital transport of a video signal. This connection is secured by HDCP technology to protect the signal from piracy. Only video is transferred through this connection.
- High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) transfers uncompressed high-definition digital video and audio. This connection is also secured by HDCP technology to protect the signal from piracy.