HDMI

This brand new connection option offers 8 channels of digital audio as well as video and control signals. This is sure to quickly become the preferred connection for both audio and video equipment. High Definition Multimedia Interface gives you a premium digital signal through just one cable to install for audio, video, and control signal transmission. Lengths are now available up to 75 feet without signal loss

Optical

Optical is preferred over the more common Coaxial connector. The optical connection is not affected by electrical interference. Optical lengths are usually run upto 9 feet.

Coaxial

The most common connection for digital audio. Coaxial has an advantage over optical for installations that require longer run lengths. Coaxial lenghts re common upto 50 feet.

Analog Surround

Very common connections for offering Dolby 5.1 surround sound. More current systems are moving to Dolby 6.1 or 7.1 surround sound which also utilizes this RCA configuration. Lengths can run up to 50 feet without noticeable signal loss. Like stereo the color coded RCA connectors are still red and white, but insted of just "L" and "R", you have "C" (center), "FR" (front right), "FL" (front left), "SL" (surround left), "SR" (surround right), and "SW" (subwoofer). Dolby digital or DTS 6.1 or 7.1 also utilize this RCA configuration, the only difference being the need for more cables than for Dolby 5.1.

RCA Stereo

These connections deliver an analog stereo signal but can only offer surround sound with simulation. For this installation you have "L" (left) and "R" (right) or 2 channels which will provide you with stereo sound. Lengths can run up to 50 feet without noticeable signal loss.

Types of Video Connections

HDMI

This brand new connection option offers 8 channels of digital audio as well as video and control signals. This is sure to quickly become the preferred connection for both audio and video equipment. High Definition Multimedia Interface gives you a premium digital signal through just one cable to install for audio, video, and control signal transmission. Lengths are now available up to 75 feet without signal loss.

BNC

This connection is common on home theatre projectors and separates each color signal as well as the horizontal and vertical scanning frequencies. This is the best in analog connections for your theatre equipment.

Component

This connection is common on home theatre projectors and separates each color signal as well as the horizontal and vertical scanning frequencies. This is the best in analog connections for your theatre equipment.

RGB or VGA

Analog signal and not widely used for video. Many manufacturers have decided to use this connection for firmware updates to their products. This can also be used to hookup your display to a PC or Media Center.

S-Video

A common connection that is similar to component quality and adds separate streams for luminance or brightness, and chrominance or color data. Lacks support of HD signals or Progressive scan. Lengths are typical up to 100 feet.

Composite

Good for only analog signals but not a good pick for HD sets. The better display you're using in your home theatre, the more you will see interference, compression, and artifacts when using composite cables.