A stereo video cable is a wire assembly capable of transmitting both audio and visual signals. The term "stereo" refers to a cable that can transmit two channels of audio, and the video part of the name indicates that it can also transmit visual information. Stereo video cables are commonly used to connect devices such as digital video disc (DVD) players or video cameras to televisions. Composite stereo video cables usually only transmit standard-definition video signals, while high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) cables can be used for high-definition.
The simplest stereo video cable usually includes wires and connectors for two audio channels and a composite video channel. Many different styles of connectors can be used because devices can have different configurations. A common stereo video cable configuration involves using American Radio Corporation (RCA) plug connectors at both ends. Most TVs and other audiovisual components use RCA connections, making this type of cable available for a variety of devices.
Small camcorders is a device that often uses another connector. Some cameras may use a mono video cable with an RCA jack, but you can also use another connector, such as a stereo mini plug jack. This type of connector can support one audio and two video channels, so a stereo video cable can have a mini plug on one end and an RCA plug on the other end.
Component video uses three visual data channels instead of the single channel used in composite video. This means that a stereo video cable requires 5 connectors instead of 3. Component video cables sometimes have no audio connection, and a separate audio cable is required. Other cables can integrate everything in one component, such as those used in some video game systems. This type of stereo video cable usually has a dedicated connector on one end and 5 RCA plugs on the other end.
Video and stereo audio signals can also be transmitted via HDMI cables. These cables can transmit digital data, unlike most stereo video cables that carry analog signals. Another difference is that HDMI cables have a single plug for audio and video, unlike stereo or composite stereo video cables that require three or five connectors.