An audio video (AV) cable connects compatible devices to carry sound, picture, or both. It is a broad term, not one specific plug or standard: HDMI can carry digital audio and video together, while several older video connections need a separate audio lead. Check the ports and supported features on both devices before choosing a cable.
What “audio video cable” means
“Audio video cable” describes a cable used to connect equipment for sound, picture, or both. The phrase can refer to very different connections, from a single HDMI cable to a set of color-coded analog plugs. Which one you need depends on the input and output available on your devices and the formats they support.
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What common AV cable types carry
| Connection | What it carries | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| HDMI | Digital audio and video | Often the simplest option when both devices have compatible HDMI ports. Supported features can vary by model. Sony describes HDMI as “an all-digital audio/video interface capable of transmitting high definition video and audio signals.” Sony Support explains the differences among TV video inputs. |
| Composite AV | Analog video and left/right stereo audio | Typically uses yellow for video, red for right-channel audio, and white—or sometimes black—for left-channel audio. The cited support guides describe composite as a standard-definition connection; it works only with matching ports. See TCL Support and Sony Middle East Support. |
| Component video | Analog video over three color-coded video connections | The video plugs do not carry audio; connect a separate audio lead. Follow the device manual for the correct ports. Sony Support and AT&T Support describe this connection. |
| S-Video | Standard-definition video | Does not carry audio on the same connection, so a separate audio cable is needed. It is found on some older equipment. See Sony Support and AT&T Support. |
| RF/coaxial | Television signals, including audio and video in the TV connection context | Do not confuse a television RF connection with digital coaxial audio. Identify the actual port and intended use; AT&T’s guide covers coaxial TV connections. |
| Optical/TOSLINK | Digital audio only | It carries no video and may be used alongside a separate video connection when both devices support it. See AT&T Support. |
What the red, white, and yellow plugs do
On a typical composite AV set, yellow carries the picture, red carries right-channel audio, and white carries left-channel audio. Some equipment uses a black plug instead of white for the left channel. These color conventions identify the usual roles, but confirm the labels and instructions on the equipment if they differ.
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- Check both devices. Look at the source device’s output and the TV or receiver’s input. Match the connector type and consult the manuals, since port layouts and supported features vary.
- Confirm what needs to travel. If you need both sound and picture, HDMI can carry both over one connection when supported. Component video and S-Video need a separate audio connection; optical carries audio only.
- Check the signal and feature support. A matching plug does not by itself establish that both devices support the same picture, sound, or connection features. Use the model specifications and manuals to verify compatibility.
- Connect and select the input. Attach matching plugs to the corresponding ports, then choose that input on the TV. For a receiver or sound bar, follow the connection instructions for both devices.
If you are connecting a TV to a receiver or sound bar, HDMI may carry both audio and video when the equipment supports the needed connection. Some TVs have a specifically labeled HDMI ARC input that can send digital audio to a compatible receiver or sound bar. ARC is not supported by every HDMI port; check the TV’s labeling and manual. TCL describes its supported setup in Connecting Sound Components to Your TV.
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When a cable alone will not solve a mismatch
A cable should not be assumed to passively convert one signal format to another. For example, if an older source has composite output but a newer TV has no composite input, first confirm the direction of the signal and the compatibility of both devices. A converter may be necessary, but the cited connection guides do not establish a specific converter model; check the equipment manuals and converter specifications before buying.
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Troubleshoot missing sound or picture
- Picture but no sound over component or S-Video: Connect the separate audio leads and verify that the correct output and input are enabled.
- No picture after connecting: Confirm that the plugs go to matching input and output ports and select the TV input used for the connection.
- No audio through ARC: Confirm that the TV port is specifically labeled ARC, that the connected equipment supports ARC, and that the manuals’ setup requirements are met.
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