An AV (audio/video) cable carries analog sound and picture between devices. It’s commonly the RCA composite style with three plugs: yellow for video, red and white for stereo audio. You’ll also see 2‑RCA audio cables (red/white only) for sound systems, and component video cables (red/green/blue for video plus red/white for audio).

• Typical uses: connecting DVD players, VCRs, retro game consoles, camcorders, and some car or home audio gear to TVs, receivers, or speakers.
• Connector types: RCA-to-RCA, 3.5mm AV-to-RCA (for certain camcorders or portable players), and multi-RCA bundles.

AV cables can be a practical way to hook up older equipment. For newer TVs or devices, you may need specific inputs or an adapter, depending on the ports available.

The main difference is signal type and capabilities:

• AV (RCA/composite or component): analog signals. Composite uses yellow (video) plus red/white (audio). Component separates video into red/green/blue for higher analog quality, with red/white for audio.
• HDMI: digital audio and video in one cable, supporting higher resolutions and formats commonly found on modern TVs and streaming devices.

If your device has AV outputs and your TV only has HDMI inputs, a converter may be needed, since cables alone don’t change analog to digital. Conversely, some TVs still include AV inputs or a 3.5mm AV jack. Checking your device and TV ports can help you choose a compatible connection.

1. Check the ports: Look on the back or side for inputs labeled AV, Video, or Composite. You may see red/white/yellow RCA jacks or a single 3.5mm jack labeled AV IN (which uses a breakout adapter).
2. Connect the cables: Match colors—yellow to yellow (video), red/white to red/white (audio). For a 3.5mm AV jack, use the compatible AV adapter specified for your TV model.
3. Select the source: Press your TV’s Input/Source button and choose AV, Composite, or similar.

Labels and menus vary by brand and model. If you don’t see the input, consult the TV manual or settings. Using the correct adapter can help when the TV relies on a 3.5mm AV port.

Most AV RCA cables have color-coded plugs and round connectors with metal tips. The common composite type has three male plugs:

• Yellow: video
• Red: right audio
• White (or black): left audio

You’ll also see variations:

• 2‑RCA audio: red and white only, for stereo sound.
• Component video: red/green/blue for video, plus red/white for audio (five plugs total).
• 3.5mm AV to RCA: a small headphone-style plug on one end and RCA plugs on the other.

These color cues help match each plug to the correct port on your TV or audio gear.

Match the cable to your device’s ports and the quality you want:

• Composite (yellow + red/white): best for older DVD players, VCRs, and retro consoles where a simple analog connection is needed.
• Component (red/green/blue + red/white): separates video for improved analog picture on gear that supports it.
• 2‑RCA audio (red/white): for stereo audio connections between TVs, receivers, and players.
• 3.5mm AV to RCA: for devices with a small AV jack (check your device’s required pinout).

Consider length and shielding based on your setup; shorter runs and shielded cables can help reduce interference. If your TV only has HDMI, a compatible converter may be required.