All conventional methods of sending an analog video signal from one device to another involve a few basic types of information:
Scan Information (e.g., when does a line of video start and end, and when does a frame start or end) Brightness information (how bright should a part of the image be) Color information (what color should this part of the image be) Composite Video, Component Video, S-Video, and the various types of RGB Video all constitute different methods, or formats, for delivering the information
Composite Video
This is the most basic baseband video standard, in which all video information is carried on a single coax Color (“chrominance”) and intensity (“luminance”) signals are mixed into a single carrier wave. The signal of a composite video is the combination of three source signals that are commonly referred to as YUV. When connecting to TVs or VCRs, composite video uses only one wire and video signals are mixed, not sent separately.
Composite Video Cable
The standard connection for composite video is a yellow RCA type plug
Component Video
Higher-end video systems make use of three (3) separate video signals for Red, Green and Blue image planes. Each color channel is sent as a separate video signal. YPbPr scheme used in component video.
Component video requires more bandwidth and good synchronization of the three components.
Component Video gives the best color reproduction since there is no “crosstalk” between the three channels.
Component Video Cable
Three cables, each with RCA plugs at both ends, are often used to carry analog component video
S- Video
Most commonly known as Separate Video, Super Video and Y/C.