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Component Video Tutorial



Component video is a video signal that has been split into two or more components. It refers to analog video information transmitted or stored as three separate signals. Component video can be contrasted with composite video ( NTSC, PAL or SECAM) in which all the video information is combined into a single line-level signal. Unlike composite, component video cables do not carry audio.


Analog Component Video

Reproducing a video signal on a display device is a straightforward process, but complicated by the multitude of signal sources available today. DVD, VHS, computers, video game consoles, etc, store, process and transmit video signals using different methods, and each will provide numerous signal options. To maintain signal clarity, component video separates the components of the signal to reduce interference. S-Video, RGB, and YPbPr signals comprise two or more separate signals. Therefore, all are considered component video signals. For most consumer-level applications, analog component video is used. Digital component video is slowly becoming popular in both computer and home-theatre applications. Component video is capable of carrying signals such as 480i, 480p, 576i, 576p, 720p, 1080i and 1080p, although many TVs do not support 1080p through component video.


RGB Analog Component Video

The various RGB (Red, Green, Blue) analog component video standards (i.e. RGBS, RGBHV, RG & SB) use no compression and impose no real limit on color depth or resolution. However, they require large bandwidth to carry the signal and contain much redundant data since each channel typically includes the same black and white image. Most modern computers offer this signal via the VGA port. Many televisions utilize RGB via the SCART connector. Arcade games use RGB monitors. Analog RGB is slowly falling out of favor as computers obtain better clarity using digital video and home theater moves toward HDMI. Analog RGB has been largely ignored, despite its quality and suitability, as it cannot easily be made to support Digital Rights Management. RGB was not popular in North America for consumer electronics, although it was used extensively in commercial, professional and high-end installations, as S-Video was considered sufficient for consumer use.

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