Component cables are just one of the options for video. But how good is component video? While component video is older tech, it’s not completely obsolete. In this article, we explain exactly what it’s cable of.
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Will Component Cables Do 1080p?
Yes. Component cables can transmit a 1080p video signal. Component cables are technically capable of carrying full HD video just like an HDMI cable. Unfortunately, other issues other than technical capability may arise. While a component cable can do 1080p, you’ll need hardware to send and receive the 1080p video. The latest and greatest televisions probably can’t. We’ll explain why.
Component Cable Compatibility Issues
Component video was meant to be an upgrade to composite video when it was created. While both are analog, component video still delivers superior picture quality. It’s no longer the best technology for video hook up though. Analog video has been replaced by digital video. When component video RCA cables were, manufacturers created devices to be compatible. Companies had to make decisions with the emergence of HDMI cables and digital signals for video. It became hard to justify ports for the three separate cables needed for component video. That’s why you may run into issues, despite the fact that 1080p over component is possible.
In addition to space limitations, licensing fees must be paid to use some of these technologies. Manufacturers opted for HDMI connections which can send digital signals at higher resolutions. HDMI cables also has the bandwidth to transmit audio and video. This includes surround sound audio and ARC (audio return channel) which are essential for home theater. It’s hard to justify multiple cables with less functionality over a single HDMI cable. Digital video is just a big improvement over analog.
Do Modern TVs Have Component Input?
Yes. While it’s not common, some newer televisions do have component inputs. Functionality with component video cables should be outlined in the specifications. Component cables consist of red, green, and blue cables. If you are unsure, just look on the TV for component video ports of the same color. Don’t confuse them with red and white ports, which are for RCA audio connections. You will see multiple ports for HDMI cables on modern TV. Unfortunately, you will need to do some research to find newer TVs with component inputs.
Devices Compatible With Component Video Cables
If you can’t establish component connections with your current TV, there are other options. Many home theaters connect to receivers. AV receiver can connect to multiple devices and send an audio or video signal. AV receivers come with various desirable connectors for home media. Some even include inputs for composite video signals. They can also take an audio and video analog signal and convert it into a digital signal.
Dedicated devices also exist that can take component cable input and convert it to HDMI. These component to HDMI converters are female-to-female connections. This allows the connected HDMI cable to then input into a TV or other display device. These are extremely convenient devices for component connections when modern hardware won’t cooperate.
Conclusion: Component In An HDMI Cable World
HDMI is king for the foreseeable future. That doesn’t mean you have to throw your analog and component video technology away. Component cables can output 1080p. And there are still modern devices around to facilitate those component connections.
Keith Collins has been writing for over 15 years for various publications. He’s a lover of music, home theater, and excellent sound quality. His fondness for technology in addition to his non-stop curiosity fuels his writing ventures.