RCA stands for Radio Corporation of America, so it makes sense that RCA cables are a type of electrical connector commonly used for audio and video signals. Also known as composite cables, these cords are made up of connectors with distinctive color-coding, with red and white being used for audio and yellow for composite video.
For stereo home audio, the red connector typically carries the right audio channel while the white connector carries the left. These cables are commonly used to connect audio sources like CD players and DVD players to audio receivers or amplifiers. The yellow connector on an RCA cable is used for transmitting composite video signals. Composite video combines all video information into a single signal. A yellow composite cable is typically used to connect older video sources, like VCRs or older gaming consoles, to TVs or monitors.
While RCA cables are still being utilized for various audio and video configurations, they are not suitable for transmitting high-definition signals. For digital connections or higher-quality signals, other types of cords, such as HDMI cables or fiber optic cables, are preferred. With so many wires and cords that can be potentially used in your setup, be sure read up on the best tips for managing your cables.