Composite video

Composite video baseband signal
On consumer products a yellow RCA connector is typically used for composite video.
Type Analog video connector
Production history
Designed 1954[1]–1956[2]
General specifications
Length Maximum of 50 m[citation needed]
External Yes
Video signal NTSC, PAL or SECAM video
Pins 1 plus grounding shield
Connector RCA connector
Electrical
Signal 1 volt[3]
Pinout
Pin 1 center video
Pin 2 sheath ground

Composite video is an analog video format that typically carries a 525 or 625 line signal on a single channel, unlike the higher-quality S-Video (two channels) and the even higher-quality component video (three or more channels).

A yellow RCA connector is typically used for composite video, with the audio being carried on separate additional L/R RCA connectors. In professional settings, or on devices that are too small for an RCA connector, such as a digital camera, other types of connectors can be used.

Composite video is also known by the initials CVBS for Composite Video Baseband Signal or Color, Video, Blanking and Sync,[4][5] or is simply referred to as SD video for the standard-definition television signal it conveys.

There are three dominant variants of composite video signals, corresponding to the analog color system used (NTSC, PAL, and SECAM), but purely monochrome signals can also be used.

  1. ^ "Definition: composite video". computer language. Retrieved 23 May 2019.
  2. ^ "the cable bible". Retrieved 23 May 2019.
  3. ^ "Understanding Analog Video Signals". Analog Devices.
  4. ^ "TUTORIAL 734 Video Basics". Maxim Integrated. Maxim Integrated. 2002. Archived from the original on 14 July 2018. Retrieved 14 July 2018.
  5. ^ Silva, Robert (11 September 2020). "Composite Video Connections Explained - Many home theater devices still support composite video inputs". Lifewire Tech for Humans. Lifewire.