Dec. 09, 2024
Not to be confused with connector (audio)
The RCA connector is a type of electrical connector frequently used to support audio and video signals. The term RCA comes from the Radio Corporation of America, which pioneered this design in the 1940s. The male plug and female jack of this connector are referred to as RCA plug and RCA jack respectively.
This connector may also be called RCA phono connector or simply phono connector. The term phono is short for phonograph, as this connector was initially designed to connect phonograph turntables to radio receivers. Commonly, RCA jacks are seen in phono inputs, which are input jacks typically found on the back panel of preamps, mixers, or amplifiers—especially in older radio sets—where one can attach a phonograph or turntable.
In some countries in Europe like France and Germany, the term cinch is still used as a reference to a renowned Chicago-based manufacturer, Cinch, for such connectors and sockets.
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The actual timeline of the RCA connector is somewhat unclear. Historical documents indicate that it was introduced by RCA no later than 1940. By then, it was featured in RCA model U-109 radio-phonograph and model R-97 phonograph. Within the U-109, the internal amplifier chassis was equipped with female connectors that accepted male cables from the internal radio chassis alongside a built-in phonograph player.
In the early 1940s, RCA started incorporating female connectors into the rear panel of various desktop AM radio models to make it convenient for users to connect an external phonograph or television later on. This connector was labeled with terms like "Victrola," "Phono," "Pick-up," or "Television" on the rear panel of the radio.
By the late 1940s, RCA introduced two radio-television floor consoles (TRK-9, TRK-12), utilizing the same internal connection concept while connecting the television chassis audio output to the radio/amplifier chassis via a male-to-male cable. Several budget television models only featured audio output connectors instead of integrated amplifiers and speakers, including RCA TT-5, Westinghouse WRT-700, and GE HM-171.
Throughout the 1960s, RCA connectors became the standard choice over older 1/4-inch (6.4 mm) connectors for various applications in consumer audio as high-fidelity systems gained popularity during the transistor revolution.
In the 1970s, some television sets and computer monitors began utilizing RCA jacks for composite video input. In later years, RCA jacks were also integrated into televisions for audio/video output or component video inputs.
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RCA jacks are frequently found in setups with color-coded plugs for standardized connections, with yellow typically signifying composite video, red for the right audio channel, and white or black for the left channel of stereo audio. These trio or pairs of jacks are usually located on the backs of audio and video equipment. More than one set is often available on TV sets, simplifying connectivity of camcorders, portable video devices, and video game consoles.
While all connectors—including analog, S/PDIF audio, and composite/component video—can employ identical 75 Ω cables, the market has seen a rise in specialized cables for each purpose. The varied quality of cables means that an inexpensive audio cable may struggle to effectively transfer component video signals. For digital audio, as long as a connection is established, the sound quality will remain consistent, as digital audio signals are either completely transmitted or not. To ensure reliable performance, the cables must adhere to the specifications defined by the S/PDIF standard, as available in IEC -3.
The male plug has a central pin that measures 1/8 inch (3.175 mm) in diameter, surrounded by an outer shell measuring 1/3 inch (8.47 mm).
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This design creates a situation where the inner hot (signal) connection engages before the ground connection is guaranteed; this often results in a loud hum or buzz if the equipment is energized during the connection process.
RCA connections implement an unbalanced signal. Opting for a true balanced connection is often preferred in professional scenarios, as it allows longer cables while minimizing external noise interference.
Each signal necessitates a separate plug when using RCA connectors. A typical case of linking a cassette deck could require four connections—two for stereo input and two for stereo output—leading to cable chaos and confusion in connections. This scenario worsens with complex signals such as component video, which demands a total of three for video and either two for analog audio or one for digital coaxial audio.
Attempts to develop combined audio/video connectors for direct signals have occurred, but within the analog scope, few have gained traction—SCART being an exception in Europe. Previously, the 5-pin DIN connector was favored for stereo connections between A/V devices, though it has since been phased out on modern consumer electronics. RF modulators, which transmit composite A/V signals, depend on superior television systems and RF connectors which are not universally adopted worldwide; RF signals are typically inferior compared to direct signals due to protocol conversion and various RF limitations across major analog TV systems (NTSC, PAL, and SECAM).
Before HD television became standard, most TV units, VCRs, and DVD players sold in Europe featured SCART connectors, though these were often complemented with RCA and/or RF connectors. SCART-RCA adapters were also available, allowing for composite video and stereo audio input. Conversely, outside of Europe, individual RCA connectors were usually employed, supplemented by RF connectors for compatibility and ease of use. Although mini-DIN connectors are utilized for S-Video connections, RCA connectors generally serve for composite video, component video, and analog audio (both mono and stereo) in the absence of SCART. However, in the digital domain, integrated A/V connectors are becoming more popular; HDMI is now widely adopted across consumer electronics while DisplayPort often appears on computer hardware and peripherals.
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Typically, connector plugs and sockets on consumer devices come with color-coding to assist with accurate connections. Below are the standard colors for various signals, although, beyond 7.1 audio, this has devolved into a more generic white/yellow, red/blue, or green/yellow color scheme for cables used.
For stereo audio, connectors may appear in black and red, grey and red, or white and red arrangements, with red signifying the right channel. Instances of older tape recorders may utilize 5-pin DIN connectors for streamlined left and right connectivity for recording and playback through a single cable. Adapters linking this connector with RCA connectors adhering to white and red conventions may also utilize colored connectors for playback, yet this remains inconsistent. Most current devices with RCA connectors preferentially employ white and red for all stereo pairs, encompassing both recording and playback.
Although the colors portrayed on commercially produced products form a consistent standard, variations in connector colors might also feature as long as the cables remain compatible with their intended applications (such as 75-ohm impedance cables for video and S/PDIF).
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For further information regarding custom TV connectors, please contact us for expert assistance.
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