Composite Video ~  Video signal combining luminance and chrominance, the burst signal and sync data (horizontal and vertical). Also, a direct video connection using an RCA-type plug and jack; it's superior to the RF type of connection but inferior to S-video and component video. (See component video, S-video)

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S-Video ~ Higher quality video input and output that segregates chrominance and luminance signals for optimum reproduction from high-quality video sources such as SVHS, Hi8 and DVD players. Replaces composite video (RCA) input cable with a delicate and difficult-to-fit multi-pin cable. Better than a composite video connection and not as good as component video, but more common. (See component video, composite video)

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Component Video ~  Elements that make up a video signal: luminance, which represents brightness in the image, and separate red and blue signals (expressed as either Y R-Y B-Y or Y Pb Pr). Component video is superior to both composite video and S-video because it provides improved color purity, superior color detail, and a reduction in color noise and NTSC artifacts. Three-jack video output of a video device (such as a DTV set-top box or a DVD player), or the input of a DTV receiver or monitor to send/receive the luminance (Y) and two color difference signals, each on a separate colored RCA cable. Toshiba calls its component video ColorStream. (See composite video, S-video)

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VGA ~  Display monitor or image resolution of 640 horizontal by 480 vertical pixels; lowest of all VGA resolutions. Basically you would use the VGA Cables to connect your computer to your plasma display.

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IEEE 1394  High-speed digital video and data interface technology adopted by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers; a nascent standard for connecting digital television and computers to various components and peripherals, such as Digital VHS, set-top HDTV tuner boxes and digital video camcorders. Apple Computer's implementation is called FireWire; Sony's is called i.LINK.

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HDMI ~ (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) This is a one cable audio/ video solution designed for home theater systems. HDMI has the ability to identify a DVI connection at the other end of the wire and switch to a DVI protocol for operating.

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DVI ~ (Digital Visual Interface) A standard interface to a digital display system. DVI sockets are found on flat panel monitors and TVs, DVD players, data projectors and cable TV set-top boxes. Using TMDS signaling, DVI was introduced in 1999 and within a short time superseded the other emerging digital interfaces. DVI supports High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection, which enforces digital rights management

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