Complete guide to audio visual cables
Audio visual cables are some of the most common types of cables you can find. Whether you’re creating a home theatre setup or sourcing cables suitable for a professional live performance, you’ll need audio and video cords with enough signal integrity to ensure clear, crisp sound and picture transmission.
Here at Custom Designed Cables, we supply these cables for businesses in the audio-visual industry, such as event technology service providers, film and TV production companies, audiovisual equipment manufacturers, and much more. We also design and manufacture completely custom audio visual cables for projects with unique requirements.
Whether you need a more basic cable or a custom creation, it can be difficult to know the exact specifications you need for your application and environment. We’ve put together a complete guide to audio visual cables to help you figure out what you’re looking for.
What are audio visual cables?
Audio visual cables are vital for the seamless and synchronised transmission of audio and video data. Without these cables, you wouldn’t be able to enjoy your favourite films and TV shows, and things like large live performances and video conferences would also be unachievable. Audio cables and video connectors are responsible for linking audiovisual equipment – including speakers, microphones, cameras, video processors, video wall controllers, matrix switchers, instruments and amplifiers – and ensuring the swift and stable transmission of signals between them.
For applications using both audio and visuals, these cables must be able to synchronise audio and visual data. For example, in films and TV shows, production crews need to ensure that audio output perfectly matches the video footage of someone speaking. Hybrid audio visual cables can be used for this purpose, and there are also varieties of power/signal/data/video combination cables on the market or that can be specially designed for synchronisation across multiple pieces of equipment.
Home vs. professional audio-visual setups
In domestic environments, TV sound cables, HDMI leads, and RCA cable outputs are common for connecting televisions, soundbars, and speakers. In professional environments such as theatres or festivals, speaker cable RCA and phone connector audio cables are used alongside larger multicore assemblies that can carry power, data, and multiple signal types at once. The main difference lies in durability, signal strength, and the number of connections required for each setup.
Considerations: Durability and signal integrity
When choosing appropriate audio-visual cables for your project, there are many important considerations to think about first. For instance, your cables should be designed for the environment they’ll be used in. Domestic cables typically won’t need any special adjustments, but professional equipment may need to be custom-made to withstand heavier usage and harsher conditions. One example of this is the use of audio-visual cables for live music performances at festivals; these cables must be able to withstand wind, rain and potential wear and tear from being moved along the ground or trodden on. As a result, cables for outdoor use or use in harsh conditions may need cable enhancements such as cable armouring to improve strength and durability.
Another key point to consider is the likelihood of electrical interference. Again, domestic cables often won’t need enhancements or custom designs because there’s less interference in this setting, but if we return to the example of an outdoor concert, there could be a lot of interference from other equipment and people’s phones. One way to customise cables to improve their signal integrity is to apply cable shielding, which involves the application of a fine wire mesh or weave over the cable’s conductors. This screen directly reduces electromagnetic interference from internal and external sources to improve the cable’s signal integrity and effectiveness. For audio visual cables, this will mean that sounds and images are clear, smooth and not distorted or choppy. Plus, the wire screen can also improve the mechanical strength of the cable, which is fantastic for cables in harsh industrial, commercial or outdoor environments.
However, signal integrity can also be impacted by the length of your audio cables or video connectors. The longer your cable is, the further the signal has to travel, leaving the signal more vulnerable to interference and loss of quality. This means that cable lengths should be kept as short as reasonably possible for your project – and this can also make cables easier to hide on film and TV sets (in addition to being quicker and easier to install). If long cables are needed, you can preserve signal integrity through cable shielding and using a thicker gauge of internal wire, since thicker wires produce less resistance and preserve signals better over longer distances. Multicore cables are also a great solution for high-output applications.
Applications of audio and video cables
In addition to being common in domestic setups, these cables are ubiquitous across a wide range of industries. Here are just a few examples of the places you can find audio and video cords and what they can be used for:
1. Live performances and events
During a live performance, such as a concert or festival, it’s crucial that audio cables and video connectors work seamlessly to synchronise sound output with what’s going on on the stage in real-time and on screens. Audio and visual output must be immediate and consistent so that issues with lag are avoided.
High-quality audio-visual cables are therefore extremely important for this type of scenario. These cables are designed to minimise signal interference (especially if they’ve been custom-built with cable shielding) to deliver an uninterrupted experience to viewers. Often, large custom cables are designed to contain multiple individual cables, allowing multiple devices to be controlled via a single cable. This means that the venue setup and cleanup processes can be streamlined, given that only a single cable needs to be connected and disconnected.
2. TV and film
On TV and film sets, a vast array of audio cables, video cables and hybrid data/power cables need to be used to connect microphones, speakers, cameras, monitors and projectors. During the production and post-production process, RCA cable outputs, HDMI, and other video connector types are used to align audio and visuals perfectly. With high-quality custom audio-visual cables designed specifically for these sets, sounds and images can be matched more easily and with greater precision.
3. Digital communication and video conferencing
For both entertainment and professional purposes, digital communication is essential for a wide array of businesses and industries, especially with the prevalence of remote work. The audiovisual equipment used in video conferencing and other forms of digital communication must be connected and synchronised with audio cables and video connectors, which must be designed to minimise signal interruptions and lag.
4. Digital signage and intercom systems
No matter where you go in the modern world, you’re likely to rely on digital signage to get around or complete tasks more easily. For example, digital signage and intercoms are used in public transport to relay important travel information, and they’re also used in retail settings to advertise products and improve communication between staff and customers. Therefore, high-quality audio and video cords are needed in all these locations to ensure that signage information is reliable, consistent and up to date.
Analog vs. digital signals
Audio cables and video connectors can carry either analogue or digital signals. Analogue cables (like TS, TRS, and RCA) transmit continuous electrical signals that mirror sound waves or light intensity, while digital cables (such as HDMI and USB) transfer data as binary code. Understanding this distinction helps when choosing the right cable types for TV setups or professional audio systems.
Need a custom audio or video cable designed for your setup? Contact our team for a no-obligation specification review.
Types of audio cables and video cables
With so many potential applications for audio and video cords, they can come in a huge array of different forms to suit different types of equipment – and this isn’t even considering the endless possibilities that cable customisation can bring.
To help you get a better understanding of what you’re looking for, let’s go through some of the main types of audio cables, video connectors, and dual audio/video cables you can find:
1. TS cables
A TS (Tip Sleeve) cable is also commonly referred to as an instrument cable or guitar cable because of its strong association with this use case. This audio cable is distinguished by its singular black band in the middle of the metal connector.
TS cables connect mono (one-channel) audio sources like guitars and drum machines to mixers, amplifiers and audio interfaces, making them useful for domestic use and for live performances.
It’s best to ensure your TS cable is as short as possible to reduce signal interference. This is because it’s an unbalanced audio cable – this means it features only a single conductor wire and a ground, whereas a balanced audio cable has a pair of conductor wires and a ground to resist electrical interference better.
2. TRS cables
A TRS (Tip Ring Sleeve) cable looks very similar to a TS cable but has two black bands to form three conductors. These audio cables can be balanced or unbalanced, which affects signal integrity. They’re commonly used for connecting instruments, headphones, amplifiers, mixers, studio monitors and phone connector audio ports on computers and smartphones.
3. XLR cables
This is a sturdy, balanced and durable audio cable used for a wide range of devices, including microphones, speakers, PA systems and sometimes instruments. Because of their strength, XLR cables can be used even with long cable lengths, making them ideal for professional setups.
4. SpeakOn cables
If you’re looking for professional-grade speaker cable RCA alternatives, SpeakOn cables are a top choice. These sturdy cables lock in place to avoid accidental disconnections and can handle higher electrical currents than other audio cables. As a result, they’re commonly used to connect amplifiers and speakers in professional settings, such as live concerts.
5. MIDI cables
This is another type of audio cable—but with a difference. Instead of transmitting sound, MIDI cables transmit data like notes and rhythms. They’re typically used to connect instruments and computers, though many have now been replaced by more modern USB cables. As an older cable type, MIDI cables can provide legacy support for older audio and video cord setups.
6. USB cables
In modern devices and equipment, USB cables are often the audio cable of choice. They deliver audio data, power and even MIDI commands, allowing you to replace multiple cords with just one. However, with older equipment that’s not USB-compatible, alternatives are often needed.
Common video connectors
| Connector Type | Use Case | Typical Devices | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| HDMI | High-definition audio and video | TVs, monitors, consoles | Most common for TV sound cables and displays |
| RCA | Analogue audio and video | DVD players, older TVs | Red/white for audio, yellow for video |
| SVGA | High-definition video only | Monitors, projectors | Does not carry audio |
| DisplayPort | Digital audio and video | PCs, modern monitors | Supports multiple displays |
| Coaxial | RF signals and data | TVs, set-top boxes, CCTV | Strong shielding and long-distance use |
7. SVGA cables
SVGA (Super Video Graphics Array) cables are a high-definition version of older VGA cables. These video connectors are used to connect screens like TVs and monitors, offering better colour variety and differentiation.
8. RCA cables
These cables can carry both audio and video signals, making them common in home entertainment setups. RCA cables are colour-coded: yellow for composite video, red for right audio, and black or white for left stereo audio. They’re also widely used for RCA cable output connections between TVs and stereos.
9. HDMI cables
HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) cables are now the most common audio and video cords in both domestic and commercial setups. They connect TVs, monitors, gaming consoles and more, transmitting high-quality audio and video through a single cable.
10. Coaxial cables
For commercial and industrial applications, coaxial cables are the go-to audio visual cable. Coaxial cables transmit radio frequency (RF) signals with excellent signal integrity due to their multiple insulating layers and cable shielding. Because of their durability and resistance to interference, they’re used for a huge range of applications, including broadband internet networking cables, cable television signals, CCTV systems, telephone trunk lines, high-speed computer data busses, radio transmission, and many other applications in the telecommunications, entertainment, and even military and automotive industries. There are many different types of coaxial cable to suit this wide range of uses and environments, such as RG-6, RG-11, RG-59, and RG-213 coaxial cables.
If you’re looking for a commercial or industrial-grade audio visual cable solution, you may need one of these coaxial cable types—or a fully custom audio-visual cable designed to your exact specifications. In fact, many industries need custom cables to ensure the longevity, durability and legal compliance of their equipment.
Caring for your audio and video cords
Proper handling extends cable lifespan. Coil cables gently after use, avoid tight bends, and store audio cables away from moisture or direct heat. For TV sound cables or professional speaker cable RCA lines, check connectors periodically to prevent wear or signal loss.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the difference between audio and video cables?
Audio cables transmit sound signals only, while video cables carry visual data. Some, like HDMI and RCA, can carry both audio and video signals together, reducing the number of cords needed for a TV or sound system setup.
Which cable gives the best TV sound?
HDMI is often best for modern TVs since it transfers both high-quality audio and video. However, RCA cable outputs and speaker cable RCA connections still provide excellent analogue sound for older systems.
Can I use the same cable for audio and video?
Yes. Audio and video cords such as HDMI or RCA combine both signals. For professional use, separate audio cables and video connectors are still preferred for precision and reduced interference.
Why do some audio cables crackle or lose sound?
Interference, worn connectors, or long cable runs can weaken signal integrity. Choosing shielded audio cables and keeping cable lengths short reduces noise and signal loss.
Here at Custom Designed Cables, we’ll work with you from start to finish to design, manufacture and test your custom audio-visual cables, ensuring that they deliver the exact requirements you’re looking for. No project is too complex or demanding for our team of cable construction experts, so get in touch with us today for an initial consultation.