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