Does technology confuse you? Have a tough time navigating around the internet, your smartphone, social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram?
Do you know how to plug in the cables to all your devices you operate such as your smartphone, computers, DVD players, streaming media devices and computer monitors?
If not, you need to read this.
Technology is king and it’s already taken over. And it’s important to know what electric cables operate your devices from your computer to television and more.
When something goes wrong, as often happens in technology, it’s important to know what cables you need to replace and how to use them.
In this post, you’ll learn about five important electric cables you need to know about, what they do and how to use them.
Without further delay, let’s plug you in!
1. HDMI Cables
If you want to ditch cable television, you’ll need to know how about HDMI cables.
Developed in 2003, HDMI cables have evolved provide a universal connection so you can use audio and visual channels in a single interface. HDMI stands for a high-definition multimedia interface.
These connectors plug into the back of your TV and can be used to operate TV services, telephone systems, and projectors. They are also used for recording systems and speakers.
Their invention has greatly improved the quality of audio and video and is used in streaming media which costs much less than traditional cable television.
They allow digital input and output to take place. You can get answers to these common questions about digital input and output.
2. USB Cables (Universal Serial Bus)
USB cables are used for many computer connector types that aren’t wireless. You’ll find them on computer keyboards, printers, mice, thumb drives, wireless adapters, and headsets.
You connect USB cables through your computer. One end is connected to your computer or a device through a USB port the other into an electrical outlet.
Multiple types of USB ports exist in technology. The type you use depends on your device and the speed of the data the device uses. Here are the different USB types.
- USB 1.0 transmits data up to 1.5 megabytes (MB/s) per second.
- USB 2.0 transmits data with speeds up to 60 megabytes per second
- USB 3.0 works with speeds up to 625 MB/s.
- USB 3.1 transmits data up to 1.25 gigabytes per second.
- USB 3.2 When paired with a USB-C connector, a USB 3.2 can transmit data at speeds up to 2.5 gigabytes per second.
- USB 4.x This specification to be released in the middle of 2019 will transmit data at speeds up to 5 gigabytes when paired with a USB-C connection. The USB 4.x will be compatible with USB 2.0 and USB 3.2.
Mini USB and Micro USB Cables
Smaller, portable devices use mini and micro USB cables. These devices include digital cameras, phones and personal digital assistants (PDAs). You probably have one plugged into your cell phone right now if you’re charging it.
3. VGA Cables
Video Graphics Array (VGA) cables are far from new. In fact, they’ve been around since the 1980s. When it comes to computer monitor cable types, they’re the oldest.
If you have a blue or black cable with a bunch of metal pins in it that’s plugged from your computer monitor to your desktop computer, it’s probably a VGA cable.
Some monitors use them to produce and transmit analog video signals so you can see images on your computer monitor.
With the flood of new digital computer monitors, this cable isn’t as popular as it used to be. But for people that don’t need to have digital video signals, a VGA cable plugged into a VGA port works just fine.
You can find them on many displays and video cards. VGA connections can be identified by 15 pins positioned in 3 rows. Each row correlates to the three color channels on the display define as RGB or red, green, and blue.
4. DVI Cables
The DVI electric cable appeared when video technology changed from analog to digital. The Digital Visual Interface (DVI) supersedes VGA in quality. One example is the LCD display screen.
DVI connections are available in three types.
- DVI-A can be backwards compatible with VGAs and transmit analog signals. Older LCD monitor displays and CRT monitors use this type.
- DVI-D transmits only more modern digital signals.
- DVI-I maintains the ability to transmit both digital and analog signals. Depending on the computer, in some circumstances, users may need to use a DVI-to-VGA converter cable or a VGA-to-DVI cable.
DVI electric cables have taken a backseat to more contemporary cables such as HDMI and have been replaced by more modern monitor cord types like DisplayPort.
5. DisplayPort
Similar to HDMI, the DisplayPort gives users a media interface that transfers video and audio signals simultaneously. Manufacturers designed the display port to take the place of VGA and DVI cables.
Today, Display Ports connect devices to computer monitors. Display Port comes in a variety of types depending on the speed of the monitor, however, they are compatible with all devices.
- Reduced Bit Rate (RBR) transmits signals up to 810 MB/s.
- High Bit Rate (HBR) works with signals up to 1,350 MB/s.
- High Bit Rate 2 (HBR2) transfers signals up to 2,700 MB/s.
- High Bit Rate 3 (HBR3) transmits signals up to 4,050 MB/s.
While there are other power cable types that exist in the world of technology, these five take the lead at being the most important for users of electronics to know.
The Takeaway on Electric Cables You Never Knew You Needed
Knowing more about these electric cables can help you in a technology emergency. You might not need a new device, you might just need a new electric cable.
When something needs fixing or replacing, you now know the types of cables you need and some important information about them.
Looking for more great content on technology? Explore our website. You’ll be more informed and in the know when you read the Florida Independent.
