These things plugging in a TV or monitor is pretty simple. You're probably just using like a
single HDMI or DisplayPort cable for video as well as audio. And in case you've got some older gear
you're likely familiar with RCA cables that enable composite or component connections as well as
those blue VGA connectors for the legacy monitors. We've covered that in this previous episode.
But did you know there are lots of more obscure connectors out there, some of which are still
around? Let's start about talking about one of the better known, lesser known, video connectors.
This thing is called SCART, which is a French acronym that translates to
Radio and TV Receivers Manufacturers Association, also known as Pettitel.
If the name sounds kind of old school, that's because it is. SCART has been around since 1976.
It was developed in an attempt to standardize connection types across televisions,
and although it originated in France, it ended up spreading across Europe. For its time it was a
pretty advanced connector in that it allowed bi-directional communication, unlike the composite
RCA connector so popular in North America. So SCART could actually communicate more directly with a
cable provider for features like pay-per-view and subtitles. And although SCART was an analog
connection, later revisions could carry high-definition signals, kind of like component video over RCA.
But because of the rise of HDMI this configuration didn't see a whole lot of use.
However, SCART remains popular with gamers who enjoy retro titles, as it can actually carry
RGB signals on separate channels, resulting in higher picture quality. It's kind of like VGA.
Folks in North America have even been known to spend extra money on SCART equipment to get the
best possible experience out of their older consoles. And I feel like I'm being called out
by this script. Moving on, let's talk about this funky looking guy. It's called a 13W3 connector.
Doesn't exactly roll off the tongue. It might remind you of a funnier looking VGA connector,
and that's because it kind of is. 13W3 was actually one of the predecessors of VGA and was
notably used on some Apple monitors that were meant to be paired with early Macs. Those three
big circular looking parts carry the actual color signals, red, blue, and green, one color for each
contact. They could also be used for power, but that's a aside. The rest of the pins were used
for things like grounding and synchronization, similar to more recent VGA connectors. However,
13W3 cables aren't universally interchangeable, as that power thing might suggest. You don't want
to send voltage down your RGB lines. Back then, when they were popular, monitors didn't all sync
the same way either. So some cables actually came with physical dip switches that you had to fiddle
with in order to get your picture looking right. So it's not too surprising that simpler connections
like VGA quickly overtook 13W3 in popularity, forcing it into obsolescence. For our third act,
let's talk about something a little more contemporary, HD-based T. But wait a second,
that looks like an Ethernet connector. It turns out that HD-based T does indeed use the same
connector as Ethernet. I mean, the T stands for twisted pair, the kind of cable used for standard
Ethernet, and it actually does carry an Ethernet signal, along with 4K video, 5.1 audio, USB signals,
and even up to 100 watts of power. Basically, it's a do everything kind of connection,
and it works over one of the cheapest cables out there. So why hasn't most of the public heard
of it, and why are we not using it for basically all of our electronic needs? The big issue,
unsurprisingly, is cost. HD-based T isn't meant to completely replace HDMI or any other standard,
really. Instead, it's meant for places that need to transmit signals over long distances without
a mess of expensive cables, as Ethernet cables are a lot cheaper per foot than HDMI. But the problem
is that HD-based T-compatible equipment, such as converters and receivers, are quite expensive
thanks to a more costly bill of materials. And as such, it's mostly a solution for large
organizations that have to deploy AV gadgets over distance. Did we miss any of your favorite
connectors? Let us know down in the comments. You know, I know it wasn't video, but personally,
I missed those old 1284 printer connectors. Thanks for watching. Like, dislike, check out
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