What does av out mean on your TV? AV is an abbreviation for audio-visual signals. Let’s get that out of the way first. Now whether you’re a specialist or a beginner in video and audio devices, it’s important to understand the fundamental aspects of modern devices.
That helps you to improve the overall entertainment experience and hook up your system without any trouble.
AV inputs and outputs are some of the essential components that you need to understand before you can successfully hook up your TV with other devices in your system.
So, What Does AV Mean On Your TV?
As mentioned before, AV is an abbreviation used to mean audiovisual signals, generated by electronic equipment such as your television.
On TV, AV inputs help with television calibration – a process that enables you to get the videos in the best quality possible.
Normally, the AV input label on the connector signifies that the port can receive audio-visual signals from quality electronic devices.
The AV terminals are available in different devices including DVD recorders, VHS recorders, modern soundbars, and TV.
To hook up your TV with the devices generating the audio-visual signals, you’ll need an AV cable and a few basic skills.
However, AV cables come in different forms, so it’s essential to understand which cable works best with your setup. Here are various types of AV cables that may suit your needs and style:
1. HDMI AV Cable RCA To HDMI Converters
An RCA to HMDI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) cable converter is capable of transferring HD video and audio signals from the RCA port on your device to the computer monitor or TV.
The cable is standard in HDTV and other accessories including gaming consoles, BluRay players, laptops and desktop computers. HDMI cables come in a variety of configurations which include:
- Standard HDMI cables – These can display both 1080i and 720p videos, as well as carry audio
- HDMI with Ethernet cable – This can do what the standard HDMI cable does and perform networking functions –if both devices support it.
High-speed HDMI cables can handle higher video resolutions like 1080p, 3D, 4K, and deep color as well as audio signals.
As such, the type of HDMI cable you choose for your TV depends on whether the television has a 1080p or 720p resolution or if its 4K UHD. That will allow you to connect your TV with any soundbar with HDMI passthrough and other devices. Here is a good HDMI AV cable. You may also want to check out other RCA to HDMI converters.
2. RCA AV Cable
An RCA cable is among the earliest AV cables still used today – the cord was introduced in the 1940s.
RCA cables are compatible with many standard-definition devices such as gaming consoles, DVD players, and cable boxes. Since RCA cables can’t carry an HD (high definition) signal, their use has declined over time.
The RCA cable is broken into 3- output cables, red, white, and yellow parts. The left audio channel comes through the white part of the cable, and the right audio channels come through the red part while the video signal comes through the yellow part.
However, it’s crucial for you to plug all three parts of the cable into your device correctly and securely to avoid getting a distorted audio performance and poor image on the screen.The Mudder 1.8 Meters Composite AV to RCA Cable is a good choice.
3. VGA/DVI AV Cable
VGA (Video Graphic Array) cable is mostly used for displaying video signals from a PC to a video display such as a monitor or a high-def TV.
The cables can display RGB video signal onscreen at both low and high resolutions.
Because the VGA signal is analog, its resolution is not as high as that of an HDMI or DVI cable.
The VGA port is standard on most desktop computers from the 90s through the 2010s, making it ideal for your display TV monitor – if it has a VGA port – when you can’t use HDMI or DVI.
DVI (Digital Video Interface) is primarily found on desktop computers. The cable is capable of a higher resolution display than VGA cable since it has similar technology to HDMI cables.
The DVI cable is great for displaying high-resolution images from your PC to your monitor, but like the VGA cable, it’s not designed to carry audio signals.
As such, you will have to use an audio cable from your PC to your audio device with both VGA and DVI if you want audio with your video. A good option is the UGREEN DVI to VGA Cable DVI I 24+5 Male to VGA.
4. Coaxial AV Cable
Coaxial cable is mainly for transmitting both video and audio between devices. Since they carry both audio and video signals to your cable box from the provider, they are very common in the cable market.
These cables can also carry cable internet from your cable provider to your modem. As such, you’ll need to hook the cable box to your TV using an HDMI cable.You can check out the AmazonBasics Digital Audio RCA Compatible Coaxial Cable – 4 Feet.
How To Connect An AV Receiver To Your TV
An Av receiver is the center stage of any good home theater system. That controls the video and audio information of any device connected to your system, from the DVD player right down to the speakers and the video game system.
However, the first thing you should do is connect your TV to your receiver. Below are simple steps for you to follow to ensure you accurately connect your TV to an AV receiver;
1. Look at the backside of your AV receiver
The aim is to see exactly what kind of inputs your receiver has and which of those are compatible with your TV is compatible.
These may include HDMI, composite cables, S-Video, and component cables. See what your best options are and purchase the appropriate cables.
2. Choose your preferred method of connection
The recommendation is you buy the highest quality cables – this will enable you to experience the best quality video and audio available.
In this case, HDMI cable will give you the highest-quality audio and video, followed by S-Video, component, and finally composite cables.
3. Plug in the cable(s)
Plug the cable into the correct output on the TV on one end and the other end into the exact input on the receiver.
Signals will be transferred from your TV through the cable to the receiver, which will allow you to control it and all your other home theater components using the same remote and device.
If you choose an HDMI cable, there will only be one cable to plug in as the video and audio information is transferred through the same cable. Composite, component and S-Video will all require multiple cables to be plugged into the right inputs to receive video and audio information properly.
4. Select the appropriate input on the front of the receiver
After plugging your TV into the back of your receiver, you plugged it into one of the many sets of similar inputs.
These are there to allow you to plug several devices into a single receiver. Selecting one of the inputs will allow you to use that specific device. Press the ‘input’ button which activates the inputs you’ve plugged into your TV.
AV In vs AV Out
AV in or AV input, a label seen on connectors of gadgets like a television basically refers to the fact that they (the connectors) receive audio/visual signals from another electronic gadget (e.g DVD player) that generates AV signals which are usually called the AV output or AV out.
Is AV as Good As HDMI
Av and HDMI will both help to transfer audio/visual signals, the main difference is AV transmits a low-resolution analog signal while HDMI transmits a High Definition digital signal.
To answer the question, in recent times HDMI is usually better especially if you need to transmit high-quality content. On the bright side, you can use a converter if you feel the need to use an AV cable.