Connector Guide

Following is a guide to the variety of connectors used with graphics hardware.

  Connector Description
 
3W3
To connect to a high-quality grayscale computer monitor.
 
Composite video (male / female)
Also called an "RCA" connector, this connects to an analog video output device (for example, a TV or video recorder) or an analog video source (for example, a video camera or video player).
 
DVI

DVI Connectors (from Monoprice)
Click for a larger image.
A standard "Digital Visual Interface" connector used to connect to a digital or analog computer monitor. There are digital-only (DVI-D), analog-only (DVI-A), and single-link versions of this connector, but generally a connector type compatible with all variations is used (DVI-I).
 
HD-15
Also sometimes called a "VGA" connector, this connects to analog computer monitors (typically CRT monitors).
 
KX20
A Matrox connector used, in conjunction with an adapter cable, to connect to 4 monitors at a time (digital and/or analog).
 
LFH-60
A Matrox connector used, in conjunction with an adapter cable, to connect to 2 monitors at a time (digital and/or analog).
 
Mini DIN-3
Connects to a stereoscopic device (for example, glasses with LCD shutters) to synchronize that device with the stereo-3D output of the graphics hardware.
 
S-video (male / female)
Sometimes referred to as a "mini DIN-4", "separated video", "Y/C", and (incorrectly) "S-VHS" connector, this connects to an analog video output device (for example, a TV or video recorder) or an analog video source (for example, a video camera or video player). This type of connection allows for higher quality than a composite video connection because, with S-video, the brightness and color information are kept separate.
 
SCART
Also called "PÈritel" and "Euroconnector", this connects to an analog video output device (for example, a TV or video recorder). This connector type is sometimes used in Europe.
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