RCA video cable can be easily identified as the yellow banded cable that comes bundled with red and white banded audio cables. These provide video quality that is a step up from RF connections because the video signal is carried on a different cable than the audio signal. The picture quality, however, is not as good as S-Video or component cables, which go further and split the video signal into finer elements.

Features of RCA Video Cables
While all RCA cables are relatively inexpensive compared to other types of video cables, there are some features that you should look for that separate quality RCA video cables from the rest. First, you should look at the type of metal that is used as the conductor. This is the part of the cable over which the signal is transmitted. Some metals, such as silver or high-grade copper, are more conductive than other metals and therefore will carry the video signal better.

Another aspect of the cable to consider is the type of shielding used. There is electronic interference, or "noise," present almost everywhere that electricity is running. Think about how many cables are connected to your television and home theater system, including the power cords for all of your components. Good cables will have shielding that reduces the amount of noise that gets mixed in with the signals that are supposed to be carried on every individual cable.

RCA video cables are the most widely compatible cables available--most devices have connections for them. While S-Video or component cables will provide increased quality, you may not be able to use them with all of your theater components. Though RCA video cables are typically included with components that you purchase, you might consider buying higher quality RCA video cables, especially if there is a lot of noise that is interfering with the video signal you are currently getting.