Audio & Video Cables

Audio and video cables help connect a multitude of modern electronic devices for different purposes, from basic computing to entertainment and operations management. Using quality cables is essential for carrying more complex signals and ensuring your systems perform to their full potential.

That's why we only stock products from trusted manufacturers in this field, including the likes of Switchcraft and StarTech.com, alongside our established RS PRO line. Whether you're looking for a 3.5mm audio cable, a VGA input cable, or another specification, browse our range below to find the ideal solutions for your systems.

You can filter by manufacturer, cable type, cable length, and much more to narrow down your options. Most audio and video cable assembly listings include data sheets with supporting technical information. Read more about their applications below and feel free to contact our experts if you need any further support.

What are audio and video cables?

As their name suggests, audio and video cables carry audio and video signals. They typically do this from a source device, like a player or camera, to a destination device like speakers, a television, a computer monitor, or a recording device.

Some cables such as HDMIs carry audio and video at once, while others including RCAs feature multiple cables for different signals. Some cables carry only one type of signal, such as DVI cables for video and headphone cables - commonly referred to as 3.5mm audio cables - for audio only.

The term audio or video cable assembly meanwhile, or audio or video harness, describes a group of cables arranged together. Each cable will have a specific purpose, for example carrying an audio or video signal only. As a group, they can be bound within a sleeve or taped together to keep them organized, protected, and more compact.

What types of audio and video cables are available?

There are many types of audio and video cables available to suit different devices and applications, such as PC monitor cables. Cable technology has progressed over time to support more advanced signals including high-definition video and crisp digital audio, meaning some options including RCA cables are less common than they once were.

Key types of audio and video cables include:

• HDMI: High-definition multimedia interface cables carry HD audio and video signals, providing an optimal viewing and listening experience through many modern devices.
• VGA: VGA leads can connect computers and laptops with monitors. They only fit one way round, so you could need a VGA input cable or VGA output cable depending on your application.
• RCA: RCAs transfer video signal through a single cable. They can't carry HD video signals, however.
• DVI: Another type of monitor cable, DVIs also allow you to connect a computer to a monitor or TV, supporting both analog and digital formats.
• Coaxial: Also known as COAX, coaxial cables are still used to connect TVs and aerials.
• XLR: These cables are designed to carry signals over long distances, and are commonly used for professional audio, video, and stage lighting equipment.

Tips on getting the best from your audio and video cables

It's important to select the correct cable for your application to ensure the best possible results, although how you install and manage them can also make a difference. Here are some practical tips on getting optimal performance from your audio and/or video cables of choice:

• Turn off electrical equipment before connecting your cable, be it a simple VGA-to-monitor cable or another specification.
• Keep power cords separate from signal cords, where possible, to minimize interference.
• Avoid bending or straining a cable to make it reach - simply choose a longer cable instead.
• Avoid leaving excess cable in loops. An 'S' shape is better for limiting electromagnetic interference.
• Check connections occasionally to ensure they haven't come loose.
• Label your cables in areas such as home entertainment systems to make troubleshooting technical problems easier.

Why source audio and video cables from RS?

Your devices won't deliver the functionality you need and expect without quality audio and video cable assemblies to carry their signals as intended. But you can trust our product selection to deliver the results you require whatever the context, be it commercial, industrial, or domestic. And as one of North America's largest electronic component providers, we offer efficient online ordering and shipping too.

Select the items you need below and use our standard and advanced search filters to home in on what you require. If you're struggling to make a selection, contact our team who will be happy to help. And for more information on electronics topics, check our expert advice hub of articles and guides.