Get to know the various plugs and connectors that come with sound and video equipment. Use the correct names as this makes it quicker to communicate when working.
phono plug
audio & video
This is the most common connector plug. It is usually yellow for video; red and white (or red & black) for stereo audio.
Plug housings, cables and sockets come in all sorts of different styles, colours and qualities - it is the prong bit that makes the connector what it is
firewire
combined sound and video
Also known as iLink, ieee1394, digital I/O. An increasingly common digital connector, used for connecting cameras and drives to computers. Mainly used in edit and animation situations. Long cables can cause problems. Small 4-way connectors are usually found on cameras, and large 6-way connectors are usually found on computers, both types shown here.
mini jack plug
mostly audio
Plug used in all sorts of audio situations, headphone sockets, audio on computers, etc. Can cause problems because of its size but very common. Mono and stereo available, stereo pictured.
svideo connector
exclusively video
This is a higher quality connector for video, although long svideo cables don't seem to work very well. Seen much less these days with firewire providing much better digital quality
jack plugs
exclusively audio
A chunky robust plug common in the world of music, but also used for headphones etc. in media. Mono and stereo available, mono pictured.
XLR connectors
exclusively audio
A high quality mono audio connector that can be used over great lengths without loss in quality. Male and female pictured.
bnc
mostly video
Like an industry version of the phono connector. Also seen in other situations (eg computer networking). There is a small locking ring that stops it accidentally pulling out.
scart
combined sound and video
Very handy, commonplace and not bad quality connector, but with drawbacks: they tend to be rather temperamental and, confusingly, do not always do the same things.
