Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more

Digital component video represents a picture digitally as multiple components rather than combining its picture information into one composite signal. A common representation is Y′CbCr: a luma-like component, Y′, and two color-difference chroma components, Cb and Cr. The exact encoding and interface depend on the applicable format or standard.

What is digital component video?

“Component” describes how picture information is represented: the video is separated into components instead of being combined into a single composite video signal. “Digital” means those components are represented as digital data. Digital component video is therefore a signal representation, not the name of one connector or a single universal wiring format.

In common digital television and video workflows, the components are expressed as Y′CbCr. The ITU-T explains that Y′CbCr is commonly used to encode RGB information; the specific encoding details depend on the standard in use. ITU-T H Supplement 19 discusses this terminology and notes that Y′ is not necessarily the same as physical luminance.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

What do Y′, Cb, and Cr mean?

  • Y′: A nonlinear, luma-like component. The prime mark indicates the nonlinear video convention; Y′ should not automatically be described as measured physical luminance.
  • Cb and Cr: Color-difference chroma components. Together with Y′, they represent color information in a form commonly used in digital video.

The components are related to RGB, but the terms do not mean the same thing as the original R′, G′, and B′ values. Recommendations such as BT.601, BT.709, BT.2020, and BT.2100 provide matrix coefficients for the relationship between Y′CbCr and R′G′B′; they are not names for interchangeable connectors or signal types.

#1 Best Overall
Monoprice 1.5ft 22AWG 5-RCA Component Video/Audio Coaxial Cable (RG-59/U) - Black
  • This cable includes conductors for each of the three component video channels.
  • The connector housings have color-coded knurled rubber rings for easy identification and a perfect grip when installing or removing the cable.
  • The video conductors in this cable are made from RG-59 coaxial cable, with 22AWG cores.
  • The connectors are gold plated to ensure smooth, corrosion-free connections.

Is Y′CbCr the same as Y′PbPr?

No. Y′CbCr refers to a digital component representation, while Y′PbPr refers to analog component video. The systems are related, but their names describe different signal domains. Microsoft’s About YUV Video explains the terminology and distinguishes digital Y′CbCr from analog Y′PbPr.

Because “component video” is sometimes used loosely, specify “digital Y′CbCr” or “analog Y′PbPr” when discussing formats or equipment. A reference to component video alone does not establish whether the signal is digital or analog.

Rank #2
Eanetf 3RCA Cable Audio Video 5ft Gold Plated for Home Theater - 1pcs
  • ✅【Perfect Connector】3RCA male to 3RCA male cable; Perfect ideal for Home Entertainment system such as DVD, VCR, HD TV and other 3RCA enabled devices.
  • ✅【Gold-Plated joint】Built with sleek aluminum shell and copper shielding to minimizes signal interference between two devices. 24K Double gilt head ensure you a longer lifespan for durability, can withstand 9999+pull test .
  • ✅【Widely Applicable】The Audio video RCA cable is a new type of composite audio and video cable that supports audio/video transmission. The three different colored wires can be used separately and are versatile, ideal for extending existing RCA cables.
  • ✅【High Quality】Environmental-friendly PVC Materials of cable, more soft, flexible bend, can use for a long time. High quality pure copper wire core with ultra-high speed data transmission.
  • ✅【Plug and Play】 Don't want to wait to show your home movies to your family? This high-quality stereo Audio video RCA cable adapter Plug and Play, easy to use video display. Plays high quality audio such as music or movie sound effects.

What do BT.601 and BT.656 specify?

They address different parts of digital television systems:

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
  • ITU-R BT.601 specifies studio encoding parameters for digital television in standard 4:3 and wide-screen 16:9 aspect ratios. The ITU lists BT.601-7, approved in March 2011, as the in-force main version, with BT.601-6 superseded. Microsoft’s documentation identifies BT.601 for standard-definition luma equations and BT.709 for high-definition equations.
  • ITU-R BT.656 specifies an interface for digital component video in 525-line and 625-line television systems operating at the 4:2:2 level of BT.601. It describes that particular interface and system context, not every possible digital component format. The ITU’s broadcasting recommendations catalog lists BT.601 and BT.656 and their scopes.

The Library of Congress describes an uncompressed YCbCr 4:2:2 picture stream and notes BT.601’s role as a common digital standard across analog television systems. That context does not make 4:2:2 a universal requirement for digital component video. Library of Congress: Uncompressed YCbCr Video Picture Stream (4:2:2).

Rank #3
5RCA Male Component Video/Audio Cable, Gold Plated 3ft, 6ft, 12ft, 25ft, 50ft (3FT)
  • brand: WireZee
  • connector type: RCA
  • cable: Component
  • compatible devices: DVD Player
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Is 4:2:2 required for digital component video?

No. 4:2:2 is a chroma-sampling description associated with particular formats and interfaces. BT.656 uses the 4:2:2 level of BT.601 in its stated 525-line and 625-line system scope, but digital component video as a general category is not limited to that sampling arrangement. Check the format or interface specification to determine its sampling, encoding, and other signal details.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
Monoprice 1.5ft 22AWG 5-RCA Component Video/Audio Coaxial Cable (RG-59/U) - Black
Monoprice 1.5ft 22AWG 5-RCA Component Video/Audio Coaxial Cable (RG-59/U) - Black
This cable includes conductors for each of the three component video channels.; The video conductors in this cable are made from RG-59 coaxial cable, with 22AWG cores.
$12.33
Bestseller No. 3
5RCA Male Component Video/Audio Cable, Gold Plated 3ft, 6ft, 12ft, 25ft, 50ft (3FT)
5RCA Male Component Video/Audio Cable, Gold Plated 3ft, 6ft, 12ft, 25ft, 50ft (3FT)
brand: WireZee; connector type: RCA; cable: Component; compatible devices: DVD Player
$9.95
Bestseller No. 4
Skywalker 6' HQ Series Component Video Cable
Skywalker 6' HQ Series Component Video Cable
Suitable for DVD players, HDTV tuners, televisions & receivers; 3mm solid foam dielectric insulation maintains 75 Ohm signal integrity
$11.99
Bestseller No. 5
Best Value
BlueRigger Component Video Cable with Audio (10FT, RCA- 5 Cable, Supports 1080i) - Compatible with DVD Players, VCR, Camcorder, Projector
  • ➤ 5 RCA VIDEO & AUDIO CABLE: BlueRigger YPbPr component audio video cable makes it easy for you to connect your DVD player, VCR, CD player, HDTV and other home theater equipment.
  • ➤ LOSSLESS AV TRANSMISSION: This RCA to RCA cable is built with dual shielding and a pure copper core, ensuring minimal interference and maximum signal strength. Supports resolutions various resolutions 480i, 480p, 720p, and 1080i
  • ➤ DURABILITY: BlueRigger 5 RCA Male to 5 RCA Male has 3RCA connectors for video and 2RCA connectors for audio. Crafted with a sturdy PVC jacket, 24K gold plated connectors and aluminum foil shielding, this composite cable is durable enough to withstand frequent plugging and unplugging
  • ➤ WIDE COMPATIBILITY: This AV cable is compatible with HDTV, DVD player, CD player, camcorder, projector, DVR’s, DVD player, TiVO, VCR and Blu-ray player.The colored plugs helps to identify and install the cords correctly.
  • ➤ WARRANTY: BlueRigger Lifetime Warranty and US-based Customer Support
Rank #4
Skywalker 6' HQ Series Component Video Cable
  • Suitable for DVD players, HDTV tuners, televisions & receivers
  • 3mm solid foam dielectric insulation maintains 75 Ohm signal integrity
  • Corrosion-resistant gold-plated connectors & color-coded connectors for superior transmission that is easily identified
  • Made with 10 mm Oxygen Free Copper and a 100% Aluminum Foil Shield

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.