Input/Output Connections
All televisions have input connection points and many have outputs too, particularly for the audio with external speaker connections.
For high definition TV the de facto input connector is HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface). There are other high definition compatible connections, such as component (that resembles 3 phono sockets, often with the letters Y, PB and PR alongside them) and DVI-D, but for most domestic purposes HDMI has become the standard.
HDMI connection
The HDMI interface is the uncompressed, all-digital interface that delivers true HD quality for consumer electronics and PC products via a single cable. Digital audio/video sources such as set-top boxes, Blu-ray Disc players, personal computers and video game consoles can all be connected.
When choosing an HD ready TV you should consider getting a set with more than one HDMI input, as although you may currently only have a single HD source, you might change your mind in the future as extra devices develop.
Connectors: HDMI, Type A/C
DVI connection
DVI - Digital Visual Interface - can be found on DVD players, computer video cards and most cable and satellite boxes. The DVI is a high quality development that delivers uncompressed video signals from these devices to an HD ready TV.
Connection comparison chart
| Connections | Analogue or Digital | Image | Used for | Video or Audio | Connector |
| HDMI | Digital |  |
Digital audio/video sources such as set-top boxes, Blu-ray Disc players, personal computers and video game consoles | Both | HDMI |
| DVI | Both |  |
DVD players, computer video cards and most cable and satellite boxes | Video | DVI, Mini-DVI, Micro-DVI |
| Component Video Connectors | Both |  |
DVD, VHS, computers and video game consoles | Video | 3 RCA or BNC |
| VGA | Both |  |
Digital audio/video sources | Video | VGA connector variants include DE-15/HD-15 (canonical), DE-9, and Mini-VGA. Also carried by Mini-DVI. |
| S-Video | Analogue |  |
Video recorders, DVD players, satellite receivers, video game consoles and video cards | Video | 1 Mini-DIN 4 pin, 1 Mini-VGA, 2 BNC, 2 RCA connector |
| Composite video | Analogue |  |
Video recorders, home computers some older games consoles | Video | 1 RCA, BNC, Antenna socket, or Mini-VGA |
| Scart | Analogue |  |
Audio visual equipment - DVD players, VCRs, set-top boxes | Both | Scart lead |