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Home Theater A/V Connections: Disappearing Options
A/V connection options whose days are numbered
By Robert Silva Robert Silva Writer San Diego State University Robert Silva has extensive experience in consumer electronics and home theater product sales and sales supervision; he has written about audio, video, and home theater topics since 1998. Robert has articles published on HBO.com and Dishinfo.com plus has made appearances on the YouTube series Home Theater Geeks. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on December 2, 2020 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email TV & Displays HDMI & Connections Samsung Projectors Antennas Remote Controls In a home theater setup, you need to connect everything to make it work correctly. The cables and wires provide multiple ways to connect old and new components. With the accelerated pace of change from analog to digital, a trend has emerged that puts a connection squeeze on the ability to link older components to new ones. Consumer electronics manufacturers have eliminated several legacy connections from home theater components used for years or even decades, limiting the practical use of older, but still functioning, devices that use these connections exclusively. Here are examples of connections that are being, or have been, eliminated. S-Video Connections
Most TVs, home theater receivers, and other video source components no longer have S-Video connections. Legacy devices that use this connection are S-VHS VCRs and camcorders, Hi8 camcorders, mini-DV camcorders, older DVD players, AV switchers, and most remaining LaserDisc players. Component Video Connections
Below is a set of component video connections. A policy referred to as the Analog Sunset eliminates the practicality of component video connections due to copy-protection regulations and the rapid acceptance of HDMI as the standard for high-definition video transfer. Custom installers that previously wired homes using component video connections for high-definition video connectivity have to convert to HDMI. The Composite vs Component Video Input Dilemma
An additional development regarding the use of Component Video connections is that a growing number of TVs combine both composite and component video inputs. Most TVs no longer connect to both a composite and component video source to the TV simultaneously, such as VCRs, older non-upscaling DVD players, or standard definition cable or satellite boxes. Multi-Channel 5 1 7 1 Channel Analog Audio Connections
Pictured below is a set of 5.1/7.1 channel analog audio inputs. With HDMI's rapid adoption, the need for these connections is fading. Many newer home theater receivers are eliminating the 5.1/7.1 channel analog connection option. However, consumers who own older SACD or DVD/SACD/DVD-Audio players without HDMI connections rely on these connections to access full multi-channel uncompressed audio from their players to a home theater receiver. Eliminating this connection option renders those older players useless when accessing full audio capabilities using many newer home theater receivers. On the opposite end of the connection flow, 5.1/7.1 channel analog audio connections are also being eliminated by manufacturers as an audio output option on Blu-ray Disc players. This is a problem, as many older home theater receivers still in use have eliminated a corresponding set of analog audio inputs. Only a limited number of high-end Blu-ray Disc players provide 5.1/7.1 channel analog audio outputs. The Strange Case of Phono Turntable Connections
A phono input connects a turntable to a home theater receiver. With the introduction of CDs, home theater receiver makers began to eliminate this connection option on most home theater receivers, even on high-end units. Due to the increasing popularity of vinyl records (even in the face of streaming), the phono input is making a comeback. Onkyo USA Depending on a home theater receiver's model or year, it could have a phono input. For an older turntable that is in good working order and a receiver without a phono connection, you might need an additional external phono preamp to match the turntable's voltage and equalization output. Pro-Ject Another option is to purchase one of the growing numbers of new turntables with both standard and built-in phono preamp outputs. Denon What Changed in 2013
All analog video outputs (Composite, S-video, Component) were eliminated on Blu-ray Disc players made after 2013. HDMI is the only way to connect Blu-ray Disc players to TVs (the HDMI-to-DVI adapter option is still possible). Although not required, manufacturers began to eliminate analog audio connections on a growing number of players after 2013. Below is an example of how AV outputs have changed on most Blu-ray Disc players. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire The Complete Guide to Home Audio Systems for Beginners How to Install and Set Up a Home Theater Receiver Should You Buy a Blu-ray Player? How to Set Up a Home Theater System 5 Ways to Get Audio From a Blu-ray Disc Player How to Troubleshoot HDMI Connection Problems The 6 Best Mid-Range Home Theater Receivers of 2022 How to Connect Your TV to an External Audio System Do Video Signals Need to Be Routed Through a Receiver? The 6 Best Two-Channel Stereo Receivers of 2022 What is a Digital Optical Connection? MHL: What It Is and How to Use It The Difference Between Home Theater and Stereo Receivers How Does Standard DVD Upscaling Compare to Blu-ray? What Is Wireless Home Theater? How to Make Wired Speakers Wireless Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies