The Ultimate Guide to Cables & Connectors

Cable Chick's blogs contain useful guides, and tech info on all your favourite AV and computer cables, plus a useful guide for identifying what cable or adapter you need. If you're trying to identify what kind of cable, connector or adapter required for your device, our Ultimate Guide to Cables & Connectors is essential reading. We've laid out a visual reference for most video, audio and computer plugs + sockets, so you can visually identify the plug/socket you have, to work out the cable/adapter you need!

Blog Tag: Essential Reading

The Video Media Graveyard
Published 22nd Nov, 2023
The Video Media Graveyard
In the ever-evolving landscape of technology and entertainment, certain media formats have risen to prominence only to fade away with the passage of time. Either the result of being superseded by a leap forward in technology or beaten by a comparable competitor, the transition from one dominant format to another has been a long recurring theme in the history of media consumption.   Read More
Exploring Wireless Technologies
Published 27th Oct, 2023
Exploring Wireless Technologies
We may be known as Cable Chick, but that certainly doesn't mean we shy away from bringing you the latest options in wireless technology. Wireless technologies have revolutionized the way we communicate, access information, and interact with our environment...   Read More
A Look Back On Retro Gaming
Published 6th Sept, 2023
A Look Back On Retro Gaming
From the simple blocky graphics of Pong to the almost true to life visuals of today, video games sure have come a long way from their humble beginnings. Yet nestled within this sprawling timeline of history lies a beloved era that holds a special place in the hearts of many a gamer: the golden era of retro gaming.   Read More
Is 8K worth the hype?...
Published 28th August, 2023
Is 8K worth the hype?...
The relentless pursuit of the ultimate home entertainment experience has seen breathtaking evolutions in display technologies over recent years. It seems like only yesterday we were blown away by the clarity of HD video and now, just as we are considering the upgrade to 4K, a new contender has entered the ring.   Read More
HDMI 2.1 Essential Features Explained
Published 26th Jan, 2022
HDMI 2.1 Essential Features Explained
Check out the impressive new capabilities of HDMI 2.1 hardware, the fancy cables needed to link them, and learn who will benefit the most.   Read More
16 Essential Tips to Enhance your Home Entertainment
Published 16th Dec, 2019
16 Essential Tips to Enhance your Home Entertainment
Take your entertainment to the next level with our handy tips on upgrading your home theatre. From small budgets to big-ticket enhancements, we've got a tip or two for you!   Read More
Avoid graphics card damage - The DisplayPort Pin 20 Issue Explained
Published 16th Oct, 2019
Avoid graphics card damage - The DisplayPort Pin 20 Issue Explained
Incorrectly made DisplayPort cables can cause boot issues on PCs. Find out why this was ever a problem and how correctly manufactured cables aren't affected.   Read More
Speaker Cable Wiring Guide
Published 29th August, 2019
Speaker Cable Wiring Guide
There's more than one solution for wiring up your home theatre speakers, and we've brought them all together - with diagrams - in this handy reference guide.   Read More
The Complete Guide to Thunderbolt & USB-C
Published 17th July, 2019
The Complete Guide to Thunderbolt & USB-C
Thunderbolt® is an impressive technology, but it can be hard to fully understand. Read our blog on Thunderbolt, Mini-DisplayPort, and USB-C to learn how they all work.   Read More
The Ultimate Speaker Cable Guide
Published 16th April, 2018
The Ultimate Speaker Cable Guide
We've made it super-easy to choose the right gauge of speaker cable for your living room, home theatre or any other entertainment area! Read our guide and start wiring up your audio system today.   Read More
HDMI Buyers' Guide 2017
Published 12th April, 2017
HDMI Buyers\' Guide 2017
Flat. Thin. Braided. Coiled. HDMI can now provide solutions to just about every cabling quandary imaginable. Come on in and meet the team!   Read More
USB Type-C Explained in plain English
Published 29th March, 2016
USB Type-C Explained in plain English
What is USB Type-C? How does it fit in with existing versions of USB? USB Type-C and USB 3.1 Gen 2 are explained simply in our in-depth article on the latest reversible connector!   Read More
Why does my Amplifier use Negative dB for Volume?
Published 17th Sept, 2015
Why does my Amplifier use Negative dB for Volume?
Have you ever wondered why your home theatre receiver shows volume as a negative number? Wonder no more!   Read More
Digital Audio Explained
Published 3rd August, 2015
Digital Audio Explained
Find out what Digital Audio does in your home theatre, and discover what marketing jargon actually matters!   Read More
Ultra HD - Cable Chick's Spotlight on 4K
Published 13th May, 2015
Ultra HD - Cable Chick\'s Spotlight on 4K
Learn all about 4K Ultra HD in our easy-to-understand guide. We examine the promises and the pitfalls of this cutting-edge standard, plus a discussion on cabling!   Read More
HDMI Buyers Guide - What HDMI Cable do I need?
Published 10th Feb, 2015
HDMI Buyers Guide - What HDMI Cable do I need?
Having trouble choosing the right HDMI cable? It's easy with Cable Chick's HDMI Buying Guide!   Read More
Audio Levels - A Beginner's Guide
Published 18th Nov, 2014
Audio Levels - A Beginner\'s Guide
Become acquainted with Audio Levels and learn the reason why it's never a good idea to mix RCA and Bare-Wire connections!   Read More
AV Inputs & Outputs - Understanding the Flow of Signals
Published 29th Oct, 2014
AV Inputs & Outputs - Understanding the Flow of Signals
Knowing how data moves between your home entertainment components is an important first step to troubleshooting problems and connecting new devices.   Read More
Supersize Me - A Guide to Video Upscaling
Published 1st Sept, 2014
Supersize Me - A Guide to Video Upscaling
What is upscaling and what can it do for you? In the age of 4K and 8K displays, good upscaling is more important than ever - discover what it is and how to ensure you're getting the best picture.   Read More
VGA Expose: Everything there is to know about VGA
Published 27th May, 2014
VGA Expose: Everything there is to know about VGA
Learn everything there is to know about VGA, including the difference between 14-pin and 15-pin VGA cables, and why it's important to get the right one!   Read More
Which Headphones Are Right For Me?
Published 12th Dec, 2013
Which Headphones Are Right For Me?
Choosing the perfect pair of cans shouldn't be difficult, and after reading our guide, you'll know exactly how to find the right set to suit your needs and budget!   Read More
Going The Distance - A Guide to Maximum Cable Lengths
Published 11th Nov, 2013
Going The Distance - A Guide to Maximum Cable Lengths
Some cables can run twenty metres. Some top out at five. In this article, we examine the limitations on a variety of common formats, and what the pitfalls are to breaking through the length limit barrier.   Read More
HDMI v2.0 Has Arrived
Published 8th Nov, 2013
HDMI v2.0 Has Arrived
HDMI Version 2.0 brings many new functions and capabilities to our home theatre systems. But what does it mean for cables? We explore the changes and answer the most important questions of all: Do you need a new HDMI cable?   Read More
What you need to know about Active vs Passive cables, switches & splitters
Published 29th Oct, 2013
What you need to know about Active vs Passive cables, switches & splitters
We hear the terms 'active' and 'passive' attributed to cables and equipment all the time. But what does it mean? Which one is better? Which one do you really need? We clarify the difference and explain how to choose between them.   Read More
The Truth About Cable Versions
Published 17th Oct, 2013
The Truth About Cable Versions
In our technology driven world, both software and hardware receive updates to improve functionality. But what about cables? We cut through the confusion and tell you all about cable versions - and when they actually matter.   Read More
Getting to know HDMI Cables - High Definition Multimedia Interface
Published 3rd Oct, 2013
Getting to know HDMI Cables - High Definition Multimedia Interface
Welcome to your complete guide the everything HDMI. This beginners guide to HDMI Cables and standards is a must-read for anyone looking to better understand the new HDMI Digital AV connection standard.   Read More
TOSLINK Cable - SPDIF Digital Optical Cable
Published 2nd Oct, 2013
TOSLINK Cable - SPDIF Digital Optical Cable
TOSLINK is the digital Audio standard for ultra high quality audio transmission, over fibre optic cable.   Read More
Understanding Component Video Cables
Published 20th Sept, 2013
Understanding Component Video Cables
What is Component Video? Why do we need it? To get the answer to these questions and more read on.   Read More
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