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!

Product Launch - Avencore Platinum Series TOSLINK Cables
Published 25th August, 2016
Product Launch - Avencore Platinum Series TOSLINK Cables
Cable Chick is now stocking the Platinum Series TOSLINK Optical Audio range from Avencore!   Read More
Product Launch - 4-Way HDMI Splitter with IR Extenders
Published 24th March, 2016
Product Launch - 4-Way HDMI Splitter with IR Extenders
Use your remote control in remote locations with our IR Extending HDMI Splitter!   Read More
Product Launch - Cat6 Colour Range & New Cat6A 500Mhz cables
Published 16th Nov, 2015
Product Launch - Cat6 Colour Range & New Cat6A 500Mhz cables
Colour code your home and office networks with our new rainbow range of Category 6 cables and travel to the future with CAT6A!   Read More
Product Launch - Avencore 40W Premium 5-Port USB Smart-Charger
Published 20th August, 2015
Product Launch - Avencore 40W Premium 5-Port USB Smart-Charger
Be amazed at the incredible power of the Avencore Avalanche 40W Premium 5-Port USB Smart-Charger! Exclusive to Cable Chick.   Read More
Product Launch - Avencore NANITE 3.5mm Stereo Audio Cables
Published 9th July, 2015
Product Launch - Avencore NANITE 3.5mm Stereo Audio Cables
Find out why the Platinum Series NANITE 3.5mm stereo audio cables are the best we've ever heard - exclusive to Cable Chick!   Read More
Product Launch - Avencore Coiled USB Cables
Published 5th May, 2015
Product Launch - Avencore Coiled USB Cables
Meet the exclusive new lineup of Avencore Coiled USB cables - only at Cable Chick!   Read More
Product Launch - Avencore Home Theatre Speaker Cable
Published 2nd March, 2015
Product Launch - Avencore Home Theatre Speaker Cable
High grade. Low price. Wire up you home theatre with confidence thanks to Avencore and Cable Chick!   Read More
Product Launch - USB Charging with Anker PowerIQ
Published 29th Jan, 2015
Product Launch - USB Charging with Anker PowerIQ
Save time with our new selection of Anker USB charging stations with Power IQ.   Read More
Product Launch - Folding Bluetooth Wireless Headset
Published 30th Oct, 2014
Product Launch - Folding Bluetooth Wireless Headset
Come and say hello to the best-sounding lightweight Bluetooth headphones yet.   Read More
Product Launch - iPhone 6 & Samsung Galaxy S5 Cases
Published 9th Oct, 2014
Product Launch - iPhone 6 & Samsung Galaxy S5 Cases
Upgrading to the latest and greatest smartphones? Cable Chick now stocks the essential accessories for your new Apple iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus and Samsung Galaxy S5!   Read More
Product Launch - E-Blue Gaming Accessories
Published 8th Sept, 2014
Product Launch - E-Blue Gaming Accessories
For quality gaming gear on a budget, E-Blue is the place to start for all your essential PC accessories.   Read More
Product Launch - Pure Acoustics 5.1 Home Theatre Speakers
Published 18th August, 2014
Product Launch - Pure Acoustics 5.1 Home Theatre Speakers
Hearing is believing when it comes to home theatre speakers, but you don't have to spend a fortune to fill a room with crystal clear audio.   Read More
Product Launch - LED/LCD Multimedia Projectors
Published 7th July, 2014
Product Launch - LED/LCD Multimedia Projectors
Meet the new low-cost projectors that have just arrived at Cable Chick!   Read More
Product Launch - USB to Ethernet Adapters
Published 11th June, 2014
Product Launch - USB to Ethernet Adapters
Get connected to a wired network or broadband modem using USB.   Read More
Product Launch - VGA True Matrix Splitters
Published 5th May, 2014
Product Launch - VGA True Matrix Splitters
Multiple source/display configuration for VGA systems up to 1920x1440 WQHD with stereo audio support.   Read More
Product Launch - Ultra HD 4K HDMI Splitters
Published 2nd April, 2014
Product Launch - Ultra HD 4K HDMI Splitters
High-bandwidth splitters are now available! Meet the essential tech for running multiple displays.   Read More
Product Launch - Brushed-Entry and Bullnose Wall Plates
Published 18th Feb, 2014
Product Launch - Brushed-Entry and Bullnose Wall Plates
Find out how our new line of multi-purpose wall plates can save you time and money!   Read More
Product Launch - Premium Bluetooth Wireless Speaker
Published 5th Feb, 2014
Product Launch - Premium Bluetooth Wireless Speaker
Incredible portable sound doesn't have to cost a fortune!   Read More
Product Launch - Premium Stereo Bluetooth Headset
Published 13th Jan, 2014
Product Launch - Premium Stereo Bluetooth Headset
Our new line of Bluetooth headsets premieres with this outstanding all-rounder.   Read More
Product Launch - Slimline Aluminium Folding Tablet Stand
Published 28th Nov, 2013
Product Launch - Slimline Aluminium Folding Tablet Stand
We take a look at Cable Chick's newest universal tablet stand to see why it's this years favourite stocking-stuffer gift idea.   Read More
Bridging the Gap - Connecting Your Headphones to your TV
Published 28th Nov, 2023
Bridging the Gap - Connecting Your Headphones to your TV
We all love the immersive experience of watching a movie from the comfort of our couch while an array of encircling speakers' envelope us within a wall of sound that transports us from our living rooms into the middle of the action taking place on screen. But as great as that is, there are times where this kind of set up isn't ideal. Sometimes, a more private and personal experience is required.   Read More
Bridging the Gap - Connecting your turntable to modern AV devices
Published 26th July, 2023
Bridging the Gap - Connecting your turntable to modern AV devices
Have you been wondering how you can marry your old AV gadgets with your new modern devices but don't know where to start? In our new series 'Bridging the Gap', we'll dive into this topic starting with the classic turntable.   Read More
Working From Home During Covid-19
Published 6th April, 2020
Working From Home During Covid-19
Discover the easiest way to connect your laptop to one or more additional screens with our handy visual guide.   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 Audio output for Windows and Mac
Published 2nd March, 2015
HDMI Audio output for Windows and Mac
Hooked up the HDMI cable but can't get any sound? Follow our simple how-to guide! Also works for DisplayPort and Thunderbolt.   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
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
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
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
No Signal - The HDMI Memory Effect
Published 5th April, 2023
No Signal - The HDMI Memory Effect
Check out our top tips for fixing this uncommon but frustrating HDMI no-signal issue.   Read More
Is it time to change to Rechargeable Batteries?
Published 19th Dec, 2022
Is it time to change to Rechargeable Batteries?
Modern NiMH make good financial and environmental sense over disposables in most applications. Our blog looks at the pros, cons and best applications for NiMH cells so you can save yourself from the pitfalls of throw-aways NOW.   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
4K All The Way!
Published 25th Nov, 2020
4K All The Way!
Make the most of 4K content with our handy connectivity guide! It covers cables, switchers, splitters and all the major 4K content sources available today.   Read More
Definitive Guide to USB-C Alternate Modes
Published 20th April, 2020
Definitive Guide to USB-C Alternate Modes
Learn about USB Type-C Alt Modes like Thunderbolt 3 and DisplayPort, and what products you can find this feature on!   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
Are You Using the Wrong HDMI Cable?
Published 3rd Oct, 2019
Are You Using the Wrong HDMI Cable?
If you've upgraded to a 4K television but haven't replaced your HDMI cables in years, you might be missing out on some great new features - especially if you have long cable runs or in-wall HDMI installations.   Read More
Should I Use HDMI or DisplayPort for my PC?
Published 26th Sept, 2019
Should I Use HDMI or DisplayPort for my PC?
Does your PC monitor have both DisplayPort and HDMI sockets and you're having trouble choosing which one to use? The answer may surprise you.   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 CEC ARC & Ethernet Simplified
Published 24th Jan, 2018
HDMI CEC ARC & Ethernet Simplified
HDMI may be best known for Full HD and 4K video capabilities, but today we're going to look at some of the lesser-known features which are often used as selling points, but are frequently misunderstood.   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
HDMI 4K HDR: Going Beyond the Limits of Copper Cabling
Published 16th Feb, 2017
HDMI 4K HDR: Going Beyond the Limits of Copper Cabling
HDMI 2.0a content used to have a problem with long HDMI cables. Not any longer! Avencore has broken the bandwidth barrier to deliver 4K60 & HDR content up to 100 metres.   Read More
4K Ultra HD Blu-Ray: All you need to know...
Published 15th Dec, 2016
4K Ultra HD Blu-Ray: All you need to know...
True 4K Blu-ray is now available for your home theatre! We explore what it can do, and what you'll need to achieve it.   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
What is USB OTG and What Can It Do?
Published 18th Nov, 2015
What is USB OTG and What Can It Do?
USB OTG (On-the-Go) is a powerful feature of many Android smartphones and tablets. Learn how to take advantage of it today!   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
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
MHL Explained
Published 24th Sept, 2014
MHL Explained
What is MHL and what can it do? We take a look at the promises and pitfalls of this handy but confusing video standard.   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
What Are Power Banks and How Do They Work?
Published 29th July, 2014
What Are Power Banks and How Do They Work?
Power Banks are all the rage, but what are they for? We explore their potential, and how to choose the right one.   Read More
How to Calibrate your TV or Projector - The Easy Way!
Published 26th June, 2014
How to Calibrate your TV or Projector - The Easy Way!
Follow our quick and simple guide on how to get the best image out of your display without any special tools or costly calibration programs!   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
Choosing the Best TV Wall Mount
Published 30th April, 2014
Choosing the Best TV Wall Mount
With this handy guide, you'll be able to find the perfect wall mounting bracket for your TV, ensuring full compatibility while keeping all the features you need.   Read More
Enjoy Digital & 3D - But Keep Your Old Receiver
Published 12th March, 2014
Enjoy Digital & 3D - But Keep Your Old Receiver
You don't have to throw away your perfectly good analogue amplifier/receiver just to enjoy digital HD video and 3D content. Discover the best ways to bypass your old amp here!   Read More
Understanding TRRS and Audio Jacks
Published 13th Feb, 2014
Understanding TRRS and Audio Jacks
Learn about the varieties of audio jack and how to identify them, plus discover why one TRRS cable won't work for all your AV needs.   Read More
Switches, Splitters & Matrixes Explained
Published 29th Jan, 2014
Switches, Splitters & Matrixes Explained
Too many cables and not enough sockets? Find out which helpful device will bridge the gap!   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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