RCAliittimet

RCAliittimet, often referred to as RCA connectors or phono connectors, are a type of electrical connector primarily used for consumer audio and video signals. Invented in the 1930s by the Radio Corporation of America (RCA), these connectors became ubiquitous in home electronics. A typical RCAliitin consists of a central pin surrounded by an outer ring, which serves as the ground connection. This design allows for the transmission of analog audio signals. Color-coding is commonly employed to distinguish between different audio channels (e.g., red for the right audio channel, white or black for the left) and video signals. For composite video, a yellow RCA connector is typically used.

RCAliittimet are known for their simplicity and ease of use, making them a popular choice for connecting devices such as CD players, VCRs, DVD players, gaming consoles, and audio receivers to televisions and stereo systems. While they are effective for analog signals, their bandwidth limitations and susceptibility to interference mean they are less commonly used for high-definition digital audio and video signals, which are now typically transmitted via connectors like HDMI or DisplayPort. Despite this, RCAliittimet remain prevalent in many audio-only applications and older audio-visual equipment due to their widespread adoption and low cost.