RCAliitännät

RCAliitännöt, commonly known as RCA connectors or phono connectors, are a type of electrical connector widely used for analog audio and video signals. They were developed in the 1940s by the Radio Corporation of America (RCA) for use with their high-fidelity record players. The connector consists of a central pin for the signal and a surrounding ring for ground. Typically, RCA connectors are color-coded to indicate their intended use. Red is conventionally used for the right audio channel, white or black for the left audio channel, and yellow for composite video.

These connectors are found on a vast array of consumer electronics, including televisions, stereos, DVD players, gaming consoles, and audio interfaces. Their widespread adoption is due to their simplicity, low cost, and ease of use. Despite the prevalence of digital interfaces like HDMI and USB, RCA connectors remain relevant for older equipment and in applications where analog signals are sufficient or preferred. While generally reliable, RCA connections can be susceptible to interference and signal degradation over long cable runs, especially if the shielding is poor. The physical design, with the signal pin extending beyond the ground ring, can also lead to momentary short circuits if plugged or unplugged while active, although this is usually not detrimental to modern equipment.