Tech Basics: Cables & Connectors

Name: Tech Basics: Cables & Connectors
Rating: 4.0 (2819 reviews)

An introduction to help you understand connectors betwen the many electronics tools, devices and gizmos we use today.

Created byChet Davis

Last updated 10/2014

English

What you'll learn

This class provides you with lessons to give you just the right amount of knowledge to better understand how to connect your home electronics.
Fundamentals of the electronic signal: elementary signal flow, shielded cables, plug vs. jack.
Differentiation between video streams and video files - critical info if you have or are looking for a new camcorder/camera
Review of most common audio connectors: Phone (1/4", Mini, Sub-Mini, Micro); RCA/Phono, XLR, Optical
Most common video connectors: Phono/RCA - both composite & component, S-video, BNC, IEEE 1394 (4-pin, 6-pin, & 800), HDMI
Common Monitor connectors: HDMI, DVI, Display Port, Mini-Display Port, VGA
Peripheral connections: USB (A, B, Mini, Micro), USB 2.0 vs. 3.0, Thunderbolt
Adapters: When and how to adapt connectors when connecting audio, video, monitors or peripherals. When is the only time to use a Y-adapter, barrels vs. cable adapaters.
When and why you need to use a Digital>Analog Converter
Two recommended freeware computer applications to help transfer between different video file formats.

Course content

5 sections • 13 lectures • 2h 0m total length

Welcome to the classroom!4:12
Chet Davis provides an introduction/orientation to this classroom - with quick suggestions for where to start. Chet also highlights the learning functions available at Udemy (Notes, Questions & video functions).

Tech Foundations8:43
Learn some brief, basic but helpful technology foundations that relate to Cables & Connectors. Chet will review the concept of electrical conductivity, the value of shielded cables, and the difference between plugs and jacks.
Stream vs. File Based Trasnfer5:12
Particularly useful if you use audio and video components, or are considering purchasing new devices for home or business, it's helpful to know the difference between file and stream data transfers... you'll learn that in this short lesson.

Audio Connectors13:57
Chet presents a lesson sharing the most common connectors used primarily for audio: the Phone family (3 different sizes), RCA/Phono, XLR, and Digital Optical. Chet also covers the difference between a mono (TR) and a stereo (TRS) - and where you will find a TRRS connector. We also get a glimpse of the audio snake.
Video Connectors18:07
As we learn about the connectors specific to transfer of the video signal/s, Chet reviews the following connectors (in their application with video): RCA/Phono - both with Composite Video and with Component Analog video, BNC, S-video. Chet spends a few minutes delineating the 3 flavors of IEE1394, otherwise known as Firewire (DV/HDV), the 4-Pin, 6-Pin and Firewire 800. The lesson ends with an introduction to the HDMI connector and why it's in this lesson as well as the next lesson on Monitor Connections.
Monitor Connectors16:47
In this lesson we'll review the most common connectors used when connecting a device to a display monitor, be it a HD computer monitor or a HD Television. The connectors Chet includes in this lesson are HDMI, DVI, Display Port, Mini-Display Port, VGA, and SCART.
Peripheral Connectors (computer connections)10:38
In this lesson we'll review the most common connectors used to connect peripherals with your computers - we'll review the term 'I/O Device' and jump into the distinction between the 4 types of USB connectors: USB A, USB B, USB Mini, and USB Micro. Chet also introduces the newer USB 3.0 technology and there is a brief mention of the 'Thunderbolt' technology.
Adapters17:38
In this lesson Chet shows adapter types in the following 4 categories: Audio adapters, Video Adapters, and Peripheral/Monitor Adapters. Chet reviews the importance of ensuring you are attempting to connect 'like' signals between devices. Covered is a quick lesson on the use of Barrel Adapters & the Y-Adapter, as well as an introduction to the technology known as an Analog>Digital Video Converter.

In this lesson Chet shares two Freeware applications that can be used to convert File-based video for use in other video editing applications. There are versions for both the Windows & Mac/Apple computer platforms.
You can find out more about these computer applications & download them here:
MPEG Streamclip and Any Video Converter (AVC)
RF Connectors10:41

Connector ID Guide4:00
Closing Lesson4:26
As we wrap up this TECH 101 lesson on Cables & Connectors, Chet Davis provides you with two website resources where you can find & download the Operators Manual for most home electronics gear. This can be helpful if you have misplaced your original copy (or never had one, due to second-hand equipment) that you can use to check the connections and configurations for your home electronics:
http://manualsonline.com/ and http://www.usersmanualguide.com/
Additional Classes from Chet Davis - Your Technology Tutor0:47

Requirements

No special knowledge or experience is necessary for this class - just a desire to learn!

Description

If you're like most folks - you have electronic devices that need to be connected and you're not totally sure where to plug all those connectors into which port... can I adapt that DVI plug to go into my HDMI port? Does that Audio Out cable go into the Phono, Auxillary, or Tuner port? Which cable should I use to transfer video from my new camcorder into my computer? And which headphone connection is right for my new Smart Phone?

With this class from Your Technology Tutor, you will gain an understanding of the fundamentals and practical knowledge of the most common cables & connectors. From audio and video connectors, to adapters - learn the most essential info by joining Chet Davis in these video lessons.

Who this course is for:

This class is ideal for us 'regular' people who have tech tools & toys and want to understand how to connect and properly use them. NOTE: this is a beginners level course with the intention of providing just enough information to allow you to successfully connect your electronics.

Tech Basics: Cables & Connectors

What you'll learn

Explore related topics

Course content

Welcome to the classroom!1 lecture • 4min

Introduction to Cables & Connectors2 lectures • 14min

Connectors by Their Application6 lectures • 1hr 28min

Putting It All Together: Looking at Connection Panels on Real Gear1 lecture • 9min

Conclusion & Additional Resources3 lectures • 9min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: