11 cable types every homeowner should know-Bob Vila

2021-11-26 07:15:38 By : Mr. Jalan Zhang

Written by Timothy Dale | Published 7:40 PM, November 1, 2021

Cables are used to connect one device to another, whether the device is a TV, router, or computer. However, not every device uses the same type of cable, and some devices have different types of cables for various peripheral outputs or to obtain power from a power outlet.

Due to the wide variety of cable types, it is important to understand the difference between computer cable and audio cable types. It is also helpful to know how to distinguish between micro USB and USB-C cables, etc. Read the following 11 cable types to better understand the common cable types used in the home.

HDMI cables are one of the most commonly used and well-known cables used to connect computers, TVs, gaming systems, and other electronic devices. They were released in 2004 as an alternative to VGA cables, because HDMI can transmit and transmit sound and video in high definition, while VGA cables require multiple ports to connect sound and video.

These cables range in length from less than 1 foot to more than 20 feet, allowing users to set up a comprehensive entertainment system at home, or simply plug a computer into a monitor. Due to the general demand for high-definition entertainment, HDMI cables are often included in video game systems, home projectors, and other peripherals, so you probably have one or more of these cables in your home.

Best for: Use an HDMI cable to get high-definition sound and video from a TV or computer monitor.

Our recommendation: Highwings 8K HDMI cable 2 packs-buy them on Amazon for $14.99. These HDMI cables are over 6 feet in length and can transmit data at an amazing speed of less than 50 gigabits per second (Gbps).

If you have been having difficulty finding the correct cable direction when plugging the USB cable into your computer, then you are very familiar with USB Type A cables. These USB cables are one of the most common computer cable types, but there are also USB-C, micro USB and even lightning cables. However, the main difference between USB-A cables and other USB cables is the size and purpose.

Although other USB cables are mainly used to connect small devices such as tablets or mobile phones, USB-A cables are essential for almost all computer peripherals, including keyboards, mice, headsets, flash drives, wireless adapters, and external hard drives. They have a flat rectangular shape and must be inserted in the correct direction, otherwise the cable will not be able to be inserted into the USB port.

Best for: USB-A cables are necessary for wired connections between computer peripherals and can also be used for video game consoles and TVs.

Our recommendation: AINOPE 10 ft USB 3.0 extension cable-Buy it at Amazon for $10.99. Use this USB-A extension cable to connect to a computer, TV, or video game console up to 10 feet away.

As one of the latest types of USB cables, USB-C cables can transmit audio, video, and text data. These small rectangular cables with round ends are commonly used in tablets, smartphones and other mobile devices. USB-C cables are not only used to connect devices to computers to transfer data, they can also be used to charge devices, making USB-C cables a big step forward over older cable types with limited functionality.

In fact, these USB cables are now beginning to be used in notebook computers and video game consoles, replacing traditional controller cables with this innovative new design. Before use, please check if there is a USB-C port on the port on your computer, smartphone or other device. Some Apple products have lightning cable ports, while other products now use USB-C ports.

Best for: Use the new USB-C cable to connect smartphones, tablets and other mobile devices.

Our recommendation: Anker USB C cable-Buy Anker's USB-C cable at Amazon for $14.99, which can be extended to 6 feet and used to connect mobile devices from the USB-C port to the USB-A power adapter for charging.

The micro-USB type USB cable is an older cable that was the standard for smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices until it was mostly replaced by USB-C cables. Despite being an older cable, some newer products will still have micro USB ports, such as digital cameras, external hard drives, or keyboards. The current application range of USB-C cables is narrow.

If you have an older tablet or smartphone, the device may be equipped with a micro USB port. These cables are trapezoidal, with a short top and a long flat bottom. Like the USB-C cable, the micro USB cable can be used for data transfer and charging compatible mobile devices.

Best for: Use micro USB cables to charge or connect old mobile devices and some new peripherals.

Our recommendation: RAMPOW Micro USB Cable-Buy it on Amazon for $8.49. The nylon braided micro USB cable is resistant to twisting, bending and kinking, which may damage less durable cables.

Although lightning cables are not actually USB cables, they are usually combined with USB cables because they perform the same basic functions, such as connecting smartphones, tablets, and computer peripherals. But the difference is that the lightning protection cable is a brand-specific product produced by Apple for Apple equipment. These cables can be used to transfer data and charge devices.

The size of the lightning cable is similar to that of the USB-C cable, but the lightning cable connector is not rectangular or even trapezoidal in shape, but is simply made of a thin piece of metal, and the tip of the metal connector has several contact points. The obvious limitation of lightning cables is that they are not applicable to any products other than Apple devices, and given the continued popularity of Samsung, Microsoft and other electronic brands, this brand-specific use will reduce the overall capacity of the lightning cables.

Best for: Apple users rely on lightning cables to charge mobile devices, connect MacBook peripherals, and transfer data from or to Apple devices.

Our Recommendation: SMALLElectric Lightning Cable-Buy on Amazon for $7.64. The reinforced structure of this 6-foot lightning cable helps prevent damage to the connector due to overuse.

The 3.5 mm audio cable has been used for more than ten years as one of the most common audio cables, and it can also be called an auxiliary or auxiliary cable. They are most recognized when you want to listen to music to overwhelm your neighbors, complete some studies, or focus on important video calls. Just pick up your headphones and use the 3.5 mm auxiliary cable to connect them to the headphone port on your device.

Although this port is often referred to as a headphone port, it is technically a 3.5 mm audio cable port. It just so happens that the most commonly used device for this connection is a headset, so computer, tablet, and smartphone manufacturers are beginning to put a headset symbol on the port, leading most people to call it a headphone jack or headphone port. Some computer speakers also use 3.5 mm audio cables, but larger speakers usually have stronger audio cables for better audio data transmission.

Best for: Plug in headphones or use a 3.5 mm audio cable to connect compatible speakers.

Our recommendation: Tan QY 3.5mm audio cable-buy this tangle-free woven audio cable on Amazon for $8.99 for listening to music on iPods, tablets, laptops and smartphones with compatible audio ports Excellent choice.

Although Ethernet cables were invented more than 40 years ago, compared with USB, HDMI and even old VGA cables, the demand for Ethernet cables by residential consumers has never been higher. The reason is that Ethernet cables are specifically used to connect multiple devices on a local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN).

These networks are common in the workplace, but in the home, Ethernet cables are really only used to connect the computer directly to a modem or router. Ethernet cables can also be used to connect to a security camera network, allowing users to control the cameras from one device instead of each camera working on its own independent network.

Best for: Use an Ethernet cable to set up an interconnected home security system or get reliable Internet access when Wi-Fi is difficult.

Our recommendation: Vabogu Cat 8 Ethernet Cable-Buy it on Amazon for $8.99. The length of the Ethernet cable ranges from 1.5 feet to 100 feet. It has a shielding function to prevent signal interruption caused by electromagnetic interference.

More than 20 years ago, coaxial cables were mainly used to connect home satellite and local cable networks to the home so that they can enjoy TV with the family. At that time, only dial-up modems could be used to access the Internet through the local telephone network. When wired Internet was first introduced, coaxial cable quickly became a necessity in many homes.

Currently, coaxial cables are still used to connect home modems and routers to incoming cable systems. They are also useful for home satellite connections and are very easy to identify due to the perfect circular connector and the thin wire extending from the center of the cable.

Best for: Ensure fast Internet access, reliable satellite connections, and consistent cable TV transmissions using coaxial cables in the home.

Our recommendation: Ultra Clarity Cables Coaxial Cable-Buy it on Amazon for $10.95. Use gold-plated coaxial cable connectors to minimize interference and get a smooth Internet connection.

Fiber optic cables are not limited to specific connectors or ports, such as USB or HDMI cables. This type of cable replaces the traditional cable transmission design with light-based transmission. These cables do not rely on electrical pulses, but can have hundreds of optical fibers running through them to send data in fast light pulses. Most people know that light travels faster than any other type of energy, so the transmission rate of optical cables is significantly higher than that of standard copper cables.

However, fiber optic cables have limited flexibility, and these cables are relatively new, so they are not currently widely used in residential environments. However, many Internet providers have begun to replace old copper cables with fiber optic cables to increase the potential of their networks.

Best for: Fast and accurate data transmission can be achieved by using advanced fiber optic cables for audio, video and test transmission.

Our recommendation: WARRKY 6-foot fiber optic cable-buy it on Amazon for $9.99 When you use this fiber optic cable to connect video game consoles, sound bars, and home theater systems to your TV, you can get incredibly clear sound.

When most entertainment programs transition from analog content to digital content, DVI cables are designed to replace VGA cables. These cables have improved transmission speed and data quality, allowing users to watch TV, play video games or work on a computer with a higher resolution output than before.

Before the DVI cable completely replaced the VGA cable, the use of the DVI cable was quickly replaced by the HDMI cable, making HDMI the more popular successor to the VGA cable. Some businesses and home offices may still use DVI cables to connect computers to old monitors, connect multiple monitors to one computer at the same time, or connect to old TVs. However, most cables of this type are no longer in use.

Best for: Users with old monitors and TVs can use DVI cables to connect desktop computers, projectors, and laptops.

Our recommendation: Benfei DVI-D to DVI-D cable-buy on Amazon for $8.99. This 6-foot DVI cable is ideal for video projection. It features thumbscrews and molded strain relief connectors to improve durability.

Almost every electronic device in the home has an alternating current (AC) power cord to connect the device to an available electrical outlet. Without an AC cord, most computers cannot be charged, TVs cannot be turned on, and even appliances such as microwave ovens, coffee makers, and alarm clocks cannot be used without such cords.

Some users may not need HDMI or USB cables, but AC power cables are not the case. If you use any type of electronic equipment that can be plugged into a standard power outlet, you will also need an AC power cord. Some devices have this power cord connected, while other devices (such as laptops) may have a detachable AC power cord.

Best for: Ensure that the electronic equipment in the home is powered by the AC power cord.

Our suggestion: Bicmice AC power cord-buy it at Amazon for $7.99. The figure-eight AC power cord port can restore power to any device, including game consoles, TVs, printers, and computer monitors.

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