RCA
Radio Corporation of America
Invented in
1940s
Invented by
RCA (Radio Corporation of America)
Availability
Very common
The colour-coded plug at the back of nearly every home stereo. Designed to connect a phonograph to an amplifier, it became the universal way to carry analog audio and composite video between consumer A/V gear.
Technical specifications
Introduced1940s
SignalAnalog audio / composite video
Conductors2
Colour codeRed·White·Yellow
Found on
a TVa mixer / interfacepowered speakersa hi-fi receivera turntable
Recommended brands
01Neutrik (Rean)
02WBT
03Sommer Cable (Hicon)
Where to buy
Europe-focused retailer searches. Some links are affiliate links and may earn a commission.
Common adapters and cables
Fun fact
The red / white / yellow plugs are electrically identical, the colours are pure convention to help you match left, right and video.
Tips & tricks
The colours are only a guide: red/white are audio R/L, yellow is composite video. Electrically any RCA fits any RCA.
Philosophy
The connector that wired the living room. "Plug the red into the red" was the closest most people came to electrical engineering.
Applications
Hi-FiVideo / SATPro audio
