Month: September 2021

What Types Of 3.5mm Audio Cables Exist?

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Stereo audio cables with 3.5mm plugs and jacks are designed to connect headphones and earbuds to devices that offer audio output, such as PC sound cards, mini stereo audio devices, portable CD players, DVD players, MP3 players and televisions.

A diverse and premium audio standard, here are the different types of 3.5mm audio cable out there.

Mini Plug to RCA

These cables connect iPods and stereos to computers. One end of the cable has the 3.5mm end, and the other end features two color coded RCA plugs. The two plugs optimize signals to provide better performance.

Female Jack to RCA

This cable features a female 3.5mm connector at one end, and two RCA connectors on the other end. That is the RCA to female jack design.

Mini Plug to Female RCA

One end features a mini 3.5mm connector. One the other end there are two female RCA connectors, which allow male RCA connectors to be inserted.

Stereo Headphone Jack Splitter

One end has a 3.5mm male connector which plugs into the audio device. The other end has two female 3.5mm connectors, which allows for two sets of headphones to be connected. While this cable splits the sound, only one stereo signal is transmitted, so that there is no stereo sound in the headphones.

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3.5mm to 3 RCA

This cable can be used to connect cameras and camcorders, as it connects audio and video signals. One end contains a male 3.5mm connector. The other end features three male RCA connectors, used to transfer audio signals and video signals.

RCA to 3.5mm Mono

These cables feature a mono 3.5 mm connector on one end, and a RCA connector on the other end. The connectors on an RCA to 3.5mm cable are gold plated, and are used to connect mono audio output to a sound mixer.

Headphone Extension Cables

These cables are used to increase the length of the headphone cable. One end of the cable features a 3.5mm connector, and the other end features a female connector. These cables vary in length, from 6 feet to 100 feet, and they do not water down the quality of the audio signal. Extension cables are useful especially if the user is watching television and does not want the sound to disturb others.

Patch Cables

These cables can range from 3 feet to 100 feet, and are used to connect a variety of audio devices. A popular use for this type of 3.5mm cable is to connect MP3 players to car stereo systems. The cable features male 3.5mm connectors on both ends.

PrimeCables.ca carries all these varieties of 3.5mm jacks, connectors, cables, and adapters. Any time you need 3.5mm, don’t hesitate to stop by and check out our website for more info on what to buy.

What Are The Most Common Audio Cables For Home Theater Systems?

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There are several different setups for home theater systems, which makes it somewhat tricky to know what audio cables to use for the best audio performance.

It’s always recommended to use the very best digital connection that your system can handle. The better the signal, the better the sound. However, some devices still transmit analog signals as opposed to digital. Fortunately, you can still work with these using converters.

Here are some of the more common audio components and audio cables in use for home theaters.

Components of Home Theater Systems

Home theater systems usually consist of one or more audio sources such as CD, DVD and cable, and the receiver, which is the sound system. Audio cables are required to connect the two components.

Interconnecting audio cables offer either analog or digital transmission and overall, digital is considered the best for sound quality.

Types of Audio Cables

The most common audio cables are either coaxial, fiber optic, HDMI and Stereo RCA cables.

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Features of Audio Cables

Coaxial cables can handle up to six audio channels, which makes them ideal for use with 5.1 surround sound systems. These cables work with CDs, DVDs, satellite receivers, digital cable boxes, and HDTV receivers.

Fiber Optic cables work the same as coaxial cables, but they transmit signals as pulses of light, which results in nearly perfect transmission and better performance.

Stereo RCA (Red and White) cables transmit analog signals for CDs, DVDs, satellite receivers, digital cable boxes, HDTV receivers, VCRs, and cassette.

HDMI cables include up to eight audio channels and video transmission and can be used with 6.1 and 7.1 surround sound systems.

Types of Home Theater Systems and the Most Common Cables Used

The type of audio cable used typically corresponds to the type of home theater audio setup you have.

  • Dual Channel sound systems can use Coaxial, Stereo RCA, HDMI and Fiber Optic cables.
  • Analog sound systems use Coaxial, Stereo RCA, HDMI and Fiber Optic cables.
  • Digital 5.1 surround sound systems use Stereo RCA, HDMI, Coaxial and Fiber Optic cables.
  • Digital 6.1 surround sound systems use Stereo RCA, HDMI, Coaxial and Fiber Optic cables.
  • Digital 7.1 surround sound systems use HDMI cables only, due to their ability to support eight audio channels.

The Sky Is The Limit

As technology continues to evolve, there will be even higher quality signal transmitters and receivers in audio cables.

As the quality improves, audio cables will continue to improve right along with the technology. Shop today’s best home theater audio cables at PrimeCables.ca and tap into premium-grade audio signal transfer by your preference.

Tips On How To Connect Speaker Wires

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Installing speaker wire for an audio speaker system is a bit of a funny thing. Though it’s fairly easy to connect, it can still go wrong in many different ways.

Once you’ve settled on a home theater stereo system, connecting your speaker wire comes next. Here is a quick look into how to connect speaker wire step-by-step the way it was designed. Fortunately, it’s quite straightforward.

All you need is to understand the different speaker wire connection types that your system will have. They’re in the form of binding posts and/or spring clips.

Connecting Binding Posts

Binding posts can be found on all kinds of audio systems, everything from low-cost models to extremely high-end equipment.

Binding posts are the most common type that you will find on the back of your speaker system. They are red and black caps. This can accommodate both bare wire and banana plugs. Connecting your speaker wire to a binder post with bare wire is simple. Just unscrew the cap, place the wire inside the opening, then screw the cap down. Connection done.

Spring Clips

Spring clip connectors work slightly different.

On the back of your system, you will see red and black tabs with an opening above as you press the clip. The spring clip connector works well with both bare speaker wire and banana plugs. Once you press on the clip, you push the speaker wire into the opening then release the clip closing the opening.

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Stripping Wires

When you use wire strippers on speaker wire, this gives you a clean connection. This way, you can take any length of speaker wire and cut it down to size. This is why bare wire is the easiest method for connection because you don’t need anything extra.

All you have to do is pull the positive and negative wires apart. They come apart easily. Don’t cut into the insulation on exposed bare wire further down the cable. Expose the wire at the end using a dedicated wire stripper, removing 1/2 inch of insulation from each wire. Twist each of the exposed wires together so that there are no loose strands on each wire. Insert the bare wire into the connectors. Done.

Final Check

When using spring clips, close the clip then pull on the wire to make sure that it is firmly held. For binding posts, place the wire in the opening, screw the cap down, and then pull the wire to make sure that it is firmly held. Always double-check your speakers before you call it finished.

The most important thing to remember connecting speaker wire is there should be no loose strands of copper and your connections should be firmly in place. Always place positive to positive and negative to negative, and have your right and left sides put to their appropriate counterparts.

Shop speaker wire of all lengths, gauges, and types at PrimeCables.ca today.

What’s The Difference Between 2.5mm and 3.5mm Headphone Jacks?

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Even though wireless headphones and earbuds are very popular, many people still use wired headphones. These headphone wires have different sized headphone jacks. The most common sizes are 2.5mm and 3.5mm jacks.

Jacks and Plugs

When referring to headphone jacks, the term is often used to refer to both the jack and the plug.

For this article’s purpose, the headphone jack is the female receptacle end on the device transmitting the audio signal, such as an MP3 player, and the headphone plug is the male end of the headphone cord that is inserted into the audio device.

Differences and Uses

The biggest difference between the 2.5mm plug and jack, and the 3.5mm plug and jack, is obviously the size.

2.5mm plugs and jacks are smaller, and are also called audio jacks. They are often used with two-way radios (also known as walkie-talkies) and video cameras.

3.5mm plugs and jacks range from 14mm to 17 mm in length, and are commonly used in video applications. These plugs and jacks are available on most analog wired headphones, and are also used as auxiliary aux cables.

Other uses for 3.5mm are portable audio players, laptops, smartphones, tablets, field recorders and mixing consoles.

There are two different styles of 3.5mm connectors. Headphones usually use TRS 3-pole 3.5mm connectors, and headphones with microphones use TRRS 4-pole 3.5mm connectors.

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Tips, Rings and Sleeves On 3.5mm Cables

TRS stands for tip, ring and sleeve. These are found on the connector ends, and correspond with components inside the jacks.

Tips are at both ends the plug and are the point that connects inside the jack to transmit 3.5mm cable signals.

Rings wrap around the plug’s circumference. They are electronically isolated and are designed to connect with conductors inside the jack at different points than the tip.

Sleeve is the part closest to the base of the plug. It’s larger than the tip, and provides grounding to reduce electromagnetic interference.

These components are the pole counts of the plug and jack and the internal wires that transmit the audio signal throughout the cable.

Different configurations produce different signal transmissions and results, and are used for a variety of uses.

2.5mm and 3.5mm Jacks and Plugs

There are many uses for these jacks and plugs, with the most popular being conducting audio signals between microphones, headsets, electrical musical instruments, loudspeakers, headphones, and audio devices such as DVD players, CD players, televisions and MP3 players.

Ultimately, your device will dictate whether 2.5mm or 3.5mm is the cable type you need. By far, 3.5mm is the current standard although some devices still prioritize 2.5mm. Shop both at PrimeCables.ca.

RCA Audio Cables Versus HDMI Cables: Which Is Better?

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More people than ever are purchasing home theater systems, home entertainment systems and gaming systems, which means there is a larger market and a greater need than ever for audio cables.

RCA audio cables and HDMI cables perform many of the same tasks, yet they are not the same thing. However, they are both very useful. Here are some facts to help the buyer choose the correct cable.

The Basics of RCA Analog Audio Cables

RCA audio cables are considered older technology, but are still very relevant today. They are designed to carry analog audio and video signals.

RCA cables consist of three color coded plugs, and connect the signal source, such as DVDs and CDs, to televisions and projectors.

There are two types of RCA cables. Composite cables carry analog signals, while component cables can be used with HDTV, and have higher resolution than the composite cables.

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The Basics of HDMI Digital Audio Cables

HDMI (High Definition Media Interface) cables are evidently a newer digital cable. HDMI cables are considered the way of the future in video-audio transfer and offer high definition, high resolution audio and video signals.

The signal from an HDMI cable is clean and not compressed, offering sharp video images and multi-channel audio, along with a high refresh rate for better overall performance.

The way these cables are designed is that both ends of the cable are the same, making them compatible with any device that is HDMI compatible. There’s no right or wrong way to plug the cable in, as the ends fit all HDMI ports. HDMI cables can connect cable boxes, game consoles, Blu-ray and media streaming devices as well as other components, to whatever display is in use.

How RCA Analog and HDMI Digital Cables Compare To Each Other

To compare the cables, HDMI works best with newer technology and are the standard cables for future technology. A single cable can handle many connection needs, and the digital technology makes this a better cable with high definition output.

RCA cables cannot carry HD signals, but they are cheaper overall, very reliable and relatively simple to use. RCA cables are still popular with those who use DVD players, VHS players and game consoles.

Both RCA and HDMI cables are good and will meet different consumer needs. As for which cable is the better choice, it depends upon the signal source that is in use, the display that the cable connects to, what the cable is needed for, and the quantity needed. Shop both types of audio cables today at PrimeCables.ca.

Why USB Type-C Cables Are the Best Smartphone Cables You Can Buy

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There are different types of USB cables, including the original Type-A and Type-B, as well as the micro and mini versions of themselves.

However, the newer Type-C cables are more versatile and powerful than the older generations of cables, and in fact, are quickly becoming the new industry standard, especially for future technology design.

What Makes the C-Type So Awesome?

Most consumers probably have a tangled stack of various types of USB cables hanging around the house. Some fit this device, some fit that device, and what the heck is that weird little one squeezed way in back of the drawer used for?

Because of its universal design, the Type-C USB cable will be able to eliminate much of that cord hassle.

What Are the Features?

Unlike Type-A and Type-B cables, USB-C features the same plug-in on both ends of the cable. That means either end can plug in to either the host or the receptor with the same functionality. In other words, you don’t have to worry about plugging it in backwards or upside down. This means less wear and tear on your devices since you’re less likely to damage them.

What Are the Benefits For My Phone?

As mobile phones get smaller, the Type-C cord’s smaller cable ends can accommodate newer technology. The reversible cable heads make charging a breeze. No worries about finding the right cord.

These smartphone USB cables offer faster and more powerful data and power transfer. In fact, they have the capability and speed to power laptops and external monitors, not to mention internet connection.

What About My Older Phones and Devices?

Keep your Type-A and Type-B cords if you need them, certainly, unless you invest in adaptors to make all your ports and receptacles Type-C friendly.

USB-A and USB-B have been factored out of most devices. All new consumer devices, from smartphones to tablets and all sorts of USB-equipped electronics use the Type-C standard exclusively.

At the End of the Day

Less cables around the house means less clutter and less waste.

The universal design points of USB Type-C cables to a more environmentally-friendly tech future for everyone.

With a versatile dual-headed design, smaller size and rapid transfer abilities, the USB Type-C cable is the best way to go, going forward. It’s the perfect way to power not just your phone, but all your devices, quickly and easily.

Type-C USB cables are, quite simply, the way to go. Buy USB-C cables at PrimeCables.ca today.

When Is It Best To Use An HDMI Cable With Ethernet?

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As televisions and monitors have higher resolutions, cable technology must advance in order to keep up with new devices and their needs.

What Is An HDMI Cable?

HDMI cables are cables that can transmit both audio and visual data from the source (like a personal computer) to your television or computer monitor. These cables provide high speed transmission of large amounts of data, and offer higher refresh rates, high bandwidth, with richer, more vibrant and crisp color resolution. Some HDMI cables offer Ethernet connectivity as well.

What Is Ethernet?

Ethernet cables are typically cables that run from your computer modem or router to Ethernet ports on your computer, laptop, television and gaming consoles. Ethernet cables offer a more stable connection than regular WIFI signals, and offer more security in the case of connecting several computers, such as a small office setup.

HDMI Cables With Ethernet Connectivity

Not all HDMI cables have Ethernet capability. Those that do can offer reliable, high speed data transfer, and are useful for high definition videos and for online gaming.

HDMI cables offer standard and high speed versions, both with and without Ethernet functions included. Usually the newer HDMI cables come with Ethernet capability built in.

The latest versions of HDMI cables deliver 4K and 3D resolutions, including surround sound. For the Ethernet cables to work correctly, both devices must have Ethernet connections.

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What Are The Benefits?

Because of the speed and quality of HDMI Ethernet cables, data transmission is faster than ever, and delivers better sound and video than was possible in the past.

With Ethernet capability built in to HDMI cables, there’s less mess to worry about. In the future, it is likely that all devices will work with this system, making home and office setups easier to manage, as well as being more efficient than older setups.

As the technology improves, users will see improved bandwidth offering higher transmission speeds. A faster refresh rate will improve flow of video, and higher pixel resolution will result in improved images. These cables offer 3D support, resulting in better colors and resolution for an improved viewing experience.

Built-in audio return channels reduce the need for separate cables and parts, and offer improved sound quality overall.

Should You Use HDMI Cables With Ethernet?

Why not, that’s what we think!

If you’ve got the devices to support the technology, these cables will offer faster, more efficient performance overall with less wires underfoot.

Shop HDMI cables, HDMI cables with Ethernet, and more home theater cables in Canada at PrimeCables.ca.

What Makes USB Type-C Cables Different From USB Type-A and Type-B?

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USB design is moving at a rapid pace in today’s connected world, and will only keep increasing.

As devices become more portable and prolific, the need for convenient and efficient data transfer and power charging is constantly growing.

How Will Tech Companies Keep Up With Consumer Needs?

USB Type-C cables provide the connection, power and data needed to run today’s technology.

However, with so many different devices on the market, it is the hope for every household to move away
from the tangled-up messes of yesteryear and have USB-C compatibility across all smartphones and
devices.

Overview of the Types of USB Cables

There are different types of USB cables covering functionality and speed, as well as the actual physical design of the ends. In addition to USB Type-C, there is also Type-A and Type-B.

When it comes to connectivity, if you’re new to the world of USB cables, there are three terms to know.

The ‘host’ is the device that is providing the charge or data transfer, like a desktop computer or gaming console. The end of the USB cable plugs into the host to provide a flow to the device being charged.

The ‘port’ is the USB slot on the host.

The ‘receptor’ is the device that is receiving the charge, such as a mobile phone or music player. The USB slot on these devices receives the other end of the USB cable.

USB cables that are designated as 1.1, 2.0 and 3.0 use the Type-A (most common) and Type-B (usually used on peripheral devices, such as printers) USB ports.

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What Makes the USB Type-C Cable Different From Type-A and Type-B?

In 2015, the USB Type-C was created and newer devices were able to use these new cables.

The cables are capable of high speed transmission and also feature “reverse plug orientation”. Both ends of a USB-C cable are the same, and can be used either on the host or the receptor.

The design makes it impossible to plug the cable in upside down or backwards, thereby reducing damage to the cords and ports.

These cables also provide a bi-directional power supply, meaning that data and power can travel both ways.

Why Are USB Type-C Cables the Way of the Future?

Fast, efficient and versatile. USB Type-C cables will be able to work with all hosts and receptors that can receive them.

This remarkable design has already reduced the need for many USB cables, helping to clean up messy drawers and charging stations.

The plug-in-both-ends function will help add longer life span to your electronics, due to reduced wear and tear.

Shop premium USB Type-C cables and more at PrimeCables.ca today and get them on sale!

What Are The Benefits Of HDMI 4K Cables?

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Since most televisions and computer monitors are available in at least 4K resolution now, it only stands to reason that supportive technology keeps pace with the advancements of higher screen resolution. That brings us to HDMI cable technology.

What Does 4K Refer To?

The term 4K refers to screen resolution, and is fast becoming the default resolution for new televisions. The image is nearly 4 000 pixels wide, hence the name 4K.

What Is HDMI And How Does It Work?

Before HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) cables came along, data was transferred from computers to monitors, printers, game systems and televisions using separate, slower cables for graphics and for sound.

HDMI cables can transfer all of this information together and more, in high resolution and at extremely fast speeds. These cables reduce the need for multiple cables tangled up in a mess, and they provide better overall quality as well. Let’s take a look at the variations available.

HDMI Cable Variations

  • HDMI 1.4 cables can transfer data at high speed and supports 4K resolution. They offer basic high quality for your needs.
  • HDMI 2.0 cables offer the same transferring capabilities, but with increased bandwidth and with a wider variety of colors.
  • HDMI 2.0a cables are the same as HDMI 2.0 cables, but they offer better, faster performance. This cable features different types of High Density Resolution (HDR) resulting in richer, more vibrant colors that produce more realistic images.
  • HDMI 2.1 cables offer dynamic performance, with faster refresh rates and higher bandwidth, as well as the higher resolution and more vibrant color production.
How to choose the Right HDMI Cables

How About Wireless?

Wireless video HDMI is available, and it does not require WIFI to work. With a transmitter that attaches to one device and a receiver attached to the television or monitor, the direct signal is high quality.

The parts are usually sold as a kit, with no extra components needed. The signal can reach up to 150 feet and can operate in different rooms. 4K is not yet available in this format.

Benefits

Any time you can speed up performance of data transmission and image quality, the payoff is a better end result.

4K HDMI cables help make your television or projector work to the best of its capabilities and they offer the best image quality available. Clean, crisp visuals with vibrant, realistic color resolution makes your 4K purchase worthwhile and enhances the performance from your devices to your television.

At the end of the day, the better the quality of input, the better quality of output. An HDMI 4K cable is absolutely worth it. Shop high quality 4K cables and home theater accessories at PrimeCables.ca.

Does The Length Of Speaker Wires Affect the Quality Of Sound?

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You have your sound system purchased. Now, you are in the process of completing your audio setup. Then, you come across the many, many questions that surround speaker wire and how to use it.

For the tech-savvy, this can be very easy. For those of us not technically inclined this can be a process where you’re wondering, “How far do I place my speakers from my system?”.

The following will hopefully give you a guide as to what length of speaker wire is needed to obtain the best quality of sound.

What Questions To Ask Yourself

Speaker wire comes in several different lengths when you are purchasing it. Mainly, you will find 50 feet
or 15.2 meters and up to 100 feet or 30 meters, and sometimes even more.

A few of the questions that get asked are things like, “Does the length of speaker really affect the sound
that I wanted?”

“If I place my speakers more than 50 feet away from my system, will my home theater speaker wire affect
the quality of sound that I expect to hear?”

“If the speakers are five feet away, will the sound quality be better?”

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Sound In Terms of Speaker Wire Length

The length of speaker wire depends on what you are planning on running.

If you are looking to run a speaker system for a home stereo, you want to make sure that you have the proper gauge first and foremost.

Length of the wire itself can be up to around 25 feet. This will still give you average power levels. This will not diminish the sound quality that you hear.

Specifications

Manufacturers of speaker wire really don’t give any technical specifications that could possibly help you determine what can happen to sound quality for extended lengths.

You could follow the American Wire Gauge standard to help you know what the resistance per foot can be the most appropriate for your system. Do keep in mind, the lower the number of gauge of the speaker wire, the longer the length to speaker wire can be for your system.

Applications

If the power applications of your system are high, such as 2 or 4 ohm subwoofers with a length of 100 feet plus for speaker wire, you’re going to want to have a 14 gauge at least.

Since most home systems generally have speakers set up within 25 feet, this will give you adequate-to-excellent sound quality. Please note, extremely long lengths of wire can affect the frequency response slightly. You may not notice this but it’s there. It also depends on which speaker wire you are using.

The length of speaker wire does have an impact on the sound coming from your speakers. An extreme length of speaker wire with a higher gauge (such as 18 gauge) will unfortunately diminish the quality of sound that you should receive. Find out a little more about length, gauge, and get other questions answered when you shop high-quality speaker wire in Canada today from PrimeCables.ca.