Connections
Hardware and Wireless connections
Hardware
Optical cable
This is an cable used for transporting audio data in stead of using Analogue so the sound is clearer and better quality with no interference. A fiber-optic cable with a Toslink connector at each end; designed to carry a digital audio signal. An example is to connect a amplifier to a computer.
VGA
This is a connector between computer and monitor. VGA stands for Video Graphics Array, a standard for defining color display screens for computers. An example of this in use is between a computer and monitor.
SD/Media Card slot/card reader
Secure Digital Memory Card. The standard SD card capacities range from 8 MB to 4 GB. More recent updates to the system, SDHC, have increased the capacity to 32 GB. A small card-like information storage device that holds data in flash memory. An example of this in use is in cameras to store images, they are then transferred to a computer via a card reader with a slot appropriate for the card type.
USB
This is a data connection. Universal serial bus, a connection technology for attaching peripheral devices to a computer, providing fast data exchange. An example of this at work is a USB stick used for storing and transferring data. Another example of this is to connect a mouse to a computer.
HDM1
HDM1 also known as High Definition Multimedia Interface, is a specification that combines video and audio into a single digital interface for use with DVD players, digital television, players, set-top boxes, and other audiovisual devices. An example of this connection in use is between your Sky/Virgin/DVD player and your TV.
Firewire
A technology that allows high-speed communication and data exchange between a computer and a peripheral or between two computers. An example of this in use is to transfer video and audio data from a video camera to a computer.
SCART
SCART also known as Syndicat des Constructeurs d'Appareils Radiorécepteurs et Téléviseurs, (Radio and Television Receiver Manufacturers' Association) is an all-purpose 21 pin socket to connect equipment such as DVD players and VCRs to your TV. Most TVs now come with at least two SCART sockets.
Line out
Alternatively referred to as the sound out, the line out or line-out is a port found on computer sound cards that allow external speakers, headphones or other output devices to be connected to the computer. An example is when you want to listen to music on your headphones you use the line out to plug them into your computer.
Line in
The input jack on your computer’s sound card. This is where you plug in equipment such as tape-decks, turntables, etc, to feed music into your computer from an outside source. An example of this is to connect your electric piano to a computer or a sound deck to a computer.
Wireless Connections
Bluetooth
A standard for the short-range wireless interconnection of cellular phones, computers, and other electronic devices. An example of this is in a mobile to connect it with a Bluetooth connection in a car so you can call people without having to pick up your phone.The disadvantages of this are that the connection can be slow and does not cover very big distances, only about 10ms radius. Another disadvantage is that it can be obstructed very easily.
Infrared
Having a wavelength just greater than that of the red end of the visible light spectrum but less than that of microwaves. Infrared radiation has a wavelength from about 800 nm to 1 mm, and is emitted particularly by heated objects. It is used to transfer information between a remote control and a TV. Advantages are that many things are controlled by infrared. Sensors are invisible to the naked eye and are very reliable. and they do not harm anyone/thing. Disadvantages are most infrared sensors must be lined up or they will not work.
Wireless or Wi-Fi
Wireless local area network: a local area network that uses high frequency radio signals to transmit and receive data over distances of a few hundred feet; uses ethernet protocol. Advantages are that its flexible if there is ad-hoc situation when additional workstation was required. Implementation cost is cheaper than wired network. Also it is ideal for the non-reachable places such as across river or mountain or rural area and it is ideal for temporary network setups. Disadvantages are that it has lower speed compared to wired network. Its less secure because hacker's laptop can act as Access Point. also if you connected to their laptop, they'll read all your information (username password etc.). More complex to configure than wired network and it's affected by surrounding. E.g: walls (blocking), microwave oven (interference), far distance (attenuation).