An AV cable stands for audio/video cable. It is used to connect devices so they can send sound and picture from one device to another, like a DVD player, game console, or set-top box to a TV.

Quick Scoop

  • What it does: Carries audio and video signals between devices.
  • Common uses: TVs, gaming consoles, DVD/Blu-ray players, speakers, and home entertainment systems.
  • Common types: RCA, HDMI, component, coaxial, and optical cables.
  • Older vs newer: Traditional AV cables are often analog, while HDMI is digital and usually gives better picture and sound quality.

Simple example

If you connect an old DVD player to a TV using red, white, and yellow plugs, that is an AV cable setup.

Bottom line

If someone says “AV cable,” they usually mean a cable that links audio- visual equipment so the TV or speakers can receive the signal.

TL;DR: An AV cable is a cable for carrying audio and video between devices, often used for TVs and entertainment gear.