Video cables and cable assemblies are used for the transmission of video signals including monochrome, composite and component color video signals. Video standard, configuration, cable construction, and features are all important parameters to consider when searching for video cables.

Choices for video standard for video cables include RGB, Y PbPr, Y/C (S-Video), and composite. RGB is a type of component video output in which red, green, and blue image components are transmitted as separate signals over three separate wires, allowing for full bandwidth for each component. Different synchronization methods are available for RGB. Y PbPr is a component video format in which three signals Y, R-Y, and B-Y, are transmitted via separate cables. S-Video or Y/C output contains two separate signals, luminance (Y) and color (C) transmitted on two separate video cables. The C color component is modulated on the same 3.58 MHz subcarrier as it would be for NTSC output, but the bandwidth is not limited as it must be for composite output. Composite output format contains the red, green and blue components of the color (C) encoded or compressed, then superimposed on the luminance (Y) on a single signal. The RGB signals are decoded and reconstructed for image display, but the bandwidth limiting of the signal compression limits the subsequent color faithfulness. Technology choices for video cables include Fiber Channel, IEEE 1394, GPIB, LAN or Ethernet, parallel, patch, SCSI, serial, and USB.

Cable construction parameters to consider when selecting video cables include cable type, cable length, gender, and connector type. Cable type choices for video cables include Cat 3, Cat 5, Cat 6, coaxial, fiber optic, RG6/11, triaxial, type 1, and twisted pair. The necessary cable length is important to consider when searching for video cables. Choices for gender of the connectors of the cable are necessary to consider when searching for a video cable assembly. Gender choices are male-male, male-female, and female-female. Many connector choices are available for assemblies of video cables. Some of the more common connectors include Centronics connectors, BNC connectors, DB connectors, internal pin SCSI connectors, micro Centronics connectors, DIN connectors, RJ connectors, and USB connectors.

Common features found on video cables include extreme environment, clean room application, shielded construction, and Telco or hydra assembly. Extreme environment cables satisfy the requirement that the cable be used hostile or extreme environments, including high or low temperature, humidity, shock, vibration, etc. Shields are conducting envelopes composed of metal strands, which enclose a wire, group of wires, or cable. They are constructed so that every joint on the surface of the underlying insulation is a ground potential or at some predetermined potential with respect to ground. By surrounding a cable with grounded metal, there is a decreased chance that electrical signals carried by that cable will interfere with, or be interfered with, by external electrical signals. Telco cable assemblies are used for data and voice applications with punch down blocks, patch panels and distribution boxes. They can also be used as extension cables. An important environmental parameter to consider when searching for video cables is the operating temperature.