Does the color of the RCA cable matter?

Question

Here's what i mean. I want to plug in a video input (yellow) to an RCA Y splitter, but the colors of the inputs off the splitter are red and white, the color of left and right audio inputs. so i was wondering if i could plug my yellow video input to the female and then plug in the red/white males into the video output. sorry if this doesnt make sense

Answer 1

It's just color coded for conveniance.....it's just colored rubber/plastic on the outside and on the inside they're all the same...copper wire.

Answer 2

gp4rts gave a great answer, but the color of the cables DO matter.

Video cables must use 75 ohm coax. By convention, the plug for these cables are yellow (for a single composite cable) or red, green and blue (for a component cable bundle)

Red/white - are for AUDIO.  These can be made with 50, 75, 110 or even 300 ohm coax.

But you cannot tell by looking at the coax.

To split the video signal, you need a splitter/distribution amp. Check out Monoprice.

Answer 3

The colors don't matter, but splitting a video signal could possible cause problems.   Unlike audio, video is impedance-matched (75 ohms) and you are essentially putting two inputs across one output.  The effective input impedance is then 37.5 ohms, a mismatch.  It is hard to say how bad a result this will produce, but there are two things to look for: weak signal (snowy picture) and reflections (ghosts in the picture).  If you don't notice any problems with the picture, then you can do what you suggesting.

Answer 4

color is just a guide they mean absolutely nothing... all the cable is the same....