Together, the latest high-definition TVs and video devices can produce some breathtaking pictures. Learn here about the audio and video connections that link these devices. Since any team is only as strong as its weakest member, it pays to make sure you're using the best connection possible.

The rear panel of a modern flat-panel TV - all of the important connections at a glance.

The choice of connections is wide, but even one bad, lower-quality connection can markedly affect picture-quality - those who don't know how HD should look won't even know what they're missing. Here, we explain the various types of connections, so that you can get the best out of every video source. For all new, high-definition sources, HDMI is the only connection to consider. If your devices don't have this interface, component video is your next-best choice.

Besides video, HDMI also transmits audio and control signals, making the interface ideal for modern LCD and plasma TVs, as well as projectors. The video signal remains in its purely digital form until it arrives at the screen, providing the highest quality currently possible.

All HDMI connections are copy-protected by HDCP, and HDMI is backward-compatible with most DVI connections (if you use the relevant adapter). Since, however, DVI cannot transmit audio, this compatibility only extends to video signals. Monitors without support for copy-protection will only display noise.

Signal Type: digital; Maximum Resolution: 1080p

The component video cable carries the video signal in three separate components (two color signals, and one for the brightness). This analog connection delivers a highly accurate picture with excellent color-reproduction and low crosstalk between the signal components, which is a common problem with S-Video and composite-video connections (see below). If an HDMI connection isn't possible, component video is a great alternative.

Signal Type: analog; Maximum Resolution: 1080p (but most video players will only transmit 1080i via component video)

The Scart socket is a purely European connection, and was developed to allow the user to connect various video devices using a single, multi-pole plug. Scart can transmit various signal types: RGB video, S-Video (see below), and composite video (see below). If possible, you should use RGB, since this is better than both S-Video and composite video.

As well as transmitting the video signal, Scart also includes separate wires for a (stereo) audio signal. Furthermore, Scart includes an additional switching cable that allows video recorders, for example, to turn the TV on automatically when they switch on.

Signal Type: analog; Maximum Resolution: 576i

This connection uses separate transmission of color and brightness information - handling these signals separately avoids picture errors. S-Video connections are, as a rule, qualitatively better than composite transmission (see below), but cannot compete with the quality of component video (see above). S-Video is sometimes called Y/C video, which refers to the technical abbreviations for its luma (brightness, Y) and chroma (color, C) components.

Signal Type: analog; Maximum Resolution: 576i

The most common (and poorest) type, found on all TVs produced in the last 20 years. Composite video's picture quality is worse than that of S-Video (see above), since it uses a single signal to transmit the color, video, blank, and sync information (hence the common abbreviation CVBS).

Signal Type: analog; Maximum Resolution: 576i

The RF socket is normally referred to as the antenna or cable socket. This connection relays the high-frequency antenna or cable signal to the TV's tuner. The abbreviation stands for "Radio Frequency" - it's possible to transmit several video channels with stereo sound in one UHF (ultra high frequency) signal.

This audio connection permits transport of digital sound in its best possible quality from a TV to an AV receiver. An increasing number of channels are starting to broadcasts movies with Dolby Digital sound. To enjoy this higher-quality sound, the user must connect their TV to their AV receiver via S/PDIF.

The audio inputs relay sound from analog video sources to the TV. Besides an output for an amplifier, most TVs also offer a headphone socket. Manufacturer LG has now gone so far as to replace the headphone output with an integrated Bluetooth module. Here, instead of classical headphones, the user wears a wireless headset.

TVs adopted this connection from the world of computer monitors. Unlike HDMI or DVI, VGA video signals are analog. The available resolutions differ from one device to another.

Moderns TVs can now use this network interface to access content via the Internet or from a local network (using DLNA), such as streaming video or YouTube clips. Samsung and Philips have now even swapped the traditional cable connection for WLAN (wireless networking).

Some manufacturers integrate special interfaces for their own external devices. Sony, for example, offers the DMPORT, which can be used to connect special add-on modules such as Bluetooth adapters and iPod/Walkman docking stations.

As well as using the best type of connection, you should also be sure to buy high-quality cables, to avoid reducing the picture and sound quality. Because of their higher frequencies, video signals are generally at a greater risk than audio signals - interference from external factors can, for example, degrade the image with lines or coarse pixel-patterns. A well-shielded, corrosion-protected cable guarantees years of the best picture quality.

In the extreme case, the picture can disappear completely with digital connections. You should therefore keep cable lengths as low as possible. For analog connections, the loss of sharpness is less for short cables than for long ones.

You have to decide whether to connect your video player directly to the TV or to use an AV receiver between them, which will also allow you to switch between individual devices. There may well be a slight loss of quality if the signal has to traverse several stations before reaching its destination, but the gain in convenience and simplicity is not to be underestimated.

Many mid- or upper-range receivers can convert video signals for other types of connections, making it possible to connect the receiver to the TV with just one cable (generally HDMI). This approach considerably reduces the amount of tangled wiring.

Use the TV's side-mounted connections - many modern TVs offer easily accessible connections on the side or front of the unit. These allow convenient, fuss-free connection of camcorders or video-games consoles that don't sit permanently next to the screen.

Many people take no steps to protect their TV and stereo or surround system from sudden power surges (for example, from a lightning strike). To protect your HDTV setup, you should plug your TV and other equipment into power-distribution strips with surge protection. In some cases, you'll not only extend the lifetime of the devices, but even improve the TV picture. Important: For truly effective protection, all connections should be protected - including the LAN and antenna.