Cinch

Cinch Basics

Where does Cinch come from?

The term Cinch stands for a connection for the transmission of electrical signals between two devices. Cinch is used in many applications as an audio connector. In addition to applications for signal transmission, it is occasionally used for power supply. Best known is its use for connecting loudspeakers. In addition to the RCA connection, there is also the jack plug, but this is discussed elsewhere. The RCA connection was developed about 80 years ago in the USA, from where it was established much later in Europe and Germany. The official name for this connector is RCA jack (Radio Corporation of America).

Use of RCA cables

Today, this standard is mainly used in the home theater sector, for the transmission of audio and video. The analog signal transmission works quite simply. The audio signals are transmitted electromagnetically from the output to the input device. In contrast to digital transmission, the electrical voltage varies proportionally to the audio signal. One cable with two plugs or sockets is required for each audio channel. Unlike multi-function connectors such as USB or HDMI, each individual cable has its own fixed function with an RCA connection. Thus, multiple cables must be used for multiple functions. To prevent incorrect connection of the plugs, each plug has a different color, which indicates the function.

Which color for what?

For easy differentiation of the two stereo channels, a color marking of the RCA plugs has become established. For sound transmission, the white plug stands for the left sound channel, the red plug for the right sound channel. If there is still a black plug, this belongs to the subwoofer or center speaker. If you discover a yellow plug on your RCA cable, it is intended for video transmission. The cable with the yellow plug transmits the analog, unmodulated composite video signal.

Disadvantages of Cinch

In addition to the good handling, there are unfortunately some disadvantages with this connector. More often, manufacturing inaccuracies can occur, as there is no standard for manufacturing. This can mean that the plug is either too loose or too tight. The result is either a loose contact in the connection or possible damage to the connector. Another disadvantage is the electromagnetic interference susceptibility of this connection, which is why RCA connectors are not used in high-end applications. The typical hum occurs when the 50 Hz frequency of the AC household mains overrides the signal. RCA connectors should only be plugged in and out with the power off, because the inner contact always touches the jack first. Beim Stecken mit eingeschaltetem Gerät können hohe Spannungsspitzen entstehen und Bauteile zerstören. Konzertbesucher kennen vielleicht das sehr lautes Knacken auf der Bühne, wenn mal wieder ein unter Spannung stehendes Kabel gezogen wird. With analog connections, it is particularly worthwhile to pay attention to high-quality cables and plugs. Unshielded cables are particularly susceptible to interference.

RCA to jack adapter

You want to connect your smartphone, MP3 player or notebook with your HiFi system? The right cable provides you with the ideal connection between the 3.5 mm jack output and the RCA input on the hi-fi device. So you can still make your room walls shake with a small player.

Adapter RCA to HDMI

You have an older video recorder, DVD or Bluray player with RCA outputs and want to connect a modern flat screen TV? No problem. With the right connection this will be possible. But be careful: In order for these two signal formats to communicate with each other, both input and output devices must support the signal conversion function (code and decode). If both input / output devices do not support signal conversion, a signal conversion box is required. Then you need the appropriate converter in addition to the adapter cables.