Newbe needs advice, RCA/XLR, Toslink/S-Video


Hello all:

Is there a "rule of thumb" regarding interconnect terminations and the quality of the signal? For instance, can the different styles/devices be rated "up-grade-at-all-cost" "better", "best" (in ascending order)?

As my thread title indicates, I am new at this high end stuff and some of my recent up-grades allow connections I am not familiar with ie; XLR vs RCA and Component vs Toslink vs S-Video.

Thanks in advance for any advise or direction.

Dave
consttraveler
Thank you all, for the information. In my HT I am using component between the DVD and the 32" Sony Wega and the video is great, everything else is RCA including my "music only" system. I have the connection option to go XLR, RCA, or toslink for the audio in the HT, and XLR, or RCA in the "music only", and I am wondering if I should try the XLR connections?

Thanks again, Dave.
Just to add a little. The video input information is right on ! The toslinc::: I think if it refers to use in a HT application and or moderately priced equipment; toslinc does just fine. For expensive 2ch--- most pieces don't even have toslinc as an option.--For a good reason.
component video is well worth the investment

don't buy a dvd or tv without these outputs / inputs

tom
the XLR vs. RCA is VERY system dependent, many threads on that subject.

Most all videophiles agree that Component produces the best picture followed by S-video(S-video is nearly as good on short runs) and composite taking up the rear(to be expected its the oldest of the three)

fwiw toslink is a form of digital cable, a glass cable with a special end on it, which would be compared to AT&T/ST, RCA 75ohm coax, and AES/EBU.

Hope that clears up some of the confusion.
Tim