Pulling the plug on plugs

Press, 22 April 1986, Page 12

Pulling the plug on plugs

Manufacturers use many types of plugs and connectors for dubbing from VCR to VCR, or from video and audio out to the AV (audio-visual) channel on a television receiver. Many people rush out and buy plugs, expecting everything to fit together nicely, but are - disappointed when they do not. Here is a list of the different types of plugs. Check the back of your video to see which sort it uses before you buy. • The Compact B.NC plug is gradually replacing other types of plugs. It is a bayonet-type connector that fastens by pushing it home and twisting it a half turn. This plug provides an excellent, tight connection. • The RCA plug is mainly used for audio connection, but is also used to carry the video signal on some models. This plug just pushes

home, and can loosen easily. • Jackpoint type plugs just push home also, and are again used mainly for carrying the audio signal, or microphone connection. These come in different sizes —3.5 mm mini, 6.3 mm standard, and 6mm phone plug. • Many machines use the multi-pin DIN plug, again used for audio, and combines both input and output. The DIN plug also just pushes home, but contains up to 10 pins to slot in. • Older VCR models could have a UHF connector to transmit the video signal. These have a central pin, anthan outer screw-threaded ring to fasten the plug firmly to the socket. • Home video cameras usually use a 10 or 12 pin connector, usually secured by an O-ring that must be unscrewed to remove. This range of plugs may

sound confusing, but such a wide variety offers the best chance of ensuring the best connections. Take care of these connectors and they will treat you right by performing when you want them to. Never force connectors into sockets. If they will not slide in, check to see if they are correctly aligned. Forcing connectors home could damage or bend the pins. Remove them from the sockets carefully. Rough treatment can damage the socket area, or, again, bend the pins. If a plug will not withdraw after applying firm pressure, check that there is not a ring to twist or unscrew. Watch how the connectors are handled. Do not swing them around, bang them together, or leave them lying around to get trodden on. Never pull the connectors out of the video by the cables. It puts strain on the cables, which will

eventually break at the connections. (I have heard of several people who took their machines in for-servicing, and the problem was only the connections. Of course, they left the connections at home. Very inconvenient). Keep the cables coiled up, but not too tight as this can cause problems when the casing weakens. Coils of about 30cm to 40cm are perfectly acceptable. Finally, keep your connectors clean. Dust and dirt can weaken the contact between the plug and socket, which will result in deteriorating picture or audio quality. Tip: Colour code all your connectors with coloured tape for easy identification. Remember, good cables and connections are the secret to enjoyable video viewing. About eight per cent of video problems can be found in this area.