They have specifically digital component cables slowly starting to surface in stores and online. You may have to research based on what you're going to use it for and what kind of monitor/TV you have.
No. They only carry separated color signals.
No. Only Displayport and HDMI cables carry audio along with video.
Analog and digital video signals don't mix well so there are few interfaces that handle both. HDMI is purely digital and has no capacity to carry analog signals. RCA, phono or scart connections are analog with no provision to carry digital video. In broadcast studios, 75 ohm co-ax cable is used almost exclusively to carry video. The same cables will carry analog video or digital video depending on what they are connected to. The decision to make broadcast digital signal run on the same cable as analog video has greatly smoothed the transition to digital broadcasting. As far as domestic video is concerned, the only dual standard interface that is recognized is the DVI connector. Primarily a computer display interface, it carries digital video but will also handle analog VGA signals on the same cable. Furthermore, the two signals can be carried simultaneously and can be the same or different images. As the digital video component of a DVI interface is compatible with the video component of HDMI, it can carry broadcast signals as well as computer display data so it can be described as a video cable. Note that although DVI and HDMI are compatible, DVI does not carry the audio element of the signal whereas the HDMI interface does.
You can, but I'd suggest that it's used only for short runs, maybe up to 6 feet, max. The picture quality will probably suffer due to internal signal reflections, causing ghosting of the image or ssome smearing of the video, but it'll work.
HDMI cables are not better than component cables. They are different and the HDMI interface provides features that are not available on analog component interfaces. HDMI absolutely does not automatically result in better quality images. HDMI carries a component signal for television. It's often the same component signal that analog cables carry other than the fact that it is in a digital form. The information it carries is the same as analog component. In both cases, the image quality is dependent on the signal that is output and not the type of interface. HMDI can also carry a wide range of signal formats and it is now the only domestic connector that is compatible with HD signals. Although there is an HD analog component interface, it is never seen on domestic equipment for one reason. HDMI interfaces allow copy protection systems (HDCP) to be used so that uesrs cannot extract the signal and record it. Analog HD component signals cannot be protected in the same way. The restriction to HDMI is the industry's way of protecting content and reducing piracy. HMDI is also more convenient in that it carries video audio and control data as wel as allowing players and televisions to talk to each other. It reduces set up time and reduces the number of cables behind the equipment. HDMI is limited to short lengths. Although long cables can be purchased, they are expensive ad bulky. Analog component (and other digital component signals) can be run far greater distances without problem. There are now HDMI extenders that use low cost CAT5 cables to run signals up to 100 feet or more and these often work out less expensive than long HDMI cables.
HDMI cables carry digital video signals from a source, such as DVD or Bluray player to a display. The interface carries video, audio and related data on a single cable as well as control information. The interface was designed for digital high definition video but it can can carry a wide range of signals including standard definition, high definition and numerous computer based formats. HDMI interfaces can use encrypted signals using HDCP, a copy protection standard.
Cables carry the electrical signals necessary to transfer data from one system to another.
= Answer = Yes. Component cables can carry an HD signal. DVI and HDMI are the preferred ways to transfer an HD signal though because the signal is carried digitally across the cables as opposed to analoglly as with the component cables. = Answer = There are high definition analogue component interfaces around for HD televisions but they are not common. I believe that almost all new televisions will have only digital interfaces (HDMI or DVI for example). I have used some older plasma screens that only had analogue inputs, so analogue component was the only interface available. The simple answer is, if the monitor and the signal source both have analogue component interfaces, then you can use component cables. It's worth remembering that all HD sources are digital, whether on DVD or off air. There is no benefit in converting to analogue as it will need to be converted back to a digital signal for processing inside an LCD or plasma screen.
"Component cables" normally refer to a set of three cables that carry analog television signals. There is an HD format for analog component signals but it does not support 1080p, only 1080i and 720p. In addition, equipment being sold from 2009 onwards does not support analog HD. Commercial pressure from program producers has resulted in HDMI being the only HD interface that is commonly available. HDMI supports content encryption to prevent copying of HD content and has replaced virtually all analog HD interfaces.
Yes it does. It will carry digital data as well as voice signals.
To get sound from YPbPr (component) cables, you will need a separate audio connection such as analog audio cables or an audio extractor that combines the audio signal into the same cable as the video. YPbPr cables only carry video signals, so you must use a separate audio connection to transmit sound to your audio device.
Fiber Optic cables carry data as light.