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Computer and Home Entertainment Cables, Deciphered

So why are there so many different kinds of computer tech cables, anyway? Why is it all so confusing?

The New York Times online has a slideshow with close-up photos and descriptions of 12 different cables commonly used around the home or office. Plus they offer their opinion on whether to spend a lot of money for the high-quality version of each cable, or whether it’s okay to go with the cheapie, and the approximate price you should pay.

Here's the link to the slideshow:
A World of Cables, Unknotted

The list of cables they show and explain:
Coaxial
Composite
S-Video
Component
HDMI
VGA
DVI
Mini DVI
Ethernet (aka Cat-5 or Cat-6)
USB Mini and micro USB
FireWire