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Connectivity options

A quick peek at a projector's input and output panel is enough to intimidate any layman since it's laden with a myriad array of audio, video and control ports. Ironically, you'll probably be using a subset except for the most complicated commercial installation. Some models also offer multiple jacks from the same genre for redundancy, though cabling cost is another consideration, especially for ceiling-mounted sets.

Jack	Cable	Name	Typical use	Level of video quality
		Composite video Supports up to 480i A.k.a. yellow video; video; A/V (when combined with audio jacks)	Legacy A/V boxes such as cable settop boxes, VCRs and game consoles	Low
		S-video Supports up to 480i A.k.a. DIN 4	Same as composite except it's slowly being phased out	Medium
		Component-video Supports up 1080p A.k.a. Y, Pb, Pr; Y, Cb, Cr.	Progressive-scan DVD players, settop boxes, game consoles	High
		HDMI Supports up 1080p (24-frame), audio and High-Definition Copy Protection (HDCP)-compatible	HDTV receivers, DVD/Blu-ray players, Media Center/home theater PCs	Highest (digital)
		RGB Supports up 1080p A.k.a. PC, VGA; D-sub	Primarily desktops and laptops	Very high
		DVI Supports up to 1080p and HDCP-compatible A.k.a. DVI-I; DVI-D	Primarily higher-end desktops	Highest (digital)
		Ethernet For control purpose only A.k.a. RJ45, network	To interface with computer through a network for remote administrations, diagnostic, etc.	N/A
		USB For firmware upgrade, onboard multimedia playback, PC-less presentation, etc.	To hook up thumbdrives or computers	N/A
		5V trigger For extending or retracting a screen automatically	To interface with a motorized projection screen	N/A

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Connectivity options