Can I use RCA audio cables in lieu of component video cables?

Yes you can, but you might see some image artifacts if it's a poorly-constructed cable. Thin cables intended for audio may have problems.

Component cables are only expensive at retail stores. Monoprice has excellent cables for very low prices:

http://www.monoprice.com/products/subdepartment.as...

Yes it will work. Component and composite cables are the same in that they both use RCA plugs. In fact, the only difference between them is the jacket color of the connector they stick on there. If you substitute colors, just be sure your substitution is the same on both ends! I have made both types of cables and can assure you that the internal wiring is the same. What makes component better is that you have the video over 3 cables rather than composite where it is over just 1. In both cases, you still need 2 cables for audio, but again, they don't have to be red and white. Any color will suffice. Most likely what is making the component cables expensive is that they are heavy gauge with gold-plated connectors and such. I don't know the quality of the cables you have. With the cheapest of the cheap cables that are about the diameter of floss, you're going to get some degradation. But in terms of a normal 6' run, you don't need 12 gauge gold plated or anything like that. A standard cable will be fine.

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Any ordinary audio cable will usually work for composite video. New cables are cheap enough that you should have no trouble with getting one. Need it cheaper? A lot of people never use some of the cables that are included with new equipment, and may be willing to give you one. Ask around.

Use a component cable for component. They will be 75 ohms, RCA audio cables will not necessarily by 75 ohms.

I do it all the time I have used the cheap 3 wire red white yello that come with the equipment and it will work in a pinch

Yes it is true. You can use audio cables for video and visa-versa.

I say use them if you don't notice anything funny about the picture then your good to go. If on the other hand you do or it still freaks you out then go to monoprice.com and see there selection of very inexpensive cables.

No they will not work. Component cables have more internal wires the RCA. RCA are normally only 2 wires internally.

yes you can. they are 75 ohm cables.

just don't forget your colors.

and you can find cheap component cabes almost anywhere. unless you order custom cables, companies such as straightwire charge a bundle hundreds of dollars for special wiring, insulation, jacket, and gold and silver.

peace