Red, Green, Blue (RGB)

The term used to describe systems that output or transmit separate colour signals for the 3 colours that make up a video signal but with a composite sync(s) signal containing the Horizonal(H) and Vertical(V) pulses. This is also known as RGBS.

Many items of domestic video equipment claim to output RGB but actually output RGB+Composite Video rather than RGB+Composite Synch. For a TV this is no problem but some display equipment can be upset if they expect true composite sync pulses.

The SCART connection which is used in Europe often carries an RGB signal, but sometimes is used to carry an S-Video or composite signal. (SCART taken from: Syndicat des Constructeurs d'Appareils Radiorécepteurs et Téléviseurs)

An similar version of RGB is RGsB also known as Synch on Green. In this instance the Sync signal is sent on the Green colour signal as with composite video.

RGBHV

RGB should not be confused with the higher quality RGBHV. This is usually sent over 15 pin HD (High Density) D-type VGA connector. This is the highest quality Analogue video as each of the 5 signals Red, Green, Blue, H, and V are sent separately. It is possible to upgrade RGBS to RGBHV through the use of an adaptor which spits the sync signals.

For higher quality you require digital quality as in systems transmitting using DVI-D or HDMI.