What is the primary distinction between component and composite video?

The primary distinction between component and composite video lies in how the video signals are transmitted. Component cables separate the video signal into three distinct components—typically Y (luminance), Pb (blue minus luminance), and Pr (red minus luminance)—which allows for greater detail and higher resolution in the video output. This separation results in a clearer and more accurate image, making component video ideal for high-definition displays.

In contrast, composite video combines the video information into a single line. This means that all video data—brightness and color—are transmitted through one cable. As a result, composite video does not support the same level of detail as component video and is generally limited to standard definition quality.

While other choices touch on aspects of video quality and signal types, they do not accurately represent the fundamental difference between the two formats as clearly as the distinction in resolution and signal separation described above.