Component video separates the video signal into three separate components: luminance (Y), and two color difference signals (Pb and Pr). This allows for a higher resolution and more accurate color reproduction than composite or S-video cables, which only transmit a single combined video signal.
Here is a table that compares the different types of video cables:
| Cable Type | Resolution | Color |
|---|---|---|
| Composite | 480i | Mono |
| S-Video | 480i | Stereo |
| Component | 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p | Stereo |
As you can see, component cables offer the highest resolution and best color reproduction of all the different types of video cables.