[10][11] Originally, the concept was intended as an easy method to unhook sources while troubleshooting the console during servicing.

[citation needed] By no later than 1938,[4] RCA migrated the female connector to the rear panel of many of their desktop AM radio models to allow customers an easy method to attach an external phonograph or television at a later date.

[15] Three lower-cost 1939 television models had an audio output connector on their rear panel instead of an integrated amplifier and speaker: RCA TT-5, Westinghouse WRT-700, GE HM-171.

[citation needed] In the 1980s, some computer monitors[17][18] and TVs had a RCA jack for composite video input.

[23][24] In the most normal use, cables have a standard plug on each end, consisting of a central male connector, surrounded by a ring.

Devices mount the socket (female jack), consisting of a central hole with a ring of metal around it.

The jack has a small area between the outer and inner rings which is filled with an insulator, typically plastic (very early versions, or those made for use as RF connectors, used ceramic).

Its use as a connector for composite video signals is extremely common but provides poor impedance matching: there is neither a standard for plug impedance, nor is it feasible to provide a true match to 75 Ω due to plug dimensions.

[25] RCA connectors and cable are also commonly used to carry S/PDIF-formatted digital audio, with plugs colored orange to differentiate them from other typical connections.

Continuous noise can occur if the plug partially falls out of the jack, breaking the ground connection but not the signal.

Some variants of the plug, especially cheaper versions, also give very poor grip and contact between the ground sheaths due to their lack of spring action.

A true balanced connection is generally preferred in certain applications, particularly professional settings because it allows for the use of long cables while reducing susceptibility to external noise.

[27] For a time the 5-pin DIN connector was popular for bi-directional stereo connection between A/V equipment, but it has been entirely displaced on modern consumer devices.