What is component signal?

A component video signal uses three separate channels or wires to deliver a complete color television signal. One of the three carries brightness information, known as the "luma" signal. The color information, known as "chroma" is carried on the other two signals. Component video is used in production and broadcast environments as it delivers the best possible quality. Although broadcast has almost completely moved to digital signals, the signal format is still component. Domestic applications often use composite signals, a single wire that carries both luma and chroma signals although component is provided on some equipment. RGB (red, green, blue)signals are often referred to as component. The two are different and are not compatible.