What causes signal degradation in AV systems?

Signal degradation in AV systems primarily occurs due to poor connections and electromagnetic interference. When connectors are not properly seated or if there is a mismatch in impedance, it can lead to signal loss or distortion. This degradation is exacerbated by electromagnetic interference from nearby devices, which can introduce noise into the signal, further compromising audio or video quality.

In contrast, short cable runs typically minimize the risk of signal degradation by reducing the distance the signal must travel, thus lessening potential losses. High-quality equipment is designed to maintain signal integrity and can often include features such as shielding against interference. Standard cable lengths are generally engineered to fall within acceptable ranges that maintain signal quality, meaning they are less likely to be the cause of degradation. Thus, the combination of poor connections and external interference serves as the primary reason for degradation, making this the correct understanding.