What does RCA actually mean? (1 Viewer)

[Daniel Mc]

I guess this is kind of a stupid question, but it's been bugging me and I can't find the answer anywhere--what does RCA (as in RCA connector) actually stand for?

 

[Chu Gai]

My understanding is that the RCA connector got its name from the company Radio Corporation of American which used phono plugs to connect their tonearms to amplifiers. It was used of course in equipment that carried the RCA brand and so it goes. Much like we refer to copy machines as Xeroxes even though numerous companies make them. But you won't find instructions for a Minolta copier say something like "to make 10 xeroxes do the following...".

 

[MikeTC]

R - Radio

C - Corportation

A - America

Radio Corportation of America ( RCA )

This connector was invented by the old RCA corportation.

I'm was a RCA Employee

 

[Andrew Chong]

I enjoy a spot of trivia now and then.
RCA stands for Radio Corporation of America.
more info
Link Removed
edit: I see that Mike beat me to the punch.

 

[Eric_Lakes]

Daniel,
To make a long story longer . Analogy of the why we call the plug RCA can be made with the computer PS2 mouse. IBM came up with the new connector in their PS2 computer line. After a while the industry picked up on it and started to use it. Before long it became the industry standard but we call it PS2 because of the copyright patent. And now it's stuck in our heads and we will for ever call it RCA plug and PS2.