HDMI cables
- Thread starter rogue_77
- Start date
One of the biggest rip offs in the world at the moment.
I haven't spent more than $15 on an HDMI cable ( and that was for a 20' long one ). Only thing to check is the version, 1.3, 1.4a, et al and that it matches to where you want to plug them ( be it your receiver, TV... )
I haven't spent more than $15 on an HDMI cable ( and that was for a 20' long one ). Only thing to check is the version, 1.3, 1.4a, et al and that it matches to where you want to plug them ( be it your receiver, TV... )
You need a HDMI cable v 1.3 or greater, you won't have a need for a 1.4 cable for a long time as it only adds Ethernet capabilities. Both cables types (1.3 and 1.4) operate at 340 MHz so aside from a few extra wires, for Ethernet, there's no difference. If you want 1080p video buy practically anything you can get online (the shorter the better). If you eventually get a 3D TV then upgrade cables at that time as they'll be less expensive by then.
If you're going to do a long run and have run into issues then buy some shorter cables and repeaters.
If you're going to do a long run and have run into issues then buy some shorter cables and repeaters.
I thought I would necro this thread so that anyone in the market for HDMI cables can refer to this now that the licensing body is adding certification program. Just because the cable is now certified for 4K content does not mean that one that isn't certified won't do the job. Caveat Emptor.
http://www.cnet.com/news/premium-hdmi-cable-certification-program-what-you-need-to-know/
On the issue of cable length however, if you need to run 20feet or more then it is recommended that you get an 'active' cable. Redmere technology which has a chip in the connectors that draws a small amount of power from your device to boost the signal.
http://www.cnet.com/news/monoprices-ultraslim-60-foot-hdmi-cable-with-redmere-hands-on/
http://www.cnet.com/news/premium-hdmi-cable-certification-program-what-you-need-to-know/
On the issue of cable length however, if you need to run 20feet or more then it is recommended that you get an 'active' cable. Redmere technology which has a chip in the connectors that draws a small amount of power from your device to boost the signal.
http://www.cnet.com/news/monoprices-ultraslim-60-foot-hdmi-cable-with-redmere-hands-on/
LoL, I know eh! I've seen the "high end" ones at a liquidation and surplus stores for a fraction of the cost of the same cables from Best Buy et al.
As long as you are not moving cable around, Dollarama stuff seems fine. I have several HDMI cables from Dollarama and they are still running after 2 years. Cables such as earbuds only last a couple days. I find the wiring is prone to breaking due to many movements we put them through.
Of course. Same with speaker wire--as long as the electricity gets through they're all the same. The problem with the dollar store stuff is that they are not very well built and tend to break easily.
I don't know about that, I have had my HDMI cable for about 3 years and it seems well built and actually quite heavy duty. It seems as good as any I have seen at Best Buy or equivalent.
Unfortunately this is not true. There are definite bandwidth considerations and cheaper cables are typically more bandwidth challenged. Whether this is just lousy construction, who knows. Whatever you buy, you should make sure there is a return policy.
As for speaker cable it depends on the application (type of speaker and load). There are papers on this with a basis in electrical theory (versus voodoo), It need not be expensive, though nice copper is typically not cheap these days (and the cheap chinese stuff seems prone to oxidizing).
Back in Dec 2011 got 3, 6' HDMI cables from Newegg .com for .99 cents each with free shipping.
Still using them today with no issues.
Still using them today with no issues.
I have a similar setup, it's awesome.
I have a 25' HDMI cable from my laptop to my receiver then another to my TV. My friend swears the super high priced, gold plated "Monster" cables deliver better sound and picture quality. As a test, I had my friend bring one of his "expensive" 6' cables over for a back to back test.
He and a few other friends came over to see if they could tell the difference. I put on a Blu-ray concert then went back and forth between my 25' el cheapo and his el supremo 6' gold plated cable so many times they had no idea which cable was which.
Verdict? Absolutely no difference whatsoever!
Unfortunately ^this^ is not true. But it sure sounds like it makes sense.
HDMI transmits a compressed digital signal. Think of fast morse code. It takes almost no electrical impulse to transmit that data and line loss and conductor size does not affect performance over short distances.
If your TV has a picture, and sound.... your Dollar Store HDMI cable is doing the job. Solid gold cables will do nothing more.
Speaker cable is different as it does transmit an analogue signal that has go carry measurable current and electrical loads. 18gAWG lamp wire will do for all but the most high powered home amps and speakers that you will play at 100 watts plus
The only difference is that the HDMI cable can carry MUCH more information than the DVI cable (which only carries an image). You won't see a difference between the two.
I do not think you are saying anything that contradicts me. We both agree if your TV has picture and sound you are good. The cable needs to support the required bandwidth, pure and simple. Many dollar store cables are simply not up to spec. I know because I have tested them. As I said, feel free to buy them, but make sure you have a good return policy. When you start qualifying with "short distance" you are basically acknowledging cable science enters into the equation. Beyond that, I am not aware of anyone making solid gold cables.
Speaker cable gauge is only one metric, and a lot depends on load and the actual speaker. Most people have lousy amplifiers and speakers today, so in that respect it is irrelevant. However, push some current into creative loads and the cable becomes important.
Once again the point is that cables are not all the same. The original post said "as long as the electricity gets through they're all the same". This is simply not true in the analog and digital domains. I can make an HDMI cable where electricity gets through but will be unusable. What you need depends on your application. You just need to understand your application. No-one needs to spend crazy money.
A cables DC resistance is really not an issue with any com cables, as the current is insignificant.
BUT, inductance, impedance, and capacitance do effect performance, and that is what separates the low quality stuff from better stuff.
So I am agreeing with Garrett, there is more to the equation than resistance.
Gold plating, if it reduces deterioration of the contacts, then something to consider, otherwise, wasted money.
FAST
BUT, inductance, impedance, and capacitance do effect performance, and that is what separates the low quality stuff from better stuff.
So I am agreeing with Garrett, there is more to the equation than resistance.
Gold plating, if it reduces deterioration of the contacts, then something to consider, otherwise, wasted money.
FAST
Last edited:
