Home audio & video: HDMI cables - Is there really a difference?
HDMI cables - Is there really a difference?
by sf13 - 12/10/05 12:23 AMI've been searching the posts to find an answer and though it's been brought up a few times, there clearly is no consensus. I just want to know if there is really a discernable difference between the generic HDMI cables that come with some components and the higher quality cables, like Monster. I just returned a Monster cable to Best Buy because I didn't realize my new Directv receiver came with one. The sales guy in the Magnolia store just rolled his eyes at me, as though I was doing my TV an incredible injustice by going with the no-name brand. I certainly don't mind going back with my tail between my legs and shelling out the $100-plus for a quality cable, but not if my untrained eyes won't be able to tell the difference. Any feedback anyone could provide would be greatly appreciated.
HDMI
by azncheeta08 - 12/10/05 1:03 AM In reply to: HDMI cables - Is there really a difference? by sf13With HDMI cables, mostly the difference is going to be in the sound rather than the video. A much different story if we jump to component cables though, those you should see a pretty significant difference in. Keep in mind it's not just picture quality you gain when going to a better cable. Hope this helps.
CZ
Look at this. . .
by Coryphaeus - 12/10/05 5:37 AM In reply to: HDMI cables - Is there really a difference? by sf13http://reviews.cnet.com/5208-7596_7-0.html?forumID=60&messageID=1588364&threadID=141465
I just returned a Monster cable to Best Buy
by jcrobso - 12/13/05 8:42 AM In reply to: HDMI cables - Is there really a difference? by sf13GOOD FOR YOU!!!!
The reason the BB guy rolled his eyes was because of how much commision he lost, he could care less about your picture quality. John
BestBuy
by rpp124 - 12/27/05 1:06 PM In reply to: I just returned a Monster cable to Best Buy by jcrobsoCorrect me if I'm wrong, but I thought BestBuy employees don't work on commission...
Component cables looked better for me
by rkminc - 12/26/05 12:54 PM In reply to: HDMI cables - Is there really a difference? by sf13I'm using Comcast's Motorola HD receiver and the picture looks better on component video cables than a GE HDMI cable on my Samsung 42" plasma. Looks blocky and grainy with HDMI vs. clear with component cables. I don't have an explanation for this but I see the same effect on my father-in-law's 37" LCD with Dish and a high quality HDMI cable.
Re:
by Psych Doc - 12/26/05 3:15 PM In reply to: Component cables looked better for me by rkminc...
***but I see the same effect on my father-in-law's 37" LCD with Dish and a high quality HDMI cable.***
So are you saying here that the component or the HDMI looks better on your dad's LCD?
The Great Cable Rip Off
by RoadRunner6 - 12/28/05 1:07 AM In reply to: HDMI cables - Is there really a difference? by sf13jcrobso took the words right out of my mouth. They roll their eyes because that is where they make the most profit!
Where do you think the commissioned sales people at Magnolia make the biggest bucks and the other stores make their largest profit. Not the TV, DVD player or AV receiver. It's in the extended warranaties and accessories including speaker wire and cables.
Buy heavy duty zip/lamp cord (12ga -18ga depending on length), the ivory or brown type (not the transparent ones) for speaker wire.
The cables that come with the products and the ones you see at Radio Shack and Best Buy (like AR cables or even the cheaper ones) are fine.
If you want to compare them have some else switch the cables while you close your eyes and then see if you can tell the difference (no cheating).
Double bind tests repeatedly debunk all the fabulous claims for expensive cables and speaker wire. Some people spend hundreds of dollars per meter for their cables and speaker wire and swear they can see and hear the difference. DON'T BELIEVE IT.
Many people spend days price comparing to save $50 on a product and then plunk down hundreds without a thought for Monster cable, etc. (monster profits).
Trust your own eyes, they are fine.
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