Home audio & video forum: Do I really need a HDMI cable for my lcd tv?

Copy&paste the following url to get the info on HDMI http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_11_4/feature-dvi-hdmi-hdcp-connections-11-2004.html

I use it with my cable box and LG upscan DVD player, even though there are remote hacks for getting HD res through component on my LG. My reasoning is that it offers unsurpassed quality, lets me get video and audio through 1 cable, and is fully HDCP compliant.

I recommend HDMI, but I don't feel you have to buy Monster brand or other, in my opinion, overpriced ones like the $100 Belkin I saw at circuit city. I took the $50 a piece ones from my cable provider and I'm very happy with them, ymmv=your milage may vary.

The picture quality of my d.v.d. player and dish 811 sat system was very poor until I replaced all the componit vidio cables to d.v.i. set up. So my set up is d.v.i. output from my dish, and d.v.d. player to the t.v. set with 2 d.v.i. to h.d.m.i. adapters This is because I run my audio to my 5.1. amp with optical audio cables. In closing some folks say that a componit vidio set up works fine but for me there was a 50% improvement in picture quality have a nice day stewart

Or component cables, are needed. You didn't say what your sources are?? DVD, cable, etc. Do any of them have a HDMI output jack???? If not HDMI output jack then you can't use a HDMI cable.
To get any HD you will have to use component or HDMI.
Do you have an antenna hookup to get OTA HD? John

http://www.ramelectronics.net/html/hdtv-cables.html

Dan, We solved the problem of having two few connections for our system configuration at my house by using spliter cables (go to Radio Shack). Of course the purists might have something to say about signal noise or something like that (I'm just speculating here), but uyou will be able to hook up both your Cable Box and your DVD player via component connection. I hope this helps you out. And on the subject of cheap v. expensive cables, I live with a very picky Musician (with a an incredible ear and eye) and he thinks the expensive cables are a waste of money. He says it is the same cooper wire just encased in a fancier wrapper.

Not offended, sure the scientific method is always a good way to go. I did realize after I posted my message that Dan wants to know about HDMI, which is a type of port/connector as opposed to a quality level of cable and since I don't know anything about that type of connector, I defer to those more knowledgeable than I.

Recently purchased my first big screen samsung dlpHD tv I originally hooked it up using a DVI cable from the HD box to a HDMI to the tv. Was not impressed with the picture quality at all. However, about a week later I had the samsung tech over to fix a problem with the remote and while he was there I asked him about the best setup. He suggested a component cable from the box to the tv. We switched the cables around and I can't say I've seen a better picture on any tv. Go figure. Needless to say I returned the 100.00 monster cable.

the question of whether or not hdmi cables are better often depends on who you ask. the only thing for certain is there is ''not'' a common opinion today regarding their performance. unless you have a 72'' screen (sterwart :)) that can show every imperfection, time would be better spend adjusting your hdtv settings properly. quality dvd players will generally be hdmi capable, but they also come with better video chips. keep your focus on the main course (hdtv, dvd payer) rather then the side dish (cables).