HDMI Cables

[My_Two_Cents]

Originally Posted by AndyTheZombie

I own two pairs of the Monster HDMI cables. they make the picture look just amazing. it really does improve it a lot.

Originally Posted by AndyTheZombie

what are you talking about? there not replacing anything. I don't have any shitty composite cables.

What are you talking about? Making a statement like "they really improve the picture a lot" implies that the picture was poor prior to using the Monster HDMI cables. So, the question regarding what these cables replaced was a valid one. Did you replace composite/s-video/component cables or did you replace other HDMI cables when you saw how much better the picture was with Monster cables?

Or are you simply stating that you have a great picture using Monster cables? If that's the case, and you've never used other good quality (yet inexpensive) HDMI cables, then your original statement is without merit.

[david118383]

does anything this guy says have any merit?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVbIi-GUc-o

I'm about to order some HDMI cables from Monoprice but want to make sure I don't need better ones. thanks

[My_Two_Cents]

Originally Posted by david118383

does anything this guys says have any merit?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVbIi-GUc-o

I'm about to order some HDMI cables from Monoprice but want to make sure I don't need better ones. thanks

All I needed to see was that it was a marketing video from Monster. After that, I turned it off because I knew they were going to use their techno-marketing speak to mislead people into believing they NEED Monster cables in order to enjoy the best picture.

That is simply NOT TRUE, as evidenced by the overwhelming majority of people around here and other AV/HT sites that swear by Monoprice, Blue Jean Cables and other good quality, low-price HDMI cable suppliers.

If that's not enough for you, simply buy a Monoprice cable and see for yourself. They are so cheap, it's not like you are going to be out much. Then, go to BB and buy a $150 Monster cable. Swap it out with the Monoprice cable and see if there is a difference. I can assure you that if the Monoprice cable provides a picture with no sparklies, snow, dropouts, etc., you will see NO difference with the Monster cable. Contrary to what a few of the uninformed around here claim, an HDMI cable will not make colors deeper, blacks 'blacker' or the picture sharper/brighter.

Once you see the Monsters are a big waste of money, simply return them to BB and get your money back. My 2 cents.

[blindcat87]

I noticed that the guy didn't bother to explain how all of the magic he babbled about was accomplished by the addition of a Monster wrapper and connector to the same wire made on the same line in China used by all of the other manufacturers. This above all else is what really gets me about the Monster hype on HDMI cables. They do not make their own HDMI cables, the number of OEM sources for wire is still quite limited and they get their wire from the same sources as Monoprice and all of the rest and yet the addition of the Monster name magically transforms this wire into something extra special. Right. That makes sense. What actually makes sense is to pay as little for your cable as you have to for an HDMI cable with decent shielding and connectors. As long as the cable is put together decently and is not defective, you are good to go.

I hope this bit of marketing drivel gets slammed in the comments section.

Chris

Originally Posted by Ricshoe

All I needed to see was that it was a marketing video from Monster. After that, I turned it off because I knew they were going to use their techno-marketing speak to mislead people into believing they NEED Monster cables in order to enjoy the best picture.

That is simply NOT TRUE, as evidenced by the overwhelming majority of people around here and other AV/HT sites that swear by Monoprice, Blue Jean Cables and other good quality, low-price HDMI cable suppliers.

If that's not enough for you, simply buy a Monoprice cable and see for yourself. They are so cheap, it's not like you are going to be out much. Then, go to BB and buy a $150 Monster cable. Swap it out with the Monoprice cable and see if there is a difference. I can assure you that if the Monoprice cable provides a picture with no sparklies, snow, dropouts, etc., you will see NO difference with the Monster cable. Contrary to what a few of the uninformed around here claim, an HDMI cable will not make colors deeper, blacks 'blacker' or the picture sharper/brighter.

Once you see the Monsters are a big waste of money, simply return them to BB and get your money back. My 2 cents.

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by david118383

does anything this guy says have any merit?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVbIi-GUc-o

I'm about to order some HDMI cables from Monoprice but want to make sure I don't need better ones. thanks

The video proves that he is a lousy physics teacher and lecturer.

[Steve]

I went with my sister and her husband to Best Buy today where they bought a new Samsung 6000 LED TV. Anyway, while were there the salesman made the inevitable push for Monster HDMI cables. I made the comment that the cable brand didn't make any difference and she literally got angry at me. The look on her face was priceless. She got about twice as loud as she had been and proceeded to correct me quite fiercely. She reacted as if I had been talking about her mother or something. It was really kind of funny. In the end all I could do was grin and walk away. Most importantly though, I kept my sister and brother-in-law from wasting any money on their Monster cables because I had a few spare monoprice cables I gave them.

[lDlisturb3d]

Originally Posted by Steve

I went with my sister and her husband to Best Buy today where they bought a new Samsung 6000 LED TV. Anyway, while were there the salesman made the inevitable push for Monster HDMI cables. I made the comment that the cable brand didn't make any difference and she literally got angry at me. The look on her face was priceless. She got about twice as loud as she had been and proceeded to correct me quite fiercely. She reacted as if I had been talking about her mother or something. It was really kind of funny. In the end all I could do was grin and walk away. Most importantly though, I kept my sister and brother-in-law from wasting any money on their Monster cables because I had a few spare monoprice cables I gave them.

**** the Geek Squad, those dudes rip people off, i know that was off subject but i hate how best buy rape people for their hard earn cash, they rarely have good deals.

[Steve]

Originally Posted by deeman54

**** the Geek Squad, those dudes rip people off, i know that was off subject but i hate how best buy rape people for their hard earn cash, they rarely have good deals.

IMO they have their place, but if you go in relying on the salespeople for information then you're setting yourself up to get the shaft.

[Packerfan75]

I only buy mine at amazon now. You can find them for an unbelievable few cents plus $4 S+H. The picture and sound are always great, they're the same quality as the name brands and there's no reason to ever pay more again.

The stores just prey on people who are new to hi def because they just don't know any better. It's up to us to inform them so they don't get ripped off.

[Steve]

Originally Posted by Packerfan75

I only buy mine at amazon now. You can find them for an unbelievable few cents plus $4 S+H. The picture and sound are always great, they're the same quality as the name brands and there's no reason to ever pay more again.

The stores just prey on people who are new to hi def because they just don't know any better. It's up to us to inform them so they don't get ripped off.

I agree 100%. All mine came from monoprice. I'm just happy I was able to save my sister from spending at least $150 on three Monster cables from BB yesterday. But when I said it didn't matter what brand they were, the girl defended Monster Cable like she was defending her children from a pedophile. With that kind of sales push it's no wonder people fall for it and buy them.

[js666]

Originally Posted by Steve

IMO they have their place, but if you go in relying on the salespeople for information then you're setting yourself up to get the shaft.

Damn right!!!

[Scooby Blu]

If I am going to spend 5k on a TV and 15k on audio. I will spend the 10% they say to spend on wires. Yes, that is some jack, but why would I spend the money on my main gear and use shit wires????

[JasonR]

I am curious as to why cost should reflect the quality of the cable? Do you go into buying cable knowing you are looking to spend 10%, and if so how are you comparing the cabling to base your judgments?

Have you compared a BJC cable to what you are currently using? If not, why not accept the possibility that a cable that costs substantially less might be just as good?

I am just curious as to why what you pay for a product should reflect anything about the quality. One word, Bose.

I can accept the fact that something that costs more might be better, but that is not always the case.

[Steve]

Originally Posted by Scooby Blu

If I am going to spend 5k on a TV and 15k on audio. I will spend the 10% they say to spend on wires. Yes, that is some jack, but why would I spend the money on my main gear and use shit wires????

I take a different approach. I spend whatever I have to in order to get the desired performance. It just so happens in the case of cables that I can get them from monoprice or BJC and get that performance without having to spend anywhere close to 10% of the price of my components.

[JB2K]

Originally Posted by Steve

But when I said it didn't matter what brand they were, the girl defended Monster Cable like she was defending her children from a pedophile. With that kind of sales push it's no wonder people fall for it and buy them.

Funny, I had a similar exchange with a Circuit City employee during the final weeks of their liquidation sale...even though he was going to be out of a job, soon, he was still justifying Monster's (high) price...

[Underworld54]

Originally Posted by Steve

I went with my sister and her husband to Best Buy today where they bought a new Samsung 6000 LED TV. Anyway, while were there the salesman made the inevitable push for Monster HDMI cables. I made the comment that the cable brand didn't make any difference and she literally got angry at me. The look on her face was priceless. She got about twice as loud as she had been and proceeded to correct me quite fiercely. She reacted as if I had been talking about her mother or something. It was really kind of funny. In the end all I could do was grin and walk away. Most importantly though, I kept my sister and brother-in-law from wasting any money on their Monster cables because I had a few spare monoprice cables I gave them.

I'm not so sure it was her defending the Monster Cables as it was you ruining her pitch to your sister and her husband. To my understanding if they dont sell a certain amount of extra's then they get yelled at and may lose hours.

[Underworld54]

I'm currently running 28AWG monoprice cables. Would it be wise to upgrade to 24AWG cables for performance reasons?

What gauge would these HDMI cables be? I got them at amazon a few weeks ago because the price was rediculous.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002U0KGEI/ref=oss_product

[My_Two_Cents]

Originally Posted by Scooby Blu

If I am going to spend 5k on a TV and 15k on audio. I will spend the 10% they say to spend on wires. Yes, that is some jack, but why would I spend the money on my main gear and use shit wires????

You shouldn't. But then, you also shouldn't overpay simply for a name. It has been proven ad-infinitum that good quality, low cost HDMI cable perform exactly like high-priced cables. How many times dose it need to be said that as long as you are getting a clear picture without dropouts or artifacts, there is absolutely NO reason to spend more?

And who is this "they" and why are you letting them spend your money?

[crackinhedz]

Originally Posted by Scooby Blu

but why would I spend the money on my main gear and use shit wires????

same reason you wouldn't/shouldn't buy $50 shoe laces to match your $200 Air Jordans.

[js666]

Originally Posted by Scooby Blu

If I am going to spend 5k on a TV and 15k on audio. I will spend the 10% they say to spend on wires. Yes, that is some jack, but why would I spend the money on my main gear and use shit wires????

Actually, best to audition several cables and decide for yourself if they're an upgrade and worth the extra $$$. Don't let anyone tell you this and that...
Everyone sees and hears different things.