HDMI Cables

[Saturnas]

Originally Posted by crackinhedz

...personally, if its working I would not worry about it.


Cables are either category 1 (standard) or category 2 (high speed)


The version of HDMI really has to do with the HDMI transmit/receiver chip being used...cables just pass along the electrons.

I read somewhere that on ps3 only hdmi v1.3 can transmit lossless audio. So if the cable would be older version then receiver wouldn't receive audio, only video?

[crackinhedz]

Originally Posted by Saturnas

I read somewhere that on ps3 only hdmi v1.3 can transmit lossless audio. So if the cable would be older version then receiver wouldn't receive audio, only video?

again, that has to do with the hdmi transmitter/receiver chip being used.

The cable does not distinguish anything other than sending electrons down the pipe.

Lossless audio has been available since hdmi v1.1 (7.1 PCM)

To bitstream Lossless audio, yes HDMI v1.3 is needed...but again, its the hdmi chip being used not the cable.



HDMI v1.4 does differ in the sense that it adds an ethernet channel...so techinically 1.4 uses a different cable, still falls under the category 1 (standard) and category 2 (high speed) rating.

[HTJunkie]

Sorry if this has been covered, I just dont have time to read 76 pages of posts.

Has anyone used/tested Better Cables Silver Serpent HDMI? I have three and find them to be of excellent quality. They aren't outrageously expensive either.

[My_Two_Cents]

If they transmit a clean signal with no snow or dropouts, then I'm sure they're fine. Could you have the same quality from less expansive cables? Probably, but I wouldn't concern myself with it as long as they work.

If you're thinking different cables will give brighter colors, sharper picture, etc, then stop right there. HDMI cables will not affect any of that (except in your own mind).

Originally Posted by HTJunkie

Sorry if this has been covered, I just dont have time to read 76 pages of posts.

Has anyone used/tested Better Cables Silver Serpent HDMI? I have three and find them to be of excellent quality. They aren't outrageously expensive either.

[HTJunkie]

Originally Posted by Ricshoe

If they transmit a clean signal with no snow or dropouts, then I'm sure they're fine. Could you have the same quality from less expansive cables? Probably, but I wouldn't concern myself with it as long as they work.

If you're thinking different cables will give brighter colors, sharper picture, etc, then stop right there. HDMI cables will not affect any of that (except in your own mind).

I'm perfectly happy with the Better Cables. I thought the price was fair; not cheap and not too expensive.

I was more curious if anyone else used them or anyone had heard anything positive or negative about them. I know there are countless brands out there, just thought I'd ask.

[Silo5]

I have a question for the experts: If I currently have my set-up connected with HDMI 1.3 cables, will I see any benefit if I upgrade the cables to high speed HDMI 1.4? All of the gear in my set-up is 1.3 compliant. My set-up is as follows: PS3, Scientific Atlanta 8300HD DVR, Sony BDP-S570 connected to Onkyo 805. One HDMI cable from 805 to Sony KDS-60A3000 TV.

[crackinhedz]

Originally Posted by Silo5

will I see any benefit if I upgrade the cables to high speed HDMI 1.4?

none.

[Silo5]

Originally Posted by crackinhedz

none.

Thanks for the quick response! Since I was considering upgrading to 1.4, you saved me around $20.


***I just thought of something else. If I were to upgrade to the Oppo 93 (which is 1.4 compliant), but I hook it up to my existing 1.3 compliant gear, would there be a need to have the HDMI 1.4 cable for the Oppo?

[oppopioneer]

Originally Posted by Silo5

Thanks for the quick response! Since I was considering upgrading to 1.4, you saved me around $20.


***I just thought of something else. If I were to upgrade to the Oppo 93 (which is 1.4 compliant), but I hook it up to my existing 1.3 compliant gear, would there be a need to have the HDMI 1.4 cable for the Oppo?

There is no such thing as "HDMI 1.4" as HDMI.ORG removed that from their website as it's false advertising. All you need is a HDMI 1.3 Category 2 High Speed cable and you're fine.

NEVER pay more than $20 bucks for a HDMI cable longer than 10 feet.

Bluejeans cables is the best you can get at the best price too and they are a official HDMI authorized company that uses the broadcast industry Belden cable. I use their Series F2 wire.

[BIslander]

HDMI version numbers describe the software features on the transmitting and receiving equipment, not the cable that goes between them. There are only two kinds of cables - standard (category 1) and high speed (category 2). High speed cables support 1080p video. It was never correct to call a cable 1.3 or 1.3a either. It's always just been standard and high speed. But HDMI only recently banned the practice of using version numbers to describe cables. While there are just two basic types, HDMI 1.4 does add support for ethernet, which requires a new cable, and there's a new cable designed for use in automotive applications.

Bottom line: your current cables are just fine. You won't get better performance with new cables and you don't need new cables for HDMI 1.4 features such as 3D or the Audio Return Channel.

[Thorn2k]

Ok, well I was taken.. I bought a Monster brand HDMI for $100. The guy pointed it out to me and said "this one is awesome."

So, I thought I needed another one for my PS3. And I look and see all this about the BS around HDMI and this v1.4 crap. Kinda pissed. LOL More at my stupidity and spending 100 bones on 4ft of cable.

17.8 Gbps HMDI THX 1000. yeah... I've beaten myself up enough. Thanks.

So, I went back a couple pages, and didn't see anything about 3D hook ups. But, from what I gather all I need is, a high speed HDMI cable. Right?

As far as version goes, I don't see anything on the packaging for this one. Just.. Maximum data capacity for 3D, rated at 240/480Hz, and 4k x 2k video definition.

Do I need to look for something special when buying for a 3D TV?

This is what I'm getting incase it matters.. http://www.crutchfield.com/S-LqYvSg0....html?tp=35862

Thanks for the info!

[oppopioneer]

Originally Posted by Thorn2k

Ok, well I was taken.. I bought a Monster brand HDMI for $100. The guy pointed it out to me and said "this one is awesome."

So, I thought I needed another one for my PS3. And I look and see all this about the BS around HDMI and this v1.4 crap. Kinda pissed. LOL More at my stupidity and spending 100 bones on 4ft of cable.

17.8 Gbps HMDI THX 1000. yeah... I've beaten myself up enough. Thanks.

You got taken for a ride big time! Did you buy it in a store and which store? Never buy HDMI cables in a store, always go to online vendors like Bluejeans Cable or Monoprice. NEVER pay more than $20 bucks for a 10 foot cable. I would actually return that Monster, get your money back so you aren't giving Monster or that store any money out of a moral stand point.

http://www.bluejeanscable.com/ <<<<<Get their Series 1 or Series F2 which are made in the U.S.

or

http://www.monoprice.com/home/index.asp <<<<<<cheaper and made in China.

Originally Posted by Thorn2k

So, I went back a couple pages, and didn't see anything about 3D hook ups. But, from what I gather all I need is, a high speed HDMI cable. Right?

As far as version goes, I don't see anything on the packaging for this one. Just.. Maximum data capacity for 3D, rated at 240/480Hz, and 4k x 2k video definition.

All you need is a HDMI cable certified "Category 2 High Speed"

Originally Posted by Thorn2k

Do I need to look for something special when buying for a 3D TV?

Don't get any info from the salesman at stores, they're working on commission and will try to sell ice to eskimos. Do all your research here and at http://www.avsforum.com and ask lots of questions in the tv 3D threads.

Originally Posted by Thorn2k

This is what I'm getting incase it matters.. http://www.crutchfield.com/S-LqYvSg0....html?tp=35862

Thanks for the info!

I would wait when it comes to 3D tv's, they have so many flaws and it's going to take time to work out all the kinks in them. Get a $699 to $999 regular 60 inch tv now and wait for the 3D tv's to improve. Also stick to plasma, Panasonic is making the best tv's now that Pioneer is out.

[Thorn2k]

Yeah, I'm taking it back. LOL

I actually got it at Best Buy. In the past I always bought my HDMI cables on ebay. Get 6 of them $25 shipped even. But, since I'm getting this better TV and 3D even. I thought I should spend the money and get something better. And, I wanted to get it now rather than wait for shipping. Since the TV will be here between 8 and noon.

I should have asked ahead of time.. I'll go back and return it and buy cheaper ones. Like some Dynex cables that had surprisingly good ratings.

Thanks for the info!

I just went to monoprice.com and, really.!??!! is this all I need... http://www.monoprice.com/products/pr...seq=1&format=2 LOL gotta be kidding me.

[oppopioneer]

Originally Posted by Thorn2k

I just went to monoprice.com and, really.!??!! is this all I need... http://www.monoprice.com/products/pr...seq=1&format=2 LOL gotta be kidding me.

Yes, HDMI is HDMI, digital is digital, it either passes the data or it doesn't. But I personally like Bluejeans better since their Belden wires are made in the U.S. so it helps our economy more and they're a little bit better quality.

http://www.bluejeanscable.com/store/...hdmi-cable.htm

[PeterTHX]

Originally Posted by oppopioneer

Yes, HDMI is HDMI, digital is digital, it either passes the data or it doesn't. But I personally like Bluejeans better since their Belden wires are made in the U.S. so it helps our economy more and they're a little bit better quality.

http://www.bluejeanscable.com/store/...hdmi-cable.htm

It's not quite that simple. There is digital noise (typically a colored pixel snowstorm) caused by bad cabling.

Dropouts of either video or audio (typically the lossless formats which require higher bandwidth).

[PUsokrJosh305]

From my experiences, I have to say that more expensive cables work better, IF the television is a large one. Now, if you have, say a 32", any cable would suite ya, but if you have a 65" tv, then it's better to get a more expensive HDMI cable. For instance we used to have a 62" DLP tv that was bought back in 2004, and when we upgraded to bluray, we bought these cables from Monster which were "flat screen" specific cables, a more cheaper cable with less output than the standard HDMI out on the market. This was bought back in 2009. Now, back in April, we bought a Panasonic 65" plasma tv to replace the old DLP, (it was old and the tv didn't work well with bluray, plus the aspect ratio adjustment on it was screwed up, cut off part of the picture). We used the exact same cables as we did when I had the DLP. Even when I changed the settings in the service menu to make the picture quality better, it still didn't work right. So, over the summer, I did some research and figured out the cables were not up to standard anymore. So, we went to Best Buy, bought really expensive ones cause if they come out with better cables, we can get those replaced for free, and I hooked them up. The picture quality improved so much, it's not even funny. I have since got the picture as perfect as it can be on that plasma and I'm extremely happy with it. So, here's my take on all of this, smaller tvs, doesn't matter what cable you use, 46" and up, probably get a better cable. It also depends on how much ur willing to spend and personal preference

[Deadset]

Anyone tried the Amazon Basics HDMI cables? i picked one up as part of another order, worked fine on my 32" TV

[BIslander]

Originally Posted by PUsokrJosh305

From my experiences, I have to say that more expensive cables work better, IF the television is a large one. Now, if you have, say a 32", any cable would suite ya, but if you have a 65" tv, then it's better to get a more expensive HDMI cable. For instance we used to have a 62" DLP tv that was bought back in 2004, and when we upgraded to bluray, we bought these cables from Monster which were "flat screen" specific cables, a more cheaper cable with less output than the standard HDMI out on the market. This was bought back in 2009. Now, back in April, we bought a Panasonic 65" plasma tv to replace the old DLP, (it was old and the tv didn't work well with bluray, plus the aspect ratio adjustment on it was screwed up, cut off part of the picture). We used the exact same cables as we did when I had the DLP. Even when I changed the settings in the service menu to make the picture quality better, it still didn't work right. So, over the summer, I did some research and figured out the cables were not up to standard anymore. So, we went to Best Buy, bought really expensive ones cause if they come out with better cables, we can get those replaced for free, and I hooked them up. The picture quality improved so much, it's not even funny. I have since got the picture as perfect as it can be on that plasma and I'm extremely happy with it. So, here's my take on all of this, smaller tvs, doesn't matter what cable you use, 46" and up, probably get a better cable. It also depends on how much ur willing to spend and personal preference

I realize this all seems quite logical considering a lifetime of experience with analog. But, digital doesn't work the same as analog. Excessive distance, poor cable construction, and other such problems manifest themselves as errors rather than inferior quality images. If you've ever tried tuning in a digital OTA signal, you either have it or you don't. A weak signal pixilates or disappears altogether. It doesn't get less sharp.

I'm curious about the research you did to determine that "the cables were not up to standard anymore". What standards are those and how did you determine that your cables were lacking? If your cables did not meet the standards for category 1 or category 2, then they should not be used, of course. But, that's different than replacing a cable that meets HDMI standards. A $5 cable from monoprice should work just as well as a $100 one from Monster.

[My_Two_Cents]

Originally Posted by PUsokrJosh305

From my experiences, I have to say that more expensive cables work better, IF the television is a large one. Now, if you have, say a 32", any cable would suite ya, but if you have a 65" tv, then it's better to get a more expensive HDMI cable. For instance we used to have a 62" DLP tv that was bought back in 2004, and when we upgraded to bluray, we bought these cables from Monster which were "flat screen" specific cables, a more cheaper cable with less output than the standard HDMI out on the market. This was bought back in 2009. Now, back in April, we bought a Panasonic 65" plasma tv to replace the old DLP, (it was old and the tv didn't work well with bluray, plus the aspect ratio adjustment on it was screwed up, cut off part of the picture). We used the exact same cables as we did when I had the DLP. Even when I changed the settings in the service menu to make the picture quality better, it still didn't work right. So, over the summer, I did some research and figured out the cables were not up to standard anymore. So, we went to Best Buy, bought really expensive ones cause if they come out with better cables, we can get those replaced for free, and I hooked them up. The picture quality improved so much, it's not even funny. I have since got the picture as perfect as it can be on that plasma and I'm extremely happy with it. So, here's my take on all of this, smaller tvs, doesn't matter what cable you use, 46" and up, probably get a better cable. It also depends on how much ur willing to spend and personal preference

No offense, but this is complete nonsense.

It's been discussed/explained to death in this thread, in other threads and in professional reviews, so I won't reitterate it here. If you want to convince yourself that you need expensive cables in order to see a better picture, knock yourself out. Just don't try convincing the rest of us (or more importantly, those new to HT) that there will be any difference, because there will not be any.

As long as you have a clear picture with no pixellation, snow or other visual anamolies, your cables are working as they should and no other cables will make the picture look ANY different.

[rpneuss]

Originally Posted by Ricshoe

No offense, but this is complete nonsense.

It's been discussed/explained to death in this thread, in other threads and in professional reviews, so I won't reitterate it here. If you want to convince yourself that you need expensive cables in order to see a better picture, knock yourself out. Just don't try convincing the rest of us (or more importantly, those new to HT) that there will be any difference, because there will not be any.

As long as you have a clear picture with no pixellation, snow or other visual anamolies, your cables are working as they should and no other cables will make the picture look ANY different.

Exactly right! I used to buy into the monster hype but my $3 cable works every bit as good. In fact i've been hookin everyone else up with em since they're so cheap. My picture looks stable as it ever has!