HDMI cables "all the same"?
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emoxley
Well-Known Member
Yes it is. Enjoyed the read.
My DSLR camera takes 1080p video, as well as still pictures. I needed a "C" series HDMI cable (reg HDMI on one end, and miniature HDMI on the other), to hook camera up to tv. I had looked locally for a cable, out of curiosity more than anything. Cheapest I found was $35. I ordered one from Monoprice.com, and with shipping it was less than $6. Of course, it works fine.
My DSLR camera takes 1080p video, as well as still pictures. I needed a "C" series HDMI cable (reg HDMI on one end, and miniature HDMI on the other), to hook camera up to tv. I had looked locally for a cable, out of curiosity more than anything. Cheapest I found was $35. I ordered one from Monoprice.com, and with shipping it was less than $6. Of course, it works fine.
Art K.
The Voodoo You Do!
As many here know I use fairly spendy cables (and because I enjoy the difference they make)...my HDMI cables are whatever the cable company provided and what's in the component box. If it gets any better I'd wet my britches...that is all.
P.S. I once owned a very expensive AQ HDMI cable...no difference to my eyes. At that time I did not have an HDMI receiver (very few folks did) so I don't know about the sound.
P.S. I once owned a very expensive AQ HDMI cable...no difference to my eyes. At that time I did not have an HDMI receiver (very few folks did) so I don't know about the sound.
It's probably the last place I'd add in dollars, but I've already experienced poor quality in the connector that led to intermittent failure. Its all well and good to advise to keep the receipt and mail something back but its a hassle.
I wish the author of the article had named the companies whose claims he ridiculed.
Regardless, put him in a room with this guy:
http://www.audioquest.com/resource_tools/downloads/whitepapers/HDMI_Demystified_rev_1_02.pdf
I wish the author of the article had named the companies whose claims he ridiculed.
Regardless, put him in a room with this guy:
http://www.audioquest.com/resource_tools/downloads/whitepapers/HDMI_Demystified_rev_1_02.pdf
newguy1
Super Member
For the record, I don' believe for one second that cables don't make a difference, and that you don't get a better quality cable for more money.
That 'error rate' graph was pretty high up at 1 error/minute at a length of 22 meters. (I run 1 meter cable at home)
I personally believe that for me, I don't have the audio/video analytical skill set to even notice one error/minute (if that happens on the cheap cable at 1 meter length, and isn't that error approximated in the decoder?)
That 'error rate' graph was pretty high up at 1 error/minute at a length of 22 meters. (I run 1 meter cable at home)
I personally believe that for me, I don't have the audio/video analytical skill set to even notice one error/minute (if that happens on the cheap cable at 1 meter length, and isn't that error approximated in the decoder?)
Elfasto
Super Member
No ****. I pay less than that for car parts (of a certain nature).
clydeselsor
Lunatic Member
Well I don't buy the cheapest ones that I can find. I have had a few fall apart on me. I don't, however spend big money on them either...
I have a fairly expensive 15' HDMI cable on one system (Audioquest) and a fairly cheap 15' long one on another and to be honest I wouldn't bet on which is which right now, as I don't really remember what went where. I most likely put the AQ one in here as its a 1080p system and the other is 480p going into a DVI converter but who knows. Was there a difference? I'm pretty terrible at noticing all the things that video guys seem to notice, like black levels and contrast so I have no idea. I bought the AQ one because it was the only one I could find at BB that was long enough when I was putting up another system in my last place.
whoaru99
Epic Member
Since I started the thread I suppose I better cough up some details.
I use one from Monoprice, a DVI -> HDMI cable from my STB to the TV, cost $5 or so. It was their mid-grade cable.
Then one I don't know the brand of, bought it at a Goodwill store. Probably a RCA or something. Seems to work fine. No sparkles that I notice.
Lastly is one from Blue Jeans Cable that is 35ft long and goes from my pre/pro at the back of the room to the TV at the front of the room. Got it on closeout from BJC for ~$1/ft. It's about 1/2" diameter and gives no problems that I notice at that 35ft distance.
I use one from Monoprice, a DVI -> HDMI cable from my STB to the TV, cost $5 or so. It was their mid-grade cable.
Then one I don't know the brand of, bought it at a Goodwill store. Probably a RCA or something. Seems to work fine. No sparkles that I notice.
Lastly is one from Blue Jeans Cable that is 35ft long and goes from my pre/pro at the back of the room to the TV at the front of the room. Got it on closeout from BJC for ~$1/ft. It's about 1/2" diameter and gives no problems that I notice at that 35ft distance.
moinau
Je me Souviens
In between short cables with different gauge, 10 to 12 feet or less, no difference, my opinion only.
With a 35 foot cable, you will see a difference between a small diameter and bigger diameter cable. 1/2" diameter in a 35' cable, is excellent.
In another word, the gauge will make a difference on longer run cables, not the exaggerated prices that big box stores and some specialty shops would like you to pay, again only my opinion, not necessarily correct.
With a 35 foot cable, you will see a difference between a small diameter and bigger diameter cable. 1/2" diameter in a 35' cable, is excellent.
In another word, the gauge will make a difference on longer run cables, not the exaggerated prices that big box stores and some specialty shops would like you to pay, again only my opinion, not necessarily correct.
whoaru99
Epic Member
I should note that with the relatively stiff and heavy cable I got they recommended short "whip" adapters of thinner, more flexible cable at each end to help take the strain off the component's HDMI jacks.
Did take their advice and glad I did. May not be necessary on their newer cables that apparently offer the same or better long distance performance in a smaller package, albeit at higher cost.
madpioneer
Super Member
I think I got his point. Which is the same opinion I have always had on HDMI cables since day one. Even before I had any HD gear.
No matter how cheap or expensive the cable you will see no difference in picture/sound quality. Exceptions would be a bad or damaged cable, or problem elsewhere.
Now what matters is the build of the cable itself for endurance, like the outside casing etc.. This is where you see (physical cable) and feel a difference.
But if your are plugging in an HDMI cable and it is left alone from then on I would think any cable would suffice.
Now if your going to use it for temporary connection and is always in constant use of being plugged in/out, a better built cable might be in order.
If your cable run is 15' or more , or through a wall or some such I would definitely opt for a thicker better built cable but not astronimical snake oil priced cable either I would keep it reasonable IMHO.
I have always said to friend's and co-workers that were getting into HD way before I ever did, to not fall for the snake oil sales pitch.
My saying was always 'HDMI cables cost no more to manufacture than a simple RCA cable'. Wether that is entirely true I don't know but I thought I was at least close to the truth.
But during the early rollout days of HD TV's I heard so many stories of people forced to pay outrageous money on cables, like it or not.
Like $50 for a 3ft run & $100 for 6 to 10ft runs.
As for myself I have many 'cheap' cables and one mid cable in use and no problems in over a year of use.
No matter how cheap or expensive the cable you will see no difference in picture/sound quality. Exceptions would be a bad or damaged cable, or problem elsewhere.
Now what matters is the build of the cable itself for endurance, like the outside casing etc.. This is where you see (physical cable) and feel a difference.
But if your are plugging in an HDMI cable and it is left alone from then on I would think any cable would suffice.
Now if your going to use it for temporary connection and is always in constant use of being plugged in/out, a better built cable might be in order.
If your cable run is 15' or more , or through a wall or some such I would definitely opt for a thicker better built cable but not astronimical snake oil priced cable either I would keep it reasonable IMHO.
I have always said to friend's and co-workers that were getting into HD way before I ever did, to not fall for the snake oil sales pitch.
My saying was always 'HDMI cables cost no more to manufacture than a simple RCA cable'. Wether that is entirely true I don't know but I thought I was at least close to the truth.
But during the early rollout days of HD TV's I heard so many stories of people forced to pay outrageous money on cables, like it or not.
Like $50 for a 3ft run & $100 for 6 to 10ft runs.
As for myself I have many 'cheap' cables and one mid cable in use and no problems in over a year of use.
whoaru99
Epic Member
Numbers like these are prevalent on retail shelves for "entry level" HDMI cables. Even when shopping at non-typical electronics stores like a Home Depot, et al, where you can get HDMI cables they're still usually $25 or more for a 1m length.
Convenience has a price, then it goes up from there.
What people spend on cables I don't really care. It's about information for making choices.
