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Cheap HDMI Cables versus expensive ones  

post #1 of 23
8/7/08 at 4:21pm
Thread Starter 
I just went from Monster HDMI cables to Verastarr and I have to say what a difference. Any comments on that.
post #2 of 23
8/7/08 at 4:47pm

Re: Cheap HDMI Cables versus expensive ones

Which ones are the cheap ones? I have Tartan Cables from Blue Jeans Cables and they come to about 1$/ft (shipping and tax included). I have two 25 foot runs and they have no issues.
post #3 of 23
8/7/08 at 5:17pm
Thread Starter 

Re: Cheap HDMI Cables versus expensive ones

Quote:
Originally Posted by PaulDA
Which ones are the cheap ones?
I have to say $1.00 a foot for HDMI is about as cheap that I have ever heard, are you sure you're not talking about speakerwires. The cheap HDMI I am talking about is the Monster cable, which cost me $85.00 for 2 meters which is 6 foot, where the Verastarr cost a little over $300.00 for a 6 foot cable and well worth the investment. So you're telling me you a bought 25 foot HDMI cable for $25.00what equipment are you using?? These cables got to be great. ha ha ha.. You must be a clown or something.
post #4 of 23
8/7/08 at 5:44pm

Re: Cheap HDMI Cables versus expensive ones

This is either going to fun or a real short thread.

First, I'm glad you are happy with the Cables.

Second, every published test I've seen with cables less than 10-15 feet I've seen comparing HDMI have failed to show a difference regardless of cost as long as the cables weren't defective to begin with.

First Study
Long HDMI Cable Bench Tests - Monster Cable Shootout — Reviews and News from Audioholics

2nd:
http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/hdmi-cabl...t-2-268788.php

http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/hdmi-cabl...iii-282725.php
post #5 of 23
8/7/08 at 6:57pm

Re: Cheap HDMI Cables versus expensive ones

You'll find that opinions on cables are like... well other things everybody has their own of. My rule of thumb on cabling is pretty simple: If I can perceive a difference (whether real or not) then that cable is better. If you like your cable and find it to be a good investment for your system then I'm happy for you. Just but don't be surprised if you get a few strong response from other who feel differently about their own situation.

Out of curiosity what display are you running with them?
post #6 of 23
8/8/08 at 2:48am
Thread Starter 

Re: Cheap HDMI Cables versus expensive ones

Out of curiosity what display are you running with them?[/quote]

Pioneer Elite 50"
post #7 of 23
8/8/08 at 11:02am

Re: Cheap HDMI Cables versus expensive ones

Quote:
Originally Posted by pink
Quote:
Originally Posted by PaulDA
Which ones are the cheap ones?
I have to say $1.00 a foot for HDMI is about as cheap that I have ever heard, are you sure you're not talking about speakerwires. The cheap HDMI I am talking about is the Monster cable, which cost me $85.00 for 2 meters which is 6 foot, where the Verastarr cost a little over $300.00 for a 6 foot cable and well worth the investment. So you're telling me you a bought 25 foot HDMI cable for $25.00what equipment are you using?? These cables got to be great. ha ha ha.. You must be a clown or something.
And you shouldn't make assumptions--you know the saying...

Here is what I paid for the cable (add shipping and it comes to 26$). (24 AWG--25 foot length for 21.50$ plus delivery)

I'm well aware of all the differences of opinion when it comes to cables, but I prefer science to anecdotes. An HDMI cable either carries the signal or it doesn't. There is no magic to it. I'm glad your FIFTY times more expensive cables make you happy. I wouldn't insult you over what I consider a needless expense, though.

As for my gear, I have my PVR and my HD A2 connected to an HDMI switchbox output to my Sony VPL-AW15 projector. Perhaps my gear is too "low grade" to "benefit" from "superior" cables.
post #8 of 23
8/8/08 at 11:18am

Re: Cheap HDMI Cables versus expensive ones

Yea, i have to say my cheap $25 HDMI cable i got from Lowes works just as good as my expensive ($90) Monster HDMI cable i got from Best Buy.

And here i always thought either you have a digital signal, or you dont.
post #9 of 23
8/8/08 at 12:50pm

Re: Cheap HDMI Cables versus expensive ones

Pink,

Cable arguments when it comes to analog sources have some merit. Even discussion of jitter in an SPDIF connection can have some merit, if only as an intellectual exercise. However, the science behind the HDMI standard makes it absolutely impossible for the cable to have any effect on the quality of the picture. You either get the picture or you get massive sparkling and/or pixelization, followed by a blank screen. There is no middle ground.

If you like, I can show you definitive proof of this fact. It would require a little background in Computer Science, but the basic concepts aren't that hard to understand. It all comes down to packetization and error checking/correction, the same concepts that allow you to download a file from the internet and have it execute the same way every time. You can no more change the quality of the picture by changing HDMI cables than you can change the words in my post by switching from dial-up to Fios.

You should be happy about this fact. You can now return the cables for a massive refund and spend it where it actually matters.
post #10 of 23
8/8/08 at 2:39pm

Re: Cheap HDMI Cables versus expensive ones

I'm using 10 ft HDMI cables that I bought on Amazon for under $10 apiece (including shipping) to connect an HD-A2 and a PS3 to my 65" Toshiba and I have NO complaints.

Note, however, that this does not mean that I am not a clown!
post #11 of 23
8/8/08 at 2:48pm

Re: Cheap HDMI Cables versus expensive ones

I would use reasonable price cables, and save the rest for beer. Expensive beer.
post #12 of 23
8/8/08 at 3:08pm

Re: Cheap HDMI Cables versus expensive ones

RAF's Sticky thread above on HDMI cables is a good article to read!
Regards
Al
post #13 of 23
8/8/08 at 5:44pm

Re: Cheap HDMI Cables versus expensive ones

I'm the first to admit that I don't have as expensive equipment as Pink (or probably most on this forum), so I might be biased. But I do have a bit of background in things digital and I agree with Jeff (among others) as to the properties of HDMI transmission.

Unless of course, one believes that expensive HDMI connections make the 0s rounder and fuller and the 1s sharper and more defined.
post #14 of 23
8/8/08 at 5:51pm
Thread Starter 

Re: Cheap HDMI Cables versus expensive ones

I guess I got something started, but I have to say I do enjoy the response, thanks guys.
post #15 of 23
8/8/08 at 6:08pm
Thread Starter 

Re: Cheap HDMI Cables versus expensive ones

[
Quote:
Yea, i have to say my cheap $25 HDMI cable i got from Lowes works just as good as my expensive ($90) Monster HDMI cable i got from Best Buy


when I said cheap HDMI cables I meant the Mostercables as beeing the cheap cables.
post #16 of 23
8/8/08 at 6:15pm

Re: Cheap HDMI Cables versus expensive ones

We know. It's just that, regardless of income, most people think of Monster Cable as "expensive". Clearly it isn't expensive "enough" for some.
post #17 of 23
8/8/08 at 6:30pm
Thread Starter 

Re: Cheap HDMI Cables versus expensive ones

Never try to teach a pig to sing. It wastes time, and it annoys the pig.

I have to agree with you on that one, you are a 100% right. I guess you must be using 5 cent a foot speaker wires too, right. Because there is no difference. I was hoping the get some feedback from someone that didn't buy their HT in a department store or Best Buy..Thanks anyway..Not from someone who has an Onkyo receiver and Polk speakers and thinks he's got a kick a.. system.
post #18 of 23
8/8/08 at 6:38pm

Re: Cheap HDMI Cables versus expensive ones

Quote:
Originally Posted by pink
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It wastes time, and it annoys the pig.

I have to agree with you on that one, you are a 100% right. I guess you must be using 5 cent a foot speaker wires too, right. Because there is no difference.

Speaker wires are analog, there can be differences. HDMI is a stringently engineered digital transmission method and therefore it is . . . shit, nevermind. Enjoy your $400 pieces of plastic and copper.
post #19 of 23
8/8/08 at 6:54pm
Thread Starter 

Re: Cheap HDMI Cables versus expensive ones

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jeff Gatie
Speaker wires are analog, there can be differences. HDMI is a stringently engineered digital transmission method and therefore it is . . . shit, nevermind. Enjoy your $400 pieces of plastic and copper.
I have to say I realy enjoy this, thanks for a good nights entertainment.
post #20 of 23
8/8/08 at 7:16pm

Re: Cheap HDMI Cables versus expensive ones

Quote:
Originally Posted by pink
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It wastes time, and it annoys the pig.

I have to agree with you on that one, you are a 100% right. I guess you must be using 5 cent a foot speaker wires too, right. Because there is no difference. I was hoping the get some feedback from someone that didn't buy their HT in a department store or Best Buy..Thanks anyway..Not from someone who has an Onkyo receiver and Polk speakers and thinks he's got a kick a.. system.

Stir that pot!

And, what Jeff said. He is my new hero!
post #21 of 23
8/8/08 at 8:03pm

Re: Cheap HDMI Cables versus expensive ones

Quote:
Originally Posted by pink
I guess you must be using 5 cent a foot speaker wires too, right. Because there is no difference.
Uh, you might find this an interesting read.

Audiophile Deathmatch: Monster Cables vs. a Coat Hanger - Gizmodo Australia

Quote:
Originally Posted by pink
I was hoping the get some feedback from someone that didn't buy their HT in a department store or Best Buy..Thanks anyway..Not from someone who has an Onkyo receiver and Polk speakers and thinks he's got a kick a.. system.
Oh, please. I guess the old saying is true..."A fool and his money are soon parted."
post #22 of 23
8/8/08 at 8:34pm

Re: Cheap HDMI Cables versus expensive ones

Don't feed the troll any longer
post #23 of 23
8/8/08 at 10:52pm

Re: Cheap HDMI Cables versus expensive ones

Quote:
Originally Posted by Lew Crippen
Don't feed the troll any longer
Agreed.

M.
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