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HDMI Cables.

post #1 of 23
1/16/09 at 12:07pm
Thread Starter 
Hi,

All of my current devices are HDMI 1.3, I don't think the cable should make a difference, but I was wondering if a Type A cable (19 pin) would work with HDMI 1.3 devices?

I am really cheap, and don't want to spend more than $15 on a cable. The thing is, all HDMI cables that are that cheap are Type A.

Thanks!
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post #2 of 23
1/16/09 at 12:56pm

Re: HDMI Cables.

Cheap, also known as thrifty.

Get your HDMI cables from bluejeanscable.com or monoprice.com. Good quality, good prices. Don't pay the outrageous prices at the B&M stores.

BTW - the spec is HDMI 1.3a. There's a 1.3b as well, but don't worry about it. The 1.3a cables will work perfectly.
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post #3 of 23
1/16/09 at 1:43pm
Thread Starter 

Re: HDMI Cables.

Shipping to Canada is kind of expensive... Not to mention the Canadian dollar being very bad right now.. Unfortunately if I buy, I have to buy locally. Which means Type A. Thanks for the tips though, I really appreciate you trying to get me a great deal.

So, I am kinda stuck with whatever cables I can find in stores here. I found a nice one for $16.99. Type A though. I haven't bought it yet. But my googling hasn't found me an answer on the differences between type A and B, and the different versions of HDMI.
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post #4 of 23
1/16/09 at 4:07pm

Re: HDMI Cables.

1st link on Google was wikipedia which gives you your answer. HDMI 1.3b just adds some testing specifications for 1.3a (i.e. zero change to equipment and cabling). Category 2 HDMI cables are rated for greater bandwidth (and longer runs).
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post #5 of 23
1/19/09 at 1:28pm

Re: HDMI Cables.

I'm confused. I bought a Panasonic HDMI Cable RP-CDHG50 (16') for my new installation. The packaging says it supports 1080p, 10.2 Gbps, 8-16 bit (color??) and that's about it.

I don't see anywhere on the package or on Panasonic's website where it says this cable conforms with the 1.3 HDMI Spec which is used on my Samsung LN52A860 TV (120Hz, 12 bit color, 1.3 Spec).

I thought I would call Panasonic Tech Support which got me nowhere. So now I am turning to you guys.

I didn't want to spend $$$ on Monster Cable, so I bought the Panasonic because it was the only one around that I could buy locally in 16' Length.

So MY question is, does anybody know if this cable supports the 1.3 Standard? It has 10.2 Gbps support which matches the 1.3 spec correct??

By looking at the TV, it looks fine in action scenes (minimal blurring), Blu-Ray looks excellent. I guess I just need some reassurance that what I bought supports what is on my TV and Blu-Ray Player.

My personal opinion on labeling is that all packaging should clearly state what HDMI Standard these cables support. I think Monster does the best at marking their packages... maybe that is why they are the Cadillac of AV Cables.
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post #6 of 23
1/19/09 at 4:25pm

Re: HDMI Cables.

OK, I gotta say this.....


MONSTER IS NOT, I REPEAT NOT!!!, THE CADILLAC OF CABLES. They are overpriced HYPE!!!

OK, I feel better. If you are fool enough to buy them, well.....

If it looks fine, then what is the problem? What is the model number and where did you buy it? Maybe they have a web site (Panasonic does).

Hope it wasn't the $99 one at Target.

And Welcome to HTF.
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post #7 of 23
1/19/09 at 7:56pm

Re: HDMI Cables.

Quote:
Originally Posted by David Willow
OK, I gotta say this.....


MONSTER IS NOT, I REPEAT NOT!!!, THE CADILLAC OF CABLES. They are overpriced HYPE!!!

OK, I feel better. If you are fool enough to buy them, well.....

If it looks fine, then what is the problem? What is the model number and where did you buy it? Maybe they have a web site (Panasonic does).

Hope it wasn't the $99 one at Target.

And Welcome to HTF.

David,

Thanks for the Welcome! however, in your obvious distaste for Monster Products... you overlooked several key points in my message:

#1 being the Model # of the Panasonic Cable that I purchased, which is MODEL # RP-CDHG50
#2 I looked on Panasonic's website AND called their tech support. In neither place did I find any information that stated their cables support the HDMI 1.3 Spec other than on the package that says it support 10.2 Gbps.

You are right... if it looks good, then whats the problem?? I guess after spending a couple of grand on a TV, Receiver, Cable, and the time and effort of replacing Drywall, Patching, Paint, fighting with the wife because the drywall patch is "uneven", etc... I want to make extra sure that I have the best possible picture.

You know, the normal stuff we NOOBS worry about
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post #8 of 23
1/20/09 at 12:14am

Re: HDMI Cables.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mumps
Hi,

All of my current devices are HDMI 1.3, I don't think the cable should make a difference, but I was wondering if a Type A cable (19 pin) would work with HDMI 1.3 devices?

I am really cheap, and don't want to spend more than $15 on a cable. The thing is, all HDMI cables that are that cheap are Type A.

Thanks!



I hope this isn't much of a side-topic here but I know how some retailers buy this at 20 cents a unit from China and sell it at $5-10. Not to mention those Monster cabled that are sold at dozens of $$.
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post #9 of 23
1/20/09 at 2:39am

Re: HDMI Cables.

Are you able to return the cable? And how much did you spend on the cable? If you just want to ease your mind, or if it would save you money, return that cable and buy from a reputable online retailer like monoprice or BlueJean Cables.
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post #10 of 23
1/20/09 at 5:53am

Re: HDMI Cables.

Redaman, here are the facts about HDMI - It either works, or it doesn't. There can be no gradual increases in the quality of your picture, because the signal is sent via a robust digital link that has sophisticated error detection with a low threshold of failure. So, you either get the "best picture possible" with no errors, or you get highly visible sparkling dots on the display, followed shortly by a blank screen.

Anyone who tells you they improved the quality of their image from good to great; i.e. "brighter brights, blacker blacks, rainbowier rainbows" by upgrading their HDMI cable is full of it. Period.
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post #11 of 23
1/20/09 at 8:11am

Re: HDMI Cables.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Redaman
David,

Thanks for the Welcome! however, in your obvious distaste for Monster Products... you overlooked several key points in my message:

#1 being the Model # of the Panasonic Cable that I purchased, which is MODEL # RP-CDHG50
#2 I looked on Panasonic's website AND called their tech support. In neither place did I find any information that stated their cables support the HDMI 1.3 Spec other than on the package that says it support 10.2 Gbps.

You are right... if it looks good, then whats the problem?? I guess after spending a couple of grand on a TV, Receiver, Cable, and the time and effort of replacing Drywall, Patching, Paint, fighting with the wife because the drywall patch is "uneven", etc... I want to make extra sure that I have the best possible picture.

You know, the normal stuff we NOOBS worry about

You are correct... I did over look the model number in your post. Now that I see it, I searched google. The first hit is amazon. The description:

Product Description
Panasonic RP-CDHG50 HDMI Cable - 16.4ft./5m, 1080p V1.3a Category 2 High Speed (Grey)

I'm still not sure what the problem is.

Do yourself a favor before you waste your money. Search these forums and any other HT forum for Monster. See what everyone knows.
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post #12 of 23
1/20/09 at 8:19am

Re: HDMI Cables.

I would bet a week's salary that there is no difference between the materials and construction used in "1.3a" cables and "1.3b" cables. Matter of fact, I would bet 99% of HDMI 1.1 cables will pass 1.3 certification with no problems. Making cables that pass HDMI simply isn't this complicated. It's copper wire, end fittings and plastic. That's it.

But those increasing version numbers/letters sure are easily mapped to a multi-tiered pricing scheme, aren't they?
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post #13 of 23
1/20/09 at 10:32am

Re: HDMI Cables.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jeff Gatie
Redaman, here are the facts about HDMI - It either works, or it doesn't. There can be no gradual increases in the quality of your picture, because the signal is sent via a robust digital link that has sophisticated error detection with a low threshold of failure. So, you either get the "best picture possible" with no errors, or you get highly visible sparkling dots on the display, followed shortly by a blank screen.

Anyone who tells you they improved the quality of their image from good to great; i.e. "brighter brights, blacker blacks, rainbowier rainbows" by upgrading their HDMI cable is full of it. Period.

Jeff,

Thanks for your input!! It amazes me about how much "HYPE" is placed on a cable.
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post #14 of 23
1/20/09 at 10:39am

Re: HDMI Cables.

Quote:
Originally Posted by David Willow
You are correct... I did over look the model number in your post. Now that I see it, I searched google. The first hit is amazon. The description:

Product Description
Panasonic RP-CDHG50 HDMI Cable - 16.4ft./5m, 1080p V1.3a Category 2 High Speed (Grey)

I'm still not sure what the problem is.

Do yourself a favor before you waste your money. Search these forums and any other HT forum for Monster. See what everyone knows.

David,

Thanks. I didn't think about looking at other websites for the Panasonic Cable info. You would think they would put those details on THEIR website and packaging. Yes I probably paid more than I needed to, but at least I didn't go the Monster Cable route.... so I feel a bit better about that. $200 for a cable... gimme a break!

Thanks again!!
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post #15 of 23
1/20/09 at 12:05pm

Re: HDMI Cables.

Hi Tom,

The Amazon priced didn't seem too outrageous.... Remember Blue Jeans Cable or Monoprice.com for future purchases.

Now, sit back and enjoy some movies!
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post #16 of 23
1/20/09 at 7:29pm

Re: HDMI Cables.

Hey guys I'm new here and I think this article may help the original poster:

Tartan Brand HDMI Cables from Blue Jeans Cable
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post #17 of 23
1/21/09 at 6:39am

Re: HDMI Cables.

Quote:
Originally Posted by mlee49
Hey guys I'm new here and I think this article may help the original poster:

Tartan Brand HDMI Cables from Blue Jeans Cable

Thanks Matt. This website is a great reference and a super place to purchase cables.
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post #18 of 23
1/21/09 at 8:59am

Re: HDMI Cables.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mumps
Shipping to Canada is kind of expensive... Not to mention the Canadian dollar being very bad right now.. Unfortunately if I buy, I have to buy locally. Which means Type A. Thanks for the tips though, I really appreciate you trying to get me a great deal.

So, I am kinda stuck with whatever cables I can find in stores here. I found a nice one for $16.99. Type A though. I haven't bought it yet. But my googling hasn't found me an answer on the differences between type A and B, and the different versions of HDMI.

Another online source that may help you from a shipping cost perspective is Amazon. They have several HDMI cables for $12USD or less. I think Amazon.ca offers free shipping on orders over $25, just like the U.S. site. I bought a 2 meter cable for $12 with my Sony BluRay player via Amazon.

I had much less luck finding an affordable HDMI cable in a local store. Unfortunately, when I bought the Sony BD player last autumn, the player shipped and arrived before the cable ever shipped. Being excited about my new toy, I wanted to play with it right away. The cheapest cable I could find locally was at Radio Shack for $35. I chalked the added cost up to impatience and paid the $35.
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post #19 of 23
1/24/09 at 2:15pm

Re: HDMI Cables.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Scott Merryfield
...The cheapest cable I could find locally was at Radio Shack for $35. I chalked the added cost up to impatience and paid the $35.

HERE HERE!!
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post #20 of 23
1/26/09 at 1:36pm

Re: HDMI Cables.

I've always been satisfied with Cablestogo.com. Have they fallen out of favor?
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post #21 of 23
1/28/09 at 9:48am

Re: HDMI Cables.

I just ordered cables from Blue Jeans. I checked Ram Electronics, whom I've used before, but they were a bit pricier. Monoprice was out of stock on the ones I wanted; their other cables had those annoying cylinders near the cable ends. Blue Jeans was priced in the middle, so I bought there. I also bought some other misc cables from Monoprice (short run ethernet and TOSLINK). I really like this trio of vendors; I can find what I want for great prices, shipped in reasonable time.
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post #22 of 23
1/28/09 at 10:36am

Re: HDMI Cables.

I did read the information about HDMI cables on Blue Jeans website. They have many alternatives and price ranges. I see they recommend a particular type for long runs but what about everything else.

If what others say they work or they don't work is Blue Jeans less expensive Tartan line sufficient for short runs?
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post #23 of 23
1/28/09 at 11:26am

Re: HDMI Cables.

Quote:
Originally Posted by CB750
I did read the information about HDMI cables on Blue Jeans website. They have many alternatives and price ranges. I see they recommend a particular type for long runs but what about everything else.

If what others say they work or they don't work is Blue Jeans less expensive Tartan line sufficient for short runs?

Yes, they are certainly sufficient.
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