Do I need a $100 HDMI?

**KuroHD** · 05-29-2009, 01:23 AM

This is prolly in the wrong section but I figured it would get the most views here. I am currently using Vizio HDMI cables on my Pioneer Kuro. The cables have good specs and they cost about $35 for 6ft. I have heard pros and cons about Vizio cables and I was wondering if you guys think I would see a picture quality difference if I switched out all my HDMI for Monster 1000HDs? What do guys think?

**Niko** · 05-29-2009, 03:23 AM

I think we might have a thread about expensive HDMI cables somewhere. Or maybe it's gone, don't know.

The thing about cables transmitting digital data is, that it's pretty much a works/ doesn't work situation. So either your HDMI cables are working (as they do in your case) or they don't. If they don't, you'll get no signal (screen stays black) or the HDCP handshake is causing problems (which can be related to the cables, but also to the HDCP transmitters on either end of the signal chain).

But you can't improve your picture quality with "better" HDMI cables. That's just marketing bs to sell these cables with a really huge markup.

So from a technical standpoint, e.g. Monoprice $10 cables are just fine. As are your Vizio cables.

**ImRizzo** · 05-29-2009, 08:02 AM

Originally Posted by KuroHD

This is prolly in the wrong section but I figured it would get the most views here. I am currently using Vizio HDMI cables on my Pioneer Kuro. The cables have good specs and they cost about $35 for 6ft. I have heard pros and cons about Vizio cables and I was wondering if you guys think I would see a picture quality difference if I switched out all my HDMI for Monster 1000HDs? What do guys think?

Checkout: http://www.highdefjunkies.com/showthread.php?t=1325

**Loves2Watch** · 05-29-2009, 08:54 AM

I believe the two previous posters said it all.

**BUYLONGTERM** · 05-29-2009, 09:11 AM

NO you do NOT. Go to monoprice.com and they have the cheapest/best cables! Do not waste your money on Monster cables.

**KuroHD** · 05-29-2009, 12:44 PM

Thanks alot guys! You have given me confidence in my cables and put to rest a small worry that has been lingering in my head. Once again, thank you all!

**nobsplease** · 05-29-2009, 01:05 PM

Originally Posted by Niko

I think we might have a thread about expensive HDMI cables somewhere. Or maybe it's gone, don't know.

The thing about cables transmitting digital data is, that it's pretty much a works/ doesn't work situation. So either your HDMI cables are working (as they do in your case) or they don't. If they don't, you'll get no signal (screen stays black) or the HDCP handshake is causing problems (which can be related to the cables, but also to the HDCP transmitters on either end of the signal chain).

But you can't improve your picture quality with "better" HDMI cables. That's just marketing bs to sell these cables with a really huge markup.

So from a technical standpoint, e.g. Monoprice $10 cables are just fine. As are your Vizio cables.

There is one small fly in the cable quality ointment though I've never heard it referred to WRT either Monoprice or Blue Jeans cables. Some cheap crap cables will mostly work but the display will have speckles or tiny twinkles. That means the cable is not working properly. I have no idea how it's possible but have seen it myself and a cable swap banished the problem.

**Loves2Watch** · 05-29-2009, 01:35 PM

Originally Posted by nobsplease

There is one small fly in the cable quality ointment though I've never heard it referred to WRT either Monoprice or Blue Jeans cables. Some cheap crap cables will mostly work but the display will have speckles or tiny twinkles. That means the cable is not working properly. I have no idea how it's possible but have seen it myself and a cable swap banished the problem.

I have seen that as well and attribute it to improperly assembled end connectors although I could be wrong about that.

**_sprkeng_** · 05-29-2009, 03:19 PM

monoprice.com.....

**hdtvjunkie** · 05-29-2009, 03:26 PM

One word

www.monoprice.com

**ChadMak09** · 05-29-2009, 09:33 PM

Here are some good articles:

http://reviews.cnet.com/hdmi-cable/?tag=arw

audiophiles-cant-tell-the-difference-between-monster-cable-and-coatHangers

http://www.theps3faq.com/?q=node/10

http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/hdmi-cable-battlemodo/

http://www.funtechtalk.com/hdmi-cabl...xpensive-type/

The bottom line is that if you buy Monster HDMI cables then you have scammed and wasted your money.
But dont feel bad....I have been there. When I bought my first HDTV (SXRD), I was scammed into spending 125 dollars for a monster cable.
I still have the cable and use it.
Its right next to my 3 dollar monoprice cable and performs exactly the same.
Actually I preferr the monoprice because its more flexible. Its a 28AWG and can flex and move better than the monster cable.

For a basic High def TV (plasma,LCD, whatever), I HIGHLY recommend this cable:

High Speed HDMI 1.3a Category 2 Certified 28AWG - 4ft w/Ferrite Cores (Gold Plated Connectors) for $3.20
or
High Speed HDMI 1.3a Category 2 Certified 28AWG - 6ft w/Ferrite Cores (Gold Plated Connectors) for $3.56

You cant beat that cable period. High quality and CHEAP!!
I use this cable for my Pioneer KURO PRO-151FD and PS3.
Its highly flexible and can get into tight spots very well.
Works perfectly and just as good as the expensive monster cable I use for my Cable box.

**hdtvjunkie** · 05-29-2009, 09:51 PM

Originally Posted by ChadMak09

Here are some good articles:

http://reviews.cnet.com/hdmi-cable/?tag=arw

audiophiles-cant-tell-the-difference-between-monster-cable-and-coatHangers

http://www.theps3faq.com/?q=node/10

http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/hdmi-cable-battlemodo/

http://www.funtechtalk.com/hdmi-cabl...xpensive-type/

The bottom line is that if you buy Monster HDMI cables then you have scammed and wasted your money.
But dont feel bad....I have been there. When I bought my first HDTV (SXRD), I was scammed into spending 125 dollars for a monster cable.
I still have the cable and use it.
Its right next to my 3 dollar monoprice cable and performs exactly the same.
Actually I preferr the monoprice because its more flexible. Its a 28AWG and can flex and move better than the monster cable.

For a basic High def TV (plasma,LCD, whatever), I HIGHLY recommend this cable:

[URL="http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10240&cs_id=1024008&p_id=4956&seq=1&format=2"]28AWG MONOPRICE 4-foot HDMI CABLE for $3.20[/URL]

You cant beat that cable period. High quality and CHEAP!!

Chad are you saying

www.monoprice.com

is the place to get cables???

**ChadMak09** · 05-29-2009, 09:53 PM

Originally Posted by hdtvjunkie

Chad are you saying

www.monoprice.com

is the place to get cables???

yep.
You guys really should have mentioned this to the OP in the first place!

**Loves2Watch** · 05-29-2009, 10:01 PM

Originally Posted by ChadMak09

yep.
You guys really should have mentioned this to the OP in the first place!

Why would we want to do that. www.monoprice.com is the only place you would ever want to get cables.

**hdtvjunkie** · 05-30-2009, 01:49 AM

Yep everyone should check out www.monoprice.com

**KuroHD** · 05-30-2009, 02:20 AM

Right on guys. Im gonna check out monoprice.com. Never heard of it before. Oh, and great artciles chad.

**hdtvjunkie** · 05-30-2009, 08:49 AM

Originally Posted by KuroHD

Right on guys. Im gonna check out monoprice.com. Never heard of it before. Oh, and great artciles chad.

www.monoprice.comis the only place to get cables from. The sell a little bit of everything as well. I've ordered several things from them and have never had a problem. They are always prompt with their deliveries and the hdmi cables I have purchased from them have been high quality. Now that you have heard of www.monoprice.compass the word along to all your family and friends!!!!!!

**goneskiian** · 05-30-2009, 08:44 PM

Here are some more articles for your reading...

http://www.bluejeanscable.com/articles/hdmi-cables.htm

http://www.audioholics.com/education...le-bench-tests

http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htf/hdmipaper.php

And the reason MONSTER should be boycotted completely...

http://www.bluejeanscable.com/legal/mcp/index.htm

I ended up getting my HDMI cables (the Belden series F2 versions) from Blue Jeans because they're a local Seattle company and I wanted to support them and Belden (an American wire producer).

Cheers!

**Loves2Watch** · 05-30-2009, 08:56 PM

Originally Posted by goneskiian

Here are some more articles for your reading...

http://www.bluejeanscable.com/articles/hdmi-cables.htm

http://www.audioholics.com/education...le-bench-tests

http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htf/hdmipaper.php

And the reason MONSTER should be boycotted completely...

http://www.bluejeanscable.com/legal/mcp/index.htm

I ended up getting my HDMI cables (the Belden series F2 versions) from Blue Jeans because they're a local Seattle company and I wanted to support them and Belden (an American wire producer).

Cheers!

But did you know that even Belden cables are assembled (connector ends attached) in China?