Are all HDMI cables basically created equal?

[donfm]

There is always a lot of controversy on the quality of expensive audio/video cables versus cheap ones and if it really makes any difference. Will all the HDMI cables out there serve the same purpose or is it necessary to buy expensive designer cables? You can get HDMI cables off Ebay that are advertised as high quality and some are even HDMI-4 spec which are supposed to be the fastest wide band rated cables to date for very cheap prices. There is a HUGE difference in the price of HDMI cables depending on where you buy them.

Will you notice any appreciable difference with cheaper HDMI cables?

 

[Anubis]

over short distances no there really is no difference
for cheap cables monoprice is prob the goto place

 

[alcoholbob]

Well there's higher quality workmanship, like a higher quality table, not that it makes a significant difference functionally...

 

[blackangst1]

Yes.

 

[Patranus]

HDMI is digital no analog.

 

[queequeg99]

It's probable that quality really comes into play over longer distances (30+ feet). But you don't need to pay massive dollars for that kind of quality. I bought a 35 foot monoprice cable that crosses over 20+ romex wires that supply power to my entire house (the HDMI cable comes within a foot or so of this bundle of power cables). I have absolutely no transmission issues. Of course, I got the most massive monoprice cable, which is about as thick as my thumb (the professional 22 gauge). But such a cable made by Monster would require a home refinancing whereas at monoprice it was less than $40.

While monoprice generally charges for shipping, the charges are reasonable and they get things out FAST (same day if you order early enough).

 

[Sephire]

0101010101010

Basically.

 

[MagickMan]

For <20' get the cheapest that will work. Monoprice FTW.

 

[gevorg]

The weakest link in cheap HDMI cables is the connector to wire soldering/termination on each end. Once you actually get a cheap cable, set it up, don't move/twist it heavily, then you're good. Since they're terminated by a machine, a small percentage might get badly terminated, but since they're digital, you should be able to see artifacts/issues easily (if any) and just replace with another cheap cable.

EDIT: If the cable actually works to spec and has no defects, it doesn't matter whether it costs $1/ft or $1000/ft.

 

[slag]

I've had a few bad monoprice cables in the 6-12 foot range. And not all hdmi cables are equal. Its also been proven that its not as simple as 0101010101.

http://www.audioholics.com/education/cables/long-hdmi-cable-bench-tests

"I decided to write this article the first time I saw another writer say "HDMI is digital - it either works or it doesn't." Then I saw that statement get repeated over and over. The problem is that HDMI isn't like a digital coax audio cable - it can degrade partially and produce sparkles and snow. "

 

[gevorg]

http://www.audioholics.com/education/cables/long-hdmi-cable-bench-tests

"I decided to write this article the first time I saw another writer say "HDMI is digital - it either works or it doesn't." Then I saw that statement get repeated over and over. The problem is that HDMI isn't like a digital coax audio cable - it can degrade partially and produce sparkles and snow. "

Audioholics maybe on to something, but its really hard to take them seriously when you see what they sell in their store:

http://store.audioholics.com/cables.html?order=price&dir=desc

 

[Exterous]

The weakest link in cheap HDMI cables is the connector to wire soldering/termination on each end. Once you actually get a cheap cable, set it up, don't move/twist it heavily, then you're good.

:thumbsup: And some of the cheaper ones don't bend very well so clearance/cable management might be an issue

 

[BurnItDwn]

As others have said ...
they will all work for the signal provided the gauge is thick enough for the distance, but otherwise connectors and cable bend-ability should be only other important factors. All the hocus pocus shit about gold leads and better quality are bullshit.

 

[donfm]

Well just as I thought there are some of you that say yes it makes a difference....and others like myself think as long as you don't buy total junk the average person probably couldn't tell the diff in performance between a $100 monster cable and a $3 Monoprice cable in real world use. The great thing about digital is there are circuits to correct and amplify a deteriorating signal unlike analog.

Thanks everyone who gave their opinion.

 

[JackBurton]

Well just as I thought there are some of you that say yes it makes a difference....and others like myself think as long as you don't buy total junk the average person probably couldn't tell the diff in performance between a $100 monster cable and a $3 Monoprice cable in real world use. The great thing about digital is there are circuits to correct and amplify a deteriorating signal unlike analog.

Thanks everyone who gave their opinion.

There is no error correction in the HDMI specification. If data fails to make it to its destination, there is no request for retransmission. If you know anything about network protocols, HDMI is more like UDP rather than TCP. The quality of cable is very important, that being said though, most cables that meet HDMI standards would be perfectly fine. I actually think Monoprice cables are the bottom of the barrel cables when it comes to decent cables. Will they get the job done? Odds are, yes. You shouldn't have any problems with them. And if you are looking for the CHEAPEST cables that work, Monoprice cables are fine. However if you want a better quality cable, that feels better and provides for greater flexibility for wire management, I'd recommend BlueJeansCable. GREAT quality cables at reasonable prices.


I just find it funny when I come into these cable discussions, people always compare Monoprice cables to Monster cables, like Monster cables are some extreme example of high priced cables. If you want to see extreme cable pricing, take a look at Audioquest and Nordost's offerings. It makes Monster cables look like Walmart specials.

 

[donfm]

There is no error correction in the HDMI specification. If data fails to make it to its destination, there is no request for retransmission. If you know anything about network protocols, HDMI is more like UDP rather than TCP. The quality of cable is very important, that being said though, most cables that meet HDMI standards would be perfectly fine. I actually think Monoprice cables are the bottom of the barrel cables when it comes to decent cables. Will they get the job done? Odds are, yes. You shouldn't have any problems with them. And if you are looking for the CHEAPEST cables that work, Monoprice cables are fine. However if you want a better quality cable, that feels better and provides for greater flexibility for wire management, I'd recommend BlueJeansCable. GREAT quality cables at reasonable prices.


I just find it funny when I come into these cable discussions, people always compare Monoprice cables to Monster cables, like Monster cables are some extreme example of high priced cables. If you want to see extreme cable pricing, take a look at Audioquest and Nordost's offerings. It makes Monster cables look like Walmart specials.

Digital by nature provides for regeneration and correction of weak or deteriorating waveforms. That is all I said. There is no protocol for handshaking in the video signal in HDMI.

Monster Cables are a very common relatively expensive well known readily available consumer cable. Nobody claimed they are an extreme example of anything. They are just a relatively expensive cable in comparison to say Monoprice.

 

[JackBurton]

Digital by nature provides for regeneration and correction of weak or deteriorating waveforms. That is all I said. There is no protocol for handshaking in the video signal in HDMI.

Hand shaking (HDCP) is a requirement in the HDMI standard, error correction is not. And if there is no error correction, you better make sure your cable will transfer your data error free. That's all I'm saying. On that same note, if a cable meets HDMI standards, it's most likely good enough.

Monster Cables are a very common relatively expensive well known readily available consumer cable. Nobody claimed they are an extreme example of anything. They are just a relatively expensive cable in comparison to say Monoprice.

LOL, please. Sure they do. Monster is the poster child for "outrageously" priced cables. IMO, they are expensive, but nothing outrageous.

 

[donfm]

Hand shaking (HDCP) is a requirement in the HDMI standard, error correction is not. And if there is no error correction, you better make sure your cable will transfer your data error free. That's all I'm saying. On that same note, if a cable meets HDMI standards, it's most likely good enough.



LOL, please. Sure they do. Monster is the poster child for "outrageously" priced cables. IMO, they are expensive, but nothing outrageous.

I did some research and you are totally wrong about the error correction in the HDMI standard. Maybe you should read the standard yourself before making false statements. HDMI uses a BCH error correction code for the packets. Check the thread below for some quotes about error correction from the official HDMI 1.3 standard.

http://arstechnica.com/civis/viewtopic.php?p=6271817

Your opinion about cables is only that and you are entitled to it. Your opinions about what people think of Monster cables really doesn't concern anyone but you and certainly not me. So LOL until you're blue in the face!! You're still wrong.

 

[JackBurton]

I did some research and you are totally wrong about the error correction in the HDMI standard. Maybe you should read the standard yourself before making false statements. HDMI uses a BCH error correction code for the packets. Check the thread below for some quotes about error correction from the official HDMI 1.3 standard.

http://arstechnica.com/civis/viewtopic.php?p=6271817

Your opinion about cables is only that and you are entitled to it. Your opinions about what people think of Monster cables really doesn't concern anyone but you and certainly not me. So LOL until you're blue in the face!! You're still wrong.

Hey, I have a suggestion for you, don't open a f*cking thread asking a question and then get pissed when you don't get the answer you expected. Go back and read THE LINK YOU POSTED instead of parroting off sh*t. The standard does not support retransmissions if the errors cannot be corrected. Now go "research" UDP vs TCP so you understand WTF I'm talking about.

You obviously don't know WTF you are talking about, hence the reason you created this thread. So please quit with the "I did research for 5 minutes and now I'm an expert" act.

 

[gevorg]

Obligatory...

 

[Crow550]

It's simple really. Try cheap then if not satisfied see if it's a bad cable and get it exchanged. Still not satisfied try expensive then.

I never had an issue with Monoprice. I've gotten Analog cables and Digital. The quality is great. Haven't noticed any noise or anything else on the S-video & Component cables. Much better than the cheap cables that retail offers.

I don't care if others choose to stick with Monster or Audio Quest.... That's there choice.

We need competition anyways. So if you feel the need that you have to pay more to get more then do so. However don't be afraid to try the cheap option if so many others rave about it either.

That's all to really say on the matter. Whatever purchase satisfies you.