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are expensive hdmi cables a scam?

C

cubby1223

Lifer
Since the Bears made the Superbowl, it was time to get an hdtv (a pact we made here some time ago). Anyways, the salesman talked me into an expensive hdmi cable. I don't know, I'm paying $3k for a tv, am I going to argue over $80-$100 for a cable? But it's a digital signal, shouldn't be affected by any interference like component cables might. But if they are going to be run at a link speed of 5-10gbps, I could definately see where a high quality cable could be necessary, even if it's digital & short distance. And then I come back to the original notion if it's worth worrying over what really amounts to nickels compared to the tv.

I'm so confused.



And a side question if anyone knows, do dvi-hdmi cables work on any video cards? I'm going to have to upgrade the htpc, s-video just isn't going to cut it anymore. But if I can get buy with buying any cheap low power, low heat card with dvi instead of an expensive space heater just for built-in hdmi, I'd like that. After seeing the reviews of hd-dvd & blu-ray playback capabilities on a pc, hdcp is of no concern.
 
Originally posted by: atybimf
yes

if you haven't opened it yet take it back and go to monoprice.com for your cable needs
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QFT, no need for a 100$ cable go return it and pick one up online. Buy a kegger for your superbowl party with the $$ you saved 🙂
 
Pretty much any high priced cable is a scam. Printer, USB, Networking, Audio, Video, ect.
 
Originally posted by: Rob9874
http://forum.ecoustics.com/bbs/messages/34579/122868.html

I have an Arcam DV79 and Pioneer plasma. Both support HDMI, which was one of the reasons i choose these particular models. I was quite amazed that the HDMI picture is no different to the component one. Having read so much in the media at the time, I was sure that HDMI picture quality would be better. It wasn't! I am now using component.
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I would get hdmi over component, but overpriced cables are still a scam.
 
Originally posted by: Rob9874
http://forum.ecoustics.com/bbs/messages/34579/122868.html

I have an Arcam DV79 and Pioneer plasma. Both support HDMI, which was one of the reasons i choose these particular models. I was quite amazed that the HDMI picture is no different to the component one. Having read so much in the media at the time, I was sure that HDMI picture quality would be better. It wasn't! I am now using component.
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
I guess it's probably going to be like how there's no visible difference between vga & dvi on an lcd panel.

I wanted to just get hdmi cables because they support 1080p, while doesn't component just give you 1080i max? Plus the cable is much smaller, always a plus. I'll be back to the store tomorrow to pick up the tv, I can return the cable then. New cable box comes Wednesday, I think the cable box will have both hdmi & component outputs, I hope, gives me a week to wait for something online.
 
Don't bother with expensive HDMI cables. Trust me, just get one from monoprice. I am using them for my PS3 and Samsung HDTV and blu-rays are oh so beautiful.

DVI-HDMI cable should work with all video cards that support DVI. HDMI is basically DVI with sound.
 
Thanks all.

So video cards with hdmi are probably scams too then. It's good that way. I can get a GeForce 6100 or 6150 board for my htpc with integrated dvi, also get to see how the PureVideo dvd player looks, hopefully it's good enough that I can replace an aging dvd player (top quality from '98 still kicking strong!). The guy at the store was laughing at me when I said it was currently connected with an s-video cable... He was a cool guy, though, just pushy on cables, which is probably where the store makes most of their money.
 
monoprice FTW. They're trying to sell you a $6 cable for $80. I have a monoprice cable and it works great.

He was a cool guy, though, just pushy on cables, which is probably where the store makes most of their money.
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True, they make almost nothing on electronics, so they make up for it with massively overpriced accessories.
 
Definitely recommend Monoprice, just got a nice quality DVI-HDMI cable for under $20 today that would cost me $50-100 at Radio Shack or Best Buy. Although the popular lengths can sell out fast, so if you can order one in stock, or order more for a discount, and have spare cables when you might need them.
 
To be fair, even monoprice cables can get expensive. Once you start demanding high gauges and long runs they get pricey.

But for most use a $6 HDMI cable is perfectly fine, paying $100 for a cable is absurd.

Viper GTS <= Posting on an HDTV using a $6 DVI to HDMI cable
 
Originally posted by: ranmaniac
Definitely recommend Monoprice, just got a nice quality DVI-HDMI cable for under $20 today that would cost me $50-100 at Radio Shack or Best Buy. Although the popular lengths can sell out fast, so if you can order one in stock, or order more for a discount, and have spare cables when you might need them.
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Sounds like what happens with me & usb cables. Every now & then I have to pick one for someone else on the spot, usually for a new printer setup, if I don't have a spare on me, I always die a little bit inside when I have to pick it up from Best Buy for ~$30.
 
Originally posted by: atybimf
Originally posted by: Rob9874
http://forum.ecoustics.com/bbs/messages/34579/122868.html

I have an Arcam DV79 and Pioneer plasma. Both support HDMI, which was one of the reasons i choose these particular models. I was quite amazed that the HDMI picture is no different to the component one. Having read so much in the media at the time, I was sure that HDMI picture quality would be better. It wasn't! I am now using component.
Click to expand...
Click to expand...

I would get hdmi over component, but overpriced cables are still a scam.
Click to expand...

Monster and Bose are two comapnies in teh AV world to avoid entirely. All that matters is hte gauge of your speaker wire for the most part.
 
I wouldn't call the cables a "scam", since they still work just fine... I'd call them more of a "bend me over and screw me in the ass rip-off" 😉

As far as component vs DVI/HDMI for PC to TV use, I've found that with my X800XT PE, the component out is harder to get a clear picture on my HDTV via the component output than DVI.
 
I think I ordered a 10 ft HDMI->DVI cable from NewEgg (before I got the chance to see monoprice post after monoprice post on ATOT) for like $7; IMO, anything more than ~$15 for a cable, if you're buying it at a B/M store, is a rip off.
 
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