HDMI Cables

[slayer202]

I just ordered an LCD HDTV from Tiger Direct. I plan on using it for obviously HDTV, as well as playstation 3.

I believe I will need an HDMI cable going from my cable box to the tv, as well as from the PS3 to the tv, correct?

My tv only has one HDMI input so I figure I can just switch them back and forth without too much trouble.

My question is, what kind of cable do I need? I've looked on radio shack and newegg, and they have hundreds. Some even cost $100 each. What do you guys recommend?

 

[ICBM]

I recommend just getting the generic cables. That is what I am using, I got mine from newegg. Extremely affordable compared to the Monster Cable versions. The cable really won't make a difference since its an all digital signal, so Monster Cable or generic, your picture/sound quality will all be the same.

I only buy high quality expensive cable/wire for my speakers, since that is not a digital signal and better cabling can make a difference.

 

[krotchy]

http://www.monoprice.com/products/subdepartment.asp?c_id=101&cp_id=10110&style=

People seem to like their HDMI switchers which are highly rated and the best bang for the buck you can buy. Just avoid pelican brand.

I found them through an avsforum recomendation, and ordered some of their premium coaxial SPDIF, Toslink, Speaker and component cables and they are all built as well as monster cables IMO, and I paid 60 bucks for 2 component, 2 toslink, 1 spdif, 100feet of copper speaker wire shipped.

 

[slayer202]

hmm I see. What about DVI to HDMI? are these the same quality? Could I use a DVI input on my tv connected to HDMI on the ps3 or cable box and get the same quality, while using the actual HDMI to connect to the other?

hmm, hdmi switch?

 

[krotchy]

Originally posted by: slayer202
hmm I see. What about DVI to HDMI? are these the same quality? Could I use a DVI input on my tv connected to HDMI on the ps3 or cable box and get the same quality, while using the actual HDMI to connect to the other?

HDMI cable is essentially a DVI cable with audio built in too. So if your TV is being used for audio then just an HDMI-HDMI cable is needed. If your PS3 and Cable box both have HDMI out then you just need HDMI to HDMI cables, no DVI adapters.

 

[DaveSimmons]

Component from the cable box should work OK depending on the model

Keeping the PS3 as HDMI -> HDMI is best if you plan to watch much blu-ray content (Netflix rents them FYI). For games the component cables that ship with the PS3 should be fine.

Monoprice.com is a good place to buy cables.

 

[slayer202]

Originally posted by: krotchy

Originally posted by: slayer202
hmm I see. What about DVI to HDMI? are these the same quality? Could I use a DVI input on my tv connected to HDMI on the ps3 or cable box and get the same quality, while using the actual HDMI to connect to the other?

HDMI cable is essentially a DVI cable with audio built in too. So if your TV is being used for audio then just an HDMI-HDMI cable is needed. If your PS3 and Cable box both have HDMI out then you just need HDMI to HDMI cables, no DVI adapters.

right, but i only have one hdmi input on the tv. anyway around having to switch cables in and out?

edit: i guess a switch does this...

 

[DaveSimmons]

Home theater receivers starting at around the $500 range start to have HDMI switching and upconversion of analog inputs.

Or just use component inputs for the PS3, most games will only be 720p anyway.

 

[Hyperlite]

monoprice ftw!

 

[slayer202]

Originally posted by: DaveSimmons
Home theater receivers starting at around the $500 range start to have HDMI switching and upconversion of analog inputs.

Or just use component inputs for the PS3, most games will only be 720p anyway.

well assume I want HDMI quality. I guess HDMI to HDMI for both, and a switch is best? Any problems with just switching the cables in and out without a switch?

Also, there are way too many cables on that site lol. Any recommendations?

 

[Baked]

Monoprice DVI > HDMI cable. It's very very unlikely that your cable box will have HDMI out, but it'll certainly have DVI if the cable company's Comcast. You can buy a HDMI switcher box from monoprice too.

 

[slayer202]

Well I believe my cable box will have HDMI out (Have to go pick it up and exchange my old one).

I am trying to figure out what the best set up is, and what specific cables I should buy, since there are sooo many options on monoprice.

2 HDMI with a switch since I only have 1 HDMI input? any other option that is just as good?

 

[Baked]

Get the cable box first and figure out what kinda ports it has. If it has a HDMI out, awesome, just get a HDMI switch and the cheapest monoprice HDMI cable you can find. If the cable box has DVI out, you'll need a DVI > HDMI cable and some L/R RCA cables or mini to mini stereo jack cable.

 

[slayer202]

cheapest one possible? easy enough. I guess I'll buy 2 and get a switch as well

 

[Baked]

The expensive HDMI cables just have more shielding. If your boxes are just underneath or next to the TV, you don't need the super thick gauge cables.

 

[slayer202]

Originally posted by: Baked
The expensive HDMI cables just have more shielding. If your boxes are just underneath or next to the TV, you don't need the super thick gauge cables.

:thumbsup: Thank you