A question on HDMI cables - is it worth paying a lot for good cables?

[admin_exported]

I am looking to buy some HDMI (1.3) cables. I was shocked at the price range in these things. Unlike analog cables - all these cables do is transmit 1s and 0s. Monster HDMI cables are incredibly expensive. As long as the cables I buy are relatively short distance (just need to connect PS3 to receiver and the receiver to TV), can you really tell the difference between monster cables and regular HDMI 1.3 cables?

 

[Gerrardasnails]

Catenaccio:I am looking to buy some HDMI (1.3) cables. I was shocked at the price range in these things. Unlike analog cables - all these cables do is transmit 1s and 0s. Monster HDMI cables are incredibly expensive. As long as the cables I buy are relatively short distance (just need to connect PS3 to receiver and the receiver to TV), can you really tell the difference between monster cables and regular HDMI 1.3 cables?

This is a controversial subject and as you have already in your mind that 1s and 0s can't be messed up. Either buy the cheapest 1.3a cable you can find or buy a decent £40 per metre cable from a shop that allows you a refund if you are not happy. Otherwise, this post will go on for 20 pages....

 

[fr0g]

Catenaccio:I am looking to buy some HDMI (1.3) cables. I was shocked at the price range in these things. Unlike analog cables - all these cables do is transmit 1s and 0s. Monster HDMI cables are incredibly expensive. As long as the cables I buy are relatively short distance (just need to connect PS3 to receiver and the receiver to TV), can you really tell the difference between monster cables and regular HDMI 1.3 cables?

I think it is most important to get a well made, quality cable. Moulded connectors IMO are best.

If an HDMI cable drops any data it is broken, and not fit for purpose (also you will see very visible problems on screen). HDMI 1.3 has very specific standards that the cable must meet.

Some people say that the better the cable, the less error checking the TV has to do... Personally I think that's a complete red-herring.

I wouldn't buy the bottom of the range £3 cables, but nor would I spend more than about £20.

If you want to try an expensive cable, make sure you can get a refund, and try it yourself, ideally in a blind-test situation.

 

[professorhat]

fr0g:If you want to try an expensive cable, make sure you can get a refund, and try it yourself, ideally in a blind-test situation.
Excellent advice!

 

[timwileman]

you see Catenaccio its beginning already 🙂