Do I need a V.1.3a HDMI cable for my new telly?

[admin_exported]

I've just bought a Samsung Series 6 40" and I've got a PS3 to play discs on. Am I right in thinking that the HDMI cable I buy should support the new V1.3A deep colour facility.  Sorry for what may appear a lack of knowledge but I'm pretty ignorant as to this tech specification apart from that it improves the colour on screen even more.

Any advice appreciated

 

 

 

 

[aliEnRIK]

It doesnt HAVE to be 1.3a

I'll quote a reference for you ~
"Q. What is the difference between HDMI 1.3 and HDMI 1.3a, or 1.3b?
For
consumers, there is no difference between HDMI version 1.3 and 1.3a or
1.3b. These minor revisions to the specification typically relate to
manufacturing or testing issues and do not impact features or
functionality. In addition, HDMI Licensing, LLC is actively working
with manufacturers to reduce confusion for consumers by de-emphasizing
version numbers and focusing instead on product features and
functionality."

I highly recommend the Chord Silver, but if you want cheaper then the qed or cheaper still the Molex.

 

[Anonymous]

On Play.com the QED cables are all version 1.0. ÿIs this something to avoid then?

 

[aliEnRIK]

Assuming that yout tv supports full 1.3 ~ then yes, you should avoid

HOWEVER ~

I think its wrong! As far as Im aware ALL QED Qunex are 1.3 compliant!

 

[Anonymous]

How do i check if TV supports the 1.3 version, i thought the fact that TV supports HDMI will be good enough. I can't find version of HDMI on my telly, how can i find out? I have a Panasonic Viera Model TH-50PV70M.

 

[aliEnRIK]

The VAST majority of tvs dont actually use the full compliance! Im a tad busy at the mo but my recommendation is just google the terms and see if you can find out for sure.

Dont worry about it though, a good tv is a good tv. Just make sure theyre calibrated and with decent cables (And a conditioner if the mains supplies not too hot)

Further to that. You may as well buy a 1.3 cable anyways as it allows more bandwidth down (So if you replaced your tv it will still be fine to use (Until they move the goalposts AGAIN!!)

 

[Anonymous]

Couldn't find any info on panasonic site or TV manual. The cable i'm using is a version 1.3. QED HDMI SR but doesn't say 1.3a. My picture seems fine.

 

[professorhat]

I don't think there's anything in 1.3 or 1.3a - see my source here. Of course it's only theory on my part so may be wrong, I don't know.

 

[Anonymous]

hi professorhat, thanks for the info. makes more sense now.

 

[Anonymous]

I'm pretty ignorant when it comes to knowledge of these things too, but...

Whilst I can understand that higher quality cables would make a difference to analogue signal, when the data relates to HDMI which is essentially digital transmission, how can one cable transmit a series of 1's and 0's better than the next?

And surely when we talk about bandwidth, that just relates to the speed with which data is transmitted, which in, for example, modem speeds, results in web pages displaying slowly, but in terms of high def multimedia, surely you can't have a 'slow' picture?

 

[professorhat]

Have a search on the forums for HDMI cables and you'll find literally hundreds of posts on the whys and why nots of upgrading your HDMI cable.

 

[clearer_audio]

Hello,

I understand that there can be a lot of confusion with regards to HDMI versions. As long as the HDMI cable is certified to version 1.3 then Deep Colour will be supported. HDMI version 1.3a is the latest specification but does not further improve picture/audio performance beyond that of 1.3. Versions 1.3b/1.3b1 are new compliance testing revisions which only really affects us manufacturers.

Since both your Samsung display and PS3 are compatible to HDMI 1.3 then it would be worthwhile having a HDMI cable that is certified to 1.3 (as above, it does not need to be 1.3a or 1.3b); this will ensure that Deep Colour is supported along with other functionality and features which are very worthwhile.

Hope this helps.

Kind regards,

Darren

 

[deanosborn1]

damo82:

I'm pretty ignorant when it comes to knowledge of these things too, but...

Whilst I can understand that higher quality cables would make a difference to analogue signal, when the data relates to HDMI which is essentially digital transmission, how can one cable transmit a series of 1's and 0's better than the next?

And surely when we talk about bandwidth, that just relates to the speed with which data is transmitted, which in, for example, modem speeds, results in web pages displaying slowly, but in terms of high def multimedia, surely you can't have a 'slow' picture?

You'd be suprised. I work for BT maintaining transmission links using the same 2mb technology (1's and 0's) and there is such a thing as signal degradation and bit-errors. For voice telephony speech this will cause jitter/noise and one-way transmission etc...an assortment of problems. We find that signalling links (C7 messages) will often cause these problems too Obviously these links are much longer (miles) than your 1 meter HDMI cable and this forum is concerned with video data and not speech etc... but in theory it does mean that even digital signals are not always perfect. A shielded premium quality cable would be better than a out of the box freebie cheapo cable as probably built more sturdily and with better quality materials.

Dean