I am hoping I don't get flamed here[*-)] Like WhatHifi reviewers I can see and hear differences with HDMI cables[:O]
But is every cable choice critical in a setup? After experimenting with my Panasonic Z1, I am not so sure. I started out using the HDMI freebies that Panasonic give you and they do a competent job, sometimes skin tones can be a bit yeuch but that was commented upon in some reviews of the Z1.
I bought a Sony flat HDMI lead and substituted that for the link between tuner box and display. I wasn't totally convinced by this lead to be honest, quite different in character to the free one, but perhaps a little soft, and colours muted perhaps? After a few days I became more convinced of its merits, particularly with HD material. OK nothing unusual so far. Still using the free short HDMI links to link tuner box and satellite receiver (Humax FoxSat HDR).
Today I replaced the Sony flat HDMI with Supra HF100, hmmm, having got used to the Sony lead, I could see that while natural there was a deficit in sharpness now with this quality round type lead. Panasonic's suffer from contouring issues, this was much less pronounced on the Sony lead than the Supra hmmmm
OK, I can acknowledge cable differences but that isn't what this thread is about. I next swapped the freebie HDMI connecting satellite receiver to tuner box, with the Sony Flat lead. The only perceivable difference was an increase in sharpness and NOTHING ELSE!!
This point is quite salient, the input cables of receiving equipment, such as AV amps or tuner boxes for some TVs (e.g. Pioneer plasma or Philips Essential etc) may not be as critical as the main output cable from that device. The ONLY perceived difference in picture performance was sharpness which was because a better shielded cable was used. There are many modestly priced well shielded HDMI cables that would suffice for input cable duties without breaking the bank.
What Hifi is of the opinion HDMI cables affect audio, and I have noticed that too. There must surely be cables out there that satisfy both criteria i.e well shielded and good audio at a reasonable price. A worrying thought what if the really expensive cables are REALLY, REALLY SHARP!?[:#]
That leaves us with choosing the right HDMI for output to projector or TV. With AV amp or Tuner box governing audio, only picture quality is of paramount importance. Not all HDMIs excel at audio, but that becomes of little importance here. You can splash out on a stupidly priced cable here![6] This is the only one that has critical affect on picture performance.[]
For those not using an AV amp or similar setup, i.e. just sources connected to TV, unfortunately all HDMI cables will be of importance for the picture. DAMN![]
But is every cable choice critical in a setup? After experimenting with my Panasonic Z1, I am not so sure. I started out using the HDMI freebies that Panasonic give you and they do a competent job, sometimes skin tones can be a bit yeuch but that was commented upon in some reviews of the Z1.
I bought a Sony flat HDMI lead and substituted that for the link between tuner box and display. I wasn't totally convinced by this lead to be honest, quite different in character to the free one, but perhaps a little soft, and colours muted perhaps? After a few days I became more convinced of its merits, particularly with HD material. OK nothing unusual so far. Still using the free short HDMI links to link tuner box and satellite receiver (Humax FoxSat HDR).
Today I replaced the Sony flat HDMI with Supra HF100, hmmm, having got used to the Sony lead, I could see that while natural there was a deficit in sharpness now with this quality round type lead. Panasonic's suffer from contouring issues, this was much less pronounced on the Sony lead than the Supra hmmmm
OK, I can acknowledge cable differences but that isn't what this thread is about. I next swapped the freebie HDMI connecting satellite receiver to tuner box, with the Sony Flat lead. The only perceivable difference was an increase in sharpness and NOTHING ELSE!!
This point is quite salient, the input cables of receiving equipment, such as AV amps or tuner boxes for some TVs (e.g. Pioneer plasma or Philips Essential etc) may not be as critical as the main output cable from that device. The ONLY perceived difference in picture performance was sharpness which was because a better shielded cable was used. There are many modestly priced well shielded HDMI cables that would suffice for input cable duties without breaking the bank.
What Hifi is of the opinion HDMI cables affect audio, and I have noticed that too. There must surely be cables out there that satisfy both criteria i.e well shielded and good audio at a reasonable price. A worrying thought what if the really expensive cables are REALLY, REALLY SHARP!?[:#]
That leaves us with choosing the right HDMI for output to projector or TV. With AV amp or Tuner box governing audio, only picture quality is of paramount importance. Not all HDMIs excel at audio, but that becomes of little importance here. You can splash out on a stupidly priced cable here![6] This is the only one that has critical affect on picture performance.[]
For those not using an AV amp or similar setup, i.e. just sources connected to TV, unfortunately all HDMI cables will be of importance for the picture. DAMN![]