20 Gbps? Faster speed support for motion video? There's been lots of misinformation about the technology behind HDMI cables, but we're here to tell you today once and for all that paying more for an HDMI cable's features is an absolute sham at its definition. Aside from differentiated looks, you won't be getting much else compared to your cheapo HDMI cable sold at a fraction of the cost.
Here's the thing. There's no denying TVs are getting better by the day; it wasn't too long ago when 60 Hz seemed excellent compared to those big bulky CRTs which constantly struggled with refresh-rates. Now with we're seeing LCDs with upwards of up to 480 Hz. It's quite easy for manufacturers of premium cables to slap these labels onto HDMI cables to try and draw more cash out of your wallet.
Truth is, no matter what kind of cable you get, it's impossible to create a refresh-rate specific cable for HDTVs. MSNBC makes a great metaphor comparing the data sent to water in garden hose: "HDMI cables no more be manufactured for specific refresh-rate HDTVs than a garden hose can be manufactured specifically to water seeded lawns and sod lawns. The same water flows through either one."
However, that's not to confuse the fact that there do exists different cables. Specifically, two types exist in the HDMI world: 1) "Standard" (aka category 1 certified) and 2) "High Speed" (aka category 2 certified). The latter is guaranteed that the cable passes tests sending 1080p signals (and 3D) and will carry more than enough bandwidth than you can shake a stick at. Most cables sold today are Category 2 certified, but it's always good to double-check to make sure.
So, what'd we learn today? We learned that most HDMI cables out there sold today are already Category 2 and will carry pretty much every modern source's load needed for full enjoyment on your brand new HDTV. There's no discernible difference other than looks and you're best spending your hard-earned money elsewhere.
Heck, if you're that in love with yellow (or any color really), you can grab the same $130 cable for roughly $1.65 with a few bucks shipping from Monoprice.com. They even have fancier ones with net jackets that do nothing other than make it "feel kind nice" to the touch. You know, in case you're into that sorta thing.
[Via MSNBC]
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Excellent post. The HD cables available in retail stores are absolute ripoffs, ranging from $20 to $100+ for A SINGLE CABLE. I got a 4 foot high-speed HDMI cable from Monoprice.com, and I think I spent less than $4 (including shipping). I have had no issues with it, and the picture quality from the PS3 is great.
I "discovered" this rip off several years ago. My HDMI cables cost me about $3 online.
Yeah, and right next to those absurdly priced HDMI cables are the optical cables with a gold connector shell.
(For those of you who aren't quite with it yet, gold is good at conducting electricity, but has nothing whatsoever to do with the photons that transmit the signal in optical cables. It is a scam.)
I get mine on eBay. Less than $2 and free shipping.
I get mine on Monoprice.com... it's almost atrocious that some places sell them for $20, $50, $100 or more. It's like after seeing these prices you almost want to walk out of the store on principle.
I was in Best Buy purchasing wire/cable organizers (had to string speaker wire around the couch, and wanted to conceal it ... I digress).
In the same section is where they keep the surge protectors that also somehow act is intermediaries for your cable connection and other devices.
So I listed as the salesman tried to convince this woman that she wants to buy the $75 surge protector, because it guarantees the "cleanness" of the electricity running into the components, and your equipment will function better.
I'm all for surge protectors, but one that's "designed" to improve the physical performance of your components is a scam. I'm amazed in this day of the Internet that people don't look up products before they buy, and just blindly go into stores and pick up whatever they're told.
If you're actually looking for inexpensive HDMI cables but don't want to wait for them to be shipped, the Apple store sells them for the neighborhood of $17.
Monoprice.com is your friend, but amazon has lately started selling amazon.com branded hdmi cables that seem to be of fine quality.
Also I highly suggest the following: http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Echo-Solutions-Universal-Locking/dp/B001QV2AKK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1282589779&sr=8-1
They ensure that your HDMI cable is secured to the device. Especially useful for an AV receiver that you might have to pull in and out from time to time to make adjustments.
I recently had to replace a receiver due to the HDMi port breaking due to cable stress. Maybe this was too long, but its a helpful tip!
The one thing I will say in defense of thee higher end HDMI cables is that they seem to have a lower fail rate. However, instead of buying one expensive HDMI, I buy 3 or 4 less expensive ones for the same total price. Plus it's always nice to have extra HDMI cables for when you unexpectedly pick up the new toy.
Monoprice for the win!
In Canada, we have a huge dollar store chain called Dollar Giant. They occasionally carry 3 foot HDMI cables for a buck.