HDMI Cables - What is considered "good"? - Canadian TV, Computing and Home Theatre Forums

Positive Climb · 2011-09-07, 06:35 PM

I'm looking at buying HD cables as I now have a PS3. I saw some Philips cables at Wal Mart for $20. Also saw some $40 Monster cables. What is the main difference? Will I notice anything huge? I watched a CBC documentary a few years back and they said there is no difference.

Can somebody please explain.

Thank you

Cockroach · 2011-09-07, 06:39 PM

No difference for the most part. Just hype and marketing. Some of us are using cables that didn't even cost $5.

jayoldschool · 2011-09-07, 06:57 PM

With distances under about 25', they either work or they don't. The signal is digital. Paying more money for a "monster" just gives you something to brag to your buddies about... unless they acutally know about home theatre (then they will just feel sorry for you). I agree with croach, my cables are all under 5 bucks (except my 35' run in my theatre).

eljay · 2011-09-07, 06:59 PM

I've bought lots of "coaxial" (RCA-to-RCA) and HDMI cables from Monoprice(.com) and never had a problem with any of them. They're good quality, inexpensive and they ship fairly quickly.

jlet · 2011-09-07, 09:14 PM

Also see this Sticky: "Do I Need Luxury Cables?" http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=30452

Costa · 2011-09-07, 09:41 PM

I do not reccomend 'Monster' and any of the expensive brands. Their cables are so thick that they put strain and may damage your components. Their lifetime warranties dont cover your equipment.

I've seen HDMI cables at Dollarama, not sure how long they'd last but the too thin gauge wires may break much easier and shielding/jackets may not be enough to protect the lines from interference.

I can confirm that Monoprice carries are excellent set of cables for the price. For 25ft+, I would suggest 26 awg or better, 30 awg is fine for 6-12 ft. Ferrite cores help with interence, but arent required.

2011-09-07, 06:35 PM	#1
Positive Climb Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 55	HDMI Cables - What is considered "good"? I'm looking at buying HD cables as I now have a PS3. I saw some Philips cables at Wal Mart for $20. Also saw some $40 Monster cables. What is the main difference? Will I notice anything huge? I watched a CBC documentary a few years back and they said there is no difference. Can somebody please explain. Thank you

2011-09-07, 06:59 PM	#4
eljay Premium Supporter Join Date: May 2003 Location: Ottawa (Orleans), ON Posts: 8,345	I've bought lots of "coaxial" (RCA-to-RCA) and HDMI cables from Monoprice(.com) and never had a problem with any of them. They're good quality, inexpensive and they ship fairly quickly. __________________ MY HT SET-UP (PICS & GEAR LIST)

2011-09-07, 09:14 PM	#5
jlet Veteran Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Carleton Place, Ontario, Rogers Cable Posts: 1,733	Also see this Sticky: "Do I Need Luxury Cables?" http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=30452 __________________ SA8300HD; Panasonic TH-50PZ850; Sony STR-DA5ES; Tannoy: Arden, S8C, S8LR; SVS 16-46PC+; Oppo 971; Harmony 659/680

2011-09-07, 09:41 PM	#6
Costa Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 520	I do not reccomend 'Monster' and any of the expensive brands. Their cables are so thick that they put strain and may damage your components. Their lifetime warranties dont cover your equipment. I've seen HDMI cables at Dollarama, not sure how long they'd last but the too thin gauge wires may break much easier and shielding/jackets may not be enough to protect the lines from interference. I can confirm that Monoprice carries are excellent set of cables for the price. For 25ft+, I would suggest 26 awg or better, 30 awg is fine for 6-12 ft. Ferrite cores help with interence, but arent required. __________________ Everything

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2011-09-07, 06:39 PM	#2
Cockroach Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Vancouver Posts: 580	No difference for the most part. Just hype and marketing. Some of us are using cables that didn't even cost $5.

2011-09-07, 06:57 PM	#3
jayoldschool Veteran Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 1,747	With distances under about 25', they either work or they don't. The signal is digital. Paying more money for a "monster" just gives you something to brag to your buddies about... unless they acutally know about home theatre (then they will just feel sorry for you). I agree with croach, my cables are all under 5 bucks (except my 35' run in my theatre).