HDMI cable (Ethernet, brands, signal)

[CuCullin]

To quote the illustrious Bill Whitlock, who is ABSOLUTELY one of the brightest in the A/V field...

Originally Posted by Bill Whitlock

Exotic cables will not stop noise. Expensive cables, even if double or triple shielded, made of 100% unobtainium, and hand woven by virgins,
will have no significant effect on hum or buzz.

[rural lady]

My direct tv, DVD player and TV all use the 3 plugs set up. Direct TV installers no doubt used these cables because of the DVD player with the 3 plugs

I bought a new DVD player all region that plays only, this had a HDMI cable, I noticed the picture was better.

Do I need to replace all the cables now to HDMI's?

If that is correct, Do I need to buy a new DVD player to properly connect this player that only records Region 1 DVD's this only has the plugs

I noticed when I first put in the PAL DVD the tv screen went snowy with dots of color then adjusted itself, I haven't noticed it again since I played more of the PAL dvds, maybe the TV adjusts itself now.

Thanks in advance

[orogenicman]

Never have figured out what technical issues require an HDMI cable to cost so damned much compared to any other cable on the market. So it has to be sheer greed. You can alway buy an HDMI to DVI or VGA adapter and just use a DVI/VGA cable instead. And then run the audio separately.

[DinsdalePirahna]

12 dollars for 3 at CVS. Signal is clear and bright (And I'm a picky art director)

[rural lady]

Originally Posted by DinsdalePirahna

12 dollars for 3 at CVS. Signal is clear and bright (And I'm a picky art director)

Onward to CVS

Never have figured out what technical issues require an HDMI cable to cost so damned much compared to any other cable on the market. So it has to be sheer greed.

It's actually a pretty good scam retailers and cable makers have going. When people are already buying the HDTV and the Blu-ray player, it's not that hard to convince them to shell out another $50 or $100 for a cable that costs maybe 50 cents to make.

Print some nonsense on the package and get the sales guys to regurgitate it, and you've got a fantastic revenue stream.

[hoffdano]

I suggest you take a good look at www.monoprice.com the next time you need cables of almost any kind. Outstanding prices and high quality. Great selection of all types. I have been buying from them for years now.

[Subzro]

I agree with Hoffdano. Monoprice is the only place I'll buy cables from anymore. Don't believe the hype of overpriced cables when a $3.00 HDMI from Monoprice does the same job as the $50 big box version.
j

[ToucheGA]

I have bought cheap and expensive cable for my AV toys over the years. I am a bit of a snob when it comes to picture and audio quality. That said, I have never noticed a difference in signal quality. Virtually all of the cheap cables I bought 5-10 years ago are still in great working order. If a 10" thick HDMI cable with a gold plated, titanium-reinforced lead shield does indeed yield better signal quality on a fancy scientific instrument, I am sure the human eye and ear would be unable to tell a difference.

Check reviews for cheap products on big shopping sites, such as Amazon. If dozens of people are getting good results from a $5 HDMI cable, it's probably a safe bet.

[ToucheGA]

Originally Posted by JasonF

It's actually a pretty good scam retailers and cable makers have going. When people are already buying the HDTV and the Blu-ray player, it's not that hard to convince them to shell out another $50 or $100 for a cable that costs maybe 50 cents to make.<snip>

Good point. I think this is why it's hard to find inexpensive cables at big-box retailers (e.g. Circuit City, Best Buy, Hi Fi buys, etc.) Not to mention the fact that these "high quality" cables can be found for far less via. internet retailers.