HDMI cables : really work?

My understanding is that for short lengths it makes very little difference. For longer runs, higher quality cables might offer some advantage.

Cheapo HDMI cables are a really bad idea - they cause all sorts of problems.

There's no advantage with the really expensive jobs, just get a good quality one from a reputable brand.

quote:

Originally posted by tonym:

There's no advantage with the really expensive jobs, just get a good quality one from a reputable brand.

The IXOS has a 35€ cable entry level,a 60€ and a top 110€.Do yoou think the 60€ is OPK,or should I choose the 35€ entry level?

quote:

Originally posted by munch:
Nuno,
Can you try both the 35/60? and let your eyes tell you.
Stu

OK,good idea!I think I can

quote:

Originally posted by avole:

quote:

Originally posted by tonym:
Cheapo HDMI cables are a really bad idea - they cause all sorts of problems.

There's no advantage with the really expensive jobs, just get a good quality one from a reputable brand.

What problems do they cause? My understanding is that, if they meet the HDMI standard, they're fine.

How would you actually know if a cheapie unbranded HDMI cable was made to any particular standard? Such cables are sometimes guilty of causing picture and sound dropouts. The quality of the connectors and cable is often very poor, reliability is poor.

One thing to note - the claims made for better picture quality between the various cables are rubbish - the picture, provided it's being transmitted by the cable, will look exactly the same.

Stu,

if you're referring to the DVI cables then, yes, we tested a whole load of different types, brands, prices, and found our favourite to be a relatively modest cable made by a swiss company - it was relatively cheap too! I seem to recall the name started with an "R"... Rolex? (nothing to do with watches) I've got one at home,I'll have to check the make when I get back.

Of course, the situation is quite different when it comes to analog component leads. Here, the cheap ones really are quite poor. Best by far was the Naim component lead (of course!) - I still use this in preference to a digital DVI/HDMI lead on the DVD5. It helps of course that the DVD5 has such a superb component output and the Fujitsu plasma I use has an excellent component input (on BNCs too) as well.

I use a 10m hdmi cable from my blue ray to my projector. When I upgraded to the IXOS cable I felt that picture clarity and colour depth improved when compared to the cheapo it replaced.

I use a cheep 10m HDMI cable to my projector (720p Hitachi LCD). Compared to the 7m QED cable I used before, the picture quality is very similar (never done direct comparisons) but the cable length is getting to it's maximum as if you use a passive switch you start getting red "dot pattern" interference.

Eloise

Richard - Can I ask your reasons for preferring the component connection to the DVI connection from the DVD5 ? I'd be very interested to know the merits of each...

Thanks, Steve.

Steve,

first I must qualify this as it may only be a particular synergy between the DVD5 and the Fujitsu plasma. While the 1024 x 1024 ALIS panel that Fujitsu used is pretty good but probably not as good as the equivalent Pioneer, the electronics, processing etc.. used by Fujitsu were of a very high quality with a great deal of care to detail. For example, the fact that Fujitsu bothered to use BNCs on the component input (5 no less, with separate H and V signal) tells you that the analogue input was much more than just some legacy feature.

Overall, while the DVI connection is very good indeed, and slightly sharper overall compared to the component, the latter had greater depth, smoother edges, better skin tone (a real Fujitsu strength) and an overall more film-like image. Overall, I preferred it to the DVI. Not just me either, but anyone else who did the comparison. Bear in mind though that I am using the Naim Component lead with 5 BNC - 5 BNC connection. Compared to other high quality component leads, the Naim one is something rather special.

The Fujitsu may be over 5 years old but I still have no wish to change it. I have been tempted by one of the Pioneer Kuros but the Fuji still has some strengths (and build quality is so much better than current offerings) that I would hate to lose so it stays. It's great with hi def too although limited to 1080i, which I think is perhaps not too much of a limitation really...

Many thanks Richard. Interesting to read your findings...

I'm considering picking up a DVD5 (mostly for DVD-A use I must say), if I can find a good one, and indeed do already have the Pioneer 500A...It would be interesting to test the two connection options on such a new panel...

I fully understand your description of the 'feel' you are getting on your Fujitsu through the component cables - a typical analogue vs digital debate it seems. I'd be curious to see if it holds true on the Pioneer, or if the added sharpness from the DVI is more attractive...

I'll have to see if I can swing a demo of the Naim cable come the time...

By the way if you are tempted by a Kuro, you'll have to hurry, there's not many left these days ! To be honest, I'd tend to agree that, excepting the Pioneer, there's probably not much out there to touch what you already have...Surprisingly, at the top end, I don't think the panels have advanced all that much in the last year or two...I think my next TV will be a projector !

Cheers, Steve.

Steve,

DVD-A via the DVD5 can be absolutely superb. Whenever I have been in the US I have searched out the elusive DVD-A releases and always end up buying the CD + DVD-A versions of any new releases - particularly Neil Young (good thing I'm a huge fan really..). I'm so pleased that Porcupine Tree continue to offer DVD-A versions of their releases as well.

Munch, the make of the DVI cable is Roline, not Rolex (or Molex, although I do see they make cables)!

I agree Richard !

I recently got my hands on an 'unopened' copy of Fleetwood Mac's Rumours DVD-A - I'm dying to listen to it but I'm saving it until I have the system I want...!!

quote:

Originally posted by tonym:
Cheapo HDMI cables are a really bad idea - they cause all sorts of problems.

There's no advantage with the really expensive jobs, just get a good quality one from a reputable brand.

The only problems I've experienced with HDMI cables have been with the more expensive ones. Start cheap and ask your dealer to demonstrate the advantages of more expensive is my view.

The only problems I've experienced with HDMI cables have been with a cheap one. the terminations of such cables can be extremely poor and can cause a variety of strange symptoms.

As with everything else in life, you get what you pay for!

Actually, you pay for the packaging. The vast majority are made at the same workshop.

Sorry, that's complete bollocks.

Just check out the quality of the plugs on the ends. Take them apart if you're really curious (I have, incidentally) & look at the way they're terminated inside. Buggers them of course, but you'll be doing yourself a favour with the cheapo ones..

Checkout http://ukhdmi.com/ they have great HDMI cables that are reasonably priced and they work. In addition great service, I had problems with a switch box and they did everything possible to get it fixed. Highly recommend.