Monster HDMI worth it?

[mbecc1]

Recently someone replied to one of my posts saying that since I got an HDMI cable with my Toshiba upconverting DVD player, I should just use the generic one that came with it and return the Monster HDMI cable that I bought for 120 dollars. Does anyone else have an opinion on this? I know I should test it out to see any differences but I'd like to hear some other opinions.

Thanks

[57U]

If you do a search on this site (for Mon$ter) you'll find that most people agree that although Mon$ter make a good product, it is vastly overpriced.

This is especially true for digital connectors, where a $20 connector is every bit as good at transmitting the data as a $200 connector.

See the FAQ on "DVI connectors"

[armentage]

Use the free DVI cable that comes with most LCD computer monitors.

You can buy a high rez LCD monitor that has a higher resolution and refresh rate than an HDTV for about 75% of the price of a Monster DVI cable.

Monster = lies.

[tonelocdog]

Don't get the hdmi cable from mon$ter, not worth it. :sleeping:

[Ratman]

Use the free DVI cable that comes with most LCD computer monitors.

Even though he's asking about HDMI...

I assume you're referring to the HDMI cable that's supplied with the Toshiba SD5970.

I installed one over the weekend. Works just dandy.

[armentage]

Even though he's asking about HDMI...


Ah yes...

In my mind, HDMI is dumb and useless (since I can't imagine anyone actually using the speakers in their TV), so I only think about actual DVI.

Just so I'm sure I'm not a total idiot, HDMI = DVI + coax digital audio connection?

[Ratman]

DVI is digital video only.
HDMI is digital video and audio (all "copper", no optical)

And I do agree that HDMI directly to the TV (in most cases) is not desirable if the TV does not perform digital audio 'passthrough'.

BUT, there are some times when some may want to watch a DVD without cranking up the entire A/V system. (Saves running a set of audio cables to the TV)

Oh and also, you never know when you may upgrade your A/V receiver that supports HDMI switching (when they become more mainstream and affordable).

[Video Monster]

Let's not be so quick to write off the useful aspects of HDMI. HDMI can carry 10 or even 12 bit signals while DVI is restricted to 8 bit. HDMI will become more prevelant in the future as well. The true advantages of HDMI will be more accessible as display quality improves and brings truly superior performance down in price.

[Ratman]

Read the previous posts. No one has written off the useful aspects of HDMI. Why start an unnecessary discussion?

[beau2424]

a new sony 46 hd tv (projection) when i get my direct tv hd box. hdmi or dvi. kind of confused here on what are these cables really going to do for me or what i exactly need.

[Ratman]

If your TV has DVI or HDMI and your new D* box has DVI or HDMI, you can use either or convert DVI to HDMI and visa versa.

DVI is digital video.
HDMI is digital video and audio.

Sometimes component video (analog) works just as well.

[beau2424]

Ratman,
seems that you are very knowledgable and reliable, been reading over all these post for hours upon hours while here at work and am starting to learn a bit but still confused. is it worth in your opinion to upgrade my dvd player to multichannel inputs for 5.1 surround if i already have component inputs running from there to my t.v. and a coaxil cable from dvd to reciever. i believe that is how i have it.

lastly how do i know if i have my hd tv hooked up right to my direct tv, vcr, reciever, dvd player and cd player. no one i know knows much about it and i am trying to do it by reading, reading, asking, asking, etc.... are there people out there that can come over and check to see if i am getting the best out of my new equipment and doing it right?

[Ratman]

No... not necessary unless you have a SACD or DVD-A.

To the TV:
Direct TV box - component (or DVI/HDMI)
VCR - composite or S-Video
DVD player - same as Direct TV box

To the A/V reveiver
TV - digital audio (coax or optical)
Direct TV box - same as above
DVD - same as above.
CD - same as above (unless there are not digital audio outputs, then use Red/White)
VCR - red/white audio cable

[beau2424]

i appreciate it Mr. Ratman. sorry about capitalizing everything. standard default on my computer and have to change it.

[kevinw]

... is it worth in your opinion to upgrade my dvd player to multichannel inputs for 5.1 surround if i already have component inputs running from there to my t.v. and a coaxil cable from dvd to reciever. i believe that is how i have it.



I have 2 DVD players one for movies and the other for music. The Panasonic has Faroudja processing- some of the best for video. My Pioneer I purchased just for multi-channel audio...

[markusg]

Even though he's asking about HDMI...

I assume you're referring to the HDMI cable that's supplied with the Toshiba SD5970.

I installed one over the weekend. Works just dandy.

i got that DVD player when i got my Sharp 32" LCd. The stock cable works fine. no complaints really..

but my TV still looks best at 420p with DVDs.. i dont get too much success with the "upconverting" thing at 720p... and i lose a lot of screen size... it gets shorter, and fills less of the screen.

[lassenloop]

B/c HDMI is digital, I don't think a super high-quality cable will make a difference, b/c digital either works or doesn't. When it comes to analog cables, like RCA, Component, etc... I think it would be possible to see benefits from a high-quality cable like Monster produces, assumming everything else is high-quality in your setup.

[tonelocdog]

Recently someone replied to one of my posts saying that since I got an HDMI cable with my Toshiba upconverting DVD player, I should just use the generic one that came with it and return the Monster HDMI cable that I bought for 120 dollars. Does anyone else have an opinion on this? I know I should test it out to see any differences but I'd like to hear some other opinions.

Thanks

Either one will work, but the monster cable will definitely outlast the generic one.

[Ratman]

Why and how long before the 'generic' one degrades? :wow:

[tonelocdog]

Because I used third party cables generic, etc- eg. hdmi-dvi, and they broke. And I used monster cable's that broke as well. :headscrat

[Ratman]

:rofl2:
So what's was your point?

[tonelocdog]

My monster fiber opitc cable broke. The shape and design of the monster hdmi is way different than its fiber optic.

[lassenloop]

If it's a digital signal, how can the cable quality affect it? I'm asking here b/c I don't know. Isn't it true that digital either works or it doesn't, no real in-between?

[gparris]

I only bought Monster because I liked the products and get them when they go on sale at CC (yes they do).
Otherwise, if A/R cables at BB have HDMI for much less than Monster, I will buy them as they are a quality product, too.
Look at the Monster cable vs. the generic ones and sometimes, the connection, shielding and so forth are similar or quite different.
Spending more does not always guarantee success with cabling.

[markusg]

i used to buy only Monster. Then I found out I like the craftsmanship of Acoustic Research a lot more, at Best Buy. My Monster component video cables are so tight they almost break my hardware when trying to push them in. The A/R have always been real smooth and very nice quality. I also own 4-5 TV coax cables made by A/R. Very high quality, solid screw terminals, and at least 1/2 the price of Monster in most cases.

[lassenloop]

If you guys are worried about breaking your cables, you should look into Radio Shack's brand. They have their own brand of cables and the top line of cables are every bit as high-quality as Monster. But Radio Shack's cables have a lifetime warranty against anything and everything. If your dog chews up the cables or whatever, you're covered. The best thing is, since it's their brand and noone else sells it, you don't even need your receipt to exchange your cables.

I have a set of their components and one of their fiber optic cables and they are very nice quality.

[scpetit]

Digital is Digital ..cable only matters in your mind for HDMI

[hdtv newb]

I recently connected HR10-250 to CRT display w/HDMI and optical from stb to a.v. system. Would component be better for this setup? Probably just eyeball the two and pick which one i like best, right?

[gparris]

I recently connected HR10-250 to CRT display w/HDMI and optical from stb to a.v. system. Would component be better for this setup? Probably just eyeball the two and pick which one i like best, right?

You are right on target. I only use my HDMI cable for the DVD upconversion player and once the real HD players come out, I will be ready, too.
I connected my HDTV set to both using an A/V receiver and component switcher and the result was the standard non-HD channels come in better thru component and the HDMI for HD channels was only marginally better. :D

[alljunks]

I have a HDMI Cables purhcased from.
http://store.4linkcomm.com/hdmicables.html
Works great, and at very decent prices..