Do I Need Luxury Cables?

[57U]

Interesting report from PC World...

Whether you hook up your TV via digital connections, analog connections, or both, you are unlikely to detect any difference in picture quality between a cable with a moderate price and a luxury brand. The only difference you're likely to notice is how the cable looks behind your TV.
...and the money missing from your wallet (57U)

http://www.pcworld.com/reviews/article/0,aid,121777,pg,1,00.asp

As we have indicated on this forum many times, there is no difference in ultimate picture quality between a modestly priced cable and a "luxury" cable (like Mon$ter).

I would have preferred if the PC World testing were done "double blind", but the results in this case are "the same" in that the actual performance of the cables was "the same". Yes, there were minor differences in some electronic measurements.

Interestingly, one "failing" of the $300 Mon$ter brand HDMI cable was that due to the weight of it, it fell out... Quite the opposite of the connectors on the Mon$ter Component Video cables which are almost "too snug" and have been known to damage the equipment they're connected to...

Edit: We have had similar comments from others on this forum - the heavy cables can either fall out, or damage the HDMI port on the TV due to the weight of the cable. The lighter (28 ga) cables can therefore be better for your TV, provided you don't need the 22 or 24 ga for in-wall installations or long lengths like 25'.

The cables tested cost US$18-$300.

Edit 2007.06.18: Another test result with similar results, however, at longer lengths (25'+) or for in-wall applications, it's best to get a "good" cable, just as we have repeatedly stated here.

http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/hdmi-cable-battlemodo/the-truth-about-monster-cable-part-2-268788.php Link may take some time to display, be patient.

Long Cable Test... Mon$ter not worth it again. (http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/top/the-truth-about-monster-cable-+-grand-finale-part-iii-282725.php)

Edit 2008.03.04http://www.cbc.ca/marketplace/2008/02/20/packing_the_deal/ MarketPlace Canada item

[Matt27]

Well if it's digital, then it would'nt matter because the signal is always crystal clear.

If it's analog, then yeah some good quality cables could help since analog relys on signal strength where digital does'nt.

Very interesting read there 57U:)

[vaxick]

Download this (http://revision3.com/systm/avcabling/media) video :cool: It should tell you everything you need to know about cables from a industry professional. You can read a little about the episode here (http://revision3.com/systm/avcabling/), but this is mostly just a guide on building your own AV and audio cables. The video really explains myths and facts about all the cables out there such as the overpriced Monster Cables.

This internet series, Systm was made by Kevin and Dan of The Screen Savers.

[57U]

Another example of Mon$ter deceptive practices:

http://www.audioholics.com/news/editorials/CESdeceptivedemos.php (Thanks to mjones73 for the link)

Next time you walk through BB, notice the Mon$ter Component Video cable side-by-side demo - they are comparing the signal to a COMPOSITE cable. How many people do you think notice?

[Scott916]

I work in a brick and mortar CE store (HHGregg) and we had a side by side demo of AR master series component cables and the component cables TW Cable gives out here in NC. There was a difference in quality primarily in color saturation. That said, the mid-grade Pro II AR Cables worked just as well for alot less money. There are times when the extra shielding on ultra high end cables helps...but they are cases of extreme interference or distance. My rule is you can't really go wrong with mid-grade aftermarket cables.

[Fore left!]

It just a matter of time before Monster & Bose join forces................if they haven't already.

[57U]

Another test reinforcing what we've said on this forum many times (HDMI cables).

Purchase cables from a place like Monoprice or a computer store, especially short ones (under 25'). If going long or inside a wall, then a good quality cable is recommended, but again Monoprice (or similar) carries such a cable, for a lot less than you'd pay for a Mon$ter.

http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/hdmi-cable-battlemodo/the-truth-about-monster-cable-part-2-268788.php

(link may take some time to download)

[jobob313]

You can also buy cables from Eforcity through Amazon that are very good quality. I bought a HDMI cabel for $8.92 TOTAL! Shipping and all.

I dont know if I am allowed to post links or not so please dont shoot me

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002L5R78/104-0975050-8692710

I just hate anybody spending a fortune for digital cables.

[kevinw]

jobob313,

Good alternative. Specially since monoprice always seems to be out of the more popular cables.

[tonyjk3]

So those eforcity hdmi cables are good? I bought a name brand 3 foot cable for almost $30 at Wal-Mart. I am thinking of picking up the eforcity from Amazon and taking back the name brand.

Any one else have any experience with the eforcity hdmi jobob313 linked to?