Ask the editors

Are all HDMI cables the same?

2005/10/24 12:56:15

Question

I just purchased a Toshiba DLP HDTV. I'm looking around at the HDMI cables and I want to get the best bargain I can. Are all HDMI cables the same? For example, would I really notice the difference between a Transparent HDMI cable and a Monster cable?

-- Submitted by: James Childs, CNET reader e-mail

Hi, James. One of the joys of digital transmission is that the cables should not affect video or audio quality whatsoever. In other words, all HDMI cables should offer identical performance in almost all usage situations. The exceptions are very long runs -- say over four metres -- where high-quality cables may work better, although often you'll need some sort of "extender" for these situations anyway. Personally, I would buy the cheapest cable I could find from a local vendor with a return policy and try it out. As long as it works, it will offer identical image quality to more expensive cables.

Like this article? Click below to send it to your mobile for free!

Maj
30/01/2007 03:34 PM

In theory, what David said should be true. However Audiophiles with rather daunting reference stereo systems (and corresponding "golden ears") have for a while now been noticing audible differences in digital cabling, where (as David correctly points out), none should exist in theory. [Please note these differences are likely to be small. But the point is that they are purportedly enough to still detectable by humans, which is the thrust of the poster's question]. So the bottom line is: try different ones if you can, and trust your ears (or in this case, your eyes). 'Monster' is probably a sound starting point. If after comparing you can't tell any difference, then the choice is clear -- buy the cheapest.

Report offensive content

bluechips
06/05/2007 08:01 AM

I agree with Maj. I recently ourched a Magnavox 50" Widescreen Plasma Tv, and was unsure of what HDMI cable to buy. At first the store i bought it from suggested that any standard HDMI cable would do providing the length was relativly short, So i purchased a standard cheap cable. Once everything was plugged in, I tested out the HD. The picture looked clear and crisp. But in the back of my mind i kept thinking that, would there have been a improvement if id only purchased a higher priced HDMI Cable. So in the end i purchased a <a href="http://www.gottohav.co.uk/proddetail.asp?prod=IxosXHT658">IXOS XHT658 HDMI </a> Cable. Plugged it in and to be honest to me the picture looked chrisper and warmer then before. The quality of the cable was a lot better and for peace of mind i was happy.

Report offensive content

Frank
05/09/2007 04:42 AM

The frustrating thing is that my HD Cablevision DVR set top box (Scientific Atlanta Model 8300HD) will not allow for HDMI connections from the box to my Samsung DVD to the Plasma TV.

Report offensive content

euroboy83
15/09/2007 12:47 PM

i have a samsung m8 1080p lcd and a ps3 connected via hdmi. when watching a blu ray movie, sometimes the actors faces blur/delay like the tv is slow at keeping up with the movie. This does'nt happen while playing games or playing normal dvd's. i'v tried all tv settings and ps3 settings but nothing will improve this. could it be the cheap ps3 hdmi cable that came with the ps3? i'm thinking of upgrading to a better quality cable but will this fix the problem.

Report offensive content

mickqueensland
14/10/2007 09:03 PM

oh dear... people, people... digital is digital, you cannot hear any difference or see any difference. That is the beauty of digital. The only advantage is that the expensive cables may be plated with gold to stop them corroding. Some cables may be made in a better way or with better shielding and sheath. Dont start with the "Audiophile" with the daunting stereo BS.. puhlease!

Report offensive content

dberras
03/12/2007 09:27 PM

just got a ps3 for my son, and hdmi cabled it to the amps as the the tv is hdmi cabled to amps.no sound after so many configs, but i guess connections right otherwise ps3 wont update(first thing it did for almost an hour)i did reset the sound settings to hdmi but it ask me to turn hdmi on, and it so complicated, i put up the volume and it does work at the max volume level, but just whisper_can anyone help?

Report offensive content

turrican550
08/12/2007 07:41 PM

dberras, You need to go to the audio settings in the ps3 menu and set it to HDMI output. Hope this helps.

Report offensive content

zac
19/04/2008 06:06 PM

I just bought a hdmi cable and i can plug it in the ps2 but i cant find were to plug it in my pioneer plasma. can anyone help me?

Report offensive content

shags
11/08/2008 10:54 AM

dberras to your comment about the sound, i found with most amps still need a digital sound cable because the HDMI in the amp is only a switcher which just passes it through to the TV

Report offensive content

Eddie
16/09/2008 01:16 AM

@ bluechips I never saw your picture quality, so I can't say you were wrong in thinking the more expensive cable looked better, but I will say in study after study when people are aware of the products price, they most often pick the more expensive product as being the best. When test subjects are not aware of the price many times the expensive items are no longer picked as the "best" or most effective. I would be curious for you to set up a blind test. Have someone else swap the cables without you knowing which is which and see if you can still tell.

Report offensive content

  • Leave a comment

All fields marked with * are required

What do you think

Your e-mail will not be displayed

You must read and type the 6 chars within 0..9 and A..F

You must read and type the 6 chars.


  • Sony DAV-F500

  • HD Olympics: A look behind the scenes

  • What's hot in AV: CEDIA 2008

  • Eight tips to make your home eco-friendly

  • Intel and DreamWorks go to the movies

  • Oi!: Look professional with AKG's high-def headphones

  • Photos: T[Life] Melbourne

  • Audio Technica ATH-W1000 headphones

  • Audio Technica ATH-W5000 headphones

More articles »

Find the right home theatre

Brand

    • Multiple options can be selected

    • Audio Technica ATH-W1000 headphones

      Audio Technica ATH-W1000 headphones

      An exceptional pair of reference headphones for the price with sonic accuracy across the board and brutal detail from upper low end to the top of the high end.

    • Audio Technica ATH-W5000 headphones

      Audio Technica ATH-W5000 headphones

      From dance to metal, folk to pop, rock to Balinese gamelan, these cans shine with their relentless detail, wide soundstage and clarity. What they lack in low-end presence they make up for in brightness and high-end clarity.

    • Denon AH-D2000 headphones

      Denon AH-D2000 headphones

      Denon's AH-D2000s are truly outstanding. Masses of detail and a sonically neutral, balanced sound make these superb reference cans.

    • Sennheiser HD 600 headphones

      Sennheiser HD 600 headphones

      The Sennheiser HD 600 headphones are a good choice for home listening if you're willing to pay for high-quality sound.

    • Philips Prestigo SRU8015

      Philips Prestigo SRU8015

      The Philips Prestigo SRU8015 universal remote is a decent remote, but isn't as easy to program as it first appears to be. May suit those who want a PC-less set-up.

    More reviews »

    Membership benefits

    Contact community members

    Contact community members

    Add friends or tech gurus to you contacts and send them messages. Sign up for a free CNET.com.au membership now!