HDMI cable advice

Handers · 26-12-2012, 09:08

I have a new tv on the way but need to get the HDMI cable. There is such a wide variety of prices, does buying a cheap one make any really noticeable difference to the viewing? My new tv is high definition LED if that makes a difference.

David (2) · 26-12-2012, 09:34

None. Its a digital cable, so as long as the signal gets from one end to the other, then it will work. If it doesnt make it, the screen goes black.

The only time you may want to consider paying a bit more is for better made plugs and longer cable runs (eg 5+ Meters).

Caxton · 26-12-2012, 09:45

David (2) is correct. Don't even think of paying over a fiver for an hdmi cable. If you go to buy one in a well-known electrical store they more often than not will try and sell you something in the £30-40 region with all the accompanying bull-manure. I use the one Sky provides with their Sky+ HD box and I cannot see them providing anything expensive. It works fine.

It would be the same as paying £30 or £40 for a lead to an electric kettle and being told it will boil faster with a more expensive one.

David (2) · 26-12-2012, 09:53

a couple of years ago when i bought my first HDMI cord, i did see the £30 and £40 HDMI cables for PC's, and these were only like 1.5M long. No such thing as HDMI for PC's either, they are all the same.

tasker · 26-12-2012, 12:58

Read this which includes interviews from the very people who will happily sell you a £50 HDMI lead

http://www.techradar.com/news/video/...-cable-1071343

alan1302 · 26-12-2012, 13:59

I always enjoy reading the reviews of HDMI cables in the magazines where they talk about the colours being better and all sorts of nonsense.

Handers · 26-12-2012, 14:41

Thanks for the responses and helpful article

I went to a market stall and got my cable today without fear! Now eager for the tv to arrive tomorrow!

B-29 · 26-12-2012, 15:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by Handers

Thanks for the responses and helpful article

I went to a market stall and got my cable today without fear! Now eager for the tv to arrive tomorrow!

I'm pleased you didn't fall for the hype and get the rip off cables , it really is a racket .

Glawster2002 · 27-12-2012, 10:57

The only thing I would add is to check the robustness of the connector. If you are going to be using the cable once, so once it is in place it is not removed, then the cheapest cable you can find will be more than sufficient.

however if you are going to be moving the cable between items, then it might be worth purchasing a slightly more expensive cable with a more robust connector, or two of the cheaper connectors because Murphy's Law says it might break when you need it!

Pepperoni Man · 27-12-2012, 11:01

Good enough at £3.99

http://www.amazon.co.uk/AmazonBasics...6606059&sr=8-5

Handers · 27-12-2012, 21:57

After all the fuss yesterday, when I went out on the bus to get this darned cable, it turns out I can't even hook it up to my cable box as I have an old one! Will be getting that sorted with Virgin soon, but yesterday with the wicked hangover I had, wished I would have actually looked at the cable box beforehand. Lesson learned!

mlayzell · 28-12-2012, 01:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by Handers

After all the fuss yesterday, when I went out on the bus to get this darned cable, it turns out I can't even hook it up to my cable box as I have an old one! Will be getting that sorted with Virgin soon, but yesterday with the wicked hangover I had, wished I would have actually looked at the cable box beforehand. Lesson learned!

Virgin media normally supply a HDMI cable with new STB's!

Handers · 28-12-2012, 04:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by mlayzell

Virgin media normally supply a HDMI cable with new STB's!

My box is from 2007. I am going to take it to a Virgin media store and exchange it for one more up to date. If I end up with a spare cable, that's okay by me, I'd rather have it to hand then have to run out for one when I need it!

CapricaChris · 28-12-2012, 12:04

Good thread guys. I was wondering about this too after realising I need a HDMI cable for my Xbox to my new telly. Argos trying to offload "official XBox" HDMI cables for 14.99. Not going to fall for that then!

chrisjr · 28-12-2012, 12:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by CapricaChris

Good thread guys. I was wondering about this too after realising I need a HDMI cable for my Xbox to my new telly. Argos trying to offload "official XBox" HDMI cables for 14.99. Not going to fall for that then!

I would not disgrace my equipment with a mere 15 quid cable. How can I possibly get decent pictures and sound from such a ridiculously cheap bit of wire??

I must spend at least this on a cable to get the best possible quality surely?

http://www.audiovisualonline.co.uk/p...h-ethernet-2m/

Oh and in case anyone has not twigged, anybody who really does think the above cable is better than an Argos 15 quid cable has been overdoing the Christmas Sherry this year

call100 · 28-12-2012, 12:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrisjr

I would not disgrace my equipment with a mere 15 quid cable. How can I possibly get decent pictures and sound from such a ridiculously cheap bit of wire??

I must spend at least this on a cable to get the best possible quality surely?

http://www.audiovisualonline.co.uk/p...h-ethernet-2m/

Oh and in case anyone has not twigged, anybody who really does think the above cable is better than an Argos 15 quid cable has been overdoing the Christmas Sherry this year

You must have had too many nips over Christmas to be attracted by that cheapo....This from the same site is much better!!!!!!!!!!!!!??

chrisjr · 28-12-2012, 12:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by call100

You must have had too many nips over Christmas to be attracted by that cheapo....This from the same site is much better!!!!!!!!!!!!!??

Actually mine is the dearer.

Mine is 2m at £2200, yours is 20m at £8000. So per metre mine is about 3 times as expensive as yours.

Winston_1 · 28-12-2012, 12:50

Does anyone actually buy these cables?

Handers · 28-12-2012, 13:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by Winston_1

Does anyone actually buy these cables?

There must be a market or they wouldn't be made!

chrisjr · 28-12-2012, 13:25

If you want to boggle your little grey cells at just what is available to part the terminally gullible from their hard earned then look no further than here...

http://www.russandrews.com/

He will quite happily remove 3 grand from your wallet for a mains lead!

LCDMAN · 28-12-2012, 13:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by Handers

There must be a market or they wouldn't be made!

You should see the crowds around the Monster cables stand at the CES show in Las Vegas. 10s deep, all fighting to spending ridiculous sums on smoke and mirrors, to see "deeper" blacks.

They have to re-stock the stand 3-4 times a day! You can fool some of the people.....

niall campbell · 28-12-2012, 14:58

Just get at least 2 metre in length and 1.4

http://www.amazon.co.uk/CablessonBas...6706506&sr=8-1

26-12-2012, 09:08	#1
Handers Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 2,214	HDMI cable advice I have a new tv on the way but need to get the HDMI cable. There is such a wide variety of prices, does buying a cheap one make any really noticeable difference to the viewing? My new tv is high definition LED if that makes a difference.

26-12-2012, 09:34	#2
David (2) Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: S.West England. Posts: 18,037	None. Its a digital cable, so as long as the signal gets from one end to the other, then it will work. If it doesnt make it, the screen goes black. The only time you may want to consider paying a bit more is for better made plugs and longer cable runs (eg 5+ Meters).

26-12-2012, 09:45	#3
Caxton Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2000 Posts: 24,065	David (2) is correct. Don't even think of paying over a fiver for an hdmi cable. If you go to buy one in a well-known electrical store they more often than not will try and sell you something in the £30-40 region with all the accompanying bull-manure. I use the one Sky provides with their Sky+ HD box and I cannot see them providing anything expensive. It works fine. It would be the same as paying £30 or £40 for a lead to an electric kettle and being told it will boil faster with a more expensive one.

26-12-2012, 09:53	#4
David (2) Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: S.West England. Posts: 18,037	a couple of years ago when i bought my first HDMI cord, i did see the £30 and £40 HDMI cables for PC's, and these were only like 1.5M long. No such thing as HDMI for PC's either, they are all the same.

26-12-2012, 12:58	#5
tasker Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: south yorkshire Posts: 1,263	Read this which includes interviews from the very people who will happily sell you a £50 HDMI lead http://www.techradar.com/news/video/...-cable-1071343

26-12-2012, 13:59	#6
alan1302 Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: West Yorks Posts: 6,180	I always enjoy reading the reviews of HDMI cables in the magazines where they talk about the colours being better and all sorts of nonsense.

26-12-2012, 14:41	#7
Handers Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 2,214	Thanks for the responses and helpful article I went to a market stall and got my cable today without fear! Now eager for the tv to arrive tomorrow!

26-12-2012, 15:27	#8
B-29 Inactive Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 2,229	Quote: Originally Posted by Handers Thanks for the responses and helpful article I went to a market stall and got my cable today without fear! Now eager for the tv to arrive tomorrow! I'm pleased you didn't fall for the hype and get the rip off cables , it really is a racket .

27-12-2012, 10:57	#9
Glawster2002 Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Nailsworth, Gloucestershire Posts: 10,404	The only thing I would add is to check the robustness of the connector. If you are going to be using the cable once, so once it is in place it is not removed, then the cheapest cable you can find will be more than sufficient. however if you are going to be moving the cable between items, then it might be worth purchasing a slightly more expensive cable with a more robust connector, or two of the cheaper connectors because Murphy's Law says it might break when you need it!

27-12-2012, 11:01	#10
Pepperoni Man Forum Member Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 7,242	Good enough at £3.99 http://www.amazon.co.uk/AmazonBasics...6606059&sr=8-5

27-12-2012, 21:57	#11
Handers Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 2,214	After all the fuss yesterday, when I went out on the bus to get this darned cable, it turns out I can't even hook it up to my cable box as I have an old one! Will be getting that sorted with Virgin soon, but yesterday with the wicked hangover I had, wished I would have actually looked at the cable box beforehand. Lesson learned!

28-12-2012, 01:22	#12
mlayzell Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Luton Posts: 441	Quote: Originally Posted by Handers After all the fuss yesterday, when I went out on the bus to get this darned cable, it turns out I can't even hook it up to my cable box as I have an old one! Will be getting that sorted with Virgin soon, but yesterday with the wicked hangover I had, wished I would have actually looked at the cable box beforehand. Lesson learned! Virgin media normally supply a HDMI cable with new STB's!

28-12-2012, 04:51	#13
Handers Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 2,214	Quote: Originally Posted by mlayzell Virgin media normally supply a HDMI cable with new STB's! My box is from 2007. I am going to take it to a Virgin media store and exchange it for one more up to date. If I end up with a spare cable, that's okay by me, I'd rather have it to hand then have to run out for one when I need it!

28-12-2012, 12:04	#14
CapricaChris Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Digital Spy's Server Room Posts: 1,820	Good thread guys. I was wondering about this too after realising I need a HDMI cable for my Xbox to my new telly. Argos trying to offload "official XBox" HDMI cables for 14.99. Not going to fall for that then!

28-12-2012, 12:12	#15
chrisjr Forum Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Reading Posts: 27,916	Quote: Originally Posted by CapricaChris Good thread guys. I was wondering about this too after realising I need a HDMI cable for my Xbox to my new telly. Argos trying to offload "official XBox" HDMI cables for 14.99. Not going to fall for that then! I would not disgrace my equipment with a mere 15 quid cable. How can I possibly get decent pictures and sound from such a ridiculously cheap bit of wire?? I must spend at least this on a cable to get the best possible quality surely? http://www.audiovisualonline.co.uk/p...h-ethernet-2m/ Oh and in case anyone has not twigged, anybody who really does think the above cable is better than an Argos 15 quid cable has been overdoing the Christmas Sherry this year

28-12-2012, 12:23	#16
call100 Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 6,572	Quote: Originally Posted by chrisjr I would not disgrace my equipment with a mere 15 quid cable. How can I possibly get decent pictures and sound from such a ridiculously cheap bit of wire?? I must spend at least this on a cable to get the best possible quality surely? http://www.audiovisualonline.co.uk/p...h-ethernet-2m/ Oh and in case anyone has not twigged, anybody who really does think the above cable is better than an Argos 15 quid cable has been overdoing the Christmas Sherry this year You must have had too many nips over Christmas to be attracted by that cheapo....This from the same site is much better!!!!!!!!!!!!!??

28-12-2012, 12:36	#17
chrisjr Forum Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Reading Posts: 27,916	Quote: Originally Posted by call100 You must have had too many nips over Christmas to be attracted by that cheapo....This from the same site is much better!!!!!!!!!!!!!?? Actually mine is the dearer. Mine is 2m at £2200, yours is 20m at £8000. So per metre mine is about 3 times as expensive as yours.

28-12-2012, 12:50	#18
Winston_1 Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 5,008	Does anyone actually buy these cables?

28-12-2012, 13:14	#19
Handers Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 2,214	Quote: Originally Posted by Winston_1 Does anyone actually buy these cables? There must be a market or they wouldn't be made!

28-12-2012, 13:25	#20
chrisjr Forum Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Reading Posts: 27,916	If you want to boggle your little grey cells at just what is available to part the terminally gullible from their hard earned then look no further than here... http://www.russandrews.com/ He will quite happily remove 3 grand from your wallet for a mains lead!

28-12-2012, 13:30	#21
LCDMAN Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Yorkshire, God's County Posts: 5,182	Quote: Originally Posted by Handers There must be a market or they wouldn't be made! You should see the crowds around the Monster cables stand at the CES show in Las Vegas. 10s deep, all fighting to spending ridiculous sums on smoke and mirrors, to see "deeper" blacks. They have to re-stock the stand 3-4 times a day! You can fool some of the people.....

DS Forums

HDMI cable advice

28-12-2012, 14:58	#22
niall campbell Forum Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Aberfeldy Posts: 7,035	Just get at least 2 metre in length and 1.4 http://www.amazon.co.uk/CablessonBas...6706506&sr=8-1