HDMI Cables

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CB_24

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Topic # 100548 13-Apr-2012 09:53

So I have finally stepped into the new era of a new TV that has HDMI inputs.
Will be setting it up over the weekend and move my devices (TiVo, XBox etc) from RCA to HDMI.

I remember a while back there was talk of expensive and cheap cables actually being exactly the same.
What's the go with HDMI cables?

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Reply # 608650 13-Apr-2012 10:10

CB_24: So I have finally stepped into the new era of a new TV that has HDMI inputs.
Will be setting it up over the weekend and move my devices (TiVo, XBox etc) from RCA to HDMI.

I remember a while back there was talk of expensive and cheap cables actually being exactly the same.
What's the go with HDMI cables?

Cheap as off trademe does the job. I have bought a couple of v1,4 cables and they all good.

Its a digital signal, so the cable just has to carry 1's and 0's. And no amount of gold or shielding is going to make those 1's and 0's run any better or quicker.

semigeek

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Reply # 608653 13-Apr-2012 10:15

I use 1.4 cables from Jaycar, they are about $11 each. Work fine

cyril7

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Reply # 608654 13-Apr-2012 10:16

Hi, have purchased literaly dozens from cablesdirect they are Dynamix brand, never had an issue. I should point out that HDMI.org control the raw cable stock sources, so its rare that cables vary significantly in performance. If you buy monster you need you hear read.

http://www.cablesdirect.co.nz/catalog/entry?entry=430

Cyril

robjg63

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Reply # 608670 13-Apr-2012 10:57

Yep as the people have said above - dont get conned over expensive cables.

The cheapies have always worked fine for me..

Nothing is impossible for the man who doesn't have to do it himself - A. H. Weiler

CB_24

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Reply # 608808 13-Apr-2012 15:35

Stupid question, whats the 1.4 part mean (I know its not the length).
I've seen some that are 1.3 and 1.4 out there.

Brunzy

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Reply # 608812 13-Apr-2012 15:45

It's the version / spec

cyril7

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Reply # 608813 13-Apr-2012 15:48

But as mentioned in the other thread linked below, the cable spec has not changed since Version 1.0, unless you consider Class1 cables, none of which are on the cables direct site, infact unless its a non equalised >20m cable it is most certainly Class2.

http://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumid=34&topicid=100406

Cyril

CB_24

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Reply # 608839 13-Apr-2012 16:29

Something like this should do it?
http://www.noelleeming.co.nz/shop/accessories/cables-connectors/standard-audio-video-cables/endeavour-a15a0595-cable-hdmi-2m-m-m-1-4v-a-compatible/prod114029.html

Not finding many cheaper at regular stores that I can call into over the weekend.

semigeek

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Reply # 608841 13-Apr-2012 16:31

CB_24: Something like this should do it?
http://www.noelleeming.co.nz/shop/accessories/cables-connectors/standard-audio-video-cables/endeavour-a15a0595-cable-hdmi-2m-m-m-1-4v-a-compatible/prod114029.html

Not finding many cheaper at regular stores that I can call into over the weekend.
?

You dont have a Jaycar nearby?

Brunzy

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Reply # 608845 13-Apr-2012 16:34

cyril7: But as mentioned in the other thread linked below, the cable spec has not changed since Version 1.0, unless you consider Class1 cables, none of which are on the cables direct site, infact unless its a non equalised >20m cable it is most certainly Class2.

http://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumid=34&topicid=100406

Cyril

No argument there , I am only quoting as to how the HDMI people refer to the product

HDMI 1.4The HDMI technical Specification has been updated since its inception, and HDMI 1.4 was released in 2009. While all versions of the spec are backward-compatible, devices built to the 1.4 standard may feature extended capabilities not found in earlier devices. For instance, newer TVs and disc players might take advantage of HDMI 1.4’s support for 3D video, but would still be fully compatible with older devices in non-3D applications.
HDMI 1.4aA recent release of the HDMI Specification, Version 1.4a adds support for some additional 3D video formats (broadcast), making the interface more widely compatible with emerging 3D technologies.

CB_24

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Reply # 608847 13-Apr-2012 16:36

semigeek:
CB_24: Something like this should do it?
http://www.noelleeming.co.nz/shop/accessories/cables-connectors/standard-audio-video-cables/endeavour-a15a0595-cable-hdmi-2m-m-m-1-4v-a-compatible/prod114029.html

Not finding many cheaper at regular stores that I can call into over the weekend.
?

You dont have a Jaycar nearby?

Got a representative company of theres here , got the product code of the ones you got from there?

stevenz

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Reply # 608855 13-Apr-2012 16:49

www.notjustcables.co.nz is another good outfit to deal with, otherwise, TradeMe ftw. I like the cables with the braided outer coating on them, they seem easier to deal with and are usually about the same price.

HDMI 1.4 cables are backwardly compatible with the previous spec (everything <1.4 is identical).

I wouldn't worry about it too much, as the only difference that requires a 1.4 compliant cable is ethernet-over-HDMI support, I don't think you'd have much luck finding anything that supports that particular feature in NZ.

http://www.hdmi.org/manufacturer/hdmi_1_4/hdmi_1_4_faq.aspx#5

@KnightNZ

semigeek

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Reply # 608861 13-Apr-2012 16:57

CB_24:
semigeek:
CB_24: Something like this should do it?
http://www.noelleeming.co.nz/shop/accessories/cables-connectors/standard-audio-video-cables/endeavour-a15a0595-cable-hdmi-2m-m-m-1-4v-a-compatible/prod114029.html

Not finding many cheaper at regular stores that I can call into over the weekend.
?

You dont have a Jaycar nearby?

Got a representative company of theres here , got the product code of the ones you got from there?

Code: wv-7914

Jaxson

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Reply # 608868 13-Apr-2012 17:15

Honestly the rule of thumb should be start out cheap and spend more if you find you have an issue with it.

There are differences between some cables, if you take things like physical strength/connection quality etc into it. However, as mentioned above, once you get something that works, there's nothing more to be gained by getting a 'better quality' one. If you are plugging and unplugging your cable regularly, you'll want a strong one, but if you're setting it up and not touching it for years, a cheapie will do fine etc.

The only other thing to watch is distance, in that if you're going over 10m you might want to start to expecting to pay more to get something reliable.

I have a few at about $5 or so off trademe and they work fine...

rphenix

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Reply # 608872 13-Apr-2012 17:18

I've used ones from ebay at $1USD (free shipping amazingly!) and even those work absolutely fine.

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