You AND your uncle right? ;)

You AND your uncle right? ;)
Huh? Me and my uncle what? If you're talking about broken HDMI ports, then no, we didn't break anything. I just heard they're extremely fragile. I only used one HDMI port on my TV and that's for my upscaling DVD player. If I unplug it and plug another cable in the same port, I run a HIGH risk for breaking it.

Hey, xraffle - lemme guess - your music system's a Bose, right?

Hey, xraffle - lemme guess - your music system's a Bose, right?
Ok, from these responses I'm getting, maybe what I'm saying is not true. I will admit, I don't have any experience with HDMI "ports." If you read your TV manual, it says to be extremely careful when plugging cables in the HDMI ports as you can easily break it. Then when I googled this, I read that some people actually broke their HDMI ports accidentally. So, from reading these things, I got the impression that they break easily. If I'm wrong (and I hope I am), please let me know.

since we are talking quality of HDMI cables ...

If I have handshaking issues, is it more likely a HDMI cable quality issue or a device issue?

My Sammy LN40A500 seems to "Searching for Signal" much more than I like when I switch sources. The cable are not my Monoprice cables, just the ones that come with the Directv HD boxes.

I'd switch out and check but the Sammy is flat mounted on the wall and is a pain to get to cables. If cable shielding, etc can cause that problem, I'll go ahead and take the time to switch out cables to see if it helps.

I'm going with it being a device issue, but thought I would ask. I have a H23 HD Directv receiver and a Linksys Media Center Extender running through my HDMI ports. Both have this issue at times. I had no problem with the PS3 when it was hooked up over the holidays.

Ok, from these responses I'm getting, maybe what I'm saying is not true. I will admit, I don't have any experience with HDMI "ports."

Based on your responses, maybe it's already apparent that your experience(s) with HDMI "in general" may be very limited. :p

Suggestion...
Think twice before clicking the "submit reply" button. ;)

since we are talking quality of HDMI cables ...

If I have handshaking issues, is it more likely a HDMI cable quality issue or a device issue?

My Sammy LN40A500 seems to "Searching for Signal" much more than I like when I switch sources. The cable are not my Monoprice cables, just the ones that come with the Directv HD boxes.

I'd switch out and check but the Sammy is flat mounted on the wall and is a pain to get to cables. If cable shielding, etc can cause that problem, I'll go ahead and take the time to switch out cables to see if it helps.

I'm going with it being a device issue, but thought I would ask. I have a H23 HD Directv receiver and a Linksys Media Center Extender running through my HDMI ports. Both have this issue at times. I had no problem with the PS3 when it was hooked up over the holidays.

IMHO,
This question/problem doesn't belong in this thread.

IMHO,
This question/problem doesn't belong in this thread.

I did extensive searching on this and other forums about cable and handshaking and found nothing pertinent to a general question. Hated to start another thread as many here have obviously tried many type of cables and thought I may get a response about someone not being happy with a cable because of this issue.

I guess I'll take down the TV and experiment. I try not to start thread about "I have a problem" but I'm don't want to be a thread jumper either.

Based on your responses, maybe it's already apparent that your experience(s) with HDMI "in general" may be very limited. :p

Suggestion...
Think twice before clicking the "submit reply" button. ;)
That doesn't answer my question.

IMHO,
This question/problem doesn't belong in this thread.
IMHO, you shouldn't post here if you have nothing of value to contribute. He has a question. If you're going to be stubborn and not answer mine, at least answer his. You're not a moderator to tell him where and when he should post.

Ok, from these responses I'm getting, maybe what I'm saying is not true. I will admit, I don't have any experience with HDMI "ports." If you read your TV manual, it says to be extremely careful when plugging cables in the HDMI ports as you can easily break it. Then when I googled this, I read that some people actually broke their HDMI ports accidentally. So, from reading these things, I got the impression that they break easily. If I'm wrong (and I hope I am), please let me know.Yeah, that's somewhat true, but it doesn't make any difference what brand of cable it is.

Yeah, that's somewhat true, but it doesn't make any difference what brand of cable it is.
Thanks. Yeah, I know brand has nothing to do with it. I was just saying that was the reason I prefer Component over HDMI, but it seems like HDTVs have more HDMI ports than Component ports.

Thanks. Yeah, I know brand has nothing to do with it. I was just saying that was the reason I prefer Component over HDMI, but it seems like HDTVs have more HDMI ports than Component ports.

My HDTVs are about 3 years old and each have 1 HDMI port and 3 component ports. The newer models have 2 HDMIs.

My HDTVs are about 3 years old and each have 1 HDMI port and 3 component ports. The newer models have 2 HDMIs.
My TV has 3 HDMI and 2 Components

To all Monoprice lovers, read this: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1096714

Looks like I'm not the only one having trouble with Monoprice cables.

First of all the OP's problem in that thread hasn't yet been confirmed to be the cables. And second, Monoprice sells thousands of cables of which I am certain some have and will go bad. It is clear you dislike Monoprice but the vast numbers of satisfied people here that have used them seem to speak of their quality and value.

To all Monoprice lovers, read this: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1096714

Looks like I'm not the only one having trouble with Monoprice cables.

Have you used any Monoprice cables?

Have you used any Monoprice cables?
Yes, my uncle used one and it had problems. Occasionally, the picture would drop out for a split second. From the responses here, I came to the conclusion that the cable was probably defective, but I don't want to risk it anymore, so I try to buy name-brand cables.

75 people actually admit buying Monster cables?? :eek:

Sheesh.... Sorry about your luck.

I bought a 6' HDMI wire, braided, 1.3b and up to 1600P rated and 24AWG wire for $10. with shipping and it works perfectly thank you! And it's a wife pleasing blue color also.

Jeff

Out of 500+ responses, I guess they were the only ones to find them "on sale". ;)

75 people actually admit buying Monster cables?? :eek:

Sheesh.... Sorry about your luck.
Yeah, and I didn't even participate in the poll. :D

Yes, my uncle used one and it had problems. Occasionally, the picture would drop out for a split second. From the responses here, I came to the conclusion that the cable was probably defective, but I don't want to risk it anymore, so I try to buy name-brand cables.


I think the phrase "stop while you are behind" is apt for this situation.


Thanks to all in this thread for beating it into my head that cheap is fine, I think I'll go with the Apple store cables. The CBC link sealed it.

Ok, for those of you who still insist Monster cables are rip-offs, here is what I want you to do. Buy a 20 feet audio cable from RadioShack. Hook it up to your audio equipment. Now, don't play any sound. Just turn the volume on the audio equipment all the way up. Listen and you will hear a loud hum. Now, buy a 20 feet Monster audio cable and do the same. Listen and you will hear NO hum. Don't criticize me until you have done this test.

Ok, for those of you who still insist Monster cables are rip-offs, here is what I want you to do. Buy a 20 feet audio cable from RadioShack. Hook it up to your audio equipment. Now, don't play any sound. Just turn the volume on the audio equipment all the way up. Listen and you will hear a loud hum. Now, buy a 20 feet Monster audio cable and do the same. Listen and you will hear NO hum. Don't criticize me until you have done this test.

That would be like buying a boat from a company to prove they have good dune buggies. We were talking HDMI cables from Monster, not audio - that's a different discussion.

Well that test is going to prove that Monster cables are constructed better than these inexpensive ones. Hence the price difference.

B.S.!
There are plenty of cables that are less expensive and perform just as well as Mon$ter.

Having a well-known name and a high price does not always denote the "best quality".

Well that test is going to prove that Monster cables are constructed better than these inexpensive ones. Hence the price difference.

You are comparing analog cables though which are much more susceptible to noise so there will be a big difference. Not only that but you are comparing unshielded to shielded cables. I don't think many here would argue that a quality shielded cable is going to sound much better than a cheap unshielded cable.

Do that same comparison with Digital Coaxial audio cables, or Optical audio cables and I think you would be the one that is suprised by the lack of difference between a cheap cable and the Monster cable.

As someone who has tested HDMI cables with actual professional video measurement equipment, I can attest that the cable will make no viewable difference if it is functioning properly. In fact, even with measurement equipment, the difference is not very striking.

I tested 8 cables from various manufacturers, including:

- A "low" end "720p rated" Monster cable - $60
- A "High" end "Blu Ray rated" Monster cable - $250
- A typical Category2 22AWG cable from Monoprice - $8
- A typical Category2 24AWG cable from Monoprice - $5
- A standard 28AWG cable manufactured by Phillips, sold by Walmart - $30
- A standard 24AWG cable manufactured by RCA, sold by Walmart - $28
- An "unknown brand" cable that came with a DirecTV DVR - came with the DVR
- A 22AWG cable built by our tech department - our time + around $40 in non-bulk materials

All cables were 6 feet long, since this is about the longest the average person would use.

The results:

- The Phillips cable failed to supply a consistant picture at all, producing frequent handshaking issues. After testing, we tore into it to find several bad solder points in the connectors. However, despite this, when the signal was on, it was on.

- The cable with the highest amount of transmission noise proved to be the defect Phillips cable, adding around 8db of noise to the signal. However, this would not be anywhere in the ballpark needed to mask a digital signal. We did notice a very slight (around 6%) amount of loss in the blue region, but we assume that was related to the manufacturing defects. This would not be visible on a non-calibrated display - and would not be visible to most viewers at all. What might be noticeable would be the 8% drop in luminance.

- Our custom cable ended up scoring the highest, with less than 1db of noise introduction and less than .08% shift in video levels. However, it cost us much more in time and money than would be desirable for just about anyone to want to go that route - especially considering the following:

- Second best was the 22AWG cable from monoprice with no greater than a .12% shift in video levels and <2db introduction of noise in the cable.

- in a close third was the "Blu-Ray rated cable from Monster, with no greater than a .14% shift and <2db introduction of noise.

- tied for fourth were the "720p rated" monster cable and the 24AWG Monoprice cable, each with no greater than a .32% shift and less than 4db introduction of noise.

- The DirecTV DVR cable came next with no greater than a .52% shift and less than 5db introduction of noise (mostl likely due to the thin jacket and shielding used).

- The RCA cable came in second to last with as much as a 4% shift in levels but less than 6db introduction of noise. There was a measurable amount of white clipping.

- The defective Phillips cable, as noted, came in last. We're assuming that a non-defective cable would be no worse than the RCA since we didn't have time to run out for another and still complete the testing.

In summary:

All the cables, aside from the defective one, performed perfectly well enough to produce a visually identical display from a on all our displays (a 42" 1080p Vizio LCD, a 52" Mitsubishi Diamond Series LCD, a 65" Sharp Aquos LCD, a 52" Sony Bravia LCD and a Runco DLP projection system) from a Panasonic DMP-BD55K Blu-Ray player, though the RCA did display the clipped whites.

All the working cables were well within spec.

Ok, for those of you who still insist Monster cables are rip-offs, here is what I want you to do. Buy a 20 feet audio cable from RadioShack. Hook it up to your audio equipment. Now, don't play any sound. Just turn the volume on the audio equipment all the way up. Listen and you will hear a loud hum. Now, buy a 20 feet Monster audio cable and do the same. Listen and you will hear NO hum. Don't criticize me until you have done this test.

OK. You have proven that cables make a difference when transmitting an analog signal. Go back, and you will see that MANY of us already made this statement. It's nothing new, and it changes nothing WRT the HDMI discussion. Beyond that:

1) A 20-foot cable is longer than the vast majority of hook-ups used in a home AV systems. Try the test with a normal 1m, 1.5m or 2m cable and tell us what you observe.
2) Maxing out the gain tells you that there is noise being transmitted. However, if this noise is still 60+ dB down from the actual signal level, most people will never hear it. (To be fair, some would hera it, and the better the system and room are, the more likely you are to hear the difference.)
3) The amount of noise picked up by a high-impedance input is a function of more than just the cable. Input impedance also comes into play, as does the location and positioning of the cable. Talk to any guitar player who works with a high-gain amp, and they can show you situations where moving their cable 6-8 inches in a given direction can make a tremendous difference in noise output from the amp, and that's with the best cables you can find (Mogami or Lava, as examples).
4) Nobody ever said Monster didn't make some decent cables. What was said was that they are horrendously overpriced. They also make some junk. They are overpriced in all categories.
5) The cable is still a ripoff (to use your term) if it is priced at 3x the price I can get a cable from another source with comparable performance.

4) Nobody ever said Monster didn't make some decent cables. What was said was that they are horrendously overpriced. They also make some junk. They are overpriced in all categories.
Horrendously overpriced?? Where the heck do you shop for your cables? Places like FYE aren't the best places to shop for electronic accessories, you know. Did you ever try Best Buy or Circuit City?

Did you ever try Best Buy or Circuit City?

And... still overpriced. :rolleyes:

Did you ever try Best Buy or Circuit City?
Heck, I've even done the Walmart and Target thing...still overpriced. Best price I found on a 3' Monster HDMI cable was $26.97 for an obviously returned 24AWG cable sitting in the discount bin. With shipping, I paid 1/3 that at Monoprice. I can also get that price today, tomorrow or any day I happen to feel the need to buy one.

It's a proven fact that Best Buy and Circuit City ARE over priced on their cables. It's also a proven fact as stated above that you don't have to spend hundreds of dollars for a good cable. I have a 15ft. coax cable for my sub and no hum. Monster is overpriced. Besides doesn't Monster make cables for Radio Shack? I bought a 22awg 6' HDMI wire off the internet for $10. incl shipping. It's braided and has gold connectors, and it's awesome.

Jeff

Besides doesn't Monster make cables for Radio Shack?
No.

Radio Shack sells Monster Cable branded cables, but Monster doesn't make anything under the Radio Shack brand.

Radio Shack is actually moving away from their own branded merchandise, though. Most of their stock is branded stuff now from RCA, Belkin, etc.

Hmm. Maybe the Best Buy is my area has better prices.

I would also like to add that if you would like to get cheaper cables, you can also look at other brands like Belkin, which can be found at Best Buy for a very good price (at least in my area). They deliver pretty good quality at a lower price. The quality isn’t as good as Monster, but hey, you get what you pay for and the quality is still good.

Hmm. Maybe the Best Buy is my area has better prices.

I would also like to add that if you would like to get cheaper cables, you can also look at other brands like Belkin, which can be found at Best Buy for a very good price (at least in my area). They deliver pretty good quality at a lower price. The quality isn’t as good as Monster, but hey, you get what you pay for and the quality is still good.
Belkin is notorious for poor quality control in their cables and they aren't much of a bargain themselves. I'd actually overpay for Monster before I'd use Belkin cables.

In the case of Monster, you don't get what you pay for: i.e., a cable that is any better than what I can get through other sources, like Monoprice.

Even if I could get a Monster HDMI cable for $20 - which I've never seen - it's still twice as much as an equal quality cable from Monoprice. Why would I pay more?

Belkin is notorious for poor quality control in their cables...
So is monoprice!

And why do children think their parents are always "picking" on them? Perfect example IMO. ;)

And why do children think their parents are always "picking" on them? Perfect example IMO. ;)
Say "HDMI" to my dad and he will think you're nuts. He doesn't even know what that is. And I'm the dumb one, eh?

And... recommend anything but Mon$ter and we're nuts?
Kettles calling pots black, again. :)

You could always try to "talk" and explain to dad. Maybe its how you approach subjects and he just "shuts you down". You have to earn respect to gain respect. It's all in the way "you" communicate/reciprocate.

And... recommend anything but Mon$ter and we're nuts?
I'm not telling people here to ONLY buy Monster. Heck, if you find a non-Monster cable that works well, then good! What I'm saying is that I had bad experience with Monoprice, but had good experience with Monster. I've never Belkin, Arista, or those other ones listed on the poll, so I can't say whether they're good or not. All I'm saying is that my uncle bought a monoprice HDMI cable and was experiencing dropouts. We bought Monster cables and there were no dropouts. Again, it could've been a defective cable, but that means that there was poor quality control somewhere.

Quality control is a problem with any manufacturer. That's why they have warranties and return/exchange policies. Stuff happens...

As I indicated many posts ago... you (or your uncle) should have returned/exchanged the cable from Monoprice. It was just coincidence that you got a new cable (which happened to be Mon$ter) and the problems were resolved. It wasn't Mon$ter... it was a new cable.

I could be wrong... but it sure does seem as if you are "pushing" Mon$ter cables from reading your posts/experiences/challenges. ;)

Even if I could afford Monster Cables I wouldn't buy them. The most important thing when I buy a cable is the wife acceptance factor! And I admit I have Monster Component cables from several years ago and an S-Video wire also, before I knew better.

Jeff

Even if I could afford Monster Cables I wouldn't buy them.
Ok, if price isn't the problem, then what is?

Monoprice
I have been using a 75ft Monoprice cable for several years with no problems. If Monoprice says one of their cables works to some distance, then it will work to that distance and probably beyound. Every Monoprice cable gives the maximum distance it can be used. They are telling the truth. Just accept their advice when buying and quit asking questions about which cable to use.

I've had good luck with these:

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41is%2B997KUL._SL500_AA280_.jpg
6' for $4.80 shipped (http://www.amazon.com/HDMI-Cable-2M-6-Feet/dp/B0002L5R78/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1232175746&sr=8-1)

They might not work for every device, but they've worked on all the devices I've tried (5 in all).

Even if I could afford Monster Cables I wouldn't buy them....
Ok, if price isn't the problem, then what is?How about the strong-arm tactics that Monster Cable applies to just about ANY company using the word Monster in its name. See: Monster Cable actions: Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (http://ttabvue.uspto.gov/ttabvue/v?qt=adv&pno=&qs=monster+cable+products&propno=&propnameop=&propname=&pop=&pn=&pop2=&pn2=&cop=&cn=). Despicable!

So is monoprice!
Not true.

Just read the responses on this board alone. If Monoprice was "notorious" for lack of quality control, someone besides just you would be saying it.

On the other hand, I'll bet there are plenty of others who have had poor quality from Belkin cables.

For my personal experience, the only Belkin cables I haven't had trouble with are ethernet cables. However, this discussion is about what is best to use, not what is bad.

In that regard, Monoprice offers the best combination of both quality and price. Monster makes fine cables, but the price is way too much. However, if it makes you feel better to spend the money for them, feel free. Just don't claim there's enough of a difference to warrant several times the price.

Just read the responses on this board alone. If Monoprice was "notorious" for lack of quality control, someone besides just you would be saying it.

Well this board seems to be very biased.

Well this board seems to be very biased.

Nope. The board and it's contributing members aren't biased. They are, however, quite experienced and well educated about the technology in use. When asked what is the best VALUE in HDMI cables (the OP, in case anyone has forgotten), they will correctly state that the lowest-price cable that meets the specs will be the best value. This is a representation of knowledge and experience, not bias.

Regarding bias and speaking for myself, I have posted primarily about BlueJeansCable - they're the ones I have the most relevant experience with in video interconnects. I have also used Monster (with poor results relative to price), along with a variety of other interconnects. For speaker wire, my favorite manufacturer is Carol - I've put a ton of their CL-3 rated jacketed cable in my walls.

I think that you really need to try to grasp the fact that your anecdotal arguments against this group of individuals could well be compared to a witch doctor arguing with a group of research astronomers about what caused a total solar eclipse. I'm sure you hold the belief based on your personal experience, but that doesn't make it valid - merely amusing.

The board isn't biased, the planet is - and for good reason; monoprice is an excellent source for cables. Their cables are recommended all over the place, even in product reviews on Amazon.

Check out monoprice's ratings on resellerratings.com. I think you'll see that the bias is widespread.

Fine, I'll place an order for an HDMI cable at Monoprice. Happy now?

Yes... let us know how it works out.

Happy now? I could care lees if you but anything from monoprice.com. Whether you buy anything from them matters none. If you like Monster cables, fine. Buy them. I, and most others here, will save our money and buy from Blue Jeans, Monoprice, etc. and get quality cables at far less cost than buying Monster cable. We are happy, you are happy, who cares. Spend more on Monster if you want. If you get a good signal and are happy then great. That is all that matters. Enjoy your monster cables and we'll enjoy our lower cost quality cables as well. We'll both be happy. What else matters?

Happy now? I could care lees if you but anything from monoprice.com. Whether you buy anything from them matters none. If you like Monster cables, fine. Buy them. I, and most others here, will save our money and buy from Blue Jeans, Monoprice, etc. and get quality cables at far less cost than buying Monster cable. We are happy, you are happy, who cares. Spend more on Monster if you want. If you get a good signal and are happy then great. That is all that matters. Enjoy your monster cables and we'll enjoy our lower cost quality cables as well. We'll both be happy. What else matters?
If we're all happy, then why are we all having this argument in the first place?

If we're all happy, then why are we all having this argument in the first place?
Because this was the OP:

How does one determine the best quality cable to get the best reception for the $? Are there consumer review sites that compare actual hdmi cables? Do you just buy the cheapest and if you're happy, then you're happy; or buy the most expensive and return it if it's no better than the cheapest?? What do most people do?? What brand hdmi 3 foot cable have most people been satisfied with??
Thanks.

According to this thread, the majority are satisfied with Monoprice cables. For them, they provide the best reception for the $. As a result, it makes sense for someone new at the game to try them first. Chances are, they'll be happy with the cable while paying less for it.

On the other hand, you continue to cite dubious sources (the employees of Best Buy and your Dad, for instance) for why someone should pay more for Monster. Several people have shown you have no real data to back it up.

Show us an independent test that proves Monster cables are better for the average consumer's equipment, and we'll take you seriously.

Well this board seems to be very biased.
Hardly - unless you believe a whole lot of media and home theater professionals feeling that the value and quality of a particular brand is high enough to overwhelmingly recommend it shows bias.

AVS is full of people who work with this stuff on the largest of scale. Many of us work for the largest media and installation companies in the world. Some of us work with the most demanding and cutting edge technology in the world. Granted, most of us tend to build our own cables for mass installs, but when we need to buy one, many of us turn to Monoprice for that purchase.

When we recommend a product, you can take it to the bank that we believe in it enough to even use it in mission critical situations.

Fine, I'll place an order for an HDMI cable at Monoprice. Happy now?
Why?

Do you need a cable? If not, spending even a small amount of money on one you don't need goes against everything we've been saying here: don't spend more than you need to.

If you need one or want a spare on hand, feel free. We're certain you'll get good results.

However, since you are undoubtedly going to compare it your Monster cable, be sure you buy one with the same specs: same length, gauge, version and rating. Otherwise, it's not a legitimate comparison.

Why?

Do you need a cable? If not, spending even a small amount of money on one you don't need goes against everything we've been saying here: don't spend more than you need to.

If you need one or want a spare on hand, feel free. We're certain you'll get good results.

However, since you are undoubtedly going to compare it your Monster cable, be sure you buy one with the same specs: same length, gauge, version and rating. Otherwise, it's not a legitimate comparison.
No, I don't need one, but hey, it's always good to have a spare on hand in case I need it in the future. Even if I do order one, I won't be able to test it as I don't need on right now.

No, I don't need one, but hey, it's always good to have a spare on hand in case I need it in the future. Even if I do order one, I won't be able to test it as I don't need on right now.
Absolutely. It also sucks to buy a component only to find it doesn't include a cable - then you either have to wait for delivery or pay full retail.

I would connect it up and QC it when you get it, though. Bad cables are rare, but you want to know if everything checks out while you can still exchange it. You don't want to find out you have a bad cable 6 months from now when you're stuck with it.

One important tip for all the users out there: avoid twisting or pulling HDMI, firewire, ethernet or other data cables too much. With all the wires and pins, it's really easy to damage them. HDMI is especially fragile (unnecessarily so, I say) and if one connection goes bad, you're gonna have trouble. If the cable is hung up, don't tug on the end of it to untangle it - get in there and deal with the tangle directly. Remove loops by working them out from one end to the other, not by pulling both ends.

Make sure you allow a bit of slack at either end so when you run or move other components, you aren't stressing the connectors. A cable that "just fits" (i.e. - gets there, but is tight as a guitar string) is too short.

Unless you are running more than 6 feet, be careful about the gauge of the cable you use if the ports on your equipment require the cable to stick out horizontally. Some of the thicker cables can be very heavy and can stress the connectors. Likewise, make sure the wall or divider behind you component isn't applying pressure to the cable, causing it to push up or down on the connector. Even if the component allows the cable to hang vertically, be sure it clicks into the port fully so it doesn't creep back out.

Also in regard to cable thickness, be careful about using heavy gauge cable in short runs that require tight routing and bending of the cable. A thinner cable will still work just fine for shorter runs, but will bend easier and put less stress on the connections.

Finally, store cables by coiling them. Never wrap them around your elbow or fold them. That's how you break wires inside data cables. Loop them like you would a life preserver line. Likewise, never buy cables from any manufacturer that insists on folding cables and strapping them up that way with zip ties or bread ties. Buy brands that sell them in a loop.

There are "HDMI Cable Test Results" available from the audioholics website, for the most part short lengths under 6ft seem to make no difference, but over that there can be issues. I need to install a 25ft cable so it seems my choices are limited, that is how I came upon their review.

At 25ft there are no choices that pass the final test but one could install a signal booster and that should fix any issues, I think.

It is possible that the longer very expensive Monster cables may be the best choice but it looks as if I might get a monoprice 22awg and then boost the signal. So I will buy a 6ft and a 20 ft, this would be significantly less expensive

As this is my first post I am not permitted to post a link until I have posted 3 times by the rules of the website so google with "audioholics HDMI Cable Test Results", if you wish to see the results

Hope this helps.

There are "HDMI Cable Test Results" available from the audioholics website, for the most part short lengths under 6ft seem to make no difference, but over that there can be issues. I need to install a 25ft cable so it seems my choices are limited, that is how I came upon their review.

At 25ft there are no choices that pass the final test but one could install a signal booster and that should fix any issues, I think.

FWIW, I have used a BlueJeansCable 22 awg at 30 feet with no problems whatsoever at any resolution up to and including 1080p/60.

Which is a better 12-18 foot HDMI cable: BlueJeansCable or Monoprice? The connection is between a receiver and television. Thanks.

There won't be any difference.

There won't be any difference.


Thank you for responding to my question.

You're welcome.

I finally ordered an HDMI cable from Monoprice and it works great. I don't notice any difference in picture quality. I don't know why my uncle had problems with his, but the one I got works fine. I actually used it replace my old Monster one because the cord is thinner. For some reason, those Monster cables are extremely thick. I guess they make them thick for a very good reason, but it's very annoying.

:rolleyes:
H-m-m... 300 posts and now you agree.
No apologies necessary. :p

:rolleyes:
H-m-m... 300 posts and now you agree.
No apologies necessary. :p
I know. I'm such an idiot. *slaps self*

I was looking at the monoprice site. How does one tell how they rate their HDMI cable as to quality? I'm trying to compare "apples to apples" to Monster and as a novice, have a hard time doing so.

I was looking at the monoprice site. How does one tell how they rate their HDMI cable as to quality? I'm trying to compare "apples to apples" to Monster and as a novice, have a hard time doing so.
Read the 300+ previous posts. ;)
Just get a monoprice cable and enjoy.

That was certainly helpful!:rolleyes:

What more do you need? Between the "poll" and the previous hundred or so positive responses for Monoprice cables, it's pretty apparent. If that doesn't suffice for your personal needs, buy both cables (one Mon$ter and one Monoprice) and compare for yourself! ;)

Perhaps I wasn't clear. I don't doubt the quality of the monoprice cable. I was trying to get an idea of what the corresponding monoprice cable was to the Monster M1000 or 1000HD or 500HD, etc.

Just as good.

I'll try once more. If I had planned to buy the Monster Cable M1000HD, what would I buy if wanted to buy a Monoprice cable of equal quality.
What about 800HD?
500HD?

I'll try once more. If I had planned to buy the Monster Cable M1000HD, what would I buy if wanted to buy a Monoprice cable of equal quality.
What about 800HD?
500HD?
You can “try” as much as you want. But if you’re not going to take the advice given to you, then buy both and learn the hard way like I did.

I'll try once more. If I had planned to buy the Monster Cable M1000HD, what would I buy if wanted to buy a Monoprice cable of equal quality.
What about 800HD?
500HD?

Buy what ever is cheaper, a cable is a cable. If you pay more than $7 or $8 for a 6' cable you are just throwing your money away.

Okay... I'll try once more. Let's use the Mon$ter Cable M1000HD (4' cable) as the benchmark.

Here's the price and specs from Mon$ter website:
http://www.monstercable.com/productdisplay.asp?pin=3847

Compared to Monoprice:
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10240&cs_id=1024004&p_id=4965&seq=1&format=2

Here's a link to the HDMI FAQ's to compare spec's/features of HDMI 1.3 and other info :
http://www.hdmi.org/learningcenter/faq.aspx

You decide... $150 or $8

I finally ordered an HDMI cable from Monoprice and it works great. I don't notice any difference in picture quality. I don't know why my uncle had problems with his, but the one I got works fine. I actually used it replace my old Monster one because the cord is thinner. For some reason, those Monster cables are extremely thick. I guess they make them thick for a very good reason, but it's very annoying.
There are a couple of reasons why one might be thicker than the other:

- One could be certified for in-wall installations, while the other is not.
- The outer jacket could be made of a thicker material. Since the jacket only holds the cable together and doesn't provide the actual shielding, it won't provide more signal protection. Some might say it might protect the cable better from damage, but if you have to force a thicker cable to bend with more force, that extra protection may lead to more chance of damage.
- The actual material of the casing may make a difference. You can make a casing thinner using plastic or kevlar as opposed to rubber.
- If a cable does not have ferrite cores on it, you'll often need thicker shielding to compensate.

Like I said, I’m sure there is a very good reason to make them thick, but it’s extremely annoying. For one thing, it’s heavy and putting pressure on my HDMI port. I’ve heard that overtime, heavy cables can damage HDMI ports since they’re extremely fragile. Also, since the cable was so thick, I couldn’t bundle the cord on the back of the center of the TV. I had to let it hang there and it didn’t look very good. Thanks to the thinner monoprice cable, there is no more pressure on my HDMI port and I can now bundle the wire on the back of the TV in order to hide it and make it look neat.

I kind of had the same issue, but with the thicker gauge monoprice cable I bought.

My TV sits on a stand, but the ports are recessed on the back of the TV, pointing down at the stand surface. There is only about 6" of space between the ports and the stand surface. I had to do a bit of jiggling (the cable, not me) to get it plugged in. Of course, now the tight space actually allows the cable to hold itself firmly into the port. There's no way that sucker is going to potentially fall out of the port.

Okay... I'll try once more. Let's use the Mon$ter Cable M1000HD (4' cable) as the benchmark.

Here's the price and specs from Mon$ter website:
http://www.monstercable.com/productdisplay.asp?pin=3847

Compared to Monoprice:
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10240&cs_id=1024004&p_id=4965&seq=1&format=2

Here's a link to the HDMI FAQ's to compare spec's/features of HDMI 1.3 and other info :
http://www.hdmi.org/learningcenter/faq.aspx

You decide... $150 or $8

Thank you Ratman. I appreciate you actually reading my post and answering the question. It's good to know that not only are there individuals on here that are tech savvy but also are able to perform basic reading comprehension. :D

... or perform searches and research for others? :)

I think what some are trying to say, is there is really no way to compare. Either a cable passes the digital signal, or it doesn't. The monoprice cables work just as well as the monster...you pick the amount you want to pay. Myself, monoprice has been GOOD to me over the years...and I've had friends I recommended them to be happy also.

Monster wants you to think their cables are better...I frankly think they are grossly overpriced.

I was looking at the monoprice site. How does one tell how they rate their HDMI cable as to quality? I'm trying to compare "apples to apples" to Monster and as a novice, have a hard time doing so.There is no comparison. Monster is so overpriced that it would be a disservice to Monoprice.

Monster is a great cable, just grossly overpriced. Buy the least expensive HDMI cable you can find for the length you need and other requirements you may have; e.g. in wall service.

There is no comparison. Monster is so overpriced that it would be a disservice to Monoprice.

Monster is a great cable, just grossly overpriced. Buy the least expensive HDMI cable you can find for the length you need and other requirements you may have; e.g. in wall service.
You forgot color, Ken. Color is very important for the WAF (Wife Acceptance Factor). When she looks at the back of the rack in the HT room and sees all those neat bundles of wires all color coded, she appreciates the artistic intent a lot more. ;)

Of course, then she expects you to organize the workshop that way, too...which you never want to do unless you want her to know how much money you've been spending on tools that only perform one function for a particular vintage vehicle...:D

I was looking at the monoprice site. How does one tell how they rate their HDMI cable as to quality? I'm trying to compare "apples to apples" to Monster and as a novice, have a hard time doing so.

Monster gives no relevant information.

Monoprice tell you the conductor gauge and insulation type, i.e., CL-3.

There is no real "apples-to-apples" comparison, as Monster doesn't market their products based on actual performance specifications or relevant physical qualities.

I'll try once more. If I had planned to buy the Monster Cable M1000HD, what would I buy if wanted to buy a Monoprice cable of equal quality.
What about 800HD?
500HD?

No comparison is possible because Monster makes up their own imaginary standards.

How about this.
A M1000HD is a HDMI v1.3 Class 2 cable. That is the ONLY thing that matters.
A 800HD is the same thing except monster puts it in a crappier box.
A 500HD is the same thing except monster puts it in the crapiest box.

So to do the same thing at Monoprice:
Buy 3 of these:
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10243&cs_id=1024004&p_id=4965&seq=1&format=2

Take a piece of tape and write 1000HD on one, 800HD on the second, 500HD on the third.

Now compare them and decide which one is the "best".

Monster is pure snake oil.

Even wonder how the telecom, computer, and network industries survived without Monster? One day we were board in the server room and we estimated what it would cost to wire our companies server room if Monster made networking connectors both copper & optical. Grand total somewhere in the $120 million range. To wire the call center would be another $200 million or so.

Nobody but consumers with too much money would fall for such a scam.

Monprice doesn't offer "levels" like Monster because there is no need.
An HDMI v1.3a Class 2 cable should handle ANY source and ANY sink. Period. If it doesn't it is defective and you should return it.

One thing I wish Monoprice would do though is offer black cables with different colored ferrite cores (or different colored connectors).

All of my wiring runs behind the shelves in front of the back wall of my cabinet. My cabinet is black so you don't really notice the black cables, but different color cables would be very noticeable. What I did was buy black cables from Monoprice and then use different colors of electrical tape to make a stripe around the cable near the connectors. That is how I color coded my setup. It worked, but I think different color connectors or ferrite cores would be an easier, cleaner way to do it.

No comparison is possible because Monster makes up their own imaginary standards.

if you are so confident with your opinion, call monster

How about this.
A M1000HD is a HDMI v1.3 Class 2 cable. That is the ONLY thing that matters.
A 800HD is the same thing except monster puts it in a crappier box.
A 500HD is the same thing except monster puts it in the crapiest box.

actually the guages of wire are different and its stated on the jacket of the cable

So to do the same thing at Monoprice:
Buy 3 of these:


Take a piece of tape and write 1000HD on one, 800HD on the second, 500HD on the third.

Now compare them and decide which one is the "best".

Monster is pure snake oil.

Even wonder how the telecom, computer, and network industries survived without Monster? One day we were board in the server room and we estimated what it would cost to wire our companies server room if Monster made networking connectors both copper & optical. Grand total somewhere in the $120 million range. To wire the call center would be another $200 million or so.

Nobody but consumers with too much money would fall for such a scam.

Monprice doesn't offer "levels" like Monster because there is no need.
An HDMI v1.3a Class 2 cable should handle ANY source and ANY sink. Period. If it doesn't it is defective and you should return it.

i agree with eliminating the levels, but what about the people here who say they see a difference with monster vs xyz brand?? are you going to attack them because their cable is not rated 1.3?? (only because thats ALL you can say without proof) there are a lot of people out there who swear by monster, i have used monster for many a year, do i think they are cable gods?....no, but they make a fantastic product that they stand behind and they dont make you ship it back to them. with my own eyes i have seen a difference with monster and to me it justifies the price and considering that they just lowered the price of there cables, it justifies it further. and when are you people going to start listing your set-ups? i would be interested in hearing about people using a five dollar cable with a runco projector.

Not another one!

with my own eyes i have seen a difference with monster and to me it justifies the price...
not another one!
lol!!

We'll leave you to handle this one, X. :cool:

We'll leave you to handle this one, X. :cool:
Leave what? I explained my story already. All that person has to do is read through the last few pages of this thread.

The "story" begins with post #158. :)

The shorter version begins with post #317.

In short, I was like you, amlop71. I thought there was a difference, but it turned out to be a defective cable my uncle bought. So, I bought one myself from monoprice and it worked fine. Case closed.

To make a point...
If amlop71 starts at #158, he/she may get better insight that assumptions based on product name may not always be correct, which was perhaps painfully ascertained 150 volleys later. ;)

.......but what about the people here who say they see a difference with monster vs xyz brand??
They are wrong. End of story.

Leave what? I explained my story already. All that person has to do is read through the last few pages of this thread.He may have done that to some extent already. I think his ego just needs to find a way to justify all that money he got ripped off for.

It's not just Monster that charges so much for HDMI, it's other companies as well, such as Belkin, Dynex, etc... All those cables you see in the store are at least $30 for 3 feet. I never understood why they ONLY sell them cheaper online. It's a pain when you buy an electronic and realize that you need an HDMI cable right away. Well you are forced to either buy the expensive cables or use the terrible composite ones that came with the unit until your HDMI cable arrives. Why can't they offer cheaper cables in the store as well?

BTW, I have a spare monoprice cable stored away in case I need one later on. I don't want to have to be forced to buy an expensive cable because I needed one asap. This time, I'm gonna be ready. :D

I never understood why they ONLY sell them cheaper online.

Because, as discussed many times, B&M retailers mark up accessories for profit. They have to pay for building space, utilities, POS equipment and numerous employees. Those costs get passed on to the consumer.

Online... no overhead. Quite simple.

Because, as discussed many times, B&M retailers mark up accessories for profit. They have to pay for building space, utilities, POS equipment and numerous employees. Those costs get passed on to the consumer.

Online... no overhead. Quite simple.

But charging over 6x the cost?!?! Some overhead! :eek:

Yes dear... that's reality. Can we go to bed now? We can talk tomorrow.

I just ordered several HDMI cables from cablestockroom.com, then I found this forum and it seems everyone here likes monoprices.com, I can see now that monoprices is cheaper but I wanted to know are the cables from cablestockroom any good. Any one with any experiences with cablestockroom cables?

Dave