An interesting little bit techie article by Monster Cable on reasons for higher performance HDMI cables -- higher definition than HD DVD/BD is coming? Personally for my home use with less than 12 ft cable runs, I think that 2.2Gbps will be enough for me for the next five years.

http://www.digitaltvdesignline.com/howto/showArticle.jhtml;jsessionid=DS43CXD3RBGWKQSNDLPSKHSCJUNN2JV N?articleID=199900985
High definition as we know it today is advancing rapidly, but will pale in comparison with the video of tomorrow. The latest version of HDMI provides for a superhighway of data for products that will come in the near future. Soon, you will hear new buzz words like "deep color," higher refresh rates for smooth motion, and higher resolution displays, especially for larger screens. High definition, as we know it today, is delivered at a 2.2 Gbps throughput rate. Although high compared to standard DVD at .81 Gbps, it is miniscule compared to the throughput requirements that will achieve the best performance from high definition in the near future, which will require 10.2 Gbps and more. Previous generation HDMI cables developed to meet the original 2.2 Gbps standard are not certified for the new standard, and may not pass the full bandwidth required to provide the best performance from these new products

Evolving technologies in video displays (1080p, 1440p and beyond), new sources such as Blu-ray, HD DVD and Playstation 3, and content (such as the latest in HD movies in 1080p, and 10bit/12bit and greater color depth) all need more advanced cable technologies.

What a load of bullcrap. Monster will say anything to get sales. I like how they say "may not pass the full bandwidth".

Besides that, what content will be beyond 1080p for the next few years? PS3 games struggle to get to that alone, and Blu-ray movies are all 1080p.

Monster actually is not lying about it.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=861417

http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/feature/the-truth-about-monster-cable-part-2-verdict-cheap-cables-keep-upusually-268788.php

All you need is a cable that's been certified to HDMI 1.3 standards, which represent a bandwidth maximum of 10.2 Gbps.

If you have HD DVD and Blu-ray, I'm pretty sure anything they'll put out will be fine with any HDMI cable, including the $6 ones from monoprice.

I don't even have a 1080p HDTV, looks like I can skip 1080p and go straight to 1440p

There is a difference between more advanced cable products and the over priced cabling seen in the high end 2 channel and HT world. Been there and done that! No more! Monster's HDMI cable prices are crazy and give no improvement whatsoever over cable a fraction of the price.

There is a difference between more advanced cable products and the over priced cabling seen in the high end 2 channel and HT world. Been there and done that! No more! Monster's HDMI cable prices are crazy and give no improvement whatsoever over cable a fraction of the price.

Cable quality can make a difference, though I haven't personally heard/seen it with digital transmissions. I know people who swear by it with digital audio cables from exotic cable companies, but I doubt Monster stacks up against the "exotics" for quality at particular price points.

Monster's marketing has been wonderful at the B&M stores. It's convenient to simply walk into a Best Buy to pick up a cable, but far cheaper to get the "equivalent" part via the internet. I'm running a "plain-jane" (RAM Electronics) 16m (53 feet) DVI cable to a projector with seemingly no degradation with 720p/1080i source material. I'm sure Monster Cable could sell me an equivalent cable at a higher price premium. And the "exotics" get even more expensive. Is it worth it ? I'd lke to be able to 'A/B' them, but spending $1000+ on a DVI or HDMI cable isn't a priority at the moment.

There is a difference between more advanced cable products and the over priced cabling seen in the high end 2 channel and HT world. Been there and done that! No more! Monster's HDMI cable prices are crazy and give no improvement whatsoever over cable a fraction of the price.

Cable quality can make a difference, though I haven't personally heard/seen it with digital transmissions. I know people who swear by it with digital audio cables from exotic cable companies, but I doubt Monster stacks up against the "exotics" for quality at particular price points.

Monster's marketing has been wonderful at the B&M stores. It's convenient to simply walk into a Best Buy to pick up a cable, but far cheaper to get the "equivalent" part via the internet. I'm running a "plain-jane" (RAM Electronics) 16m (53 feet) DVI cable to a projector with seemingly no degradation with 720p/1080i source material. I'm sure Monster Cable could sell me an equivalent cable at a higher price premium. And the "exotics" get even more expensive. Is it worth it ? I'd lke to be able to 'A/B' them, but spending $1000+ on a DVI or HDMI cable isn't a priority at the moment.