HDMI Cables
They come in a variety of shapes, designs and sizes, including prices ranging from just a few dollars to $150.
The one illustrated to the right is "gold plated and markets at about $60. This begs the question - Do I need to pay the high price to get the best quality picture on my TV? Are there any differences in the quality and the performance at both ends of the cost spectrum?
A word to the wise
Don't be fooled by the looks, after all it is a cable and what happens to our cables, they are tucked behind the TV / DVD - hidden away!
![BlueRigger High Speed HDMI Cable with Ethernet 6.6 Feet (2m) - Supports 3D and Audio Return [Latest Version]](image-files/blue-rigger.jpg)
BluRigger High Speed HDMI Cable $5
Rugged Category 2 Certified - High-Speed | Supports 3D, Audio Return Channel | 1080p FullHD Resolution | Fully Shielded Heavy Duty Premium Grade Cable| 1 year guarantee.
![Mediabridge Ultra Series - High Speed HDMI Cable with Ethernet - (6 Feet) - Category 2 Certified - Supports 3D & Audio Return Channel [Latest HDMI Version Available]](image-files/mediabridge.jpg)
Mediabridge Ultra Series - High Speed $10
Premium grade connector shielding achieved via the use of a unique full metal jacket | Supports 3D | Ethernet Channel, Audio Return Channel, 1440p and 1080p FullHD Resolution
* Category 2 Certified - | Fully Shielded
![Mediabridge Ultra Series - High Speed HDMI Cable with Ethernet - (6 Feet) - Category 2 Certified - Supports 3D & Audio Return Channel [Latest HDMI Version Available]](image-files/cablesson.jpg)
Cablesson Kaiser Hi-Speed HDMI Cable $50
Category 2 Certified | Supports 3D & Audio Return Channel |
Gold plated Connectors | Worlds first 1.4 HDMI Cable
| Fully backward compatible
| Ethernet Function added
| Audio Return Channel
| Fully shielded | 1080p FullHD Resolution | Lifetime Warranty
So lets break it down
To be honest you can pay too little and get a poor quality cable, so we suggest that you avoid the under $5 market. Take a look at the $10 or just under range. So if you are on a budget give the $5-£10 a go.
In recent tests on the "Gadget Show" in the UK They chose a cable from both ends of the spectrum as regards the pricing. A high priced and a cheap HDMI cable was connected to two separate but identical TVs, were connected to two identical Blu-Ray players using the leads. No one was able to detect any appreciable difference in the picture quality.
However we would like to add that in laboratory tests, the test equipment does show a noticeable difference. The question is: Is it enough for the average person to detect? Obviously for the Gadget Show's test the answer was no. But there are other factors to take into consideration as well. . .
The cheaper the cable, the less insulation between the inside of it an the outside. Inside a cable is a type of foil that screen the cable from any outside interferences. Such as other electrical equipment, for instance fridges, freezers and washing machines. Depending on what you pay you get either one or more layers wrapped around the combined cables. The expensive cable have foil wrapped around the individual wires as well.
The next difference that is apparent is that the more expensive cables have gold-plated connectors on each end. Gold is a better conductor of electricity / signals. However you need to remember that it's only on the ends, copper wires join them together.
The choice is yours, but "choose wisely, don't let your head rule your heart.
