Hdmi Cables
HDMI, which stands for High Definition Multimedia Interface, is the best interface there is available to the public for transmission of video and audio from a source to a receiver.
The success of the HDMI cables consists of the encoding of audio and video into digital data via the Transition Minimized Differential Signaling protocol. This data is sent uncompressed via a cable with a very high bandwidth. This bandwidth has a limit of 10.2 gigabits per second, or its equivalent in Hertz, which is 340 MHz. The receiver then decodes the data into audio and video.
HDMI cables can be very cheap or very expensive, and it all depends on where you buy them or who do you buy them from. I have seen HDMI cables that cost up to 100 dollars, and some as cheap as 20 dollars. And I’m talking about new cables from electronic stores, not used ones from e-bay.
To be honest, I haven’t seen any difference in the quality of video or audio when I use “official” HDMI cables (for example, Sony’s official HDMI cables designed especially for the Playstation 3 video game console) or generic HDMI cables.
There may be some difference in resistance to rough use. If there is, I haven’t heard about it. I never move my HDMI cables once I install my electronic devices, so I wouldn’t know. In any case, I haven’t found a reason to cash out the $80 dollar difference. That’s money that should be better invested in another video game or in some movies.
Speaking of not moving your HDMI cables, I recommend getting an HDMI switch. I have just one plasma TV, since I don’t have the money and place to set up another one. However, I have several devices that send HDMI signals. In addition to cable and blu-ray player, I have 3 video game consoles. I hate unplugging and plugging again my HDMI cables because I want to watch the Simpsons right after playing a video game. With an HDMI switch, I can connect all my HDMI cables to it, and then just press a button to change the signal. There are models that allow you to use a remote control to change the signal.
My HDMI switch was custom made in order to get several more inputs and an extra output with an extension for my computer monitor. But I’m sure you don’t need something as extravagant. A 4x1 HDMI switch and a few extra HMDI cables should be more than enough.
I seriously believe that the HDMI technology is here to stay. With more bandwidth and better video and audio quality, HDMI will become the standard in the years to come. I suggest you jump in the bandwagon too.