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Technical News & Discussion => Windows News & Discussion => Topic started by: mrapoc on Dec 08, 2008, 18:55:01

Title: Are all HDMI cables the same?
Post by: mrapoc on Dec 08, 2008, 18:55:01
I know some offer oxygen free etc. and these are quite affordable now...apart from the tack currys will try to sell you (£80 for a cable!!!)

Which do you use if any? Im looking at around the £10 range, mainly after a good build quality and 1.3 compatability
Title: Re: Are all HDMI cables the same?
Post by: kinmel on Dec 08, 2008, 19:00:23
For the lengths in common use they are indistinguishable.

Some time ago we had a topic about cables costing £100's
Title: Re: Are all HDMI cables the same?
Post by: Baz on Dec 08, 2008, 19:37:19
i remember seeing an item on the gadget show about this and it turned out that a cheap one was just as good as a top of the range one, may have even been better.Also one of my sons friends has a cheapish one for his PS3 and he says its been no bother and the quality is spot on
Title: Re: Are all HDMI cables the same?
Post by: rgt247 on Dec 08, 2008, 19:47:59
I got mine from https://ukhdmi.com/index.php

Good value no problems...
Title: Re: Are all HDMI cables the same?
Post by: Simon on Dec 08, 2008, 22:05:11
I've had no problems with these from Play.com (http://www.play.com/Electronics/Electronics/-/996/1241/-/6014127/Synn-HDMI-1-3b-Professional-Quality-Cable-1-5-Metres/Product.html?searchtype=genre).
Title: Re: Are all HDMI cables the same?
Post by: Lance on Dec 08, 2008, 22:57:48
Yesterday i ordered a cheap 2.5 meter one from 7dayshop. It doesn't say if it is 1.3 or not, but if it says anything on the packet or cable i'll let you know. They did have a belkin 0.9 meter one which certainly is 1.3 compatible.
Title: Re: Are all HDMI cables the same?
Post by: Sebby on Dec 08, 2008, 23:49:42
I wouldn't buy a 99p cable, but I also wouldn't spend silly money. I think it matters less with digital cables, but you still don't want something too cheap.
Title: Re: Are all HDMI cables the same?
Post by: Inactive on Dec 09, 2008, 00:06:26
Spending anything over a fiver on a digital cable ( HDMI ) is money down the drain IMO.

It either works, or it doesn't.

Nor does " gold plating " make any difference, unless it is fitting in to a gold plated socket, most TV's etc. are nickel plated.
Title: Re: Are all HDMI cables the same?
Post by: Sebby on Dec 09, 2008, 12:08:30
Do you apply that "spending over a fiver" rule to all purchases? ;)
Title: Re: Are all HDMI cables the same?
Post by: Simon on Dec 09, 2008, 12:10:21
:)x
Title: Re: Are all HDMI cables the same?
Post by: Rik on Dec 09, 2008, 12:13:17
Sometimes, you most definitely get what you pay for. ;D
Title: Re: Are all HDMI cables the same?
Post by: Inactive on Dec 09, 2008, 12:26:09
Quote from: Sebby on Dec 09, 2008, 12:08:30
Do you apply that "spending over a fiver" rule to all purchases? ;)

:rofl: :buttkick:

If you want to spend a fortune on some hyped up piece of gold plated cr*p, that will do nothing more than my £5 cable..feel free. ;D
Title: Re: Are all HDMI cables the same?
Post by: mrapoc on Dec 09, 2008, 18:49:04
Is there a difference between hdmi 1.3a and 1.3b?

Title: Re: Are all HDMI cables the same?
Post by: Rik on Dec 09, 2008, 18:50:21
One letter? ;D :out:
Title: Re: Are all HDMI cables the same?
Post by: Lance on Dec 09, 2008, 18:53:16
Have a look here, Sam: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-Definition_Multimedia_Interface#HDMI_1.3b

The answer is, in terms of functionality, no.
Title: Re: Are all HDMI cables the same?
Post by: Sebby on Dec 09, 2008, 19:18:20
Quote from: Inactive on Dec 09, 2008, 12:26:09
:rofl: :buttkick:

If you want to spend a fortune on some hyped up piece of gold plated cr*p, that will do nothing more than my £5 cable..feel free. ;D

In fairness, I've got to agree with you about gold plated scarts. But I think - more so with analogue cables - that there is a difference, but I don't think it's worth spending a fortune. I wouldn't buy a 99p cable, but I'd buy a £10-15 one, for example.
Title: Re: Are all HDMI cables the same?
Post by: Inactive on Dec 09, 2008, 23:25:14
Quote from: Sebby on Dec 09, 2008, 19:18:20
But I think - more so with analogue cables - that there is a difference, but I don't think it's worth spending a fortune. I wouldn't buy a 99p cable, but I'd buy a £10-15 one, for example.

Feel free, it still will not have any benefit over my £5 one from Lidl or Aldi. ;)
Title: Re: Are all HDMI cables the same?
Post by: Colin Burns on Dec 10, 2008, 07:59:57
lol im with inactive on price but id be off to asda
Title: Re: Are all HDMI cables the same?
Post by: Inactive on Dec 10, 2008, 10:17:36
Quote from: Colin Burns on Dec 10, 2008, 07:59:57
lol im with inactive on price but id be off to asda

;D My Asda is just over the road from my Lidl's, Colin.
Title: Re: Are all HDMI cables the same?
Post by: Simon on Dec 10, 2008, 16:39:20
Quality shopping in your area then, In!  ;D
Title: Re: Are all HDMI cables the same?
Post by: Inactive on Dec 10, 2008, 16:40:37
Only the best will do Simon..  :thumb: ;D
Title: Re: Are all HDMI cables the same?
Post by: Rik on Dec 10, 2008, 16:42:28
And we all need a little help... :)
Title: Re: Are all HDMI cables the same?
Post by: Inactive on Dec 10, 2008, 16:51:40
I went in to Lidl's yesterday Rik, it was heaving with customers.

Similar at Aldi's.

I bet Mr. Tesco is getting worried.
Title: Re: Are all HDMI cables the same?
Post by: Rik on Dec 10, 2008, 16:52:51
Round here, they have an aisle dedicated to products which they sell cheaper than Aldi. Of course, the implication for the rest of the store seems to have escaped them. :)
Title: Re: Are all HDMI cables the same?
Post by: Inactive on Dec 10, 2008, 16:58:03
Really, I never use Tesco, I cannot stomach the place.. I bet their quality doesn't match that of Aldi.
Title: Re: Are all HDMI cables the same?
Post by: Rik on Dec 10, 2008, 17:00:02
We rarely do now, Aldi, Lidl, Sainsbury & Waitrose. Sue likes shopping - me I'd go to just one place. :)
Title: Re: Are all HDMI cables the same?
Post by: David on Dec 10, 2008, 17:02:20
Went over to Woolies and they sadly were almost empty with very little stocks,staff looking very down and by the looks of todays news it will be closing down sale very soon
Title: Re: Are all HDMI cables the same?
Post by: Rik on Dec 10, 2008, 17:03:45
It always seems to happen before Xmas, doesn't it. :(
Title: Re: Are all HDMI cables the same?
Post by: David on Dec 10, 2008, 17:10:19
I feel for the staff,many I know,just by being a regular customer,one lady on the tills always chats about piano playing......shame I hope they at least get paid they have always given good service at my branch  :shake:
Title: Re: Are all HDMI cables the same?
Post by: Rik on Dec 10, 2008, 17:11:30
Me too, David, it's not their fault.
Title: Re: Are all HDMI cables the same?
Post by: Sebby on Dec 10, 2008, 20:12:35
Quote from: Inactive on Dec 10, 2008, 16:51:40
I bet Mr. Tesco is getting worried.

I bet he's not. ;)
Title: Re: Are all HDMI cables the same?
Post by: Lance on Dec 10, 2008, 22:55:53
I agree Sebby. I guess you read the same article in Metro this morning saying that Tesco are soon to become the second biggest retailer in the world, only behind walmart, with a annual turnover of over £111bn (i think)
Title: Re: Are all HDMI cables the same?
Post by: Sebby on Dec 10, 2008, 23:11:12
Indeed I did. I just think that, whilst some of their customers will have gone to Aldi/Lidl/Netto, the vast majority will remain Tesco shoppers. And Tesco have also probably gained new customers by way of people moving from, say, Waitrose or M&S, but not wanting move to Aldi/Lidl/Netto (I'm not say there's anything wrong with them).
Title: Re: Are all HDMI cables the same?
Post by: Inactive on Dec 10, 2008, 23:54:21
Quote from: Sebby on Dec 10, 2008, 20:12:35
I bet he's not. ;)

Tesco hate anybody encroaching on to their territory Seb, the fact that Rik has said that they have an " Aldi " aisle speaks volumes to me.

Oh and Tesco petrol is still 4p a litre more than my village garage, every little bit helps. ::)
Title: Re: Are all HDMI cables the same?
Post by: Rik on Dec 11, 2008, 08:56:20
... their profits. ;)
Title: Re: Are all HDMI cables the same?
Post by: Inactive on Dec 11, 2008, 10:02:50
Indeed, greedy sod's. ;)
Title: Re: Are all HDMI cables the same?
Post by: Rik on Dec 11, 2008, 10:05:13
They can't help it, In, it's in their nature. ;)
Title: Re: Are all HDMI cables the same?
Post by: Inactive on Dec 11, 2008, 10:08:20
I don't like Tesco much, I would have been far happier if they had gone bust instead of Woolies.

They bought out one of my local supermarkets a few years back, I can't recall the name of it now, but it was Scottish owned, the place went downhill from there on. :shake:
Title: Re: Are all HDMI cables the same?
Post by: Rik on Dec 11, 2008, 10:10:28
I take it they used to sell smoked Salmond.  ;D
Title: Re: Are all HDMI cables the same?
Post by: Inactive on Dec 11, 2008, 10:14:11
 :grn: They used to sell some fantastic Scotch Beef.. unlike the dross that Tesco flog. :(
Title: Re: Are all HDMI cables the same?
Post by: Rik on Dec 11, 2008, 10:17:30
:ithank:

The only beef to buy, imo, In. I'm on a steakwich for lunch, as it happens...  :hungry:
Title: Re: Are all HDMI cables the same?
Post by: Sebby on Dec 11, 2008, 13:58:55
Quote from: Inactive on Dec 11, 2008, 10:14:11
:grn: They used to sell some fantastic Scotch Beef.. unlike the dross that Tesco flog. :(

What's Aldi's beef like?
Title: Re: Are all HDMI cables the same?
Post by: Inactive on Dec 11, 2008, 14:14:34
Quote from: Sebby on Dec 11, 2008, 13:58:55
What's Aldi's beef like?

;D Not sure Seb, I only buy beef from the village butcher these days. ;)
Title: Re: Are all HDMI cables the same?
Post by: Sebby on Dec 11, 2008, 14:18:57
Impressive. :)
Title: Re: Are all HDMI cables the same?
Post by: Rik on Dec 11, 2008, 14:57:43
Quote from: Sebby on Dec 11, 2008, 13:58:55
What's Aldi's beef like?

Irish, with added dioxins. :)
Title: Re: Are all HDMI cables the same?
Post by: Inactive on Dec 11, 2008, 14:59:44
That's the pork Rik. ;D
Title: Re: Are all HDMI cables the same?
Post by: Rik on Dec 11, 2008, 15:06:11
I've got no beef with Aldi. :) (Just had a Donald Russell rib-eye minute steak for lunch though. :D)
Title: Re: Are all HDMI cables the same?
Post by: psp83 on Dec 11, 2008, 21:27:12
going back on topic:

The HDMI cable that i got today was
http://ukhdmi.com/HDMI_CABLE_Premium_N-Series_-_2_5_Metres_QQ101254

And its doing the job nicely.
Title: Re: Are all HDMI cables the same?
Post by: Simon on Dec 11, 2008, 22:15:22
 :thumb:
Title: Re: Are all HDMI cables the same?
Post by: Lance on Dec 11, 2008, 23:02:38
I'm still waiting for mine to come from 7dayshop!
Title: Re: Are all HDMI cables the same?
Post by: Sebby on Dec 11, 2008, 23:19:29
I think that's where I ordered my HDMI cable from, Paul. :thumb:
Title: Re: Are all HDMI cables the same?
Post by: Rik on Dec 12, 2008, 09:45:44
Quote from: Lance on Dec 11, 2008, 23:02:38
I'm still waiting for mine to come from 7dayshop!

Fairly normal with 7dayshop, unfortunately. :(
Title: Re: Are all HDMI cables the same?
Post by: Simon on Dec 12, 2008, 10:00:21
Yes, it takes a week.  ;)
Title: Re: Are all HDMI cables the same?
Post by: Rik on Dec 12, 2008, 10:03:41
If you're lucky. :)
Title: Re: Are all HDMI cables the same?
Post by: talos2 on Dec 12, 2008, 10:13:55
I think this is one of those times when length is important. :eek4: Any lead if it's got to be long needs to be of good quality, but a short run requires only minimal fuss, an Aldi one would be sufficient.
Title: Re: Are all HDMI cables the same?
Post by: Rik on Dec 12, 2008, 10:14:56
Good point, Bob, it is worth investing more as leads get longer.
Title: Re: Are all HDMI cables the same?
Post by: Lance on Dec 12, 2008, 20:47:53
Quote from: Rik on Dec 12, 2008, 09:45:44
Fairly normal with 7dayshop, unfortunately. :(

Indeed it is. I certainly wouldn't order from them if I needed it within a few days!
Title: Re: Are all HDMI cables the same?
Post by: Rik on Dec 13, 2008, 11:28:33
OTOH, they have some really good deals.
Title: Re: Are all HDMI cables the same?
Post by: Inactive on Dec 13, 2008, 11:35:10
They certainly do Rik, only the P&P Charges used to deter me on occasions.
Title: Re: Are all HDMI cables the same?
Post by: Rik on Dec 13, 2008, 11:35:59
And now they've gone... :)
Title: Re: Are all HDMI cables the same?
Post by: Lance on Dec 16, 2008, 23:11:15
My cable came yesterday. No idea what version it is, but it works fine!
Title: Re: Are all HDMI cables the same?
Post by: Rik on Dec 17, 2008, 09:00:46
Which is all that matters. :)
Title: Re: Are all HDMI cables the same?
Post by: Inactive on Dec 17, 2008, 09:46:29
Quote from: Lance on Dec 16, 2008, 23:11:15
My cable came yesterday. No idea what version it is, but it works fine!

It doesn't matter Lance, it works..  :thumb:
Title: Re: Are all HDMI cables the same?
Post by: Lance on Dec 17, 2008, 13:23:01
Exactly, I couldn't ask for more!
Title: Re: Are all HDMI cables the same?
Post by: Inactive on Dec 17, 2008, 16:06:01
Just spotted a 2 metre one in Lidl's this afternoon for £4.99.
Title: Re: Are all HDMI cables the same?
Post by: Rik on Dec 17, 2008, 16:13:14
Gas and electric, In?  :whistle:
Title: Re: Are all HDMI cables the same?
Post by: Inactive on Dec 17, 2008, 16:14:19
 :grn: :clever: ;D
Title: Re: Are all HDMI cables the same?
Post by: Rik on Dec 17, 2008, 16:15:53
:ithank: