If you own a HDTV with an HDMI input or an HDMI monitor you have probably noticed just how expensive some of the longer cables can be. The odd thing about HDMI is that the short cables are not very expensive - if you are willing to settle for a non-branded cable you can probably get one for about twenty dollars.
Specifications, however, are more important than the name-brand when it comes to HDMI and DVI cables. In fact, most branded and non-branded cables are made in the same factories in either Taiwan or China. The most important specifications with HDMI cables are:
- Certified HDMI
- 100% Digital
- No compression or down-conversion
- 1080p+ capable
Other specifications would depend on your situation. For instance, if you will be running the cable through an attic space you will want to get a plenum-rated cable (which will decrease the risk of fire).
When you begin looking at longer length cables, however, the price becomes exponential. This does not reflect retailers price-gouging their customers, but rather higher material costs which are a direct result of higher manufacturing costs.
HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) passes a pure digital signal. A digital signal is unlike an analog signal in that it is "all or nothing" - either you see a great image on the screen or you see nothing. This means that if the signal is weak you will lose the entire picture sporadically, not just deal with the "noise" that is common on a weak analog channel.
Long runs of HDMI require precision to maintain the integrity of the digital signal. As with any cable, there is an acceptable degredation of the signal over short runs, but these are unacceptable at lengths longer than twenty feet. If you are considering a home theater installation using HDMI be prepared to pay quite a bit more if your setup requires long distances. |
