I’ve long suspected high cost HDMI cables are a scam. Why is it I can wander into my local Fry’s or BestBuy and find a three foot HDMI cable ranging from $19 all the way to $99? Is the quality difference that great? Hrmmmmm, perhaps the cables’ construction means a higher quality, or perhaps better 3D experience, or deeper color? Nope, that is not the case — not even close. HDMI cables are sending a digital not analog signal and that simple fact makes all the difference in the world. The difference between a digital and analog signal? Just think like this, digital is simply sending 1’s and 0’s down the cable — and any cable of reasonably good construction can handle that duty with elegance and 100% effectiveness.
Why has this suddenly popped up on my radar? I was shopping for Christmas gift ideas and while surfing through various websites, I stumbled into an article on CNET.com detailing the issue with HDMI cables. You can check out their article here. In fact one searches for any articles related to HDMI cable value or quality, there are hundreds.
Why does this work on the population at large? Because of a comprehensive disinformation print campaign, excellent packaging, and consumer ignorance. After all, some sucker who just paid $2300 for a flat screen is ripe for the picking and “surely” need a high priced cable to maximize the image on screen. Truth be told, I’ve fallen for this concept as well. I think I was taken in by the old-school theory of analog cables and I was the idiot who paid $200 for a solid-silver 1-foot composite cable — that made some sense back in the day but with a digital cable, that concept is irrelevant.
So, if you are looking for a new TV for the holidays don’t get caught up on the high-priced cable fiasco. Grab something solid, well crafted, and you brand new TV will display a stunning picture.