Concerns About HDMI Cable "Quality" and a Speaker Wire Question...

[PearlcorderS701]

I have been running -- gulp gulp -- Monster's so-called "High Speed" HDMI 1.3-spec HDMI interconnect between my Blu-ray player and receiver to send all audio and video over this one cable from my source player; a second non-Monster HDMI lead is going from the AVR to my display.

My question is, are there "degredations" if we're not using certain "compliant" HDMI connections between our gear? Are there major differences between the cables? In other words, do I have to worry that full, true 1080p video isn't getting through to my display, or the lossless codecs for that matter, based on the kind of HDMI cable I'm running? I know there was speculation about the pre-HDMI 1.3 specs not transferring full 1080p and such, but is that a worry today?

Also, with regard to speaker wire, I have always connected my systems -- home theater multichannel and two channel stereo -- by simply twisting the bare wire and inserting it into the receiver/amp terminals. But is this okay to do to ensure maximum signal transfer versus doing banana plugs? I know there is the risk of bare wires touching each other or the aluminum chassis of the receivers -- but is there any "problem" per se by putting the bare speaker wire into the terminals? Is this okay for signal transfer to the speakers?

 

[MatthewB.]

No, none at all. I have two Monster 800 HDMI cables (both free to me) and they both have actually failed on me. I have several partsexpress 6.00 HDMI cables that have never failed on me. The cable will either work or it won't, don't believe that Monster is better crapola. The signal will go with whatever cable you use.

 

[PearlcorderS701]

No, none at all. I have two Monster 800 HDMI cables (both free to me) and they both have actually failed on me. I have several partsexpress 6.00 HDMI cables that have never failed on me. The cable will either work or it won't, don't believe that Monster is better crapola. The signal will go with whatever cable you use.

Thanks for the reply, Matt.

That's surprising about the Monster Cable failing on you; what actually happened?

It's not that I "believe" the "Monster Hype," I just happen to have some of their interconnect and speaker cable products in my systems.

So, with regard to the cables all being compliant, all 1080p and lossless audio should pass over any HDMI cable -- any at all?

 

[WaynePflughaupt]

but is there any "problem" per se by putting the bare speaker wire into the terminals? Is this okay for signal transfer to the speakers?

If you can hear a difference between bare wires vs. banana plugs, you should apply for a job at Polk or Boston Acoustics immediately.

Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt

 

[PearlcorderS701]

If you can hear a difference between bare wires vs. banana plugs, you should apply for a job at Polk or Boston Acoustics immediately.

Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt

Thanks Wayne,

So, there is no essential difference between putting the bare wire into a terminal and using connector type plugs? Just the chance of the bare wire touching something, correct?

 

[MDS]

'High speed' is a marketing term and has no meaning. It's kind of like tacking on 'deluxe' to a product name.

There are category 1 and category 2 cables with category 2 ensuring that you get full 1080p and I'd assume that Monster's 'high speed' cables mean they are certified to be category 2. The catch is that over short distances, even category 1 cables should be sufficient.

I am using a single HDMI cable that came free with my AV stand. It looks real pretty and is branded 'Z-line designs' (the manufacturer of the stand). There is no mention of category 1 or 2 on the cable, only HDMI 1.3. I think it's well made and looks to be roughly equivalent to other low price cables I've seen.

It hasn't failed EVER.

 

[PearlcorderS701]

'High speed' is a marketing term and has no meaning. It's kind of like tacking on 'deluxe' to a product name.

There are category 1 and category 2 cables with category 2 ensuring that you get full 1080p and I'd assume that Monster's 'high speed' cables mean they are certified to be category 2. The catch is that over short distances, even category 1 cables should be sufficient.

I am using a single HDMI cable that came free with my AV stand. It looks real pretty and is branded 'Z-line designs' (the manufacturer of the stand). There is no mention of category 1 or 2 on the cable, only HDMI 1.3. I think it's well made and looks to be roughly equivalent to other low price cables I've seen.

It hasn't failed EVER.

Thanks for your input here, MDS; I appreciate it.

Can you provide pics of your AV stand? I'd like to see it; wonder if it's anything like my Bell'O "Audio Tower" that now houses my two channel system...

As for the cables, so the only thing we need to "worry" about is if they're category 1 or 2? Those with category 1 HDMI cables may not be able to pass full 1080p video?

 

[MDS]

Z-line designs 'Bentwood' stand

http://www.z-linedesigns.com/product/126-Bentwood-Flat-Panel-3-In-1-Televsion-Mount-System

 

[PearlcorderS701]

Thanks a lot!

Oh, okay, so it's a TV stand with the shelving underneath it; I see. These seem to be popular nowadays. And this came with an HDMI cable?

EDIT: I see on the site where it says free HDMI cable with purchase...

My Bell'O looks quite different; it's actually an L-shaped stand with glass shelving to house audio/video equipment. I'm using it for my two channel room.

What are you using your HDMI cable for -- is it going from your source to your display?

 

[MDS]

What are you using your HDMI cable for -- is it going from your source to your display?

At the moment it is going straight from the cable box to the TV. I was about to begin upgrading the whole system and sold off everything, but now my upgrades are on hold for a bit so I'm suffering with just the cable box and TV sound.

The Z-line stand was fairly inexpensive and that particular version is only available at BJ's (warehouse club). I wanted a stand that could accomodate a large (tall) center channel and thought it would work well with the TV mounted above the stand, leaving the top shelf directly below the TV for the center channel speaker.

The only minor issue may be that to leave enough space on the top shelf for a large center, the height of the TV is perhaps a few inchers higher than ideal. But, I've been using it that way for a few months and it doesn't bother me anymore.

 

[PearlcorderS701]

Gotcha.

What about the speaker cable debacle...is there a benefit of using bare speaker wire vs. connectors?

 

[mtrycrafts]

Gotcha.

What about the speaker cable debacle...is there a benefit of using bare speaker wire vs. connectors?

Only if there is a potential for a short with bare wires. Otherwise, not an issue.

 

[PearlcorderS701]

Only if there is a potential for a short with bare wires. Otherwise, not an issue.

Thanks.

There is no "signal benefit" or "improvement" when connectors are used vs. bare wire threading into the terminals?

 

[Rickster71]

Gotcha.

What about the speaker cable debacle...is there a benefit of using bare speaker wire vs. connectors?

The only advantage is one of convenience.
If you like to try out different speakers, or move components to different shelves.
Banana plugs at either end would make disconnecting and re-connecting easier.

 

[mtrycrafts]

Thanks.

There is no "signal benefit" or "improvement" when connectors are used vs. bare wire threading into the terminals?

That is correct, no benefits one way or the other.

 

[PearlcorderS701]

Thank you, fellas.

 

[Skwisgaar]

The reason that the HDMI 1.3b spec exists is because some brands were producing cables that were not capable of supporting 1080p, although they met the 1.3a spec.

HDMI 1.3b1 - mini HDMI
HDMI 1.3c - powered HDMI, for extremely long cable runs

As long as you are able to view 1080p with no visible flaws, your system is working fine.

If you want to get picky about your cables, look for HDMI 1.3b certified. I just did a google search and found Atlona, which may be my new favorite brand of digital video cables. They make a 66 ft HDMI 1.3b cable for $230. That's not bad at all for the length.

As for speaker cables - the reason we use connectors is because copper corrodes. Every additional interface makes a measurable and usually noticable difference.

 

[PearlcorderS701]

The reason that the HDMI 1.3b spec exists is because some brands were producing cables that were not capable of supporting 1080p, although they met the 1.3a spec.

HDMI 1.3b1 - mini HDMI
HDMI 1.3c - powered HDMI, for extremely long cable runs

Thank you, Skwis...

I didn't even realize there was a spec beyond 1.3a (except for 1.4)...

As long as you are able to view 1080p with no visible flaws, your system is working fine.

Yes, according to the incoming signal display on my Sony TV when I press the DISPLAY key on the remote to confirm what's coming in from the BD player, through the AVR and then off to the display, I AM getting 1080p, and there are no visible flaws such as snow, static, dropouts, etc...

I was just wondering if certain HDMI cables "do it better" in terms of transferring the high res audio signals and high def video variants...

If you want to get picky about your cables, look for HDMI 1.3b certified. I just did a google search and found Atlona, which may be my new favorite brand of digital video cables. They make a 66 ft HDMI 1.3b cable for $230. That's not bad at all for the length.

Is this "1.3b" a new spec that came out prior to 1.4? I never heard of it...

As for speaker cables - the reason we use connectors is because copper corrodes. Every additional interface makes a measurable and usually noticable difference.

I understand; but there's no sonic benefit to doing banana plugs vs. bare wire?

 

[j_garcia]

I was just wondering if certain HDMI cables "do it better" in terms of transferring the high res audio signals and high def video variants...

Just like the RCA cable thread, you don't need to over think this. Do not worry about it at all. Cables likely have the LEAST affect on your system of anything in the system, especially when it comes to HDMI.

I understand; but there's no sonic benefit to doing banana plugs vs. bare wire?

NO. There is NO sonic benefit. There is also no real disadvantage either. Unless you live in an extremely humid or coastal location and leave your windows open all the time, corrosion is actually not very likely. Outdoor speakers/wire might be a different story, but inside, I can't say I've had a speaker connector or wire or combination of such fail due to corrosion in 20 years. There are no audible, and likely not even meaningfully measurable, differences when using banana plugs. They are used for convenience and they help keep stray wires to a minimum. That's all.

 

[PearlcorderS701]

Thanks J.

I just wish there was "proof" that pretty much all -- especially HDMI -- cables are created equal...