need advice on cable for pc - tv connection

[mr-scarface]

I'm trying to connect my laptop (with HDMI output) to my TV (DVI input). The TV is a rear projection system that runs 1080i. The movies I have on my laptop are mostly 1080p. I want to get the best quality picture possible on the TV, though I do realize that 1080i will be the highest since the TV doesn't support 1080p. So I need an HDMI to DVI cable.

I've been looking around for these cables and there are tons of them but some claim to be higher quality than the others. For example, if you look here:

http://shop.ebay.com/items/_W0QQ_fromZR46?_nkw=monster+hdmi+to+dvi+cable&_sacat=0&_fro...able&_osacat=0

you will see that there is a 400 series, 600 series, and 800 series of this monster cable. I honestly don't know if it's worth it to get the higher-numbered series. I don't know if it will make a difference picture-wise on this TV as it's pretty old. btw this is the TV I have:

http://www2.panasonic.com/consumer-electronics/support/Televisions/CRT-Projection-TVs/...el.PT-47WX53.S

Thanks in advance

[redwudz]

It's just a piece of wire, even if you gold plate it. If you have a short HDMI>DVI run, most any cable brand will work. Monster and similar manufacturers are selling a name and not much more, IMO.

Monoprice may not be available to you in your area, but they sell quality cables for very reasonable prices.
http://www.monoprice.com/home/index.asp

Or a comparison to Monster cables which may be a bit biased. http://gizmodo.com/tag/monoprice/

Bottom lne, you don't have to pay outrageous prices to get decent quality.

[edDV]

The DVI-D connection will not support audio. You need to set the computer audio system to feed audio separately, not over HDMI.

How long is the cable run to the projector?
Keep it under 12ft. and all should be OK.

[mr-scarface]

I realise about the audio issue, I will have it feed audio seperately.

Regarding the distance issue, why do you say keep it under 12ft? Does the quality go down when it's over 12ft? I'm looking for something around 10-12ft actually.

[edDV]

I realise about the audio issue, I will have it feed audio seperately.

Regarding the distance issue, why do you say keep it under 12ft? Does the quality go down when it's over 12ft? I'm looking for something around 10-12ft actually.

HDMI specifies minimal signal standards but not cable design other than twisted shielded pairs. Various cable technologies perform better at longer lengths. These tend to be more costly to manufacturer.

In general, the longer the HDMI cable, the more likely sync errors will occur. HDMI follows the same cable length rules as DVI-D. Cheaper cables work OK out to 12ft or more. Cable over ~20 ft needs special shielding and thicker wire gauge.

http://www.abccables.com/info-hdmi-max-length.html
http://www.bettercables.com/hdmi-cable-faq.aspx#Does%20HDMI%20accommodate%20long%20cable%20lengths
http://www.tech-evangelist.com/2008/02/02/hdmi-cables/

[mr-scarface]

12ft would be nice, but to be safe I will go with the 10ft. I'm looking for deals right now so if I find anything i'll let you know and perhaps you can give me feedback on it.