ordering HDMI cables...

[CNT]

I like to order HDMI cables to try out different things, I have none. So, few general questions...

As far as latest versions, it's HDMI 1.4 (as of 2010). The HDMI 1.3 (a-c) is same as 1.4, only that 1.4 can do larger videos, correct?

To start out, I like to order a 6ft. I came across two different links at monoprice.com. Could you tell me what is differences:

this to me looks like thinner cable and two end clips (forgot what those are called), and it's $2.91 (for 2+)
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10240&cs_id=1024008&p_id=...seq=1&format=2

This to me looks like thicker cable, and it's $6.45 (for 2+)
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10240&cs_id=1024004&p_id=...seq=1&format=2

Also, from reading the HDMI.org site, it appears to be new standard that do not allow versions to be disclosed? So, there would be no way to know it it's HDMI 1.3 or 1.4 ?

The new standards are 5 types, labled with "Ethernet", "Automotive", "High Speed", etc. Yes, I see "High Speed" on the monoprice.com site. Does "High Speed" and "Ethernet" go Hand'nHand (same thing)? Wouldn't "Automotive" HDMI have same interface as "High Speed" HDMI and both would do same functions?

BTW, the link in https://www.videohelp.com/glossary?H#HDMI (faq) is dead.

I also read somewhere that HDMI highest grade is 1080i, not p, ture?

Thank you.

Chuck

[lenti_75]

get a $4 of ebay and call it a day; 1.3 1.4 are just selling gimmicks

[neomaine]

ebay = never know what you're getting.

Stick with Monoprice. I have for years on many items and have never been dissapointed. My backup is BlueJeanCable.

[edDV]

All here
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HDMI

The main issues with cable types within a version involve shielding. Smaller flexible cables usually have less shielding and higher attenuation for longer lengths.

Current cables will be either v1.3 or v1.4. Most current equipment will be happy with v1.3 and 1080p is supported. v1.3c* supports 3D Blu-Ray.

v1.4 adds bandwidth (bitrate) for digital theater and advanced 3D modes. It also adds Ethernet in parallel with video and an audio return channel. None of this is supported for current consumer equipment except maybe advanced 3D players. Check your player and TV specs.


*HDMI v1.3b and v1.3c only affect the cable test procedure, not the cable design.

[CNT]

All here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HDMI

Been there...

Current cables will be either v1.3 or v1.4. Most current equipment will be happy with v1.3 and 1080p is supported. v1.3c* supports 3D Blu-Ray.

v1.4 adds bandwidth (bitrate) for digital theater and advanced 3D modes. It also adds Ethernet in parallel with video and an audio return channel. None of this is supported for current consumer equipment except maybe advanced 3D players. Check your player and TV specs.

*HDMI v1.3b and v1.3c only affect the cable test procedure, not the cable design.

You just started answering to my questions... So, if I was to setup 3D (with those glasses), I will have to make sure it's a v1.3c. HOW will I identify if the cable is v1.3c with new standards covering versions with titles? Thus, the next question remains...

Wouldn't "Automotive" HDMI have same interface as "High Speed" HDMI and both would do same functions?


Chuck

[edDV]

All here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HDMI

Been there...

Current cables will be either v1.3 or v1.4. Most current equipment will be happy with v1.3 and 1080p is supported. v1.3c* supports 3D Blu-Ray.

v1.4 adds bandwidth (bitrate) for digital theater and advanced 3D modes. It also adds Ethernet in parallel with video and an audio return channel. None of this is supported for current consumer equipment except maybe advanced 3D players. Check your player and TV specs.

*HDMI v1.3b and v1.3c only affect the cable test procedure, not the cable design.

You just started answering to my questions... So, if I was to setup 3D (with those glasses), I will have to make sure it's a v1.3c. HOW will I identify if the cable is v1.3c with new standards covering versions with titles? Thus, the next question remains...

Wouldn't "Automotive" HDMI have same interface as "High Speed" HDMI and both would do same functions?


Chuck

There are so many ways to "setup 3D (with those glasses)". If you mean Blu-Ray 3D, a v1.3c tested cable has passed that spec in test.

I'm unfamiliar with "automotive" HDMI but I'd suspect this refers to special connectors or special shielding. I doubt 3D is a priority.

[edDV]

Automotive HDMI seems to be about locking connectors
http://www.hdmi.org/manufacturer/hdmi_1_4/automotive_connection.aspx

[CNT]

I like to order HDMI cables...
Could you tell me what is differences:

$2.91 (for 2+)
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10240&cs_id=1024008&p_id=...seq=1&format=2

$6.45 (for 2+)
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10240&cs_id=1024004&p_id=...seq=1&format=2

Is the second link above (thicker cable) an attenuation? Is the mesh thing over the cable called attenuation?

If I didn't see the second link, I would have ordered the $2.91 (original $9.13). I just want to know what is the reason for $6.45 (original $20.25)?

Chuck

[CNT]

Automotive HDMI seems to be about locking connectors
http://www.hdmi.org/manufacturer/hdmi_1_4/automotive_connection.aspx

Seems it's getting more complicated and might be just to confuse customers...

http://www.hdmi.org/manufacturer/hdmi_1_4/finding_right_cable.aspx
and now this, does it even look like USB too?
http://www.hdmi.org/manufacturer/hdmi_1_4/micro_connector.aspx

So far, it looks like they are ALL SAME THING and SAME INTERFACE PLUGS. Almost like whether to buy Monster-Cable or not. lol

Chuck

[usually_quiet]

I like to order HDMI cables...
Could you tell me what is differences:

$2.91 (for 2+)
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10240&cs_id=1024008&p_id=...seq=1&format=2

$6.45 (for 2+)
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10240&cs_id=1024004&p_id=...seq=1&format=2

Is the second link above (thicker cable) an attenuation? Is the mesh thing over the cable called attenuation?

If I didn't see the second link, I would have ordered the $2.91 (original $9.13). I just want to know what is the reason for $6.45 (original $20.25)?

Chuck

When I enlarged the picture it called the mesh a "Net Jacket". It's just a protective covering for the cable. The word "attenuation" means a loss of amplitude in a signal, or weakening. Look it up.

[edDV]

I like to order HDMI cables...
Could you tell me what is differences:

$2.91 (for 2+)
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10240&cs_id=1024008&p_id=...seq=1&format=2

$6.45 (for 2+)
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10240&cs_id=1024004&p_id=...seq=1&format=2

Is the second link above (thicker cable) an attenuation? Is the mesh thing over the cable called attenuation?

If I didn't see the second link, I would have ordered the $2.91 (original $9.13). I just want to know what is the reason for $6.45 (original $20.25)?

Chuck

Ask them. They invent these numbers. Where do they say anything about automotive?

Attenuation is signal level loss over a given distance. Not a problem for 6 foot cables.

[edDV]

Automotive HDMI seems to be about locking connectors
http://www.hdmi.org/manufacturer/hdmi_1_4/automotive_connection.aspx

Seems it's getting more complicated and might be just to confuse customers...

http://www.hdmi.org/manufacturer/hdmi_1_4/finding_right_cable.aspx
and now this, does it even look like USB too?
http://www.hdmi.org/manufacturer/hdmi_1_4/micro_connector.aspx

So far, it looks like they are ALL SAME THING and SAME INTERFACE PLUGS. Almost like whether to buy Monster-Cable or not. lol

Chuck

Monoprice claims all the features of HDMI v1.3c but to say they are v1.3c, they have to test all these features. They don't say they are v1.3c.

Monster is more expensive due to advertising, retail sales commissions, retail markups and a huge band of lawyers. Their cables are ok. Read the specs. You get what you get.

[edDV]

Here is a good explanation of HDMI cable types, standards and issues from a consumer perspective. Turns out the cable maker is prohibited from labeling HDMI cables by version number.
http://www.bluejeanscable.com/articles/hdmi-cable-information.htm?hdmidept

[CNT]

http://www.bluejeanscable.com/articles/hdmi-cable-information.htm?hdmidept

A very good site. Thanks.

[jman98]

ebay = never know what you're getting.

I agree with this. I've bought my HDMI cables from newegg.com and they've worked flawlessly for me. In fact I get all my cables from them because of price.