Video HDMI Cable

[ZeeOSix]

I'm shopping on-line for an HDMI video cable for my new computer which has an HDMI interface between the computer and monitor. The connectors are the standard HDMI type on both ends, but I'm running into descriptions of some of these cables as having "with Ethernet".

For instance from the same manufacturer, one model will just say "10' Gold Plated High Speed HDMI Cable" and a different model of cable will say "10' Gold Plated High Speed HDMI Cable with Ethernet".

What does this "with Ethernet" mean or give you over the standard HDMI cable, and can it be used on any HDMI interface?

 

[hatt]

The "with Ethernet" cable is just the newest standard. If you don't have gear that uses the capability of the HDMI 1.4 standard it does nothing. If the price is similar it's not going to hurt. It's backwards compatible with previous versions.

 

[yvon_la]

Like everything there are option,first check your gpu,if it support say 1.3 you grab that.as for various speed ?it depend on the screen you ll use .if its 18920x1080x60 hertz .pretty much any will do.

 

[LoneRanger]

Save some money and get one from monoprice.com. HDMI is binary digital, so a cheap cable will perform exact same as a dolled up expensive one. I bought the cheapest one monoprice sold and it works perfectly.

 

[bubbatime]

And if you weren't aware, there is no reason to splurge on expensive HDMI cables for short (under 10 ft) distances.

My understanding of how HDMI works is that the data is completely scrambled and then rebuilt down stream so the data is 100% the same with no distortion on both ends of the cable. Expensive and cheap HDMI cables work the same. The exception is that longer HDMI cables do seem to work better when made with better materials (more expensive)

 

[The_Jeff]

Look all over amazon, ebay, and dealextreme.com for a cheapo regular one for $2. If you ever get ethernet devices on both ends, upgrade.

 

[Hokiefyd]

I would probably default to DVI if your current monitor supports it and if your new computer supports it. I don't see any reason to buy an HDMI cable here...DVI will likely look exactly the same.

HDMI will pass audio as well as video, obviously, so if you have a monitor with built-in speakers, it can be an advantage. Or, you just have a separate 3.5mm headphone patch cable (with male connectors on both ends); this is what I have at home. I run an ASUS 24" monitor from a Dell desktop, and use a DVI cable with a headphone patch cable. I tried an HDMI cord I had laying around, and it worked fine, but there was no difference in video quality, so I went back to DVI.

 

[ZeeOSix]

The 10 ft HDMI 1.4 with Ethernet is only $5.58 at Walmart on-line. Can get it shipped for free to the Walmart just down the street, then just pay for it like it was sold at the store.

The new 23" monitor I bought with the Dell system only had VGA (D-Sub) or HDMI ports. I'm assuming the HDMI hook-up will give me way better resolution than the VGA cable since the monitor is 1080 HD capable.

 

[97tbird]

I have Monoprice (very thick), and Amazon Basics HDMI cables.
They both perform extremely well; I have had both for about 6-7 yrs, and have had no problems with either.
The Monoprice premium versions are very thick and not very flexible, if that's a concern.

 

[Quattro Pete]

I've got a number of these Amazon Basics HDMI cables. They work well and seem to be of decent quality.