HDMI cables are all the same?

I asked the Cable Company to suggest a high quality HDMI cable, a good value and one that would show a real difference with the Future Shop stuff.

Their proposition: Wireworld Starlight.

The image quality enhancement is so obvious, if you don't see that, just give up.

The HDMI standard is particularly prone to jitter, so the sound has the potential to vary more than for SPDIF cables. I find that the picture varies significantly as well. The Wireworld HDMI cables are the best I've tried -- significantly better than 2 Belden based Bluejeans and numerous cheapies I've tried. I'd imagine that the same technical factors which allow digital cables to sound differently, apply to HDMI. Among these would be a variance on edge triggering. If you really want to get tweaky, you can apply mechanical damping and RFI damping to your HDMI cables.

Here is a survey of reviews discussing differences.

http://www.whathifi.com/reviews/accessories/hdmi-and-video-cables

the same hdmi cables i uesd for audio, i also connected to the tv set from the cable box. i noticed differences in clarity and color saturation. for example, the cardas was clearest , but bleached. i have used hd 1.4. note, as dielectrics and metal changes, wouldn't one expect that differences would be visible ?

As for HDMI 1.3A..... I went with BJ cables initially. Tried some from other PC and PC accesories suppliers. Even liked the HDMI cables Verizon supplies.

Have not tried Monoprice... might now though.

Eventually, I went back to all Oppo HDMI cables... off sources.... Verizon feeds the Panny 50 in plasma from my Panny BDT210 Blu Ray Player, Oppo 980 and Motolrola HD FIOS STB.

All connect to my Onkyo Rec TXSR 805.

I still like my 26ft top grade Blue Jeans HDMI that feeds my projector. though it seldom ever gets used.

Wires aren't all alike. HDMI, however doesn't seem to be vastly dissimilar in performance. Albeit, there is always going to be this caveat.... "RESULTS WILL VARY".

i'VE NOT SEEN NOR HEARD DIFFS FROM $200 MONSTER BRAND HDMI, to Blue Jeans, or to Oppo's house brand. My preff? Oppo for short stuff. a heavier gauge for longer runs... hence the BJ for my 26ft HDMI.

I'm only able to really account for the audio side, and to that end,my statements here are accurate as to my exp. Visually? No other pr of eyes has yet to complain... only complement.

My Panny BR player allows for a change of the audio presentation from what one calls a typical unadorned sound to that of what they call, "tube sound" via a choice in the sub menu... while playing content you can toggle back and forth between them and sound fields.

The choice of 'Digital tube Audio' is the most modest of audible changes... yet you can't help buy notice how the presentation goes from OK to warm... about instantly. It sure helps out old films and poor sound tracks..... but via cheap Oppo HDMI cables... you'll hear it. Guaranteed.

Even streaming video from Netflix, VuDu, Youtube, Pandora, etc.. Oppo's little $10 wires work just great IMHO.

I've no clue on HDMI 1.4 (3-D). I'd suspect oppos cables and others will do just fine without anyone having to hock the ranch, or give up their first born or spend hundreds for one.

Good luck.

Standards can be met but the quality of assembly goes a long way as well.
I've seen photos of just how sloppy and bad the terminations are once they are exposed. The cables met the 'standard' but I wouldn't buy them now that I've seen what they look like. If you end up paying a little more for a better made cable, don't second guess it.

The last three posts saved me a lot of typing. My point exactly.

By the way, the Monoprice HDMI is great for TV, it's what I switched to from Blue Jeans.

However, Mrtennis is using the interface in a completely different situation and I have no doubt that what he posted is true.

i use hdmi cables between a transport and dac and i have heard differences. i am now using a harmonic tech copper . i compared cardas, audioquest, and signal cable.

the sound differed in each case.

There are also standards for SPDIF digital cables, and so what ? They all sound different.

05-03-11: Buconero117
HDMI is defined by standards, e. g. EEEI. So, if it called HDMI, it should meet those standards, regardless who makes it. Are there defective cables out there? Sure. Are there people making HDMI that do not meet the standard? Sure. So, if it a true HDMI cable, there is not difference.

Umm, you left out the part that it is possible to exceed a standard, that a standard does not imply perfection, but rather, sets an acceptable level of performance for the majority of consumers.

Given that this is Audiogon, we're generally not satisfied with the same level of performance acceptable to the majority of consumers.

HDMI is defined by standards, e. g. EEEI. So, if it called HDMI, it should meet those standards, regardless who makes it. Are there defective cables out there? Sure. Are there people making HDMI that do not meet the standard? Sure. So, if it a true HDMI cable, there is not difference. I am a fan of monoprice, and I have compared their HDMI cables to ones costing twenty times their price, and I can not see or hear any difference.

The differences are subtle, to my eyes. I tried Blue Jeans, Monoprice, etc. I wound up with Wegrzyn at considerably more money, because it resolved background details better on my Panasonic plasma. Basically less digital noise and more precise imaging...but I admit the distinctions were not night and day.

And yes, I will get flamed by certain 'GoNers for this opinion.

I had Blue Jeans and replaced with a cheaper brand and got better image quality. Viewing was on my 65" Panasonic Plasma.

I returned the Blue Jeans and got my money back. Yes, HDMI are different.

Are all interconnects the same? Are all power cords the same? Are all speaker cables the same? No, they are not.

I have used numerous HDMI cables. I have retained two different brands. For the bedroom and office connections to the satellite receivers, I use inexpensive Monoprice cables. When I use my main television in the den, I use Wegrzyn Silver HDMI cables. They connect my satellite receiver and Blu-ray player. These cables yield more detailed sound along with richer colors and a sharper image.

I did not believe there was that much difference until I tried the Wegrzyns. I will admit that the difference is not substantial but, if you are looking to get the best performance from your 1080i, the Wegrzyn will definitely show you a difference. I will be purchasing at least two more within the next year.

I don't look at the specs. I trust my eyes and ears. Try one, you'll really be glad you did.

I can't see why HDMI cables that meet the standard should be different from one another. Maybe I'm blind. Maybe I don't appreciate the detail because my resolution is only 1080i. I go with Blue Jeans cable HDMI. I have a 100 foot run of HDMI from them that works perfectly. It's your money. Do with it what you like.