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HDMI confusion: Monoprice vs. Blue Jeans

So I read the Audioholics 50 cable HDMI shootout, and became convinced that HDMI either passes or fails. That is, it either successfully transmits 1080P data (for example) or it does not.

I happened to have a 6 foot Monoprice HDMI cable and a 6 foot Blue Jeams HDMI as well. For the heck of it, I ran both cables from my cable box (1080i), DVD player (480i), and XBox (1080p) just for the sake of comparison.

The thing is, the Blue Jeans cable definitely had bolder colors, and the Monoprice definitely was a bit more muted but slightly more detailed in presenting images. Another possibility, of course, is that I am clinically insane.

So does this mean that there actually *are* differences among HDMI cables, just as there would be among component video cables (I tried several of those before settling on Tara Labs RSC)? Or am I simply a crazy person who saw non-existent differences and the signal passed (as opposed to failed) on both cables and looked identical, and my eyes simply deceived me.

Any assistance on this issue would be greatly appreciated, especially as concerns other HDMI cables you've tried and loved vis-a-vis others (if indeed such distinctions exist in HDMI cables).

Thanks!
thedautch

Showing 1 response by m297904

m297904
93 posts
 
If you choose Monoprice, be sure to choose the Professional or Premium version. The most significant difference is the gauge of the wire used - 22 or 24 vs 26 or 28ga.
For short lengths, the gauge may not be a factor for signal loss but the chances of getting a quality soldered internal connection is much higher with the heavier gauge.

I've opened up enough cables to know that a quality soldered connection is NOT a given - even for high-priced boutique cables.
The quality of the connection has a HUGE influence on the quality of the signal. More so than the wire itself especially for short runs.
Durability of the cable itself is another factor to consider - 28ga is not a good choice for something that may be flexed a lot.
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