Is there any reason to buy really expensive HDMI cables?

Question

I just bought an HDTV (Plasma) and hooked up my HD service. All I need now is an HDMI cable to hook my cable box to my TV. I went to Best Buy and all the HDMI cables are ridiculously expensive (from companies like Monster Cable). Then I looked online (Tigerdirect.com) and found similar cable for like 16 bucks. Is there any reason to buy the more expensive ones? Are they any better? Thanks.

Answer 1

There is NO reason to buy those expensive cables. If you buy a cheaper HDMI cable, just make sure it is HDMI certified. Most of the cables will also come with a lifetime warranty. They all have the same manufacturing requirements.

Answer 2

If you are going to use HDMI cables you should make sure you get a good one. This does not necessarily mean expensive. The cables from www.monoprice.com are good, and inexpensive. The real question is if you need HDMI cables at this time. I have set up a few TVs using HDMI and then looking at the same source using component video cables. The only time the HDMI was clearly superior was when it was used with an upconversion DVD player. For any HD programming I have usually found the component video cables to give a better picture. HDMI will improve in the future, but right now it is not always the best.
Enjoy your new TV!!!!

Answer 3

I would say Yes there is a difference. It's like saying is there a difference between an Ipod 80gb and a no name mp3 player. Sure they both play music and have similar functions. But the Ipod has a better reputation, better service, higher quality, etc. It's the same with pretty much everything. I do know that the cables make a difference. Monster Cables probably have a higher quality control program than that of smaller cable companies. Would you get a good cable from a no name company, Maybe. But I personally didn't spend 3000 bucks on a HD tv to get crappy picture from a crappy cable. Just my .02

Answer 4

No, Monster Cables are way overpriced and you won't even see the difference anyway. I don't recommend HDMI cables from Tigerdirect either, becuase they use low quality components. There's a website that sell high quality HDMI cables at a low prices like Tigerdirect, the link is here : http://www.monoprice.com/products/department.asp?c_id=102

Trust me these are really good cables.

Answer 5

There is no reason to spend a lot on cables but good quality cables are important. I had a problem with locating a deal with quality recently but was directed by others to monoprice.com there selection, quality , and price was incredible. It took a while for them to arrive because i am located in Canada and they are in California but that said it was worth the wait.