what is the best hdmi cable to buy to hook up a plazma tv to dish network?

Answer 1

These signals are DIGITAL so they are very insensitive to the cable (despite what Monster marketing folks try to get you to believe).

My favorite place for cables is BlueJeans. I use one of their 10 ft cables ($38) for the long run, and his cheaper Chinese made cables for the short runs to a HDMI switch.

He claims the Belden-based cables can run out to 50 ft - not a claim most cheap cables can make.

The other place that is slightly cheaper is Monoprice. I would go here for short runs or for cables behind the rack. But not for long runs or in-wall wiring.

Answer 2

Honestly, using HDMI with for HDTV doesn't give you any better picture than if you were to use component video connection. Dish Network, just like DirecTV and cable companies, broadcast programming at 480i, 720p, or 1080i resolution (depending on the source broadcast). Unless you're talking about doing a cable run of more than 25 feet, the picture will look identical in HD (1080i, 720p) using either cable, and SD broadcasts (480i) will often degrade in picture quality, since many TVs won't do any processing to video that comes through HDMI (including de-interlacing).

Another issue you might run into is HDCP compatibility. While more prevalent with cable than satellite, there is a possibility that your TV won't want to work with your satellite box.

I will concede that audio carried through HDMI from an HD broadcast is usually better quality than if it were carried by stereo analog cables and the HDMI cable gives you one-cable convenience you just can't get with component video cables. However, if your dish receiver came with component video cables and they've worked just fine thus far, save the HDMI upgrade for a Blu-Ray or 1080p capable HD-DVD player, where having the HDMI cable makes a huge difference.

Answer 3

You can buy some over priced "Monster" HDMI cable at Best Buy, Circuit City, etc. However, most people suggest that you buy a generic HDMI cable cuz it's a digital signal. There really is no need to purchase a $90 wire when a $20 cable will do the same job.