Is it possible for 1 HDMI cable to be better than the other?

Question

I just got a PS3, and my cousin and I didn't think we had an HDMI cable so he went out to Comp USA and bought a Nyko brand HDMI cable.

Well, it turns out that when he was I gone I was setting up the surround sound for the PS3, and was looking in the cable drawer for a digital optical cable, when I stumbled upon a HDMI cable that I assume came with our TV! Haha, so I plugged that in and it looks great.

Thing is, my cousin, and I included are not sure if the Nyko is better than our TV's brand, so we're hesitant on returning the Nyko brand.

Answer 1

Yes, cables can be better. They can have more shielding or gold plated connectors, etc.

But really, since an HDMI cable is carrying a digital signal, all you need is good enough. It either carries the signal or it doesn't. There is no analog wave to be distorted. Essentially, Pass or Fail. If what you have works, using a more expensive cable will not get you any better of a picture or sound.

Answer 2

I have to agree with both the previous answers.

There is 1 difference worth noting: long runs.

Some HDMI cables do not work well at 15 ft or more. They have come up with cables with slightly thicker wires, and much thicker internal shielding that can go 50-100 feet. Even these 'better' cables are fairly inexpensive. My twelve foot cable cost me about $38.

I'd return the Nyko - unless you are like me and like to have a few spare cables lying around.

Answer 3

There are differences, but for most uses budget cables are fine. See the link for an interesting comparison, and click back to part one for further detail. That said, HDMI is digital and essentially works or doesn't work. If your existing cable works take the Nyko back and save some money ... unless you envision needing another HDMI cable soon.