Ok, perhaps you have just bought yourself a new LCD or plasma HDMI TV. Obviously, you want to gain the best quality sound and video but how do you achieve it? Surely the HDMI TV on its own is enough, does it really matter what kind of cable we use? After all, all HDMI cables are the same arenât they?
Arguments rage about this very subject and it seems that everyone has their own opinion as to what the definitive answer should be. With opinions divided, it can be hard to work out for yourself what the answer is which is why the question keeps being asked time and time again.
Some people argue that it really does not matter what kind of cheap HDMI cable you use. This is because either a digital signal works or it does not. Therefore, how much the HDMI cables costs or what material it is constructed from really makes no difference whatsoever. Some people also argue that this is definitely the case when the HDMI cable is less than 10 metres in length.
Others say that the quality of your HDMI cable does indeed make a difference. High quality cables are more likely to be constructed from premium materials and therefore handle 1080p and advanced or 7.1 sound. These HDMI cables often carry a huge price tag and are revered by serious audio and videophiles who want the best possible audio and video regardless of the cost.
Perhaps then, it is better to go for the middle ground. Choosing a HDMI cable that is made from components and materials that are designed to function well while not costing the earth could be a wise decision. This way, you still get to enjoy good sound and video from your high definition equipment without the remorse that can come from spending too much money.
What if you could buy a cable that fits these requirements and have it made to the exact length you require? After all, everyone has their own specific needs and no two homes are the same. For some, a cable of less than 10 metres is more than adequate for others; a much longer HDMI cable might be needed.
One important thing to remember is that if your HDMI cable is more than 15 metres in length, a HDMI repeater will be needed to help prevent signal attenuation or weakness. These will also help to alleviate the jumping or flickering that can sometimes be a result of too long a cable being used.
So, in conclusion it is fair to say that unless you are really serious about your audio and video regardless of the costs, it would be best to opt for a HDMI cable that was constructed to a high specification but was still reasonably priced. Where can you find such a cable? Euronetwork of course! |
In the war between high definition storage and video formats, Blu-ray has been victorious. It provides over five times the amount of storage space than traditional DVD's and offers the recording and playback of high definition video. Blu-ray works by using a blue laser rather than the traditional red beam DVD and CD technology uses at the moment. This blue laser offers more precision due to its shorter wavelength and therefore can pack more information on to a disk than the red laser.
As Blu-ray popularity continues to rise, more audio/visual products will be released with this technology in built. In order to enjoy high definition movies at their full potential, the Blu-ray device needs to be connected to a high def source such as a HDMI TV. What is the best way to do this? A HDMI cable certainly provides the easiest way to link Blu-ray equipment to a HDMI TV.
HDMI cables give an easy, cost effective method of watching high definition video from a Blu-ray disk since they only need one cable and can be purchased at reasonable prices. It should be said here, that although it is possible (and sometimes recommended) that expensive HDMI cables provide superior digital audio/video this is not necessarily the case.
Providing the HDMI cables are made from good quality, durable materials then the all-digital signal will be transmitted from your Blu-ray player or Playstation 3®. This signal will be displayed then on your HDMI TV. If your television supports HDMI 1.3 then movies can be watched in superb 1080p resolution however, if not video will be scaled down to 720p.
To get the best possible audio/video from a Blu-ray title, HDMI may indeed be the best method. This is because HDMI is the industry standard and as such is supported by all the major companies. This overwhelming support for HDMI has made HDMI cables the perfect choice for high def connectivity.
It must be stated that HDMI is not the only way to view Blu-ray titles in high definition. It is possible to use component cables to connect your Blu-ray device to a high definition television. Comparable audio/video quality can even be achieved but of course, with component, there is the need for more than just a single cable to be used.
HDCP (High Definition Copy Protection), however does give some limitations in that if a piece of equipment in the chain of devices from Blu-ray player to screen does not support HDCP protocols then although the movie will still play, it will be in standard definition not high def. This means that no one using VGA or other non-HDCP compliant items will see Blu-ray movies in their true glory.
For the best, hassle free results, use HDMI cables and ensure that devices such as your HDMI TV and associated equipment are HDCP compliant. This way, will be sure, when you settle back to enjoy a high definition Blu-ray movie that you will be able to view it at the optimum settings and get the best from your Blu-ray device.
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