Hdtv

[TinyDancer]

I've been asking this question but getting different answers so I wanted to see if any of you all know. . .

I'm getting an HDTV this weekend. I'm going to get the HD cable box today. My question is that the stores tell you that you need a HDMI cable. . . but someone told me that he thought that you really didn't need an HDMI cable if you didn't have surround sound.

I'm not getting surround sound. I'm not really all that into all this stuff, BUT if I'm paying money for a TV with a great picture, I want to have the best picture I can have. . . so does anyone know if this cable will effect the picture quality?

[and1grad]

An HDMI cable is similar to combining a component video cable with an audio cable. Do you NEED one? No. Is it better than any other cable you can get? Yes. Its probably your best buy. But get it on the cheap...some places charge you ridiculous amounts for one. Should be around $30.

[old_school_soul]

You don't need an HDMI cable. The nice thing about them is they combine all the video/audio cables you would normally use into one cable. Definitely do not buy the HDMI cable at any store. They will rip you off. I order all my cables at www.monoprice.com. You can get a 15' HDMI cable for less than $10.

[TinyDancer]

Thanks for the advice! I'm so excited! I can't wait to watch my basketball games!

[TinyDancer]

Okay, one more question. . .

OSS, the website you gave has several types of cables. . .

Just HDMI
HDMI Ver. 3.1
HDMI/DVI

What's the difference?

I'm assuming that I want an in-wall installation male-to-male? I tried to find info online, but I'm not really finding what I need. The stores sell me exactly what I need, apparently, but yeah. . . they are charging more like $70-$90.

Sorry if these questions are dumb. I'm electronically challenged. . . :rolleyes:

[old_school_soul]

it's HDMI 1.3... DVI to HDMI means just that.. One end is DVI, the other is HDMI.. If you cable box and your TV support HDMI, all you need is a HDMI cable. You don't want an "in wall" cable unless you are putting that cable in the physical wall.

This should suit you, it's a 10 foot, you could go longer or shorter, but stick with the same kind (HDMI Cable male to male 28AWG):

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10240&cs_id=1024009&p_id=2504&seq=1&format=2


Oh, and you asked about 1.3 cables, from what I understand, 1.3 is the version of the HDMI protocol that travels over the cable.. Some people say the cables are "1.3 certified", but any HDMI cable should work.. It's the same physical wiring.

[TinyDancer]

Thanks! You rock! Ordered and on its way. . . :)