Big Picture Big Sound

Question:

Dear Big Picture Big Sound,

I'm finally upgrading my beloved old tube TV to a High Def flat panel (plasma, of course). I've noticed that the HDTV video cables seem to be pretty pricey (over $100!). Do I really need to spend this much on cables or can I get by with standard cables?

Sincerely,

-Dave S.

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Answer:

Hi Dave,

Thanks for your question. Yours isn't the first time we've heard this. When I recently perused my local Best Buy and Circuit City for the latest high definition sets, I was appalled to find that the least expensive component video cable on the shelves was over $60 and the least expensive HDMI cable was $80! If you shop for a TV on Circuit City's web site, you would think the $90 Monster Cable HDMI cable is mandatory in order to see in HD (it's listed on HDTV product pages as a "Required" accessory).

I'm all for giving the consumer a choice, and if you want to throw $100 or more into a single cable, well more power to you (and it may be necessary for really long cable runs). But the fact is that there are plenty of alternatives out there that will give you a beautiful high definition picture for far less money.

There are currently 3 types of cables that support high definition video signals:

• Component Video (typically 3 RCA-type cables labeled "Y, Pb, Pr" and usually colored Red, Green and Blue) - this is an analog format that can support 1080p high definition video, though many TVs and source components limit the component inputs/outputs to 1080i
• HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) - this is a digital connector that carries both digital video (up to 1080p) and multi-channel digital audio over a single cable
• DVI (Digital Visual Interface) also known as "DVI-D" - this is a digital cable that supports video signals only. It can also support HD signals up to 1080p.

Of these, HDMI is currently the most popular, though component video is also still available on many source devices and displays. DVI inputs are found on many HD-capable front projectors. If your source device has HDMI output, but your display only has DVI, then you can get an inexpensive adapter to convert from HDMI to DVI, or buy a cable that has HDMI on one end, DVI on the other.

The major drawback of component video is one that is still only a potential drawback - there is a content flag available in the high definition signals (broadcast, HD-DVD, Blu-Ray Disc) called the "Image Constraint Token" (ICT). If content providers choose to enable the ICT flag, then a component video signal could be "down-res'ed" from 720p, 1080i or 1080p down to 480p (the same resolution as a standard DVD). So far, the ICT has not been enabled by any content providers but it may happen in the future. Once it does occur, only a HDCP-enabled HDMI or DVI connection will be able to pass the full high definition signal.

In terms of where to get high quality analog and digital cables for high definition use, we've used and can recommend the following sources:

• Impact Acoustics (also known as "Cables To Go") - manufacturer and direct retailer of high quality component video and HDMI cables. Component video cables start at $14 and range all the way up to over $400 for 150-ft. super-high quality cables. HDMI-certified HDMI cables start at about $28.
  Big Picture Big Sound readers get an instant 20% discount on all Impact Acoustics purchases by providing coupon code "BIGPIC" at checkout.
• Parts Express - their "Dayton Audio" house brand of cables feature high quality connectors, good thick gauges and good shielding. Component Video Cables start at about $17, and HDMI cables start at about $15

There are other choices as well, but these are two that we have used and have held up well to the rigors of life in the Big Picture Big Sound labs.


Regards,

-Chris