What Makes For the Good HDMI Cables ?

-Well surprisingly even the experts don't have "All" the answers what makes the difference in audio or video cables.



There is allot to designing good cables and you can ask 100 designers and you'll get 100 different answers, each manufacture has there own philosophy what is important.



First thing is:



The audio or video system must be of reasonably good quality in order to show you the differences in cables.



The system must be properly setup and calibrated in order to show you the differences.



And cables just being more expensive doesn't guarantee you better video or audio quality.



One thing is for sure, the only place to purchase the better cables is from your local independent high end audio video store as they carry the better brands of equipment and cables. The chain stores do not carry better cables worth the price difference.



You can also read reviews from reputable magazines like Perfect Vision, Stereophile, Widescreen Review.



Kevin

40 years high end audio video specialistYour question is oddly phrased. Are you asking how to tell if a HDMI cable is well made or are you asking for the brand-names of some good HDMI cables?



I am going to assume you want some suggestions.



For short runs (under 10 ft) and not burying the cable in a wall I like the "Media Bridge" brand of cable which you can get from Amazon for $8-$20 depending on the length.



A lot of people like www.monoprice.com for ultra-cheep asia-made cables. I have used them and they do work, but I suspect the cables are very generic and one month to another the cables can change quality or source.



For longer runs or in-wall use I like shopping at www.bluejeanscables.com. My 13 ft cable ran about $38 a few years ago and the prices have dropped. These are very thick and strong cables so they can be pulled through a wall without damage, but wont work well for short interconnections.



Hope this helps.