Cheapest HDMI Cables vs the most expensive
Running a quick search for HDMI cables on some of the big search engines will return literally thousands of results, and when you load a number of websites that sell these cables, you could be intimidated by the number of different types and versions. The HDMI cables come in no less than four versions, some of which with their own series, and then they are different in length, plating, and manufacturer. They also come in a wide price range, starting from just a few pounds and going up to more than one hundred pounds, and there is no way for you to be sure that the price actually matches the quality.
The HDMI cables carry audio and video digitally from a source like personal computer, HD DVD player, Blu-ray disc player, or gaming console to a TV, computer monitor, or video projector. The latest versions of these cables, the 1.4 supports all PC and TV video standards and should work for most of the setups, and even allow you to use it to link a 3D Blu-ray disc player to a 3D TV. As with almost any other purchase, you should avoid buying the cheapest HDMI cables, however, in most cases, you might not need the most expensive either. The cheapest cables, which cost only a few pounds could give you poor quality picture, not work at all, or get damaged easily; on the other hand, some of the most expensive ones have a high price tag simply because they carry a well-known brand. What makes a good HDMI cable good is its high quality shielding and better conducting materials, and the high quality HDMI cables are the ones that are capable of carrying the signal without distortion to longer distance as well. Even though, there is no specification for the maximum length of the HDMI cables, for longer distances, you would definitely have to use extenders in order to prevent screen blinking, caused by weakened DDC signal. Some of these extenders could allow up to 30 meters HDMI cables to be used, while the optic-fiber ones are ideal for setups that call for up to 300 meters cables.
Back on the cheapest HDMI Cables vs the most expensive discussion, for the average home thither setup, purchasing a solid and not overly expansive cable should work just fine. However, if you have spent thousands on a brand new 3D TV and 3D Blu-ray disc player, then you might as well buy top of the range HDMI cable as well.