Are HDMI cables really necessary?

Question

Are they worth the money putting them on 1080p 120 hz Samsung

Answer 1

HDMI cables are definitely the way to go. A single HDMI cable replaces 5 Component cable connections between the DVD player and the TV (or the AVR) - 3 for the video (RGB or YPbPr) and 2 for audio (Red and White). Now think of a scenario wherein; you have multiple devices connected to the TV or the AVR (like DVD player, PS3, Cable Box, Tivo, Laptops, etc.). Using HDMI obviates the need for the rat's nest behind your home theater system.

As the other person remarked, don't get swayed by the marketing gimmicks of higher priced HDMI cables. HDMI is a loss-less standard and therefore, all HDMI cable manufacturers need to adhere to the HDMI specifications. You should be able to find cheaper deals on websites like www.monoprice.com, www.buy.com, www.newegg.com, etc.

Answer 2

It looks nice using HDMI cables, look on eBay, around 5-10$.  Best Buy and those stores charge a ton.  

Answer 3

If they're more than $10 each for a regular 10ft cable that's not for in-wall installation, they're not worth the money.

www.monoprice.com - don't let the big box companies play the cable game with you.

Monster like to advertise that their top of the line cable is for 120Hz, but that's just marketing gimmicks. First of all there are no 120Hz sources, only 24, 25, 30, 50 and 60Hz. Secondly the INITIAL HDMI spec allows for more bandwidth than what a 1080p120 source would carry, far more, so Monster are just trying to s***w you out of your money.

Lastly, HDMI will be necessary in about 3-4 years when the studios may implement the Image Constraint Token. At that point every other connection will revert to 480p (or 576p for PAL) where the ICT is turned on and HDCP is not recognized.

However, as mentioned by another poster, the convenience is undebatable. If you use multi-channel analog for surround and component video you're using 11 cables (3 for component, 8 for 7.1 analog surround sound) which can be replaced by one.

Answer 4

Only HDMI supports full HD (1080p). But, unless you are using a Bluray, they are not necessary. Best TV signal is 1080i.

HDMI has problems too. Half the time seems like components don't work due to copy right protection built into cables.

If you want good HDMI cables for cheap go to svideo.com

Answer 5

HDMI cables are worth it , but not paying an outrageous amount for them. You can get HDMI cables for as little as $10. Don't be suckered into paying more.