Why do I need expensive HDMI cables?

Question

For the techno greats. I have a DISH Network HD receiver. The back requires an HDMI cable. Which I went out and bought. The problem here is I get my locals through my regular antenna on my roof. They are broadcasting in digital and when I watch shows like Idol or NFL the picture looks better than the receiver box.

The antenna feed is going through a regular RG-6 coax cable.

The receiver is using the HDMI cable. Why is this?

Did I get ripped off for buying this $25.00 HDMI cable?

Answer 1

no ou didnt hdmi is the next gen of cables it displayes sound and video in the purest to date

Answer 2

No you did not get ripped off.

Yes, you must use HDMI because of the copy protection.

The difference in video quality is because:

Antenna - un-compressed HDTV

Dish - Compressed HDTV

Dish and DirectTV both do compression on the HD signals to try and fit more channels in. One of them occasionally cranks up the compression every few days, then backs off when customers call in to complain.

Answer 3

RG-6 can actually carry HD signals... and it's less prone to messing up, like HDMI is.

Answer 4

Because you're probably not getting HD service.  Your antenna is picking up free local HD, but your satellite is probably not.

Answer 5

Your picture issue has nothing to do with cables. Your satellite provider is compressing its signal too much, resulting in visible picture degradation. Your OTA signals are less compressed, so they look better. There is nothing you can do other than to send a strongly worded letter to Dish Network.

Answer 6

A $25 HDMI Cable is a pretty cheap cable most will cost around $100 or more.  Cables are over priced and if you are not a true movie or TV enthusiast (or however you spell it) you will not notice a difference.  I really enjoy movies and want the clearest picture so I spend money on cables.  My friends that don't and watch TV and movies every so often ask me what to get and I tell them to go to target and get a cheap cable.  Remember you get what you pay for, don't listen to the sales guy at best buy they want to sell the expensive cables, you can always upgrade later if you wish.