HDMI Cables

This is a question for you good tech guys. When I got my HDTV I bought a Monster HDMI cable ($100). I used it with my cable box. Needless to say you can use component for cables because the picture would only be 1080i at the best, but for the sake of less wires and the BB sales rep recommended Monster I purchased it. Then I bought a PS3 and I got to thinking that maybe another $100 for an HDMI cable is a bit too much, maybe I could go with the $40 dollar HDMI. Well I did, I used the Monster with the PS3 and the lesser known brand with the cable. Everything was fine until I moved and for distance reasons I had to switch the cables, as soon as everthing was setup I cut on the PS3 and the TV, just like before great picture and sound, but when the PS3 is off and I watch TV I get scrolling lines, it's less noticable in HD. So I disconnected the $40 HDMI from the PS3 and the lines disappears when watching TV, now to eliminate the problem I have take the Monster from the cablebox and use component and use the Monster with the PS3. Is there a HDMI cable that you recommend I'm struggling with the idea of spending another $100 just on a cable.

[Post edited by tony1569 on Nov 30, 2007]

Hmm.. "scrolling lines" sounds like more of a ground loop issue, but if you're looking for a good alternative to Monster, I'd go with professional quality Belden cables that Hollywood studios and such use. They don't sell "made" cables for public use, but the "Blue Jeans Cable" company makes killer HDMI cables from Belden that you can order online for half the price of Monster. They're excellent for longer runs, and I currently have the 25' footer going from my receiver to my projector.

http://www.bluejeanscable.com/

Thanks Skyhawk, this is a good site because it answered a question that I was going to ask you. About 1.1 and 1.3a & b compliance.

Skyhawk I agree, it sounds like you're having a Ground issue in the new place you moved to. I would recommend trying a surge protector that regulates the power. They're about $150+ but you can try it out and if that doesn't fix the problem then get your money back.

Falcon, this is funny I spend like $80 on a Monster PC800 1665 joule surge protector about 3 yrs ago. It has a ground indicator light that is green. I'm at my wits end about this.

I still think it's a ground loop problem - and they are best solved by an electrician fixing the problem rather than a power conditioner.

Here is a way to test: Make the 3 prong power plug of your PS3 2 prong by using an adaptor, or an old 3 prong extension that you can break the gound prong off using pliers. Plug everything up. If the problem goes away, your problem is a ground loop and your cables are likely fine.

[Post edited by Skyhawk on Nov 30, 2007]

thanks... good info guys. tony, is it you?... im amazed.

Why Kucoloco, I don't know everything I do know that I could beat you in MK. Thanks Sky, I do have an adaptor I'll give it a try. Also my Brother in Law is a certfied electrician, I never thought to ask him I guess because I always swore it was a cable issue.

ALL my HDMI connections use only a 3' cable nothing over that, I read somewhere that longer cables will give problems depending on how they are hooked up. While it very well may be power related, I suspect the cable as you have noticed could be the real issue. BTW my HDMI cables cost me 14 bux for all 3 and they work perfectly.

Wow, even I have to admit this is good info. I too was leaning towards a ground issue but the problem seems to have been solved by the smart-smarties here!

Finally, some useful, good info and not a bunch of format war bickering. Thanks for the info guys.