An HDMI cable is one of the most crucial links in within the audio-video network.
One of the great things about HDMI cables is that they save so much space. Before HDMI cables came into existence, most people would have to hide the audio and video cables behind their home theater systems, and it resembled something that looked like a snake infestation. With the appearance of HDMI cables, a lot of clutter was simply cut out.
The HDMI cable is also one of the most underappreciated links in that good HDMI cables are required to properly harness the potential of HDTV and resource demanding video game systems.
Ever experience video that wasn’t fluid or audio that wasn’t in synch with the picture? Your HDMI cable might have been to blame.
Yet how does one pick the right one?
To help you decide, the following is a review of the five best HDMI cables on the market.
dCables Hi-Speed
HDMI cables can be fairly expensive, and it’s hard to know if you’re actually getting better performance by paying more. These HDMI cables are well priced and perform among the best on the market.
One of the most important things to look at with HDMI cables is their bandwidth because it determines how much information they can transfer. With a lower bandwidth, a cable won’t be able to support the changes made in HDTV and video game systems.
This HDMI cable supports 10.2Gps, which will allows for a massive transfer of information.
The result of the large bandwidth is being able to meet the minimum standard of video resolution at 1080p on HDTV, and well exceeds it with well plenty to spare. The large bandwidth also supports compressed and uncompressed audio for Dolby and TDS, allowing perfect synchronization with demanding things like video game systems and Blu-Ray. Audio comes out clear and without delay.
Monster Cable 700HD
While the pricing is fairly high for Monster’s HDMI cables, the quality is consistently high in terms of performance, which is what can be expected from a brand that has represented excellence since the 1980s.
Bandwidth is at 10.2Gbps, which easily supports the gold standard for video at 1080p resolution. However, it’s large enough to even support 4k/2k resolution, which is more than 4x the standard in terms of pixels on the screen. The result is very high resolution and very deep colors. This is perfect for things like 3D video gaming.
Audio also synchronizes well even when transferring large amounts of uncompressed audio. Everything comes out clear and audible on Blu-Ray.
Cables to Go SonicWave
The SonicWave is a highspeed, high quality HDMI cable at a great price and is one of the best in its class.
Like the previous HDMI cables, this one also supports 10.2Gbps, allowing transfers of demanding video with plenty of space to spare. In the future, changes in video will require more demanding bandwidth, especially with home theaters moving to 3D and possible higher resolution with 4K/2K. This HDMI cable is well prepared for future changes.
Extra bandwidth also supports uncompressed audio like DTS-HD Master Audio and Dolby TrueHD. The result is a rich audio experience without skips or losses.
AudioQuest HDMI X
This HDMI cable runs middle of pack in terms of price, but its high quality ensures that it’s a favorite among professionals and serious video and audiophiles that expect the best.
It also handles 10.2Gbps, which allows fluid motion on video, with plenty of space to spare for emerging technologies that in the future will demand lots of transfer space. Uncompressed audio is supported by the massive bandwidth, which is clear and uninterrupted.
Due to its price, these HDMI cables are also made with high quality materials and manufacturing. The result is a solidly put together cable that uses twist geometry, which is meant to reduce the distortions. While the other cables perform just as well, the AudioQuest is definitely more rugged and sturdy.
Blue Jeans Cables F2
This HDMI cable provides high quality while being one of best priced on the market, defying the belief that high cost means higher quality.
It also supports 10.2Gbps, and video comes out fluidly. Like the other cables, there is more than enough bandwidth space to support more demanding video in the future. Similar to the others, there is also support for uncompressed audio that comes out clean and in synch.
What makes the Blue Jeans a unique cable is that lengths can come from anywhere between 3 – 100 feet. This is a crucial thing because getting the shortest length possible will help in avoiding more clutter.
Sources:
Best HDMI Cables Review: dCables
Best HDMI Cables Review: Monster Cable 700HD
Best HDMI Cables Review: Cables to Go SonicWave
Best HDMI Cables Review: AudioQuest HDMI X
Best HDMI Cables Review: Blue Jeans Cables F2
