Users who Dugg This
robdiggity
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unknown-id
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Spy Phone Mobile
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Capt Oblivious
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Ali Qayyum
4891 Followers
computergeek89
1 Followers
Wilfred Brimley
41 Followers
veni_vidi_viciAug 22, 2010
While I agree with the overall point that they're overpriced, there is a reason for a small percentage of users to be careful as to which version of the cable they buy. Older versions cannot support the bandwidth neccesary for some features such as 3D.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HDMI_cables#VersionsComment is buried, click here to see the rest.
dibdiditAug 22, 2010
still, you buy a high speed HDMI from a generic no big name compagny cable from amazon, not a 20$/feet HDMI monster cable at BB!
birch25Aug 23, 2010
Ha, Best Buy (as well as plenty of other retailers) sell cables upwards of $100!
norman619Aug 22, 2010
LOL!!! How many people have been taken in by 3D televisions? Not many.
Closed AccountAug 22, 2010
This account has been closed by the user
antdudeAug 22, 2010Submitter
KevinMoore: Only if my eyes could see 3D. :(
Closed AccountAug 23, 2010
wow weird. I can't see 3D as well. Didn't think many people had the condition.
luciferxeAug 22, 2010
same here(blind in my right eye)
i only see 2d.
3d has been proven to cause problems with the human eye. causing what is knows as lazy eye
Closed AccountAug 22, 2010
This account has been closed by the user
rotundoAug 22, 2010
People with vision in only one eye still see in 3D. Depth perception is complex, and stereoscopic vision is only a small piece of the picture:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Depth_perceptionComment is buried, click here to see the rest.
gunit99Aug 22, 2010
Monoprice FTW.
http://www.monoprice.com/products/subdepartment.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10240
b3owulfAug 23, 2010
Eh, I have a 3d and it's awesome, though I am sure I'm one of the few and its really only because my fiance won the tv a couple of years ago at vendor event. Anyway, I had to buy a new hdmi cable this weekend for it to work.
warstrongAug 23, 2010
I personally have a lazy eye and 3D stuff makes it even worse- stay away! I suppose you could get a 3D TV and then do the lazy eye exercises every day but I still wouldn't think it's worth it.
charlietunaAug 22, 2010
For three bucks total you can buy the crap cable from Amazon and throw it out if it is insufficient. Only *then* should you try your luck with the, -ahem- "high performance" cable.
http://snipurl.com/cheap-hdmi
Low Oxygen Copper my ass.Comment is buried, click here to see the rest.
deweyhewsonAug 22, 2010
Wrong.
"All of the other new HDMI 1.4 features will be compatible with the existing categories of cables."
That is from HDMI themselves. There is NO SUCH THING AS AN HDMI 1.4 CABLE! There are only standard speed and high speed HDMI cables. That's it. So paying a $100-200 premium on "gold plated" crap is more than a huge rip off, it's a scam, and dishonest marketing.
The only exception to this is ethernet over HDMI, which does require a specific cable, but that is only for the ethernet capabilities. Everything else is either standard or high speed, and will work with the cables you have now.
lt200420Aug 22, 2010
From wiki:
Version 1.4
HDMI 1.4 was released on May 28, 2009, and the first HDMI 1.4 products were available in the second half of 2009.[54][107] HDMI 1.4 increases the maximum resolution to 4K × 2K (3840×2160p at 24Hz/25Hz/30Hz and 4096×2160p at 24Hz, which is a resolution used with digital theaters); an HDMI Ethernet Channel, which allows for a 100 Mb/s Ethernet connection between the two HDMI connected devices; and introduces an Audio Return Channel, 3D Over HDMI (HDMI 1.3 devices will only support this for 1080i)[108], a new Micro HDMI Connector, expanded support for color spaces, and an Automotive Connection System.[54][109] HDMI 1.4 supports several stereoscopic 3D formats including field alternative (interlaced), frame packing (a full resolution top-bottom format), line alternative full, side-by-side half, side-by-side full, 2D + depth, and 2D + depth + graphics + graphics depth (WOWvx),[51][110][111] with additional top/bottom formats added in version 1.4a . HDMI 1.4 requires that 3D displays support the frame packing 3D format at either 720p50 and 1080p24 or 720p60 and 1080p24.[111] High Speed HDMI 1.3 cables can support all HDMI 1.4 features except for the HDMI Ethernet Channel.[51][110][111]
HDMI 1.4a was released on March 4, 2010 and adds two additional mandatory 3D formats for broadcast content which was deferred with HDMI 1.4 in order to see the direction of the 3D broadcast market.[112][113] HDMI 1.4a has defined mandatory 3D formats for broadcast, game, and movie content.[112] HDMI 1.4a requires that 3D displays support the frame packing 3D format at either 720p50 and 1080p24 or 720p60 and 1080p24, side-by-side horizontal at either 1080i50 or 1080i60, and top-and-bottom at either 720p50 and 1080p24 or 720p60 and 1080p24.
dont ever say "There is NO SUCH THING..." f**king moron.Comment is buried, click here to see the rest.
marx2kAug 22, 2010
it200420: Um, from your post: "High Speed HDMI 1.3 cables can support all HDMI 1.4 features except for the HDMI Ethernet Channel"
Which is specifically what the OP wrote. f**king moron.
Closed AccountAug 24, 2010
I love it when f**king morons call other people f**king morons. PS - you can't spell "****s****r" without OU. Buried and blocked.
ltgeyserAug 22, 2010
Yeah. It says exactly that in the article.
"Only two types of HDMI cables are included in the HDMI licensing spec: "Standard" (aka category 1) or "High Speed" (aka category 2). The latter is required to assure the cable passes 1080p signals (including 3-D), which is the highest bandwidth video signal available now and for the foreseeable future."
dralezeroAug 23, 2010
Its funny because in the bit before that the article says labels such as 3-D are just scams to get people to spend more. but it actually is a difference when it comes to 3D.Comment is buried, click here to see the rest.
cranAug 22, 2010
Amazon has a 10-foot HDMI cable for 60 cents.
digger1123Aug 23, 2010
usually those aren't prime, so you pay a bit of shipping, but amazon is the s**t when it comes to just about anything.
fragmasterflashAug 23, 2010
HDMI 1.4a defines resolutions up to 4K by 2K which need 300 MBPS bandwidth cables. None of the consumer gear in the shops supports anything over 1080P which can do 3D at 24Hz at 148MBPS. Bottom line: You don't need high end HDMI cables yet.
speedsteamboatAug 23, 2010
Maybe try reading YOUR OWN LINK?
"Each subsequent version of the specification uses the same kind of cable but increases the bandwidth and/or capabilities of what can be transmitted over the cable."
shozikuAug 23, 2010
I'm going to wait for the ones that say they transmit hamburgers because hey, if that package says it, then I believe it and it must be true.
zoshchenkoAug 22, 2010
I suspect the author of this article is going to be sued by Monster Cable. Not only does he use their name in his article without permission, he also points out that their product is an over-priced sham. Oh crap - now I'm going to be named in the suit as well!
diggamyteAug 22, 2010
It's perfectly legal to say it if it's true, which it is.
riverstyxAug 22, 2010
One rule I learned from taking journalism - "Truth is your best defense". If it's true then it isn't libelous, no matter how harsh it is.
nyxerebosAug 22, 2010
You can do things which are legal and still be the subject of a civil suit. Even, a baseless civil suit. And then there are product libel laws, though I don't know how widely these apply in the US.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Food_libel_laws
riverstyxAug 22, 2010
Civil suits mean s**t in the real world and are largely unenforceable - wages and taxes cant be garnished, they cant prevent you from getting a loan or a license. You'd have more success using hired goons.
I have a judgment against me for shoplifting 10 years ago that I will never have to worry about. Even the Goldman family sued OJ Simpson for murder and won something like a 2 million dollar civil suit against him, he never paid a dime and never will.Comment is buried, click here to see the rest.
fr33th0tAug 22, 2010
It isn't illegal to use their name.
arschgaudiAug 22, 2010
So anyone that reviews an item has to have permission from the manufacturer?
What f**king world do you live in?
area206Aug 23, 2010
More importantly, it is tortious to use their name.
norman619Aug 22, 2010
They can try to sue all they like. It will be thrown out of court for lack of any legal merit.
breadfredAug 22, 2010
That depends on how expensive their lawyers are.
rikfAug 22, 2010
OP is referring to Monster's habit of suing people who use the word 'Monster' in their product, despite having nothing to do with any of the areas in which Monster has interests, such as a mini-golf company.
zoshchenkoAug 23, 2010
THANK YOU! Obviously Digg users aren't aware of the insanity of Noel Lee and his attempt to "own" the word "Monster"! He doesn't care what the law is and will even file a lawsuit against Disney if they try to call a movie Monsters, Inc. - which he did!
I can't believe so many people got so hung up on what is legal and permissible. Monster Cable couldn't care less and they HAVE tried to sue reviewers who did not give their product a favorable evaluation. The thing is, a wire coat hanger has been found to work just as well at their $200 piece of junk.
crocodile7Aug 23, 2010
Did they sue Lady Gaga?
dpdesignAug 23, 2010
To be fair, this kind of douchebaggery is required by US trademark law in order to protect your trademark from falling into common usage. If you don't aggressively defend your trademark, you wind up like Kleenex, unable to protect your trademark when it actually matters.
I hate Monster as much as the next guy, but in this instance, hate the game, not the player.Comment is buried, click here to see the rest.
rikfAug 23, 2010
Oh no, in this case it is the player. Monster is claiming that they have created a brand, using the word Monster (obviously no one used it before them...) that is on a par with Visa or, as you say, Kleenex and thus the word cannot be used by anyone other than themselves. Even Apple is unable to claim this. Monster is a litigious upstart, marketing overpriced products and trying to squeeze licence fees from companies working in unrelated fields.
citrxjAug 26, 2010
Monster energy drink?
devnullukAug 23, 2010
@crocodile7
Actually Lady Gaga sold out to them...
http://www.ladygaga.com/heartbeats/
warcinAug 23, 2010
@dpdesign
umm the word monster has been in common usages for hundreds of years. That is why you can only sue if they are using your trade marked word in a similar context
ultramagnus0001Aug 23, 2010
I used to work at Best Buy. The markup on Monster cable was like 80%.
Closed AccountAug 22, 2010
Here's an example of Monster Cable's propensity to sue:
http://www.bluejeanscable.com/legal/mcp/index.htm
kashk5Aug 22, 2010
It's not defamation if it's true
chrispix99Aug 22, 2010
Dugg down trying to hide you from the Monster.
intermaggioAug 23, 2010
This account has been closed by the user
lilrabbitfoofooAug 23, 2010
Just because you got a crapped out cable the first time, doesn't mean Monster didn't rip you off. I'm glad their overpriced piece of s**t worked for you, but then again, so would have replacing the bad cable with a NON-DEFECTIVE one of the previous make, model, and price.
There is NEVER any reason to purchase ANY Monster brand product.
There are always massively cheaper, high quality equivalents...usually a row or two over in the same store.
Monster is a scam, period. Just like anything made by Bose. Scam, scam, scam.
Closed AccountAug 23, 2010
"Am I the only person who sees some value in Monster cables?"
No.
But that just puts you in the group of people known as "suckers"
Closed AccountAug 23, 2010
"There is NEVER any reason to purchase ANY Monster brand product."
You're so wrong. "Gourmet" digital cables (like HDMI, MIDI, etc) are complete bulls**t, but there is no substitute for a well-balanced premium cable when it comes to carrying a high-impedence analog music signal (ie. a premium acoustic guitar pickup's signal sent to a preamplifier).
No matter how slimy Monster is with their digital cable business, you can't tell me that a Monster Acoustic 1/4" instrument cable doesn't sound significantly better than any generic cable. By a lot. Even a diggtard's prejudice against Monster wouldn't sufficiently deafen them to the difference in tone when listening to those cables A/Bed in person.
I'm certain I'll get buried by the pitchfork-weilding anti-Monster crowd, but it's human nature to extend judgement beyond knowledge and experience and digg.com users are no different. They'll bury me because they don't want to believe it, but that doesn't make it less true that Monster instrument cables sound significantly better.*
*On high end rigs. If you have a mass-produced acoustic guitar with a $40 pickup and a cheap amp, you won't get much out of a premium cable.
Closed AccountAug 24, 2010
@smashingmonkey
http://consumerist.com/2008/03/do-coat-hangers-sound-as-good-monster-cables.html
Depends on the length. For the most part a coat hanger will work just fine.
heavystoneAug 23, 2010
It falls under the Fair Use act. You sell a product, people have the right to say what they think of it.
ninhAug 22, 2010
Cables per se are the best money maker this side of controlled substances. Margins usually are in the 1000% range and can be even higher for cables with proprietary connectors.
spazattack5000Aug 22, 2010
It's higher than that actually. Highest mark up I saw when I worked in electronics was closer to 2000%. $169.99 for a 30ft cable that had a store cost of $7.99.
liquidhalcyonAug 22, 2010
Bought my 1.3b 30ft cable from amazon for $5, free shipping.
buckeye17Aug 22, 2010
@liquidhalcyon: Cool story, bro.
tovarish22Aug 22, 2010
I don't think "per se" means what you think it means.
verkonAug 22, 2010
"From Latin per se (“by itself”), from per (“by, through”), and se (“itself, himself, herself, themselves”)."
"cables by itself are the best money maker..."
Quite good use of it if you ask me.
Sources: http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/per_seComment is buried, click here to see the rest.
crocodile7Aug 23, 2010
@verkon
Not such a great use.
Good use example: "an expensive cable does not improve the picture quality per se" (i.e. in itself it does not, but might in combination with other components).
chikutenAug 23, 2010
INCONCIEVABLE
charlietunaAug 22, 2010
Cables, perfume and hot sauce. One born every minute.. PT Barnum would be proud.
tovarish22Aug 22, 2010
PT Barnum never actually said that.
http://www.historybuff.com/library/refbarnum.html
Closed AccountAug 22, 2010
Don't forget inkjet printer ink!!
creationismlolAug 22, 2010
Same thing with speakers and mattresses.
creationismlolAug 22, 2010
not sure why I'm getting buried, both of those products have massive markups. It's well known that mattresses have some of the largest markups in retail.
gefahrAug 22, 2010
you're getting buried by the mattress patriots!
blindmelon1Aug 23, 2010
No, I think he's getting buried because in many cases (Bose excluded) the dearer full range speakers sound significantly better than their cheap, subwoofer partnered plastic counterparts. That's why I buried him.
skeenixAug 23, 2010
Other than the 901s Bose has nothing to offer that can't be gotten anywhere else with a better value proposition.
creationismlolAug 23, 2010
blindmelon: and what the f**k does that have to do with my post? I've seen the markup on 100's of different speakers, brand name or otherwise and the markup is incredible.
kerrigoreAug 22, 2010
Well, to be fair, it's not like they're making any money on the TV's themselves.
taaybAug 22, 2010
They are making money. I know for a fact that they are making money on televisions at Best Buy. Younger brother worked there for about 8 months and I used his discount to buy a television. Got about $200 off of a $1800 television and his discount was supposedly cost + 10% (or 15%). So the notion that they aren't making any money on televisions is not true. There's a reason TV's at Best Buy cost more than they do at Amazon or Fry's.
jaydoAug 22, 2010
I worked at Best Buy up until June of this year, I didn't notice any more than 30 bucks off a tv's price on our discount unless it was in the $2800+ range.
That went with most things we sold that weren't accessories; the discount was almost worthless to me.
Except for musical instruments and equipment. good god the discount was good for music stuff.
creationismlolAug 22, 2010
it's true, tv's have very low markups, which is how monster cable markets themselves to Best Buy management - they show how their product can augment the sale and increase margins on a bundled purchase (tv + hdmi cable).
diggduggjoeAug 23, 2010
I buy my cables from a local electronics store. They are very fair. My friend choked on a Belkin cable from a big box store. The key there is at the mind-numbing price of an Belkin cable, the store brand which is still over-priced is an easy sell.
At big box store a standard firewire cable was $40, at the local store it was $12. It worked fine and even had gold contacts. So, it was $12 and NOT a piece of crap. I get replacement mini-USB cables for my phones for $5.
I am so thankful my community has such a store. I pimp them for nothing for I want them to be there when I need them.
drummerdudextAug 23, 2010
Where I work we only mark up our cables at 30%
elcadAug 23, 2010
Still not as profitable as text messaging. 6,500% markup!
http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2010/news/1001/gallery.americas_biggest_ripoffs/index.html
At least we can go to the internet and get fairly priced cables. While cell phone customers are stuck paying through the nose for text messaging.
mctom987Aug 23, 2010
Text messaging is 100% profit. It's designer specifically made it to not require any infrastructure changes. It piggyback's on the "extra" signal bandwidth already being used. Empty or filled, it doesn't make a difference. But yes, if you want to argue "processing power" etc. to substantiate a cost, yeah, it's probably somewhere around 100M% markup.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SMS
shozikuAug 23, 2010
Cables, Apple products. the best money makers. The people who buy them are deliriously happy. Why screw with that. Even if the other 90% of the population can see the sham, let them go, its ok. and as long as they don't do it in front of you, it never happened.
treshnellAug 23, 2010
Monoprice.com
amadeus2490Aug 22, 2010
www.monoprice.com
roguebladeAug 22, 2010
I ALWAYS go with Monster
energy drink
tiduAug 22, 2010
I prefer piss. It's free.
iignotusAug 22, 2010
And tastes better.
datalossAug 22, 2010
The Blue Lo-Carb to be more specific.
ltgeyserAug 22, 2010
I prefer to stick with MONSTER
SQUAD
jwe8kAug 23, 2010
Wolf-Man's
...got nards!
Closed AccountAug 22, 2010
because some people are delusional and can swear they can see a big difference
nyxerebosAug 22, 2010
They *do* see a big difference, because they expect one and are looking for it. All sorts of cognitive biases at work here. The 'Penn & Teller: Bulls**t' episode 'The Best' has some neat examples.
shodanxAug 23, 2010
the placebo effect is a real thing
you can help a feel better person by prescribing sugar pills as long as they believe in it
crocodile7Aug 23, 2010
Difference is in the eye of the beholder.
People consistently rate expensive wine much better than the same wine sold for less.
riverstyxAug 22, 2010
For the first time last week, we just ordered a bunch of cables from them. Took like two days to arrive, cables were like a dollar a piece, and everything works great.
marx2kAug 22, 2010
I have a MONSTER
c**k
in the chicken coop
in the back yard
roguebladeAug 23, 2010
hahahaa that was awesome
cawpinAug 22, 2010
Don't forget http://www.trianglecables.com as well. It is especially useful if you're in the eastern half of the US as that's where they're located. I got 2 15' HDMI cables from them for $12, including shipping.Comment is buried, click here to see the rest.
swordedgeAug 22, 2010
Monoprice has them beat...
nonymous666Aug 23, 2010
triangle cables is one of those sites where every single item is on "Sale". f**k them.
doshindudeAug 22, 2010
7 dollars? you're getting ripped off.
50 cents here:
http://www.amazon.com/Eforcity-Digital-Video-Cable-GOLD-PLATED/dp/B000UHQVOW/ref=pd_bxgy_e_img_b
gefahrAug 22, 2010
...plus $3 shipping.
pintomp3Aug 23, 2010
Monoprice doesn't exactly have free shipping either.
ezflipAug 23, 2010
....still equals half of $7.
wondertwinsAug 23, 2010
A NEW CHALLENGER HAS APPEARED~!
fadingsignalAug 22, 2010
I was turned onto monoprice thru AVSForums and now only purchase cables through them. Not just home theater but MIDI, audio, XLR cables etc as well. Amazing quality for so cheap!
blklightningAug 23, 2010
same here, read about them on avs. i also bought a 25 foot ethernet cable from them for around 4 bucks. excellent quality and service, as usual. i love that site.
sniper117Aug 22, 2010
but.. but.. but.. ITS NOT 480Hz!!!!
/s
panthusdireAug 23, 2010
actually I bought 9 dollar HDMI cables, my PS3 will only go up to 1080i on the HDMI cables I have (4 of them at 6ft.), YET my xbox 360 sees them at 1080p just fine......
A different HDMI cable I bought, different brand, sees the ps3 in 1080p just fine.....
eliotpearsonAug 23, 2010
Very good point. Always be an educated consumer. If not... you are just burning money.
jparkinsonAug 23, 2010
holy crap, that site rules! thank you.
blaouAug 23, 2010
Just a word to the wise about monoprice: They offer google checkout and I suggest you use it. Prior to buying from them, I googled the name because I'd never heard of them. Turns out they were recently hacked. While I can't remember if any damage was done or not, I ordered through google checkout, just being careful.
Anyways, the cables they sell are great, I bought two $4 6ft cables + $4 shipping. f**k Monster Cables.
Closed AccountAug 23, 2010
monoprice FTW!
waterdropAug 23, 2010
I ordered three 6ft. long HDMI cables from monoprice. Total price was $5.46 shipped. Each cable was 96 cents before shipping. They work great, have gold plated connectors, and can handle 1080p video just as good as any other HDMI cable.
aarons44Aug 23, 2010
I ordered 30 foot cables from momoprice to run from my mixer to my projector. I was a little nervous, because there have been studies done showing that at 35ft and longer, the more expensive cables like Monster actually do make a difference. That was 3 years ago and I haven't had a single issue with that or any other HDMI cable from Monoprice.
captmorgan555Aug 23, 2010
I've made 2 orders from firefold.com and haven't had any problems. As cheap as the rest in my experience.
rikfAug 22, 2010
www.monoprice.com - until you start doing long cable runs, go for the cheapest cable you can get.
rossnycAug 22, 2010
This is one reason I boycott and really dislike BestBuy - f**king scammers talk these cables up like they're amazing and you're an idiot for not buying a $100 POS cable.
Go buy the same thing, although not as "pretty", from Amazon for $2.26
sarcasticpirateAug 22, 2010
If you ever buy an HDMI cable for over ten dollars, you're probably being scammed.
I love my under $3 HDMI cable. :D
shutupflandersAug 22, 2010
But it's not gold plated and dipped in platinum!
citrxjAug 23, 2010
My <$3 HDMI cable is "gold plated"!
dlite922Aug 23, 2010
But But But the best buy ones are dipped are soaked in female goats blood (Enhances the brightness), yours is not.
maxxusflamusAug 22, 2010
not all bestbuys-
I've actually heard sales people talk customers out of getting monster cables.
admiralkareliaAug 22, 2010
I don't work at a Best Buy, but I do work at a retailer that used to carry Monster Cable. I wouldn't even show them. Eventually, we all kinda decided to just stop carrying them. We didn't make any extra on them (all the extra cost went to Monster), and we just looked s**tty for having overpriced cables.
gefahrAug 22, 2010
I worked at best buy about 10 years ago.. those guys will get fired eventually, don't worry. your accessory ratio is your primary performance metric, aside from service plan sales.
drakenkingAug 23, 2010
Please don't categorize us all as heartless bastards. I know you don't need Monster cables. You call us scammers, we aren't. We capitalize on stupid. If you're to stupid to know the difference; you pay for it. Do your homework. It's a standard business model. If you're too stupid to figure out installing an anti-virus, that's only $30, if you're too stupid to set up your PC and make recovery Disks, that's only $100.
Don't blame us for offering services, noones forcing people to buy them.
Personally I won't recommend a TV over 60hz, why? Because the Human eye can only track 60hz.
Like I said, it's an industry that capitalizes on stupid, don't shoot the people who thought to take advantage of people unwilling to learn.Comment is buried, click here to see the rest.
nevariusAug 23, 2010
Then later on some of your customers will feel scammed and it will reduce return customers. Which will effect word of mouth (surprise!! why do you think there's so much hate for best buy).
"don't shoot the people who thought to take advantage of people unwilling to learn" think that says it all. Esp the "take advantage of" part.
skektekAug 23, 2010
Actually the USAF tested pilots and found that the human eye can recognize up to 300Hz (and maybe beyond).
publiclurkerAug 23, 2010
And I supose you also blame rape victims for not researching the types of clothing t wear.
tehrichAug 23, 2010
Makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside knowing that people who make a business of taking advantage of others aren't heartless bastards; they're just capitalizing on stupid. Not heartless at all...
ricemonsterAug 23, 2010
I work at an electronics store and I sell monster because I have to. Our supervisors look at our percentage of Monster product sales. That and Monster products usually pay more in commission than other branded products. Do I believe Monster is better than the rest? Not really. Will I stop selling it? I don't really have a choice.
Closed AccountAug 23, 2010
This. Unfortunately, I can always count on my step-siblings getting me a shiny, new BB gift card for Christmas every year because I "do computers and s**t." I don't really have the heart to tell them I hate the place because they'd have no idea what to get me ever again.
psisarAug 23, 2010
My friend works at BestBuy and they get cost + 10% when they buy products. He got me a $60 HDMI cable for $8.
shozikuAug 23, 2010
never talk to the sales folks at best buy, unless you need their assistance finding the bathroom or restocking a product that seems to be out of stock. They're annoying and clueless. If they're helpful to you, then YOU have just found your new career. It's like learning about the internet on AOL. LOOKIT ME!!! I GOTS MAILZ, I CAN INTERNERTS!!
Closed AccountAug 23, 2010
BestBuy is nice because you can buy computer mice and if you dont like them you can take them back.
This works well for me because I am very picky when it comes to computer mice.
In the end I bought myself a Xai mouse.
The MX518 V2 isnt as good as the MX518 V1 mouse. Damn shame, too.
s4g4nAug 22, 2010
FIXED http://www.amazon.com/HDMI-Cable-2M-6-Feet/dp/B0002L5R78/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1282506455&sr=8-1
noxatAug 22, 2010
Holy s**t $2.22 per cable and no shipping. I just bought two just to keep on hand.
superkendallAug 22, 2010
To be future proof you really want a high-speed HDMI cable:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0019EHU8G/ref=cm_cr_asin_lnk
It's only $3 more...
darkstar3333Aug 22, 2010
By the time you need to future proof your cable, you can just re-buy it for $3.
ajajadudeAug 23, 2010
http://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-High-Speed-Meters-Supports-Channel/dp/B001T9NUJE/ref=pd_cp_e_1
swipecatAug 22, 2010
Amazon are not the best. That cheap cable is only standard-speed and their high-speed cable is $10, which is still overpriced.
bfunk88Aug 23, 2010
i own about 6 of the $2 cables and they all perform perfectly fine. i use them for xbox, ps3, blu ray, etc.
razor512Aug 23, 2010
I bought those cables for about 3 years, I have disconnected and reconnected them many times since i use it for multiple devices. never had any problems at all.
aetherboyAug 23, 2010
Nice affiliate link you dropped there s4g4n.
enantiodromiaAug 23, 2010
Why do you say that?
vosikAug 23, 2010
http://www.amazon.com/Eforcity-HDMI-Cable-10-feet/dp/B000UHQVOW/ref=pd_ts_e_8?ie=UTF8&s=electronics
the problem with this one would be that shipping is more expensive than the cable
bige89Aug 22, 2010
http://www.mycablemart.com
micro23Aug 22, 2010
monoprice.com
cryophantomAug 23, 2010
Yeah, I just bought 2x 6 ft hdmi cables, 3x 6 ft fiber optic cables, and a fiber switch, which came to about $25 with shipping.
Anyone who doesn't use this site is legitimately retarded.
syntaxgsAug 22, 2010
I Don,t know ppl I rea the add an moster put up an say,,, that the make !!The !Gold!! in there cable so it prolab lee better
norman619Aug 22, 2010
wut?
countess666Aug 22, 2010
he's not using gold plated cable connectors to bits are being lost. which is why it read almost like gibberish.
rammy912Aug 22, 2010
Do not question syntaxgs.
tiduAug 22, 2010
!!The !Gold!!
freezerburn666Aug 22, 2010
!!bling !bling!
parrappaAug 22, 2010
I want to have your babies syntaxgs.
omnomnombacomAug 22, 2010
come on, really digg? digging another syntaxgs comment because adding punctuation is just that, funny?
scuba7183Aug 23, 2010
Yeah I don't get it either
Closed AccountAug 23, 2010
f**k,,, you
jc856Aug 23, 2010
Can't you two just get along and share your love of bacon?
s1ngular1ty1Aug 23, 2010
I think he needs a better cable between his keyboard and computer.
blklightningAug 23, 2010
i never would have thought that retard speak could get so many diggs. you people digg up the dumbest comments.
lucutusAug 23, 2010
mr,bay,man Can,t sumbmited it already on Dig,Com,,, , old spiceman LLLL ,,, =-0
thehuntofdearAug 23, 2010
you didn't get the joke...
blklightningAug 24, 2010
you're right, i didn't get the joke after all. i just looked at his posts, and they're all like that. so i'm glad i was dugg down by the retard squad.
drgmdpAug 23, 2010
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Syntaxgs/112840892064705
raumschiffAug 23, 2010
Your keyboard needs a higher hertz USB cable with gold plating.
josephshellAug 23, 2010
I don't get it.
afinAug 23, 2010
can somebody pls translate this non english statement
glonqAug 22, 2010
Just bought a 25-foot HDMI (hi-speed) cable from monoprice for $23 this week. Best Buy sells a comparable monster cable for 10x more...
norman619Aug 22, 2010
So Best Buy sells the same cable for $230? O_o? Something tells me you are exaggerating a little.
airchomperAug 22, 2010
Something tells me that he is spot on.
kale27Aug 22, 2010
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Monster+Cable+-+M+Series+16%27+HDMI+A/V+Cable/7857214.p?id=1157068454230&skuId=7857214
And that is only 16ft.
wilywondrAug 22, 2010
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/AudioQuest+-+Carbon+26.2'+HDMI+Cable+-+Platinum+White/9892758.p?id=1218202521026&skuId=9892758&st=hdmi cable&cp=1&lp=6
LOL.. He is understating the prices @ worstbuy. This 26.2' HDMI cable is $689.99!
Makes me wonder if anyone has ever bought one of these and if they have WTF they were thinking.
Closed AccountAug 22, 2010
@wilywondr, but it says "Solid long-grain copper For a strong signal." XD
admiralkareliaAug 22, 2010
"Long-grain copper"
...if anyone falls for this, they deserve to be socked in the face.
Closed AccountAug 23, 2010
$689? That's not a good deal?
/s I'll stick with Amazon
markusfarkusAug 22, 2010
I'm trying to think of a situation where a 25 ft cable is necessary.
wilywondrAug 22, 2010
TV in another room.
seth024Aug 22, 2010
Connection a PC to a projector without having the cable dangling from the ceiling.
lylemackinnonAug 22, 2010
This account has been closed by the user
bosskeyAug 22, 2010
I bought long cables so that I could hook up my laptop video to the TV yet keep my laptop near me, across the room.
superkendallAug 22, 2010
FIxed media center to mounted projector.
tdbgamerAug 22, 2010
I'm trying to think of a situation where 25 ft of cable isn't necessary :P
markusfarkusAug 22, 2010
Thanks. It didn't make sense to me to have the television in a separate room so I couldn't think of another situation but the projector setup makes sense.
riverstyxAug 22, 2010
But its a diamond-encrusted, solid gold tipped, blessed-by-a-rabbi cable!
thatonekid393Aug 22, 2010
I just got a 12' HDMI cable from monoprice for less than $20 (shipping was like $7 too, which was gay, but whatever). I saved at least $50 compared to a Monster cable.
f**k Monster.
Closed AccountAug 22, 2010
Yes, scamish, but cables can indeed be designed and optimized for specific types of signals so the analogy is incorrect.
s1ngular1ty1Aug 22, 2010
Not if they are digital.
iignotusAug 22, 2010
No, indeed they aren't. You're the exact type of idiot this article is trying to educate.
thetweekAug 22, 2010
hdmi cables use a digital signal, that means it either works or it doesn't, unlike analog you don't get interference, so loss of signal(even briefly) would be a result of either the wire it self or the connection at one end
at the price of a 200 dollar cable i could buy 40 $5 cables if one happened to break(which is possible but not the most likely thing)
yeah it's a huge scam
riverstyxAug 22, 2010
Can't play the "Loss of quality" card with digital. Your days are numbered, looks like you'll have to find a new scam to work over on people.
darkshroudAug 22, 2010
Guy it's not as simple as it either works or it doesn't. Digital does have error correction, if there are too many errors in the signal you start to get problems with the picture.
Having some super special shielded cable won't fix this. You just buy a new plain cable or you have issues with your hardware.Comment is buried, click here to see the rest.
rdldr1Aug 22, 2010
LOL Best Buy salesman loser.
Closed AccountAug 23, 2010
Copper is copper. Your argument is invalid.
dsmxAug 22, 2010
Also it should be noted over long distances you need high quality cables due to various boring reasons, but suffice to say over long distances the image quality will degrade.Comment is buried, click here to see the rest.
danisthAug 22, 2010
I'm no expert but I don't think thats true for HDMI.
s1ngular1ty1Aug 22, 2010
It is true. Long cable runs do affect HDMI cables. You need a higher quality cable to go long distances.
row3bo4tAug 22, 2010
As the cable gets longer the signal will attenuate and eventually not be differentiable from background noise. This would cause high error rates and as dsmx said the image will degrade. There really is no reason to use higher quality hdmi cables though, and I bet the improvements would be minimal at best. Just set your system up to avoid distances.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HDMI#Cables
kerrigoreAug 22, 2010
With digital cables like HDMI, the signal either gets there or it doesn't. There is attenuation, but it won't "degrade" the image. Higher quality materials may be required to reach longer lengths (since it has to resist attenuation better, or use repeaters), but it won't affect your image quality. Period.
s1ngular1ty1Aug 22, 2010
@ Kerriogore, it won't degrade the image, it will just stop working. So the attenuation does matter. You need larger gauge wire in HDMI cables for longer runs and you need better materials in the cable.
Ask any professional installer.
kerrigoreAug 23, 2010
@S1ngular1ty1
Um, that's pretty much what I just said...
lnmagicAug 23, 2010
The issue here is that analog signals interfere with each other, especially at high frequencies. Yes, I know it's a "digital" signal, but when you look at the individual bits, it's not as clear as you'd think. Magnetic interference is always a problem with copper.
Fiber optic links could give us the bandwidth we need at a reasonable price, and could transmit a "digital" signal for a far longer distance before signal degradation would be an issue.
For actual tests that do not rely on conjecture, check out http://www.audioholics.com/education/cables/long-hdmi-cable-bench-tests/hdmi-cable-testing-results
Note: MonoPrice actually performs quite well. Also, only 1 cable over 30ft (10m) is capable of passing their test for 1080p.
rikfAug 22, 2010
Not really with HDMI. It's digital. Either the error correction will work and you'll get a picture and sound or you won't. These aren't your father's analog cables.
darkshroudAug 22, 2010
Not true with long runs, the signal will still attenuate. This isn't an issue for 12ft runs or shorter so yeah you can use monoprice for that. But it is an issue.
rikfAug 22, 2010
Sorry - I wasn't very clear. The signal will certainly attenuate and, for longer runs a higher quality cable is certainly necessary. However, a better cable will not create a 'better' quality image, as can be true over analog cables. Either the digital signal will arrive intact, or within the margins of error correction, or it won't. When it doesn't the signal will artifact and then die completely. As soon as you have a cable that works correctly, you have all the image and sound that you're going to have.
mankind121Aug 22, 2010
It's digital so either the signal comes in or it doesn't, and there probably aren't too many people running HDMI 200+ feet anyway
s1ngular1ty1Aug 22, 2010
He is 100% correct. Long cable runs do affect digital cables because the signal gets weaker and then it stops working at some point.
With a higher quality cable the signal will stay stronger for a longer distance because the materials in the cable are better and don't reduce the signal strength as much.
There are even signal boosters for long runs of HDMI because of this issue.
thetweekAug 22, 2010
a hdmi repeater costs 13.35(first one i found on google) and allows for another 100ft of cable length
miles cheaper still
fury420Aug 22, 2010
I have a cheapo 50 foot HDMI cable that CANNOT handle 1080p content.
Works flawlessly at lower resolutions, however try to pass 1080p content through it and the image becomes distorted, with +20% of the pixels onscreen randomly showing up bright green
Everyone keeps telling me HDMI is digital and doesn't degrade, it has error correction, it'll either have signal or it wont.... (see above) and yet I've got both audio and video coming through, albeit only 80% of the video
particleman420Aug 22, 2010
why do you need a 50' cable for your tv?
s1ngular1ty1Aug 22, 2010
Ever heard of projectors? Some people have those on their ceilings.
fury420Aug 22, 2010
well... at the time it was either a 30+ foot HDMI cable or build HTPC number three for the house
which just seemed a total waste when there was a perfectly capable machine running home office duty in the next room that could effortlessly handle both...
but go ahead, bury me for daring to disrupt the "lol monster, its HDMI, just go to monoprice" fest with my firsthand experience
darkshroudAug 22, 2010
Checkout Bluejeans cables if you want/need higher quality cables. These guys even went to court with Monster Cable so they should be supported.
http://www.bluejeanscable.com/
rikfAug 22, 2010
@Fury - I agree that you need a cable that is up to the task of providing the signal you require over the distance you have to run. However Monster will tell you that, where other cables work, theirs give a *better* image. Once you have a cable of sufficient quality to pass the signal sufficiently well that it arrives intact or within the boundaries of the error correction, a 'higher quality' cable will not improve your picture. That is the lie that Monster sells.
admiralkareliaAug 22, 2010
It's because you're using a 50ft cable. It's the same reason you don't see 50ft USB cables... at least not ones without an active extension repeater built in. Digital signals aren't rendered superior by better cables, but they can degrade over long lengths. Any cable can suffer this, digital or analog.
s1ngular1ty1Aug 23, 2010
From:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HDMI
Although no maximum length for an HDMI cable is specified, signal attenuation—dependent on the cable's construction quality and conducting materials—limits usable lengths in practice.[57] HDMI 1.3 defines two cable categories: Category 1-certified cables, which have been tested at 74.5 MHz (which would include resolutions such as 720p60 and 1080i60), and Category 2-certified cables, which have been tested at 340 MHz (which would include resolutions such as 1080p60 and 2160p30).[54][58][59] Category 1 HDMI cables are to be marketed as "Standard" and Category 2 HDMI cables as "High Speed".[1] This labeling guideline for HDMI cables went into effect on October 17, 2008.[60][61] Category 1 and 2 cables can either meet the required parameter specifications for interpair skew, far-end crosstalk, attenuation, and differential impedance, or they can meet the required nonequalized/equalized eye diagram requirements.[58] A cable of about 5 meters (16 ft.) can be manufactured to Category 1 specifications easily and inexpensively by using 28 AWG (0.081 mm²) conductors.[57] With better quality construction and materials, including 24 AWG (0.205 mm²) conductors, an HDMI cable can reach lengths of up to 15 meters (49 ft.).[57] Many HDMI cables under 5 meters of length that were made before the HDMI 1.3 specification can work as Category 2 cables, but only Category 2-tested cables are guaranteed to work.[62]
lnmagicAug 23, 2010
There IS a difference in cables. http://www.audioholics.com/education/cables/long-hdmi-cable-bench-tests
Understand that I'm not a fan of Monster Cable, but signal interference will always be an issue with copper wiring. For lengths between 4-6ft, the interference is not going to be significant enough to cause any signal loss, but if you go longer than 10ft you may need a higher quality cable to reduce the effects of induction.
Note in the above link that some cables actually fail some of the higher bandwidth tests. Of course, price along doesn't determine pass/fail. Almost no cables longer than 30ft are capable of sending passing signals for 1080p.
I think the next video cable standard should center on a fiber optic cable, because magnetic interference is simply not a problem with the medium.
pwneAug 22, 2010
The gold tip cables wouldn't necessarily make them better, but would raise the price. Syntaxgs, learn about cables fool!
threedee912Aug 23, 2010
Although it's been said like 5 times already. :P
Still, monoprice.com FTW.
fredfredricksonAug 23, 2010
Stop, he said "enough said"!
snoogsAug 22, 2010
Reminds me of the 'coat-hanger' test where they checked signal quality and strength in audio cables- MonsterCable vs. a coat hanger.
Result: There was zero discernible difference between the two, other than the looks. f**k Monstercable, f**k Best Buy, and shame on all the people that buy that stuff and keeping that sham industry alive.
gefahrAug 22, 2010
if anyone else was curious http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/03/audiophiles-cant-tell-the-difference-between-monster-cable-and/
itomatoAug 23, 2010
http://blog.makezine.com/archive/2010/08/daves_amazing_under_30000_home_made.html
Coat hanger probably works better..
explodingzebrasAug 24, 2010
Well it is very thick, but it doesn't well go round corners!
trdrstvAug 23, 2010
Was it a Monster coat hanger ?
eyebitsAug 22, 2010
Which cable you choose does matter for 3D. The HDMI version for 3D should be 1.4. See http://www.hdmi.org/manufacturer/hdmi_1_4/3d.aspx
I have a 3D TV and can say that if I plug an early HDMI cable between the Blu-ray player and the TV 3D isn't enabled. The HDMI version table at the bottom of the HDMI wikipedia article shows what each version can and can't do.Comment is buried, click here to see the rest.
Closed AccountAug 22, 2010
That's because the ealier cable is not 1.4, it has nothing to do with the brand. It's specs.
lowhzAug 22, 2010
You obviously didn't read the spec at HDMI.org which states that for wire product no HDMI version is allowed to be labeled, therefore there is no such thing as a HDMI 1.4 cable. There is HDMI Standard Speed, Standard Speed with Ethernet, High Speed and High Speed with Ethernet.
mstachiwAug 22, 2010
monoprice, magicjack and netflix are probably the 3 most cost effective businesses on the face of the planet for consumers
ac1115Aug 22, 2010
magicjack eula lets them spy on you and you can't sue them
http://gadgets.boingboing.net/2008/04/14/magicjacks-eula-says.html
lazymojoAug 23, 2010
Magicjack is pretty shady, yes. But, nobody can take away your right to sue... A court would first have to agree that their EULA is validly forcing you into binding arbitration, which is not a clear-cut case in consumer electronics.
snifferAug 23, 2010
Don't forget dealextreme!
http://www.dealextreme.com/default.dx/r.46758331
Where else can you get a micro-sd reader for 0,98$ with worldwide shipping?
I believe they spend more on the postage than i pay for the item+shipping!!
threedee912Aug 23, 2010
Monoprice and Netflix are alright, but I'm always put off by those sleezy-looking MagicJack commercials. Makes it look like a scam.
airchomperAug 22, 2010
To be fair, you're going to fall for scams unless you're an informed consumer. And if you're not informed, you will be scammed.
I work at a retailer that sells computers, employees get better reviews if they up-sell and attach needless things to products. At first, I really did my best to make sure that people got what they needed and nothing more, but my patience grew thin explaining things to uninformed people and I need my job so I caved. Yesterday, I sold a 2tb hard drive to a person who needed to back-up their computer. I sold a name brand HDMI cable to another person when DVI would have done nicely.
But the same thing will happen whereever. If you don't know how a car works, you'll get scammed at a mechanic. If you can't negotiate, you'll over pay for a car. If you can't use webMD and think critically, your child's orthodontist will sell you the more costly product. And on an on, it takes just a pinch of knowledge, a dash of wisdom, and a helping of critical thinking to avoid so many of these things that I have no pity for the people I've scammed.
defendlibertyAug 22, 2010
and a spoonful of sugar
nevariusAug 23, 2010
Good points, well except the webMD one. Some people have a nasty habit of thinking 10 minutes on the web equals 10 years in medical school.
airchomperAug 23, 2010
certainly it doesn't.
But I've had an orthodontist try to sell me expensive and painful surgery to drop a tooth that didn't fully drop. He seemed eager to get me on the books and wouldn't answer the question, "what would happen if the tooth didn't drop any more?" The answer is that nothing will happen, it's the last molar tooth on my right side and I keep my mouth clean, I brush three times a day and floss. So long as its clean and I can chew my food, I'm fine.
Were I an idiot, I would have had surgery that I didn't need.
But surely, I won't argue with a doctor using webMD. But I sure will use it to help answer questions that my doctor won't/can't answer or has a vested interest in answering one way.
joshreflekAug 23, 2010
having frustration explaining things to the uninformed can self justify scamming?
its a good thing you were never uninformed, or that noone else will ever be.
besides, scamming is ok when you're annoyed!
not having pity means you are comfortable lying and cheating people just so you can get ahead, or now, since your personal sell out price is so low; just to maintain the opportunity to continue to scam more noobs.
airchomperAug 23, 2010
No. Frustration alone doesn't justify scamming. But I don't scam nor do I approach a customer in a foul mood.
But when the old lady would sooner tell me more about how she hates computers than what sort of computer she's looking to back up (laptop or desktop, which would heavily influence what capacity I'd suggest she uses). And when she tells me that she doesn't want a physically smaller (portable) hard drive because she wants something that's built sturdy, I'll sell her that 2tb drive because 1) it's the only way I can guarantee her that she'll be able to back everything up and 2) she doesn't want portable drives so I was afraid that if she got home and decided that it was too physically small, she'd return it and cause a fuss, I'll surely sell her the largest drive.
I'll say it again, I never lie or cheat people out of their money. I won't sell them a monster cable when a belkan will do. But I'll sell them that HDMI cable because they wont understand that they'll have to buy an adapter + a dvi cable if they want a DVI cable.
I up-sell when people make it in my best interest to. When you're going to argue with the expert and be unreasonable, I'm going to make sure my employer is handsomely rewarded for my time you take up.
You don't want me to sell you things you don't need? Figure out what you need. But if you don't want me to do that, try your very best to understand things, I spell them out very clearly. Don't waste my time, I'm here to sell you a computer, not listen to how your grandkids are so good with computers. If you want that sort of salesperson, go to some store that doesn't compete on price and don't complain that you're paying $500 for a netbook that's available at other stores for $300.
joshreflekAug 25, 2010
"i up sell when in my best interest" so, you admit being self serving here, then you explain it by saying
"when you argue with expert me, i get mad and stab you in the wallet as deep as i can get, CUZ IM MAD"
also
"dont waste MY TIME", if you're there, and they are too, then its EVERYONE'S TIME, not yours, you pompus jackass.
"dont want me to sell you things you dont need? FIGURE IT OUT FIRST! BEFORE I CAN TRICK YOU"
everything you say, reinforces your selfish, greedy jerkface mentality, where do you work?
tell me so i make sure to tell everyone i know to never go there.
thehuntofdearAug 23, 2010
Maybe it's because it has only been 2 months at my retail store but I have still managed to give people the truth best I can. I mention other options and explain the pros and cons of both options. I sell a class 4 SDHC card if that's all they need.
I hope that most of them know that newegg and amazon will have better deals but as far as warranties, product knowledge, and convenience, their retail stores can still be advantageous.
drumraveAug 22, 2010
I've known this for 3 years now
idiggaponyAug 22, 2010
You're a moron. I've known this for almost four years.
thehuntofdearAug 23, 2010
I knew this before HD existed.
Closed AccountAug 23, 2010
Shake your dicks because this pissing match is over.
animan351Aug 22, 2010
""Standard" (aka category 1) or "High Speed" (aka category 2). The latter is required to assure the cable passes 1080p signals (including 3-D), which is the highest bandwidth video signal available now and for the foreseeable future."
Everything in this article is true except this part here. Higher res T.V's are estimated 2015 right now(not too big a deal), and just next year most manufacturers are planning on starting to switch away from hdmi and going to a new standard using cat-6 (regular old ethernet cables like what you're using for your internet right now) cables. It's a win win for consumers as cat-6 is dirt cheap and able to span much longer lengths to connect to devices.
darkshroudAug 22, 2010
The next TV resolution is 4k, youtube just added support for that.
The cable standard you're talking about is called HDBaseT.
panthusdireAug 23, 2010
HDBaseT lol...is just cat6e bro. Just a fancy name. I am sure IEEE (where the standard comes from)didnt name it HDBaseT.
uselessloginAug 23, 2010
Cat6e is a type of cable. 10BaseT, 100BaseT, 1000BaseT are signalling standards that use Cat6e cables or others. Apparently a bunch of manufacturers have formed an alliance to create 'HDBaseT.' While not defined by the IEEE I'm pretty sure that is the name for the signalling standard. I'm also certain 10GBaseT is the underlying standard to which they've apparently added 200 megabits of bandwidth. Right now the price for this technology is astronomical so I'd have to guess you'll start seeing it in five years.
broodofevilAug 23, 2010
It won't be too long before Monster and other cable manufacturers catch on and we start seeing Cat-6 cables made with gold from Mt. Olympus that are infused with Krypton and connectors made out of adamantium-coated Dodo bird talons.
animan351Aug 23, 2010
Their cables will make it so realistic that when you're watching Transformers 3, Megan Fox will actually climb out of the T.V and screw you on your couch.
thehuntofdearAug 23, 2010
@Animan351: That's not realistic at all though.
darkshroudAug 23, 2010
That would be amazing since Megan Fox was fired so she won't be in Transformers 3
dlite922Aug 23, 2010
I should go to my local Cable store and buy a huge role of CAT6 and RJ45 connectors. You know these suckers will go up once these TVs are out.
1. I'll sell them at $10 for 6'.
2. A role has 100 feet, so I'll make $166.67 I think the role is $40 bucks.
3.?? Make Cables?
4. Profit!! ($126.67 To be exact)
jaybolAug 22, 2010
http://www.mint.com/blog/trends/the-rip1/ here's a flowchart wallstats put together for Mint a few months ago on the HDMI ripoff
Closed AccountAug 23, 2010
There is only 1 incorrect piece of info in that.
"It either works perfectly or not at all"
Not true, you just get macroblocking or other artifacts instead of snow.
ujazzAug 22, 2010
more like all accessories scam
evilkrustydollAug 22, 2010
3,000 dollar 3d TV - check
300 dollar 3d blu-ray player - check
6 pairs of 3d glasses for the family, 600 dollars - check
30 dollars for an HDMI cable?! you scamming f**kers!Comment is buried, click here to see the rest.
homersaysdohAug 22, 2010
Selling someone a $30 cable is not a ripoff to someone who is not savvy with electronics. Most of us who are knowledgeable with electronics know you can get a good HDMI cable for less than $10 that will perform just as good as a $30 cable. It is when the Best Buy salesman tries to sell someone a Teflon coated, gold plated, nitrous oxide injected cable with ferrite beads made from unobtainium for $200+ dollars. That is when it turns into a scam.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/AudioQuest+-+Carbon+65.6%27+HDMI+Cable+-+Platinum+White/9892876.p?id=1218202520596&skuId=9892876
/thread
neutron7Aug 22, 2010
Is there anything more arrogant than /thread ing your own comment?
cerebronAug 22, 2010
HE SAID /THREAD! What are you doing!?
ethanleducAug 22, 2010
Call him arrogant, but he's right, there's nothing more that needs to be said about this - selling people cables that cost 50X what they're worth is dishonest.
i22ybAug 22, 2010
That's over $23 per FOOT, what happened to buying in bulk being cheaper?
flyprduAug 23, 2010
The cable is now DIAMONDS!
blklightningAug 23, 2010
this thread isn't over until i say it's over.
mrswapAug 22, 2010
Sweet, holy, mother-of-crap, $1500 for an HDMI cable!?
evilkrustydollAug 22, 2010
And yet for all that money it still comes in a plastic clamshell case that cuts up your hand trying to open it.
neutron7Aug 22, 2010
Speaker cable $21000
http://avland.co.uk/audioquest/everest/everest.htm
Box that id not even connected to anything does nothing $959
http://www.lessloss.com/blackbody-p-200.html
Wooden USB firewire etc cables. around $350
http://entreq.com/default.asp?PageId=2360
there are many many more.
cerebronAug 22, 2010
For distances over 20 feet, quality does make a difference, but at $1500 could just move your tv a little closer.
skektekAug 23, 2010
Solid silver power cable (3.0 meter $3,199):
http://aphroditecu29.com/WireWorld/PowerConditioningCord.aspx
Of course you also have to get the cryogenic (frozen, for the layman) treated silver wall outlet:
http://www.acmeaudiolabs.com/products.htm
Because when your electricity travels through hundreds of miles of steel and aluminum lines at the pole and a hundred feet of copper in your house you absolutely need silver for the last 10 feet.
keraneuologyAug 22, 2010
Submit a complaint to the FTC and the BBB for misleading advertising or STFU.
neutron7Aug 22, 2010
If all misleading advertising was removed, I doubt anyone could afford to produce any shows at all with only 1% of current revenues
kashk5Aug 22, 2010
Unfortunately, there are only a few rare circumstances that a consumer can bring a false advertising claim. Nine times out of ten, the claim must come from a competitor, but since all of them are screwing over consumers, we'll never see Best Buy or Monster get sued over this.
keraneuologyAug 22, 2010
If 5,000 people filed a complaint with the FTC and the BBB the claims would stop - even if the feds didn't file a lawsuit the media would make this a story and they would quietly back away rather than show up on drudge.
kashk5Aug 22, 2010
While that is certainly true, I was referring to the legal remedies available. Plus, what's stopping the company from capitulating on the price while there is media pressure and then slowly raising the prices down the road once everybody has forgotten all the hype? With legal remedies there is a lower likelihood that a company could get away with it in the long term.
headhotAug 22, 2010
Oh, and don't forget the BS about gold plating. If you plug a gold plated cable into a port that isn't gold plated, you will cause corrosion due to dissimilar metals.
All these cables are for digital interfaces, digital either works, or doesn't. When it does work, there is no "better" picture possible.
pinheddAug 22, 2010
gold plating is a huge help for component cables that pass analogue signals as copper corrosion will invariably introduce noise and attenuation into the signal. HDMI however is digital, as long as the attenuation is under a certain threshold the signal will get there intact.
gemlarinAug 23, 2010
Gold is a noble metal that is highly resistant to galvanic corrosion. That is why they use gold on thing like connectors, and circuit boards.
The only conductor that is more corrosively resistant is graphite.
http://www.eaa1000.av.org/technicl/corrosion/galvanic.htm
deweyhewsonAug 22, 2010
http://www.hdmi.org/manufacturer/hdmi_1_4/hdmi_1_4_faq.aspx#5
"All of the other new HDMI 1.4 features will be compatible with the existing categories of cables."
That is from HDMI themselves. There is NO SUCH THING AS AN HDMI 1.4 CABLE! There are only standard speed, and high speed, HDMI cables. That's it. So paying a $100-200 premium on "gold plated" crap is more than a huge rip off, it's a scam, and dishonest marketing.
The only exception to this is ethernet over HDMI, which does require a specific cable, but that is only for the ethernet capabilities. Everything else is either standard or high speed.
And while others have said it, it's worth repeating: www.monoprice.com, and NEVER buy Monster.
fuzzynyankoAug 22, 2010
To be honest, the cheap Monoprice cables are gold plated.
klaasjeAug 23, 2010
Worst i've ever seen, gold plated optical cables... Because we all know nothing conducts light better than gold ;-P
kalvinbAug 22, 2010
Hoses are manufactured to support varying amounts of maximum pressure.
Cables likewise have to be manufactured to support a certain amount of bandwidth. If they are not made correctly then the signal can get screwed up from interference.
However, there's still no reason to pay more for anything than you have to. Most cables can support far more bandwidth than the devices they were originally intended to connect. CAT5 cable that was made when 10Mbit was standard is perfectly sufficient for 100Mbit and 1Gbit routers and switches.
And most people are aware that you can buy cheap HDMI cables that will work just fine.Comment is buried, click here to see the rest.
Closed AccountAug 23, 2010
You are absolutely wrong concerning the analogy between hoses & pressure, and cables & bandwidth.
I could chop the plugs off any HDMI cable, replace the cable in between them with either solid copper telephone wire, or stranded copper/aluminum/tin speaker wire of varying sizes, and so long as all the pins match up end-to-end as they did prior to cutting, I'd still be getting the EXACT same DIGITAL signal out one end that I put into the other. PERIOD.
Your analogy attempts to apply 'pressure' or 'flow-rate' to the 1s and 0s in a digital signal, implying that if you don't have a wire big/thick enough, that the signal will be limited in some way, much the same as a liquid in a hose that's insufficiently sized for a given flow-rate (or that if the wall thickness of said hose is not thick enough, it will rupture due to over-pressurization). You could not be more mistaken. A stream of 1s and 0s will arrive unencumbered the same whether they're sent over a 26AWG wire or a 0AWG wire, because they propagate across the wire at the same speed regardless of size.
Only analog signals can be interfered with by way of RF/EMI from other sources, and even then it's rare (usually due to signal shielding in any cable meant for a given purpose). Obviously using an unshielded pair of wires to carry an analog video signal provides opportunity for interference, but nobody makes unshielded analog video cables, so that's a moot point.
maz2331Aug 23, 2010
xyphur - actually, you won't get the exact same digital signal. The impedance mismatch will cause reflected/standing waves, and the variable attenuation by frequency will result in serious degradation. Keep in mind that all digital signals are still carried over analog voltages at radio frequencies, and transmission line theory does still apply.
The difference between analog signals and digital ones is that analog slowly gets noisier as the signal quality degrades, whereas digital tends to look perfect until a threshold is hit and bit errors cause massive degradation of the recieved signal.
That said, so long as the cable meets the same specifications for attenuation, impedance, and crosstalk it will work, and the bulk cable is pretty inexpensive.
alexxr87Aug 22, 2010
Oh man, the irony of the Monster Cable front page..
"DON'T GET RIPPED OFF!
Beware of unauthorized dealers & fakes"
kjcdudeAug 23, 2010
Watch some of their videos, they're hilarious and full of BS.
http://www.monstercable.com/hdmi/hdmi.asp
keraneuologyAug 22, 2010
Awww.... I hurt somebody's feelings. I'm sorry that you think that whining on Digg is going to do something about the big bad corporations but it isn't. If the extent of your actions is digging down people who point out that you are a lazy twit who is never going to make a difference in this lifetime then you really ARE a lazy twit who will never contribute anything of consequence or significance to the world.
Comment is buried, click here to see the rest.
socketassaultAug 22, 2010
What the hell are you talking about? It's an article about HDMI cable ripoffs... not about getting the products removed. It's just informing people not to buy it.
I suppose instead of digging up articles about the BP oil spill we should have instead filed reports or something.
This is a site where people come to read news and be goofy.
wtf man.
keraneuologyAug 22, 2010
It is about eliminating the deceptive advertising practices. I don't care if Monster sells HDMI cables for a billion dollars each, just don't lie about magical properties that don't mean anything.Comment is buried, click here to see the rest.
socketassaultAug 22, 2010
That's a completely different point.
The article is about keeping consumers informed about what kind of cables there are and what they should be buying.
You talking about corporations and reporting something to some company and blablabla has nothing to do with the article.
Furthermore, I don't think anyone knows who you are calling a "lazy twit." This is the internet. We're all lazy twits.
kashk5Aug 22, 2010
How about you stop associating with us lowly insignificant people and GTFO
Closed AccountAug 22, 2010
I was shopping for HDMI cables the other day because I needed two that were at least 15 ft long... and so I headed downtown to some independent electronic stores and found some 25 ft cables for 20$ ea. Nevertheless, I decided to shop around to see if I couldn't find any better deals and walked to a nearby Radioshack that was selling 15 ft cables for 169$. When I asked a salesmen what the difference was between his cables and the ones I found literally a block away (already knowing there was none), he grinned and told me that his were sold with a smile and that their store had nicer carpet. We both had a laugh about it, after which I returned to the other store to buy the 20$ cables. It was pretty surreal.
riverstyxAug 22, 2010
Reminds me of the "50$ Feng Shui Haircut" scam that penn and teller covered a few years ago, the barber said the same thing.
smokeydabearAug 23, 2010
And the sad part is you can find the same cable on Amazon.com for five dollars less.
socketassaultAug 22, 2010
I buy my HDMI cables for around a dollar and they get shipped to me from Hong Kong for free. :D
mrquackerAug 22, 2010
I call shenanigans on that.
socketassaultAug 22, 2010
Then you obviously haven't seen how cheap hong kong sells stuff.
ethanleducAug 22, 2010
It's true, I don't know how they can ship things from literally the other side of the planet for next-to nothing, but they do it.
mrquackerAug 22, 2010
The show me proof otherwise. There is no way they'd ship a $1 item for free to the US. The shipping costs more than $1.
cincinnati2Aug 23, 2010
http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW3FT-HDMI-M-M-Cable-1080p-Plasma-HDTV-Gold-plated-K4a-/280549181052?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0#ht_2378wt_1137
unitedatheismAug 22, 2010
First, most HDMI cables are ripoffs, here in South America you can't find one for less than 20 USD. Remember when cables were just cables?
Still, I bought mine from China, 3 USD shipping/handling included, that was just lovely.
socketassaultAug 22, 2010
lol i know. I got a USB extension cable for 97cents with free shipping. Makes me feel sort of bad though :/
Closed AccountAug 22, 2010
monoprice.com only site you need to get any kind of cables.
philbertAug 22, 2010
Except they're sold out whenever I look there for something I need.
fuzzynyankoAug 22, 2010
I could see buying a premium cable to put in the wall, but not for short runs.
darkshroudAug 22, 2010
It's not even about paying a premium you just have to get a heavier gage of copper which is only a few $ more depending on the run.
johoshuaAug 22, 2010
HDBaseT cannot get here fast enough
fury420Aug 22, 2010
well... at the time it was either a long HDMI cable or build HTPC number three for the house.... which just seemed a total waste when there was a perfectly capable machine running home office duty in the next room...
kevl0ckAug 22, 2010
don't buy 'Dynex' anything. period.
mrquackerAug 22, 2010
No, dont buy Dynex if it costs more than $20.
All the sub-$20 products are great, but anything more expensive is crap.
khyberkitsuneAug 22, 2010
This account has been closed by the user
philbertAug 22, 2010
Actually I have a Dynex wireless mouse for my laptop that lasted me years before I got a better mouse for free somewhere.
ridley80Aug 22, 2010
I wish I could digg you twice! POS brand! It's the main reason why the BB staff recommends the higher end stuff. Because it won't break after 6 months. Comment is buried, click here to see the rest.
Closed AccountAug 22, 2010
I purchased a new GPU about a year ago for my PC as an "open box" discount from Future Shop (kinda like Best Buy but in Canada). It was regular $199 but was marked down to $99 because someone took it home, opened the box and realized they couldn't use it for some reason, the card was still sealed in it's anti-static bag inside. Anyway, it was supposed to include a DVI-to-VGA adaptor and that was missing from the box (now that I think about it, maybe the person who bought it just wanted a free adaptor and that's why he bought it and then returned the card). So the people at Future Shop said they'd grab an adaptor off the shelf and give it to me for free since it was supposed to be in the box. They brought me back a Dynex DVI-to-VGA adaptor, and it was priced at $59.99!! I almost crapped my pants, I was thinking "who would buy an off brand adaptor that you can get for under $10 online for $60?"... Just goes to show, some people have no concept of what things are actually worth and end up getting ripped off because of it.
Closed AccountAug 23, 2010
the dynex LCD cleaner isn't that bad. it's overpriced but cheap compared to the competition. s**t works too.
Closed AccountAug 23, 2010
...so does a 50/50 solution of isopropyl alcohol and filtered water, and I guarantee you it's cheaper than any "LCD cleaner".
Chances are you already have them at home too, you just haven't mixed them together in a spray bottle yet. ;)
philbertAug 22, 2010
I just bought a 6 foot HDMI cable on Amazon for $0.01 plus $3 shipping. The next day I was in a Best Buy and noticed the same cable for $30.
cavimikeAug 22, 2010
Monster Cable invented this scam. People will never learn.
creationismlolAug 23, 2010
I used to work at CC and once every few months the monster cable "instructor" would take us for the whole day and school us on the "benefits" of Monster Cable. Basically it was an 8 hour indoctrination session where some scammy dude from their marketing dept. would throw prizes at the person who would chant "Monster Cable" the loudest. Yes they actually tried to get you to chant "Monster" several times per hour. No other company did anything similar, it was super creepy to say the least. And god help you if you challenged the marketing puppet, he would flip his s**t and chew you out. Creepy company inside and out.
artworkz918Aug 23, 2010
they might be Scientologists
taaybAug 22, 2010
Last time I was in Best Buy I caught one of their d-bag employees telling a potential iMac purchaser that IE "worked just fine." Please. IE doesn't exist on Mac. As soon as the d-bag walked off for a second I informed the customer that the only way he could use IE was to run Windows via BootCamp or VMWare Fusion/Parallels. He didn't believe me at first but once I had him try and fail to download IE he got the picture. I didn't stick around to see the end of that one but I wish I had.
Cool story huh.Comment is buried, click here to see the rest.
ledzep19752000Aug 22, 2010
Not really cool because he was buying a Mac.
aminy23Aug 23, 2010
The employee did not lie at all, Internet Explorer 2-5 were officially supported on Macs. Microsoft Office works on OS X too. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_Explorer_for_Mac
Your just a dumb ass windows users who think Macs are complete garbage. Macs are crappy, but they are not complete garbage, because you can still watch porn on them. You can also use IE for Linux and get IE6 or IE7 on Macs using WINE: http://www.tatanka.com.br/ies4linux/page/Main_Page
I agree Macs suck, and feel free to dis them and there sales rep, but get your facts straight first. Comment is buried, click here to see the rest.
taaybAug 23, 2010
Actually, IE for Mac was discontinued in 2003. And who gives a s**t if you can get a 8 year old version of the browser anyways? Good f**king grief I can go download IE5 right now but it won't f**king matter because any website that requires IE has been updated to newer standards since 2003. That was 7 freaking years ago.
Wow. Microsoft Office works on OS X????? Who knew????? /sarcasm
Er, actually I'm posting this from my Mac Mini that I bought about a year and a half ago thinking I would create a killer iPhone App. I never did create that killer iPhone App but I'm still using the Mac Mini and I rather enjoy it. Even if I didn't own a Mac product I don't see how the inability to run a crappy browser (IE) would make Macs "garbage." Chrome, Safari, and Firefox still work on Mac and in my opinion all three are better than any version of IE.
Please. Get your own facts straight before you sound like a complete dumbass again.
aminy23Aug 23, 2010
I am pretty sure I got mu facts straight. I said "Internet Explorer 2-5 were officially supported on Macs", that is correct I never said that the newer versions would work. Not only that, if you want to bitch about grammar, I said "were", which means they no longer are supported, but may still work. I also said "You can also use IE for Linux and get IE6 or IE7 on Macs using WINE" which is true. You can't get the latest version of IE on a Mac, but you can get IE, so I am correct. All of those browsers are better than IE, but if someone ignorant person wants IE, they can most definitely get it on there Mac, so the best buy sales rep was correct.
taaybAug 23, 2010
And I said,
Who the f**k cares if they were supported 8 years ago. You said "the employee did not lie at all" which is complete bulls**t because the employee told the guy he could go out and download IE and his website would work just fine. It won't because he can only download an 8 year old version of the browser from a bootleg site still offering it. And the website he needs to access won't work on an 8 year old f**king browser, which is just exactly what I said.
Oh, wait, excuse me. He can use f**king Wine to go download it. Right. I'm sorry but anyone tech savvy enough to know how that works or how to make it work wouldn't be in Best Buy buying a Mac in the first place.
I thought I had warned you against sounding like a dumbass but apparently you didn't get the picture.
aminy23Aug 23, 2010
You said telling a potential iMac purchaser that IE "worked just fine." Please. IE doesn't exist on Mac." First IE exists for Mac, that is indisputable, and you were wrong there. IE will work and run fine on a Mac, it is just that the newer versions don't work. The browser will work, but it will not render many webpages correctly, but the employee said the browser will work, which is correct. Your first comment is incorrect, but you added details in your later comments that are partially correct.
I think you are the one who sounds like a dumb ass, and I am not scared of sounding like a dumb ass, but I thank you for caring about me thoughComment is buried, click here to see the rest.
menzoAug 23, 2010
Aminy23 stfu please. Your replies are not helping your case.
banosdAug 22, 2010
Maybe that is one of the reasons Best Buy survived the recession while Circuit City and CompUSA didn't. They have been misleading customers with bogus warranties, accessories and tech services for years.....but unlike the others, they are good at it. Still, I'm glad there still are Best Buy's as they are nice stores to look at things before I buy online.
ledzep19752000Aug 22, 2010
CompUSA wanted over $20 for a SATA cable when I need one 5 years ago. I have to take a trip over to Frys and I save $15.
banosdAug 23, 2010
Fry's is pretty good at having cheaper alternatives like unpackaged cables from Taiwan that do the same thing and aren't sold in big plastic boxes.
gndoabAug 22, 2010
i bought a HDMI cable from amazong for 8 cents. add the 2 dollar shipping, and I'm a happy camper.
idiggaponyAug 22, 2010
One cent plus $4.99 for shipping.
uselesstriviaAug 22, 2010
Did someone beat me to this already?
Behold a $2500 dollar Category 6 data cable.
Absolute guarantee that this cable cost the manufacturer no more than $25 to produce. It's industry standard stranded category 6 cable with RJ-45 ends on it. Maybe costs about 60 cents a foot. They put a nice braided covering on it that was probably a few bucks to design and produce and the cable ends look pretty fancy...maybe a buck or two a piece.
All for absolutely nothing. I guarantee this stuff performs absolutely no better than a 5 dollar cable from radio shack.
tacodog76Aug 22, 2010
But does your $5 cable from Radio Shack create black holes and rifts in the space-time continuum?
stingraysAug 22, 2010
The customer reviews are gold.
manstein01Aug 23, 2010
I remember the first time I read those reviews. I haven't laughed that hard in a long, long time.
sucka27Aug 23, 2010
This account has been closed by the user
oasisr123Aug 23, 2010
http://www.amazon.com/review/RF074827BNTI6/ref=cm_cd_pg_pg2?ie=UTF8&cdPage=2&asin=B000I1X6PM&store=electronics#wasThisHelpful
r0jiAug 25, 2010
Most amazing review:
http://www.amazon.com/review/R2IWT0FNZKWE15/
unitedatheismAug 22, 2010
It only depends on how much you like to be scammed. In fact, that's the rule for almost all scams...
They should add a filter to set price based on people's browser:
If it is Firefox/Linux, set it for 120 USD since he's a cheap-ass.
As for Windows, it's a broad range, and we are going extortionist here, so try 1,399.90, that will make it less ripoff than 1,400.
If it is a Mac, he'll happily pay 3,000 USD, just as long as you print the receipt BIG, so he can show it to his friends and make them jealous.
aminy23Aug 23, 2010
"They should add a filter to set price based on people's browser"
"If it is Firefox/Linux"
Linux is a kernel, not an OS or browser. Ideally it should be based upon the operating system and the browser.
Those who should get the lowest price are users of Solaris, any BSD, Fedora, Gentoo, Arch Linux, Debian, RHEL, etc users because they know what they are doing, someone using IE9 and any versions of Windows because they are a MSDN, or someone using a version of windows prior to XP because they are cheap,
Ubuntu users should get the next lowest price, because many people only use Ubuntu because it is famous, and they don't know much about Linux, so they think it is there best option. It is, but they are not as smart as the average user of most other distribution.
Those using Windows XP or 7 with chrome, opera, safari, or Firefox should get the 3rd lowest price because they know at least a little about computers, and have reasons for there choice.
Those running Vista with chrome, opera, safari, or Firefox should get the 4th lowest price because they are smart enough to know that Vista sucks, and only bought it because it either came with there computer, or because it is by Microsoft.
Those using IE on any version of Windows should get the second highest price because they don't know much about computers and probably got ripped of plenty of times.
Lastly those who use Macs should get the highest price because they are stupid, but the product should be painted silver or white, and have a photo of a fruit so that it matches there computer.Comment is buried, click here to see the rest.
unitedatheismAug 23, 2010
Dude, I make a joke and you're already all upon trying to determine the prices?
Well, I for myself am using Slackware Linux, thus I can has lowerer prices, yay!
Everybody else: IT'S JUST A JOKE! /s/s/s/s/s/s/s/s/s/s...
digjamAug 23, 2010
Those reviews are diamond...
pika2000Aug 22, 2010
Is it really a scam? More like a stupid tax, or convenience tax.
adcoolAug 22, 2010
I payed $0.01 for my HDMI cable on Amazon.
mazebotAug 22, 2010
Two different TVs can be comparable to two different pairs of jeans.
but two different cables are comparable to 2 different staplers. The casing may be different, but you still load it with the same staple, end result is the same. One stapler may bend the edges a bit more, but nothing of important notice to the TYPICAL user.
So these people need to stop trying to attack the old lady, and hit at speciality markets. You don't get top restaurant chifs trying to conjuring poor/avarage eaters into a expensive restaurant then smack them with a bill. Price and expectation is their.
But technology and places like best buy/ ISP and bad broadband marketing, just hamper progress for the mass market.Comment is buried, click here to see the rest.
aminy23Aug 23, 2010
There are electric staplers, staple-free staplers, long neck staplers, and small portable staplers that are very different, and very convenient for those who use them.
jbmar412Aug 22, 2010
Best Buy sucks.
dougfripponAug 22, 2010
Althought the article is true, the author failed to mention that different version of HDMI cables exist 1.0 - 1.1 - 1.2 - 1.3 - 1.4 and they can support different resolution and features. The difference in version only means its older/newer and usually doesn't have any influence on the price.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HdmiComment is buried, click here to see the rest.
aminy23Aug 23, 2010
The cables are the same, it is just the software protocol that is different.
http://www.hdmi.org/manufacturer/hdmi_1_4/hdmi_1_4_faq.aspx#5