Component cables
 

This is my first time in this forum since Ive never really had any home theatre stuff before, but I have a question. I bought a HDTV and got a progressive scan DVD player with it. I need some component cables to hook it up with (right now Im just using the usual stuff to hook it up with) The guy at the store tried to sell me some really expensive cables (100 for each set) Can anyone recommend a relatively inexpensive set that works well. Also, Im getting Comcast HD installed Wednesday, what should I look out for to make sure its installed correctly? Thanks in advance. I appreciate any possible help

I think these are fine for $29.99:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....oryId=cat08061

Thanks those look good. I appreciate it movielib

For Comcast HD, you will need another set of component cables. They sometimes bring the cables with them, but often bring the wrong type or bring very cheap and flimsy cables. I prefer to have my own on hand.

If you have a surround sound receiver, the Comcast HD box will require a Toslink optical cable, which Comcast will not supply for you. You can get one fairly cheap at Best Buy for something like $15. If you do not have surround sound, you will need L/R analog cables instead (the red and white pair).

Assuming you live in a region where Comcast uses the Motorola DCT-5100 HD box, here is a Moto 5100 FAQ that will help you with the set-up.

Thanks Josh Z, unfortunately I dont have a surround system yet, but Im gonna pick up the cables before they come to install. Thanks again.

whats the fad with dropping a bunch of money on an HD tv, and then trying to find the cheapest crap to hook it up with?

I wasnt asking for "cheap crap" I just wanted to find a less expensive than 100 bucks a set. Im new to this stuff, so I havent the slightest idea what is the right price to pay or what to look for, up until yesterday, the largest tv I'd ever had was 27inches. I also have never gotten a surround sound system either. Most of the time, people in all of the forums are very helpful here, and its much easier to ask for advice here, then drop a bunch of money for something that you dont really need.

I just purchased a new Mit 65711 and spent over $500 for the cables.

You want the best for your investment and I looked at them all.

By the way, I went with the "M-Series Monster Cables."

What fad? It appears to me gr8fuldave was being an intelligent shopper by not making an uninformed purchase.

If you really want Monster Cable, try ebay. Very easy to buy for less than retail price there. Accoustic Research cables are always listed there too.

There are some highly regarded component cables people talk about over at avsforum.com. When I can, I will post the link here. They run about $35.

In the end, don't judge the cable by the price. Try them on your system and see how they look. Some people can't see any difference. Some people can see a huge difference. And for others, it is all psychological.

"And for others, it is all psychological."

You said it. My thoughts exactly.

I've purchased both Monster Cable 3 component video cable and Acoustic Research component video cable for DVD to WEGA hookup. The material they use are practically the same, yet the MC cables cost 2/3 more. And the funny thing is I couldn't tell the difference between the 2 cables. So say what you will, but if I can't tell the difference, I'd rather save the money by staying w/ the AR cables and returning the MC cables.

Thanks guys I appreciate it. I plan on going with the Acoustic Research cables and as soon as I get paid, Im getting a surround sound system. I appreciate all the comments, and thanks for helping a noob when it comes to this stuff

Gr8fuldave, don't let some of the antagonistic comments in this thread get to you. Some people feel the need to justify spending an obscene amount of money on expensive cables even though there is no difference between most cable brands that the human eyes or ears are capable of discerning.

Unless you are running them over great distances, any decently shielded set of cables will be just as good as another. Stay away from the really flimsy cheap-o stuff, but beyond that there is no need to waste a lot of money on Monster brand. Acoustic Research makes perfectly good, affordable cables.

Exactly what JoshZ said. And if you need to run cables over a long distance, I recommend www.bluejeanscable.com
Some very nice stuff for good prices.

second to the blue jeans cables. ordered a set of component cables from them and I'm very happy with the results!

I've bought and use cables I purchased from ac4l.com and can tell you they are very good. The IXO's Silver's compare to the M-Series Monster Cables(and yes I have compared them). You might want to check out partsexpress.com also

Yes, bluejeanscable.com is the one I have heard a lot about at avsforum.com. I am going to try a set soon.

Vince Maskeeper is putting together a group purchase. Same sort of products as blue jeans. Canare, Belden. It closes wednesday though.

http://cables.musicianassist.com/faq.htm

Thanks again folks for all the replies. Im going to Best Buy on Wednesday and buying two sets of the acoustic component cables for the Comcast HD and the DVD player, Thanks again, and when i decide to buy a surround sound system, Im asking you guys first. Thanks alot again

http://www.bus.ucf.edu/cwhite/theater/DIYCable.htm

http://home.new.rr.com/zaph/audio/audio-cables.html


I'm kind of in the same boat you are. Later this year, I'm looking at getting a projector and for the first time will need some higher performance cables. I think I'm gonna go for the DIY route. Hopefully I can sell a few sets at custom lengths on ebay or something to help outweigh the initial investment in the supplies (about $150 bucks.)


If you like that kinda stuff anyway hehe. I find it interesting at least. Good luck in your search!

***EX-ACT-LY**!!!!!!!!!!

well, i get all my stuff for about the same price (really cheap to free), so cost isnt an issue really to me. so, i have the luxury of testing a whole bunch of things and deciding which works best, regardless of cost. i ended up with the audioquest YIQ-1. its around $100 for every 3 feet, so its not cheap. but, compared to other stuff ive tested (cheap stuff, monster video 3, etc...), these looked the best.

if you want to drop $2000 on a tv and only get 70% of its potential by spending $30 on a cable, go for it. but if you want the tv to display 100% what its capable of, you may have to spend up to 10% extra to get that quality.

and have it ISF calibrated and control the lighting to make sure it is optimum.

The fact is that many things go into having a good picture and cables are only one piece of the puzzle. I doubt most people have a perfect viewing evironment with calibrated Tv's so spending a huge amount on cables would be a waste for most people.

They will not see any difference.

I got all monster cables given to me to get me to buy my Tv from Best Buy.

Not sure where you get a 70% figure by using a $30 cable. I assume you are just picking a number out of the air to make a point.

I would bet it is more like 95-99% depending on the $30 cable. Of course I am also picking numbers out of the air, but since they are my numbers I feel they are more valid ;)

Ok, Audio Research cables are not as bad as you think or say it is. It has good shielding just like monster cables and the heads/connectors are virtually identical, unless you buy the flashy top of the line MC.

For it to be 70%, you must be thinking about the bottom of the line GE cable sold at Target or Wal-Mart

:thumbsup:

I have a friend who works at a A/V store and he tells me the main way he makes sales is to play the "cable game". He is always willing to deal on component prices because he can make it up by selling them fancy interconnects. He says it's amazing how many customers fall for it and walk away thinking they got a great "deal". ;)

are component cables the same as rca (composite) cables but just 3 separate wires bunched together? more specific can i use the a/v cable (3 rca plugs) that came with the DVD player in a component set-up or is there more to it?