rdn98

Hi all, family just got a new 32" LCD TV.

Well I definitely knew that I wanted to use component video, and at the store, they have two versions, one is cheaper with silver plated, the other is priced higher and it is gold plated.

Which one do I get? Does it really make a difference, or is it a marketing ploy between the cables? I know silver is better conductor, but that particular cable, its rubber jacket is not as good as the other one with metal like shielding.

Same thing with stereo audio cables, should I go with the default RCA cables that came with my progressive dvd player, or should I look into these gold plated audio cables?

I am fairly new to the cable stuff, I just want to make sure I make a good investment.

[update correction] When I refer to silver plated, its actually nickel plated.

Gambit

http://forum.dvdtalk.com/showthread.php?t=513619

Just curious, why are you opting to go the component route as opposed to HDMI?

rdn98

Oh, my dvd player doesn't have HDMI. Otherwise I would use it yes, or I could pony up some more and get a new dvd player. :P

At my store, I only have these two versions below. Suggestions grateful.
http://www.consumer.philips.com/cons...17_US_CONSUMER
or
http://www.consumer.philips.com/cons...17_US_CONSUMER

Just to note, I watch a lot of divx files on my dvd player also.

X

It may depend on what the material is that the cable connector is plugging into because different materials being in contact can react, but generally gold does not oxidize while silver does. I would choose gold, if it's as pure as possible, over silver.

The amount of gold used though should make a very little difference in price. Shop around. Look at Monoprice.

Spiky

I don't recall hearing about silver-plated cables before. They would be far too prone to oxidation. Sure they aren't nickel plated?

Now, silver on the inside is a different story.

Gambit

I would opt for the heavier cable that is gold-plated. Looks like it has better shielding. The cables that you are looking at really aren't all that expensive I wouldn't think.

Mr. Salty

I agree. I'm sure he's talking about standard nickel-plated connectors.

Let me be second X's recommendation for Monoprice if you can wait a few days for them to ship to you.

For three-lead component cables (video only, no audio), I'd go with this .

For five-lead (video plus stereo analog audio), I'd go with this.

These are 3-foot lengths, but they have just about any length you need. They're great cables, and a heck of a lot cheaper than what most stores charge.

X

In looking at those cables it appears it is a choice of nickel (only silver-colored) or gold on the connectors. I prefer gold because I've seen nickel oxidize as well, but you don't need to pay much to get that.

Of course if you plug and unplug the cable often you can wear through the plating and then they're prone to whatever happens to the base metal under the plating.

rdn98

Yes, my bad. It turns out to be nickel plated, not silver plated. I will look into those monocables, they seem to be priced lower than the store.

Is the premium cable that much better than the "standard" cable offering on that site?

Spiky

Yes, much better. It's the connectors, not the cable.