HDMI cable help

jaytin

I wonder if anyone here can give me some advice regarding HDMI cables. I have seen loads of cables at lots of different prices, now obviously I don't want to spend any more than I have to, so what I want to know is:
Are all HDMI cables basically the same?
If they are not all the same then what do I need to look for to get a decent upgrade in picture?
What kind of price am I looking at for a reasonable cable?
What does the bandwidth number mean?
Why do some cables not mention bandwidth and some do?
Thanks in advance for any advice, it's all gratefully received!

kwikbreaks

This was done to death in http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?p=27016913#poststop

aliEnRIK

Buy one of these to get you started ~
http://whathifi.com/Review/ThatCable-HDMI/

scottishblondie

I know a lot of people will tell you that which cable you choose makes a huges difference to the picture, and I'll tell you right now I'm not an expert when it comes to cable quality etc. But I use 3 HDMI cables (HD Media PC, Xbox and PS3) that I bought of off Amazon marketplace for about £2 each. I bought one to test the picture quality then bought 2 more from the came seller. To me the picture on my 32" Samsung looks pretty perfect.

jaytin

Thanks for the replies everyone! :j

Bikertov

kwikbreaks has pointed to a 'lively' recent article on the subject, and AliEnRIK has argued some involved technical points on cable quality defending more expensive cables.

However, I think it fair to summarise that unless you have a good quality TV, correctly setup and calibrated, and a good quality HD source, then the cable itself will not make a huge difference.

By all means avoid a pound shop cable if you want a long lasting cable, and get a better quality one (but don't confuse with very expensive) if it is going to be hidden and difficult to replace.

Also, avoid the like of Currys / Comet, as they are VERY expensive for what they sell - calbes are and area where they make LOADS of money from unsuspecting punters.