How much do cords matter

[jgags6]

I was wondering, right now i am using a component video cord and the picture on it itsnt that great. Now the cord isnt a Monster Cable or anything, in fact it looks pretty cheep. Should i spend a bunch of money to get a monster cable or somethign like it?

 

[sampatterson]

People's opinions vary on this. I haven't been able to see a difference between a "cheapie" and a "monster" or other brand cable. If you have a "bad cheapie" you might try another one just to see if that specific cable is bad.

 

[Kevinw]

I was wondering, right now i am using a component video cord and the picture on it itsnt that great. Now the cord isnt a Monster Cable or anything, in fact it looks pretty cheep. Should i spend a bunch of money to get a monster cable or somethign like it?

When you say your picture is not great, do you mean HD or analog? Have you done anything with your TV to improve PQ- like using a Home theater setup disk? Avia DVE or Sound & Vision?? Have you adjusted any of the user control settings-ie Contrast,color,tint etc?

 

[Hall]

There are definitely cheap component cables out there. There are also many, many "levels" between those cheap ones and the "Monster" type. Personally, those in-between cables are more than sufficient for me.

Look at these, for example: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5869001729&rd=1&sspagename=STRK:MEWA:IT&rd=1

$4.99 + $6.99 shipping (to my location)

Those are nice looking cables, made from 75-ohm coax, just like the more expensive cables. These, http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=181-712, are not too nice looking, in my opinion. I've seem similar ones and I don't think they're made of coaxial cable either.

 

[jgags6]

When I mean bad picture i mean that the picture is wavy.

 

[VIPERS-PIT]

I have done an A/B comparison between the top line monster cable component video and the free component cable that came with the Xbox HD pack on my 65 inch HDTV. I see no difference at all, Would I pay 100 bucks for the monster cable? NO! If you are not happy with the picture you have these cheap/free cables will accept interference much easier than the monster cables do. Try to route the cables were they are away from power cables and other possible interference points.

 

[cdru]

My rule of thumb is that you buy a decent, quality built cable. While it's not scientific by any means, thicker usually is better. Don't use cables whose diameter is that of a 16 guage wire.

Remember that when you by Monster, you are buying a brand name, marketing, and legal fees in addition to any actual quality. Save your money and by a lesser name brand that is just as good.

 

[Kevinw]

A wavy picture on a digital picture usually indicates electrical interference. Could be from poor cable but msot likely you have to many items on the same circuit.

 

[Digital Dude]

Here's a great artilce on the subject

http://www.pcworld.com/reviews/article/0,aid,121777,pg,1,00.asp

 

[HCI]

The only real difference in a cheap cable vs. the monster cable is the shielding. This helps on any interference from any outside source.

 

[Hall]

Many people recommend Pacific Cables and the Python component cables they sell. I ran across these, http://cgi.ebay.com/3FT-Gold-Plated...itemZ5871220226QQcategoryZ64631QQcmdZViewItem, on eBay and bought a set last week. $1.00 plus shipping... that's a DEAL ! There's a 6-ft version for $2 from the same guy.