Jump to content

Monoprice Luxe or Cabernet HDMI Cable?


Youthman

Recommended Posts

  • Moderators

We are getting close to completing the new front cabinet for my home theater so I need to order a longer HDMI cable.  My current cable is 40' but does not support 4k.  I don't have 4k now but I want to install a cable that supports 4k in case I upgrade to a 4k projector in the future.

 

So I'm considering the following:

 

Luxe Series CL3 Active High Speed HDMI® Cable, 50ft - $64.99

 

Cabernet Ultra CL2 Active High Speed HDMI® Cable, 50ft - $60.00

 

Seems like the only difference between the two is the Luxe is CL3 (vs CL2) and has a "premium braided jacket" (whoohoo). 

 

Anything else I'm missing between the two?  Any thoughts or suggestions?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

My experience has been that digital cables make little if any difference, assuming it has all the pins and connectors in the right places. 

 

Lowest price is usually my single buying criterion, along with checking customer reviews to make sure that the connectors don't fall off prematurely.

 

Chris

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Moderators
I've been happy with many monoprice cables.

Me as well.  My 40' Monoprice HDMI has worked well for several years.

 

I think there is a 2.2 standard now that u may want to future proof against. I cant recall if it is more for gaming...3d or other but that i think is the the latest standard.

 

No weak links allowed in the signal chain

The HDCP 2.2 issue doesn’t just apply to Ultra High Definition TVs and video sources — it affects any other components in the signal chain. If you run your HDMI connection through a home theater receiver or sound bar, it’ll need to be HDCP 2.2 compliant, as well. Any device in the chain that prevents the HDCP digital handshake from happening will prevent you from seeing a 4K image.

HDCP 2.2 and HDMI 2.0
When you read about 4K TVs, you’ll often see references to both HDCP 2.2 and HDMI 2.0, which can be a little confusing. HDMI 2.0 is also required for TVs and components to be able to pass 4K video. The big difference is that HDMI 2.0 is backward-compatible with previous HDMI versions, while HDCP 2.2 is not backward-compatible when it comes to 4K video. That means you can connect older sources, like a regular Blu-ray player or cable box to a new 4K TV and enjoy an HD picture. But if a 4K TV senses a 4K video source, it's going to look for the HDCP authentication in order to complete the digital handshake. If it doesn't see it, no 4K picture.

 

 

Looks like the "new standard" comes with some drawbacks by not being backward compatible.  Looks like 2.0 will be fine for me at this point.

 

 

Some info from BJC on the subject.

I'm sure they make quality cables....but their website sure doesn't reflect that. It's extremely cluttered and limited pictures of their products.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Moderators

I've never been a fan of connecting cables....I'd much rather use one long cable than connect two shorter cables.......BUT I was talking to wakejunkie and he suggested connecting a shorter HDMI cable for the Drawer.  He's concerned about the longer cable "moving" with the drawer.  You can see below about how far the drawer will extend out.  Any thoughts? 

 

Final-Front-Wall-2.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I've never been a fan of connecting cables....I'd much rather use one long cable than connect two shorter cables.......BUT I was talking to wakejunkie and he suggested connecting a shorter HDMI cable for the Drawer.  He's concerned about the longer cable "moving" with the drawer.  You can see below about how far the drawer will extend out.  Any thoughts? 

 

[picture]

I would use EZ Locks if you are worried about them coming loose:

 

http://www.showmecables.com/product/HDMI-EZ-Lock.aspx?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cse&utm_campaign=3610&gclid=CjwKEAiAx--2BRDO6q2T84_a52YSJABWAbfrxU7mDwCzh8tVj0LhMS6YLpqBQxB0bqkWDzzrR6OS2hoCWyfw_wcB

 

Edited by mustang guy
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Couple things come to mind.  One, why not run some 1" low voltage flexible conduit, so you can easily upgrade down the road.  Two, have you thought about cat5/6  over HDMI.

 

http://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=8009

 

Which ever you decide, make sure you pay attention to the source/display markings on the cable.  I made that mistake, once....

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think Wake has the right idea.  With an HDMI cable, you are sending a digital signal that shouldn't be subject to loss or resistance.  With a female connector that doesn't move routed the 40 ft to wherever it goes....you can then have a 4 6 or 8 ft (whatever needed) that moves with the drawer and can be replaced should there be an issue.    So I googled too:

 

http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/system-setup-connection/25675-will-multiple-hdmi-connections-lose-quality.html

Link to comment
Share on other sites

also:  

Using HDMI Extenders

For distances longer than 15 meters, HDMI extenders can be used. An HDMI extender is a pair of devices that are used to convert HDMI cables to Cat 5/Cat 6 cables, allowing longer runs. They usually amplify the signal as well, ensuring that the signal level received at the far end will be sufficient. When using HDMI extenders with a Cat 5/Cat 6 cable, runs of up to 250 meters (820 feet) can be made.

There are also HDMI extenders that work over optical fiber lines. With these, the source can be placed as far as 300 meters (980 feet) from the monitor.

 

 

http://www.ebay.com/gds/Everything-You-Need-to-Know-About-HDMI-Cables-/10000000177630531/g.html

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...