The article shows differences but sort of goes against what I was saying. They claim a cheap HDMI from Monoprice will carry 1080p. It may pass it but there's a difference in what you get out of it. They do at least show how the signal can degrade. My runs were short as well which according to the article shouldn't make much difference. I'm assuming too it's the cable. I know what happened when I upgraded but I guess it could also be something as simple as the more expensive cable having a better plug for a better connection.