Component video cables

[zepman1]

I need to purchase component video cables to connect my new HDTV to HDTV cable receiver and DVD player. I don't really feel like spending $50 for the Monster cables. Am I that much worse off with a $15 Recoton, GE, RCA, or NXG component video cable? Does anyone have any experience with these "lesser" brand name cables and how they compare to the more expensive $30-$50 cables such as Monster or Acoustic Research?

Any help would be appreciated.

[f0rge]

in my experience you probably wont be able to tell the difference, but of course some will

[edtyct]

Specialist cables, like the Monsters, are overengineered to some extent to minimize the possibility of signal loss under fairly extreme conditions, most of which don't apply to the average user. If your runs are relatively short (a couple of meters or so), not unduly subject to electronic interference, or otherwise compromised in some unusual manner, you can probably get away with spending less money. The digital connectors out there--HDMI, DVI, and HDMI to DVI--are much more subject to problems at lengths that most analog cables can handle with ease. But, as an example, my 2 m. digital cabling from monitor to DVI switch for HDTV and DVD cost me $12.00; the equivalent Monster cost $100. I see no difference between them, and I am fussy. I'm confident that you can be thrifty with component cables and not worry. But please don't interpret my remarks as anti-high end. In most circumstances, however, well-constructed and insulated cables that don't break the bank because of exotic materials/methods will be sufficient. You still should throw away the ones that come packaged with most mass-market components.

Ed

[umapet97]

For I while I ran some $20 component video cables.I have upgraded since then,really didnt notice that much of a difference.I think you"ll be fine.Brand I had was Acoustic Research.

[zepman1]

I just found I can get the 4 ft THX Monster component cables for about $17 online (half the cost of Worst Buy and Circuit City). So screw it I guess I'll just get those. That way I should be fine, its a very short run.

[Woochifer]

The benefit to going with a more expensive cable like the AR and Monster is that they have much better constructed connectors with more shielding. So long as you go a step up from the cheapie plastic collared interconnects that come with typical audio components, you'll be fine. No need to go overboard, just enough to get better build and shielding. With a cheap OEM S-vid cable, my satellite receiver gave me visible ghosting. After swapping out to a Monster 2 S-vid cable, the ghosting disappeared and using my calibration DVD I had to make slight adjustments to my video settings. AR's a good value for what you get. Monster's more overpriced.

[HT BUFF]

I need to purchase component video cables to connect my new HDTV to HDTV cable receiver and DVD player. I don't really feel like spending $50 for the Monster cables. Am I that much worse off with a $15 Recoton, GE, RCA, or NXG component video cable? Does anyone have any experience with these "lesser" brand name cables and how they compare to the more expensive $30-$50 cables such as Monster or Acoustic Research?

Any help would be appreciated.

I would go to www.tigerdirect.com & type in IXOS, best cables hands down less than $50.