Cables To Go - 40315 - 2M (6.5ft) Velocity HDMI Digital Video Cable (Blue) Reviews

• All HDMI cables are NOT created equal

  
  By A24J2Y1O22JYZX on 2007-10-17
  Despite popular myth, all HDMI cables are not the same. Construction quality, cable design, cable thickness (gauge) and connector quality can all play a role in the success you'll have with an HDMI cable. Yes, HDMI is a digital signal but this does NOT mean that you either "have a signal or you don't." Cheaply constructed HDMI cables can have not only mechanical failures (worn out solder joints over time, ill-fitting connectors), but electrical failures as well, and these can be represented either by visible distortion ("sparklies," lines, dropouts or pixilation), or by incompatibilities with certain high bandwidth HDMI sources and displays.
  
  This is not to say that you need to pay $50, $100 or more on well-known brand HDMI cables in order to get good results, but when you buy "no name" cables (particularly from unknown marketplace sellers), you're taking a risk - you might get something decent, or you might not. And is it really worth it, to save a couple of dollars on the cable, when it may cost you hours of debugging to determine exactly what's wrong with your picture or sound in your high end home theater system?
  
  As the editor of a home theater publication (Big Picture Big Sound), I've had the opportunity to own, evaluate and use many high-end high definition components and displays as well as a variety of HDMI and component video cables. I've used the high-end name brand cables as well as no-name plain plastic-wrapped HDMI cables made in China. Some of the cables I've ordered via Amazon marketplace sellers don't even match the picture of the item. But the "Cables To Go" HDMI cables I've bought from Amazon have been consistently high quality, with strong mechanical connections and excellent reliability. Cables to Go (aka "Impact Acoustics") is an American company, based in Ohio, specializing in all types of cables, connectors and switching components. They may not be a household name, but they're a solid brand with a proven track record of quality and reliability.
  
  Many of the "cheaper" cables offered by marketplace sellers come with hidden costs that you won't see until check-out, namely high shipping and handling fees. But Cables To Go cables bought from Amazon.com can be shipped free (orders over $25), which brings their price down to an extremely reasonable level.
  
  Reliable performance at an affordable price. That's what I call a bargain.
  
  

• i was skeptical...

  
  By A14UMSYNOM5ECF on 2006-07-25
  first off, i was wary of purchasing this cable because of the very name: "cables to go." then, i was wary because of the cheap price. but after reading other reviews saying that insane cable shielding doesn't really matter since it's all digital, and seeing the outrageous prices of Monster Cables, I was more than willing to try this cable.
  
  Turns out, after using it for two weeks with my Sony HDMI DVD player and Sharp Aquos HDTV LCD, it works perfectly! So save yourself the extra money and buy a "no-name" HDMI cable...
  
  

• Does was it was meant to do.

  
  By A2MUK1LZNHF7PN on 2006-11-12
  So it doesn't have gold tips or have a famous name on the box or the fancy words that make you want to take out a second mortgage to buy it. This cable does the job. A lot of companies want you to pay a lot of money for some coax cable but if the recording isn't worth a plug nicket, it doesn't matter if you have a $25 or $100 cable. This cable is inexpensive but durable. I really haven't noticed any differences between this cable and the more costly ones. If anything else--it's the recording or TV you decide to use with it. Don't be fooled by those fancy packages in the store.
  
  

• High-quality, low-cost alternative

  
  By A3QEJ40NQEW36Q on 2007-10-19
  Okay, folks...we're talking about digital signals here. A digital signal gets there, or it doesn't. This isn't like analog signals where increased resistance or poor shielding of the wire degrades your sound and picture.
  
  This cable does what I need it to do for about 15% of the cost of most of the alternatives out there. My picture looks great, I can get 1080p out of my Playstation 3, and I saved some bucks in the process. I couldn't be happier.
  
  From some of the reviews, you'd get the impression that this cable is exceedingly thin or poorly manufactured. Not true. It does have gold-plated ends, it fits snugly in the sockets--won't pop out from its own weight, but also will come loose instead of dragging your equipment to the floor if someone trips over it.
  
  And I got news for you: I used to work at Best Buy, and stuff like cables have some of the highest mark-up in the store. Yup, most of what you're paying for those $100 cables--probably somewhere around $75--is going straight in to the "Profit" column in the ledger.
  
  Buy these and a couple of BDs or a game for the same price as the big name cables.
  
  

• Does the job

  
  By AP70OJ9HJCNWS on 2006-08-23
  Bought these cables to go with the new HDTV and the upconverting dvd player we recently bought. There was one particular movie that was suppose to look like amateur video, and if it weren't for the HDMI cable, it was very hard to see. Based on this, I would recommend this product especially for the price, it works.
  
  
• HDMI Cable ok, but never buy anything from Antonline
  By ATNRW5H71YM40 on 2006-11-16
  After ordering the cable, I found one in the HD receiver box. When it arrived several days later, I e-mailed them about returning it. Despite explaining that I never opened the shipping package itself, much less the cable, I accidentally checked one wrong box on their questionaire. They asked for a clarification and I explained the whole thing again. This dragged on for days and at least a half dozen interchanges. Finally, they insisted I post a positive review on Amazon before they would accept the return. I did so but then they stopped replying at all. I kept e-mailing them and finally left phone messages at their corporate HQ. I complained to Amazon which immediately refunded my full charge. Antonline would have deducted about half my cost--a 15% restocking fee and an $8 shipping cost (their site indicated the charge would be about $5). In the process I found a different website that posts product reviews on which Antonline's customers gave the company dismal ratings pretty much across the board. I certainly concur.
  
  
• adequate but not as good as MONSTER hdmi sadly
  By AUC79RL1HUXN7 on 2007-07-13
  I bought this cable after reading some of the reviews here on Amazon. I had been using the MONSTER hdmi cable on my current Sony HDMI dvd upscaler and the pictures were beautiful. I had purchased recently a PS3 and did not want to spend another $70 on a MONSTER hdmi cable so I bought this cable instead. Well, comparing the two dvds of Nicole Kidman in Moulin Rouge, she is way hotter using the MONSTER cable. If I had never used the MONSTER cable, I would have thought this cable would have been sufficient. But the detail is much sharper using the MONSTER cable. Let it be known, there is a significant difference between the picture quality in the cables. I wish it weren't so because I'd rather not spend another $70. Actually, I'm just going to be lazy and just switch the MONSTER cable between my regular SONY player and my PS3. I don't want to wear out the PS3 playing regular dvds all the time. I know... I'm super cheap but at least I'm trying not to wear the PS3 out, no matter how futile it might be.
  
  
• Excellent HDMI cable
  By A36OXWMROWZN72 on 2006-08-07
  Why pay a lot for Monster Cable, when this cable works just fine.
  
  
• Glitchy Video and Audio
  By A2U9A8KA7HHW46 on 2007-08-10
  I read all the positive reviews before purchasing this cheap HDMI cable. I hooked up my brand new HD TiVo to our new 32" HD TV. Both the video and audio were glitchy (noise in both) with displaying 720p or 1080i (480p was fine, but who cares). I replaced it with a friends more expensive cable and everything worked perfectly. I will not be buying a Monster cable or anything, but these cables are just to low quality to use.
  
  
• Dont wast your money on more expensive cables
  By A3FPEFZXAAWYC8 on 2007-01-18
  Its a digital cable. Its transfering ones and zeros, not actual video and audio. Not need to waste money the big guy's cables that cost $60-$120. Not on HDMI cables anyways. They may not withstand a Mac truck running over them, and they might not be shielded with gold spun from a cherubs head, but they work great. And if it should fail down the line, just buy another one. Compared to the price of the ones at Best Buy, these are practically free.
  
  
• HD but fits loose on HDTV
  By AULEHS04X1CTM on 2007-03-17
  The connections fit too loose on both ends. Quit working when I had to move the set. I emailed the seller and they have ignored me. (of course). Then I went to Radio Shack and spent $49. I was pissed. I'm OK now. I also found HDMI cables locally for as low as $20. Be careful where you go, some charge as much as a $100. They seem to be an expensive adder when buying a new HDTV.
  
  
• Excellent cable - don't be suckered into paying $$$$$
  By A2WLJUGIV6N5VP on 2007-08-26
  Folks, these cables carry a DIGITAL signal. They either work at 100% or not at all. Excellent cables - why would I want to spend $80 on something that works for $20? Just order em!!!
  
  
• Three Cheers for Easy to Open Blister Pack!!!
  By AMRMK86X3PKXD on 2007-01-25
  These cables are well made, substantial pieces of equipment. Molded ends with a good weight. The best feature is a partially cut out flap on the back of the blister pack that allows quick and easy access to the contents.
  
  
• Intermittantly failed and then finally did completely.
  By A2RH7T5FZ8GR33 on 2007-02-01
  I know I am probably the only person with a bad experience with this cable, but the fact that it intermitently failed to conduct the signal from my cable box to my 46" Sony XBR Bravia LCD for about 2 months made it hard to diagnose. I was sure that the cable company was to blame until it finally crapped out altogether. Then, just by switching cables from my DVD (Phoenix) my signal was fixed and worked perfectly for the last month. So I had a $3K TV that i was not happy with for 2 months because of a problem with a $20 cable. My advice is to buy the best cable and save money elsewhere.
  
  
• Don't waste your money on Monster Cables
  By A34H3CBNLQBU3A on 2007-02-20
  HDMI is a All Digital Format ( i.e. all zero and 1's ) the switch is either on or off. Unlike analog cables where Large low restistence cables and GOLD Connecters can have a measureable effect; with HDMI this is a waste of money and a Come-on to consumers. I switched my HDTV from using the Analog componet cables supplied by the Cable Company to this HDMI cable. What a difference.....The picture is now Crystal Clear without any artifacts caused by D/A conversion in the TV . This fully Digital HDMI cable solved all my HDTV issues. Digital input plus a Digital HDTV gives you a Fantastic Picture.
  
  
• digital, it works, or it doesnt
  By A8O0TBZBGWF3I on 2006-11-22
  from my rudimentary understanding of these things, your digital signal is either carried by the cable or not. this one works, works fine, and its a great bargain. i have bought more cables from this company and i am very satisfied with the image quality and price.
  
  
• Good and inexpensive
  By A11EYMH9UV9XG7 on 2007-01-30
  I don't know about all the cheap vs expensive cable, digital error, and corrosion stuff. But I do know that I only paid $20 and it works well. I'm satisfied with what I got for the money.
  
  
• good product for the money
  By A2D92XS7W0BP09 on 2006-12-13
  No sense paying big bucks for this type of cable. Although the cable jacket is a bit thin and not oriented for rough handling I am happy with the product and would recommend it.
  
  
• drops signal
  By A1T43F49O0YLSN on 2007-10-17
  mine wasn't reliable. I had it connecting my DVR and my new HDTV. I replaced the DVR and still had the problem. It would drop the signal and I'd have to power cycle the TV to get the picture to come back. When I switched to component cables, the problem didn't reoccur.
  
  
• Faulty Cable-Did not work
  By A2FN941P3MBOT4 on 2007-07-27
  The bottom line is the cable did not work. I have purchased several HDMI cables from a mulititude of companies over the years, but sometimes you get what you pay for. I am not advocating paying $100 for cables but I got burned trying to go el cheapo on this wire and I would advise you to stay away from it. A tried another HDMI cable and presto it worked! Go figure. Maybe these wires will work for you but I would pay up to get something more more reliable.
  
  
• Don't buy an expensive cable when this works great!
  By A17PXV3B4WAW9J on 2007-08-19
  This is a fantastic cable, and here's a few reasons NOT to buy an expensive cable:
  
  (1) The cable transmits a digital signal. Digital is "on" or "off", there's nothing in between those two signals. Digital is highly resistant to interference, so you don't need gold tips, fancy shielding, etc when all the equipment cares about is: "Hey, is this an 'on' or an 'off' signal?".
  
  (2) Quality control.
  (2a) I've read on here how some people get sloppy connections with these cables. One out of a thousand cables is bound to be funky, no matter what the company. Easy solution (or not easy for those immediate-gratification types): Return cable, exchange for another $12 cable. If the next one you get is still sloppy, I'd check your equipment.
  (2b) If the more expensive cable makers are charging $100 for the same product, and that extra money goes to "quality control" (not likely, but bear with me), then I want to work there. Seriously, if the quality assurance folks get $80 for each cable they sell... Well, it adds up quick.
  
  (3) I have one. I may not be a celebrity, but I can definitely say that this is a great product that has yet to steer me wrong.
  
  
• MODE NOT SUPPORTED 1080p
  By A1M7R7HAS30PMN on 2007-10-22
  These cables did not work between my DVR and my brand new Samsung 1080p HDTV. My HDTV reported "Mode not supported" which, according to the tv manual, suggests this hdmi cable is NOT CAPABLE of high bandwidth video/audio transmission. A real waste of money. I'll never buy another connector cable from Amazon or one made by Cables To Go.
  
  
• Worked for 2 weeks
  By AP14LQEM6GED5 on 2008-01-17
  I used this cable to connect my DVR to my HDTV. This cable worked fine for 2 weeks after which I lost audio.
  
  
• Excellent--don't buy the high-price stuff
  By A8XXZJD5P2XMA on 2006-12-29
  Either a digital cable works or it doesn't--there's no issue about 'quality' or 'signal strength' like there is with analog signals. This cable does work. My neighbor bought a Monster HDMI cable from Best Buy for 10 times the price, but there's no difference in the result.
  
  
• U get what you pay for, crap
  By A1RHOLRPYW8GTQ on 2007-05-06
  these cables are awful, do not buy them. I have a sony upscaling dvd play and a philip 37 in lcd tv. When i use the dvd player in the hdmi input, there is a lime green line that will not go away on the far right side of the tv. not only that, today there was a pink tint to the picture. i tried different dvds and setting on the tv but nothing changed it. I know it was the hdmi cable becuase i plugged it in regular and the picture worked fine.
  
  
• Be Careful
  By A2H6JNUXPFAM1B on 2008-01-18
  I bought this item due to the favorable reviews. But the adage you get what you pay for applies here--at least for me. These cables are thinner than the more expensive ones (making me wonder what has been left out) and I had no picture 50% of the time. I finally went to Sears and bought HDMI cable three times as expensive and now I can see the difference.
  
  
• Great Vendor, Great HDMI cable
  By A3EKQ6XG4PVICQ on 2006-12-28
  Why pay the difference if you can't see the difference is how the saying goes which definitely applies here. Cables to go by Electronics Extreme are very good HDMI cables for all of your HD related connections. Vendor provides expeditious and professional service. I swaped it out with a more expensive cable with no degradation in picture or sound quality. Save your money and your apprehension.
  
  
• Don't waste $100 on a Monster HDMI cable
  By A1UCXAGQ6T6QV3 on 2007-01-05
  This cable works perfect for my 40" Sony LCD HDTV. When I was at Circuit City, I was told that I must buy a $100 Monster cable. After reading some reviews I decided I would "take a chance" on this cable. My picture and sound quality is just as good as any HDTV I've looked at that uses the more expensive $100 cable. Go ahead and save yourself $75 and get this one!
  
  
• Works as Advertised
  By A32PY9MW5928O5 on 2007-02-09
  Not much to say here, but the cable works fine and is reasonably well constructed. I don't think it is worth spending an additional penny for a more expensive cable that does exactly the same job.
  
  
  
• No "Monster" price
  By A331KXH163DMTK on 2007-04-02
  I just connected these cables to my brand new Sharp Aquos 42" 1080p HDTV via a Comstat Motorola box & the resulting pictures are awesome. I also used them to connect my Sony "upscaling" DVD player. With the price <$20.00 you can't go wrong.
  
  

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