HDMI cables have created quite a stir in the AV world. It's a new digital format which has incredible capabilities both in the speed in which it can transmit data and the way it transmits data. Gone are the days when you need to ask your technical guru about which cables to use. With HDMI, it's one cable and you're ready to go for just about anything.
However, debate has also sprung up amongst enthusiasts and purists with regards to whether or not high end HDMI cables make a difference. The argument is simple: if HDMI is digital, what advantages would higher quality HDMI cables bring? Additionally, is there any point at all spending money on anything other than the cheapest and most basic cable?
Unfortunately there is no simple answer to this question. Firstly, not all HDMI cables may be compatible or capable for the application. HDMI has only been around a relatively short time, yet at the time of writing we've already had 3 major updates post the initial release: V1.1-1.3. The latest standard alone, V1.3, has already had 3 versions: V1.3 a, b and c. Inevitably, the latest version will cost more than the earlier versions by the very fact that it's newer and up to date. While the version differences in the latter releases may be minimal, it is worth checking if the appliance requires a particular standard. Using a version lower than that required may be detrimental to quality or functionality.
Another consideration is the quality and design of the cable itself. The HDMI signal is in fact, extremely demanding on the cable. With any cable, the longer the run, the better the cable needs to be. In other words, the longer the cable, the more interference and noise is induced into the cable. Cables are manufactured and tested only on the length they are designed. If a short run of cable were to be extended, there is no guarantee that the cable would keep its performance, or in extreme cases, if it would work at all. This means that if a poorly controlled manufacturing/testing process were to be used to produce the cable (e.g. from a low quality brand), then the quality of a cable would certainly make a difference.
The last point to consider is HDMI's built in ability for error correction. It is true that there is some capability for error correction in HDMI's design. However, this does not apply to video or audio. When used with a compatible appliance, the error correction will simply attempt to guess what the signal could have been. This means that errors will still occur if not transmitted correctly. While the probability of errors is certainly reduced with superior design of the HDMI signal, it is by no means error free. A better quality cable would therefore reduce the chance of this occurring.
In an ideal world, there would be no difference between a quality HDMI cable and an ordinary one. Unfortunately in the real world this is not the case. There are always bad products, good products and better products. The good news is that the difference between the performance of these products is becoming more and more marginal. If you are looking to buy a cable to connect your flat-screen TV, it's certainly worth getting a quality cable. However, there is also no longer any need to go overboard.
Background:
Upgrades from CRT based to HDTV have been rapid and as HDTV technology continues to mature, consumers will begin to update the 2nd and even 3rd TV sets to HDTV. HDMI is the de-facto standard in connecting HD source to the HDTV. In some special applications, especially with projectors, the cable lengths can exceed 50ft and require specialized connectivity solutions. We will present some solutions for distributing HDMI over long distances.
Possible Solutions :
HDMI Extenders:
In applications where HDMI cabling is readily available and easily installed, a convenient solution for extending HDMI reach is to install a HDMI Extender at the end of the HDMI cable. Most HDMI extenders work by adaptive equalization and compensates for frequency varying signal attenuations, and timing skew. For most applications where connection lengths are between 35-75ft, using HDMI Extender is recommended.
HDMI over Ethernet:
It is possible to distribute HDMI over a pair of standard Ethernet cables by using HDMI to Ethernet converters. The HDMI Ethernet converter enables transmission of 1080P HD HDMI digital video and audio over a pair of standard Ethernet CAT5/6 cables.
Using HDMI over Ethernet Transceiver allows installers to use standard CAT 5/ 6 cables for ease of installation.
Advantages of using HDMI over Ethernet:
-Ethernet cables and connectors are easily field terminated thus allowing installers to easily install the proper length cable needed for ultimate flexibility and eliminate logistics problems of having custom length HDMI cables. No need top pre-measure and customer order cables.
-Allows transmission of 300ft (1080i) and 150ft (1080p) over Ethernet cables. CAT 6 cable is recommended for 1080P and best performance.
Conclusion:
As the HDTV market continues to mature, consumers will need to be educated on the HDTV video connections available. We have presented some possible solutions for distributing HDMI over long cable runs, so the consumer can make intelligent choices in selecting the HDTV video connections.
Samsung seems to be giving us every opportunity to get ready for the 3D trend in Home Entertainment. Along with its recent introduction of 3DTVs, Samsung has produced a great line up of 3D Blu-ray Players. The BD-C5900 Blu-ray Player is the entry level model that is Wireless LAN 'Ready', has internal decoding of Dolby and DTS soundtracks and access to Samsung Apps for streaming online content. Providing you with innovative features at a very reasonable and affordable price.
The BD-C5900 Blu-ray Player is only 1.7 inches thick, with a a stylish black high glossy finish. The control buttons, once powered on, will light up; making them easier to use. The buttons are located on the right side of the player. The Blu-ray 3D logo on top of the player also glows once the player is turned on. There is a USB Port just below the power button on the right. On the left side of the player is the disc loading tray.
VIDEO QUALITY: The Samsung BD-C5900 Blu-ray Player will provide you with great images. Video connections include HDMI (ver 1.4), Component Video Output and Composite Video Outputs. The best possible images will be with a HDMI connection which is capable of Full HD 1080p video on Blu-ray Discs and 1080p up-conversion when playing back DVDs. The Ultra Fast Play feature, should allow you to load these discs in less than 15 seconds, according to Samsung. Samsung has also conveniently equipped the player with it's Screen Fit feature which can automatically convert 21:9 aspect ratio movies to 16:9 aspect. A great feature if you if want to eliminate those annoying black bars on the Television screen.
AUDIO QUALITY: The BD-C5900 Blu-ray Player provides you with the latest 7.1-channel studio-quality surround sound (via. HDMI) with high resolution audio formats. You can connect the audio through one of the following outputs, HDMI (ver.1.4), Optical Digital Output, or Analog Audio Output 2.0-ch. It has internal audio decoding for Dolby TrueHD and dts-HD Master Audio. The player can also, transmit the audio in bitstream if you want the audio decoding done by your A/V receiver. However, it does not have 7.1 analog outputs, so those with older non-HDMI A/V receivers, the BD-C5900 may not be the best option.
The BD-C5900 Blu-ray Player is one of the rare entry level models that is equipped with the new video processing technology that supports 3D playback. It can provide great high definition 3D images found on 3D Blu-ray discs. Of course you will require a 3DTV and 3D glasses in order to enjoy 3D entertainment at home. While not necessary, it is recommended that you connect the player to one of Samsung's 3D HDTVs. This will allow you to take advantage of Samsung's Anynet+ feature, giving you control of all Samsung's audio and video devices with one remote control.
The BD-C5900 Blu-ray player also provides you with access to Internet-TV and Samsung Apps. Once you are connected to the internet, via the Ethernet Port or through a wireless USB LAN adapter (Sold Separately), you can stream movies, videos, TV shows, music and photos, etc. Some of the online streaming media service you can access from Samsung Apps are: BLOCKBUSTER®, YouTube™, Netflix, Monopoly gaming, interactive card games, Facebook®, Twitter™, Pandora, AccuWeather, Associated Press, USA Today and many more.
With Samsung's Allshare feature you can sync the BD-C5900 Blu-ray Player up to many of your digital devices. This will allow you to enjoy music, movies and photos from your computer, camera and mobile devices, on your TV screen. Supported files formats include MP3, DivX, Divx HD, JPEG, JPEG HD, MKV, or AVCHD. The BD-C5900 is Profile 2.0, so it has BD-Live support. You can download content from a certain Blu-ray Discs. Content such as deleted scenes, current movie trailers, features, movie trivia, chat rooms, live commentary and much more. There is no internal memory, so an external USB flash drive is required if you want to download BD-Live content.
THE PROS: The BD-5900 Blu-ray Player from Samsung is very similar to the BD-C5500 Blu-ray Player which was released earlier this year. The big difference between the two players is that the BD-C5900 has 3D Blu-ray capability. It also is Wi-Fi 'Ready', BD-Live 'Ready', and is DLNA certified. Supports online media services: Internet-TV/Samsung Apps(provides content from Netflix, Pandora, Vudu, Blockbuster, Picasa and Twitter). Has internal audio decoding for Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital, DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Digital Plus.
THE CONS: To enjoy 3D at home, you will need to have a 3D TV and 3D glasses. It is only WI-FI 'Ready', so you have to purchase a wireless LAN Adapter. No internal memory for Storage and to access BD-Live content. A USB external memory device is needed.
THE FINAL WORD: The Samsung BD-C5900 3D Blu-ray Player provides great audio and video quality. It has great features such as Online Streaming and DLNA support. It lacks some of the features of higher end models, but it is one of the cheapest 3D Blu-ray Players on the market. This alone should make the BD-C5900 an appealing option for those wanting to enjoy 3D Movies at home. -- Price you should look for when purchasing -- Under 0.00
