[MtnBikerChk]

I need an HDMI cable and 2 optical audio cables but monoprice has so many - in different widths and gauges, that I'm confused.

Will these do?

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10229&cs_id=1022901&p_id=1419&seq=1&format=2

and

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10240&cs_id=1024009&p_id=2412&seq=1&format=2

 

[binary visions]

Will these do?

Yes, they'll work fine. It's digital signaling so cable quality isn't quite as important as analog signaling.

For myself, I went with slightly higher priced and larger gauge cables but that wasn't really because there will be a noticeable performance increase, it was more because it kept me from wondering what the picture quality would have been like with better cables.

 

[narlus]

Yes, they'll work fine. It's digital signaling so cable quality isn't quite as important as analog signaling.

HDMI transmission is sensitive to cable length, though, right? so get the shortest cables you need.

 

[binary visions]

HDMI transmission is sensitive to cable length, though, right? so get the shortest cables you need.

Only to a certain extent, though. You probably shouldn't coil up a 35' cable back there, but I've never seen a digital signal in my life that was noticeably different at any reasonable length (<10').

Actually, back to back there was no difference between my 3' and 6' DVI-to-HDMI cable. Exact same cable, just different lengths. I don't know where HDMI starts to degrade, but hell, you can even run 20+ foot VGA cables if they're thick gauge and well shielded without too many problems.

 

[narlus]

looks like 50' is the magic number

http://www.abccables.com/info-hdmi-max-length.html

 

[jacksonpt]

Yep - general rule of thumb (from my experience) is anything over 20' should be upgrade to a better quality, higher gauge cable to preserve the signal.

I'm looking for some high quality component cables and a DVI in the neighborhood of 35'. Them suckers get expensive in a hurry...