Topic: Hdtv Cables (Read 2587 times)

DuDeR MaN · « **Reply #105 on:** December 22, 2003, 02:47:00 AM »

thanks for all the informative replies.

toyota89- yes picture quality isn't the number one thing in gaming but when you spend $3,300+ on a top of the line system, you want to show it off the best you can. Especially on the holidays.

jalan- their audio cables are horrible, they're more known for their video cables. When I went from an S-video connection from my digital cable box to the dvi connection... it blew me away how big of a difference I saw.

chrisF- your post was the one that talked to me most. I did some more research and did find that you're right, you do need to buy the optical sound cable and adapter sepperatly, I've never even seen them in a store. now that would still be good except my older, smaller hdtv (which will house the xbox for most of it's lifetime) doesn't have an optical sound input. This makes it basically a no brainer for me now.

Thank you everyone and Happy Holidays.

ChrisF · « **Reply #106 on:** December 22, 2003, 07:12:00 AM »

QUOTE (DuDeR MaN @ Dec 22 2003, 12:11 PM)

chrisF- your post was the one that talked to me most. I did some more research and did find that you're right, you do need to buy the optical sound cable and adapter sepperatly, I've never even seen them in a store. now that would still be good except my older, smaller hdtv (which will house the xbox for most of it's lifetime) doesn't have an optical sound input. This makes it basically a no brainer for me now.

Not sure if I read your post correctly, but you only need the proprietary optical cable for 5.1 sound. The Monster HD pack comes with regular RCA sound as a standard (you don't need to buy anything if you don't want to utilize 5.1 and optical audio).

Anyway, everybody slams Monster (and they are overpriced) but for the Xbox you have only a few products to choose from. People seem to think you can use any cables you want connecting an Xbox to an HDTV but for anyone who has spent even 30 seconds on this issue - that just isn't possible (proprietary adapter on the back of the Xbox - duh). Choices are Monster, MS, and all other junk (lower range brands and generics).

DuDeR MaN · « **Reply #107 on:** December 22, 2003, 06:05:00 PM »

it does come with the audio cables? I was under the impression it came with just the component video cable, green, blue and red. thats what it looks like at monstercable.com

i still say monster cables are tramendous quality (yes overpriced but get over it people). I guess I'll have to check into this more.. I was going to pick up the cables tomorrow while x-mas shopping.

Jalan · « **Reply #108 on:** December 22, 2003, 07:15:00 PM »

QUOTE

jalan- their audio cables are horrible, they're more known for their video cables. When I went from an S-video connection from my digital cable box to the dvi connection... it blew me away how big of a difference I saw.

I don't know, but I didn't notice anything using their S-Video in my bedroom. I got their cable free though so I can't complain.

If you don't mind spending the price for monster cables, spend a little more and get AWESOME cables.

Perhaps I'm just very anti monster anything, but they are a product of hype and marketing. There is a reason you only see monster cables and bose systems in retail stores.

If you don't want to spend $200+ on a pair of cables, check out www.audiogon.com you can get great cables used and cheap.

ChrisF · « **Reply #109 on:** December 22, 2003, 07:20:00 PM »

Monster GameLink 400 - Component Cables:
http://www.gamestop.com/product.asp?produc...uct%5Fid=801331

"The ultimate performance component video AV connection of Xbox to TVs or receivers with component video inputs. Nitrogen gas-injected dielectric insulator delivers maximum video signal strength for the clearest picture possible. 10 ft. extra-long length lets you play anywhere without controller extension cables. 5-in-1 cable design is simple to hook up, and looks good too. 24k gold contact connectors ensure optimum video and audio signal transfer. Advanced DoubleHelix construction delivers reference quality sound for all your CDs and DVD movie titles."

Take a look at the picture - too many wires for pure component video. Plus, I'm absolutely sure since I own the unit. Optical audio is purely optional - obviously 5.1 sound requires this if you aren't able to make due with standard. I was originally going to try both the MS and Monster on my home tv. Even spending 1 minute examinging the fittings and weight on the MS and Monster pack - you won't walk out with the MS (I didn't).

DuDeR MaN · « **Reply #110 on:** December 22, 2003, 10:46:00 PM »

oh I see now, I was looking at the 200x which is composite video, not component. Thanks again man.

[edit] damn thats only $40 at gamestop... I was going to pay $20 more at best buy, screw that.

This post has been edited by DuDeR MaN: Dec 23 2003, 06:48 AM

ChrisF · « **Reply #111 on:** December 22, 2003, 10:25:00 PM »

Good luck with your purchase - I got mine from a local Gamestop store for $39. They sell the MS for $19 so it's a $20 difference which is likely not a earthshattering setback if you just purchased an HDTV.

This thread kills me though. It seems like 1/2 the people on here keep telling you to go and buy cables from XYZ cable company rather than pay for Monster. You have to ask yourself that if they don't even realize that the Xbox doesn't have a set of component video outs on the back (or any video outs for that matter) and that you need to use one of serval packs made specifically for the xbox immediately negating any chance of hooking up any third party cable - why are they giving advice and how did they come to own a modded xbox without ever looking at the back of one? My guess is MonsterCable has made a lot of enemies.

DuDeR MaN · « **Reply #112 on:** December 22, 2003, 11:53:00 PM »

I too was suprised by the reaction I got from people about the monster cables. I tried about 3 different cables on my last hdtv and nothing came close to the quality monster gave me (for about $50 more)

DBZRacer · « **Reply #113 on:** December 23, 2003, 08:01:00 AM »

ChrisF · « **Reply #114 on:** December 23, 2003, 12:29:00 PM »

QUOTE (DBZRacer @ Dec 23 2003, 06:01 PM)

Well like ChrisF stated earlier. I would want to hear comments from MS HDTV pack users using Monster or other higher end component cables for the final connection. I've been meaning to do this same project and upgrade the component cables that came with my MS HDTV pack but have been a lazy bastard and havent found the time to change wiring in the back of the set.

The link that I provided on page 1 to a thread at Hometheaterspot has someone using higher-end cables on the MS pack. The problem is, I don't think there is anyone who has done this comparison as I frequent several A/V forums and have searched and asked before. The relevent comment on the post for this was:

"I didnt buy the Monster set, just another higher quality component cable set and replaced the standard xbox ones. I would say I could see a bit of clarity improvement, but its minor. I would say if you have a TV bigger than 50", replace the standard xbox cables, if under 50" It may not be that noticeable IMO. "

Other users who have done this have noticed a visible improvement. Those comparing stock MS to Monster seem to be reporting a very large difference in quality.

Purely qualitative speculation based upon wording but I'm guessing that the improvement in moving to the complete Monster package is better than upgrading the cables. This makes me think that even with the upgraded cables the MS pack's initial connection may be degrading the signal beyond what the Monster pack does (seems logical given the much thicker and stronger Monster-to-Xbox connector and the lack of an intermediate box for another connection). Of course we don't have anyone actually comparing the upgraded MS to a stock Monster so like I said it's speculation but I've read probably 8+ posts from users with MS pack and upgraded cables and no one has yet to report a change as significant as those switching between the stock MS and Monster.

Once again, no way to quantify but if I had to put down money this is the way I'd go at this point since there doesn't appear to be anyone who has done this comparison. There just aren't a lot of xbox users with time on their hands and large screen HDTV viewing. Still, at a difference of $20 it looks like you might as well go Monster if you are going to spend money on upgrading the cables with the stock MS kit. Already owning a MS kit, maybe buy new cables + a Monster pack and see what you like better (plus it would help the rest of us out).

shoup · « **Reply #115 on:** December 24, 2003, 06:04:00 AM »

I had bought the cheap ones off of ebay, and i hate them they suck. I have also been wondering which to get, i think for myself i am going to get the ms ones. and if i dont like them i return them!

Merry Christmas to all

ChrisF · « **Reply #116 on:** December 26, 2003, 07:36:00 AM »

QUOTE (ripcurl @ Dec 26 2003, 06:28 AM)

For my 30" widescreen HDTV I have the MS Pack w/ Monster Component cables, looks good but I cant tell any real difference, on the other hand my other xbox is hooked to my sony vpl px32 HD projo with Monster 400x, with the screen set at around 9ft diagonally in widescreen, there is a HUGE clarity difference

Ripcurl, have you compared the MS pack w/ Monster cables to the Monster 400x on your large screen projector?

This is actually the comparison that no one has made yet - whether the MS pack with upgraded cables is comparable/better/worse than the Monster HD kit. Obviously, the larger the test screen the better.

If you could give us your thoughts there are a lot of people out there who would be very greatful.

ChrisF · « **Reply #117 on:** December 26, 2003, 06:24:00 PM »

hdculture - thank you so much for taking the time to write that post. If the difference is that significant at 50" I think it is justifiable to recommend the Monsterpack to anyone with a screen greater than 36".

DBZRacer · « **Reply #118 on:** December 28, 2003, 12:34:00 AM »

Thanks for the input hculture. I'll give monster a shot this time around...

DBZRacer · « **Reply #119 on:** December 28, 2003, 08:20:00 PM »

I'll recalibrate component input 2 next on my set with the monster cable and avia disk to see if i get different results with that comparison.

hculture: What games/DVD/picture etc were you using when you compared the cables?

Author Topic: Hdtv Cables (Read 2587 times)