Harvey Norman rip off

**wysper** · 2nd May 2010, 14:37

All I know is HDMI is the worst thing to happen to the AV industry ever. It has nothing to do with passing a quality signal and everything to do with copyright protection. I don't run HDMI anywhere in my system. Component for picture and optical or coax for digital audio. But I do know that if you are running a long hdmi length to a projector for example and you use a cheap cable, be ready to not get full resolution picture or handshake problems or all sorts of other rubbish linked with HDMI. Be ready to use a connection with 19 fragile pins in each plug, so if you unplug and replug often get ready for problems with your connections. I hate HDMI.

**YellowDog** · 2nd May 2010, 14:38

The only defence for an overpriced rip off lead over a cheap $20 lead is that the cheap ones do tend to fall apart if you regularly unplug and replug them.

If you don't then it's not an issue. You can get good quality unbranded leads for around $50-$70.

**Katman** · 2nd May 2010, 15:07

Sort of puts the bitching about bike shop prices into perspective, doesn't it?

**Smifffy** · 2nd May 2010, 15:13

Originally Posted by Katman

Sort of puts the bitching about bike shop prices into perspective, doesn't it?

I was wondering if an industry insider was due along to tell the consumer that they don't know what they are talking about, and that consumers are what's killing the AV industry.

**Mully** · 2nd May 2010, 18:52

Originally Posted by wysper

All I know is HDMI is the worst thing to happen to the AV industry ever.

Can you explain this please.

(I'm not being a wise-arse, I'm actually curious cos I want to redo all the AV stuff soon)

**bogan** · 2nd May 2010, 18:59

Originally Posted by Mully

Can you explain this please.

(I'm not being a wise-arse, I'm actually curious cos I want to redo all the AV stuff soon)

I always though HDMI was basically the same as DVI for computers, ie, the transition from analogue to digital, which has made for way better pictures on computer screens....

Actually you may even be able to buy two HDMI to DVI adapters and just use a DVI extension cable (i got a 5m for $25 from DSE) and get a good picture that way!

**p.dath** · 2nd May 2010, 19:00

Originally Posted by wysper

Over short runs it doesn't really matter. Longer runs 7mtr plus, then it pays to get a decent cable if you want full 1080p or i. Not to mention the rubbish with 3D.

Test data I have seen suggest that there isn't much of a difference till you get up to 20m ...

**p.dath** · 2nd May 2010, 19:01

Originally Posted by bogan

I always though HDMI was basically the same as DVI for computers, ie, the transition from analogue to digital, which has made for way better pictures on computer screens....

HDMI is basically DVI plus sound.

**wysper** · 2nd May 2010, 19:22

Originally Posted by Mully

Can you explain this please.

(I'm not being a wise-arse, I'm actually curious cos I want to redo all the AV stuff soon)

RANT

Hey Mully

This is all in my experience stuff.. but I have seen loads of problems with handshaking (that is two hdmi devices talking together ) eg my ps3 with my panasonic lcd.. there is two to three seconds of blue screen every time you change to hdmi.
There are screens dont work with certain receivers because the hdmi doesn't hand shake properly. The standards are constantly changing so your receiver can be "out of date" with current hdmi standards very quickly.
I personally don't believe HDMI gives any better pic than component. Although once you get to 100 inch projector displays you may notice a difference.

Apparently now cable makers are not able to put what version HDMI the cable is just what speed it is able to transfer data at. I don't know how they are supposed to convey how much data is lost over a long run. It is a little naive when people say that it is only ones and zeros so nothing can be lost. That is not quite true. Data can be lost, signal strength can weaken over long runs hence drop outs of sound or picture or just a reduction in final resolution. And again the idea is copy protection not a better product for the consumer.

Infact I am sorely tempted to bin my 10k ht set up and go back to 2 channel music and just run movies through left and right channel audio and forget all the surround bollocks.

HDMI has given me more headaches and sucked out more enjoyment than it is worth. Again... personal preferences here.

But there may be very little choice in the end. Copy protection and the movie industry may just force the change anyway.
Even bluray's next format is on the way that makes way for more info on the bluray disc but wont be compatible with current bluray player. And don't get me started on bluray and the connection to the internet.....

Fark who needs it.

I just want to watch a movie and enjoy myself for a couple of hours. It is all becoming too hard. /RANT

I am sure there are other views.
I am sure there are many HDMI converts out there.
I am sure many think I am wrong.
However
I am sure these are my OPINIONS
Take them with a grain of salt and do what you want to.

**sunhuntin** · 2nd May 2010, 20:49

i picked up an HDMI cable quite cheap at HN [i think $20... was on special] and found it made a lot of difference picture wise on blu ray. i dont know what kind of difference it would make sound wise, as i only have the built in tv speakers. i want surround sound, but no room or money right now.

**Mully** · 2nd May 2010, 21:31

Thanks Wysper - despite my beligerence, I actually do like hearing other people's opinions.

Originally Posted by wysper

Infact I am sorely tempted to bin my 10k ht set up and go back to 2 channel music and just run movies through left and right channel audio and forget all the surround bollocks.

And you will, of course, PM me the address of the bin when you do this. yes??

**IdunBrokdItAgin** · 2nd May 2010, 22:02

I got two lots of 2 metre logitech HDMI cables for $29 each - from harvey normans.

When I saw them I thought they were mis-priced but I thought I'd try it on anyway and see what happened at the checkout. Turns out they were (supposed to be $79) but I got them for the marked price anyway.

Joke was on me though - found out I only had one HDMI cbale requirement. My damn xbox 360 is an early version which doesn't have HDMI out. Ah well, 2m top of the range logitech cable just sitting around waiting for me to buy my next piece of technology (maybe a ps3 next year).

I find it funny that a store that stocks monster cables at $250+ sells other hdmi cables which can do the exact same thing for a fraction of the price.

**blackdog** · 2nd May 2010, 22:09

the difference going from rca's to hdmi with the ps3 on a 46" plasma was ginormous!

hdmi cable was $24.95 at the game shop at westfield was well worth the money, and i bet you couldn't tell the difference if i had paid hundreds for it....