HDMI and Component

The Audioquest comp cables work very very well, although the Oppo is only reported to shine using HDMI, DVI connections...IMO comp cables are still atleast as good or even better but to each there own, I say Comp is better spending my entire working life in printing and graphic arts, so color and depth is very important to me.

I bought a cheap HDMI cable from http://www.mcminone.com/search.asp?keyword=hdmi+cable

for about $25 while I was waiting for a much more expensive back-ordered cable.

Finally got the back ordered cable, hooked it up. Unhooked it and returned it.

No difference. This surprised me.

Note: if your TV back is not accessible once the TV is in place, tape your HDMI cable in place as they have a tendancy to loosen as the hold is not very tight.

I do hear a lot of different opinions on how good HDMI really is, so make your own mind up. I am not that convinced it is really any better. But I also think the CRT TV has a better picture than the 50" plasmas I have owned!!!! HD or not.

Folks over at AVSFORUM.COM are talking about the cheaper HDMI cables having problems with 1080p. For this, stick with audioquest or wireworld. Monoprice is fantastic for the money but if you are trying to futureproof this might not work for you.

"HDMI cables having problems with 1080p." There is a lot of truth to that. Some of the cheaper cables are also having trouble with solder breakage too. As for buying cheap cables, I have no problem with going the cheaper route for audio cables, but for video cables I'll opt for a higher priced/quality cable.

If it's a short run 1m - 3m then it's pretty tough to notice the differences between the low & high end HDMI cables. If you've got to do a 5m + then it's very easy to see the difference. The WireWorld cables are the best for the money imo. The Silver Starlight is the only one I know of that's 1080p compliant up to 20m.