WireWorld HDMI: Starlight 6 VS Island 6

I'm not afraid of spending money for good cables. I have PS Audio XStream Reference Bi-wire speaker cables and Kimber Hero interconnects in my HT system. But the high bandwidth requirements and typically long cable runs of HDMI make me think that for a good data transfer there must be a better way than enhancing a passive interface with expensive metallurgy.

Playing on that hunch, I ordered up a trio of Redmere Technology HDMI cables from Monoprice at a mere $13.49 each. Redmere taps into a low voltage conductor in the HDMI bundle to power a little booster chip installed in the destination end of a Redmere HDMI cable to keep signal strength and speed up to spec.

I just took delivery yesterday and installed them. This is easily the best pic and sound I've ever gotten in my HT rig. I'm not saying it's better than the $1K solid silver AudioQuest because I've never tried it, but for me I've decided not to get those Pangeas from AudioAdvisor after all--$40.47 vs. $239.85 for three 2M lengths.

I have no affiliation with Redmere or Monoprice, but I think that at these prices and their return policy, it's worth checking out before spending more.

Blue Jeans cable is no WW Silver Starlight!

I've had a week for my Redmere/Monoprice cables to burn in, and last night I was
so captivated by the picture quality that I kept switching from one source to
another--Blu-ray, live cable, DVR, Netflix InstantWatch, and Amazon Video. All
were the best I've ever seen them on my rig. The sound was better too, though
that may be from my new pre/pro breaking in, or both.

Bluejeans is just one of many sources trying to explain why expensive HDMI
cables are a waste. But since the bandwidth requirements are nearly ridiculous
for a passive cable, I would think that larger gauge silver conductors could help,
but that's a steep price/performance curve. Now that I've had active Redmere
HDMI cables in my system for a bit, I think active cable is the way to go.

In 2008, videophiles were shocked to see that a $200 Blu-ray player could
trounce a $6K DVD player.

When a successful new paradigm such as Blu-ray or Redmere emerges, it
redefines the price/performance ratio for that market. I spent about $42.50
shipped for three 6' Redmere HDMI cables.

They are so good and so cheap, I really don't care what Bluejeans says about the
passive paradigm. Bluejeans should be negotiating a licensing agreement with
Redmere (maybe they are) and write a new white paper.