DVIGear High Resolution HDMI Cables Preview

We spent years discussing the fact that, with regard to analogue speaker cables and interconnects, most any cable would do - provided it was well-constructed. Now, with the introduction of HDMI, the situation takes on a different tone and cable integrity is absolutely imperative. DVIGear is one of a few companies who actually get their cables certified - not only with dual UL Ratings: UL13 (CL2) and UL758 (AWM20276), but also through the ATC (Authorized Testing Centers) run by the HDMI Licensing Group.

Why does the quality of an HDMI cable matter? We wrote an extensive article on the topic which goes into a ton of detail, but it's fairly easy to summarize: An HDMI cable made to handle a 720p signal at 8-bit color, is not necessarily equipped to pass a 1080p signal at 12-bit color. The amount of bits needing to travel down the pipe is over twice as much. So what? What's that really mean? Well, since HDMI has gone from version 1.0 to 1.3a in a short period of time, many people have found themselves with installed cables that don't allow them to upgrade their equipment. That's right - Joe Sixpack who bought a Chinese cable that claimed to be HDMI certified and passed 720p over a length of 25 feet now shows a blinking , unstable image when he attempts to use a new 1080p projector and Blu-ray player connected with the same cable.

Oops.

DVIGear has ensured that all of its High Resolution HDMI cables meet the ability to pass 1080p resolution at up to 12-bit color per channel (Deep Color) - and it does it reliably for up to 7.5 meters (around 25 feet). A 1m cable costs only $25 and you can put the money you save towards another upgrade down the road.

The cables are red in color and feature heavy-duty 24AWG copper wires so there is low insertion loss - the bane of HDMI and the main cause of signal loss. They are triple shielded and, as mentioned above, feature both CL2 and AWM20276 UL certifications (so they are guaranteed to not burn down your house when installed within an air space.) The connectors are gold-plated and the cables are built like a tank. The only negative is that you may require some extra strain relief in order to support them on some displays. We found the cables to be solidly built and would highly recommend them over just about any other cable found in the big box stores today. As an example of their value, the cheapest 1m cable at Best Buy sells for around $50. Compared to that, DVIGear is driving a pretty hard bargain!

For more information please visit www.dvigear.com or buy direct at store.audioholics.com.

Unless otherwise indicated, this is a preview article for the featured product. A formal review may or may not follow in the future.