Why would they use component and not HDMI?

I called dish network and i was told that they will use component video cables to hook up your hd box when they come to install and if you wanted hdmi cables it would be $20. Why would they even do that vs it being mandatory that they gave you the hdmi cables lol?

Its obviously cheaper for them and in most cases you won't see any difference. But with the component, you would need an optical cable for the best audio.

Its obviously cheaper for them and in most cases you won't see any difference. But with the component, you would need an optical cable for the best audio.

are you really serious? in most cases as like what exactly? im new to these things but i do wana get a good quality or the best rather but if im gona pay $10 for a cable and pay $150 then theres on a scale from 1-10 the diff mite be only 2, then i would rather spend the ten bucks ofcourse. Do u know these things from personal experiences?

Its obviously cheaper for them and in most cases you won't see any difference.

It made a huge differnce on my 211, hdmi had badly washed out colors :hithere:

I have a motorola HD Cable box with Verizon FIOS. I have tested it with component and HDMI on my 720P projector and have seen no difference between the two. If its a short run and there's no interference, then they'll both give you the same quality.

You could just buy your own HDMI cable though for likely less than $20 on monoprice or other online sources.

It made a huge differnce on my 211, hdmi had badly washed out colors :hithere:

Well.. that's why I said "most cases" ... ;)

It depends a lot on the HDTV. Some will look better with HDMI and others will look better with component. When properly calibrated, they should be little difference.

You could always get your own HDMI cable. They are available on line for under $10.

It depends a lot on the HDTV. Some will look better with HDMI and others will look better with component. When properly calibrated, they should be little difference.

You could always get your own HDMI cable. They are available on line for under $10.

Lol, yeah blu ray and games on my ps3 on that same hdmi input (the only one on my projector) will blow your mind, so its certainly not my projector or my 50' hdmi run ;)

It made a huge differnce on my 211, hdmi had badly washed out colors :hithere:

ok any particular brand of hdmi cable? was it the hdmi cable from dish? and lastly did u possibly use a pretty good component cable vs a cheap hdmi in which it mite have even itselt out in that regard being as i thought anytime u stepped up from s video to component to hdmi the quality should always improve.

This seems to be the eternal question. Some people says there's no difference, some say there is. Seems it really depends on your individual setup, but since you can order them off monoprice for $7 each including shipping for a 6 footer, I'd just try both and judge for yourself. (do not go to Best Buy, they want $50, what a joke)Definitely nice to have the digital audio included on one cord. I personally think the HDMI picture is nominally better with a HD picture but definitely better if you're watching a SD signal.

The guy who set up my vip622 said they were having problems with installers taking cords or selling them.

ok any particular brand of hdmi cable? was it the hdmi cable from dish? and lastly did u possibly use a pretty good component cable vs a cheap hdmi in which it mite have even itselt out in that regard being as i thought anytime u stepped up from s video to component to hdmi the quality should always improve.


Both my 50' component and hdmi cables are monoprice.com...I think I paid $120 for both shipped, not bad considering how long they are.

Both my 50' component and hdmi cables are monoprice.com...I think I paid $120 for both shipped, not bad considering how long they are.

However...50 feet is considerably longer than optimum length.

However...50 feet is considerably longer than optimum length.

I also use 25' acoustic research cables in zone two, both component and hdmi, I dont see a difference between the monoprice 50 footers and the acoustic research 25 footers. Only reason I own those 'fancy' acoustic research cables is the employee discount price I got when I worked for best buy years ago. You would think I could tell the difference between a high-quality 25' cable and a no-name brand 50' (in regards to component anyway), but I cant...go figure:confused:

Both my 50' component and hdmi cables are monoprice.com...I think I paid $120 for both shipped, not bad considering how long they are.

hey typeA, sounds like u was saying in ure first reply to this thread that the "HDMI" , gave you washed out looking colors lol.

Now what do u think about the hdmi cables from monoprice.com vs walmart cables for $20? Funny thing is the guy at best buy said the cheap cables from walmart was no match for the 1.0, 1.2, and 1.3 from best buy. However i just went to walmart.com and saw the 1.2 and 1.3 cables for $20 so i wonder how is 1.2 and 1.3 from walmart any different from the ones at best buy lol? i guess its the monster vs cables unlimitted huh?

hey typeA, sounds like u was saying in ure first reply to this thread that the "HDMI" , gave you washed out looking colors lol.

Now what do u think about the hdmi cables from monoprice.com vs walmart cables for $20? Funny thing is the guy at best buy said the cheap cables from walmart was no match for the 1.0, 1.2, and 1.3 from best buy. However i just went to walmart.com and saw the 1.2 and 1.3 cables for $20 so i wonder how is 1.2 and 1.3 from walmart any different from the ones at best buy lol? i guess its the monster vs cables unlimitted huh?

Any properly made cable will be fine. Monster and other companies want you to believe their cables are much better, so you can pay the much higher prices. If the cable was in a place where it might get all sorts of interference, then MAYBE theirs might be slightly better, but any typical home won't have enough interference of any sort to affect it.

I run a 30' HDMI cable from my reciever to my projector and a couple 3' cables for devices to the reciever. They all work fine and none cost me much. The smaller cables were definetely under $10.

Here's an example of a 3' cable from monoprice. http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10243&cs_id=1024007&p_id=3950&seq=1&format=2

I used the 1.5' version of this for some of my stuff.

Hdmi cable quality doesnt matter...as long as it works you wont see a difference between one hdmi cable and another hdmi cable. I did, however, see a differnce between hdmi and component out of my dish network 211 box. I experimented with sdtv, hdtv, using the mono and acoustic research cables, hdmi looked very washed out on all of it compared to the component connection. Its probably my dish network box, I think the hdmi output sucks. Those same hdmi connections used with my ps3 for games and blu ray movies looks just like youd expect (very nice), just like the component connection (granted, from other sources). I wasnt able to compare the ps3 using component and hdmi, as my ps3 doesnt have a component output, but the dish network 211 box color loss was so amazingly obvious using hdmi, it was obvious it was the 211 having the issue, and not my cable quality, length, or 'projector calibrations.' It doesnt really matter where you get your hdmi cable, as long as you understand that quality doesnt matter with hdmi, the cable either works or it doesnt ;)

BTW, an interesting side note, a free included dish network component cable that came with my last hd dish network box (forget the model number) is the ONLY component cable that has ever failed on me! The green completely went out on this cable just a couple of weeks after use! While it wasnt a big deal, pulling my 55" rpcrt tv (I owned at the time) out from the wall was a big deal. After checking to verify the cable had not just come loose, a replacement cable did fix the issue, but it was a pain to swap the cable, none the less.

I called dish network and i was told that they will use component video cables to hook up your hd box when they come to install and if you wanted hdmi cables it would be $20. Why would they even do that vs it being mandatory that they gave you the hdmi cables lol?

Dish has had and continues to have many problems with the HDMI connection. To reduce call backs, service calls and to give the customer the absolute best picture, they have chosen to use component as their standard connection method.

Most will tell you that anything over10-15 ft. with HDMI and component will begin to degrade quality of signal (regardless of cable maker). Monoprice or Blue Jeans seem to have quality stuff.
I am a firm believer in quality analog cables (especially speaker wire and composite/S-video). But I have a hard time telling much difference between a decent digital (HDMI/component) and a pricey one. I am not advocating Monster or AR or any other brand, but I think with analog signals it's worth taking the time to try some different brands and price points. It doesn't make much sense to send signals between thousands of dollars in electronics/speakers on the cheapest possible wire!:2cents

For me, I have one HDMI input and that goes to my Dish. I use component for DVD since I watch way more Dish.

Most will tell you that anything over10-15 ft. with HDMI and component will begin to degrade quality of signal (regardless of cable maker). Monoprice or Blue Jeans seem to have quality stuff.
I am a firm believer in quality analog cables (especially speaker wire and composite/S-video). But I have a hard time telling much difference between a decent digital (HDMI/component) and a pricey one. I am not advocating Monster or AR or any other brand, but I think with analog signals it's worth taking the time to try some different brands and price points. It doesn't make much sense to send signals between thousands of dollars in electronics/speakers on the cheapest possible wire!:2cents

For me, I have one HDMI input and that goes to my Dish. I use component for DVD since I watch way more Dish.

And that train of thought is why Monster is in business when you can buy just as high quality cables, either analog component or HDMI digital from places like www.monoprice.com that are proven to work just as well.

Hdmi cable quality doesnt matter...as long as it works you wont see a difference between one hdmi cable and another hdmi cable. I did, however, see a differnce between hdmi and component out of my dish network 211 box. I experimented with sdtv, hdtv, using the mono and acoustic research cables, hdmi looked very washed out on all of it compared to the component connection. Its probably my dish network box, I think the hdmi output sucks. Those same hdmi connections used with my ps3 for games and blu ray movies looks just like youd expect (very nice), just like the component connection (granted, from other sources). I wasnt able to compare the ps3 using component and hdmi, as my ps3 doesnt have a component output, but the dish network 211 box color loss was so amazingly obvious using hdmi, it was obvious it was the 211 having the issue, and not my cable quality, length, or 'projector calibrations.' It doesnt really matter where you get your hdmi cable, as long as you understand that quality doesnt matter with hdmi, the cable either works or it doesnt ;)

BTW, an interesting side note, a free included dish network component cable that came with my last hd dish network box (forget the model number) is the ONLY component cable that has ever failed on me! The green completely went out on this cable just a couple of weeks after use! While it wasnt a big deal, pulling my 55" rpcrt tv (I owned at the time) out from the wall was a big deal. After checking to verify the cable had not just come loose, a replacement cable did fix the issue, but it was a pain to swap the cable, none the less.

thats a good bit of info u guys just gave cause now that i think about it, yea s video cables and audio cables i am used to seeing more cheap stuff like the ones that comes in the boxes of like vcrs, direct and dish recievers, and dvd players so now that im learning about the hd and hdmi stuff, i automatically thought that a diff in those cables costing would be just like the analog cables but i should of known that by looking at the walmart cheapest hdmi cables for 20 bucks they even look nice and thick. On the other hand, they carry cheap red and black audio cables for like 3 bucks thats flimsy as heck lol. Now im pondering this issue with dish coming on the 29th to put in th hd boxes and wondering why are they having so much issues with the hdmi cables and is it the boxes or what? And seems like it sholdnt be EVERYONE's boxes lol

Now im pondering this issue with dish coming on the 29th to put in th hd boxes and wondering why are they having so much issues with the hdmi cables and is it the boxes or what? And seems like it sholdnt be EVERYONE's boxes lol

Yes it is the boxes. The connector on the Dish box itself is not secured but rather just a tab from the motherboard which is weak, flimsy and prone to breakage with the slightest movement. Component which uses tried and true RCA connectors is a much more robust connector and it always works unless something else is wrong.

Yes it is the boxes. The connector on the Dish box itself is not secured but rather just a tab from the motherboard which is weak, flimsy and prone to breakage with the slightest movement. Component which uses tried and true RCA connectors is a much more robust connector and it always works unless something else is wrong.

Ok im gona call dish tommorow and raise that issue. I think they actually carry several different hd boxes and im gona ask them if they can bring another box aside from the ones they been having problems with?

All of the HD boxes have the same weak HDMI connection point as they are ALL made by JVC and have the same motherboards. Just use component as it delivers the same high quality HD picture.

1) It's probably cheaper for them.
2) They figured not all tv have HDMI yet, but most have component (just a guess)

FYI: When they installed my 722 HD DVR they used component cables, PQ sucked in SD, HD was ok, so I got a HDMI cable at target for $39, and the PQ of the SD channels definately improved, so if all you get is component when they intall your HD box, buy a HDMI cable beforehand so you won't have to do it twice, HDMI will be better for sound too.

1) It's probably cheaper for them.
2) They figured not all tv have HDMI yet, but most have component (just a guess)

FYI: When they installed my 722 HD DVR they used component cables, PQ sucked in SD, HD was ok, so I got a HDMI cable at target for $39, and the PQ of the SD channels definately improved, so if all you get is component when they intall your HD box, buy a HDMI cable beforehand so you won't have to do it twice, HDMI will be better for sound too.

Why will hdmi be better than optical digital(toslink) for sound??
Is there any testing/proof to this theory?
My optical is outstanding!!
fred

Why will hdmi be better than optical digital(toslink) for sound??
Is there any testing/proof to this theory?
My optical is outstanding!!
fred

What's wrong with you man, wanna fight?
I'm comparing HDMI with Component, isn't that obvious? (that's what the thread is about, isn't it?)

Everybody knows Optical is the best for sound, that's why that's what I use with my 360 to my 5.1

I have optical digital running from my vip622 to my surround sound, but only so I don't have to do a pass thru. Optical digital audio and the audio on a HDMI cable are the same. It's all digital audio. The HDMI just has the video picture along with the audio in the same cord. There's multiple ways to set up systems depending on your combination of components, their quirks and connections and your personal needs.

If your TV is calibrated properly on all inputs, which it should be, component and HDMI offer the exact same picture quality.

What's wrong with you man, wanna fight?
I'm comparing HDMI with Component, isn't that obvious? (that's what the thread is about, isn't it?)

Everybody knows Optical is the best for sound, that's why that's what I use with my 360 to my 5.1

I think it was because you said this

HDMI will be better for sound too.

You guys are off da chain lol. I tell ya i really learned alot just within not even a full day of being on this site though and i appreciate all the info. I first heard of forums in late 01 after i bought my computer and first site i joined was mustangworld and those guys was really helpful in alot of learning so im just giving big ups to you guys and anyone on any forum who takes the time to help someone and lend thier opionion.

The reason im asking this question is because from my last setup i have 2 sets of Monster Audio cables(And they do have a lifetime warranty) and was thinking about using those from a few components since i have them. How much better are the fiber optic cables as far as audio over the monster audio ones?

And that train of thought is why Monster is in business when you can buy just as high quality cables, either analog component or HDMI digital from places like www.monoprice.com that are proven to work just as well.

Please be clear on this...I am talking about analog cables/wire only. I have heard very significant differences using high quality equipment to compare wire on. I only suggest people try and see if it makes a difference to them personally. I am not a cable snob and don't care if you can't here a difference in your own system.
BUT, you do a grave disservice to others when you blindly announce there is no difference in sound. Please note that the equipment in my signature is not my reference audio system.

P.S. Monster makes high quality product that I believe are over-priced. There are other products on the market that are better for less money...but you won't find them on monoprice.com. That is not to sat Monoprice has very reasonable quality, only that there is better available.

Went to monoprice.com and saw alot of fiberoptic cables that all seemed to say the same thing except like ST/ST, ST/SC, ect. Whats the differences and which one will i need. While im learing a few of those abbreiaviations, what is SD as someone said about the signal of something in SD vs HD?

In terms of broadcast TV:
SD = Standard Definition (480i and sometimes 480p)
HD = High Definition (720p or 1080i)

If your TV is calibrated properly on all inputs, which it should be, component and HDMI offer the exact same picture quality.
It does make a difference in 1080P:2cents

It does make a difference in 1080P:2cents

i heard also that 1080 and 1080p is different. is it?

i heard also that 1080 and 1080p is different. is it?


Everything you've always wanted to know about HD can be found on rbinck's link:

http://www.highdefinitionblog.com/

What's wrong with you man, wanna fight?
I'm comparing HDMI with Component, isn't that obvious? (that's what the thread is about, isn't it?)

Everybody knows Optical is the best for sound, that's why that's what I use with my 360 to my 5.1

What?? Fight? What's da matter for you?
You just made a bad statement, " HDMI will be better for sound too."
And I'm running both HDMI and Component, and like most everyone,
cannot see a difference.

And to the OP, generally Dish will supply neither HDMI nor Component. Neither is included in the HD boxes. Your installer may have one or both, usually for an added cost. Although some do supply cable for free. BTW, HDMI has issues other places too, not only with Dish receivers.

fred

What?? Fight? What's da matter for you?
You just made a bad statement, " HDMI will be better for sound too."
And I'm running both HDMI and Component, and like most everyone,
cannot see a difference.

And to the OP, generally Dish will supply neither HDMI nor Component. Neither is included in the HD boxes. Your installer may have one or both, usually for an added cost. Although some do supply cable for free. BTW, HDMI has issues other places too, not only with Dish receivers.

fred

other places? let me know where so i can know first hand before next thursday lol.
And, Went to monoprice.com and saw alot of fiberoptic cables that all seemed to say the same thing except like ST/ST, ST/SC, ect. Whats the differences and which one will i need. While im learing a few of those abbreiaviations, what is SD as someone said about the signal of something in SD vs HD?

other places? let me know where so i can know first hand before next thursday lol.
And, Went to monoprice.com and saw alot of fiberoptic cables that all seemed to say the same thing except like ST/ST, ST/SC, ect. Whats the differences and which one will i need. While im learing a few of those abbreiaviations, what is SD as someone said about the signal of something in SD vs HD?

SEE MY ANSWER HERE!!!

http://www.highdefforum.com/showpost.php?p=609720&postcount=7

Please be clear on this...I am talking about analog cables/wire only. I have heard very significant differences using high quality equipment to compare wire on. I only suggest people try and see if it makes a difference to them personally. I am not a cable snob and don't care if you can't here a difference in your own system.
BUT, you do a grave disservice to others when you blindly announce there is no difference in sound. Please note that the equipment in my signature is not my reference audio system.

P.S. Monster makes high quality product that I believe are over-priced. There are other products on the market that are better for less money...but you won't find them on monoprice.com. That is not to sat Monoprice has very reasonable quality, only that there is better available.

Bull hockey. Cables are cables.

Bull hockey. Cables are cables.

And some people have a tin ear. All I can suggest is that each person sample a variety and see if they hear a difference. I used to work in the audio industry and found that few people couldn't hear a difference. Whether the difference is worth spending any money upon is a personal choice. Some drive Kias while others drive Lexus (and each group thinks the other is foolish). To blindly say that differences don't exist betrays your ignorance. If you have given it a fair and unbiased audience, then I salute your decision....but you should be saying "To me, cables are cables".

To blindly say that differences don't exist betrays your ignorance. If you have given it a fair and unbiased audience, then I salute your decision....but you should be saying "To me, cables are cables".

Not to me, there is excessive amounts of empirical data to prove my statement. So unless you can prove, beyond a shadow of a doubt without all of the placebo effects and smoke and mirrors and snake oil that there is a difference, which you can't then cease your name calling and mindless blather about you being able to hear a difference. There is NONE.

Not to me, there is excessive amounts of empirical data to prove my statement. So unless you can prove, beyond a shadow of a doubt without all of the placebo effects and smoke and mirrors and snake oil that there is a difference, which you can't then cease your name calling and mindless blather about you being able to hear a difference. There is NONE.

Spoken as someone that has truly never taken the time to listen. Unlike you, I will not pretend to tell others what they will or will not experience. I am not calling you names or making fun of your opinions. I do object to your insistence that everyone else is wrong. I will instead, allow them to see (or hear in this instance) for themselves.

P.S. You cannot prove beyond a shadow of a doubt what you had for dinner last Wednesday. Scientific proof requires the ability to replicate the experiment and results.

18 is #1:

1. 18 is not #1.
2. I had steak and a baked potato last Wednesday.

Other than that, you're right.:hithere:

And some people have a tin ear. All I can suggest is that each person sample a variety and see if they hear a difference. I used to work in the audio industry and found that few people couldn't hear a difference. Whether the difference is worth spending any money upon is a personal choice. Some drive Kias while others drive Lexus (and each group thinks the other is foolish). To blindly say that differences don't exist betrays your ignorance. If you have given it a fair and unbiased audience, then I salute your decision....but you should be saying "To me, cables are cables".

Uh Oh....my wife dirives a KIA, I drive a lexus, guess thats why I am not picky about the audio but care a great deal about the video:thumbsup:

This argument isn't about analog vs. dolby 5.1 is it? Cause if you're saying they're about the same...well...that's just crazy talk...:eyecrazy

Bull hockey. Cables are cables.

Thats true of digital cables, thats for sure. HDMI, DVI, optical and coax audio...all the same, all digital, cable quality doesnt matter as long as the cable works. However, especially in long runs, good quality speaker wire and component cables are important, now it matters. It is possible to buy bad cable for these applications, unless you stick with a good company that is known for good cables.

Spoken as someone that has truly never taken the time to listen. Unlike you, I will not pretend to tell others what they will or will not experience. I am not calling you names or making fun of your opinions. I do object to your insistence that everyone else is wrong. I will instead, allow them to see (or hear in this instance) for themselves.

P.S. You cannot prove beyond a shadow of a doubt what you had for dinner last Wednesday. Scientific proof requires the ability to replicate the experiment and results.

Whatever you say...Since there is proof otherwise I guess you know better and that's just fine for you. I have been working in this field since the 60's and have run numerous, replicatable tests (as have many, many other professional audio engineers) that show overpriced cables offer nothing more than a cable which was designed for the intended purpose that costs a reasonable amount. If you believe you can hear a difference from/through esoteric cables, good for you as you are exactly who companies like Monster love. On the other hand, a quality cable like the ones you can purchase from Blue Jeans cable, Monoprice and the like do just as good a job. My suggestion to you would be to get a job with the spin doctors at one of the esoteric cable companies.

Whatever you say...Since there is proof otherwise I guess you know better and that's just fine for you. I have been working in this field since the 60's and have run numerous, replicatable tests (as have many, many other professional audio engineers) that show overpriced cables offer nothing more than a cable which was designed for the intended purpose that costs a reasonable amount. If you believe you can hear a difference from/through esoteric cables, good for you as you are exactly who companies like Monster love. On the other hand, a quality cable like the ones you can purchase from Blue Jeans cable, Monoprice and the like do just as good a job. My suggestion to you would be to get a job with the spin doctors at one of the esoteric cable companies.

And yet, I bet you don't personally use 22 ga. zip cord for your speakers....why not? How about the RCA cords your DVD came with?
Wire is wire correct?

By the way, my tests were done with reference quality equipment in a controlled environment with borrowed cables and wires that allowed me to decide without sales pressure. By playing the same familiar music pieces for several days and then swithing wire, I found that different interconnects and speaker wires changed the sound in both timbre and soundstage replication. I then purchased the level that I thought was reasonable and gave the biggest bang for the level I felt comfortable spending (just as I purchased Blue Jeans wire for my AV system that was appropriate to its cost). I entered the process a skeptic and became a convert from experience, not snake oil.
But then again, I listened with my ears, not an oscilloscope.

PS. Spin Doctors? Name calling?

This argument isn't about analog vs. dolby 5.1 is it? Cause if you're saying they're about the same...well...that's just crazy talk...:eyecrazy

Nope, this is analog only. We agree there is little difference if any between digital cables.

yeah but someone did make the reference that analog stuff u want to buy thicker i guess like rca's for example but the digital stuff. I have always heard that thicker was better and thats why when i started this thread i was unaware if it was the same case with digital cables and stuff as well but i learned alot from all you guys though

yeah but someone did make the reference that analog stuff u want to buy thicker i guess like rca's for example but the digital stuff. I have always heard that thicker was better and thats why when i started this thread i was unaware if it was the same case with digital cables and stuff as well but i learned alot from all you guys though

As both of us have referred to above, Blue Jeans Cables have pretty good stuff at a reasonable price. For most systems that will provide the biggest bang for the buck. The thicker Toslink cables that you have seen on Monoprice, while not improving the sound quality, will help to keep the fibers from breaking because of cord bending.
If you choose a 10 or 12 gauge speaker wire, make sure your amplifier and speakers can accommodate it or can use banana connectors (or some other connector).

http://www.bluejeanscable.com/store/speaker/index.htm

yeah but someone did make the reference that analog stuff u want to buy thicker i guess like rca's for example but the digital stuff. I have always heard that thicker was better and thats why when i started this thread i was unaware if it was the same case with digital cables and stuff as well but i learned alot from all you guys though

With digital cables, thicker doesn't matter. Look at computers. Either the cable works or it doesn't and the same goes for optical digital (Toslink). As digital only sends 1's and 0's either they get to the destination or they don't. It is physically impossible for a thicker digital cable to improve either video or audio.

A general guide for speaker wires will follow and using thicker gauge wires does absolutely nothing to improve the sound.

Maximum Wire Lengths For TWO CONDUCTOR Copper Wire
Wire Size 2 ohm load 4 ohm load 6 ohm load 8 ohm load
22 AWG 3 feet max 6 feet max 9 feet max 12 feet max
20 AWG 5 feet max 10 feet max 15 feet max 20 feet max
18 AWG 8 feet max 16 feet max 24 feet max 32 feet max
16 AWG 12 feet max 24 feet max 36 feet max 48 feet max
14 AWG 20 feet max 40 feet max 60 feet max 80 feet max
12 AWG 30 feet max 60 feet** 90 feet** 120 feet**
10 AWG 50 feet max 100 feet** 150 feet** 200 feet**

For example: you can use#18 wire for a 25 foot run to a nominal 8 ohm speaker, but if the run is increased to 35 feet, #16 wire must be used. (**) 50 feet is the maximum recommended length for normal line cord or Romex solid copper wire. This length is more than adequate for most installations.
It is also important to note that wires running to the speakers should all be of the exact same length to prevent an imbalanced load, that is increasing resistance to some speakers while having a reduced resistance to others. This is an extremely important factor that many speaker wire discussions omit.

What about oxygen free wire?
Oddly enough, it isn't the freedom of oxygen in copper wire that makes any difference. The process of removing oxygen also removes the impurity of iron and it's this impurity that can cause the resistance to be slightly higher. The difference in resistance between copper wire and oxygen free copper wire is too small to be significant for speaker wiring. It can be considered to be ordinary copper wire as far as the recommended lengths of copper wire in the table. Oxygen free copper wire can be more expensive than ordinary copper wire.
Stereo Review Dares to Tell the Truth (1983)
A 6-page article by Laurence Greenhill titled "Speaker Cables: Can You Hear the Difference?" was published in Stereo Review magazine on August 1983. It compared Monster cable, 16-gauge wire and 24-gauge wire. The price at that time for a pair of 30-foot lengths of monster cables was $55.00. The cost for 16 gauge heavy lamp cord was $.30/foot or $18.00 and the 24 gauge "speaker wire" was $.03/foot or $1.80
"...So what do our fifty hours of testing, scoring and listening to speaker cables amount to? Only that 16-gauge lamp cord and Monster cable are indistinguishable from each other with music and seem to be superior to the 24 gauge wire commonly sold or given away as 'speaker cable.' Remember, however, that it was a measurable characteristic--higher resistance per foot--that made 24 gauge sound different from the other cables. If the cable runs were only 6 instead of 30 feet, the overall cable resistances would have been lower and our tests would probably have found no audible differences between the three cables. This project was unable to validate the sonic benefits claimed for exotic speaker cables over common 16-gauge zip cord. We can only conclude, therefore, that there is little advantage besides pride of ownership in using these thick, expensive wires"
Then we get into the more subjective evaluation. Suppose you're already using adequate size wire and have good connections at the speaker and amplifier. If you're then told the new wire will make an improvement, you will be looking for it and truly believe that you hear an improvement. Some people might go as far as saying "If I spent all that money for these cables, you can be sure I'm going to hear a difference." (rather than admit I wasted my money or have bad hearing).

An Honest Answer from Sound & Vision (2001)
Here's an answer by Ian Masters in the May 2001 issue of Sound & Vision, page 36 Q&A.
Note: I saw no speaker wire advertisements in this issue!
"Cheap Wire
Q. Would it be okay for me to use single conductor wire as speaker cables running through the attic or under the house? Does stranded wire provide some sonic benefit? It would be far cheaper and easier for me to run 12-gauge wire to a plate with banana receptacles and then use specialty cable at each end to patch to the amplifier and speakers. Jon Schwendig, Santa Clara, CA
A. There are a lot of myths about speaker wires, but in the end it's thickness that counts, and 12 gauge should be heavy enough for any reasonable domestic application. I've taken several comparative listening sessions over the years, and the sort of wire you want to use involves no sonic degradation that I (or anybody else in the tests) could hear. You could even wire the whole distance from amp to speakers using 12-gauge, but it would probably be more convenient to use something more flexible for the actual connection to components. Specialty audiophile cables would serve that purpose nicely, although more modest cables would work just as well."
The Big Picture
The industry has now reached the point where resistance and listening quality are not the issues any more, although listening claims may still be made. There is big money to be made in wire, not only speaker wire but all kinds of exotic wire—hookup wire, audio cables, power cables and a wide variety of speaker wire including the new term of “speaker cables.” The term cable implies more robust and heavy duty qualities than wire.
I have learned from one wire company that much of this exotic wire is not manufactured in the USA at all. It comes from places like Taiwan and China. It can be bought in industrial quantities at surprisingly little cost and sold for tremendous profits. Custom runs in large quantities, can be purchased having any number of different features and are not a problem for versatile wire manufacturers. It can even be made with various terminals already installed.
The strategy in selling these products is, in part, to appeal to those who are looking to impress others with something unique and expensive. There is also pride of ownership and the belief that if it costs that much it must be good. It will always sell to those who want the latest thing and would spend as much for a Rolex watch as they would for wire. Of course, there are ordinary watches that will tell time accurately they but don’t have that name or that price.
Another part of the strategy is to capitalize on the lack of truth in advertising, particularly the whole truth. Perhaps the two words “truth” and “advertising” are on opposite extremes but half of the truth can be worse than a lie. I don’t think the average consumer is any match to cope with the persuasive sales “hype” of professional salesmen praising a questionable wire science and doubtful benefits.
When confronted with the truth, believers do not want to hear about it. They want to remain in the magical world of fantasy where they think they can hear improvements in their wire, often arrived at by making listening tests without adequate controls or understanding of the problems involved. One of the prime tools in creating such a faith for the average consumer is by capitalizing on fear and ignorance as in many other things that aren’t readily apparent. There is fear that the wire currently in use is not good enough. There is ignorance because most people do not have scientific knowledge in this area and lack adequate measuring equipment to prove otherwise.
Logical Conclusions?
We have been told by advertising that the exotic speaker wires offer fabulous advantages over ordinary lamp cord. It would seem reasonable that using this same wire for lamps would also enhance their performance. In the same vein as wire literature, you can have your light bulb reproduce light faithfully, finally allowing you see light the way it should be seen and bring out the natural performance of your table lamp. It may offer greater warmth, detail, brilliance, definition and speed by providing wider bandwidth and reduced skin effect. Just imagine what it might do for your electric razor and microwave!

I'm drinking a little Kool-Aid in regards to analog and speaker cables.

http://www.high-endaudio.com/ (http://www.high-endaudio.com/magaz.html#Cab)
http://www.high-endaudio.com/RC-SpkrCab (http://www.high-endaudio.com/RC-SpkrCab.html#Int)

I think there is something to speaker cables making a difference, however slight.:headphones

I had trouble even getting a set of component cables for my HD installation.

See this thread (http://www.highdefforum.com/showthread.php?p=611632&posted=1#post611632):