Component Cables for New System

GaryMF · 11-18-2004, 01:23 PM

Hi. I'm new to this board...just joined today.

I just bought new TV: Panasonic LX32 LCD HDTV FLat Panel.......and Sony DVD Prog Scan 575s player.

I live in NYC and have RCN

but the good part is iI'm upgrading to an HDTV box with built in DVR.

So I've been reading about cables on here and whether or not it's worth it to get Monster cables etc.

The guy at Circuit City talked me into getting:
1. Monster S-Video cable
2. Monster power surge protector (the $49 one, not the more expensive one)
3. Monster 1 component cables for my DVD (I think $49 or 39)

My questions are:

1. I don't think I'm going to need the S-video cable, cuz I'm going to use component for DVD to TV, and for Cable box to TV. He claimed I'll need it for the non-digital channels, which sounded like bunk to me but I figured I'll just return it.

2. I bought the Monster 1 component cables for my Prog Scan DVD player to go to the TV. I bought Monster 1, but they had Monster 2, and Monster 3 which were all more expensive. I'm thinking of buying a cheaper pair from the website people recommended here, by Cavanaugh...... Sound like a good idea? What is the difference bewteen Monster 1, 2 and 3 anyway?

3. For audio, right now I have old fashion red and white RCA cable going from DVD to tv audio in. I don't have a home theatre and probably won't even hook it up to my stereo since I live in an apt and you can't blast stuff. Is there any reason to use better audio cables than this?

4. My cable company RCN says they can bring a component cable for $25 to hook up the box (Motorola DCT 6208) to the tv. I'm wondering if it's any better or worse than monster, or again if I shoudl just buy one from the website.

5. The Motorola specs say it has a DVI-D connector on back, and my Panasonic has HDMI in. I know there are DVI to HDMI cables, but RCN didn't seem to know anything about it so I'm assuming they are bringing component cables. I know this is more of a comment than a question.

Anyway, any suggestions or advice is appreicated. Thank you.

maximus · 11-18-2004, 07:53 PM

Quote:

1. I don't think I'm going to need the S-video cable, cuz I'm going to use component for DVD to TV, and for Cable box to TV. He claimed I'll need it for the non-digital channels, which sounded like bunk to me but I figured I'll just return it.

You don't need it. If you find you are not happy with your SD picture quality then trying an additional video hookup for SD-viewing-only is an option, with a 50/50 chance of improvement.

Quote:

2. I bought the Monster 1 component cables for my Prog Scan DVD player to go to the TV. I bought Monster 1, but they had Monster 2, and Monster 3 which were all more expensive. I'm thinking of buying a cheaper pair from the website people recommended here, by Cavanaugh...... Sound like a good idea? What is the difference bewteen Monster 1, 2 and 3 anyway?

No harm in shoppin around. I bought the cv1($99) in '97 and the cv3($250) last year and I honestly cannot tell the difference in my setup.
The Monster 3's definitely feel better and have the turbine connectors for a very tight fit but that's about it.

Quote:

3. For audio, right now I have old fashion red and white RCA cable going from DVD to tv audio in. I don't have a home theatre and probably won't even hook it up to my stereo since I live in an apt and you can't blast stuff. Is there any reason to use better audio cables than this?

Not in your situation no.

Quote:

4. My cable company RCN says they can bring a component cable for $25 to hook up the box (Motorola DCT 6208) to the tv. I'm wondering if it's any better or worse than monster, or again if I shoudl just buy one from the website.

The supplied cable should be fine...but it should also be free. You should be able to get 2 sets of good quality component video cables for the same price as RCN's "optional" cable.

Quote:

5. The Motorola specs say it has a DVI-D connector on back, and my Panasonic has HDMI in. I know there are DVI to HDMI cables, but RCN didn't seem to know anything about it so I'm assuming they are bringing component cables. I know this is more of a comment than a question.

The all-digital DVI to HDMI is the best quality connection, it's ultimately up to your eyes and wallet though.

Just pick up 2 sets of these and you will be set...IMO.

GaryMF · 11-19-2004, 09:14 AM

Thanks for your reply.

So i'll probably buy those cables you mention ... the Component wih Audio for $12... it's crazy that the monster is $50 and they are basically the same???

Also, the store you linked to has a DVI to HDMI cable for only $25.... a lot les than the $119 at circuit city.... so maybe I should jus get that too and see if all digital is really better???

How can the HDMI cable be 1/2 the price of the monster component at retail? I know "marketing" but you think generic HDMI will be better than Monster component?

11-18-2004, 01:23 PM	#1
GaryMF My plasma is High Def. Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 5	Component Cables for New System Hi. I'm new to this board...just joined today. I just bought new TV: Panasonic LX32 LCD HDTV FLat Panel.......and Sony DVD Prog Scan 575s player. I live in NYC and have RCN but the good part is iI'm upgrading to an HDTV box with built in DVR. So I've been reading about cables on here and whether or not it's worth it to get Monster cables etc. The guy at Circuit City talked me into getting: 1. Monster S-Video cable 2. Monster power surge protector (the $49 one, not the more expensive one) 3. Monster 1 component cables for my DVD (I think $49 or 39) My questions are: 1. I don't think I'm going to need the S-video cable, cuz I'm going to use component for DVD to TV, and for Cable box to TV. He claimed I'll need it for the non-digital channels, which sounded like bunk to me but I figured I'll just return it. 2. I bought the Monster 1 component cables for my Prog Scan DVD player to go to the TV. I bought Monster 1, but they had Monster 2, and Monster 3 which were all more expensive. I'm thinking of buying a cheaper pair from the website people recommended here, by Cavanaugh...... Sound like a good idea? What is the difference bewteen Monster 1, 2 and 3 anyway? 3. For audio, right now I have old fashion red and white RCA cable going from DVD to tv audio in. I don't have a home theatre and probably won't even hook it up to my stereo since I live in an apt and you can't blast stuff. Is there any reason to use better audio cables than this? 4. My cable company RCN says they can bring a component cable for $25 to hook up the box (Motorola DCT 6208) to the tv. I'm wondering if it's any better or worse than monster, or again if I shoudl just buy one from the website. 5. The Motorola specs say it has a DVI-D connector on back, and my Panasonic has HDMI in. I know there are DVI to HDMI cables, but RCN didn't seem to know anything about it so I'm assuming they are bringing component cables. I know this is more of a comment than a question. Anyway, any suggestions or advice is appreicated. Thank you.

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11-19-2004, 09:14 AM	#3
GaryMF My plasma is High Def. Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 5	Thanks for your reply. So i'll probably buy those cables you mention ... the Component wih Audio for $12... it's crazy that the monster is $50 and they are basically the same??? Also, the store you linked to has a DVI to HDMI cable for only $25.... a lot les than the $119 at circuit city.... so maybe I should jus get that too and see if all digital is really better??? How can the HDMI cable be 1/2 the price of the monster component at retail? I know "marketing" but you think generic HDMI will be better than Monster component?