I know about HDMI.  Just not sure how I’d use it.  I also know that you do NOT have to buy the gold cables ever.  They all work alike. 

My first HDMI app was for my Sony 60″ SXRD which was ‘state of the art’ in 2007.

Even though it cost $3,400 the retailer made me pay [:(!]$129. extra for the freaking HDMI cable[:(!]! 

 

(I told them that was like buying a new Cadillac, then being told that the distributor cap was another grand.  The young salesman asked “What is a distributor cap?”  We both laughed and I paid). 

 

Today, my trusty Sony, the first of the 1080p resolution, is definitely obsolete; it uses digital light processing instead of LEDs or plasma and it needs a new projection lamp every three years; I just installed my third – total cost of $800 for the three.  It’s definitely time for a new one when this bulb burns out.  By then a new 60″ LED will probably be $500!

 

These days most every electronic item (cable boxes, TV’s, computers, displays, DVD players, etc.) can accommodate HDMI and, in fact, needs such a hookup for optimal function.  The good news here is that many items com with an HDMI cable included; those that don’t – just buy one for $10 or so at Best Buy.  And yes, they do make heavy ‘gold’ cables (Monster) that are quite expensive but are not necessary for optimal performance.

 

So,

1) Check the back of your electronics and see if there are any HDMI slots.  If so, use them; otherwise you are not getting the performance you’ve already paid for!

 

2) And, check the output of your cable box/DVR.  They all have adjustable outputs: 480, 720, and 1080.  If, e.g., you have a 1080 TV with an HDMI connection to a cable box/DVR that is ‘set’ to 480 or 720 you are not getting what you are paying for. 

 

This happened to me!  I thought my Sony was ‘going bad’ and looked closely (for the first time!) at my cable box.  Next to the large channel indicator lights was a very tiny 720.  I called Time Warner technical and made the adjustment to 1080.  HUGE DIFFERENCE!  Suddenly, my trusty Sony’s picture looked like the ones I lust after every time I walk into Sam’s or Costco!