I just bought a kick ass widescreen TV and I was going to pick up some Monster Cables for my PS2 and GCN (or the official component cables offered by Sony and Nintendo). They are EXPENSIVE! For a Cheap Ass like myself, I was wondering if anyone else out there has them and/or if they are worth it. Thanks!
Are MONSTER Cables Worth it?
- Thread starter Javery
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There aren't any component cables out there for the GC other than the official Nintendo ones. The Monster GC cables are S-Video.
Unless you get a huge discount on the monster cables, they are not worth it.
I don't know about the PS2 component cables but with a DVD player, you will not notice a difference between a decent set of component cables like Acoustic Research and the overpriced and overrated Monster cables.
Unless you get a huge discount on the monster cables, they are not worth it.
I don't know about the PS2 component cables but with a DVD player, you will not notice a difference between a decent set of component cables like Acoustic Research and the overpriced and overrated Monster cables.
SneakyPenguin
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i have monster cables for my ps2, and honestly, i can seeno difference. i am also pretty well damn near blind (not entirely kidding) but i dont thnk you need gold plated connections for a gaming system. seriously the cables cost more than a game.
CD
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About the only Monster cable I'd recommend man is the Component Video w/ Analog Audio cables for PS2. This is because I've heard that just about every other PS2 component cable has shitty audio cables with poor sound reproduction. It seems that only the audio cables on the Monster component are good.
Visually, there doesn't seem to be much difference between the Sony, Monster, and other 3rd party PS2 component cables.
Visually, there doesn't seem to be much difference between the Sony, Monster, and other 3rd party PS2 component cables.
SneakyPenguin
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i actually dont use the audio on my component cables. i bought rca optical audio cables in fye for $8 each, and they sound phenominal on my set up.
kittycatgirl2k
Banned
Component cables are an absolute necessity. I started out with S-Video but when I upgrade my tv the first time I went all Monster for XBox and PS2. The results are stunning and makes a huge difference on a properly calibrated (AVIA) and high quality television. It sounds like your widescreen is nice so definitely upgrade. I also have the Gamecube component cables and it definitely boosted the color and detail of my games. 
Component cables are a necessity for "HD" or 'Progressive.'--I think that [and DVI/Firewire] is the only method to transfer a 'hd' or 'progressive' signal to an hd-ready tv.
If you're not playing progressive scan or hi-res [480p/720p/1080i] games, you will notice an improved picture using component cables, but it's not earth shattering. I wouldn't spend the money on Monsters regardless, you're playing a lot for the name. And if you go to Best Buy, and the guys push Monster on you, well, they don't do that for free.
I've got Acoustic Research component and digital optical audio for my DVD player; no problems, sweet picture. I'm using whatever the cable co. gave me for my HD cable box; beautiful picture.
I'm using these for my PS2. http://tinyurl.com/2txz7 and they work fine. While they're not hooked up to the HD input on my tv, I do notice a slight increase in the graphics/colors quality. These cables were 10.00, and I had a 5.00 RZ cert. I can pay 5 bucks for a 'slight increase'; there is no way I would pay the 60 bucks Monster wants for the minor upgrade I got. [The general opinion I've seen for Monster cables is 5-10% better quality, if that, for 100-400% price increase. You pay a whole lot for a name. The average consumer won't be able to tell a difference as long as you don't get el cheapo [quality, not price] 'Strings and Plugs' type cables. In fact some people claim you can use regular composite cables as the component cables; I'm not sure about that.]
I also agree, however, that you should calibrate your tv, and keep it Converged. I use Joe Kane's Digital Video Essentials, because it's a lot cheaper than Avia and slightly more up to date, I think, but either would work. Step one--TURN DOWN THE CONTRAST/BRIGHTNESS.
If you're not playing progressive scan or hi-res [480p/720p/1080i] games, you will notice an improved picture using component cables, but it's not earth shattering. I wouldn't spend the money on Monsters regardless, you're playing a lot for the name. And if you go to Best Buy, and the guys push Monster on you, well, they don't do that for free.
I've got Acoustic Research component and digital optical audio for my DVD player; no problems, sweet picture. I'm using whatever the cable co. gave me for my HD cable box; beautiful picture.
I'm using these for my PS2. http://tinyurl.com/2txz7 and they work fine. While they're not hooked up to the HD input on my tv, I do notice a slight increase in the graphics/colors quality. These cables were 10.00, and I had a 5.00 RZ cert. I can pay 5 bucks for a 'slight increase'; there is no way I would pay the 60 bucks Monster wants for the minor upgrade I got. [The general opinion I've seen for Monster cables is 5-10% better quality, if that, for 100-400% price increase. You pay a whole lot for a name. The average consumer won't be able to tell a difference as long as you don't get el cheapo [quality, not price] 'Strings and Plugs' type cables. In fact some people claim you can use regular composite cables as the component cables; I'm not sure about that.]
I also agree, however, that you should calibrate your tv, and keep it Converged. I use Joe Kane's Digital Video Essentials, because it's a lot cheaper than Avia and slightly more up to date, I think, but either would work. Step one--TURN DOWN THE CONTRAST/BRIGHTNESS.
Theenternal
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Defintely go Component, monster cables can be found pretty cheap on ebay and amazon sells. There is a noticable difference on higher end setups between monster and 3rd party component. You noted you have and HDTV so thats good. But remember you need a good audio system for higher quality audio cables to make a difference. If you have good audio cables on a crappy system, its still going to sound like crap. I personally got my monster cables new/sealed from a 5th to a 3rd of the price at best lie.
Naughty_Insomniac
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[quote name='kittycatgirl2k']... The results are stunning and makes a huge difference on a properly calibrated (AVIA) and high quality television...[/quote]
[quote name='dtcarson']... I also agree, however, that you should calibrate your tv, and keep it Converged. I use Joe Kane's Digital Video Essentials, because it's a lot cheaper than Avia and slightly more up to date...[/quote]
What is this calibration/convergence you all speak of? I'm assuming it's some kind of dvd to help you get the right amount of color/etc ??
s Where do you find these?
[quote name='dtcarson']... I also agree, however, that you should calibrate your tv, and keep it Converged. I use Joe Kane's Digital Video Essentials, because it's a lot cheaper than Avia and slightly more up to date...[/quote]
What is this calibration/convergence you all speak of? I'm assuming it's some kind of dvd to help you get the right amount of color/etc ??
s Where do you find these?I am definitely going with component cables. I'll have to check out the Amazon prices... you guys seem very knowledgeable - maybe it would help to tell you more about my TV... it is a Panasonic 42" HDTV Plasma Display with Built-In NTSC Tuner (model # TH-42PX20U/P). It is going to receive a digital cable signal (once the cable guy comes to hook it up). I currently do not have a sound system or DVD player of any type but I am shopping for both for $1000 or less (any suggestions?). I am scheduling the installation for sometime in the next two weeks (gotta have it ready for the Super Bowl!).
Thanks for the information so far... I'd love to hear more... thanks!
Thanks for the information so far... I'd love to hear more... thanks!
Calibration is using a 'test disk' to basically make sure the colors, brightness, contrast, etc. are 'optimal' both for the TV and your viewing conditions. You can hire someone from, I think ISF [Imaging Science Foundation?] to come and professionally calibrate, but that runs a couple hundred bucks at least. That of course is the 'best' way to go, but rather expensive.
You can also buy DVD's that help you self-calibrate based on test images on the disk. Avia, Sound and Vision, and Digital Video Essentials are the most popular ones. I know you can order DVE from Deep Discount DVD, it was under fifteen bucks when I ordered it. Amazon should have Avia and maybe DVE also.
When you go into a retail store to check out an HDTV or an RPTV, those tv's have to compete with every other tv on the floor, and those bright-ass fluoroscent lights, which is definitely not an actual home-type viewing environment. So they crank the brightness and contrast up on the floor models, so they stand out. Especially for RPTV's, and probably plasma also, this is bad--this, combined with static images, results in a relatively poor quality picture, and an increased chance of burn-in [which you do NOT want.] So, side note, never buy a 'floor/demo model' RPTV or plasma tv; there's no telling how much life is left in it, and it's not worth saving the couple hundred bucks.
Convergence applies to RPTV's, I don't think it applies to plasmas. An RPTV works by having the light guns in the tv shoot the picture onto the back of the screen. If the guns aren't converged, you'll have a misaligned effect, the red gun will shoot its image slightly to the left of the blue, which is slightly to the left of the green [or something like that]. Basically this adds fuzziness in the lower stages, and makes the picture look like crap if it's really misaligned. Most RPTV's should have an automatic or manual convergence option from one of the menus, that gives you a test image and allows you to 'focus' the guns so they're all aiming at the same points. Kinda like an out-of-focus binoculars; it looks like you have two images that are slightly offset to one another.
I unfortunately don't know much specific about plasma tv's. And if you've got up to a grand to spend on a DVD player and sound system, you don't want my advice [my 'home theater' and dvd player cost 350 combined, one was on sale and I had a gift certificate, but still. My setup is very consumer-entry-level, but it works for me.]
However, regarding a dvd player--you definitely want to look for one that is progressive scan. With an HDTV, it should display 480p, 480i, in addition to the higher resolutions, and anamorphic dvd's on a progressive DVD player in 480p mode really will show off your tv [until you get HD tv signals, of course.] You'll probably need component cables with a dvd player also.
Anyway, my complete setup is a Kenwood HTB-503 or 505 [i forgot] home theater in a box; Panasonic F65k 5 disk progressive scan dvd player; and Philips 60PW9363 60" HD-ready RPTV. I'm using Time Warner's Scientific Atlanta 8250, I think, HD cable box to get HD locals, HBO, Showtime, Disc, and I think one more. No, my setup isn't a showroom demo, but it was also bought piecemeal over about three years.
If you plasma has a built in tuner, you should be able to hook up an OTA antenna to go ahead and get over-the-air HD signals. If you don't want to go that route, make sure you ask your cable co. for an HD box.
I'm not into football, but I'll admit, football and hockey events look SWEET in HD.
You can also buy DVD's that help you self-calibrate based on test images on the disk. Avia, Sound and Vision, and Digital Video Essentials are the most popular ones. I know you can order DVE from Deep Discount DVD, it was under fifteen bucks when I ordered it. Amazon should have Avia and maybe DVE also.
When you go into a retail store to check out an HDTV or an RPTV, those tv's have to compete with every other tv on the floor, and those bright-ass fluoroscent lights, which is definitely not an actual home-type viewing environment. So they crank the brightness and contrast up on the floor models, so they stand out. Especially for RPTV's, and probably plasma also, this is bad--this, combined with static images, results in a relatively poor quality picture, and an increased chance of burn-in [which you do NOT want.] So, side note, never buy a 'floor/demo model' RPTV or plasma tv; there's no telling how much life is left in it, and it's not worth saving the couple hundred bucks.
Convergence applies to RPTV's, I don't think it applies to plasmas. An RPTV works by having the light guns in the tv shoot the picture onto the back of the screen. If the guns aren't converged, you'll have a misaligned effect, the red gun will shoot its image slightly to the left of the blue, which is slightly to the left of the green [or something like that]. Basically this adds fuzziness in the lower stages, and makes the picture look like crap if it's really misaligned. Most RPTV's should have an automatic or manual convergence option from one of the menus, that gives you a test image and allows you to 'focus' the guns so they're all aiming at the same points. Kinda like an out-of-focus binoculars; it looks like you have two images that are slightly offset to one another.
I unfortunately don't know much specific about plasma tv's. And if you've got up to a grand to spend on a DVD player and sound system, you don't want my advice [my 'home theater' and dvd player cost 350 combined, one was on sale and I had a gift certificate, but still. My setup is very consumer-entry-level, but it works for me.]
However, regarding a dvd player--you definitely want to look for one that is progressive scan. With an HDTV, it should display 480p, 480i, in addition to the higher resolutions, and anamorphic dvd's on a progressive DVD player in 480p mode really will show off your tv [until you get HD tv signals, of course.] You'll probably need component cables with a dvd player also.
Anyway, my complete setup is a Kenwood HTB-503 or 505 [i forgot] home theater in a box; Panasonic F65k 5 disk progressive scan dvd player; and Philips 60PW9363 60" HD-ready RPTV. I'm using Time Warner's Scientific Atlanta 8250, I think, HD cable box to get HD locals, HBO, Showtime, Disc, and I think one more. No, my setup isn't a showroom demo, but it was also bought piecemeal over about three years.
If you plasma has a built in tuner, you should be able to hook up an OTA antenna to go ahead and get over-the-air HD signals. If you don't want to go that route, make sure you ask your cable co. for an HD box.
I'm not into football, but I'll admit, football and hockey events look SWEET in HD.
I have a friend who "inherited" a pair of Monster Cables for the PS2 he bought used from a friend of his. Unfortunately, the audio didn't work at all and the video only showed B&W. Granted it was used but the cables didn't show any signs of physical damage (at least on the outside). I had higher expectations for Monster Cables...
Needless to say, he went out and picked up the official sony cables and everything worked as it should...
Needless to say, he went out and picked up the official sony cables and everything worked as it should...
:shock: WOW :shock: Thanks for the info! Your 60" tv must look amazing! I had to go plasma because of the small size of my TV room (8 ft. wall to wall!). One of my friends has that calibration DVD so I am definitely going to borrow it once everything is set up. I also already have the cable company bringing an HD box so I can receive HD signals. There are only a handful of channels that actually offer it but HBO, ESPN and ABC are in there (I think). Hopefully I will get the game in HD in two weeks...
Basically, I want the best picture that my TV can offer so if I have to shell out a few extra dollars for the fancy cables, I will. There's no sense in coming this far and not going all the way...
Basically, I want the best picture that my TV can offer so if I have to shell out a few extra dollars for the fancy cables, I will. There's no sense in coming this far and not going all the way...
CAPTTRIPahh
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A component cable is a componet cable is a component cable....but there is no difference between monster cables or any other cheaper brand......
I did have to convince my wallet to open up and bu component cables for both my dvd player and ps2 [they came with the cablebox] but they were definitely worth it.
If your room is 8 feet wall to wall, then you're probably closer to your tv than in my room [my living room is narrow, but long, and the tv is about 8 to 10 feet from the main viewing seats], and 42" won't overpower the room [my tv does take up a whole corner of the room, but we've got it laid out pretty well.]
The bad thing with big tv's is, when the picture is good [DVD's, certain PS2 games, HDTV] it looks INCREDIBLE.....but especially with digital cable, not all pictures look good. My wife is watching the Gilmore Girls on WB right now, and it is snowy as New York two weeks ago. Time Warner pushes so much stuff through their cables, that the 'lesser' channels don't get the bandwidth they need to show up clearly; and on a bigger screen, any pixelation or graininess shows up magnified. I don't know if it's the same with satellite--we had to drop satellite about the time we moved and got the new tv set up.
AFAIK, the only ways to get 'true' HD picture [or what passes for it now] is Component cables, DVI, and Firewire, and not all cable providers or TV manufacturers support DVI or Firewire, and there's no standard. So component is the way to do, but don't get Monster unless you find a super deal on them.
Hope you get your tv/cable set up by SuperBowl--it's better than being there
If your room is 8 feet wall to wall, then you're probably closer to your tv than in my room [my living room is narrow, but long, and the tv is about 8 to 10 feet from the main viewing seats], and 42" won't overpower the room [my tv does take up a whole corner of the room, but we've got it laid out pretty well.]
The bad thing with big tv's is, when the picture is good [DVD's, certain PS2 games, HDTV] it looks INCREDIBLE.....but especially with digital cable, not all pictures look good. My wife is watching the Gilmore Girls on WB right now, and it is snowy as New York two weeks ago. Time Warner pushes so much stuff through their cables, that the 'lesser' channels don't get the bandwidth they need to show up clearly; and on a bigger screen, any pixelation or graininess shows up magnified. I don't know if it's the same with satellite--we had to drop satellite about the time we moved and got the new tv set up.
AFAIK, the only ways to get 'true' HD picture [or what passes for it now] is Component cables, DVI, and Firewire, and not all cable providers or TV manufacturers support DVI or Firewire, and there's no standard. So component is the way to do, but don't get Monster unless you find a super deal on them.
Hope you get your tv/cable set up by SuperBowl--it's better than being there
kittycatgirl2k
Banned
Most any component cables are OK but I prefer Monster Cables. I had a problem with my PS2 and XBox ones (the PS2 one had a bum connector and the XBox the picture would go all warped if the cable was moved in any way). Shipped them back to the company and they sent me brand new cables still in the box and paid for the shipping. That's why people buy Monster, they really back up their products, and when you are paying $$$ for cables (the one for my tv was like $300 - for a cable, and there are more expensive ones) you kind of expect good service. I think its worth it. My previous XBox comp cable was OK but the picture was just not as nice as the Monster in 720p.
As for calibration. I recommend getting both Sound & Vision and Avia discs. Avia is the main one I use but S&V has a few options that help further optimize the picture that Avia is lacking. Skip Digital Video Essentials, its newer yes, but the menu system is a nightmare to navigate through to find what you want. Not only that but the other two discs seem to be put together better. If you watch some of the features on the disc and not just the cali tools, they will explain alot of things about properly setting up your room for optimal sound quality and teach alot of basic knowledge about home theater and what all the mysterious things really mean.
As for calibration. I recommend getting both Sound & Vision and Avia discs. Avia is the main one I use but S&V has a few options that help further optimize the picture that Avia is lacking. Skip Digital Video Essentials, its newer yes, but the menu system is a nightmare to navigate through to find what you want. Not only that but the other two discs seem to be put together better. If you watch some of the features on the disc and not just the cali tools, they will explain alot of things about properly setting up your room for optimal sound quality and teach alot of basic knowledge about home theater and what all the mysterious things really mean.
Prometheus
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A few months back I bought a Sony Wega 27 inch for myself, and encountered the Monster Cable decision. I swallowed my fear and bought the gold-plated component set for xbox (on slight discount), and decided to go with regular s-video cables for my ps2, and let my gf's GameCube use the VGA connections in the front (sorry lady, I know you may be reading this, but I don't need to see Animal Crossing in extreme fidelity).
I couldn't be happier with the Xbox cables, it's just fantastic. DVD playing, games, everything.
I couldn't be happier with the Xbox cables, it's just fantastic. DVD playing, games, everything.
Naughty_Insomniac
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Just wanted to drop a quick line and say "Thank You" to dtcarson for giving a very detailed response to my questions regarding calibration and convergence. I didn't even know this kind of stuff was out there, will be checking it out very soon.
Again, thanks dtcarson! =D>
Again, thanks dtcarson! =D>
Everything I've heard has said that Monster Cables are NOT worth the extra money over any other good quality audio cable, basically just fancy looking cables in fancy packaging to give the illusion of better quality to match the high price. I've heard them equated to Bose in that sense, unjustifiably high price compared to the competion. I am no audio expert, have just heard the rants of those much more knowledgeable on the subject than I. I may be wrong but I will leave it to the experts to decide.
bread's done