The 1. HDMI compatability issues mentioned are really not much of a problem these days unless you’ve got some old, first generation, out of spec, equipment. Someone buying HD equipment today is unlikely to have to worry.
(I know becuase I’ve hooked up dozens of HDMI capable TV’s, receivers, Blu/DVD players for clients)

Thanks,

Matt

However, re: HDMI cables do your yourselves a favor and consider the gauge of the cable for lengths above 12ft. This is due to the signal attenuation that any electrical conductor exhibits. Basically, above 12ft get at least 26 AWG(gauge) cable, above 25ft at least 24 AWG(gauge) cable, above 100ft at least 22 AWG. Finally, if running cables in the wall make sure it is in-wall rated(CL-2 or CL-3 rated) because they are easier to install, usually more robust construction and will pass inspection.

Also re: line conditioners, they definately make a difference. I agree with the fact the noise filtration feature of these conditioners are as useful in newer(newer than 1980s) homes, but practically everything else is highly beneficial to AV gear. I have designed and installed countless, residential and commercial AV systems and thanks to the use of quality line conditioners our clients systems have a longer operational life and offer an improved picture(not as dramatic of difference but noticeable to non-experts) and audio(dramatic difference in clarity and accuracy) quality. Of course not all client opt for line conditioner and they pay the price when their TVs die after 3 to 6 years (assuming quality TV) and they get reduced performance from their audio amplifiers.

http://www.furmansound.com/video.php?id=4
check this to learn more about quality line conditioners to measure all others by.

FOR ALL YOU PEOPLE BEGGING THE “GURU” TO HELP YOU PICK A TV. GET SOME HELP. He is probably a crazy quack who got screwed at like Best Buy one time, and has a vendetta against them. If you want real information go to a small mom and pop, or small electronics store. You will find people with good information who HAVE to know what they sell because its how they put food on their table. If you go to a big box retail store, you will find teenage kids making minimum wage with no info because they don’t care to help you.

Use some common sense people. A TV is still a TV. They just perform MUCH better. Don’t make it rocket science. Go, look at the TVs, see which one you like better…..

Try running a 50′-75′ HDMI cable through your wall that cost $50. Now good luck getting HDCP to work both ways on that $50 cable. A $300 HDMI cable could probably handle it, but whatever, its not my house or my walls that im running cables in.

1. Studios and artists are entitled to be paid for their copyrighted work. Without copy protection, piracy of copyrighted material would be easily possible and would have far-reaching effects.HDCP is a necessary reality.

2. HDMI is the highest quality interconnect method possible right now.

3. The HDMI standard, like all standards is a living document and will be subject to periodic revisions. The upgrade to V1.3b introduces 1080p, deep color and one-bit audio (lossless) that improves an already good standard.

4. The test equipment for HDMI compliance is indeed in the six figure cost range, but is not required. There are Authorized Test Centers (ATCs) that grant the compliance certification. Vendors, like anyone else can purchase any other equipment that they wish to verify interoperability with. The plugfests referred to occur about every six months and involve 5 full days of interoperability testing. There are 100 or more HD vendors present. Each slot is one hour long, so there are many opportunities to verify interoperability with a variety of products. The last plugfest in April showed that great strides are being made in this venue and the latest information is that the interoperbility problems referred to in the article are in the past.

5. There are physical constraints limiting a cable’s performance. When you consider that the fastest HDMI signal is faster than 3 Giga-bits per second, these physical limts become important. Much attention must be paid to ensure a cable’s materials, design and construction are up to par. I still do not recommend spending hundreds of dollars on any cable.

And HDMI is flimsy, agreed.

A slight push against the wall can snap the connector off the board inside your TV

But, for ease of connection and explanation for the great unwashed it’s hard to beat.

I have only once tried explaining component to a customer…
3 Different colors? Three cables?
Eyes glaze over… 0.0