cabling
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Centronics intros its own pivoting head HDMI cable
We get the feeling Panasonic really started something its swivel-head HDMI cables, as we've got the relatively unknown Centronics bringing its own iteration to the table. The EHD-branded HD FLEX 90 degree pivoting head HDMI cable does precisely what it says, enabling users / installers to hook up HDMI-equipped gear in tighter spaces with less pressure on the sockets. The prices aren't too outrageous either, with the 6/12/24-foot strands ringing up at $39.95, $49.95 and $69.95, respectively.
Gennum develops in-wire technology for 100-foot DisplayPort cables
Now that DisplayPort is becoming more of a household name (like it or not), we're thrilled to see someone making sure we can run an external monitor from more than a stone's throw away. Gennum has stepped in with its ActiveConnect DisplayPort solution, which embeds a small semiconductor within a DisplayPort cable to actively push signals up to 30-meters (around 100-feet) without the need for a costly, cumbersome extender box. There's no word yet on which interconnect companies have signed on to produce these sophisticated strands, but we'd expect to hear more by the time CES 2009 gets underway. Full release is after the break.
High-end HDMI provider VizionWare closes down
It's not fun to hear about people losing jobs these days, but we're not fond of high-end cables around these parts, especially for digital signals like HDMI. The number of purveyors of high-end HDMI purveyors just decreased with the loss of VizionWare, which had a range of amplified HDMI cables suitable for long run lengths. Unlike some other companies, VizionWare actually had some original tech in its offerings, so it's not at the top of our list of companies we'd like to see go under, but the sole focus on HDMI proved to be too small of a niche to justify its $20M in VC funding. The company's internet storefront is still up for now, but those looking for closeout bargains will be disappointed -- prices start at $20 for a passive 4-ft cable, and active cables starts at $83 for that same length.
Inspiretech launches inexpensive HDMI cables and adapters
After one of our most recent Ask Engadget HD questions aired, we quickly found that you folks heavily preferred the cost and quality of cables at Monoprice. We can't say that those set in their ways are apt to switch over anytime soon, but Inspiretech is clearly aiming at the same crowd with its sleek, inexpensive new HDMI cables. The company has launched a number of HDMI 1.3 interconnects including a 3-footer for $3.99, a 6-footer for $5.99 and a 6.5-foot HDMI-to-Mini HDMI cable for $12.99. Sure beats some of those other companies quite handily.
Ask Engadget HD: Which cable / interconnect brand should I rely on?
We've heard this question so many times that we've taken for granted the answer, but given the recent increase in competition in the cable market, we figured we'd pass along Josiah's question on the matter: "I'm not going to pay hundreds of dollars for those cables sold in Best Buy and Circuit City, but I want the best possible audio and video quality. I've got a pretty basic setup, and I just need a few HDMI cables, a set of component cables and a few optical audio cables. Where would I go to get the best for my money? Is there a particular brand I should look for? What has worked out for your readers?" Unload your experiences with cables -- however expensive (or cheap) -- below, and be sure to elaborate on which brand / store / etc. you found to be the best for the price. Oh, and make no mention of Furutech, we're trying to keep the cost-per-cable under a grand.Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.
Black Rhodium HDMI cables hit "every price point" except ours
Actually, we're being too kind. It hits every price point except the one below "absurdly inflated." For whatever reason, Black Rhodium figures it can get away with launching a pricey new line of HDMI cables that are "engineered for optimum performance at every price point," yet the cheapest one is a full £35 ($69)... and that's for a 0.5-meter edition. The sure-to-be-noticeably-faster (ahem) Sapphire HiSpeed cables boast gold-plated connectors, copper conductors and meet the ridiculous demands of HDMI 1.3b . Oh, and they go for £75, £130 and £180 for the 1/5/7.5-meter models. Sure, maybe these aren't quite as baffling as Monster Cables, but they're way too close for comfort.
Solid Signal hops in the HDMI 1.3b cable game
Solid Signal, generally known for its OTA satellite sales and the like, has announced that it too will be throwing its hat in the HDMI cabling ring. Said wires will be sold under the Solid Signal brand name, and the first line will of course consist of HDMI 1.3b units. The company will be offering the cables in lengths ranging from 1- to 32.8-meters, and prices will respectively range from $8.99 to $118.99. You can have a peek at the whole lot right now (and yeah, they're all shipping as we speak).
MilesTek intros slew of HDMI cables and devices
Got a need for a few new pieces of HDMI equipment, do you? Fret not, as MilesTek most definitely has you covered. The outfit has just revealed a new line of long-distance and standard-length commercial-grade HDMI 1.3b cabling, and in case you're after a bit more than just wires, it's also introducing distribution amplifiers, switchers and "a variety of device / cable kits that combine an amplifier or switcher with several HDMI cables." The whole lot is available as we speak, though you'll have to do a bit of investigation to find out pricing information.
Atlona announces support for DisplayPort, promises to release cables
Make no mistake, Atlona's a bona fide supporter of HDMI, but it's making absolutely sure you know that it will also be throwing its support behind DisplayPort. Of course, all it's saying at the moment is that it will soon be providing DisplayPort cabling "for as long as one of its customers has a need for one," but it looks like we'll have to be patient before finding out what other sort of DisplayPort contraptions the firm has up its sleeve.
Furutech's HDMI-xv1.3 cable makes Monster seem low-end
After getting a whiff of what Furutech's cooking, Monster is really going to have to step up its game. Not content with just charging a Benjamin or two for an HDMI cable, this company has decided that its HDMI-xv1.3 cable -- which is "engineered to work flawlessly in lengths up to 3 meters with new-generation 120Hz LCD and plasma screens" -- is somehow worth $280 to $1,400, depending on length. Sure, the thing boasts EMI / RFI rejection, contact resistance, silver-plated Alpha-OFC solid-core conductors, five full layers of shielding and nonmagnetic Pearl Chrome aluminum alloy connectors with 24K gold-plated α (Alpha) contacts, but really, nearly three bills for the one-meter edition? You know what they say about fools and their money...
Brando's Laic HDMI cables are oh-so-colorful
Tired of overpriced and / or totally plain HDMI cables? Fret not, as Brando's looking to make your setup entirely more vivid with its Laic Colorful HDMI cables. These v1.3b-compliant cords are available in purple, green, black, white, red and orange and even boast 24k gold-plated tips (astounding, we know). Sure, $19 for a 1.5-meter cable is still a tad on the high side, but hey, it's either this or a day wrestling with the paint can.
Monster brings Speed-Rated HDMI cables to Canada, gross markup likely in tow
We didn't believe Monster's claims when it rolled those Speed-Rated cables out here in the US, and we certainly don't think its savvy marketing will increase picture quality any more up north. Nevertheless, the cabling company notorious for snatching hard-earned dollars from unsuspecting shoppers who fall for glamorous packaging and wild claims is bringing its Speed-Rated line to Canada. Holding down the flagship position is the Ultra-High Speed MC1000EX, followed closely behind by the increasingly sluggish MC850HD, MC750HD and MC550HD. Apparently, the family will run Canucks $59.95 to $149.95 for one-meter editions, but we genuinely hope anyone reading this has better sense than to take 'em up on the "offer."
Fourth undersea cable cut near UAE, suspicions rise
For the fourth time in a week, an undersea communications cable has apparently been cut (or "failed due to a power outage," as some sources suggest), and while no official reports of subversion have surfaced just yet, things are beginning to get suspicious. Flag Telecom, a subsidiary of Indian conglomerate Reliance ADA Group, has had two cables damaged in the span of a week -- a quandary it has never dealt with until now. As it stands, traffic from the Middle East and surrounding areas is being routed through various other cables in an attempt to remain online, but any more snips and we could be dealing with ping times eerily similar to those seen in 1993 (or much, much larger issues).[Image courtesy of DivingCo]
National Breast Cancer Foundation CAT5 cable in pink... with crystals
If you want to get really serious about supporting the National Breast Cancer Foundation (and we can't say that would be a bad idea), you need to check into Cables Unlimited's Ka-Bling CAT5 leads. That's right folks, it's snagless ethernet cabling in pink or hot pink, fully tricked out with handsome, bling-tastic crystals on either end. Go ahead, fierce up your networking situation -- we won't judge you.
OWLink's HD Digital Light Link solves your wiring conundrum
Details are extraordinarily light right now, but the little we do know about OWLink's latest content distribution system has certainly got our attention. Known only as the HD Digital Light Link, this system apparently enables users to run their audio (digital / analog), video and control signals down a single fiber optic cable that can easily be tucked under baseboards. The setup is reportedly HDCP-compliant and can carry your information for 1,000-feet without issue, and just in case you were curious, the ultrathin cable can indeed be painted to match surroundings. We're still waiting on a price / release date (and a photograph not totally ruined by a flash), but when we receive any of the three we'll be sure to pass it along.
Sony unveils slew of high-end AV cables in Europe
Those who just seem to sleep better knowing that every component of their (Sony) setup has the same brand name on it may take pleasure in the fact that the aforementioned company is doling out a smorgasbord of new AV cables across the pond. Apparently, the firm's high performance AV series will include HDMI, component, SCART, optical / coaxial digital audio and stereo audio flavors, and they will all be marketed as perfect complements to BRAVIA TVs, VAIO PCs, PS3s and Sony Blu-ray players. These cables are purportedly a notch above the midrange lineup introduced earlier this year, and they all boast 24k gold plated connectors and are manufactured from 99.996-percent oxygen free copper (OFC). No prices are mentioned, but you can supposedly find the whole lot now in one, three and five meter lengths over in Europe.[Via Cybertheater]
$500 million underwater fiber network to link Asia, America
Unfortunately for most, traversing back and forth to Asia from America on a regular basis isn't exactly in the cards, but thanks to a $500 million project agreed upon by a 17-member telecommunications consortium, visiting via fiber will soon be a whole lot snappier. Telekom Malaysia, along with 16 other firms, have awarded a half billion dollar contract to Alcatel-Lucent and NEC to construct a 12,428-mile link between the west coast of America and Southeast Asia. The aptly-dubbed Asia-America Gateway will connect the western US with Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Guam, and Hawaii, while also offering "seamless interconnection" with Europe, Africa, and Australia. Moreover, the project is being designed to provide a "more secure link for traffic" across the seas, as it avoids the hazardous Pacific Ring in hopes of dodging massive internet outages due to unexpected earthquakes. Best of all, the wait time for the undersea cabling to make an impact is fairly reasonable, as users should see "faster and more reliable service" when it becomes operational in December of next year.[Via Physorg]
XCM unveils Multi-Component Cable v2: console connections unite
We're all about keeping things nice and well kempt, and if you're the type who's sporting a house full of consoles, you know precisely how difficult a clean wiring solution is to maintain. Helping to clear out that rat's nest of cabling is XCM -- those same folks who brought us the XFPS -- which is delivering the Multi-Component Cable v2 to simply that cord conundrum. Sporting a trio of connectors, this single device can simultaneously connect to your Xbox 360, Wii, PlayStation 3, and reportedly your dusty PS2 as well, and plugs into your TV set via component outs. As you might expect, a simple flip of the toggle switch changes the console you see on screen without you having to risk your life climbing atop the television. Currently, the device is still stuck in "preview" mode, but XCM promises to have a full list of specs and availability details ready soon, and if you can catch a video sneak peek after the jump.
How-To: Run your own network wiring
Wherever you call home, it probably didn't come wired up for that most precious of home utilities: internet access. Sometimes wireless networking can only take you so far. Guerrilla network wiring might sound a little strong, but sometimes it ends up feeling like an episode of MacGyver, without the bombs. (Unless you count flaming laptops.) In today's How-To, we'll show you how to make your own cables and teach you a few tricks for getting them where you need 'em most around the house.
