| What the Cable End Looks like HDMI Component Video Audio Interconnect Composite Video S-Video DVI |
| What the connection looks like on your devices HDMI Component Video Audio Interconnect Composite Video S-Video DVI |
HD Installers Cable & Wires HD TV Plasma and LCD Installation Reference Guide
Use the HD Installers Cable & Wires HD TV Plasma and LCD Installation Reference guide to help you figure out what cables you need.
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| Cable Chart Lexicon: HDMI Component Video Cables Audio Interconnect Cables Composite Video S-Video DVI |
Now that you have made yourself familiar with the cables used to install LCD or plasma televisions we recommend that you view the follow
examples of our most common installations and the cables required to get them done.
View the cables needed for the most requested LCD TV or Plasma Television installation.
View the cables needed for a higher end frequently requested Plasma TV or LCD Television installation.
examples of our most common installations and the cables required to get them done.
View the cables needed for the most requested LCD TV or Plasma Television installation.
View the cables needed for a higher end frequently requested Plasma TV or LCD Television installation.
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| Use our TV installation distance calculator to get an idea how far to install your Plasma Television or LCD TV from your seating location. |
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If the chart above didn't provide enough information below we describe the types of Cables and the benefits and
uses of each type:
HDMI: Developed by Sony, Hitachi, Thomson (RCA), Philips, Matsushita (Panasonic), Toshiba and Silicon Image, the High-Definition
Multimedia Interface (HDMI) has emerged as the connection standard for HDTV and the consumer electronics market. HDMI is the first and only
digital interface to combine uncompressed high-definition video, multi-channel audio and intelligent format and command data in a single digital
interface. Most importantly, HDMI offers significant advantages over analog A/V connections, including the ability to transmit uncompressed digital
video and audio content. In addition to numerous device and display manufacturers, Hollywood studios and cable and satellite operators also support
HDMI. HDMI is the only technology that natively supports "True HD" which is a resolution of 1920x1080 also known as 1080P.
Pictures of what it looks like:
HD Installers is a proud supporter of the adoption of HDMI. HD Installers recommends using HDMI for HD Plasma Televisions Installation and HD
LCD TVs Installation. OLED TV and SED TV when they launch will support HDMI to install the TV to HD components. HD Installers has been
certified by HDMI.org to install HDMI devices. View our HDMI Certification.
HD Installers suggests the following sites to purchase HDMI Cables:
OwnHDTV.com offers the best of class cables at the best price. Uses various professional grade brands.
Monster Cables: Very pricey for the quality but you're paying for the name.
Radio Shack: Decent prices
Estimated Pricing:
OwnHDTV.com: 3' to 33' - $39.95 to $199.95 based on size
Monster Cables: 3' to 20' - $200.00 to $400.00 based on size
Radio Shack: 12' to 100' - $74.95 to 999.95 based on size
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DVI: DVI stands for Digital Video Interface. The quality is similar to that of HDMI but is older technology and does not work with High Definition
Copywrite Protection (HDCP) and 1080P. Most higher quality devices do not use DVI. Not very many LCD or Plasma TV use DVI for installation.
What it looks like:
OwnHDTV.com offers the best of class cables at the best price. Uses various professional grade brands.
Monster Cables: Very pricey for the quality but you're paying for the name.
Radio Shack: Decent prices
Estimated Pricing:
OwnHDTV.com: 3' to 13' - $44.95 to $99.95 based on size
Monster Cables: 3' to 17' - $99.95 to $249.95 based on size
Radio Shack: 3' to 16' - $79.99 to $139.95 based on size
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Component: Is a video only technology that separates the red, blue, green signals of the video. Component supports HD signals up to 1080P cannot
support HDCP which most 1080P connections require. Component video cables can support very long distance cable runs (15' and longer) for
Plasma or LCD TV Installation than most other HD capable cables without the need for repeaters. When you purchase this type of cable you will also
need to purchase the audio interconnection cables.
What it looks like:
Estimated Pricing:
OwnHDTV.com: 3' to 25' - $21.95 to $79.95 based on size
Monster Cables: 3' to 13' - $119.95 to $229.95 based on size
Radio Shack: 3' to 25' - $24.99 to $129.95 based on size (for decent quality cables. They offer some cheep brands quality you should say
way from)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Composite: This is not a cable that supports a digital or HD signal. We only suggest that you use this cable for receivers that don't have HD capable
connections, older DVD Players that don't support HD capable cables, TIVO boxes unless you have the new HD TIVO box and VCRs'. Most LCD
TVs installation and Plasma TV installation still hook up at least one piece of equipment with composite cable.
What it looks like:
Estimated Pricing:
OwnHDTV.com: 3' to 20' - $14.95 to $29.95 based on size - includes audio cables.
Monster Cables: 3' to 19' - $19.95 to $39.95 based on size - doesn't include audio cables.
Radio Shack: 3' to 13' - $6.99 to $69.99 based on size (some include some don't include audio cables, some are very poor quality)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
S-Video: Analog video format created by Sony. Has less support than composite video. Use only for DVD players, TIVO and some VCRs. Need
audio cable in addition to the S-Video cable. You can still use S-Video for installation on LCD TV and Plasma TV Installations.
What it looks like:
Estimated Pricing:
OwnHDTV.com: 3' to 30' - $17.95 to $39.95 based on size - some include audio cables.
Monster Cables: 3' to 13' - $79.95 to $119.95 based on size - doesn't include audio cables.
Radio Shack: 3' to 25' - $4.95 to $189.99 based on size (some include some don't include audio cables, some are very poor quality)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coaxial: Most common cable and also the worse quality. Very often the when trouble shooting issues coaxial cable is the culprit.
We highly recommend that you never install coaxial straight from the wall directly into your HDTV television. This is your regular cable from the cable
company. You can get Coaxial Cable from places like Walmart, Circle K, BestBuy, Frys Electronics and just about everywhere.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Audio Interconnect: Audio Interconnect splits your signal into right and left channels. Used for audio portion of DVI, Component, Composite and
S-Video for integration and installation of audio into your Plasma TV and LCD TV.
What it looks like:
Estimated Pricing:
OwnHDTV.com: 3' to 50' - $6.95 to $49.95 based on size
Monster Cables: 3' to 6' - $199.95 to $279.95 based on size
Radio Shack: 3' to 16' - $9.95 to $99.95 based on size
uses of each type:
HDMI: Developed by Sony, Hitachi, Thomson (RCA), Philips, Matsushita (Panasonic), Toshiba and Silicon Image, the High-Definition
Multimedia Interface (HDMI) has emerged as the connection standard for HDTV and the consumer electronics market. HDMI is the first and only
digital interface to combine uncompressed high-definition video, multi-channel audio and intelligent format and command data in a single digital
interface. Most importantly, HDMI offers significant advantages over analog A/V connections, including the ability to transmit uncompressed digital
video and audio content. In addition to numerous device and display manufacturers, Hollywood studios and cable and satellite operators also support
HDMI. HDMI is the only technology that natively supports "True HD" which is a resolution of 1920x1080 also known as 1080P.
Pictures of what it looks like:
HD Installers is a proud supporter of the adoption of HDMI. HD Installers recommends using HDMI for HD Plasma Televisions Installation and HD
LCD TVs Installation. OLED TV and SED TV when they launch will support HDMI to install the TV to HD components. HD Installers has been
certified by HDMI.org to install HDMI devices. View our HDMI Certification.
HD Installers suggests the following sites to purchase HDMI Cables:
OwnHDTV.com offers the best of class cables at the best price. Uses various professional grade brands.
Monster Cables: Very pricey for the quality but you're paying for the name.
Radio Shack: Decent prices
Estimated Pricing:
OwnHDTV.com: 3' to 33' - $39.95 to $199.95 based on size
Monster Cables: 3' to 20' - $200.00 to $400.00 based on size
Radio Shack: 12' to 100' - $74.95 to 999.95 based on size
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DVI: DVI stands for Digital Video Interface. The quality is similar to that of HDMI but is older technology and does not work with High Definition
Copywrite Protection (HDCP) and 1080P. Most higher quality devices do not use DVI. Not very many LCD or Plasma TV use DVI for installation.
What it looks like:
OwnHDTV.com offers the best of class cables at the best price. Uses various professional grade brands.
Monster Cables: Very pricey for the quality but you're paying for the name.
Radio Shack: Decent prices
Estimated Pricing:
OwnHDTV.com: 3' to 13' - $44.95 to $99.95 based on size
Monster Cables: 3' to 17' - $99.95 to $249.95 based on size
Radio Shack: 3' to 16' - $79.99 to $139.95 based on size
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Component: Is a video only technology that separates the red, blue, green signals of the video. Component supports HD signals up to 1080P cannot
support HDCP which most 1080P connections require. Component video cables can support very long distance cable runs (15' and longer) for
Plasma or LCD TV Installation than most other HD capable cables without the need for repeaters. When you purchase this type of cable you will also
need to purchase the audio interconnection cables.
What it looks like:
Estimated Pricing:
OwnHDTV.com: 3' to 25' - $21.95 to $79.95 based on size
Monster Cables: 3' to 13' - $119.95 to $229.95 based on size
Radio Shack: 3' to 25' - $24.99 to $129.95 based on size (for decent quality cables. They offer some cheep brands quality you should say
way from)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Composite: This is not a cable that supports a digital or HD signal. We only suggest that you use this cable for receivers that don't have HD capable
connections, older DVD Players that don't support HD capable cables, TIVO boxes unless you have the new HD TIVO box and VCRs'. Most LCD
TVs installation and Plasma TV installation still hook up at least one piece of equipment with composite cable.
What it looks like:
Estimated Pricing:
OwnHDTV.com: 3' to 20' - $14.95 to $29.95 based on size - includes audio cables.
Monster Cables: 3' to 19' - $19.95 to $39.95 based on size - doesn't include audio cables.
Radio Shack: 3' to 13' - $6.99 to $69.99 based on size (some include some don't include audio cables, some are very poor quality)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
S-Video: Analog video format created by Sony. Has less support than composite video. Use only for DVD players, TIVO and some VCRs. Need
audio cable in addition to the S-Video cable. You can still use S-Video for installation on LCD TV and Plasma TV Installations.
What it looks like:
Estimated Pricing:
OwnHDTV.com: 3' to 30' - $17.95 to $39.95 based on size - some include audio cables.
Monster Cables: 3' to 13' - $79.95 to $119.95 based on size - doesn't include audio cables.
Radio Shack: 3' to 25' - $4.95 to $189.99 based on size (some include some don't include audio cables, some are very poor quality)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coaxial: Most common cable and also the worse quality. Very often the when trouble shooting issues coaxial cable is the culprit.
We highly recommend that you never install coaxial straight from the wall directly into your HDTV television. This is your regular cable from the cable
company. You can get Coaxial Cable from places like Walmart, Circle K, BestBuy, Frys Electronics and just about everywhere.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Audio Interconnect: Audio Interconnect splits your signal into right and left channels. Used for audio portion of DVI, Component, Composite and
S-Video for integration and installation of audio into your Plasma TV and LCD TV.
What it looks like:
Estimated Pricing:
OwnHDTV.com: 3' to 50' - $6.95 to $49.95 based on size
Monster Cables: 3' to 6' - $199.95 to $279.95 based on size
Radio Shack: 3' to 16' - $9.95 to $99.95 based on size
HD Installers has created the following guide to help educate our customers on what cables they will need for their installation. In the list below go
over each component you want HD Installers to install for you and make sure you have the recommended cable.
Note: The required cable length is determined by you and how far you want to install the TV from the components like the cable box or DVD
Player. We recommend getting 3 feet or 1 meter longer than you think you will need as it is better to have a cable a little to long than not long
enough.
View our cable reference guide for specific suggestions and the most commons installations of Plasma or LCD Television.
Component: HD Digital Cable Box or HD Satellite Box installed to a HD plasma television or LCD HD TV.
Recommended Cable: HDMI
Note: If you're not sure it supports HDMI get component video cables with matching audio interconnects cables.
=====================================================================================================
Component: HD TIVO Box, Digital Cable Box (not HD) or Satellite Box (Not HD) installed to a HD plasma television or LCD HD TV
Recommended cable: Component with matching audio interconnect cables.
=====================================================================================================
Component: Blu-Ray Disc Player or HD DVD Player installed to a HD plasma television or LCD HD TV.
Recommended Cable: HDMI
Note: Most models only work with HDMI.
=====================================================================================================
Component: DVD Player installed to a HD plasma television or LCD HD TV.
Recommended Cable: HDMI
Most compatible cable: Component Video with matching Audio Interconnect Cables.
Note: If your DVD Player supports HDMI it's more than likely one that does up conversion to HD and will only up convert your signal if you use HDMI. If it
supports HDMI you will see the HDMI logo on the box. Most DVD Players do not have HDMI. If your DVD does not have HDMI use component video cables
as the signal is better quality than the other cables can support.
=====================================================================================================
Component: HD Audio Receiver with HDMI Support (will say it on the box) installed to a HD plasma television or LCD HD TV.
Recommended Cable: HDMI
=====================================================================================================
Component: TIVO, VCR, Receiver
Recommended Cable: Composite with Audio Interconnect Cables.
over each component you want HD Installers to install for you and make sure you have the recommended cable.
Note: The required cable length is determined by you and how far you want to install the TV from the components like the cable box or DVD
Player. We recommend getting 3 feet or 1 meter longer than you think you will need as it is better to have a cable a little to long than not long
enough.
View our cable reference guide for specific suggestions and the most commons installations of Plasma or LCD Television.
Component: HD Digital Cable Box or HD Satellite Box installed to a HD plasma television or LCD HD TV.
Recommended Cable: HDMI
Note: If you're not sure it supports HDMI get component video cables with matching audio interconnects cables.
=====================================================================================================
Component: HD TIVO Box, Digital Cable Box (not HD) or Satellite Box (Not HD) installed to a HD plasma television or LCD HD TV
Recommended cable: Component with matching audio interconnect cables.
=====================================================================================================
Component: Blu-Ray Disc Player or HD DVD Player installed to a HD plasma television or LCD HD TV.
Recommended Cable: HDMI
Note: Most models only work with HDMI.
=====================================================================================================
Component: DVD Player installed to a HD plasma television or LCD HD TV.
Recommended Cable: HDMI
Most compatible cable: Component Video with matching Audio Interconnect Cables.
Note: If your DVD Player supports HDMI it's more than likely one that does up conversion to HD and will only up convert your signal if you use HDMI. If it
supports HDMI you will see the HDMI logo on the box. Most DVD Players do not have HDMI. If your DVD does not have HDMI use component video cables
as the signal is better quality than the other cables can support.
=====================================================================================================
Component: HD Audio Receiver with HDMI Support (will say it on the box) installed to a HD plasma television or LCD HD TV.
Recommended Cable: HDMI
=====================================================================================================
Component: TIVO, VCR, Receiver
Recommended Cable: Composite with Audio Interconnect Cables.
| What the equipment uses for cables |
| HD Cable Box or Satellite |
| HD TIVO Box, Digital Cable Box or Satellite box that is not HD. |
| Blu-Ray or HD-DVD Player |
| Up-converting DVD Player or DVD Player |
| HD Audio Receiver with HDMI Support |
| TIVO, VCR, Receiver |