Mac Mini as HTPC: What HDMI Cable to Buy?

[legaleye3000]

I got the mini-displayport+USB(sound) to HDMI adapter. I just need a HDMI cable to plug into the adapter now...

What is a cheap good HDMI cable? What kind should I get? 1.3 or 1.4? Does it matter?

Thanks!

 

[flopticalcube]

Doesn't matter. Buy one from monoprice for a few $.

 

[legaleye3000]

Which one though? There's a bunch of them... Type A, Type B. Category 1 or 2. 1.3a, 1.3b, 1.3c, 1.4 ..... ?

 

[flopticalcube]

1.3a (1.3b is stricter manufacturing tolerances). Only 1.3 can do the advanced audio codecs like TrueHD (can the USB sound device pass that?).

Type A (Type B is not in use yet). Type C and D are mini-sized connectors.

Any male-to-male cable here: http://www.monoprice.com/products/subdepartment.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10240

 

[legaleye3000]

On the packaging for the adapter I just bought from Monoprice, I just saw it... It says, "Supports Mini Displayport 1.1a input, USB 2.0 input and HDMI 1.2a output"

Do I have to get a 1.2a cable, or will a 1.3 work fine? Should I return the adapter if it says it only supports up to 1.2a?

Thank you!

 

[flopticalcube]

On the packaging for the adapter I just bought from Monoprice, I just saw it... It says, "Supports Mini Displayport 1.1a input, USB 2.0 input and HDMI 1.2a output"

Do I have to get a 1.2a cable, or will a 1.3 work fine? Should I return the adapter if it says it only supports up to 1.2a?

Thank you!

The cables are backwards compatible. You won't get deep color or TrueHD/DTS-MA audio but I'm not sure if the mini could output those anyway.

 

[legaleye3000]

I have non-HD cable. So whether or not it supports TrueHD/DTS-MA audio doesn't matter, right?

Also, how do I find out if the Mini supports TrueHD/DTS-MA audio?

Thanks

 

[flopticalcube]

I have non-HD cable. So whether or not it supports TrueHD/DTS-MA audio doesn't matter, right?

Also, how do I find out if the Mini supports TrueHD/DTS-MA audio?

Thanks

If you are only interested in cable, even HD cable, then TrueHD/DTS-MA are a non-issue anyhow. They are only available on Blu-Ray disc or in HD rips of said disks.

 

[legaleye3000]

Last question I promise... Will this work for me? Going from that adapter to my tv?

http://www.monoprice.com/products/p...=10240&cs_id=1024012&p_id=4157&seq=1&format=2

 

[fa8362]

I have non-HD cable. So whether or not it supports TrueHD/DTS-MA audio doesn't matter, right?

Also, how do I find out if the Mini supports TrueHD/DTS-MA audio?

Thanks

Those are blu-ray audio formats, so there is no support.

 

[flopticalcube]

Last question I promise... Will this work for me? Going from that adapter to my tv?

http://www.monoprice.com/products/p...=10240&cs_id=1024012&p_id=4157&seq=1&format=2

Yes but are you sure you only need 3 ft? Its good to keep cables as short as possible but allow room for a little flexing and bending too.

 

[legaleye3000]

Good point... I'll get the same one in 6 ft.. Thanks!

 

[legaleye3000]

http://www.monoprice.com/products/p...=10240&cs_id=1024012&p_id=4158&seq=1&format=2

or this: http://www.monoprice.com/products/p...=10240&cs_id=1024008&p_id=3992&seq=1&format=2

 

[flopticalcube]

Personally, I would go for the thicker cable (24awg). But either should be fine.