Cables and Next Generation gaming systems

[Spartacus]

Hey folks,

I'm looking to purchase some cables for my Xbox 360 and possibly a future PS3. What specifications in cables are good to look for in regards to HDMI and optical audio? It looks like I could buy two 6' optical audio cables off of Ebay for about $10USD after shipping, but considering they sell for $50 at a brick and mortar store for only one, I'm concerned they may deliver a noticeably less quality experience. The same is true with HDMI.

I'm not an audiophile, nor am I concerned with a philosophical (but non-noticeable) improvement in picture quality on my 1080i TV over component, so what are the things I should be looking for that will make a REAL WORLD difference to my gaming experience? Thanks!

[rtdgoldfish]

I just picked up a bunch of Monster Cables off of Amazon.com and got an amazing deal.

For the 360, I got Xbox 360 Component/Optical Audio Cable (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BTHXUK/105-5453071-1129269) for $45.95, it retails for $69.95.

For my cable box, I got DVI->HDMI 2M Cable (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0001OHH5G/105-5453071-1129269). This one was the best bargain, I paid $11.95 and it retails for $119.95 :eek: :eek: . There were similar deals on HDMI->HDMI cables but I don't have a PS3 (or anything else for that matter!) that uses this sort of cable.

I also picked up a couple of optical cables (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00006JPU5/105-5453071-1129269) for $11.95 each.

You can also check out www.monoprice.com (http://www.monoprice.com). I've never delt with them but I hear good things from a couple of friends.

Basically, my point here is if you shop around online, you can find some amazing deals. From my experience, brick and mortor stores charge an arm and a leg for these cables and its worth spending a few hours online looking for a deal.

[themanfromvlad]

Monprice.com. Don't buy anywhere else. Brick & Mortar stores are a ripoff when it comes to cables.

[Spartacus]

I'm aware that the Internet is a much more cost-efficient place to buy cables, but my question is more about specifications. Not every HDMI and optical audio cable is the same, so what specific things should I be looking for in the cable to know I'll receive a quality product?