How to pick a cable for HDTV

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By MidniteWriter
User-Submitted Article

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Don't let these cables fool you, it is tough navigate LCD cables!

Choosing the right cable for your particular HDTV can be a bit of a chore. You may think the colored cables that are included with your TV are sufficient, however, that may not be the case at all. Depending upon your needs and how the volume level of the TV when the devices are all connected, you may wish to seek other options for cables.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

HDMI cable
HDTV
Internet Access

Step 1

Connect the blue, red, green, white and yellow cables from the cable box or DVD player to your HDTV in the appropriate colored input/output jacks. Check for sound.
Step 2

Turn the volume up on your HDTV and note the level and quality of the sound. If you need to turn it up halfway or more, you may need a different type of cable.
Step 3

Note which types of inputs your TV, cable box, and DVD player will accept. This will affect your decision of which cable to use.
Step 4

Go online to discover the different types of cables and where you can purchase them. eBay and computer software outlets or department stores typically have the best prices on cables.
Step 5

Purchase an HDMI cable if your cable or satellite box will allow it and connect it to your HDTV. Turn up the volume on the TV and note if the level surpasses that of the cables that were included originally. If this makes a significant difference in volume and quality, keep the HDMI cable attached. If you are happy with this, you can skip the last step and your HDTV cable search is complete.
Step 6

Try a gold-plated heavy duty cable that is similar to Xbox and connect into the appropriate colors. These cables can be quite an investment, but can produce even clearer sound. Use this as a last resort or if you are an absolute audio buff.