CNET Community Hot Topics weekly newsletter
January 17, 2006
Dear CNET members,
Back in the days when home theaters were my fancy, I would spend an exorbitant amount of money for high-end audio and video cables from Monster and other specialized manufacturers. Now that I have a family and more financial responsibilities, I don't always have the luxury of premium cables or up-to-date systems. But when the time comes to upgrade my home theater with a plasma TV and a 7.1 surround system, I'll be tempted to splurge on premium cables. Not only do I find them aesthetically pleasing, but I believe they're required for the highest-quality sight and sound. But enough about what I think--what's your take on premium cables? Some say they make all the difference, and some say they don't at all. Maybe we should submit this question to the guys on the Discovery Channel's "MythBusters," but I'd much rather hear the facts and opinions from you. So are those expensive name-brand cables worth the extra cash, or should you go with the cheaper generic brand? The bullhorn is in your hands, so TalkBack to let us know what you think!

Cheers!
Lee Koo
Manager, CNET community


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This week's hot topic:
Are premium cables a rip-off or required?
Do you think high-end audio and video cables are worth the expense or just another way to waste your money? That's the question we put forth in our Screening Room discussion, and several of you had some great opinions to share.

Know what you're paying for
As a self-described audiophile, CNET member baldwinl shares a lot of technical know-how in his post. The bottom line? Buying quality cables is always important, but paying extra for a particular brand is simply a waste of money.
Read baldwinl's post in The Screening Room

Keep your distance
CNET member tlein believes that the amount of cable required should dictate what kind you get. If your cables need to be 10 feet or longer, go for the good stuff.
Read tlein's post in The Screening Room

Always go with the best
As a DJ, CNET member batavier always invests in high-end equipment. He swears by Monster cables, as they've delivered a noticeable improvement in his speaker's sound.
Read batavier's post in The Screening Room

Speak Up!
Are the expensive name-brand cables that promise better video quality worth the extra cash, or should you just go with the cheaper generic brand? Read the latest Screening Room discussion and tell us what you think.
CNET home audio and video resources:
TV buying guide
  From CNET Reviews

HDTV World
  From CNET.com

Home theater in a box
  From CNET Reviews

Home audio & video forum
  From CNET forums

Quick Hits
Here are some interesting comments you've recently submitted on CNET. Read up and talk about it.

Robert Vamosi's Security Watch
Will Windows Vista kill viruses dead?
Several new security apps will be built into the Windows Vista operating system, but will it provide enough protection? Will the new operating system be a threat to McAfee, Symantec, and Trend Micro? Why or why not?
Kent German's On Call
Cellular carrier contracts
Cell phone carriers can be such bullies. They'll try to strong-arm you into a long-term contract, but you don't have to stand for it. Check out Kent German's latest article and share your carrier-contract horror stories.
Internet socket rocket
Telkonet's iBridge service uses power lines to provide broadband through hotels and apartment buildings. One plug for power and data? What strange madness is this? Let us know your take on the new power-line revolution.


 
Weigh in on this week's hot topic:
My main TV set at home is:
(Please click on button to vote)

 Direct view (please tell us the brand)
 DLP (please tell us the brand)
 HD-ILA (please tell us the brand)
 LCD (please tell us the brand)
 LCD projection (please tell us the brand)
 LCoS (please tell us the brand)
 Overhead projector (please tell us the brand)
 Plasma (please tell us the brand)
 Rear-projection (please tell us the brand)
 Other (please tell us the brand)
Last week's poll results 
What will be the most talked-about consumer electronics products of 2006?
What's next?
Want to sound off on a future hot topic? Dive into some of our community hotspots. Or if you have a special topic in mind, e-mail us.
Macworld 2006
Put DVDs on your iPod
Prepare your TV for
   the Super Bowl

Secret Yahoo hacks
Detroit Auto Show
Create a wiki for
   your business

Hot Products
Along with the debate over premium cables, CNET members have had plenty of new tech products to talk about.

Nokia N90
CNET member lutetia says:
"I love Nokia. I've always had Nokia phones and I'm really disappointed that the N90 didn't live up to my expectations..." (read more)
See all user opinions | Compare prices

HP Color LaserJet 2840
CNET member mschiff1000 says:
"I was very hesitant to buy this printer after reading all of the negative reviews, but few people take the time to write about a product they are happy with. The output is great, especially when you use good paper for printing color photos..." (read more)
Read all user opinions | Compare prices

Canon PowerShot A620
ZDNet member tolsten82 says:
"This is a great camera. All the pictures I have taken are sharp and have bright colors day or night. I love it..." (read more)
Read all user opinions | Compare prices

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