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November 20, 2012

CNET Community
Don't pay for those ridiculously overpriced HDMI cables

Dear CNET members,

With the holiday season in full swing, I'll bet many of you are just running around town shopping for bargains. But before you pick up that tech gear for yourself or that special someone, if you haven't already, be sure to download the CNET iOS or Android app and take CNET with you. The handy app gives you free shopping advice and unbiased reviews from CNET's tech experts. Download the CNET mobile app here.

Now speaking of shopping, I know many of you this year will be giving or receiving tech gadgets that will require HDMI cables. And when you're shopping for those HDMI cables, be warned that there is a full range of prices on them. For example, a 6-foot HDMI cable can cost you anywhere from $3 to more than $100! Why the big difference in price? Check out Geoffrey Morrison's blog HDMI cable buying guide. He offers the inside scoop on where to find the best deals on these cables, and explains why there isn't a performance difference between inexpensive HDMI cables and the ridiculously overpriced ones.

I know some of you are shaking your heads and have doubts about cheap versus expensive HDMI cables. Low cost usually means low quality, right? If you agree or disagree, or have some tips about where to find good deals on cables, please share your thoughts. Thanks, and have a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving!
Lee Koo

Lee Koo
Community manager

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From our community
  Here's what some of your fellow members had to say about this week's topic:
HDMI cable buying guide
  "I used to work for a computer retail store about 15 years ago and I could tell you that the money for retailers are made on cables. Cables have an enormous markup rate. Some companies make better cables than others as far as quality and durability but there's really no need to go out and buy the uber-edition of any cable..."   Read more    
Posted by BlutoNYC
    "It kind of angers me when I see the $50 cables in brick-and-mortar stores when the same length cable is around $10 online. No wonder the brick-and-mortar stores can't compete nowadays."   Read more  
Posted by jc364
  "I got HDMI cables at my local Dollar Store and they work fine. Here's my buying guide: By the cheapest ones you can find. They all do the same thing."  Read more    
Posted by andrew7783
  Read all members' responses

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