We've heard this question so many times that we've taken for granted the answer, but given the recent increase in competition in the cable market, we figured we'd pass along Josiah's question on the matter:

"I'm not going to pay hundreds of dollars for those cables sold in Best Buy and Circuit City, but I want the best possible audio and video quality. I've got a pretty basic setup, and I just need a few HDMI cables, a set of component cables and a few optical audio cables. Where would I go to get the best for my money? Is there a particular brand I should look for? What has worked out for your readers?"

Unload your experiences with cables -- however expensive (or cheap) -- below, and be sure to elaborate on which brand / store / etc. you found to be the best for the price. Oh, and make no mention of Furutech, we're trying to keep the cost-per-cable under a grand.

Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.

Aw, TV One -- always there looking out for our switching / distributing needs. Today, we're being formally introduced to the 1T-DA-500 series of DVI-D distribution amplifiers, which consists of three professional units that "distribute two and four DVI-D signals from a single input." The 1T-DA-552 offers up a pair of DVI outputs, the 1T-DA-554 provides four DVI outputs and the 1T-DA-564 includes four DVI outputs in addition to four analog stereo and four S/PDIF coaxial audio outputs. The whole trio is compliant with HDMI 1.3 and HDCP, and Deep Color / lossless audio codecs are also supported. As for resolutions, you'll have no issues piping through 1,920 x 1,200 PC signals and HDTV resolutions up to 1080p, but it may be tough coughing up £165 ($328), £210 ($418) and £230 ($458) in order to take one home.

We have all ideas that these converters from TV One will likely be used by professionals exclusively, but if you've found yourself in a pickle that requires a digital-to-analog (or vice-versa) converter, here's your solution. The 1T-FC-524 converts analog RGBHV or Component YPbPr inputs to DVI signals, while the 1T-FC-425 converts DVI to RGBHV or Component YPbPr. Additionally, the output resolution is the same as the input, and TV resolutions from 480i up to 1080p are supported (along with PC resolutions up to 1,600 x 1,200). Both units are selling now for £119 ($235) apiece.

Move over HDMI, DVI and DisplayPort, here comes DIVA (Digital Interface for Audio and Video). Cooked up by the above group of Chinese manufacturers, they say this standard can improve on HDMI by enabling bi-directional data connections above and beyond HDMI-CEC protocols, creating easy DLNA connections between devices with a single cable. Forward channel video speeds of 13.6 Gbps provide plenty of room for 1080p and higher resolutions with Deep Color, plus the two-way connection at up to 2.25Gbps that can simultaneously handle multichannel audio, control or other data. With a working demo shown over a single 8 wire CAT6 cable, it's got specs that interest us, and with a growing AV market in China maybe these companies have enough pull to get wider support. Still, until someone produces a platinum cable measuring 3-feet long that costs $200 we won't be sure of its success.

It's a simple concept, but there's little doubt that the item shown above would prove mighty helpful in tight spaces. Impact Acoustics has rolled out a line of rotating AV adapters, most notably the HDMI and HDMI-to-DVI versions. As the title leads you to believe, these wee devices allow users to run their HDMI / DVI cables at any angle, enabling gear to be wired up in tighter corners without fear of damaging any of those precious cables. The adapters are available now in a number of flavors, all costing $12.99 apiece.

[Via Audioholics]

Just in case you were waiting for something a bit more sophisticated to drive that LCD4620, Crestron's DVPHD-PRO should make complex ads a whole lot more attractive. The self-proclaimed "advanced multi-window digital video processor and touchpanel interface" enables up to eight simultaneous video windows to be outputted onto a single HD display, as users can utilize four DVI inputs and four BNC arrangements (shown after the jump) to create an on-screen graphical montage. Moreover, the unit can handle both NTSC and PAL signals, is HDCP compliant, and boasts Crestron's 24-bit Isys graphics engine, which enables the creation of high-resolution images / backgrounds, dynamic text, and full-motion animations. Notably, the RS-232 and USB ports allow the box to be controlled via an external touchscreen monitor or whiteboard, and while pricing details aren't listed, we can't envision this bad boy coming without a serious premium.

IGS of Japan has released a hard drive-based media player that supports up to 1TB internal drives, and plays back various high-definition video and audio formats. Similar to the MediaGate line, the Rapsody N35 supports DivX and XviD, MPEG-1,2, and 4, and WMV HD at up to 1080 lines of resolution over DVI, component, or S-video outputs. The Rapsody also plays back OGG, MP3, and WMA audio over its digital coax and optical connectors. With the 10/100-speed Ethernet jack and included NDAS software, you can connect to remote computers on your network, and the local USB port allows for connecting devices directly. The N35 is available for 28,000 ¥, or $235 US.

Get ready for hot, hot convergence kids 'cause the DisplayPort 1.1 specification was just approved. The new VESA-approved digital interface standard is meant to replace DVI and VGA ports while co-existing with HDMI for HDTV connectivity. As you can see in the picture above, it's about the size of a USB connector yet offers 2x the performance of DVI in a much smaller package. They also bake in a nasty dollop of HDCP 1.3 content protection to keep the Blu-ray and HD DVD kiddies happy. The wee size allows the interface to be included in smaller handheld electronics while enabling direct-drive LCD panels thereby eliminating the need for non-panel LVDS electronics in the monitor designs. Of course it also supports pass-through of DVI and HDMI signals via simple adapters similar to DVI-to-HDMI variety on the market today. So which of our esteemed manufactures will bite first? We're not sure, but VESA isn't shy about using Dell's high-end XPS systems in their marketing collateral. Of course, the question they don't answer is, why not just move everything to HDMI? For that, you just have to look at who backs royalty-free DisplayPort (the PC industry) and who backs HDMI (the consumer electronics industry). Yeah, we know.

The world of scalers changes as fast as HD itself, as technology improves, the prices come down and new needs are met. Gefen's new HD Mate Scaler is just what many have asked for, but doesn't quite cover all the bases. The most obvious thing missing is HDMI, but Gefen has other products for that, the HD Mate is for component and DVI users. It features 2 component inputs, 1 DVI input and 1 DVI output, all switchable via an on-screen display and IR remote. The DVI out is HDCP compliant and 1080p, analog as well as toslink inputs are accepted and transcoded accordingly, as well as audio delay settings for those who can't stand when the lips don't match up. The great thing about any stand alone scalers is that they aren't held back by the same CSS limitations as built in scalers and can allowing you to watch your DVDs at 1080p and anything else you got to throw at it. This might be the perfect scaler for those Xbox 360 and PS3 owners with a 1080p TV.

[Via MacMinute]

While we've taught you how to craft your own component video switch (not to mention your own cables), there will (probably) come a time in your 1080p-needing life where that sole HDMI port on the rear of your television just won't cut it. Enter Radiient's HDMI Switch Select-4, a 4-port HDMI hub that doesn't deviate too far from the other alternatives already out there, but cuts out the audio ports altogether while adding in an RS-232 control port. Also, this device features a bevy of colorful LEDs, sure to enthrall some users who want to control things with the lights out while enraging others who like things pitch black when catching a flick. Nevertheless, the Select-4 supports HDCP, DVI (via adapters), and all your standard HD resolutions right up to 1080p. Notably, this sucker doesn't seem to support the recently-unveiled 1.3 spec, which means you'll miss out on some of the extra niceties on that shiny PlayStation 3. Still, Radiiant apparently feels its HDMI switcher is worth its weight in gold, as this bad boy will run you a whopping ¥69,300 ($592).

Update: These things have a $299 US asking price (at least as of right now). Thanks Jacobim.

[Via Akihabara News]

Although NEC would rather your CEO order a few of its new MULTEOS LCDs to impress those big shots coming in to seal the deal(s), these "business" displays wouldn't look half bad in any living room / home theater. These Series 2 displays both feature "full HD" (read: 1,920 x 1,080 resolution) panels, HDMI, DVI, "high efficiency" backlights, VESA mount compatibility, screen savers, automatic video input detection, 450 cd/m2 brightness, 18-millisecond response time (there's your "business" sign), and a 178-degree viewing angle. The 40-inch M40 boasts a 1200:1 contrast ratio, while the 46-inch M46 touts just 1000:1, and both units rock a sleek, sexy silver bezel to compliment the black expanse. While both screens should hit the Japanese market on January 31st, the "little" fellow will run you just ¥672,000 ($5,820), while the larger sibling will demand ¥924,000 ($8,002).

[Via Impress]

Gefen reserved a small, little booth at CEDIA and loaded it up with all their products. So much so it made it look like a Asian electronic market. Really there isn't anything new to report here, but if you need some type of DVI/HDMI switch/matrix/repeater/distributor/thingy-ma-bob, it is on this table - someplace.

Don't know how this slipped under our high-def radar but Gefen introduced a 8x1 DVI switch a few days back aimed for the truly HD obsessed. This monster can take eight different 1080p-enabled DVI connections and output 'em via a single DVI connection. Yeah, we know. DVI is so 2005 but don't forget that HDMI can work with DVI but you lose the audio stream. For some reason we don't envision this device on normal consumers media rack but rather a home distribution judging by the RS-232 port on the back. (top center) We are sure some HD nuts might just have enough DVI/HDMI equipped devices to fill this monster but at a whopping $899 we could see ourselves reaching behind of something to switch plugs to save a little cash.

Once again, Xbox Live's Major Nelson has hosted some high definition experts from Microsoft on his weekly podcast, this time three members of the team behind the upcoming HD DVD add-on for the console. Unfortunately, there wasn't much new or interesting information about the upgrade beyond what is already available. The Toshiba-manufactured drive connects via USB 2.0 and outputs video through the Xbox 360's AV connectors, it will support the various interactive menus and iHD features, including the ability to download additional content from the internet. No price still, although they did state it would be the cheapest HD DVD player available. Whether they were referring to its price by itself, combined with an Xbox 360 Core System (>$200), or a Premium System (>$100) remains to be seen. Much like the previous podcast with Amir M., they were noticeably bolstered by the positive reviews HD DVD has received in comparison to Blu-ray and are very confident about its viability.

Given an opportunity to comment on any potential issues due to not having HDMI or DVI outputs they totally ignored potential problems with ICT and only chose to comment on the issue as pertaining to video quality. While we can certainly appreciate analog HDTV connectors as much as anyone and the budget Playstation 3 shares the same restrictions, we'd like to hear more on how this player won't be rendered useless by copyright protection before we buy.

If you're in the market for a new desktop display and future-proofing is a must, look no further. With HDCP-compatible DVI input this 22-inch widescreen should play your digital-output only flagged discs of the future at its maximum resolution of 1680x1050 with a 5ms refresh time. No word on price, possibility of a US release or contrast ratio of the CX223BW but we figure why do things halfway? Grab a Westinghouse LVM-47w1 47-inch LCD, sit a couple feet back and really get down to business.

[Via Engadget]