i just got my s97s a few days ago from jr.com and have been fooling around with since. i, like many others on this forum, are not convinced of the effectness of hdmi cables. the issue of "better cables" have debated more then once with little resolve. i do use the hdmi cable with my newly purchased s97s(included), but i rather put my faith in the faroudja chip. the "monster" band has been call the biggest rip-off by many. if you should decide to try it, keep the receipt so you can return it.