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General discussion

SAMSUNG 52" 1080p LCD HDTV LN52A550

Feb 4, 2009 10:24AM PST

What cables are required when purchasing this TV? Is there anything else that needs to be purchased for setup that does not come with the TV?

Discussion is locked

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What are you connecting to it?
Feb 4, 2009 12:06PM PST

The cables you need depend on what you plan to connect to the TV.

The TV comes with a power cable, and that's about it. Depending on the devices you're hooking up, you'll need some of the following:
HDMI cable
Component cable
S-video/audio cable
Coaxial cable
Antenna?

Generally, you'll already have most of the cables you'll need if you're replacing a TV. Your other devices may also come with a cable that you can use; for example, most HD cable boxes will come with either a component or HDMI cable when they're installed.

If you post what devices you want to connect (make/model would be best), you can get more specific advice.

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Samsung tv
Feb 5, 2009 8:06AM PST

Thank you for your response. It was very helpful.

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Cables....
Feb 5, 2009 10:01AM PST

Just a quick jump in...

From best to worst cables...

HDMI
Component (red blue green)
PC (For PC inputs)
S-Video
composite (yellow, red and white audio)

With a new HDTV, you'll want to have your peripherals with the best cable possible as well as outputting the highest resolution (such as cable box, satellite box, or DVD player).

--HDTech

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Cables
Feb 5, 2009 11:00AM PST

Can you advise on which brands are the better cables to use for the new HDTV?

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Unofficially.....
Feb 5, 2009 4:16PM PST

Well, here's how I'll answer that since I try to refrain from brand recommendations and websites. (Forum members are encouraged to jump in with their opinions as well).

For the price savvy, I've heard of really inexpensive HDMI cables available at Monoprice.com. I can't speak for their products, services, or customer service, but some forum members can.

Monster is probably the biggest brand name out there. To their credit, I believe they have a lifetime warranty on their cables. So if it splits internally or the dog chews it, or the kids play jumprope with it, I believe the policy is that you get a new one. Again, can't speak for that officially, just my personal experience.

Some of the reported marketing that has come up in the forums is 120Hz cables. It's a little misleading, since there is no 120Hz signal being passed from any source. There is 1080p, yes, but not 120Hz. It's all 60Hz, and the television will upconvert 60Hz to 120Hz after it passes through the cable. So save some money and avoid the "120Hz cables". At this time, it's my opinion that it's an unnecessary upgrade.

Most cables will work. HDMI will either pass data, pass it intermittently, or it won't. Some users swear that it doesn't matter which cable you get, some swear that some issue (blinking, flashes, game play, drop outs, etc) disappear when they buy a more expensive cable.

So if I'm a budget-minded consumer, I'd start inexpensive, and work up if necessary. Hey, we're all trying to save a few dollars, right?

Forum members - what do you have, what do you like, what works and what doesn't?

--HDTech