90 Deg. HDMI Conectors are not created equal!

[R2D4]

So if you are like me, you have an HDTV with HDMI connections. For one reason or another you might need to use the HDMI connector on the side. I do. I have an Onkyo TX-NR801 and it's a great receiver but no HDMI switching or inputs, frankly speaking I don't want to upgrade it now either because the Harmony Remote I have does a fine job automating the task of switching inputs.

Anyway, I have 3 inputs on my Panasonic Plasma TV. 1 is on the side and I don't particularly want the cable showing. I know it's silly but it bugs me. So I bought the Monster adapter shown in the pics. It's backwards on my Panasonic! Can you believe that? Maybe my Panasonic is the odd ball but I still wanted a 90 Deg. connector. I was just about to buy a whole cable, but then I found a connector with the proper orientation.

So the Monster connector does me, little to, no good. Before you buy one of these make sure to check the port with regard to orientation. If the Monster connector fit's your TV, send me a PM and a 10 spot and it's yours.

 

[CBR]

Thats crazy... I just checked all three of my HDMI capable tv's and none of them would use the Monster Cable adapter. And Im sure you paid a few dollars for it just because it says Monster Cable on it. I have a 10 foot HDMI cable from Monster Cable that I think cost be almost $200 last year. It was CRAZY expensive. And then I found a company locally that had them for $49.

 

[R2D4]

Exactly, T. I found that CableWholesale has the best quality for a ridiculous price on the cables. I would have been better off ordering a 90 deg. cable or connector from them, but they didn't have one. I am surprised that Monster even made these the wrong way. (Opposite the Pioneer-Panasonic way that is.)

 

[I am Sam]

Because there are no IEEE standards when it comes to making these types of HDMI connector so you may going to see some odd variations.

 

[R2D4]

That is true Sam. I have never seen a designation for right and left 90Degree connectors from Monster or anyone. Monster puts this out on the shelf at Best Buy. I would venture it won't fit most TV's. Millions of TV's! There better be some variations. lol

I found mine here. http://www.buyextras.com/bxthdmafe90d.html Just about every retailer had the wrong connector.

 

[russtang]

I would venture a guess that it's made primarily for people with wall mounted plasmas/LCDs. People who want to plug cables in the back, but have no space behind the TV. In that case (at least with my TV), the cables would be oriented down with the Monster adapter installed.

And as a side note, just for everybody's info (coming from a Signal Integrity E.E.), there is zero benefit (signal-wise) to spending more money than necessary on a digital cable (HDMI, Toslink optical, USB, etc.). The more expensive ones will usually have better shielding/connectors, but unless you have a very electrically noisy environment, you won't see any benefit. It either works, or it doesn't.

 

[fakemaster]

The one thing I wish they did make is a true universal remote. One that totally eliminates the need for anything else.

 

[R2D4]

Fakie, that's a Harmony. Any Harmony will do. I will even program it for you. This stuff I know! I have programed anything from X10 to Neilson Ratings remotes to work with the Harmony. Discrete inputs, Macros and much much more.

I would venture a guess that it's made primarily for people with wall mounted plasmas/LCDs. People who want to plug cables in the back, but have no space behind the TV. In that case (at least with my TV), the cables would be oriented down with the Monster adapter installed.

And as a side note, just for everybody's info (coming from a Signal Integrity E.E.), there is zero benefit (signal-wise) to spending more money than necessary on a digital cable (HDMI, Toslink optical, USB, etc.). The more expensive ones will usually have better shielding/connectors, but unless you have a very electrically noisy environment, you won't see any benefit. It either works, or it doesn't.

Russ, I have a wall mount and need that 3rd port. So if I use a straight out cable, it looks like crap. The connector tucks it back in real nice!

Thanks for the input on the cables, that's what I thought. This company is great to deal with. http://www.cablewholesale.com/shop/hdmi-and-dvi-cables.htm I will add I have never had a bad cable from them. I purchased about $400.00 of cables from them in 2008.

 

[fakemaster]

I know there are ones that will control the basics. Start stop FF. But I still have to go back to the original to do scheduling or what not.

 

[Fauxlex]

I'm not getting paid to say this, but I've always had good luck with MyCableMart.

 

[R2D4]

Fakie, I can get that to work for you by either adding a custom button, reprogramming another hard key or creating another activity. Give me something hard to do. lol

 

[russtang]

Fakie, that's a Harmony. Any Harmony will do. I will even program it for you. This stuff I know! I have programed anything from X10 to Neilson Ratings remotes to work with the Harmony. Discrete inputs, Macros and much much more.

+1 on the Harmony. I've got an older 670 model, but it still replaces all my remotes. The custom buttons are a godsend over standard "universal" remotes.

Russ, I have a wall mount and need that 3rd port. So if I use a straight out cable, it looks like crap. The connector tucks it back in real nice!

Cool, glad you could find something that worked and get it lookin good. You gotta love standards. Everyone's got one!

Thanks for the input on the cables, that's what I thought. This company is great to deal with. http://www.cablewholesale.com/shop/hdmi-and-dvi-cables.htm I will add I have never had a bad cable from them. I purchased about $400.00 of cables from them in 2008.

No prob. The more we save on digital cables, the more we can spend on reps! Haha. $400 in cables? That's a lot of wires! :err:

 

[avenger007]

+100 on the Harmony. I've used one for two years now, and they work GREAT! Pain in the butt to configure up front sometimes, but they have EVERY component you could possibly acquire in their database. Plus it saves the config online if you ever need to change or restore it. Highly recommend it.

 

[phillycheez]

Just a word of advice for anybody who hasnt bought their HDMI cables yet...

Cnet currently rocks a pair of $10 hdmi cables because there is NO difference between a $10 pair or a $200 pair. Its a digital signal... meaning gold plated makes no difference either.

Monoprice.com is your friend. you can only find $1 to $15 hdmi cables online. dont buy into that crap... being rated for 1080p also makes no difference. advice so you can save your money on a watch.

 

[R2D4]

Good to hear 007 and Russ on the Harmony's. I offered to set up Fakie's new Harmony for free on my dealer account. All he would need to do is buy one, hook it up to his pc, log in, download the desktop software/profile and test. Oh wait that does sound like a lot of work. Oh well maybe just use about 4 or 5 remotes, that takes less time. I am a smartarse, sorry, I had to do it.

@ Fakie, if you need one, seriously, I can help but they can be easy to set up on your own and it is quite liberating.

 

[russtang]

I offered to set up Fakie's new Harmony for free on my dealer account. All he would need to do is buy one, hook it up to his pc, log in, download the desktop software/profile and test.

Can't beat that deal!

 

[R2D4]

Can't beat that deal!

I am going to eventually upgrade my 688 (Black) to the HarmonyOne next year. The numbers are worn on mine. lol I have also owned the 628, 670, 676, 680 and the 880. I also currently own the Harmon Kardon TC-30 which is Harmony based. Should I tell you about the Pronto's and other remotes I have tried? My family thinks I have a problem, I wonder why?