Do i really need HDMI 1.4 ?

[Rosso Rebel]

Ok, so I have a lovely new Panasonic 50vt20 and a 3d Blu Ray player, the nice man insisted i bought a 1.4 hdmi lead but as they did not have one long enough for me I did not, I have connected it up with my existing QED lead that is over 5 years old but was expensive at the time and all looks well, went to another shop tonight looking to get a new wall bracket and again they mentioned the need for a 1.4 hdmi and that i would notice the difference.

So is there any truth in it, and if so where is the best place to get one without the need for finance !

I thought that being a digital signal it would either work or not work and nothing in between but i am not a expert and willing to listen

Edited by Rosso Rebel on Wednesday 1st September 06:55

[OldSkoolRS]

As you have the TV, player and lead, I'd try them out as you've nothing to lose. You might be lucky as I was with an older 1080p rated lead that I recently tested with a 'deep colour' signal that it wasn't 'rated' for. Being a QED lead it might be better made than some which may help in terms of interferance and drop outs, etc. I'm not one to subscribe to buying expensive cables myself, but as you already have one it may have done you a favour in the long term.

[E31Shrew]

I understand that 1.4 has a reverse audio feed. All our 3d tellies in store on demo are set up with 1.3 leads and work fine. Perhaps another scam to ease more cash from punters. Plotters?

[Plotloss]

So called 'High Speed' HDMI 1.3 will support 3D @ 1080i

1.4 brings audio return and the ethernet feature.

1.4a is the latest standard which builds on 1.4 by extending 3D support.

In summary it is probably worth going to a 1.4 cable but it isn't mandatory.

[Bullett]

I was reading about this last night.

I believe that there is some form of 3D set up communication protocol in 1.4 that allows the player and tv to configure optimum settings but this is not required but may mean that you have to tweak things slightly.

Also interesting was the fact that although 1.4 is promoted as required 1.3 is all the PS3 has hardware to support and that will allow bd 3D when the firmware is upgraded this month.

The main issue appears to be with AV receivers. Most (all?) currently available won't pass through 3D video so you need dual outputs on your bd player, video to the TV, and Audio to the Amp. If you have no amp then it's a moot point though.

[davepoth]

I bought my HDMI lead from Lidl for £3.99. HTH.