There isn’t enough information to diagnose the problem, but the problem is not likely to be the HDMI cable. About a dozen things could cause the sound to drop out, including any obstructions between your satellite dish and the satellite. Check your signal strength on the satellite box and make sure that you do not have any trees or power lines obstructing the signal. Make sure that all of your connections are tight.

If you do not know how to check the signal strength, then read the manual for the Dish Network box or call Dish Network.

This is a situation where the $9.95 power strips that claim to have surge protection built-in do not do very much to protect your system. It is worthwhile to invest in a good surge protector.

We just bought a Sony XBR9 and the sales person recommended a Monster HDMI cable and surge protector (MC 1000HD-2M, MPHDP900)… from earlier posts I gather the Monster HDMI cable is overpriced (RadioShack equivalent will do).

What about the surge protector… is it necessary?
Are there other options to protect the TV from surges?

Thanks in advance for your advice and have a good 4th,

– Brian

According to the definition on the HDMI.org site, a repeater is, “A device that both receives and sends HDMI signals, such as an AV receiver. A/V receivers are considered HDMI repeaters.” You can only run HDMI cable runs up to 10 meters without using a repeater. A Repeater is just a signal amplifier. Longer cables have repeaters built in that are powered by the HDMI cable.

A switch is a multi-port repeater that allows you to connect multiple HDMI devices to your HDTV. Here is an example of an HDMI switch on Amazon. Take a look and the difference should be obvious.

The HDMI specifications require that every electronic device that the signal passes though include a repeater to assure peak signal strength.

You probably will not see a difference unless it was a high definition game. It would be a good idea to use an HDMI cable if you use your PS3 to play Blu-ray movies with an HDTV.

I don’t use a PlayStation 3, so perhaps someone who has tried this can add more to the response.

if i connect hdmi cable to ps3 is there any differant on the game picture?

thank you

An HDMI cable will not improve the quality because you are likely receiving only standard definition signals. You will have to subscribe to a digital service or the cable company’s HD service in order to improve the quality.

I just bought a 46″ Sony LCD TV and was wondering….do I need an HDMI cable as I am “borrowing” cable? That is to say, the company never turned it off when the prior tenant moved out? Also, since I don’t have a box, will I have to suffer poorer picture and sound quality on my new tv? I hate to have a new tv and not be able to maximize it’s potential!