HDMI cables.
Just bought a new Panasonic 3D BD player - if my current HDMI cables work, i.e., they transmit a 3D image on my 3D tv, can I safely assume that upgrading to the the High Speed cable (1.4 spec) is unnecessary? I guess what I'm trying to ask is, will a slower standard speed cable transmit a lower resolution than 1080P 3D if it isn't up to spec or would a cable of this type just not transmit any sort of picture at al?
But will an inferior cable give a reduced resolution or will it not work at all?
Cables cannot downscale or upscale images. So if it works, the picture will show. The resolution will not change. Why don't you try it yourself & let us know?
My old QED HDMI-P cables pass 3D picture and HD audio fine, from my player to AVR, I even have a 5m length buried in the wall which passes the 3D signal fine to the TV. It's worth giving it a try IMO.
I guess what you're asking is if the components will auto-negotiate a lower resolution if the cable between them can't carry the highest one. I don't have the answer to that, but it seems logical that the answer would be yes. It should be fairly easy to verify though: if your TV says it's receiving 1080p signals, then it is.
Regarding "1.4 spec" HDMI cables: they don't exist. There are only two types, standard and high-speed, both have been around for longer than the 1.4 standard. Standard cables carry only up to 1080i, you need high-speed for anything fancier (1080p, 3d, deep color). The only odd feature out is the ethernet channel, for which you do need a special cable, called "HDMI cable with ethernet".
Regarding "1.4 spec" HDMI cables: they don't exist. ".
Tremon, does this mean that my existing high speed cable (non v1.4) will pass the ARC - audio return channel between my TV and a receiver?
Some will say they either work or they don't, since it is a digital signal. Others will say that better cables will give better resolution.
For me, I think it is quite plausible that your older cables are up to the job. If they pre-date the 1.4 standard they will obviously not carry the new logo, but they might still pass if tested. Maybe you can borrow some newer cables from your dealer to assess at home.
Hi-Fi: Krell KAV-300cd, Michell TecnoDec/RB250/Grado Prestige Black1, KAV-300i amp, Transparent balanced interconnects and bi-wire to Sonus faber Concerto grand piano speakers, Nakamichi ZX-7 cassette deck, Logitech Squeezebox Touch, Hitachi FT-5500 and Sony S570ES tuners, BCD Engineering stand, RA Powerlink, Chord powerchord, Grado SR60i cans.
AV: Sony Bravia KDL-32EX503 telly, BDP-S370 player with QED HDMI. Currently unused: Denon AVR-1705, DVD-1710, KEF KHT1005.2