The latest come-on from a new line of HDMI cables prompts this reminder not to waste money on overpriced options backed by techno-mumbo-jumbo. Consider these touted features of Radio Shack’s new Auvio HDMI cables (pictured right), as listed in a press release:

* “24k gold-plated hybrid HDMI connectors for a secure, high-speed connection”
* “Triple shielding to prevent outside electrical interference and ensure a strong signal”
* “Optiflex™ cover, low-loss conductor and dual twisted-pair construction for durability”
* “Deep color and xvYCC support for a great picture”
* “Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio support for great sound”
* “RoHS and Prop. 65 compliance for environmental friendliness”
* “Limited lifetime warranty for peace of mind”

The release goes on to say the cables are being offered at a “superior value.” That price: $35 for a 3-foot cable to $80 for a 12-foot cable. What? Such pricing makes it hard to believe the claim that Auvio researchers created the cables after they “found that consumers paid more than they should for features that simply are unnecessary or excessive given their needs.” Uh, that would include Auvio cables now, too. They might be cheaper than Monster HDMI cables — the whole reason they were created, to have a “lower-priced” option when showing Monster cables to customers at Radio Shack – but they are still way overpriced. And the “features” of an HDMI cable are fairly limited. It either is or isn’t an HDMI cable; build quality is probably the biggest concern.

To put it in perspective, Monoprice’s premium HDMI cables (pictured above) have virtually the same “features” as Auvio, including gold-plated connectors and a hefty build, yet sell for less than $5 for a 12-foot length.  If you can prove to me that the sound and video of a home theater is any better — or even different — as a result of the Auvio cable vs. the Monoprice equivalent, I have an MP3 Challenge you should be able to ace.

(Which reminds me:)

TAKE THE TECHNOBABBLE MP3 CHALLENGE!
Can you tell the difference between MP3s and the original CD?

Following last week’s news of an $800 portable Blu-ray player, Best Buy is now selling a set-top model for only $119. Sound Advice columnist Don Lindich uncovered this great deal, the result of the retailer clearance-pricing an older model to make way for a new one. The sale model is the Insignia NS-2BRDVD, from Best Buy’s house brand. Don has the details about its features on his blog, so be sure to check it out, but the upshot is that it’s a good basic player with a Profile 1.1 setup at a killer price.

As Don points out, the NS-2BRDVD is still listed at its $200 MSRP on the Best Buy website, but actual stores are selling it for as low as $119. I called my local Best Buy (Maple Grove), and it had six of the players in stock at the $119 price. So be sure to call ahead. Also note Don’s reminder that the player doesn’t come with an HDMI cable, so bop on over to Monoprice to order one for about $6 shipped rather than paying $30 and up at Best Buy. 

TAKE THE MP3 CHALLENGE!
Can you tell the difference between MP3s and the original CD?

Are downloads the future of high-def movie-watching? Maybe, but they have a long way to go. High-Def Digest has a great review of VUDU, one of the systems vying to make in-roads in this area.

On the downside, VUDU ($149) uses compressed video files, takes about two hours to download an HD movie and costs $5.99 per title to watch. High-Def Digest’s conclusion is that the system isn’t great for people who want to buy and keep movies, but is a decent option for the rental crowd, if slow in delivery. I think it’s too expensive for rentals. The PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 also offer high-def movie downloads for $4.50-$5 per title.

Actually, for high-def downloads, I like what I have with DirecTV. I can record and keep (hard-drive space allowing) any movies that come on the various movie channels, and dozens of other “rental” films are available via pay-per-view or download. I also have all of my TV programming available via DirecTV, or, with the video-game systems, a device that will play games and (with the PS3) play Blu-rays. I like those multipurpose devices. I’m not sure I see the point in having a box like VUDU that’s dedicated solely to movie downloads.

If you’re befuddled by some aspect of setting up a home theater, two new sources have become available to help.

The first is Joshua Zyber’s new HD Advisor column at High-Def Digest. Once a week, he answers reader questions about Blu-ray, high-def and home theater in general. His advice is straight-forward and easy to understand, and readers can jump over to the site’s forum for further discussion.

The second is from Don Lindich, whose syndicated AV column runs in the Star Tribune. He has just posted a detailed guide, with step-by-step photos, on how to set up a home-theater surround system. It’s one of many helpful guides on his Sound Advice website. If you don’t understand something, you can always send him a question, and he might even answer it in his column.

One thing mentioned at both websites that’s worth repeating: Don’t waste your money on overpriced cables. Monoprice is your friend. You’ll be amazed at the low prices it charges for all kinds of cables and adapters needed for your setup. The quality of its products is excellent, shipping charges are reasonable and service is prompt. What more could you want?

Wal-Mart’s posting today of its Black Friday sale is a clear sign that deals await people looking for electronics on the day after Thanksgiving, 5 to 11 a.m. They also are available online. Some samples:

* Xbox 360 Arcade bundle, plus Guitar Hero III and wireless guitar - $199
* Magnavox Blu-ray player (not BD-Live capable) - $128
* Blu-ray movies (selection includes Transformers, Iron Man, Kung Fu Panda and Indy IV) - $15 each
* Samsung 50-inch plasma TV - $798
* Madden 09 and other EA Sports games - $30 each

Scope out Wal-Mart’s and other retailers’ Black Friday deals at Dealnews and Black Friday 2008.

Times are tough for everyone these days, including consumer-electronics companies. That’s why there’s a honey of a deal on some highly acclaimed home-theater speakers from the Speaker Company — a tip passed on by Technobabble pal and AV columnist Don Lindich.

Although Don has written about the Speaker Company a few times, you might not be familiar with the name. But you’ve surely heard of Marantz, Denon and Boston Acoustics, the well-known backers of this cooperative venture. The company is having what it calls a Pre-Holiday Overstock Sale, offering 20 to 50 percent off its inventory. That includes its new five-speaker home-theater package, the TSAT-2000 High-Performance Satellite Speaker System (in white or black), which usually sells for $450.

Don describes the speakers: “The finish is extraordinary, with hand-rubbed lacquer finish and a heft and parts quality that belie the price. I told the general manager of the company that it is an extraordinary buy for $450. They are even better made and better sounding than the $1200 Definitive Tech system I tested recently. I don’t know how they do it and make money.”

Well, now the Speaker Company will make even less, because the five-speaker system is on sale for $250 — including shipping and a 30-day trial with free return shipping. That’s “one of the most over-the-top promotions I have ever seen,” Don says. “This would make a lot of people on tight budgets very happy home-theater owners.”

All you need is to add a good surround-sound receiver (try Club Onkyo to get better deals at Onkyo’s online store, $150 to $300) and a powered subwoofer (Parts Express’ budget line for $150 and less) to create one nicely priced setup. Check out Don’s blog for more info about the Speaker Company sale and advice on other deals and home-theater products. 

UPDATE: Don followed up to say: “The Speaker Company has subs too, for $79 (8-inch) and $99 (10-inch).  Good stuff, I tested them.  Includes shipping and satisfactcion guarantee with free return shipping.  You can’t lose and you have a single vendor that way.  It would be a lot cheaper to get the 10-inch TSC sub than the Dayton, and it is at least as good.” So there you have it. Just add an HT receiver, and you’re good to go.