SpoTlight on: TendonUSA HDMI & Component video cables
TendonUSA is a web based company that sells a variety of cabling that can be used for computer networking and home theater. They promote their cabling as high quality, stylish, and affordable. According to their website they sell the following types of cabling in various lengths:
Audio cables - Digital Coaxial/Optical & RCA
Video cables - Composite, s-video, component
HDMI
HDMI to DVI
DVI
DVI to HDMI
Firewire
USB
Networking (ethernet)
To be honest I had never heard of TendonUSA prior to them contacting me regarding trying out their products. They forwarded me their 6.6 foot and 13.1 foot HDMI cables as well as the same lenghts in their component video cables.
I have four HDMI sources in my rack and 1 component. Of the four HDMI sources 3 are 1080p video capable. I have a 400 disc DVD jukebox that I use via component and my high definition DVR can be used with either component or HDMI. I connected the shorter HDMI cables to my HD DVD, DVD, DVR, and blu-ray disc players. I connected the longer component video cable to my DVD jukebox which is not located in my rack but is about 9 feet away.
I used the cables for two weeks and viewed a multitude of program material. Video quality was excellent and every bit as good as with the HDMI and component cabling I use every day. I would describe build quality of the HDMI cables as sturdy (average) with standard jacketing and gold plated connectors. The component video cables use a solid RCA connector which is quite nice considering the price. The jacketing is in the same class as the HDMI cables.
I switched out the HDMI cable on the DVR with the 6.6 foot component cable and once again saw no difference in the quality of the standard or high definition video when compared to my every day cabling. My reference HDMI cables are the same length as the TendonUSA cabling and while not considered higher end they do cost 5 times what the TendonUSA's do.
It should be noted that when dealing with short runs like this which genrally connected source components to a video processor or receiver the necessity for higher bandwith capability is not as crucial. TendonUSA does not make HDMI or DVI cables in lengths longer than 16.4 feet (5 meters). Lengths longer than that are not guranteed to provide problem free video especially with higher bandwiths.
Conclusion:
I found the video cabling from TendonUSA to be quite good as it provided video quality that was every bit as good as I am accustomed to. Its build quality is more than adequate and for the price I can't think of a better bargain available on the web.
The Review at a Glance (max possible = 5 paws):
Performance:
Build Quality:
MSRP HDMI cables: 6.6' $12 & 13.1' $15
MSRP Component cables: 6.6' $12 & 13.1' $17
Warranty - Lifetime
Manufacturer - TendonUSA
Click Here to Visit TendonUSA's website
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