Insights For Success

Strategy, Innovation, Leadership and Security

HDMI

Google's Chromecast is a $35 HDMI streaming solution

technologyEdward Kiledjian
We know Google wants to be linked to your TV but previous efforts have failed miserably (The Google Q or Google TV). Google is now trying a different approach by offering a $35 HDMI dongle that will stream content from a compatible smartphone, tablet, laptop or chromebook.
You can order this (if you are in the US) right now from the Google Play store and have it delivered in a pretty little box in a couple of days. 
As an early adopter bonux, Google is giving away 3 months of Netflix service for free with every dongle. You will be able to pickup a unit in US BEst Buy stores at the end of the month and availability for other regions is being "actively worked on".
At launch, this will work with Netflix, Youtube, Google Music, Google Moovies. iPone and iPad users, fear not, the Sultant of Search has not forgotten you. They clearly say:
Chromecast works with devices you already own, including Android tablets and smartphones, iPhones®, iPads®, Chrome for Mac® and Chrome for Windows®
You may now rejoice IOS fans with the satisfying knowledge that you are part of this party called Chromecast. 
The coolest part is that you will be able to view on your TV anything you are viewing in your Chrome browser.
Nice Greek music in the background of the first Chromecast ad
Google blog post introducing the world to Chromecast
You can buy a Chromecast from Google here.

The best HDMI cables are the cheap ones

technologyEdward Kiledjian

As we approach the holiday season, you're probably thinking about all the guests you'll have to entertain. I can't think of a better way to entertain the boys than with a new high quality TV. Just because you bought one of those new fangled really cool 3D TVs doesn't mean you have to fork over $100 for a "name brand" HDMI cable (regardless of what the teenage sales rep tells you).

There are dozens of reputable blogs and audio video specialists that preach the same sermon. Don't waste your money on expensive cables. I found it interesting that tech review site CNET uses cheap monoprice cables to test all the AV equipment that goes through their lab.

I have used Monoprice for most of my cable needs for the last 4 years (Ethernet, HDMI, Telephone, etc) and have never regretted my decision. They offer very good cables at super competitive prices. The one time I had a shipping issue, their customer support fixed my issue within 24 hours.

A 6 foot Monoprice HDMI Cable with Ethernet channel built in costs $7.54US.

Unlike most cheap cable providers, Monoprice actual speed tests all of their cables and backs them up with a lifetime manufacturer defect warranty. Even though the cables are cheap, Monoprice takes product design seriously and they implement cool technologies to improve your overall experience (including RedMere chips in some of their higher end HDMI cables).

You can buy a 15ft Ultra Slim Series High Performance HDMI Cable with RedMere® Technology for $23.21US.

What is AWG you ask? It is a size reference to the thickness of the cable. The smaller the  number, the thicker the cable. The thicker the wire, the less signal loss you will experience. Of course it depends on the length of your cable. IF you want a 15ft cable then any awg rating will do (normally 28 AWG is fine). If you want a 50ft run then go for a 22AWG. 

The first cable I recommended was a 24AWG (for ~$7). You can get a 22AWG HDMI cable at 20ft in length for $23.28US.

So this holiday season do yourself a favour and save some money by buying your cheap HDMI cables online from Monoprice.