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they have similar marketing spew already for their overpriced fiber optics:

http://www.monstercable.com/productdisplay.asp?pin=3792

But only if they have arrows to tell you which way the signal should flow (aka which way the money should flow when separated from a fool)

I think we're there: http://www.monstercable.com/productdisplay.asp?pin=2353

"Optically aligned"? Sounds almost as bad as their previous pitch of "Gold-plated optical cables".

All connected with Monster Ethernet Cable.

The big news is that the $25 board won't ship until Q3 2012, if then. You have to buy the "educational version", with documentation and a case, and maybe a cable or two.

Maybe they can get Monster Cable to bundle the board with their $180 HDMI cable.

Because it is made of "Monster" cables . . . http://www.monstercable.com/

However, investors believe the financial community will be lining up to pay premium rates to use the new cable. The article suggests that a one-millisecond advantage could be worth $100M per year to a large hedge fund.

So obviously, a cable made of "Monster" cables will be worth* even more! Roll out your checkbooks, all you unfeasibly large hedge funds!

*Your actual worth is subject to local regulation, taxes, palm grease, wind velocity of an unladen swallow, global warming, sea temperatures, etc . . .

Intel has this strange desire to be a consumer products company, even though they don't sell any consumer products. Yet, the "Intel Inside" campaign was a huge success. Now we'll probably hear something like "Intel - It Just Sounds Better".

Bullshit like that works for Monster Cable: "Any Ethernet cable can deliver Web content. However, HD video, digital music, multiplayer games played on your computer or game console, and digital media players demand the fastest connection possible. Monster® Advanced(TM) High Speed Ethernet delivers blazing fast CAT 6 speed up to10 Gbps, so your home entertainment network will be future ready for even higher definition movies, music, and games." Yes, that's for an Ethernet cable.

He's referencing Monster cable, such as this product, and making fun of the fact that 'audiophiles' will spend enormous amounts of money on gear that they have no solid way of proving is better.

Oh my, looks like monster cables do ethernet cables to:
http://www.monstercable.com/computer/ethernet_cables.asp

That would surely assure all his bits turn out ok! Or well, most of them at least.

Kevlar sounds cooler than "papyrus". And only kevlar has the strength to withstand the shear awesomeness that Monster Cable can provide.

LOL, simply reading this blurb of /misformation/ has brought a smile on my face for the rest of the day, thx =)

HILARIOUS => http://www.monstercable.com/productdisplay.asp?pin=1389

Yes get the best monstercable.com has to offer. In fact get two I've heard that will double your data quality!

Oh yes: http://www.monstercable.com/productdisplay.asp?pin=425

These people should be able to help you.

Seriously though, what strange question. Either the cable works and you're happy with the bandwidth it provides, or it stops working and you replace it, or you want to upgrade it. What's the complication here?

I saw a 7' Cat 5e cable for $30 at my local Staples last week... Luckily I didn't buy it in the store! When I got home I found I could buy it for HALF that price online. I think next time, though, I'll splurge on the Monster gold-plated Ethernet cables instead.

I guarantee you will flat-out HATE Monster Cable. Guess the kind of product this description applies to:

... features a unique, advanced nitrogen gas-injected cellular dielectric, Xtra Low Noise® construction and high-density, triple-layer shielding to help reject interference and deliver fast and accurate signal transfer. Advanced design and construction maintain proper impedance to reduce jitter, optimizing focus, clarity and extended dynamic range.

Hint: it's 7 feet long and runs for US$30.

It's hard for me to fully plumb the depths of their shitfulness.

(Oh, okay. The above prose describes an IEEE1394 cable. Digital transmission. Seven feet. Thirty bucks. SHEEEEEEEEEESH.)

And since we're talking about cat5 cabling.........here.

...And I thought Monster cable's prices were ridiculous.

Now I need to get a Monster High Speed IEEE 1284 printer cable -- it's only 35 bucks. I'm sure my Centronics printer will be far faster, and the pictures more vibrant!

Make sure you get the one with Winky Blinky!

2) The basic use case of "put disc in player, press play" is still good, and it's the one most people are using. While they're slightly confused, I doubt they're more confused than composite vs scart vs s-video vs component. And with digital connections you can forget the monster cable bullshit too.

Take a look over here. If you have a whole home theater set up (which likely cost thousands of dollars) paying $100-$200 for both a surge suppressor/ power regulator seems pretty reasonable.

It was an "A/V USB cable". Gold-plated.

"Bet you $20 that she'll still have them hooked together with a composite cable, though."

Yeah, but a high-quality $50 Monster M Silver Video(TM) M1000v Composite RCA Video Cable!

"Bet you $20 that she'll still have them hooked together with a composite cable, though."

Yeah, but a high-quality $50 Monster M Silver Video(TM) M1000v Composite RCA Video Cable!

How else could this company stay in business?

Monster USB(TM) Ultimate Performance USB Cable

Today's Advanced, High Speed USB Peripherals Require A Higher Performance USB Cable
Not long ago, the world of USB was limited to low-speed devices like keyboards, hubs, and scanners, so using ordinary USB cable could suffice. Things have changed. USB is now used for high-speed peripherals like speakers and video capture delivering larger and different kinds of data at much faster rates with incredible bandwidth. Ordinary USB cable isn't designed to meet the new high speed demand. High attenuation can occur, which may result in "clipped" sound, lost frames of video when capturing, and connection failure. Of course, data isn't the only element a USB cable carries. In many cases, it must carry power, too. Average USB cables often promote loss, because they can't transfer all the power needed. This invites, lockup, hard shutdowns, etc...

Introducing Ultimate Performance Monster USB: The Only High Speed USB Cable You'll Ever Need
Higher speed. More bandwidth. That's what the latest generation of USB devices demand and only Monster USB delivers. Here's how: Internally, the conductors are specially wound using our advanced SingleHelix(TM) helical winding process. This enables Monster USB cable to deliver 500 MHz of bandwidth. That's five times the minimum USB requirement! You'll enjoy crystal clear sound and the highest resolution images possible. The RF and EM noise problems that commonly plague lesser cables is combated with not one or two, but three separate layers of high density shielding. As a result, you'll get the fastest, most accurate data transfer possible. Thanks to our ultra-large gauge power conductor, you'll get all the power needed to power-hungry USB devices, without loss. The internal construction of every Monster USB cable is created by a laser-controlled USB Extruder which ensures that the cable meets the highest performance standards for ultra-fast data transfer, up to 400 Mbps. And, precision 24k gold contacts maximize signal integrity and corrosion resistance.

Prices start at only $24.95!

And for that extra, melee-winning boost, get Monster Cable Ethernet Cable. Advanced XLN® Xtra Low Noise® construction delivers fast, reliable data transfer -- up to 100Mbps. 24k gold contacts provide error--free data transfer and maximum corrosion resistance.

Monster USB(TM) Ultimate Performance USB Cable

Today's Advanced, High Speed USB Peripherals Require A Higher Performance USB Cable
Not long ago, the world of USB was limited to low-speed devices like keyboards, hubs, and scanners, so using ordinary USB cable could suffice. Things have changed. USB is now used for high-speed peripherals like speakers and video capture delivering larger and different kinds of data at much faster rates with incredible bandwidth. Ordinary USB cable isn't designed to meet the new high speed demand. High attenuation can occur, which may result in "clipped" sound, lost frames of video when capturing, and connection failure. Of course, data isn't the only element a USB cable carries. In many cases, it must carry power, too. Average USB cables often promote loss, because they can't transfer all the power needed. This invites, lockup, hard shutdowns, etc...

Introducing Ultimate Performance Monster USB: The Only High Speed USB Cable You'll Ever Need
Higher speed. More bandwidth. That's what the latest generation of USB devices demand and only Monster USB delivers. Here's how: Internally, the conductors are specially wound using our advanced SingleHelix(TM) helical winding process. This enables Monster USB cable to deliver 500 MHz of bandwidth. That's five times the minimum USB requirement! You'll enjoy crystal clear sound and the highest resolution images possible. The RF and EM noise problems that commonly plague lesser cables is combated with not one or two, but three separate layers of high density shielding. As a result, you'll get the fastest, most accurate data transfer possible. Thanks to our ultra-large gauge power conductor, you'll get all the power needed to power-hungry USB devices, without loss. The internal construction of every Monster USB cable is created by a laser-controlled USB Extruder which ensures that the cable meets the highest performance standards for ultra-fast data transfer, up to 400 Mbps. And, precision 24k gold contacts maximize signal integrity and corrosion resistance.

Prices start at only $24.95!

And for that extra, melee-winning boost, get Monster Cable Ethernet Cable. Advanced XLN® Xtra Low Noise® construction delivers fast, reliable data transfer -- up to 100Mbps. 24k gold contacts provide error--free data transfer and maximum corrosion resistance.

True, but I've seen people buy $50 Monster _POWER_ CABLES for their computers.
Just because it is stupid, doesn't mean there isn't a market for it.
If you think I'm full of shit (and I completely understand, I was completely shocked when I discovered it)
Click here to see a $50 power cable

Hell, even some techies will insist that the premium on Monster cable is justified

I'm wondering why someone hasn't tried to class-action Monster for their cables.

Okay, there is a large class of luxury products that may be rip-offs, but at least they are clearly rip-offs. If you want to pay $30,000 for a table that consists of a piece of glass on two aluminum sawhorses, you are clearly just making a value judgement. It may be irrational, but you are making that decision with all the information that you can reasonably have, and nobody lying to you (like claiming that your new table will cure cancer).

On the other hand, Monster represents its cables as providing better audio or video quality, which is completely horseshit, at least in the instance of their digital cables. They are selling *lies*, and making a damn lot of money on it by preying on consumers that aren't electrical engineers. In a *lot* of retail stores. For example, look at this. "This ultra-high performance fiber optic cable greatly reduces jitter and maintains optimum signal integrity for smoother, more detailed sound from CD players, minidisc, DVD players, DACs, and satellite receivers."

You're too late. Someone already sank low enough.
http://www.monstercable.com/

They already have

So, if this guy has you hacking your power supply to clean it up. Why not just put a device in front of the PS to provide cleaner power to the equipment? If you clean up the feed to the inputs, they might send better signals to the AMP, but the AMP is going to muddy them up when they are sent to the speakers.

You could go high end... and spend thousands.. and http://www.richardgrayspowercompany.com/index2.htm l

or you could go to Circuit City/Good Guys and pick up something more mainstream for much less. http://www.monstercable.com/power/lineRefPower.asp

They sell a printer cable with a "Winky Blinky" for $50. As if just having a $50 parallel cable wasn't bad enough, they had to add the winky blinky. For that reason, I will never buy anything made by Monster Cable.

I guess it sells to those with more dollars than sense.

(I haven't busted out the RG-6/U yet since I can't find good RCA connectors, why we're not using BNC is beyond me though).

I'm not sure if I'm reading you correctly or not, but this might be of interest to you....

http://www.monstercable.com/productPage.asp?pin=13 62

A a matter of fact, I have used a DVI->HDMI converter cable to hook my Samsung HD841 DVD player (DVI output) up to my Mitsubishi DLP TV (HDMI input). I went for one of the higher-end Monster HDMI/DVI cables to ensure the best possible signal to the TV. I think it was about $180, but the guy at BestBuy gave it to me for the price of the lesser cable (~$120). I had talked to the guy a while before choosing the DVD player and told him that for what the TV had cost, I wasn't interested in skimping out on the components (nor cables) if it cost picture quality. I'm sure I could have done even better online, but I am all about instant gratification! I have been very happy w/the picture (the DVD player up-converts the signal to 480p, 720p, or 1080i).

From the research I've done, and what I've seen, its like most other (electronic) things... you'll generally get the best results if you stick w/high quality stuff from end-to-end. It would have been nice to have all of the audio in the same cable, rather than having to buy another fiber cable for the sound.
Good luck!

Sweet, gold-plated ignorance. There are companies who's existance is founded on ignorant people. Try buying a DVI cable in a physical store for less than $100. Because everyone knows a high quality, well protected, gas injected, triple-layer shielded bitstream is better than THE EXACT SAME BITSTREAM over a $20 cable available here.

Well, for my part I'm peferctly willing to offend anyone who buys this particular product. I might well even point and giggle a bit:

Retro cable in a briefcase

KFG

Egad, you weren't kidding... That exposed tip looks suspiciously golden to me, probably part of their "springloaded" attachment head.

Not only that, they "polish" the cable to reduce "signal noise." Not worth the $80... (I paid $20 for the fibre I installed in my parent's surround system.)

"DTS encoders" and other such junk

DTS encoders aren't junk. DTS is "Digital Theater System". It's for surround sound. You've probably heard of it before. There's a DTS decoder in most DVD players and surround sound systems, almost all DVDs contain DTS soundtracks. It's a digital format, and therefore non-lossy, which I would think would appeal to an audiophile, but then these are the same people who slobber over vacuum tube amps, so who really knows...

A DTS encoder, like the one on my nVIDIA nForce2 motherboard (true audiophile equipment there, I know. :P) is merely a chip that produces DTS data which can be read by a DTS decoder. For me, this serves a practical purpose in that I can tell games to output to EAX or whatever, and it all comes out as DTS, which then goes right into my cheapass home theater speakers. This way, I do not have to bother switching them back and forth between analog and DTS on my speakers.

In general, I do agree with you about audiophile marketing being retarded. For example, we have people like these ignorance extortionists ready to bring us some gold-plated, electromagnetically shielded optical cables to ensure there is no subtle loss in quality of our digital signal.

Sounds like you need a little more that UPSes if you have that bad a power problem...take a look into these power conditoners . From what I've read, they seem to do the job pretty well...depending on how much cash you want. I'd heard regular UPSes don't really help that much for dirty power...??

Ahh, Monster Cables, with such classics as Ultra-High Speed Internet Phone Cable Using RJ11 Connection!

Doesn't people realise that from the wall socket to the telephone switch there are a few hundred meters of crappy copper cable originally drawn and installed in the '40s?! :-D

Watch out, Monster Cable!

Can someone explain the reference?

Three words: Monster-brand cables.

They are ultra-pricey but well-shielded cables that nearly any electronics seller is going to try to get you to buy because it'll cost you a mint, and they'll make a nice commission. Some audiophiles / videophiles absolutely love them and insist that they are God's Given Weapon to fight against the Unholy Specter of Interference, while others think they're a complete rip-off. Testimonials like the above post are common for fans of Monster products.

Ironically, Monster does in fact sell rechargeable batteries. Go figure.

Yes. High End audio types are hysterical. "Oxygen-free copper cables", indeed.

Now there are even "high end" RJ11 cables for dial-up modems. Like the five feet from the wall jack to the computer will be where noise gets in, as opposed to the miles of unshielded wire from the jack to the central office.

Monster Cable makes great quality speaker cable at a reasonable price.

• Obviously you'll need a good sound card, Creative's Sound Blaster Live! is comparitvely cheap for the value you get.
• You'll need good microphones, also (it's amazing the difference quality makes). Nice mikes will let you record any instrument, electric or not. I would suggest the company Shure.
• Next on your list would be a mixer, I would highly suggest Mackie boards, and for slightly cheaper tastes the Behringer line.
• Another key component is good cabling. It's tempting to just run over to Radio Shack and buy what you need... but I've found those cables to have crappy shielding, almost no jacket, and die after about 2 years. I would suggest Hosa cables, or, if you have extra cash, Monster cables.
• Lastly you might think of getting a headphone matrix. This is mainly useful if you want to record a band/mutiple people at once. It allows you to amplify the sound a person is making back to them.Also it will allow you to have 6+ headphones w/o splitting the signal.

Additionaly, seperate preprocessing circuity is used to reclock the signal to exactly match the expected clock.

Dude, re-clocking your S/PDIF won't help at all if your cabling is the bottleneck. These guys can sell you a cable cooker that should do the trick.

Also, if you're looking to reduce jitter, you should definitely check out these fiber optic interconnects, with gold-plated connectors. I noticed a marked increase in presence and staging when I switched to their specially polished connectors.

Gotta watch out for that jitter.

I can't wait to see Monster making Ethernet cables. :) Just think of it: Ethernet cables you can stomp on, twist, bend unmercifully, and they still work perfectly--and the manufacturer will replace it if it doesn't. Maybe I've been spending way too much time tinkering with computer security, but does anyone else think that this might be a really neat (if infeasible) system of biometric authentication? Example: "To enter this facility, please swipe your card or play the first 15 bars of Stevie Ray Vaughan's Rude Mood." If nothing else, it'd be a really neat hack. I'd love to be able to "bless" a workstation (we have roaming admin privileges here) by plugging a guitar into an adjacent port and jamming, rather than slipping in my smart card.

I agree, speakers are extremely important. Disagree on your specific brand, but hey, it's a subjective thing.

One thing very often overlooked is POWER CONDITIONING. No, not the $30 power strip you bought at Home Depot. A real power CONDITIONER. Monster makes a pretty widely-acclaimed one for $200. It makes a huge difference, especially if, like me, you live in an area where the power supply can be less-than-stable.