My stuff is all connected with HDMI 1.3 cables. I have a receiver with 4 HDMI inputs and one HDMI output. My Blu-ray player, HD DVD player, DISH DVR/Receiver and all-region Standard DVD player are all connected to the receiver via one Mediabridge HDMI 1.3 cable per component, and the receiver outputs to my HDTV with one HDMI cable. I have not need of audio cable as the HDMI carries both HD video and audio to the receiver.
The advantage of HDMI 1.4 will be for people who connect their components to the internet. My Blu-ray player can connect, but I do not need the online "Blu-ray Live!" crap, so I do not bother connecting. However, someone who does connect their Blu-ray to the internet, or who streams Netflix via the internet, or plays games online via a game console which connects to the internet will apparently have a simpler time of it with the HDMI 1.4 cables.
So, it's all good. If you've already got HDMI 1.3 stuff, you don't have to get rid of anything, or even upgrade if you don't want to. If you do upgrade, you are only going to need the cables. And I am sure Mediabridge or Monoprice will be offering some affordable versions of 1.4 as they do 1.3. No need to waste money on Monster cables.
Thank you! All the wailing and knashing of teeth on this thread is ridiculous!!!
Old HDMI always works with new HDMI. You need Ethernet connectivity for your particular piece of gear? Then keep what you have. Plug your 1.3/1.3a (or older) HDMI cable into the HDMI 1.4 slot and enjoy. It couldn’t be any simpler.
And, yes, if you buy Monster Cable, you’re a sucker. Monoprice 4 life!!