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2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
HDMI Licensing is not in the business of selling expensive cable -- it doesn't sell any cable at all -- and HDMI Licensing gets the same royalty on an HDMI cable whether you spend a dollar or ten thousand dollars on that cable. The Premium Cable Program is not the invention of slick cable sellers. It's the creation of the people responsible for ensuring compliance with the HDMI specification, and it's there to address a legitimate set of problems -- both in terms of testing and in terms of product authentication -- that consumers of HDMI products face.
Note the key phrase in your article; " if they meet the same specification requirements there should be no difference" What specifications do $4 Dollar General HDMI cables meet? None, I'd wager. A 3 foot BJC Premium HDMI Cable costs a paltry $15; I'll gladly pay $11 more and be confident that the cable and terminations are high quality and are able to meet the highest current standards.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
I had bought something else that was an actual Amazon product named Amazon Basics and found it was high quality as well. It even has gold-plated connectors!
https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-High-Speed-HDMI-Cable-Standard/dp/B014I8SSD0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1496577163&sr=8-1&keywords=hdmi+cable+basic
"... the AmazonBasics High-Speed HDMI Cable with Ethernet meets the latest standards, which means it considerably expands bandwidth up to 18 Gbps, offers 4K@50/60 (2160p) video resolution (four times more clarity than 1080p/60), and supports the wide-angle theatrical 21:9 video aspect ratio.
"The cable also offers dynamic synchronization of video and audio stream: it can deliver two video streams (dual view) simultaneously and up to four audio streams simultaneously. Even more, the HDMI cable supports up to 32 audio channels and up to 1536 kHz total audio.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
I am sure the $15 cable is made to a higher standard, may not tarnish or fray as easily, but, for my purposes I am completely satisfied with the $4 Dollar store cable.
When I read what BJC says, it sounds like they are charging extra because they have higher standards and do more testing - no problem, but is the end result that much different? I have talked to a guy here who started a very successful chain of coffee shops (The Second Cup - NOT Tim Hortons), and his policy was he used the same coffee beans as everyone else, he just charges more and people think it is a premium coffee - and, they pay it!
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I always say the more horses the better.....but, there is a limit as to what you can use, around 6 seconds + or - is about it.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
You must be new to this board
Speaking of manhood, my buddy at work with the 2012 Mustang lit up his tires at my urging yesterday. Very impressive. Scared a few onlookers.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
The story about his friend telling the horse to giddy up GO reminded me to post pic.
Vanity license plate idea...
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
You are probably not interested in 4K UHD HDR video in a HTS but I am. And to me it's not worth saving a whopping $11 and using a cable constructed from the finest Chinesium.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
I can't imagine ever buying another "fun" DD that runs the quarter in more than 13 seconds or so. Not every car in the stable has to be that fast- but at least one sled needs ample power.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Now, couple questions for the experts.
Was watching a car restoration show and while doing a custom paint job they took a spray bottle and sprayed water on the freshly painted hood. Then they painted over the water droplets for some kind of effect. They said it made the paint always look like it had beaded up water. Why?
Also in another segment they installed lowering springs for handling. Got me wondering if you could achieve the same result by installing lower profile tires. Both mods would lower the car.
Any opinions?
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
It read, in part...
"Hey (GG)...heard you stopped by to take a look at the 2018 TLX A-Spec we just received. (Sales person) said you were just kicking tires. I appreciate that. But, if you like the car I hope you know I'll do whatever we can to put you in the first one sold by the dealership (as I write this, in the entire state of OHIO).
We're proud of the new TLX, and particularly the A-Spec you drove. (Salesperson) told me you have a 2016 Infiniti Q50 that you've only had a few months. While I don't know if you have a loan on it, or want to trade it, we'd be very interested in it as it's the kind of car I'd love to have on our used lot. I do know you keep your cars pristine. I'll make a strong trade offer if you're interested.
(Salesperson) also told me what you were thinking as an offer. That's probably a little short of what we'd want for such a new model, but if you're ready to buy right now, I value your business, I can make that deal.
Call me on my (cell number) and let me know what I can do to earn your business."
Talk me off the ledge.
I'm trying to justify this. Did a little sniffing around.
My Infinit dealership has 3 used Q50s like mine. All have an asking price of around $40K. I figure they have about $34K-$35K in them, maybe? They'd cut theses loose around $37.5K-$38K.
http://www.infinitiofcincinnati.com/VehicleSearchResults?search=used&make=INFINITI&model=Q50&bodyType=ALL&trim=&series=&minYear=&maxYear=&minPrice=&maxPrice=&vehicleType=
I paid $37K and change for it. So, essentially I would have "rented" the 2016 Q50 for about $1,000/mo, if they make a trade offer around $34K.
A-Spec SH AWD is about $45.8K. Doubt there's any unknown dealer cash I can count on. The delta between invoice and MSRP has traditionally been about $2K on Acura TLXs. If the SM sticks to his word, invoice is around $43.8K. No invoice numbers have been published yet. So, add $500 to invoice, I come up with $44.3K + tax/license (no doc fee would be offered).
Am I serious?
(Just trying to further sweeten the pot.)
AWD? Already got it
More HP? Nope, as I understand it you'd be dropping a few ponies
Better handling? Can't comment on that, but I suspect it would be a wash
More tech? Again, don't know
Is it worth $10k to make what seems like a lateral move?
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
look at it another way. Is there anything that is a step up that you could potentially get instead (thinking CPO stuff here) that you would really think of as a step up? Maybe an Audi S4? S7? A Porsche Panamera? The hot rod lexus? I would suggest a CTS-V but you would probably smack me!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
That is why they make it.....go for it!
I don't mind spending $11 more if it made a difference in my life, but, nothing I read or saw convinces me the $11 will make a difference. Some people insist on buying Bayer Aspirin and are willing to pay because it is tested and monitored more....maybe, but regular A.S.A. tablets for half the price will do exactly the same thing.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
And leasing for $1000 a month is a bit high.......but, not too bad. If you really, really want it GG, IMHO...Go For It!
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Then again, moving up two model years for $10k is pretty good depreciation level.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2014 Mazda 2
Something just tells me we'd get along well! I prefer this red over the apple green that is often seen gracing these little pups.
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
That said, I think one of us should snap up the Q50...that's a great ride, too, for the money.
28FF summed it up. I've always been partial to Acuras. Why? I dunno! Why do some people like Mercedes (like driver and Mike)? Why do some swear by BMWs (RB)? We can go on and on and on.
I do like Acuras....particularly, the TL(X). Always have. Hell, when everyone else was throwing bombs at the "beak" period, I embraced them. I like the way I fit in them. I like the seats. I like the way they drive. I like the way they're put together. I like the way the steering feels.
I can probably rationalize it, and I don't need a (ex) wife's permission to be a little bit foolish.
So, do I want something other than the Q50? If that's the case, then the door opens pretty wide. Just did this exercise 4-5 months ago.
While in bed last night thinking this whole thing through, I asked myself what I would be happier with....other than the TLX. A C300? No! An A4? No! A 330i? No! (but a 340i would do the trick, but you're talking about a $60K+ car).
Do I just want the TLX? Maybe, as 28FF said, it would be a homecoming of sorts.
Still, no papers have been signed. No money has left one hand into another. I may wake up tomorrow and say "what am I thinking?".
Then the irrational side takes hold..."well, I've got that extra cash Cadillac had to pay me for the buyback, to cover my aggravation and time involved in fighting them. That would just about make up the delta in the cost of moving to the TLX".
Then I turn over and think...."I could add that money to my next stock transaction".
Decisions.....decisions
Cables either work, or they don't. If a $10 cable lasts a couple of years, and a $30 cable lasts twice that long, you'r still better off with the $10 cable.
In audio only applications, there's been a never ending debate about how cables affect the sound. I have been on both sides of that fence, swearing I could hear a difference between cables. In the analog world...maybe. But, there were many other signal paths that affected sound MUCH MORE than a cable would (i.e. tonearm, cartridge, turntable shielding, quality of amplification, etc).
Digital world, cable variables have little (or not) effect.
Re cables: From all I have read, an HDMI cable is an HDMI cable, it can be made with more expensive materials, it can be made to higher standards, it may be made in a nicer plant, it may get more inspections....basically, it works the very same as the article said, whether it is $4 or $1000. Some people feel better if they pay more, and if that's the case, it might be worth paying triple the amount. I appreciate your input though because I am an amateur in this particular field,,,,but, I am a good observer of good marketing campaigns.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
"We're proud of the new TLX, and particularly the A-Spec you drove. (Salesperson) told me have a 2016 Infiniti Q50 that you've only had a few months. While I don't know if you have a loan on it, or want to trade it, we'd be very interested in it as it's the kind of car I'd love to have on our used lot. I do know you keep your cars pristine. I'll make a strong trade offer if you're interested."
I hate to tell you, but that's the same pitch they send me in the mail each month for my wife's PT Cruiser.
Who knew that crappy Chrysler was right up there with Infinitys as desireable used cars.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I had to get a new backwash hose for my pool this year. The pool store had 2 100' length ones. The basic, for about $17 (actually really cheap for one). And some whiz bang, deluxe, supposed to last 2x as long one for about $45. I went with the cheap one, taking my chances that the real world usage would make it cheaper in the long run, even if it did not last as long.
but, as long as the one I got does not spring a leak, it will work identically to the expensive one. I just may have to put a new on one next spring, instead of maybe being able to get a 2nd year out of it.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
BTW, I just sold the Lincoln for $1000 to a guy a work. I'm already having seller's remorse but that's tempered by the fact that I got nearly 40k pretty trouble free comfortable fun miles out of it for a net cost of $2200.
That's almost double my 10k miles per $1000 paid criteria for a good hooptie.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
so what is the plan? Buy another hooptie when winter hits, or relocate to Florida by then?
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
You can do well these days buying a new car....or about a 3 year old car....and, if you don't have a trade-in.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
May have to travel to Florida to get something like that.
This looks interesting:
https://tampa.craigslist.org/psc/cto/6158235300.html
Always liked the style of that vintage.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Not looking like much of a winter car though!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Looks like a gem of a car.....at least, from the exterior!
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
One odd point for me - I never really noticed the engine sound/exhaust note on their old car. The new one, though, has a very unusual sound. It actually reminds me of an old air-cooled VW. Very distinctive.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
Of course!
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.