HDMI cords that improve visual quality for gaming.

Jeremiah · Oct 29, 2017

Inuhanyou said:
im sorry a lot of you cant actually see the images used to compare and contrast just yet. Apparently Era has an issue with embedded images right now, they should be working on fixing that

Actually the images finally work for me that felipepl linked... and dear god, the difference is dramatic, even in Zelda which is below 1080p? Welp, looks like i'm buying this. Really appreciate your making this thread, had no idea such a thing existed.

DJ_Lae · Oct 29, 2017

shinken said:
No one tried the Seiki cable here? It's a lot cheaper and it's also supposed to add AA to the image and has less than 1ms latency. Only and maybe for some a huge downside is it only supports 30hz@4K. But if you use a 1080p TV with for example a Switch, it would be quite useful. I'm thinking of getting this cable.

Shamefully, I've had the Seiki cable for almost a year but have never gotten around to trying it. I bought it mainly for my PS3, which looks like utter shit on the PC monitor I'm using for my other consoles. I should really dig it out and give it a shot and let people know how well it works (or doesn't).

XaviConcept · Oct 29, 2017

How well do these cables work on a PS4 or Switch? Might buy them for the PS3 but Im curious

ShadowGP · Oct 29, 2017

I would really like to try the mCable with my Switch but the price is no high.

Inuhanyou · Oct 29, 2017

Raging Spaniard said:
How well do these cables work on a PS4 or Switch? Might buy them for the PS3 but Im curious

Based on impressions, they work their absolute best the worse the in game AA solution is and the lower the resolution your game is. So even 1080p games on PS4 for example can have a good impact if the game you are playing never had AA in the first place like DOA5 or Bloodborne or, had an AA solution that didn't actually cover jaggies good. But last gen games would probably work far better because the AA coverage was usually spotty by default and the resolutions are obviously much lower than 1080p. Same with 6th gen games fed through a HDMI adapter like PS2 and such. As well as PS1 games played on PS2.

Just note that a 4K output signal does not work, it has to be 1080p output or below. the TV itself doesn't matter. So to get any results on Pro or XB1X(although its probably not really necessary for these iterative consoles unless your only playing pro/XB1X unpatched games), you have to lower the system output to 1080p.

dark_prinny · Oct 29, 2017

Interesting, I might cave and get me one.

Dynamite Ringo Matsuri · Oct 29, 2017

Price of the mcable is keeping me away but the Cinema version is about right at $70. Found a comparison b/w the two at overclockers and the OP seemed to prefer the Cinema version? Wish there weren't more comparisons b/w the two

Timu · Oct 29, 2017

Inuhanyou said:
Based on impressions, they work their absolute best the worse the in game AA solution is and the lower the resolution your game is. So even 1080p games on ps4 for example can have a good impact if the game you are playing never had AA in the first place like DOA5 or Bloodborne or had an AA solution that didn't actually cover jaggies good.

Just note that a 4K output signal does not work, it has to be 1080p output or below. the TV itself doesn't matter

Yep, DOA 5 LR would be a great one to try it on.

Deleted member 7130 · Oct 29, 2017

Darryl M R said:
Is this worth the purchase for a PS4 Pro owner that buys AAA games?

If you have a 1080p TV, and the pro is downsampling games then no.

dark_prinny · Oct 29, 2017

Televator said:
If you have a 1080p TV, and the pro is downsampling games then no.

And for a PS4 Pro and 4K tv owner?

Inuhanyou · Oct 29, 2017

dark_prinny said:
And for a PS4 Pro and 4K tv owner?

Not if your playing Pro patched games at 4K. 4K output signal from the console automatically does not work, you get the same signal as a normal HDMI cable, and even if it did, the actual clarity from the image your already getting would negate the post process SMAA solution

dark_prinny · Oct 29, 2017

Inuhanyou said:
Not if your playing Pro patched games at 4K. 4K output signal from the console automatically does not work, you get the same signal as a normal HDMI cable, and even if it did, the actual clarity from the image your already getting would negate the post process SMAA solution

I see, thanks.

Deleted member 7130 · Oct 29, 2017

Ashdude said:
I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around this. How can a cable increase the picture quality of a digital signal? I was under the impression that HDMI carried an uncompressed (aka lossless) feed consisting of "ones & zeros." And if any of that data is lost, the picture will go blank.

Its a post processing effect that the cable does because it has its own processor in line. It does the same kind of filtering that any graphics device like a game console or a PC could do internally. However, there is a slight cost.This post processing effect slightly blurs the overalls image therefore there is a slight loss in picture quality. Your eyes however have an easier time detecting the stair stepped edges of an aliased image than the small smudged details to the extent that this cable works.

Jeremiah · Oct 29, 2017

I wonder if we'll get more players in the market, offering post processing units that extend beyond HDMI ? Certainly feels like this could extend beyond 1080p?

Inuhanyou · Oct 29, 2017

im sure, if there were companies looking to invest in that sort of technology, but so far no real takers

Pizzamigo · Oct 29, 2017

Dynamite Ringo Matsuri said:
Price of the mcable is keeping me away but the Cinema version is about right at $70. Found a comparison b/w the two at overclockers and the OP seemed to prefer the Cinema version? Wish there weren't more comparisons b/w the two

Link? I was looking for something like that but couldn't find anything so just ordered the gaming edition off amazon. Hasn't shipped though so I can still cancel it if the cinema version is a better buy. I just want less jaggies and no 'noticeable' input lag.

EDIT: never mind found it, I still prefer the gaming edition. The cinema version doesn't work as well on jaggies (my main reason for getting it).

Dynamite Ringo Matsuri · Oct 29, 2017

aka Bueno said:
Link? I was looking for something like that but couldn't find anything so just ordered the gaming edition off amazon. Hasn't shipped though so I can still cancel it if the cinema version is a better buy. I just want less jaggies and no 'noticeable' input lag.

http://www.overclock.net/t/1639661/...er-vs-cinema-edition-write-up-review-pictures

He uses Bloodborne and RDR for the tests.

shinken · Oct 29, 2017

So how do you actually connect this cable? All my consoles and PC are connected to my surround receiver as inputs. One HDMI output goes to the TV. Where do I connect this HDMI upscale cable? As the output cable from receiver to TV? Or does it needs to be directly connected from console to TV?

Pizzamigo · Oct 29, 2017

Dynamite Ringo Matsuri said:
http://www.overclock.net/t/1639661/...er-vs-cinema-edition-write-up-review-pictures

He uses Bloodborne and RDR for the tests.

It's weird, in his review he states that the gaming edition blurs textures slightly. In all the other comparisons I've seen from people here and elsewhere I haven't seen anyone else complain about that and also noticed in the comparisons that they look sharper afterwards.

But yeah, gaming edition for me. It does much better vs jaggies.

TetraGenesis · Oct 29, 2017

felipepl said:
Hi everyone, first post here - I got the mCable Gaming Edition (and made some comparisons with Switch and PS4 games):

Comparisons:

Switch games:

Generic:

mCable:

Generic:

mCable:

Generic:

mCable:

Generic:

mCable:

Generic:

mCable:

Generic:

mCable:

PS4 games (Settings - PS4 Pro / 4K TV set to 1080p. The cable works (as in, a normal HDMI cable) when the system is set to 4K, but no AA is applied):

Driveclub - Generic:

Driveclub - mCable:

Driveclub - Generic:

Driveclub - mCable:

Driveclub - Generic:

Driveclub - mCable:

Driveclub - Generic:

Driveclub - mCable:

Alien Isolation - Generic:

Alien Isolation - mCable:

Bloodborne - Generic:

Bloodborne - mCable:

Wow, that's... pretty damn noticeable. More than I expected at least.

But that it doesn't also work with 4k/dynamic 4k games greatly reduces the value for me.

Alpolio · Oct 29, 2017

Televator said:
Its a post processing effect that the cable does because it has its own processor in line. It does the same kind of filtering that any graphics device like a game console or a PC could do internally. However, there is a slight cost.This post processing effect slightly blurs the overalls image therefore there is a slight loss in picture quality. Your eyes however have an easier time detecting the stair stepped edges of an aliased image than the small smudged details to the extent that this cable works.

I get it now. I can also see why it could create input lag -- what you're seeing on the screen is a tick slower than what's happening in the system.

Silentbomber · Oct 29, 2017

I was under the impression that a digital signal is just that, and a fancy cable is not going to improve image quality ?

Skyzar · Oct 29, 2017

I'd pick up a display port cable that does something like 4-8x msaa in a heartbeat.

felipepl's screenshots seem very promising though, that's actually pretty nuts.

What's the limit to this magic? Can it do.... txaa?

------Watching that linus video on the first page I'm not all that pleased:

The special cable image is on the right

hard pass for now

Pizzamigo · Oct 29, 2017

Ashdude said:
I get it now. I can also see why it could create input lag -- what you're seeing on the screen is a tick slower than what's happening in the system.

Linus and co reviewed it, measured lag with tools and said they were unable to detect any difference with or without cable. So if there's lag, it's so small it's undetectable even with a tool

Vex · Oct 29, 2017

Silentbomber said:
I was under the impression that a digital signal is just that, and a fancy cable is not going to improve image quality ?

This is what I thought too. Wtf? This changes now? What happened? Those images are so different in the OP. Landslide!

Alpolio · Oct 29, 2017

If I wasn't upgrading to an XBX in 2 weeks, I'd order one. But this looks like a must have for Switch owners.

Inuhanyou · Oct 29, 2017

Again, this generally works best for games where the aliasing is noticeable or the res is low(or both), its not really here to add more on top of already properly aliased or high res(beyond 1080p) titles

I just wanna keep saying so so people know in what cases they should try it

That Naive Cube!! · Oct 29, 2017

The GF will be buying these for me this Friday for my bday. Cant wait!

Wont touch my Switch again until it comes. Cant wait to see Odyssey on it. And BOTW.

Hope they make a 4K one so I can hook it up to my pro

Th0rnhead · Oct 29, 2017

Silentbomber said:
I was under the impression that a digital signal is just that, and a fancy cable is not going to improve image quality ?

It has built in hardware that does post processing on the image. Expensive HDMI cables don't generally improve image quality. This is basically an HDMI cable with post processing hardware built in. Generally to accomplish something like this, you'd need another box or computer that the source signal passed through.

marc^o^ · Oct 30, 2017

That Naive Cube!! said:
Wont touch my Switch again until it comes. Cant wait to see Odyssey on it. And BOTW.

Do that, and at times you won't believe Odyssey graphics come from Switch. The aliasing removal, the contrast and color enhancements... Man that must be my 10th post on the subject! Because this thing is so good, yet so unreviewed. I'm in holidays for few days, when I come back I'll post additional comparisons.

Inuhanyou · Oct 30, 2017

I wish John or someone from DF in general knew about these cables so they could give their own opinions

Falus · Oct 30, 2017

waiting for my mcable gaming edition for the switch

In the meantime' i bought a cheaper Philips UhD upscaling câble that's have the same chip as the mcable cinéma , for 35 bucks. I'll use that one for my psvr

kanuuna · Oct 30, 2017

I see some value in these, but I don't see why you'd ever want to use this with really high quality source material. Even with low-res content, I don't think I'd want any of the contrast 'enhancing' whatevers provided with one of these - and I'm guessing you can't get the one (the post-process AA) without the other. There are some image doubling modes in madVR (a video renderer for PC players) that do the same kind of thing, and I've seen them make something of a difference with relatively low-res content (playing PS4 / PS3 through MPC-HD on desktop with a capture card in the middle), but somehow I doubt the results from one of these cables would be as impressive or namely more clean.

Cocobani · Oct 30, 2017

shinken said:
So how do you actually connect this cable? All my consoles and PC are connected to my surround receiver as inputs. One HDMI output goes to the TV. Where do I connect this HDMI upscale cable? As the output cable from receiver to TV? Or does it needs to be directly connected from console to TV?

I would like to know this as well, I have the same set up and would like to keep it that way. First post on ResetEra :)

Pizzamigo · Oct 30, 2017

Cocobani said:
I would like to know this as well, I have the same set up and would like to keep it that way. First post on ResetEra :)

Pretty sure someone answered this and the answer was: from receiver to TV

Jeremiah · Oct 30, 2017

aka Bueno said:
Pretty sure someone answered this and the answer was: from receiver to TV

My cable gets in Tuesday. What makes sense to me is Switch -> mCable -> Receiver, 1080p output -> HDMI cable -> 4k TV. I don't trust feeding all my sources through this cable if it's connected Receiver -> mCable -> 4k TV direct.

With that being said, will report back!

nib95 · Oct 30, 2017

I now have the Philips 4K Technicolor and Sagemcom Grundig Up 200 cables. I'll test both and report back. Hoping they'll be as effective, or close to as effective as the Marseille Gaming but cheaper.

Pizzamigo · Oct 30, 2017

I get my gaming edition mCable today, will be testing thouroughly with Mario Odyssey. Can provide before and after screens if anyone's interested

Bigg · Oct 30, 2017

The mCable looks neat but I really can't justify buying a $150 HDMI cable. If it was $50 I would think about it.

GearDraxon · Oct 30, 2017

shinken said:
So how do you actually connect this cable? All my consoles and PC are connected to my surround receiver as inputs. One HDMI output goes to the TV. Where do I connect this HDMI upscale cable? As the output cable from receiver to TV? Or does it needs to be directly connected from console to TV?

Using the mCable as the one going from receiver --> TV is probably best. Doing this will allow everything plugged into the receiver to benefit from the cable, but this may not always be desired: if your PC is putting out a high-enough resolution as is, you may not want the other "enhancements" that the cable applies. I know in my case, I'd only want this cable hooked to the Switch, because my PC is already doing downsampling to my 1080p display.

Red · Oct 30, 2017

I can't view the images in this thread for some reason (I thought image posts were fixed?), but I've seen comparisons elsewhere. These cables look like they introduce a strong halo effect due to the sharpening. It doesn't sound like that's a concern of many of those here who use one. I dislike that effect and find it takes away from the accuracy of the image. Am I alone here?

gingerbeardman · Oct 30, 2017

Red said:
I can't view the images in this thread for some reason (I thought image posts were fixed?), but I've seen comparisons elsewhere. These cables look like they introduce a strong halo effect due to the sharpening. It doesn't sound like that's a concern of many of those here who use one. I dislike that effect and find it takes away from the accuracy of the image. Am I alone here?

Please provide images to back up your claim.

I've not seen any halo on images taken using the mCable Gaming Edition.

GearDraxon · Oct 30, 2017

Red said:
I can't view the images in this thread for some reason (I thought image posts were fixed?), but I've seen comparisons elsewhere. These cables look like they introduce a strong halo effect due to the sharpening. It doesn't sound like that's a concern of many of those here who use one. I dislike that effect and find it takes away from the accuracy of the image. Am I alone here?

You might be able to view the images by right-clicking and opening in a new tab - that's how I was able to see most of the comparisons.

I think that those interested in / happy with the cables feel that the AA effect is much more noticeable / positive than the haloing effect is negative. I'd love to see the results in person, since I agree: if the haloing is distracting, it might not be worth the smoothness.

Red · Oct 30, 2017

gingerbeardman said:
Please provide images to back up your claim.

I've not seen any halo on images taken using the mCable Gaming Edition.

From earlier in this thread:

See the white border around the character on the right side. It looks like he's glowing.

gingerbeardman · Oct 30, 2017

Any more?

Pizzamigo · Oct 30, 2017

I'll post some comparison shots tonight when I get mine. I'm pumped for the added anti-aliasing, less pumped about the darker images losing shadow detail though.

Going to see if it's something I can counter balance with tv brightness setting.

Halo-ing, if it's not too bad I can live with on Switch games. Usually it's hard to detect unless right up on the set. But I'll see what it's really like in person tonight.

Red · Oct 30, 2017

gingerbeardman said:
Any more?

http://screenshotcomparison.com/comparison/118574

Same deal, white border around characters.

GNTsquid · Oct 30, 2017

Would these cables have the same benefits if used on a PC and computer monitor? I imagine so but I just want to be sure.

LebGuns · Oct 30, 2017

marc^o^ said:
Anyone with a Switch and a 4K TV who can afford the Marseille gaming cable, should order it NOW.

I've had it for few days and it's unbelievable a cable can do so much:

I'm playing Mario Odyssey with it on a 65' TV, and the image looks insane. This art style without aliasing make Switch games look like they come from CEMU.

This is beyond legit. Mario Kart 8 looks absolutely insane on it. FIFA18 manages to now look decent.

It's like my Switch got a graphic card upgrade. This is exactly how it feels.

Greg NYC3 said:
I can co-sign all of this. Played Odyssey for most of the day on my 65" 4K Bravia with the mCable and it's just mind blowing. It's not entirely consistent with anti-aliasing but when it works it's like playing a CG movie.

Oh man, this is exactly what I would need it for. Switch games look very jaggy on my 4K (X800D) and I sit really close to the TV to compound the issue.

Wowfunhappy · Oct 30, 2017

If the mCable was a box with an IR remote that could turn the processing on and off, I would buy it in a heartbeat.

HDMI cords that improve visual quality for gaming.

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