Customer Reviews

Monster Cable GameLink 400 Component-Video Cable for PlayStation 2 (10 feet)

5 star:		(73)
4 star:		(20)
3 star:		(15)
2 star:		(13)
1 star:		(13)

 

 

Monster has consistantly delivered quality cables and doesn't disappoint with its entry PS2 s-video cable. I was using the Sony s-video cable for about a week before finally hunting one of the Gamelink 300 cables at a local Best Buy. In that interim I watched The Patriot and the colors had a red and yellow hue to them. With the Gamelink the picture is clear, crisp and the colors are vibrant (cannonball headshot anyone? :)).

To get the most from your PS2 you really need a set of these cables in either s-video or component (if your TV supports them). For those who are unfamiliar with the heirarchy, it's A/V, S-video, component in ascending quality.

If you own a PS2 and you have a TV that accepts S-Video, you owe it to yourself to BUY THIS CABLE! Trust me, the money is well worth it. This is by far the best S-Video cable for the PS2, and it doesn't deserve anything less. With this cable, you will see details in games and on DVD's that just plain are not clear at all with other cables. I HIGHLY recommend this product!

I have a 27" Sony Wega T.V. Unlike other reviewers, I actually bought three different component video cables for the ps2. Call me picky, call me obsessive or call me pathetic, but I wanted to know if there truly was a difference between the monster component cable and the other cheaper ones. The answer is: not that I could see. When I first got my PS2 I bought the mad katz S-VIDEO because I didn't even know what component video was. Later, I found out I had component video on my T.V. and also found out that it was supposed to be an even better input than s-video. So I purchased the pelikan brand component video cable [...]. Unlike other reviewers, I saw a tremendous difference going from s-video to component video. Clearer picture, brighter colors; an overall improvement--not an improvement you had to look for, it was OBVIOUS. Later I was searching ebay and found an incredible deal: the sony brand component video cable, factory packaged for [...]. And honestly, it DID make a difference. I can't totally describe it except to say that it seemed to give a better color representation; the picture simply looked better--although not dramatically better than the picture created by the pelikan cable. So then I said "might as well try the monster". I honestly saw NO difference between the Sony cable and the Monster cable. I pay a lot of attention to detail--too much in fact. So if there was a difference to be seen, I presume I would have seen it. It's possible that the Monster cable would make a difference on an HDTV, but on my T.V., it did not. If you have a T.V. that is not HD but has the component inputs, use them, but I suggest just using the sony brand component cable to get the performance of the moster cable without the price.

If you don't have digital audio capabilities avoid this product. Instead, purchase the "Monster Cable PGL400 CVAA-10 GameLink" instead [Product Number: B00006345I]. It is the exact same item (with the highest quality "Component Video") except that it has 5 cables instead of 3 (including 2 analog audio cables which will work with all TVs).

This product, however, only consists of 3 component video cables -no audio.

If you DO have digital audio capabilities AND want to buy a separate digital audio cable then that is fine -the color and clarity are wonderful. The cable is very durable and you really can't do better regarding the visual quality.

On the other hand, if you have a TV or Receiver that does NOT support digital audio, then this will be a problem --because the only other audio out on the PS-2 is digital audio.

I had not planned to use digital audio and I purchased these cables. When I tried to hook up the playstation I realized there was no audio connection. Luckily I have a brand new tv and it did support digital audio, but I had to go out and order one more cable to do so -and that cable can range from $20 to $60 depending on where it is purchased (potentially doubling the cost of your cable investment). My personal preference is just to buy a generic (i.e. non PS-2 branded) Monster digital audio cable which is pretty cheap and is of high quality -such as the "Monster Cable THX-Certified Fiber Optic Digital Interconnect Cable (4 Feet)" [product Number: B00006JKW5]. I purchased this cable and was very happy with it.

If you DO have digital audio, and you do NOT want to purchase a SEPARATE digital audio cable, you have one more option. You can purchase this third PS-2/Monster "Component" choice instead --the "Monster Cable PGL450CV/DV GameLink 450 Kit" [Product Number: B00006345E]. This kit includes both the component video item above with a PS-2 Monster branded digital audio cable. The downside here is that the audio cable adds a lot to the cost.

I don't know what these people are saying about this cable not making a difference on high-grade TV sets (e.g. Sony XBR or Vega). I've been using Sony's bog-standard AV cables for about a month on my 27" flat-screen Vega, and sure, the DVD playback and PS2 menu displays look sharp, but when I plugged in the MC S-Video cables, they looked _razor_ sharp. I mean it, the clock display itself looked that much better, much crisper, better color definition. And Toy Story 2, which looked great before, looks damn amazing now. Seriously, you have no excuse not to get a set of cables other than what Sony includes with _every_ Playstation, and these are probably the best value. I heard from Monster Cable customer service on Monday, they're supposed to be releasing their GL 450 (component+optical-audio) sometime this week (12/18-12/22), and the GL 400 (component+copper-stereo) in the second week in January. It's probably a toss-up whether you'd be able to tell much difference between S-video and component, so I'd suggest get this cable now, and leave your component inputs available for another peripheral. Do yourself a favor and get this cable - gold-plating and ample shielding _do_ make a difference, for both video and sound.

Typical of boutique cables, the cables are thick and attractive. I use Monster's Video2-series component and S-video cables for other sources and they are about equal in quality.

The Monster 400 provides only the video connection. You must use optical Toslink cable for audio. Few PS2 titles output analog audio only (e.g., Fantavision), in which case you won't hear a thing.

I've been using Sony's composite video cable for few months (connected to Toshiba 56H80). The improvements probably owe more to component connection than anything, but for what it's worth, they are significant.

Most significant is the color definition. Before the switch, they were muddy and softly defined. Now they are vibrant and detailed.

My TV is equipped with pretty good comb filter (not yet ISF calibrated, just Video Essential). With composite, the images were still plagued with ringing artifacts and rainbow effects. Not so with Monster 400. If anything, this cable magnifies weakness in many PS2 titles (lack of anti-aliasing).

Is it worth $50? Sony's own component cable costs $25, and Pelican's poorly-shielded component cable costs $10. I've not used these cables personally (but my friend's used both on his Toshiba 40H80), but I am betting that Monster is not 2X better than Sony.

But if you want the absolute best, $25 may not a huge premium to pay. Especially when you slept outside the store all night (or refreshed browser every minutes) to get your hands on PS2.

To start, this is a reasonably priced 3.3M (10ft) toslink-to-toslink cable. Compared to other higher quality and longer length optical cables and you'll see the difference in price. I use this cable but not for my connection to my PS2 since my DVD player functions far better than the console itself.

Now, if you do NOT run your Playstation2 into a receiver/home theater system, it's not a wise decision for you to buy this since it won't serve any purpose for you. (For example, if you don't use this unit to watch DVD movies or pump it through your receiver for 5.1 Dolby Digital/DTS sound. (5.1 Digital Sound has yet to be implemented in a PS2 title.)

Be careful here. Even though this cable undoubtedly gives you the best video quality, it does not carry an audio signal, there for you will have to use the optical audio cable. If you have an older reciever that doesn't have an optical input, you won't have any sound. Also if the movie or game doesn't support Dolby Digital or DTS sound there will be no signal, and therefor no sound. Be sure your system is compatible before purchasing this cable!

Depending on the quality of your television, the added benefit of these cables is questionable. If you have smaller or a low-end TV, this can help your experience considerably. Now, when you have a high-end television, say the Sony Wega XBR line of televisions, you may only benefit slightly from using these cables (possibly not justifying cost). Also, if you are putting the PS2 through your home theater setup (i.e. video switching through your receiver) you must make sure you are sending it from your receiver to TV using the most effective means possible, obviously, to ensure the highest possible experience. To be honest, Monster does have some great products, but some are rather overpriced for what you're getting. Don't always fall for their marketing chatter.

Without a doubt, Monster Cables makes the best cabling products in the industry. It's not surprising that they would create a new set of products just for the Playstation 2 market. Just looking at these cables is impressive. They are VERY thick cables, made of exotic materials that look fantastic! The color of the cables really does complement the Playstation 2. But, above all of the "aesthetic" qualities of these Monster cables, they really do work better than the "OEM" cables or other third party cables. Better picture quality, better audio, better magnetic shielding. Bottom Line: Buy Moster Cables for your PS2!!!