The SIIG CB-00071-S1 can transfer a signal between a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) source and a Digital Visual Interface (DVI) display. DVI can deliver the same high-definition video signal as HDMI, but it does not carry an audio signal. An additional cable will be needed for a separate audio channel. We were unable to obtain some information that we wanted about this product, but we still found this to be one of the best HDMI to DVI adapter cables available.
This DVI to HDMI cable features a metal hood and gold-plated connectors. Gold helps increase conductivity. The gold plating on the connectors will help ensure the current passing through will remain steady and strong. Gold is also resistant to corrosion, which is desirable in any connecting cable you purchase.
The Oxygen-Free Copper (OFC) core conductor will also help the signal travel through the cable unimpeded. OFC is forged differently than normal copper, and the low levels of oxygen in the metal reportedly allow for a better signal. Some say that making the copper oxygen-free does not make a difference, but many audiophiles prefer their wires to be made with OFC.
Since no conversion in necessary in the transfer of digital video information from a DVI source to an HDMI source, the SIIG CB-00071-S1 DVI to HDMI cable can deliver uncompressed high-bandwidth video. It also can support a resolution of 1080p, which is considered full high-definition.
Shielding helps prevent any external interference to the traveling signal. Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) and Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) can cause poor signal quality and screen ghosting. Under the PVC jacket, this DVI to HDMI adapter cable is double-shielded. Plus, the molded ends and the inner hood will give you complete shielding from end to end. This should keep your digital video signal pure from your computer to your HD monitor or from your laptop to your HDTV.
This DVI to HDMI cable is only available in three lengths. You can get this SIIG cable in lengths of two meters, five meters and 10 meters. This translates to 6.6 feet, 16.4 feet and 32.8 feet, respectively. This number of length options is less than most of the other cables we reviewed, but it still should be enough for the average user.
Up front, the SIIG site seems to have every kind of support you would need. They have email support and telephone support, they have a FAQs page, and they even have live chat. However, we were disappointed with the follow-through of this site. We had to log in to submit an online request with our questions. We received occasional updates that our request was being processed, but we received no answers. We also left a message using their phone service. And when we tried to use their live chat feature, we were met with a message saying, "Sorry, all our operators are busy. You will be forwarded to the first free operator." This message never changed.
The SIIG CB-00071-S1 DVI to HDMI adapter cable isn't a bad product, it just suffers from a lack of information and poor customer service. It is still capable of delivering a high-definition video signal from one source to another and it will please most people who use it. A few changes to the product and more attentive customer service would allow this cable to be ranked higher. However, in comparison to the other products in our review now, this DVI to HDMI cable is only average.
