Australian consumer electronics manufacturer Kogan is offering a free HDMI cable to UK customers who have purchased a TV from Currys or John Lewis. Kogan clearly agrees with Expert Reviews that HDMI cables can be vastly overpriced, for zero benefit.
We investigated whether expensive HDMI cables were any better than cheap versions and found no perceptible difference between a cable that cost a few pounds with those that cost over £100.
We're pleased to see Kogan helping to expose the scam, as shoppers are currently being tricked by high street retailers into thinking they need to buy an expensive cable to get the most out of their new high definition TV.
In a bid to end this dodgy practice, and bring cable prices down to their proper levels, Kogan is now offering a free cable to anyone who buys a TV at Currys or John Lewis from July 1, 2011. Kogan will even pay to send it to you.
"Some retailers have decided that it’s appropriate to trick unsuspecting UK shoppers into thinking a £100 HDMI cable is better than a £4 one. To prove our point about how much an HDMI cable should cost, we’re giving John Lewis and Currys customers free HDMI cables", said Ruslan Kogan.
“When you buy a TV from John Lewis, Currys, or countless other high street stores, you will be offered hideously expensive accessories such as HDMI cables. These cables are sold with absolutely ridiculous markups, many multiples of the actual cost of the items. What they conveniently forget to tell you is there’s no difference in picture quality between Kogan’s £4 HDMI cable and one more than 20 times its price! It's a digital cable. You either get a picture or you don't. Don't get conned into buying a 'fancy' HDMI cable, because it will make no difference!"
“At Kogan, we think it’s extremely unfair for someone who shells out their heard-earned money on a new TV to be shafted on cables and accessories because of a deliberate misinformation campaign by the big retailers."
The cable being given away is the latest version 1.4 of HDMI, so it is compatible with 3D TVs, can carry an Ethernet signal, and is gold-plated. To claim a free cable, simply email proof of purchase to cablecon@kogan.co.uk. See Kogan's website for full terms and conditions for this offer.
