I recently bought some "premium" composite audio-video cables. I wanted them mainly
for the stereo-audio cables, which I was going to use in conjunction with component
video cables. I got the audio-video cable combo because the whole assembly was not
much different in price from just the audio cables by themselves, and I could likely
fall back to composite video if the component gave me trouble.

Now, these "premium" cables have "24k gold plated connectors" and a metalized outer
body. Whether these cables will actually perform better, who knows. They costed more,
I know that. I bought into the marketing though and decided to give them a whirl.

However, this is not the part of the "Marketing game" I'm intending to discuss, though it
is related.

I went to get component video cable. Now, it seems silly to have premium audio cable
without premium component video, so that's what I look at.

Looking at the "premium" component video cables, they look almost identical to the
"premium" composite cables. Metal outer body, gold plated connectors. I didn't inspect
them closely, but the only difference I can see is the color coding difference for
component video.

While I probably can't prove it, I'm pretty sure the cables are otherwise identical. However, the
store was charging nearly 50% more for the component cables.

After some debating, I'd almost made up my mind to buy a second set of the "premium"
composite AV cables, and just use it as component. Alas, I was in a hurry
and couldn't find the composite cables again, so I got the higher-priced component
cables instead.

Here is where the game is though. Even though I was sure they were charging more
money for basically the same cables, I sort of felt like I was better off buying the
cables that were labeled for component to use in that application.

Marketing - The game that plays you ™.

indeed it does. strangely enough, higher costs and pricing within these items doesn't necessarily mean better performance. it's like you'll need to buy both/all just to make an accurate comparison of for starters, then see which one performs the best for an accurate gesture.

in the end, you'll figure out what gives you the best bang for your buck and not loose too much of what was invested in buying all at one time. and reccomendation of your testing also helps others who have difficulties on what items give the best performance.

I did think of one thing about NOT sticking to the official application of a product. (e.g.
using composite cables to carry component video.) In many cases, such use will void your
warranty. While this is probably not significant for video cables, it could be for other
products.

true that pixel.