So are these things like Monster branded cables - cheap ones are just as good as the expensive ones or not?
With the new Xbox arriving on Monday we'll have the HDTV, HTPC, Wii, Xbox and a backup DVD player all in one potentially expensive power surge spot. I've currently got a cheapo-generic "surge protector" power strip there but I question it's true value or protection ability.
So learn me and recommend something (preferably less than $100).
Monster branded anything is always over priced, but the generic stuff is pretty worthless. The sweet spot is in the middle. You'll do OK if you grab a decent Belkin or a similar brand. Don't get the 9.99 special, but you don't need every single feature ever thought of either.
If you really want to protect your system (and it's pretty much overkill for an Xbox), then you'll want a UPS (the power supply, not the delivery service). It will do a lot more to condition the power coming in, provide some battery backup, ... and also cost a bit more than a basic power supply).
I used to run my computer through an APC UPS. Keep in mind that the batteries die pretty quickly. My second one died this past week, and it won't stop beeping unless there's a battery in it.
The best option is a power conditioner. They tend to be outside of your price range, but I personally would rather a power conditioner than a battery backup for my home theater setup.
If I were going on the cheaper side, I'd check out the selection at Parts Express.
I have a couple of these with a different name on them that still work as they should when we have the occasional brown-out. I can't recall what I payed for them, but I know I wouldn't have spent much on one when I bought them.
Get a UPS. I use mostly APC branded ones because that's what I find that people at work throw out from the constant beeping. A new $20 battery and they are good for another year or two. I put everything that I would like to keep working on a UPS. All computers, the TV/dvd/stereo, radios, etc. Anything I value.
As for the cables, from what I've read the monster people are primarily an extortion racket. A group of lawyers that sue anyone using the monster name for any purpose and "settling" for whatever they can get. They even tried it with the monster job board people, who I think told them to get screwed. "Settled for non-disclosed amount..." The fact that they sell cables is just a front to keep them in business. I refuse to support such schemes. Whenever possible, I buy my cables from MonoPrice.com
I've used APC products since about 1990. Never a complaint.
Monster stuff is way overpriced.
+1 on Parts Express. Get good cables for a fraction of what you'd pay at retail.
FYI many of those surge protectors advertise a warranty/insurance protection for any devices you plug into them. However, the fine-print usually states you have to ship everything to them for their inspection, then they determine whether to actually issue any compensation.
I suggest using an APC UPS on every system I ship. They are worth every cent. Like a helmet- good costs a bit more. 10 years ago I was at a system commissioning (final check out, turn over to customer) and the building took a lightning strike. $80,000.00 CCTV system zapped because of no UPS. And, because the system had not been turned over, it was our problem. Lesson learned.
+1 on the "coverage" of connected devices. I've seen $3 sketchy power strips claim to have "coverage" for up to $100,000 worth of equipment. If I had $100,000 worth of equipment, it's going through a power conditioner. I mean, my APC does an alright job keeping right at 120 volts, but I'd want something a little better built than a $50 battery backup or a $3 "surge protector" power strip to make sure it eats all the clean power it can.
A guy I used to work with has some computers hooked up to an APC surge protector. All of the computers got fried, I forget how, and APC cut him a check to cover all of the equipment. I use APC SPs for my TV and computers because of his experience.
I have a cheaper version of the Monster surge protector from RadioShack. Guess who probably made it. That's right, Monster. I haven't had any issues with it. The monster equipment really is built heavier and more durable than any other companies products that I know of. It is way overpriced. Back when I worked at RadioShack, we got 80% off Monster products.
EDIT: And yes, the are insured.
