Q Are there any good DVD players out there with DVI output (besides the Faroudja NRS)? I have a PLUS Avanti DLP projector for my home theater (which I love), and it has a DVI input which I'd like to use!! Maybe the technology just isn't there yet. I dunno. Thanks for your help!

A The technology is there, but most manufacturers still have not yet jumped on the wagon to put the DVI outputs on their players. There were a few at CES 2003, such as Meridian and Samsung. Probably by the end of this year (2003), there will be a lot more.

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Q I have set my heart on an Anthem AVM20 processor but I am not quite sure which amplifier to choose. I have noticed that while you have reviewed the PVA7 and the MCA5, there is no word on the sound improvements the MCA50 or MCA20 has brought to the table.

A Although processors and DVD players seem to have significant improvements each year, the world of power amplifier technology has not really changed for quite a while, so you should feel free to just pick out one that suits you now. It is very unlikely that any model changes in the next few years would make upgrading worthwhile, except to add more power (e.g., upgrading from 100 watts per channel to 200 watts per channel). If you can afford it, get a really good one to start with, and you won't have to get another one later on.

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Q Can you recommend a setup DVD to configure a home theater system? I have seen a few out there, but as we all know, not all products are created equal. Also, I am using a projector, so is there a specific DVD used for projector home theater setup? Most of the ones I've seen are geared towards Projection TVs.

A Avia (Ovation Software, http://www.ovationsw.com, $49.99 USA) is one of the best, and the procedures work for any type of TV as long as you can make the suggested adjustments.

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Q You haven't mentioned any DVD recorders (I couldn't find any in a search of your website) like the Panasonic DMR-E30. Is its playback just as good as their players like the RP-82, or does it have problems?

A We just have not gotten around to testing DVD recorders yet, but I prefer doing DVD recording on a computer, since there seems to be more flexibility and options such as constructing a sophisticated menu for the the DVD that is being recorded. Also, you need to be able to edit the videos before you put them onto a DVD, and the editing software often has the DVD recording capability as part of the package. Most new computers also come with a DVD recorder as well.

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Q I have a powered sub. Do I need tower speakers for my fronts or will bookshelf speakers be OK? Also the speaker set I'm looking at has a 86 dB sensitivity for all five speakers. The towers are the same brand and they have 90 dB sensitivity. Which would you suggest?

A I suspect you are using a receiver for your system, so assuming that you like the overall sound quality of both models, I would suggest the towers. That additional 4 dB sensitivity will let your receiver not have to work quite as hard, so the dynamics will be better.

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Q I'm trying to decide between the new Samsung 61" DLP rear projector or the new Sony Grand Wega. Price is not a consideration. I'm interested in picture quality and compatibility with future technologies.

A The picture quality of new HDTVs is really terrific. I would suggest that you select from models that have DVI in and with HDCP as part of the DVI. That should ensure you that it will be compatible with HDTV when it finally is rolling off the cable and satellite.

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Q I recently purchased a Sony VLP-VW12HT projector. In the box is a CD-ROM that allows you to adjust the gamma. Long story short, the program is crap and I ended up with an awful adjustment, and through a bug in the program, wasn't able to restore the original factory settings.  Through a friend at Sony, I was able to restore a "default setting" for the gamma, but this is just where Sony starts when they do a calibration.  While the default setting looks a lot better than where I had gotten with the gamma program, I feel the projector is horribly out of calibration.  Help. What can I do to dial this unit in?

A This is a case where Steve Smallcombe's SMART package would help. He has software specifically for the 12HT. You can calibrate not only the gamma, but the entire projector, including R,G,B and improve the contrast while you are at it. It is available at www.smartavtweaks.com.

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Q URGENT! I read your most recent article with great anticipation and was flabbergasted to see that one of my recent purchases performed dismally. I have an option to trade it in for another brand and model.  Specifically I have the DV47Ai and would like your recommendation on alternatives. I cannot wait for the new Denon because of the purchase date but could get the Yamaha S2300 possibly next week. Conversely, I could get the Denon 1600 or my money back. Please...I would like your recommendations soon (if possible) since I have one more week until my 30 days on my purchase agreement expires.

A Get the Denon DVD-1600, which has DVD-A but not SACD. If you want SACD as well, then get the Yamaha S2300.

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