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Q I have been told by one salesman that I need either a progressive
scan TV or a progressive scan DVD player, but not both. Is this true?
A At a minimum, you must have a progressive scan TV in order to show
progressive scan images. If your DVD player only has interlaced output, the TV
will deinterlace it and show it as progressive scan. If you have a progressive
scan DVD player, you have a choice of outputting interlaced or progressive to
the TV. Either way though, you cannot view progressive scan video unless the TV
is progressive scan capable.
T
Q I have a Loewe Aconda 38" CRT TV. I am confused
on whether to look for a top notch interlace or progressive DVD player. My sales
associate said the TV's processor on this model was better than most any DVD
player, even if I spent a couple thousand dollars on the player. I would like to
pick up an interlace player that might prevent ghosting while using the TV's 2:3
pulldown detection.
A If the DVD player has the
chroma bug, it will be there even in interlaced mode, perhaps a little less
visible, but still there. The only major problem you might correct by using
progressive scan output is deinterlacing artifacts.
T
Q Is it true that adding an
outboard amplifier to a receiver can increase sound quality? In my case I would
be adding a two channel amp to my Denon AVR-4802, and the amp I am considering
is the anthem MCA-20. The speakers are Mirage OM-10s, which are rated at 90 dB
efficiency and 6 ohms nominal and 4 ohms minimum impedance. Would it be a big
enough improvement to make it worth paying the money?
A The 4802 is a pretty big
piece, with good power amplifiers, but due to the 4 ohm minimum impedance of the
Mirage speakers, I think it would be a good idea for you to get the two-channel
outboard power amplifier. You will get better dynamics.
T
Q I have a budget of $2,000
for a home theater speaker system. I need fronts, rears, center, and sub. What's
the best sounding speaker for that price range?
A I would suggest looking
around for a system on sale, particularly if it is last year's speaker models.
Speakers have not changed very much, so you could end up with a really good
deal. If you can get a nice subwoofer that has a scratch or two on it, likely
you will be able to double the power for your money.
T
Q Concerning speakers, what does bi-wireable mean?
A That means it has two sets
of speaker binding posts, with a metal strip that connects the two sets
together. You remove the metal strips and connect two sets of speaker cables
from one set of receiver speaker outputs to the binding posts. One cable goes to
one set, and the second cable goes to the second set. The idea is that by having
separate cables for the high frequencies vs. the low frequencies, you improve
the sound. This differs from bi-amping where you use one amplifier to drive the
tweeter and one amplifier to drive the mid/woofer, again, with the metal
connecting strip on the speakers removed.
T
Q I am looking to purchase a
DVD player under $500 with the Faroudja DCDi and a coaxial digital out. Is there
one? I am going to use it with my Panasonic L300u projector. Should I wait
a few months for the next generation DVD players or is there one out there now?
A We will be publishing our latest set of Benchmark
data on new DVD players shortly. Wait for those results.
T
Q How do I know which is a safe dB level, meaning
not too high of a setting, so there is no distortion or risking blowing my
speakers or receiver?
A If you are buying mass market receivers, stick to
8 ohm speakers with high sensitivity (90 dB/w/m or higher). Get yourself a Radio
Shack SPL meter and set your volume so that it is not going above 80 dB on
average material. It can peak now and then with an explosion, but during the
main part of the movie, it should be no more than about 75 dB or so. Most
receivers these days will likely handle this kind of volume and impedance load
just fine.
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Q How long does it take for an image to "burn" into
a rear projection TV? I have a 16:9 TV, and if I were to watch normal full
screen DVDs, how much damage is done if I watched say 15 hours a week with the
bars on the left and right side of the TV?
A If it is an LCD type of RPTV, you are unlikely to
have a burn in problem. If it is a CRT projector, then you could indeed burn it
quickly if you have the brightness and contrast up high. Frankly, I have enjoyed
widescreen movies for such a long time, I have difficulty watching 4:3, so I set
the TV to zoom, which lops off a bit of the top and bottom and just watch 4:3 in
widescreen format. Losing some of the top and bottom does not seem to be as
bothersome as losing some on either side. If you want to watch the entire 4:3
image, then turn the brightness and contrast down when you watch them.
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