Q Have you done a benchmark test for interlaced only DVD players? I have an external scaler for sending video to an NEC CRT projector and only need an interlaced, not progressive, player. If you've not done such a benchmark test, like you did for progressive players, I'd really like to see one done for the interlaced players.

A Just about every DVD player these days is progressive, even the $139 players. But, they all are switchable to interlaced output, so just get the player that you like and use it in interlaced mode.

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Q  I am currently enjoying a Sony TA-E9000ES processor and a Sunfire Cinema Grand five-channel amplifier for my HT. I am considering to upgrade the processor, and would like to know if there is any benefit utilizing the balanced inputs on Sunfire? Are they really balanced?

A No, the Sunfire XLR inputs are convenience inputs for use if you have balanced processor outputs and are using XLR cables.

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Q My current system is Paradigm speakers with a PS-1000 subwoofer and Denon receiver rated at 90 watts x 6. If I set all my speakers to "Small" with the receiver's internal crossover at 80 Hz, on my PS-1000 do I then set the dial right at 80 Hz or should I turn it all the way to 150 Hz? You state to get a 15" or 18" subwoofer. My PS-1000 is a 10 inch bandpass enclosure that really pounds. Wouldn't I be better of just adding another PS-1000. That's 20 inches total.

A Set the subwoofer crossover to 150 Hz. A second PS-1000 will be better than just one, but having two of them is not the same thing as having a 20" subwoofer, due to exponential geometry. The piston area of a 10" cone is π r², which is 314 square inches. For a 20" cone it is 1256 square inches, which is 4 times as much. This is why it is usually best to get a big subwoofer. Although the enclosure is only 8 inches or so bigger on a side, you get a huge increase in the amount of air that is moved by the cone.

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Q My resistance is weakening, and I'm ready to upgrade my DirecTV STB (satellite set top box) to a HD version. But STBs with HD-recording capability are showing up on the horizon. Should I wait for the HD recorder, and if so, how long do you think before HD-STB/recorders hit the market at mass market (rather than early adopter) prices?

A Although HD boxes with built-in PVRs (like TiVo) are just now becoming available, they don't have DVI outputs on them, probably because of copyright paranoia from Hollywood. They only have component video outputs. This is OK for NTSC, but not for ATSC and High Definition. I want to watch HDTV now, so I have an HDTV tuner with DVI output, used with the DVI input on my HDTV, and will just upgrade to the HDTV-PVRs that have DVI output when they become available next year.

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Q My wife and I are in the market to buy a new widescreen HDTV.  I've heard that the LCD RPTVs are better than the ones with the regular CRT guns, so we are looking into that. We'd like one that's at least 60 inches and has an RGB input for the HD Tuner and CS-HD that we already have. So far, the only TVs that I can find are the Zenith and the Sony, but the Sony doesn't have an RGB input. What models would you recommend that we look at? We want this to be our last purchase for a long time, so quality matters.

A I would recommend that you also look at DLP RPTVs, such as the new Samsung units. Also, be sure it has a DVI input that is HDCP-enabled. Lastly, D-ILA RPTVs are starting to appear, with 1920x1080 resolution.

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Q I have a Philips 55 inch HD monitor I bought in September, 2002. It has no DVI input, but it has component and RGB with V sync. Does this mean that I can't use the next generation HD-DVD players with this HD monitor?

A Component video is perfectly capable of handling HD signals, and I suspect that HD-DVD players will have component video outputs on them, but the signal through component jacks will be analog video only. DVI will carry the digital video signal.

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Q My question is in regards to AVR wattage specifications. I am presently using a 75 watt receiver but am looking to upgrade. I am looking at the Denon 3803 and the Harman Kardon AV525. My question is that Harman Kardon says that their receiver that has only 70 watts per channel is more powerful and cleaner sound than the Denon. If you could explain this it would be much appreciated.

A All manufacturers claim that their products are better than their competitors, so it is marketing material. As to the actual wattage, you need to look at the complete specifications. If it is rated 20 Hz - 20 kHz with all channels driven, this is better than rated at only 1 kHz, or with just one or two channels driven (on a five-channel amplifier). If it is rated at 100 watts into 6 Ohms, this means it will only deliver about 75 watts or so into 8 Ohms, so look for the power rating into 8 Ohms.

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Q Is it possible that DVDs can go bad? Last year I bought the Highlander Season 1 DVD box set, not the Anchor Bay set, but the set only available from the official Highlander site. Each disc has three episodes, and on each episode you have to access from the menu. On one of the discs I can play the first two episodes, but when I try to play the third, I get a message that says dirty disc. If the disc was dirty (and it's not) I would not be able to play the other episodes, correct? All these discs played fine when I first got them, so I am mystified.

A It is possible that DVDs can go bad, like laserdiscs did, but not as likely because of their much smaller size. Take the disc into a dealer and play it on one of their players. If it still has an error, then the disc needs replacement. If it does not, then your player is having a problem for some reason.

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