Info and forum posts by 'zipman'

RE: do i need a reciever?

Thats all upto you.

How much is a DVD player going to cost with inbuilt decoders as oppose to buying both DVD player without them and a new amp?

If you are happy with your amp, stick with it. If you buy the DVD with inbuilt decoders you can still upgrade to a digital amp in the future.

RE: Which cable please?

By all means use the s-video if you are short of scarts. Remember that these are for video only so you will need to hook up a pair of audio leads as well.

It is generally regarded that RGB scart is better than S-Video, but in all honesty there is little difference between the two.

A scart to s-video simply translates the scart signal (video) only into a s-video signal if you are lacking scarts on your telly.

RE: do i need a reciever?

Hi,

The amp is fine, but I think you mean has six channel input, the DVD will have six channel output.

This is fine to send your decoded signals to your speakers. A new receiver will be the same, but have digital inputs and a radio tuner. If you dont need the tuner, stick with your current amp, providing you are happy with its past performance of course!

RE: Plasma vs. LCD

I have a Plasma screen and am more than happy with it. Remember because of the size of the screens you should be seated at least 3-4 metres away from a 42 incher. When looking in shops most people look about 1 metre away so the picture is going to look grainy.

I agree that some pictures, including SKY are not as good as they can be but this is down to the broadcast signal not the screen. When watching DVD`s the picture is excellent.

LCD`s are nice but pricey, I have a 15" in my bedroom and to be honest I dont really like it and wish I kept my £700. The picture is not all its cracked up to be.

And the end of the day its down to personal preference, but for now I am sticking to the Plasma.

RE: CGMS Etc

Hi,

Or you can buy the CP2-S from lektropacks for £35.

You attach it between the scart from your Tosh and the DMRHS2 and it removes all copy protect signals, colour bleeding etc for perfect DVD/VHS copying.

Try this link : http://www.lektropacks.co.uk/dept.asp?Hash=377&dept_id=102

This item was edited on Friday, 7th March 2003, 17:26

RE: 6 RCA to 6 RCA Cable Advice Please

Hi, I have some monster cables and they are fine.

As you only need yours for sound, any semi-decent phono cable will be ok. £5 a cable is about right.

Lektropacks do their Home cinema range of 2xphono to 2xphono for £5.50pr. all you need is three sets for £16.50.

Follow link for more : http://www.lektropacks.co.uk/dept.asp?dept%5Fid=203

Zipman

This item was edited on Friday, 7th March 2003, 17:17

RE: Learning Remote Controls - Your views please?

Just make sure she doesn`t take it to bed with her, or it will run those batteries down fast!

RE: BLU-RAY vs DVD...

Okay, some answers,

1). It is true that Blu-Ray cannot play current DVD`s or CD`s because they need a red laser. It would be stupid of the manufacturers not to enclose both lasers in the machines needed for backwards compatibility. But there is no guarantees they will include both! Also a blu-ray recording will not play back in a red laser machine! So you may not be able to watch them in your bedroom DVD player or round your mates.

2). Current recordable DVD`s are 4.7Gb, which is good for 1hr HQ, 2hrs SP, 3hrs EP, 4hrs EP+. Either way, they are all better than VHS!

3). It will be possible to record from Video tapes like you can with current DVD recorders, obviously you will need a macro buster, CP2S from Lektropacks for £39, if you want to copy pre-recorded copyright films.

4). TV recording takes up no more space than DVD recording. Blu-Ray discs can store up to 27Gb on one disc, enough for most peoples complete PC backup! and 54Gb on a flipper. Sonys Discs will store 23Gb, recording wise, about 2hrs High Definition and so on .... per side or dual layered. Other manufacturers discs will vary in storage size.
Because blu-ray can record in such a condensed space on the disc the recording quality is supposed to be outstanding, far superior to current DVD recording.

Mind you, I read that Sony are asking $3800 for their recorder, a bit out of my league!

Hope this helps.

Zipman.

This item was edited on Wednesday, 5th March 2003, 18:02

RE: Learning Remote Controls - Your views please?

Yes it is the exact model, not bad for £39.99, I paid £79 for mine two years ago.

Just also like to say that it DOES control my Pace NTL digibox, even though it says they don`t. I guess it depends how new your digibox is. Saying that, mine is still over two years old.

RE: Learning Remote Controls - Your views please?

Good idea.

I just think the e-pilot looks alot better than the Khameleon. I have had mine about two years now and am still impressed with it.


The choice is now upto you.

RE: Learning Remote Controls - Your views please?

You have to bear in mind this controls 8 machines, so any all in one is going to get through batteries as this is the primary remote you will be using.

I get through about 4xAAA every 2 months, so all in all, not too bad.

RE: Learning Remote Controls - Your views please?

I have the E-Pilot learning remote control.

It is a total touch screen with auto back light control.

Can control upto 8 different machines and has macro controls.

Try : Lektropacks for further details about £65.

http://www.lektropacks.co.uk/product/technical.asp?dept%5Fid=105&sku=196

This item was edited on Tuesday, 4th March 2003, 17:51

RE: Plasmas - Prime v Cheap Brands

All Plasma screens, however priced, must have a guaranteed 99.999% operating pixels. This means no more than about 4 dead pixels on a 852x480 screen. Any more and you can demand a refund.

By the technological process involved in construction, 100% cannot be guaranteed, even on the most expensive screen. I have scanned my plasma thoroughly and have no dead pixels. Samsung PS42

And yes the better screens, ie, Panasonic do show the black better, as they have a claimed contrast ratio of 3000:1

This item was edited on Sunday, 2nd March 2003, 22:48

RE: Plasmas - Prime v Cheap Brands

I don`t think anyone will disagree that a Pioneer or Panasonic 42" is better than a Samsung or LG 42"

The main point to make is that : Is it worth £2k more?

I have a Samsung 42" which I bought from Dixons, which has everything included for £3k. I am more than happy with it, and the picture quality is outstanding. You can pick up the monitor only, for £2k at Richer sounds, although stands, wall brackets, speakers, tuner box are extra!

I do believe the Pioneer and Panasonics are marginally better, but not that much, and certainly in my opinion, they do not warrant another £2k on top of what I paid. I viewed several and there is not much difference.

At the end of the day it all depends how deep your pockets are and if you can spare that extra couple of grand.

This item was edited on Sunday, 2nd March 2003, 11:19

RE: Does DVD technology still have a long way to go?

Its the same as saying why isn`t every car a Ferrari !

Its not the disc thats the problem, its the players.

DVD production is standard to a degree, but there are always going to be manufacturers wanting to save a few quid and hence knocking out cheaper budget machines which may have trouble reading a minority of discs.

Like you said, this was a firmware issue within the machine and new players are okay.

If the Matrix is the only film your tosh has trouble playing, i wouldn`t bother buying a new machine.

This item was edited on Friday, 28th February 2003, 17:00

RE: Opinions on the sony davs s880

Hi,

My power output is only slightly higher than 100w per channel but it`s also down to the speakers and not just the output which determines best quality sound, but like I said before the 880 is very good.

You are right that all-in-ones just use one plug, although if the sub is an active rather than passive sub woofer then this will require a power point as well. And yes separates do all need their own plugs and independant switching on.

I was into home cinema about three years ago so all-in-ones were not around then, thats why I went with separates.

You will be well impressed with the DAVS 880 so please go ahead and buy, you wont be disappointed. I see you are at least prepared to spend some decent money on home cinema, just stay clear of the £200 all-in-ones, they are total sh**.

Best of luck.

This item was edited on Wednesday, 26th February 2003, 22:45

RE: Speaker Wattage & Receiver Output

You wont have a problem using these surround speakers. They will be fine for rears and okay for fronts but you may want larger wattage for these, say 150w. Rear channel sound is rarely full blown like the fronts.

90 watts per channel is the max your machine will output if you crank the volume as far as it will go, however most amps never need to go anywhere near the limit.

RE: Does DVD technology still have a long way to go?

Hi,

Apparently blu-ray cannot read current CD`s and DVD`s as they require the red laser to read them. Vice Versa current DVD players will not be able to read blu-ray discs because they need a blue laser to read them.

I seriously think manufacturers would be cutting their own heads off if they did not include both lasers in the machine, needed for backwards compatibility.

Heres a link to explain it more : http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/0,,sid9_gci810790,00.html

This item was edited on Wednesday, 26th February 2003, 07:06

RE: Does DVD technology still have a long way to go?

DVD is here to stay, so get used to it.

Blu-Ray technology is out later in the year / 2004. This is a new recording technology which can store upto 27Gb on a disc. It uses blue laser technology instead of the current red laser, hence the name.

Either way it is still a DVD format and I believe you get what you pay for in the electronics world. A £60 player is ok and might play every disc ok, but of course you would be less likely to have faults on a more expensive player. I have a 3yr old Pioneer DVD player and have never had one problem with it.

RE: Opinions on the sony davs s880

Hi,

A friend of mine has the same DAV880 and it is very good and indeed good looking. 100w a channel is also very good.

However, I prefer going the separates route, and to be honest I think mine blows these all-in-ones away (not trying to be big headed) We did a test on Saving Private Ryan and you really can tell the difference.

I have a Pioneer DVD Player, Philips 880 DVD Recorder, Pioneer Amp, Samsung Plasma and Mission Speakers.

With the exception of the Plasma and Recorder, you can still get a decent separates buy for £600. A DVD for £100, Amp £200, Speakers £300. Mine didn`t cost much more.

At the end of the day it is upto you and of course, the amount of space determines a lot these days. Remember, if one thing buggers up, then the whole system is out of use until repaired.

Don`t let this put you off, as like I said, it is still a great machine.

This item was edited on Tuesday, 25th February 2003, 18:15

RE: Cable for best picture quality..scart?

RGB is said to be better than s-video although there is little difference.

The main point to make is that the smaller the screen size the less likely you are to find much difference when upgrading cables. A £15 scart is fine for a 28" tv. On larger screens like 42" Plasmas you will notice better picture quality and perhaps a £50 scart is then justified or if you have them, Component connections.

With regard the screen noise on The Thing, this is probably just down to a cheap transfer onto disc without the manufacturers spending money digitally cleaning up the original film, after all it is 20 yrs old.

This item was edited on Saturday, 22nd February 2003, 12:43

RE: how do i record in NTSC on philips dvdr890

I don`t believe that you can.

This country only broadcasts in PAL and not NTSC.

There is no way you can set your 890 to translate a PAL recording (either airwaves, cable or R2 disc) into NTSC.

All your american friends need is a PAL/NTSC convertor in their machines just as we have a NTSC/PAL convertor in ours when playing R1 discs.

They should have no problems playing the discs, as long as their DVD will play the +R / +RW discs of course!

This item was edited on Saturday, 22nd February 2003, 09:34

RE: Onscreen Shadow

Do you have your hifi speakers placed close by? An unsheilded speaker can cause magnetic interference with your screen and over a period of time can cause permanent damage to it.

This item was edited on Wednesday, 19th February 2003, 20:25

RE: Predictions please for the cost of a plasma by next Xmas.

Plasma screens have an expected life of around 30,000 hrs before they lose some of the brightness.

This is good for around 14 years at 6-8 hours a day.

So do not be put of with stories that they only last 6 months, this is absolute rubbish.

You can get screen burn if you leave a picture on pause for 3 hours or more, but all vcrs and dvd and plasma monitors have screen savers or in the case of vcr`s a paused picture will stop or resume playing after several minutes. Also LCD`s are just as prone to screen burn as plasma`s are.

The only concern is digital broadcasters logo`s but most people refresh their screen by changing channels etc, so this isn`t really too much of a problem.

This item was edited on Tuesday, 18th February 2003, 23:00

RE: Predictions please for the cost of a plasma by next Xmas.

Hi,

I think £999 is a bit optimistic as a 36" CRT still costs more than that. As do rear projections. I think maybe a basic all in plasma (inc tuner) package will be available for £2k for a 42" and maybe less for smaller sizes.

I have a Samsung PS42 Plasma which I paid £3k for. This includes tuner, table stand, speakers and speaker stands etc and I am very happy with it.

You have to remember that if everyone holds onto their wad of cash then prices won`t fall too sharply as manufacturers need to recoup their R&D and production costs. They need people paying a bit extra until mainstream production becomes cheaper to the masses!

This item was edited on Tuesday, 18th February 2003, 18:22

RE: Sony Widescreen help please

Hi, apparantly the KD32DX40 is not NTSC compatible on its own, but as long as you have the PAL to NTSC convertor in your DVD player you should be ok.

This link for specs : http://www.comparestoreprices.co.uk/sony-kd-32dx40.asp

The KV32 says it is though!

Your best bet is to log on to http://www.sony.co.uk and check their product lists. A bit slow this morning so I`ll let you check.

Best of luck

This item was edited on Tuesday, 18th February 2003, 07:15

RE: best way to to this

Hi

You can record to +RW, providing your tapes have no copyright protection. There is then a feature where you insert markers. To do this you pause the +RW recording at the start of the advert, go into edit and press insert marker. You then do this again when the advert finishes. So you get a marker at the start and end of the adverts. You then go back into edit and make chapter hidden between these two markers.

When playing back the recording will skip seemlessly past the hidden chapter as if it wasnt there. You will have to do this for all adverts. A bit of a chore though, or you can just pause the old fashioned way when you know the adverts are coming etc.

To then copy to a +R simply make the edits you`ve made compatible in the menu screen and these will be copied "hidden" to your write once disc.

Best of luck.

RE: TV problem ***Please Help!***

If the speakers have damaged your screen you would more than likely have a blurred area on your screen as oppose to a vertical line. This sounds more like a TV error than your speaker.

Was the speaker "shielded" from magnetic interference. If yes, then it can`t be that!

If an unsheilded speaker has been next to your TV for a long time, switching it off and allowing the screen to degausse wont cure it as it will probably be irreparably damaged.

But again due to your description of the LINE i dont think it is speaker related.

RE: TV problem ***Please Help!***

If the speakers have damaged your screen you would more than likely have a blurred area on your screen as oppose to a vertical line. This sounds more like a TV error than your speaker.

Was the speaker "shielded" from magnetic interference. If yes, then it can`t be that!

If an unsheilded speaker has been next to your TV for a long time, switching it off and allowing the screen to degausse wont cure it as it will probably be irreparably damaged.

But again due to your description of the LINE i dont think it is speaker related.

RE: TV problem ***Please Help!***

If the speakers have damaged your screen you would more than likely have a blurred area on your screen as oppose to a vertical line. This sounds more like a TV error than your speaker.

Was the speaker "shielded" from magnetic interference. If yes, then it can`t be that!

If an unsheilded speaker has been next to your TV for a long time, switching it off and allowing the screen to degausse wont cure it as it will probably be irreparably damaged.

But again due to your description of the LINE i dont think it is speaker related.