Audio with video?
February 19, 2004
Do you think it degrades the performance of an audio system
to have video integrated into the system?
Ralph Morris
It depends on how you look at it -- no pun intended. If
you stretch a system budget to cover a full multichannel home-theater system then, in that
case, it would degrade the audio performance compared with the same dollar amount strictly
used for a simple CD-based stereo system. If you are referring to actually integrating
video equipment into an audio system, then it still depends. A huge rear-projection
monitor placed right between a pair of loudspeakers will affect imaging, for instance.
However, a DVD player simply added to a two-channel system will have no effect on the rest
of the components. Lastly, if you are discussing video capability within an audio
component, then it again depends Some of the newest universal audio/video players give up
very little in terms of sound quality compared to their more limited counterparts in the
marketplace. And if you factor in the added flexibility from the capability to play back
the newest audio formats, the picture changes. So, without more specifics, I guess the
answer any way you look at it is, it depends.
Receiver malfunction
February 16, 2004
I have a Yamaha RX-V390 audio/video receiver that this past
weekend started acting up on me. I played a DVD movie on Sunday, and later on at night I
went to turn it on to watch another movie, and every time I tried to turn it on, the unit
turned itself off after a matter of a couple of seconds. I have tried replacing the surge
protector, leaving unplugged for a day or two and plugging it back in, this time from a
different location. I have gone as far as removing the cover to check the fuses; they
looked normal to me. All of these attempts have not rendered anything at all, since the
unit keeps turning itself off every time I click it on. Can you help me get to the bottom
of this puzzle?
Victor
Modern home-theater components monitor themselves
electronically for potentially dangerous malfunctions such as damaged internal parts. When
a unit's microprocessor senses a problem, it will typically shut down so that no further
damage -- or potentially dangerous disasters like fire! -- occurs. Your receiver is
identifying something upon turn-on and shutting down as a result. My guess is that you're
going to need service for your Yamaha. There's likely no fix that you're going to find.
You need a professional service technician.
Pioneer DV-563A
February 12, 2004
I wanted to say thank you to GoodSound! for writing
about the Pioneer DV-563A universal audio player. I had no idea that a player with this
type of potential was on the market. I am in need of a new DVD player and having a choice
that plays everything for so little money is exciting. I'm glad you guys are around to
uncover this type of thing. Keep up the good work.
Ralph
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