Recent content by John Karpiscak

That's all? Compatablity? Hum . . . . Good to know if I take DVDs to a friend's house

Hi all: never mind the rest of the WWW, what do you think? I've got a new Phillips DVD+R recorder upstairs and a JVC combo VCR/ DVD-R professional deck in the home theater. No problem in playing finalized disks on either deck or my computers. Given like signal inputs, which format is...

I still do. I've got it between the DirecTV/TIVO and the DVD recorder so that I can transcribe all those video tapes to DVD (as well as make up for the periodic inadequacies of TIVO). S-Video connections only. jk3

It's either too much plugged in (and running) or not enough battery. I was scoping out a rackmounted 2kVa APCsystem that would give me a runtime of up to 8 minutes. The question is is it worth the cost with respect to expected battery life and cost to purchase, or do I simply rely on my...

All: Thanks you for your comments so far. I do in fact have a power conditioner for my system. I've had a Panamax (new/eBay) for over a year in fact. The problem I have is that with all the constrcution in a 1 mile radius of the house, the power 'blinks' several times a day, usually in the...

Anyone have experiences with UPSs and Home Theater? I'm looking to add a rackmount UPS to my system in the 1.5- 2kVa range. Any traps or bad brands I should be aware of? Thanks, John K www.y2kfam.com/theater.htm

I just started using Pinnacle Studio 9. Nice for $79.00. Does everything I need. I'm considering the follwing as as an add on: 1. Buying a DVD recorder that takes DVD-RWs. 2. Transferring and editing the data on my PC (freeing up the DVD-RW to record again). 3. Burning a DVD-R in final...

Rather than XM or Sirius to the house, how about using your cable model or DSL connection to pump streaming audio into your theater? Example: I listen to Classic FM from London via the Link Removed It streams though my DSL connection to my clunky old Win 98 computer (via wireless link), to...

Honestly, I doubt if a built in HD reveiever will help you unless you live in an area where HD signals are stong and plentiful and you think you need to drop DirecTV in the future. I get all my HD from DirecTV. Watched the Superbowl in HD on CBS-E. Good stuff. You'll like the Mitsubishi 65...

Greetings all and Merry Christmas! I've recently purchased a Phillips PAL/NTSC DVD player that works great on all the DVDs I've bought from the UK. I'm limited to RCA jacks out for audio because ALL my optical inputs are taken up. Question: Is there a device (Y-coupler/ splitter/...

You could consider using construction adhesive to attach acoustic panels (store bought or home made) right to the ceiling. You might also consider leaving a 3-4" channel (hidden by the ceiling) down the middle for cabling the ceiling/ rear of the room also. I think that's abut the best I can...

Thanks guys, that's some great ideas! The reason I asked this is I've got 2 walls in my home theater to finish, both are home exterior walls. Starting with a bare concrete block wall, my original idea was to: 1. cover it with insulation (heat loss considerations), 2. frame it out...

Hi! Where did you find the instructions for the DIY panels? I'm getting closer to purchasing the acoustic wall fabrics and want to creat my own panels. I just want to take advantage of others experiences. Thanks! jk3

I've got a few posters on my walls as well. They are non-glare (so no relections off the screen) and set behind the viewer beyond peripheral sight. I try to have nothing reflective visible in direct or perpheral sight. Idea: You could put your posters along the entryway to your theater...

Dan: Good luck wth your theater. Mine's still under construction too (dealing with a leaky basement and low ceilings). Rather than tie up the messageboard with a lot of stuff, you can take advantage of my experiences (for what they are worth), at my home theater site...