Recent content by Marc Rochkind

Most DVD players will play VCDs. The specs and labeling on the front panels and boxes rarely mention SVCDs, and whether players that play VCDs will play SVCDs varies. Also, there are players that will play SCVDs at one bit rate, but not at a higher one. I have a cheap Samsung that plays most...

I get digital audio fine from my dish receiver (508). It's connected to my receiver with an optical cable (only), and the digital light on the receiver lights up. But, none of the movies I've recorded seem to be in Dolby Digital, only PCM. Can someone with Dish confirm this? Do you ever get...

Over and over I read that you need a multi-satellite elliptical dish to get HDTV from DirecTV. However, I assume this requirement is for getting BOTH HDTV and regular service, as they come from two different satellites. Suppose I want ONLY HDTV. Can I do it with a single, round dish, pointed...

I suppose it could happen, but it would be unusual for a DVD to have only 2.0 on the Dolby Digital track and surround on the analog Pro Logic track. Probably what is on the analog track is simlply stereo, and while the receiver is indeed playing it through more than just two speakers, it isn't...

By software upgrade I mean a new program for the internal computer. I have no idea if such are available... I'm only going by what you said about the port being used for upgrades.

Well, it's good to see that the HDTV displays the line a bit better than the analog TVs! :) Anyway, here's what I would do: 1. Take one of the smaller TVs to a point near where the cable enters the house, or even outside, and connect it with a fresh piece of cable to the cable company's...

I think the upgrade to the 5803 involves hardware modifications, and you have to send the thing in to Denon. Presumably the serial port is for software upgrades only.

This would be a bit easier if you could precisely state what is connected to what. I assuming that there are 4 input connections to the TV: 1. Coax direct from wall via splitter. 2. Coax from VCR (input to VCR from other side of splitter). 3. S-video from DVD. 4. Composite from receiver...

I think the HD numbers you list are maximums. With a high-quality image, such as from a progressive-scan DVD player, you may want to sit closer, to get more of a movie-theater-like experience.

I believe it is a German standards organization, and that in this context what it refers to is a specific way of measuring energy consumption (wattage). How it translates into real-world performance I haven't a clue.

Jeff, great to meet you and Mike! Should have stayed... Avs lost in overtime.

Well, I did a web search and came upon this site in about 30 sec.: Link Removed

Hello everyone... thanks for all the kind words! Like most ebooks, you can't print this one. It is also published as a paperback, however. The link in Matt's message leads you to how to order it.

The difference between doing the processing in the DVD player vs. the TV is subtle, but it's definitely there. To see it, you'll need someone else to operate the switch in the back while you watch the picture. In theory, the player should be able to do it better, since, unlike the TV, it can...

OK... at 10 feet the 65 is about right. With the 75, you may find the seating too close for lower-quality 4:3 shows, for which a distance of 3 times the 4:3 diagonal is about right. Of course, my comments are only about the SIZE of the TVs. There are other differences, as you have noted.