Need help on basic display questions. (1 Viewer)

[Vince Maskeeper]

Hey Guys,
As some of you might know- we're compiling a basic primer for the HTF titled "What Every HT Newbie Should Know..."
We're asking forum members to contribute on small nugget of knowledge about any HT subject you feel a newcomer should understand. These can be very basic observations and concepts you think a first-timer to the hobby of HT should know-- maybe something you've learned from hanging out on this site.
Pretend you had to explain an important concept of HT to your mother...
I ask that some of you PLEASE take a minute and post some knowledge here:
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htfo...threadid=55635
I'm trying to get it up to a few pages so I can be a permanent part of our archives... but so far the turn out has been less that hoped. So, come on guys- Pitch in and help author an intro to basic "must have knowledge" for HT newbies.
Here's some basic topic that have yet to be addressed, if you can't think of your own:
-good looking DVDs to show off my display device.
-THX certification (most newbies think its a sound format)
-Different video and audio connection cables
-What are laserdiscs, and is there any reason to own them anymore? (how does laser compare to DVD?)
-Do receivers have a built in amp for a sub?
-Speaker cable- what do I need to know?
-Large or Small setting on receiver- what does this mean?
-Are bookshelf speakers okay for HT?
-How should I point my speakers- should they toe in, where should surrounds be?
-DVD-A/SACD/HDCD/DTSCD
-Recommended respected brands for receivers
-DSP modes, what they do
-Composite vs. Svideo vs. Component
-Optical digital Connection/Coax digital connection
-Bass management basics
-Why video inputs/outputs on a receiver?
-Vince

 

[Vince Maskeeper]

Here's the current table of contents for the thread, I'm sure just by looking over the list you can see some large holes that could be covered:
I. General Concepts
What is Hometheater anyway?
Home Theater Means Accuracy & Calibration
Who Invented DVD?
HDTV Overview
DVD vs. CD, they look the same
DVD vs. VHS, why we need DVD
Why DVDs are letterboxed
Why Some DVDs aren't letterboxed
Common Film Aspect Ratios
Music Listening as Part of Your Home Theater
II. Software Concepts & Specifics
Anamorphic DVD
Dolby Digital Audio Format
DTS Audio Format
Dolby Prologic and Prologic II
Understanding older Surround formats and modern 5.1 (and 6.1) formats
A 7.1 format
Layer Change Pause, Dual/Single Layered DVDs
HD-DVD: High Definition DVD
The Criterion Collection, and its purpose
Twin Peaks on DVD, and proper viewing order
Evil Dead on DVD buyer guide {!GREAT INFO!}
Great sounding DVDs to show off my system
Easter Eggs on DVD?
Why are DVDs released on Tuesdays?
What is a DAD disc?
III. Hardware Concepts & Specifics
Understanding of Basic Hardware
General Hookup Tips
DVD setup with 16:9 TVs.
Amplifiers & Preamplifiers
Why You Need So many Speakers
Do I really need a subwoofer??
More on the purpose of Subwoofers and how to connect
Dipole Type Speakers
Line conditioners and surge protectors
Color and Video Signals
So where do I put all this stuff?
IV. Shopping, Buying, Choosing
How to decide what to buy (best bang for the buck)
More advice on picking components
Choosing Speakers
Isn't Bose the best?
Advice on Auditioning and Shopping
More Auditioning Tips
More Auditioning/Shopping Tips
More Shopping Tips
Budgeting for HT, what you need
Specific Components Suggested
V. Advanced Concepts
Speaker Designs and Methodology
Amplifier Wattage and how it realted to actual speaker output
What's an OHM?
Crossovers
Bi-wiring & Bi-Amping Speakers
-V

 

[Vince Maskeeper]

Come on guys!
Someone please... I would love to see one of the display lurkers post what newbies should know about video (even if it's just a list of good video DVDs or an explaination on the hierarchy of video connections (rf coax, composite, svideo, component, rgb).
Anything. Give back to the community that gives to you.
Seriously guys, take just a minute or two out of your day and help add to the knowledge base of this forum!
-Vince

 

[Neil Joseph]

I think I covered the optical/coaxial question. Also, I took a crack at why video connections on a receiver.

 

[ThomasL]

Vince, I added an introductory post on grayscale, red-push and color decoding. It's not much but hopefully it is a start and can be expanded on by the real experts. I know Guy has a recent excellent post for DIYers who want to tweak their grayscale or try and fix red-push via the service menu. It would be nice if that could be added under the advanced section.

cheers,

--tom

 

[Neil Joseph]

Vince, what is still needed at this point?

 

[Vince Maskeeper]

Neil,

-good looking DVDs to show off my display device.

-Do receivers have a built in amp for a sub?

-Speaker cable- what do I need to know?

-Large or Small setting on receiver- what does this mean (Bass management basics)?

-Are bookshelf speakers okay for HT?

-How should I point my speakers- should they toe in, where should surrounds be?

-Recommended/respected brands for receivers

-DSP modes, what they do

-Composite vs. Svideo vs. Component Video Connections

Anything else anyone can think of.

Act fast guys, I'm going to try to archive this bad boy in the near future!

-Vince

 

[Vince Maskeeper]

LAST CALL GUYS!
This goes into the archives on May 1st, and I'd still love to see some of these topics covered:
- good looking DVDs to show off my display device.
- Large or Small setting on receiver- what does this mean (Bass management basics)?
- Are bookshelf speakers okay for HT?
- DSP modes, what they do
- What's an SVS?
- Composite vs. Svideo vs. Component Video Connections
- Anything else newbies might find helpful
Come on, take 10 minutes and give something back to the HTF community that has helped you so many times!
-Vince