We need help with educating HT newbies-- PLEASE READ (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 important HT subject. These can be very basic observations and concepts you think a newcomer to the hobby of HT should know-- maybe something you've learned from hanging out on this site.
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 3-4 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.
Several great topics have never been touched:
-THX certification (most newbies think its a sound format)
- Different video and audio connection cables and types
-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, do I havve to buy an amp?
-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?
Or anything else you think HT newbies should know!
-Vince

 

[Vince Maskeeper]

Here is the current table of contents, and I'm sure you can see topics that are missing from a basic newbie primer:
Table of Contents
I. General Concepts
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
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?
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
Dipole Type Speakers
Basic speaker designs and functions
Line conditioners and surge protectors
Color and Video Signals
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
Budgeting for HT, what you need
Specific Components Suggested
V. Advanced Concepts
Amplifier Wattage and how it realted to actual speaker output
What's an OHM?
Crossovers
-Vince

 

[Vince Maskeeper]

ANYONE?

After all this forum has given you, I'm suprised at how few are willing to give back.

 

[Earl Simpson]

I'm teaching rug rat Science, but later I will contribute on speaker design and Ohms(speaker hook up and calculating Ohms). Speaker wire size.????? I don't know, something for sure.

 

[Jagan Seshadri]

It looks like most topics have been covered, Vince.

I'm more of an "explain digital audio theory" kinda guy, so if you ever want that kind of input, I'd gladly contribute. I think, however, that my explanations are for more advanced HT enthusiasts.

-JNS

 

[gene avallon]

if some speakers are just for home theater what are they so I wont waste time listerning to others,if there is such a thing.Ive been looking for that answer for a while.

gene

 

[Bobby T]

I'm not the bestperson for it but 2 topics could be

CD vs SACD vs DVD audio

192/24 vs 96/24

 

[Vince Maskeeper]

I've offered several possible suggestions in my first post for those who couldn't think up one on their own:

-THX certification (most newbies think its a sound format)

- Different video and audio connection cables and types

-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?

Also, no one has really addressed:

-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?

etc.

-Vince

 

[Stephen Houdek]

Vince, I didn't see anything in there about Avia or VE.....If it isn't there how about recommending the newbie purchase a copy like I did......Could be put in a section about level setting. If I missed it ignore.

 

[Vince Maskeeper]

stephen,
there is a short post that mentions AVIA & VE:
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htfo...011#post512011
but a bigger explanation would be more than welcome!!
Please feel free to post your summary of the discs and what they're used for!
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htfo...threadid=55635
-V

 

[Mark C.]

I don't know the ins and outs, but how about defining what all those numbers mean when looking at various product specs?

 

[Ted Lee]

Also, no one has really addressed:

....Why video inputs/outputs on a receiver?

hey vince, i took a stab at that one and i think i may post one on remote controls too...

 

[Earl Simpson]

Vince, do we have a marker on each forum page to direct folks to this info?

 

[Pat K]

i wish i could contribute, but im a newbie myself. I know alot about car audio, but not much about HT. I would love to see something on Universal Remotes, and their features, such as the pronto.

 

[Richard_s]

I read through the entire document so far since I know so little about all of the details of audio for HT and Music. This is one very nice piece of work. It will definitely improve the overall quality of this already great forum. I now understand may concepts and terms that I did not understand before that lmited my ability to gain full understanding of many posts.

maybe I missed them but:

One topic that I did not see and one which I still don't understand is what the following mean and what do they mean to my HT enjoyment. It seems that to get them the receiver is in the mid to high price range and maybe I can live without these features.

DTS-ES and THX Surround EX

Another topic that I have seen in the posts is True watt ratings for receivers. How does one know if this is what they are getting. My understanding on this is that an amplifier may state 100w/channel but can not supply that much to all channels simultaneously thus not a true rating.

 

[KyleRoussel]

What about a section about having pros coming to your home and doing all the setup? I know nothing of it, just brainstorming here...

 

[Earl Simpson]

I don't think my wife would like that.

 

[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:

- Different video and audio connection cables and types

- 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?

- Bass management basics

- 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! It doesn't have to be an encyclopedia- just a simple explanation to help a newcomer!

-Vince

 

[Ted Lee]

hey vince - i'll take bookshelf speakers and toeing in/placement...

 

[DavidVTHokie]

One thing I'd like explained is the term "reference". It is often applied to speakers or other components. What it it actually referring to? Does it have to do with a speaker-input combination? Does reference sound have to be at certain dB levels?