InFocus 7200 still the one?

November 30, 2004

To Wes Marshall,

I recently read your review of the InFocus 7200. Do you still feel this is one of the best DLP projectors available? If not, which do you feel is better? I will be watching a mix of 4:3 and 16:9 from DirecTV, HDTV, and DVD. Also, what screen do you recommend with the InFocus projector?

Kevin

I'm still a fan of InFocus. The 7200 has been superceded by the 7205, and there are a lot of other DLPs available at ever-plummeting prices. Keep your eyes on our site, especially the SoundStage! Network CES coverage. No one gets it out faster or in more detail than we do....Wes Marshall

Proposed system

November 24, 2004

Editor,

I am in the process of choosing a brand-new setup -- TV, A/V receiver, DVD player and A/V speakers. After going through a technical/price analysis, I have made the following list: Sim2 Domino 45 DLP rear projector, Denon 3805 receiver, Denon 3910 DVD player and KEF 5005 speakers. This list also is influenced by the looks and available space.

Do you think this list makes sense together? Would you change any of the components? Price is, of course, a concern, but within that price level I am looking for the best products.

Paulo

In your price range there are literally thousands of possible permutations. I do think you have a pretty balanced system with regard to how you've divided your budget. I'd try to hear the KEF speakers before you buy. Speakers will be the largest determinant of sound quality and are likely to vary the most compared with other brands. I'd add the Mirage Omnisats to your list of comparison products. They are somewhat of a benchmark in that genre. The only other possible concern would be whether one small subwoofer would be sufficient for your room; if you have a huge space you may need more woofage for a truly thrilling HT experience....Jeff Fritz

Receiver for Axiom speakers

November 15, 2004

Editor,

What type of A/V amp/receiver do I need to use the Axiom Epic 80 system? I’m concerned about the Millennia M80ti, which are rated at 4 ohms. Help! Price is a consideration.

Steve

My first thought would be the receiver I just wrote about in my "Surrounded" column in SoundStage! -- the NAD T743. It should have plenty of juice for the Axioms and is reasonably priced at $699. My second choice would be something from Onkyo, a company that puts some real beef into their A/V receivers. Whatever you do, make sure that the model you get is rated to deliver power into 4 ohms, or better yet, 2 ohms. That'll help ensure proper power for those Axioms....Jeff Fritz

Copyrighted older movies

November 12, 2004

To Wes Marshall,

I read your His Girl Friday review, and, as an eBay seller of DVDs, I was interested in your statement about the copyright expiring. Is there a special place to research if a particular movie's copyright has expired in the public domain, or did you simply deduce it from the copyright laws in your country?

I guess the reason I am asking is that I get a lot of people asking me about Bringing Up Baby (1938) and if I could determine that it was public domain, I would consider releasing it myself.

Darren Robinson

These old films are difficult to sort out, and frequently the way foreign DVD companies do their research is by releasing them and waiting to see if they get sued. The best solution is to hire an entertainment intellectual-rights attorney in L.A., something that might cost a little and save a lot....Wes Marshall

DLP, plasma or LCD?

November 5, 2004

Editor,

I have some credit-card rewards points to use, and the company has said I can choose a Philips Enhanced Definition 42" plasma, a Sharp Aquos 37" HD LCD, or a much larger Samsung 50" HD DLP. Which would you get and why?

Allan

I've looked over the models you have available to you and have a few observations. First, stay away from "Enhanced Definition." ED essentially means it's not HDTV, and was created as a marketing ploy to confuse consumers.

The primary technologies you have to choose from are plasma, LCD, and DLP. DLP is the least-expensive of the three and very good, but the one drawback is that it cannot yet be produced in a completely flat, wall-mountable panel. That may or may not be an issue for you. Plasma and LCD are both flat, thin technologies and compete with each other feature for feature in the marketplace. Of the two, I prefer LCD because it produces truer blacks, does not generate the heat of plasma, and does not suffer from screen burn-in (if you've ever seen "ghost" images of your desktop icons when you turn off your computer monitor you've seen this problem).

To make a long story short, I'd opt for the Sharp Aquos in the 37" size. It's bright, light, and flat -- and it has a great picture. It also supports high definition and should be durable for many years of use. Good luck....Jeff Fritz

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