Letters - February 2007
Time shifting with a JVC HM-DH40000U?
February 20, 2007
To Wes Marshall,
I came across a review you wrote on a D-VHS deck from JVC some time ago. I wonder if I
might ask a question or two.
I’m just a little confused with regard to
inputs/outputs on this unit. In your review you said that aside from component
inputs/outputs it connects just as any other VCR. A few paragraphs later you noted there
are only three ways you can record on this deck: composite, S-video and FireWire.
I own a Samsung digital set-top box which has a digital
tuner and I am able to access many digital over-the-air stations. High definition is great
on my Toshiba LCD high-def-ready set and I am interested in being able to record some of
those over-the-air high-def programs for viewing on my schedule. From what you say it
appears the JVC deck referenced above will not work for me. There is no component out to
feed my LCD or no DVI out or in to get the high-def signal into the deck. I have component
inputs and DVI input available on the Toshiba LCD.
As you can see I am not a fan of cable or satellite
programming, and I am quite happy with over-air-signal reception.
Barry
Sorry for the confusion. The answer is no. You can play
pre-recorded HD material, but unless you have a FireWire out on your digital cable box, or
you do your own HD filming and want a backup, the only HD you would be watching would be
prerecorded. The newer and more expensive HM-DT100U along with an antenna would accomplish
what you want. But there is an answer to your dreams, and a much better answer than the
JVC. Get yourself a TiVo Series3 HD Digital Media Recorder and you will be thanking me for
the next ten years. It is the gold standard for time shifting….Wes Marshall
Classé processor
February 14, 2007
To Wes Marshall,
I know the answer to my question would have to be
speculative, but here goes. I have a ten-year-old Classé CP-50 straight two-channel
preamp (for two-channel CDs) and in the same room a ten-year-old Lexicon DC-1 for DVDs. If
the Classé SSP-300 would be very noticeably superior in sound quality to both of these
units (two channel or SSP modes), then I would like to buy it. Other than going to listen
for myself (which can be very difficult in my personal situation), what do you think (i.e.,
stick with what I have or invest in the Classé?). The decision is solely based on sound
quality.
Dave
I have a Lexicon MC-1 and the Classé smokes it. I don’t
have long-term experience with the CP-50, but my guess is the SSP-300 will sound a bit
better, but not dramatically so. One thing you will get from the SSP-300 is the ability to
bring together all your equipment in one place instead of having a stereo preamp and a HT
processor. Good luck, and let us know what you do….Wes Marshall
Power stabilizer
February 9, 2007
To Randall Smith,
I was curious about getting a voltage stabilizer. Would it
also be beneficial to add a power conditioner and would that plug into the stabilizer?
Jay
Buying a voltage stabilizer can be highly beneficial to
a home-theater system, especially if the power from the street has lots of fluctuations.
If you can, it could save money and space to purchase a unit that does both condition and
stabilize, like the Monster Power Home Theater Reference HTPS 7000 Mk. II. It has two
balanced power transformers inside along with 12 outlets to plug your entire system into.
I recently had the opportunity of reviewing a Goertz Audio product that boasted a balanced
power transformer, the BP1000 power conditioner. One issue with the Goertz product was the
ability of that unit to drive my entire system. I found it better to use the balanced
power unit to drive only one of my high-current components at a time as opposed to
multiple units connected through a surge protector. It felt like the balanced transformer
ran out of juice and that limited the performance of my equipment. The moral of the story
is, if you are going to regulate and condition power, make sure that the unit you choose
will not restrict power to your system, especially to your high-current electronics….Randall
Smith |
