AoD Hardware Forum FAQ

[JeffDM]

HT Frequently Asked Questions Guide

There used to be a thread I started that had basic information on home theater hardware. It seems to have disappeard several months ago. I have just found my local copy of the text so I am reposting it.

I welcome input. If there is a subcategory I missed, let me know, or you may make your own sub-FAQ covering the subcategory by posting a reply.

I have put together a list of basic information a person might need for setting up a home theater or to improve their video and sound system.

Please scan this page for possible answers to your question.

Please note that this document is for accessibility to the widest possible audience, so I will try to keep things concise and point to sources for more detail and information.

Anime On DVD is not responsible for the opinions within. No one except you are responsible for how you use or misuse this information.

If you have questions about a very specific model or part number (eg., you found a Panavox DG-530 and want to know how good it is), please check other sources.


Basic Sites to look up specific hardware
AVS Forum
Audio Review
epinions

Be careful to not accept just any single review at face value. Reviewers may have biases and hidden agendas. Sometimes they even miss obvious solutions to their complaints or don't bother to properly set up the device in question.

A lot of times the maker of a piece of hardware posts user manuals on their web site. I highly suggest downloading one for each of the particular devices you are considering.

In general, it is best to avoid devices that try to integrate more than one major feature component, such as the Home Theater In a Box (HTiB). Other than possibly ease of use, they generally don't do any of the included tasks as well as a separate components will. Also, if one part fails then you may be out the entire system rather than just one part. A TV whose included DVD or tape player doesn't work might look silly.

Video Quality Sites
Video Artifact Page
A site dedicated against Edge Enhancement

Thanks to fractured78, Citizen Klaus, Skywise and others for their input.