It's not just a picture
Nov 09 '00
Before you jump into DVD consider your television set. Does it have the ability to take component input or SVHS input? If it doesn't, then the first thing you'll want to do is invest in a new TV. Basically, if you can't do component video input, or SVHS input to your TV, your picture from a DVD player is going to be equivalent to a good prerecorded VHS tape.
So you've got a good TV. The next thing to think about is sound. Most good TVs come with some sound enhancements. You're going to want at least Dolby Pro Logic, which is an old system, but will add to the pleasure of watching your DVDs. Ultimately you're going to want a home theater receiver complete with at least six speakers, counting the subwoofer. Most of the better DVD players already do digital conversion at the 5.1 level. You want a receiver that does at least that, but could spring for DTS as well.
Here's the thing. DVD has a track that was designed for the theater. Almost every theater has Dolby sound. The best are now up to DTS. 5.1 sound means you've got two front speakers, a middle speaker, a subwoofer and two rear speakers. The subwoofer is .1. When you digital separate the sound to these speakers you then don't have a problem separating music from voice tracks. When someone walks off to the left and closes a door, that's what it sounds like.
How do you know if you can do this good thing with a receiver and/or a dvd player? Look to see if it has optical digital output or coaxial digital output. If it does, then you can go to the top of the sound tree. Whatever decoder is built in to your system.
Don't go cheap on the speakers, either. You don't need a small fortune in speakers, but you want speakers that sound realistic. So a small speaker will sound like a small sound. And when that airplane sounds small, it still is small in your mind.
You'll want multiple inputs on your receiver. One from your DVD player, one from your TV, one from your VCR, and one from your cable/digital cable/or satelitte. This will allow you to switch from one source to another by remote control. It will also allow a lot easier recording of video tapes. (Not from a DVD. DVDs almost uniformly contain Macrovision and are difficult to tape.) By the way, this will mean at least two more remote controls in the pile.
Is it worth it? Heck yes. Even at SVHS levels you're at twice the resolution of a normal TV picture. And sound? Sound is something else. Once you've gotten used to this sound setup you will be disappointed with regular television sound. When you watch an old show, you'll know it, because the Dolby Pro Logic isn't there. (Most cable companies provide at least Dolby Pro Logic (center and two split speakers) and digital cable and satelitte can provide up to 5.1.
What does all this cost? A good DVD player from $250-300. A decent receiver about $150. Speakers about $200. Throw in another $50 for cables.
Go for it. This is entertainment in the home. And while you're looking for that new TV make sure to look to the future, toward HDTV compatibility. Most better sets will be prepared for a converter.
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