Audio
Audio
Question:
I'm having trouble connecting an equalizer to a Yamaha receiver. The model is RX-V540.I would to like to connect an equalizer to this unit, only when I'm listening to CD's; would the equalizer be on? I'm not quite sure if I should do this to this unit. Do you have any suggestions? Answer:
You won't do any harm by connecting an equalizer to the receiver. I presume you are using a digital connection for the multi-channel audio from your DVD player. Leave this connection in place for surround sound on movies. To use an equalizer, connect the analog output of the player (DVD or CD) to the input on the equalizer, and the output from the equalizer to the left and right front analog bypass inputs of your receiver. Then when you want to route the audio through the equalizer, select the analog input on the receiver. Note that you are unlikely to improve the sound by equalization - things will generally just get muddier unless you have a very good parametric equalizer and the knowledge and instrumentation to adjust it correctly for your room.
Question:
I have a Dual 604 turntable connected to a Kenwood AR-404 receiver (bought new 6 months ago). I can't get sound from both speakers. Can you suggest how I troubleshoot the speaker balance problem? It's fine for the CD that is also hooked up to the receiver. Answer:
I assume you mean that you only get sound from one speaker when you use the turntable, but from both on other sources. This could be caused by an open channel in the cartridge or by a bad connection in the wiring from the cartridge to the receiver. Note that many Dual turntables have an automatic muting switch which shorts the output of the cartridge as the arm lifts from the record (to eliminate the "popping" noise which would result otherwise). This may also be the source of your problem.
Question:
I would like to put a complete speaker system (5 speakers) upstairs in my home. I have a complete home theatre system located in my rec room down stairs. Is there some type of speaker switch that I can hook up to my system downstairs and then be able to have the sound on only upstairs if I wished and vicea versa? Answer:
Many AV receivers provide switching for a remote stereo pair, but full surround in a remote location is an unusual requirement. Most AV receivers can't drive two sets of speakers at the same time (although I note you didn't want to do this), and generally the surround level settings would be quite different for each room, unless the two setups are similar (speakers, rooms size, furnishing, and layout). I am not aware of any commercially available five channel speaker switch. There are a couple of options: You could use multiple 2 channel switches (these are common), but that is awkward, since you would have to use three switches every time you changed over. In this case, be careful that both speaker sets can't be on together. If your system has them, you could use the line level (preamp) outputs to run the signal to a multi-channel amplifier. This would provide the ability to balance speaker levels in each system independently, and would handle both sets of speakers at the same time, but it is an expensive option.
Question:
Can I set up my own home theatre system? Answer:
Sure, but home theatre systems tend to be fairly complex. There are a variety of ways to connect the components, and there are important adjustments to the audio and video to ensure the best results. Correct setup is very important - more important than many of the differences in the actual components you buy. If you are not fully comfortable with the setup procedures, you will get a much better result by involving someone who is.
Question:
Why should I buy a HDTV set for such a limited amount of programming? Answer:
If you are in the market for a high quality TV, high definition sets are the best choice. This is the TV of the future, and these sets are fully compatible with current TV and video programming. In addition, they are capable of providing outstanding results now, especially with DVD.
Question:
Are there surround sound systems with more than five speakers? Answer:
Yes. The majority of systems include a special speaker for the bass frequencies and special effects. This is known as a sub woofer. Some systems also have extra surround speakers.
Question:
We would like to replace our television set, however, we are getting contradictory information. Is it true that in the very close future (under 5 years) all televisions must be HD ready, and that all programs will only be digital and wide screen? Will a regular flat screen TV still be able to receive programs? We do not have access to cable and we have no wish to have a satellite. We are looking for a definite answer as this will influence our purchase. Answer:
It is true that HD digital technology is upon us but the complete transformation is further down the road. At this point digital signals require cable or satellite.
Question:
Where can you dispose of old TVs? Answer:
I would suggest you check with your local recycling depot to see if they take old TVs. If they don't, they may be able to refer you to a place that does. You can also look at the Classifieds section of your local newspaper. TV repair shops will sometimes place ads looking for old TVs.
Question:
We have recently purchased a big screen HDTV and are unable to connect our receiver, CD player and DVD player etc. correctly. To change from CD to video is complicated and confusing. Can you help? Answer:
Unfortunately, hooking up (and adjusting) A/V systems can be exasperatingly complicated - you've asked a question which leads to many more questions. I'll try to give you a few pointers, making the assumption that your receiver is capable of controlling both the audio and video signals. So at the risk of creating more confusion:The simplest arrangement is to use the receiver as the hub of your system. All sources (CD player, DVD player, VCR etc..) go into the receiver (to the appropriately labelled connections). Once these connections are made and the receiver is set up correctly, switching from CD to video should just be a matter of selecting the desired input on the receiver, which then routes the video to your TV and the audio to your speakersNot surprisingly, there are a number of other considerations. If you have satellite or digital cable you can route these signals through the receiver as well. However, if you have regular cable, this would normally go directly to the TV.Things get somewhat more complicated(!) when different types of connections are available for your components. For example, for the best picture, a "component video" (three wires - green, red and blue) connection is desirable with DVD, while many VCRs support only lower quality "composite" (single wire - usually a yellow connector) connection. Mixing the two types is possible, but frequently makes the system more complicated in use. The goal is to end up with a system which is both easy to use, and which gets the best performance from each of your components.
Question:
We have recently purchased a big screen HDTV and are unable to connect our receiver, CD player and DVD player etc., correctly. To change from CD to video is complicated and confusing. Answer:
Unfortunately, hooking up (and adjusting) A/V systems can be exasperatingly complicated - you've asked a question which leads to many more questions. It is impossible to give a comprehensive answer in a brief e-mail reply. I'll try to give you a few pointers, making the assumption that your receiver is capable of controlling both the audio and video signals. So at the risk of creating more confusion:The simplest arrangement is to use the receiver as the hub of your system. All sources (CD player, DVD player, VCR etc..) go into the receiver (to the appropriately labelled connections). Once these connections are made and the receiver is set up correctly, switching from CD to video should just be a matter of selecting the desired input on the receiver, which then routes the video to your TV and the audio to your speakersNot surprisingly, there are a number of other considerations. If you have satellite or digital cable you can route these signals through the receiver as well. However, if you have regular cable, this would normally go directly to the TV.Things get somewhat more complicated(!) when different types of connections are available for your components. For example, for the best picture, a "component video" (three wires - green, red and blue) connection is desirable with DVD, while many VCRs support only lower quality "composite" (single wire - usually a yellow connector) connection. Mixing the two types is possible, but frequently makes the system more complicated in use. The goal is to end up with a system which is both easy to use, and which gets the best performance from each of your components.