Info and forum posts by 'Cerbera'

Pioneer 575 DVD Player - In Stock?

Seems to be a shortage of these at the moment. Anyone know anywhere that has them in stock?

Replacing Pioneer 717 for Pioneer 575?

Thinking of the above change. Have had the 717 for over 5yrs now (was almost 600 quid with the multi-region mod!!!). Have been really pleased with it but times move on and I`m now looking for a newer player with both progressive scan (for use with a projector) and also better DVD-R compatibility.

The 575 seems to fit the bill despite being a quarter of the original 717 price and also includes SACD and DVD-Audio compatibility should I want it. Couple of questions though:-
- Can anyone confirm that the 575 can output both PAL & NTSC Progressive Scan and not just one or the other?
- Anyone offer any experience of it`s DVD-R compatibility? The 717 is OK but does seem a little fussy with these.

Cheers,

RE: Progressive scan - do I need it?

Quality! In your trusted opinion Westy, what would you consider a worthy upgrade for my good ole Pioneer 717? Needless to say it cost me an arm and a leg at the time (compared to today`s prices) and still had to pay more to have it upgraded to multi-region. Can`t complain though cos I have to admit it has been a brilliant player producing outstanding quality audio and video.

Now that I`ve finally moved to a large screen image via the Panny AE-200 Projector, I guess it`s time to consider YET ANOTHER home cinema upgrade. Component Video output and Progressive Scan being the main requirements (DTS compatibility too but that`s standard on all players these days). Obviously HAS to be multi-region, able to handle most disc formats (the 717 is fussy with DVD-R`s) and I guess it would be nice to have SACD / DVD-Audio but not essential as I haven`t tested these sources yet.

I`ve used Pioneer players since my old LaserDisc days so I trust their brand and quality. The slimline 575 and bigger brother 757 look tasty but what would you recommend matey? I don`t mind paying a bit extra for quality without going too nuts if you know what I mean!

RE: Progressive scan - do I need it?

On the subject of Progressive Scan, does anyone know if the Panasonic PT-AE200 Projector is capable of processing a Progressive Scan signal? Nowt in the manual to say either way!

Best LCD Projector for under £1000?

I`m seriously considering investing in a Projector and after the rave reviews of the old Panasonic AE100, I was wondering what`s the best available today for under a grand? I see Panasonic have the AE200 out and this can be got for 7-800 quid. Worthwhile?

I realise spending a few grand may produce better results but as ever, the old lottery win ain`t happened yet.

Any suggestions on a screen (again, cost conscious and hopeless at DIY!).

Would appreciate peoples comments and suggestions....

RE: DVD Cases that hold more than 2 DVD`s - Where to Buy?

Thanks for these folks,

I`ve checked all these but none do ones that hold 5 or 6 which is really what I was looking for. I`ve seen them on U.S. sites but the shipping costs make it a joke.

Any other suggestions?

DVD Cases that hold more than 2 DVD`s - Where to Buy?

I`m looking at transferring some stuff from Video Tape onto DVD and wondered where you can buy DVD cases that hold more than 2 Discs? I`ve seen them on American Sites but the shipping costs ain`t cost effective for some sheap cases.

Anyone know any reliable UK Web-Sites that sell these?

Thanks.

RE: BT Phoneline and modem

Roar349,

If you know your kit worked OK before then I can almost guarantee BT have a DACS device on your line! This is a special line sharing device that BT use on analogue lines. In areas where they are short of lines, they will use this device to enable two households to share a single line.

I speak from experience because I had the same problem. One day all was well at 44Kbps+ and then the next day 26.4Kbps was the max? I too reported the fault to BT, they also increased the gain to no affect so said there was nothing wrong and they couldn`t guarantee faster connections on an analogue line designed for voice communications.

A year later and after much research (I work in the IT industry) I found out about the DACS devices. OFTEL have a web-site all about this technology and after quoting from their directives, BT had the device removed 2 days later. I`m now surfing at 44-45Kbps (no Broadband in my area unfortunatly). One useful test is BT`s own Broadband availability web-page - it used to tell me if could not confirm availability and it may be due to a line sharing device.......ie, DACS!

Check out OFTEL`s website and get back onto BT!!!

What is the definitive Jurassic Park?

Just wondered what is considered to be the definitive version of Jurassic Park.....or are there any plans to release a Special Edition release?

Once considered THE reference / demo film due to the awesome T-Rex scenes, I still only own it on Laserdisc and wondered what DVD is or will be the best one to own. There was some bebate over whether the Dolby Digital version was actually better than the original DTS version. I understand there were problems with the original DTS version and that another was released to fix this?

With all the enhanced, Director`s Cut, Special and Superbit re-re-releases going on, it seems incredible that one of the all time grgeat Home Theatre movies hasn`t seen one too.

Anyone offer any opinions?

RE: Best DVD-R Media?

I`ve now tried the Datawrite Red 4x (Princo Dye) cos they were cheap and had nothing but bother with my Pioneer 105 at any speed. Seem to be problematic if you try to fill the DVD.

I`m now gonna look for Ritek G04 Dye based media which seems to be the recommended media. More expensive but if it avoids coasters then it`ll be worth the extra.

Best DVD-R Media?

Can anyone recommend a reliable and still reasonably cheap make of DVD-R media for use with the Pioneer DVR-105? As the drive is capable of 4x writes, would like to find a media that`s capable and reliable at this speed.

RE: Do you buy/wait for DVD`s from a certain region JUST `cause it`s DTS??

Westy,

Check the following link, it confirms EVERYTHING you`ve been saying!!!!!
http://home.clear.net.nz/pages/adbarr/page1.html

There`s a lot of info here but it`s worth persevering as the DD v`s DTS stuff`s very interesting. It explains the 3db difference between the two formats you`ve noted too!

It also explains why Saving Private Ryan is half bitrate (754kbps). Basically, due to the film length and space required for DTS, they didn`t want it to need 2 DVD`s so used half bitrate to fit on just 1 DVD.

Update on the DTS v`s Dolby Digital debate

After Westy`s input on his doubts on the `superior` sound from DTS soundtracks, I found some useful info sites.

For details on the low/high bitrate (754/1509kbs) DTS soundtracks, try this (although it isn`t up to date so anyone know a better one)?
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/bwescombe/dts_dvd.htm

For details on DTS v`s Dolby Digital try this (and by the way Westy...you WERE right!):-
http://home.clear.net.nz/pages/adbarr/page1.html
Very interesting, including confirmation that the two sound formats should be virtually indistiguishable under identical mastering conditions and also explains the 3-4db difference in volume between the two formats!

RE: Any Budding Telecoms Engineers Out There?

Thanks guys. I work in IT Support so have done all the obvious PC stuff. Totally removed everything and plugged straight into the Master socket but no joy. Besides, it was fine one day then poor the next.

I`ve even used a laptop with XP rather than 98 on it and get the same problem with it connecting at 32K. Use it at a friends and it`s up to 47 or 48K.

I know it`s BT and their dodgy lines but they say there`s nothing they can do?

Any Budding Telecoms Engineers Out There?

A couple of months back, I was happily using my old V90 56K Modem (no Broadband in my area!) and getting connections in the 46-48K region. Then, after a telephone outage, the best I can ever get now is 30-32K!!!

Numerous fault calls to BT and having the gain on the line increased have failed to help. They tell me there`s nothing that can be done as the area is saturated and has reached max bandwidth???

Was OK until the phone outage in the area! Sounds distinctly like a ploy by BT to kill off the old analogue modem users (despite having no Broadband in available).

Any good ideas?

Help / Info on Special Editions of......

We all know about the delays of the long awaited favourites like Blade-Runner, Star Wars & Raiders.....but wondered if anyone knew of any plans for Special Editions or re-releases in 5.1 Sound for the following movies I`m also waiting to re-appear?:-

Scent of a Woman
Field of Dreams
Midnight Run
Cool Hand Luke
The Battle of Britain

RE: Westy`s Home Cinema Answer thread. Opinions please

Yeah, sounds good Westy. After all, when we mortals have a question, we first come looking for you and Clayts. Backed up by the other members of the forum who help add their knowledge and we usually go away contented.

I guess you must get fed up seeing the same old questions arise over and over again. Everyone is knew to HT at some point so ask questions you`ve answered a million times as we`ve seen. Problem is, it`s natural to be too lazy to trawl hundreds of threads so people just ask again.

If you can think of a clever way to organise it, it may cut down on your work if common questions are there and easy to spot?

Go for it matey.......

RE: 5.1 vs DTS, possibly turning into the, "Can you PROVE that DTS sounds better than DD?!!

Thanks for the `comprehensive` list Westy! I`ve looked at the DTS Web Site and it does confirm that DVD use a 1.509Mbit transfer rate but then goes on to say where space is limited, they can use 754KBit!!! Unfortunately, I can`t find anything anywhere that tells us which rate a DTS DVD is before we spend our cash!

My Pioneer 717 has a transfer rate bar but only goes up to a max of 10. Most of them fluctuate around 6-8 despite being a half or full bit-rate DTS DVD?

I don`t have two of the same film to compare how much of a difference it makes but you do feel cheated when you specifically splash out for the DTS version in the belief that it`s the better sounding format. Don`t get me wrong, the sound is still brilliant but I just hate being cheated!

Is there any site that holds this info or is it tough.

Brilliant thread guys....good one!

RE: 5.1 vs DTS, possibly turning into the, "Can you PROVE that DTS sounds better than DD?!!

Hmmm, this has been very interesting reading and a bit of an eye-opener. Can I ask a couple of questions:-

- How can we tell what bit-rate a DTS movie is (or is it simply a matter of insider knowledge)?

- Is there anywhere we can get a full list of 1509kbps DTS encoded movies?

PS2 / X-Box Price Drop?

There`s been rumours for weeks about a PS2 & X-Box price drop since the American market started selling them for $200. It was expected that a UK equivalent price of around £130 would follow....but when?

Anybody heard any more news or is this never gonna happen?

RE: Westy Bow`s Out....

Whatever the reason, hope things work out for you. You will DEFINATELY be missed!

From a personal point of view, many thanks for all your help and guidance which is always honest and invaluable!

Best of luck mate........

RE: How serious are you about your AV kit etc

Pete,

I`m sure the other guys will agree that once the bug bites, you`ll be on a road of never ending upgrades and changes. However, that`s half the fun! I`ve learned much of what I know simply through doing it all myself, reading up on the kit and of course listen to advice from others, particularly folk like Clayts and Westy.

I`ve now been into Home Cinema for about 9 years, continually upgrading and changing all the time (after all, none of us can afford to buy the entire kit of top-of-the-range products first time). It`s a case of buying what you can afford and upgrading as you go but still trying to keep it all balanced. I`ve had 3 tellies, 3 Amps, 3 sets of Front Speakers, 2 Centres, 3 sets of Rears, Centre Rears and am currently saving to upgrade my current pair of Yamaha Subs (after advice from Clayts & Westy of course). Then there`s cable changes, sources like video, LaserDisc, DVD, Satellite.......

Things got really scarey when I bought a new house last year and my main concern was if the living room would be any good for the Home Cinema setup (ie big and sqaure enough!). The morale is, take your time when considering what to spend your hard earned cash on and just enjoy what you`ve got regardless of what everyone else has. No doubt you`ll change it when you can afford to though.....

Steve.

This item was edited on Friday, 5th April 2002, 08:36

RE: Highlander

BRILLIANT folks!

The DVD Reviewer gang to the rescue as always. I`d spent ages hunting for this, then I`m told a font that compares and then provided that actual font!

Quality!!!!

Highlander

Does anybody know the name of the Computer Font used for name of the film HIGHLANDER or one that resembles this?

Amaray DVD Cases

Anyone found somewhere to buy Amaray DVD Cases from?

There`s always the odd DVD that comes through with the centre plastic DVD holder broken so your DVD rattles around in the case! The last place I tried to order cases from I`ve never had a reply from (they didn`t cash the cheque either).

RE: Cheapest Heat Special Edition ?

Agree with Clayts that this is one of my fave films. The shoot-out scene is one of the all-time most intense home cinema demo scenes. I have to resort to my Dolby Digital LaserDisc for this one though.

Have been waiting for ages for a DTS / Special Edition of the film.......the only drawback with the one noted is the Aspect Ration for the DTS version.......it`s just not the whole biscuit is it!!!!!

Any news on a Region 1/2 version with all the bells and whistles?

RE: Subwoofer Upgrade Advice

Brilliant, thanks guys.

Informative as ever and a mention to some kit I wouldn`t normally have expected.

Not surprised to see REL in the running although I half expected a mention for the bigger Q400E. Is this worth considering as an alternative to the big M&K - room size around 16` by 18` - or is the Q210E more than sufficient (it`s hard to appreciate the little 1 foot cube can do so much damage!). I am drawn to the REL`s mainly cos they have an incredible reputation now and I`ve not yet seen a single bad write up on the Q series - with your recommendation it kinda seals the deal. I guess it`s down to which one?

Subwoofer Upgrade Advice

I`m hoping the Home Cinema Doctors Westy and Clayts can come to the rescue again.

A few years ago, I had the opportunity of buying a pair Yamaha YST-120 Subwoofers for a good price. Originally used to supplement mid-sized front speakers, I was very pleased with them.

However, as a sufferer of that Home Cinema disease `upgrade-itus`, I`m now in need of some further therapy. I`m using a Denon AVC-A1SE (incredible Amp!) powering Mission 753 Freedoms and 75C centre, along with Mission 752 and 770`s for the rears and rear centres.

It`s taken 8yrs of upgrades to get this far and the sound is spectacular but the Yamaha Subs nolonger provide the same additional impact. Turning them up only makes you `hear` them rather than `feel` them which is no good thing!

So the question is, what would be a recommended Subwoofer(s) upgrade? Would there be a beneficial and noticeable impact to justify the outlay of cash?

Cheers,

DVD Racks?

Can anyone advise on any decent DVD Racks and where to get them? There`s plenty choice on CD Racks these days but the only DVD versions I`ve seen are well expensive......like over £100!!!

Star Trek - Director`s Editions?

Now that we`ve finally got the new Director`s Edition of Star Trek : The Moion Picture along with the improved sound/picture etc, does anyone know if the same treatment will be given to the rest of the films?

Are the existing DVD editions of the Star Trek films also with improved picture/sound (albeit without a special DVD or Director`s Edition) or are they ported copies of the VHS versions?