| AudioREVIEW's Forum Archives - Home Theater |
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|   A/V Receiver Questions (Wideband Component Video, etc.) | BRiC
May 9, 2002 7:41 AM | | Q1: Sometimes, while playing/starting a DVD, the message "DIAL. NORM" blinks on my receiver's display. What does this indicate/mean?
Q2: Nowadays, reviewers refer to an A/V receiver's component video inputs as "wideband" (I presume pertaining to it's ability to handle progressive video signal). I got my receiver less than 2 years ago, when progressive scan DVD players were only starting to show up. Since my receiver is a Japan domestic model, I cannot determine from my japanese-only manual if the component video inputs are "wideband" or otherwise, or if it even matters. What I do know is that my receiver also comes with D4 video connectors also (which I've only seen in Japan, so far) which is for handling progressive signals (480p, 720p, 1080i). My question is: does an A/V receiver (and TVs/monitors) need to have "wideband" component inputs to accept/handle progressive scan DVD signals, or does it even matter?
I have a Japan domestic model Pioneer A/V Receiver VSA-D8EX (http://www.pioneer.co.jp/d-e-s/contents/hometheater/a/av-amp/vsa-d8ex/vsa-d8ex.html). |
| Maybe I can help a little | Phillykid
May 9, 2002 8:02 AM | | I don't know the answers to all your questions and I'm kinda guessing here. But I think the First probably has to do with dialogue normalization which normalizes the dialogue (obviously) not sure why this would show up on dvds. Usually volume normalization is so commercials aren't blaringly loud but the sound on a dvd should already be normalized.
For the second question some component video inputs do not have enough bandwidth to pass a 480p picture without picture degredation. It does matter since if you don't have enough bandwidth you'll lose information in passing the signal.
On another note: get that X-box off your subwoofer. Subs are not tables and if you can find a way to get the center speaker so that it faces forward rather than up at an angle that might help. Speakers are usually designed to be listened to on axis and some speakers do not handle that well when listening to the off axis response. Otherwise great setup. |
| Maybe I can help a little | BRiC
May 9, 2002 8:27 AM | | :) the xbox is only there while it's not being used. as you can see, i have no other place to put it at the moment, except the floor and i'm afraid it'll pickup dust from the carpet (not that my carpet's dirty). when i do use it, i move it right on top of the coffee table. i also move it off the sub when watching movies at high vol levels.
regarding the center speaker, it used to have a small stand and used to sit on top of my previous 34" Sony WEGA. i had to get rid of the stand because the speaker would otherwise cover up the bottom portion of the monitor. hence, it's tilted right now. i've balanced the speakers with an SPL meter, but i agree it's not in it's ideal position/angle. if you have any ideas, i sure would like to hear them.
thanks for the inputs.
BRiC |
| Can you stand it upright and | JDaniel
May 9, 2002 8:49 AM | | use some Blu Tack or other tacky substance to hold it in place (or velcro if nothing else works)? Also, I have seen some small tabletop stands for center channel speakers, but it looks like any stand will raise it up into your screen.
JDaniel |
| If you are concerned, then run the component straight to TV | JDaniel
May 9, 2002 8:14 AM | | My understanding is that many/most receivers don't have the recommended bandwidth for component video switching. They have the component connections - just not the bandwidth. It has been debated as to whether the signal loss is noticeable.
If your TV has the inputs, then run the DVD and other video sources straight to the TV - then no chance signal loss from the receiver. Just run your audio through the receiver.
As to your first question, why not just contact Pioneer for the answer?
JDaniel
ps - great looking setup |
| If you are concerned, then run the component straight to TV | BRiC
May 9, 2002 8:34 AM | | thanks for the suggestions.
i've considered about hooking up the DVD/xbox (both component) directly to the display, but i needed to check first if it was necessary. i have a sony DVP S-7700 which is a 480i player, so i should be okay for now. if and when i upgrade to a progressive scan player (or add a hi-def source), i would probably go direct for best results (if at all noticeable).
oh, and i will probably ask a japanese friend to ask pioneer about my other question...
thanks,
BRiC |
| It's definitely NOT nessa | woodman
May 9, 2002 10:53 AM | | BRiC:
Contrary to popular belief and misconception, This whole idea of insufficent bandwidth is a mockery of a sham!
I've worked with video for more than half a century and I can tell you the truth. While it's true that signal quality CAN be degraded due to insufficient bandwidth in a switching device (that's all that the A/V receiver is), the opinion that 32mHz is needed is totally wrong! This would only be needed in an image where EVERY pixel on the entire screen is lit up differently from those on either side of it. This is something that is not likely to ever happen in "the real world".
So, connect your components in any way you wish for convenience and user-friendliness, and don't let anyone try to tell you that you should hook video sources directly to the display for "maximum pic quality". This is (in most cases) completely absurd. The receivers that actually degrade picture quality are in the minority ... fortunately for all of us.
That's my 27 cents on the subject -
woodman
P.S. Regarding your center channel speaker - I'd suggest a wall-mount, or if that's not possible - then a small shelf to mount the speaker on would be another option. But I don't think you're getting any decent performance on that speaker where it now resides. |
| It's definitely NOT nessa | BRiC
May 9, 2002 4:43 PM | | I was tring to make sense of the numbers in the manual and it indicates 5-40 Mhz on Monitor Out1 which is S-Video. there's no mention about the Component nor D4 Video outs, but i assume it is at least the same or better.
mounting the center speaker on the wall is an idea. however, it seems that if i did put above my display, i will have to tilt it downwards to keep in on-axis with listeners. if it stayed straight, it would almost be off as i have it now. any kind of stand on its current position will raise it up enough to block a portion of the TV. even without the stand, as soon as i straighten it up, a very little portion of the display is covered.
i'll probably end up wall mounting the display (have to get the optional wall brackets) later on, so that should take care of my problem.
thanks,
BRiC
(photo below shows my previous center speaker-on-top-of-34"-wega setup) |
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