Jack's Corner Archive - Dec 1989Some thoughts from Jack Van Lieshout - Introduction and VideoCables |
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As this is my first official column for the
Great and Talented Yanman I thought I would start by trying to define what I am trying to
do. I would like to see this space occupied by sound discussion about Home Theater in general which would naturally include discussions as needed concerning audio and video. Questions and answers would also be a natural part of this area as well. After all there is absolutely no doubt that we all have something to learn from one another. There are those out there that claim to be all knowing Audio Video gurus merely because they can write well. I once visited an audio reviewer for a major magazine and found his left speaker ensconced completely behind a huge couch. I cannot figure how his findings could be justified. This will always remain a learning experience. I just happen to love the meld of Audio and Video and truly wish to share that enjoyment with others. I have been involved with this hobby for many many years. I find that if one spends enough of the green stuff the sound of a small live band can almost be reproduced in the home. I kinda enjoy trying to get the most music/performance for the smallest bucks. That is exciting to come across inexpensive quality products. Remember the NAD 3020 ?? So maybe we could share all our findings with each other thus the discovery process continues. In this world of phobias violence and theft I believe that fewer and fewer people are letting others into their homes to share their knowledge. How then does one obtain the necessary ammunition to enter the market world and purchase equipment that is both of Quality construction as well as a sound purchase from a hobbyists point of view. Some periodicals will help such as Stereophile Guide to Home Theater as well as Home Theater Magazine. Another magazine called The Perfect Vision was on the right track but ultimately met an untimely end. Sometimes the only way to experience new things is through the thoughts and/or experiences of others. Take for example Siskel and Ebert. They may not be all knowing but we tend to trust the views and opinions of one of the two and may even base our movie going on those opinions. The same can be true for the hobby with which we are discussing now. Often the only way to experience many things is to live vicariously through others. To that end let us begin. The Yanman has been kind enough to offer a forum for these discussions and we owe a great debt of gratitude to him for his kindness. Lets face it this page is absolutely one of if not the best of its kind out there. Time to get to know your humble narrator just a bit. To start let me say that I am NOT a technofreak. I do not study the numbers and make decisions based on what a computer readout or some oscilloscope may say. Nope, I am of the listen and learn frame of mind. Imagine buying a home or car based on what a piece of paper says about it. It can’t be done safely. There are too many variables involved with the needs of each individual user that no one component or reviewer can cover. The best bet is to do some research, LOOK and/or LISTEN for ourselves and worry not about what conclusions others may reach. Use the reviews and opinions of others as a guide and then seek the highest truth for yourselves. Oh by the way, this column may also serve the purpose of soapbox standing as well. First and foremost I am a lover of music and films. I can truly enjoy music without the visuals as well as enjoying the visuals without the music. As far as equipment I do have a 53" Sony RP Television, Dahlia Speakers, Dolby Digital by Yamaha (the 7 speaker version), several Sony VHS HiFi VCRs, a Laser Disc player, DVD player, CD player and even a Revox turntable. Oh yeah and a subwoofer. Gotta have the subwoofer. As such I have acquired a large collection of Laser Discs, DVD’s, records and CD’s. I like writing the reviews on a Dell Laptop. Well there ya have it, now everyone knows where I am coming from and what I use to reach my conclusions. I would ask for input on this little column. As I said before we could all learn a thing or three. Please send e-mails to Jack Van Lieshout For today’s topic I would like to briefly touch on video cables. I am a firm believer in using good high quality cables. It has been said that any system is only as good as its weakest link. I have not been able to try them all of course but I have had some very good luck with the high end Monster Video "S" cable. The RCA or coax cables seems to soften the picture a bit and take away some of the life inherent in good programming. I run the "S" Video cable directly from my DVD player to the input on the TV without going through the other equipment. Modern electronics does not seem to degrade the signal a lot but I prefer the straight in approach. (No sex jokes here) Call me cheap, but what the heck it saves money that way. I don’t need two cables. Go out there and get good cabling, don’t cheap out here, go for the gusto !!!! Until next time I wish you all good viewing !!!! |
For anybody who daydreams of making his basement a Home theater this is just the ticket. It sits on the table in front of our theater here at Yanman.com!
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