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Q:
Is DVD really that much better than VHS for watching movies?
A: Even a budget DVD player offers picture
and sound quality that leaves VHS in the dust and beats Super
VHS. And DVD discs won't degrade over time or with multiple
viewings, like tapes do. DVD also offers great disc-based
conveniences like random access to specific points, quick
searching, and no rewinding.
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Q:
How would I connect a DVD player to my TV to get the best
possible picture?
A: That will depend on the type of input
available on your TV. There are two kinds of video connections,
analog and digital. Though digital video connections are less
common than analog connections on both DVD players and TVs,
they are preferred for their exceptional picture quality.
The current analog and digital connections are listed below:
Analog (starting with the
highest quality connection):
- Component video:
This 3-jack connection provides the ultimate in color accuracy
with a compatible TV, and virtually all of today's DVD players
include it. All current DVD players are progressive-scan,
which means they can send either 480-line interlaced (480i)
or 480-line progressive (480p) signals through their component
outputs. (Older analog TVs won't be able display a progressive-scan
signal, even if they have component video inputs.) For more
info, see the component video and progressive-scan entries
in the DVD Glossary.
- S-video: Virtually
every DVD player we've seen has at least one S-video output,
and nearly all current TVs have at least one S-video input.
This connection yields excellent picture quality — nearly
as good as component video.
- Composite video (RCA jack):
Virtually all DVD players and current TVs include
an RCA-type direct video input. It is a slight step down
in overall sharpness and color accuracy from S-video, but
still good.
- RF (antenna type): Every
TV has at least one of these inputs for your antenna or
cable connection, but no DVD players we've seen include
an RF output. If you have an older TV, you may find that
it only has an antenna input, in which case you'll need
an adapter called an RF modulator that installs between
the player and the TV. You might also consider a DVD/VCR
combo, since some of these models allow you to watch videotapes
and DVDs via a single RF connection.
Digital:
- DVI (Digital Visual Interface):
Found on some DVD players, as well as some HD-capable TVs.
DVI transfers digital video, both standard- and high-definition,
and is equipped with High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection
(HDCP) to prevent illegal copying. DVD players with DVI
outputs can upgrade or "upconvert" regular DVD
video to a resolution that more closely matches that of
today's popular HDTVs.
- HDMI (High-Definition Media
Interface): Like DVI, HDMI is found on some DVD
players and HD-capable TVs. The smaller, multi-pin HDMI
interface transfers uncompressed digital video with HDCP
copy protection. Unlike DVI, HDMI can also carry multichannel
audio. DVD players with HDMI outputs can upgrade or "upconvert"
regular DVD video to a resolution that more closely matches
that of a high-def TV. With the addition of an adapter,
HDMI is backward-compatible with most current DVI connections
(video only).
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Q:
I've noticed that all new DVD players are progressive-scan.
What's so great about progressive-scan? What if my TV can't
accept progressive-scan signals?
A: Unlike interlaced scan, which splits each
video frame into two sequential fields, progressive scan displays
the entire frame in one sweep. An interlaced-scan signal from
a DVD player (480i) displays 30 frames (60 fields) per second,
while a progressive-scan signal (480p) displays 60 full frames
per second. Since progressive-scan signals display twice as
many frames per second, and since none of these are broken
up into fields, progressive-scan pictures look more filmlike,
with better detail and less flicker.
Progressive-scan viewing requires
a compatible digital TV (EDTV, HDTV-ready, or full HDTV).
But don't fret — even if your current TV can't accept progressive-scan
signals, your next TV almost certainly will. Also, current
DVD players have a selectable output, so they can still send
an older TV interlaced-scan signals.
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Q:
What's the difference between DVD and HD DVD or Blu-ray Disc™?
A: HD DVD and Blu-ray are both new high-definition
disc formats designed to maximize the viewing experience available
from today's HDTVs. Though these formats offer many of the
same benefits, HD DVD discs aren't compatible with Blu-ray
players, and vice versa. HD DVD and Blu-ray discs and players
offer several advantages over the regular DVD format, including
improved picture and sound quality.
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Q:
What component would I connect to the DVD player's digital
output?
A: The optical and/or coaxial digital outputs
on a DVD player's back panel are for sending various types
of digital audio bitstreams to compatible components. Although
coaxial connections usually have standard RCA-type connectors,
a coaxial digital cable is specially designed to handle the
much wider frequency bandwidth of digital signals. With optical
connections, the signal is transmitted as pulses of light
through a cable housing a slender bundle of glass or plastic
fibers. Note: Many DVD players do not include digital cables
— be sure to check before purchase to make sure you get all
the cables you need.
If you're playing a DVD movie, this
single-cable connection carries the multichannel audio soundtrack
(Dolby® Digital or DTS®) to a corresponding decoder, typically
one built into an A/V receiver.
If you're playing a music CD, the
2-channel PCM digital audio signal can be sent to an outboard
D/A converter, or to a receiver with digital inputs, for playback.
Digital connections also offer convenience and cleaner sound
when recording with a digital recorder (CD-R, MiniDisc, etc.).
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Q:
How good are DVD players at playing music CDs?
A: DVD players make excellent CD players,
and current models can also play audio CD-Rs and CD-RWs and
MP3 CD-R/RWs you record yourself with a CD recording deck
or computer CD-R/RW drive. Some DVD players can also play
high-resolution audio, like SACD, DVD-Audio, or both.
A DVD player's advanced disc transport
and digital-to-analog converters are designed for the demanding
task of reading and processing the huge amounts of audio and
video information on DVDs. By comparison, playing a music
CD is a piece of cake. Based on our experience, DVD players
sound at least as good as a typical CD player.
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Q:
What is SACD?
A: SACD stands for Super Audio CD. These
discs use a new process of sound recording and reproduction
that enables a much more direct signal path and much higher
sampling rate than the format of original CDs. As a result,
SACDs produce a more faithful reproduction of the original
source material and richer, warmer sound.
SACDs look the same as regular CDs,
but they hold much more digital information. Each SACD contains
a studio-mixed, high-resolution stereo signal, and many also
contain a high-resolution surround sound signal, which can
carry up to six independent channels. Also, a lot of SACD
recordings are hybrid discs, meaning that they contain both
an SACD layer and a standard CD layer. Hybrid discs can deliver
high-resolution sound when played on SACD players, and they're
backwards-compatible with regular CD players.
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Q:
What is DVD-Audio?
A: DVD-Audio is a music-oriented DVD format
which devotes virtually all of a DVD disc's huge data capacity
to just audio. A DVD-Audio disc can hold up to 6 channels
of 96kHz/24-bit audio (music for 5.1-channel home theater
systems), or 2 channels of ultra high-resolution 192kHz/24-bit
audio. Most DVD-Audio discs also carry Dolby Digital or stereo
soundtracks for playback on DVD players that lack DVD-Audio
decoders. A DVD-Audio disc may also contain liner notes, lyrics,
menus, and still pictures that display on your TV. DVD-Audio
boasts a higher signal-to-noise ratio, wider frequency response,
and wider dynamic range than CD.
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Q:
Why do some DVD movies include two versions (regular and widescreen)?
A: "Standard" (sometimes identified
as "Full Frame") is formatted to fit the squarish
screen shape of regular TV (4:3 or 1.33:1 aspect ratio). "Widescreen"
covers a range of wide formats from 1.78:1 to 2.35:1 and beyond.
These wide formats look better on a TV with 16:9 (1.78:1)
screen aspect ratio because they fill up more of the screen,
and are preferred by many film buffs and videophiles because
they're more faithful to the original theatrical version.
Movies that are only available in widescreen can also be viewed
on a standard TV, but you'll probably see horizontal black
bars above and below the image.
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Q:
Can I use my VCR to record DVD movies?
A: Probably not. All DVD players include
an anti-copy circuit, which will distort the picture if your
VCR includes the corresponding circuit (Macrovision or something
similar). In fact, you may not be able to have your VCR connected
between your DVD player and your TV, even if the VCR is not
recording. You should connect your DVD player directly to
your TV.
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Q:
My computer has a DVD-R/RW drive. Can I play these discs on
my home DVD player?
A: This will depend on the recordable DVD
format you use and on the compatibility of your DVD player.
Virtually all current DVD players can play at least one type
of recordable DVD (DVD-R/RW, DVD-RAM, DVD+R/RW), and many
can play more than one type. So far the most commonly compatible
is DVD-R; the least commonly compatible is DVD-RAM.
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Q:
Can I play DVD discs on my CD player or laserdisc player?
A: No. DVD movies can only be played on DVD
players and DVD-ROM drives. A DVD's information pits are smaller
and the rows of pits are much more closely spaced than on
CDs or laserdiscs. Also, DVD's data format is completely incompatible
with regular CD and laserdisc players.
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Q:
I can rent a DVR from my cable/satellite provider for an extra
$10/month. Why should I spend the extra money to buy one?
A: While renting a DVR might seem cheaper
in the short run, there are other things to consider:
- Choice. You'll
have much less variety in terms of hard drive space, recording
quality, what type of program guide you want, etc., from
a rented DVR.
- Flexibility. Many
rented DVRs don't allow you to choose your recording quality,
which means you have less control over how you use your
hard drive. Example: You might want to save that special
report series on CNBC while you travel during the week,
but you probably don't need it taking up 8 hours' worth
of hard drive space.
- Archiving. External
archiving is possible for most rented DVRs, but we've yet
to see one with an internal VCR or DVD recorder — a perk
which makes for easier setup and archiving.
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Q:
Why would my DVR need to use the phone line? Will there be
long-distance calls? How does it get program guide updates
if it doesn't use the phone line?
A: Some program guide services, such as TiVo,
may need to use your phone line for the initial setup, as
well as to receive program guide and software updates. The
update calls are very brief, usually less than a minute, and
happen every 24-48 hours. They are done in the middle of the
night so as not to interfere with your regular phone use.
For most areas, there is a local number for TiVo to call.
If there is no local number, the call is long-distance.
Alternatively, TiVo DVRs can receive
updates via a broadband Internet connection (though you'll
still need the phone line for the initial setup). Digital
Entertainment Centers also use a broadband connection to download
programming information. Other services, such as TV Guide
On Screen®, use a Host Station. This is a station that periodically
broadcasts up-to-date information for On Screen to use. However,
some customers in more remote areas may not receive broadcasts
from a Host Station and so could not use On Screen.
Depending on your service, your DVR
may also send back anonymous information to your service provider
regarding your viewing choices with your consent. For more
detailed privacy policies, see your provider's website.
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Q:
Will TV Guide On Screen work with digital cable?
A: Yes, for the most part. Although On Screen
has had compatibility problems with some digital cable services
in the past, many of those issues have been resolved.
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Q:
Will TV Guide On Screen work with satellite receivers?
A: Unfortunately, no current On Screen models
can display program information for satellite receivers.
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Q:
Do DVRs allow me to fast-forward through commercials?
A: Yes. Once you've purchased a pay-per-view
program from your cable or satellite company, most DVRs will
be able to record that program.
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Q:
Can I record pay-per-view channels?
A: No. DVD movies can only be played on DVD
players and DVD-ROM drives. A DVD's information pits are smaller
and the rows of pits are much more closely spaced than on
CDs or laserdiscs. Also, DVD's data format is completely incompatible
with regular CD and laserdisc players.
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Q:
Can I copy DVDs or VHS tapes to the hard drive?
A: If it is a home movie, or something else
that is not copy protected in any way, many DVRs will allow
you to record it to the hard drive. But it is not possible
to record copy protected material using internal or external
DVD recorders or VCRs. Both the media (DVDs or VHS tapes)
and the component (DVR, DVD player/recorder, etc.) include
forms of copy protection which will prevent you from copying
protected material.
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Q:
Can I record HDTV?
A: A small but growing number of DVRs are
capable of recording and playing back HDTV. In order to record
and watch HDTV, you'll need an HDTV source (such as local
over-the-air HD broadcasts or cable or satellite service with
HD programming), a DVR capable of recording in HD, and an
HD-capable television.
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Q:
Can I record in 5.1 surround sound?
A: DVRs with HDTV recording capability can
record multichannel audio information. Currently there are
only a few HD-capable DVRs. Keep in mind, though, that even
if your DVR can't record in 5.1, an A/V receiver with Dolby®
Pro Logic® II or Dolby Pro Logic IIx can expand any 2-channel
signal into convincing 5.1, 6.1, or even 7.1 surround sound.
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Q:
Can I transfer a recorded program to another device, such
as a VCR or DVD recorder?
A: This will depend on the outputs available
on your DVR. Many have more than one set of A/V outputs, making
transfer to an external VCR or DVD recorder possible. Don't
forget: Because most DVRs aren't capable of high-speed dubbing
to an internal or external DVD recorder or VCR, an hour-long
program will still take an hour to copy. A few combo DVR/DVD
recorder units are capable of high-speed dubbing.
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Q:
What are the different levels of recording quality? Why would
I want to record at higher or lower qualities?
A: Recording quality settings (and the terms
used to describe them) vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.
Your options usually range roughly from VHS-quality to DVD-quality,
but some DVRs even allow full-quality High-Definition recording.
Lower-quality recordings take up less space on the hard drive;
higher-quality recordings take up more space. Example: If
you wanted to record every episode of Thomas the Tank Engine
so that you can play your child's favorite show at any time,
you might opt for lower quality to conserve space. If you
wanted to save the Friday night action movie to watch with
your friends, you might opt for higher quality to get a more
exciting and absorbing experience.
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Q:
How can I connect my DVR to my TV to get the best possible
picture?
Analog (from highest to lowest
quality):
- Component video:
This 3-jack connection provides the best color accuracy.
Some current DVRs include it, and mid-priced to high-end
TVs made in the past few years will usually have it as well.
- S-video: Every
DVR we've seen has at least one S-video output. This connection
yields superb picture quality — nearly as good as component.
- Composite video (RCA jack):
All DVRs will also have a composite video output. It's a
slight step down in overall sharpness and color accuracy
from S-video, but still good.
- RF (antenna type):
Every TV has at least one of these inputs for your antenna
or cable connection; on older TVs, it might be the only
input. A lot of DVRs have RF outputs, but not all of them.
If your DVR does not have an RF out, and your TV requires
that connection, you'll need an adapter called an RF modulator
that installs between the DVR and the TV.
Digital:
- IEEE 1394 (also FireWire
or i.LINK®): This
allows you to connect a compatible digital camcorder to
your DVR for playback on your TV or archiving. A few DVRs
also use this kind of connection to transmit High-Definition
audio/video information to and from your HD-capable TV.
- DVI (Digital Visual Interface):
A few current DVRs have this kind of output. It carries
high-resolution video signals to HDTV monitors with a compatible
connector. The signals are encrypted with High-bandwidth
Digital Content Protection (HDCP) to prevent illegal copying.
- HDMI (High-Definition Media
Interface): A few current DVRs have this kind of
output. Similar to DVI (but using much smaller connectors),
the multi-pin HDMI interface transfers uncompressed digital
video with HDCP copy protection. Unlike DVI, HDMI is also
capable of transmitting multichannel audio. With the addition
of an adapter, HDMI is backward-compatible with most current
DVI connections (video only).
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Q:
Can I watch a show I recorded earlier while recording another
show?
A: Yes — that's one of the coolest advantages
of DVRs.
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Q:
Can I watch one live program while recording another?
A: To do this, you'll need two tuners. Most
DVRs don't come with dual tuners, but you can take advantage
of another component in your home theater system that has
a built-in tuner, such as your TV or VCR.
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Q:
Can I record two shows at the same time?
A: In order to record two shows at the same
time, you'll need a DVR with dual tuners built in.
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