Week 3, 2003<\/p>\n
Q: I have a digital camera and would like to make slide shows on videotape. \u00a0 Is it possible to do this?
\n-Jan Kovac, Sewickley<\/p>\n
A: You can transfer still pictures from your camera to videotape, though they will not look as good as when displayed directly from your camera. \u00a0 Take the yellow video output cord from your digital camera and connect it to a corresponding yellow input on your VCR. \u00a0 Insert a blank videotape, then use your remote to select the proper VCR input (usually L1 or Video 1). \u00a0 Next, make sure your VCR is set to SP mode for best recording quality. \u00a0 Hit record, and as the tape records, advance the pictures on your camera every ten seconds or so- however long you would like them to be displayed when the tape plays. \u00a0 The pictures will be recorded to the videotape for playback on any VCR.<\/p>\n
If you want to add a soundtrack, you can connect a CD player to the VCR audio inputs that correspond to the video input. \u00a0 As the CD plays it will be recorded to the tape along with the digital pictures.<\/p>\n
Q) We’re a middle-aged couple (living in the dark ages when it comes to this stuff!) setting up a surround sound home theatre system. \u00a0 Our cable company is really pushing digital cable, but the analog cable is considerably cheaper and has the channels we want. \u00a0 Does surround sound still work if we have analog cable?
\n-Elizabeth W Schmitz<\/p>\n
A): Analog cable will work just as well as digital cable for Dolby Pro-Logic surround sound. \u00a0 Just use the red and white stereo audio outputs from your TV and select
\nPro-Logic mode on your receiver.<\/p>\n
Q: \u00a0 I am interested in purchasing either a Samsung HLM507W (DLP) or Sony KF50XBR800 (LCD) rear projection HD-ready TV. Which technology is better, DLP or LCD, and does anyone else besides Samsung make DLP HD-ready TVs? Both sets sell for around $4000. \u00a0<\/p>\n
-Gary Dicroce, Scott Township<\/p>\n
A: DLP (Digital Light Projection) is widely considered to be the better technology. \u00a0 Much of this is due to LCD projection systems’ inability to produce deep, convincing black colors. \u00a0 Whether DLP or LCD technology is better should not be your primary concern, as a great LCD projector will outperform a mediocre DLP projector. \u00a0 \u00a0 You should focus on making a controlled comparison to determine which of the sets has a better picture, especially since you will be spending $4,000.<\/p>\n
First, use your own DVDs to compare the televisions. \u00a0 By bringing your own program material, you will have a common reference point between stores and televisions. \u00a0 The television demo material used in many stores has lots of action that flashes before your eyes and cuts from scene to scene quickly. \u00a0 It can be confusing and makes it hard to get an accurate assessment of the set’s image quality.<\/p>\n
Be sure the picture on both sets is set properly. \u00a0 This usually means color temperature at the warm setting and the contrast dialed down to around one-half. \u00a0 \u00a0 When you evaluate both TVs using familiar scenes from your favorite DVDs, I think you will quickly determine which of the sets is the one for you.<\/p>\n
DLP rear-projection televisions are available from Marantz, Mitsubishi, Panasonic, RCA, Samsung, Toshiba, and Zenith, with prices ranging from \u00a0 $4,000 to $17,500.<\/p>\n