Week 12, 2003<\/p>\n
\u00a0Q) \u00a0 I have an Onkyo surround sound system. \u00a0I would like to have all my speakers playing when I am not playing DVDs. \u00a0 How do I accomplish this?<\/p>\n
-Dorothy<\/p>\n
A) \u00a0 For playing music from CDs, cassette tapes, and radio stations,, check the surround modes on your receiver. \u00a0If you have one that says hall, club, or simulated surround, it will play all of the speakers. \u00a0 In these modes the speakers in the rear will play modified information from the front speakers to provide an artificially created surround sound. \u00a0 Remember that almost all music is designed to play in two-speaker stereo, not surround sound. \u00a0 The \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcsimulated surround” will not represent the program material as the artists and producers originally intended. \u00a0 Some people like the artificial effect; most audiophiles and purists abhor it. \u00a0 You will have to try it yourself and decide if it is for you.
\nIf you are watching television channels or VHS tapes, Dolby Pro-Logic or Dolby Pro-Logic II is the proper setting for surround sound. \u00a0 When your surround system is set to a Pro-Logic mode, the rear speakers will play only if the program is recorded in surround sound. \u00a0 If the rear speakers are silent when watching your television, you will have to change to a simulated surround mode if you want the rear speakers to play.<\/p>\n
Be sure to check my website under recommended products for more info on surround sound.<\/p>\n
Comcast comes to town: Special Section for Pittsburgh Readers<\/p>\n
Recently I received a letter from Comcast raising my high-speed internet access rates by $15.00 per month, a whopping 35% increase. \u00a0 The letter offered to keep my internet access rates the same if I subscribed to any cable television package. \u00a0<\/p>\n
Those who read my column or correspond with me know I much prefer satellite to cable for subscription television. \u00a0 I have used Dish Network for almost seven years and have been 100% satisfied, and would be very reluctant to change. \u00a0 \u00a0 Curious, I went to J.D. Power’s website to see how Comcast stacked up compared to Adelphia Cable, Dish Network, and DirecTV.<\/p>\n
J.D. Power rates all the satellite and cable providers under the categories of “Performance and Reliability”, “Cost of Service”, “Billing”, “Image”, “Offerings and Promotions”, and “Customer Service”. \u00a0 \u00a0 J.D. Power gave Comcast the lowest possible rating in every single category. \u00a0 (Given the fine start they are off to with me as a customer, I am not surprised!) \u00a0 \u00a0 Adelphia had higher scores than Comcast in every category but “Performance and Reliability”. \u00a0 Among satellite providers, DirecTV had the highest possible scores in every single category, with Dish Network a notch behind. \u00a0 You can perform the comparison yourself at http:\/\/www.jdpower.com\/telecom\/jdpa_ratings\/FindCableSat.jsp<\/a> .<\/p>\n No doubt about it, there was no way my dish was coming down! \u00a0 I called Comcast and found that if I had basic cable and high speed internet it would be a few dollars cheaper than having high speed internet alone. \u00a0 So, I could have cable TV, satellite TV, and high speed internet for less than just having satellite TV and high speed internet. \u00a0 I decided to pay the few extra bucks and keep my household totally cable TV-free. \u00a0 It’s a matter or principle, after all\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6 and I don’t like to give in to such shoddy business practices. \u00a0<\/p>\n If you are unhappy with Comcast’s pricing or policies, I heartily recommend you investigate Dish Network (www.dishnetwork.com<\/a>) or DirecTV (www.directv.com<\/a>) for the best in picture quality, product features, value, and customer service. \u00a0 Satellite has kept this consumer electronics columnist and serious video enthusiast very happy for seven years. \u00a0 I’ll bet you’ll be happy, too! \u00a0 Now, where’s that number to sign up for DSL internet?<\/p>\n