Don Lindich’s Sound Advice Blog

August 17, 2002

 Q: I do not yet own a DVD player.  I have 2 televisions, 2 VCRs and one stereo.  One of the VCRs is a 1994 model and I have had it repaired twice already.  I am kind of waiting for it to putter out.    The stereo was purchased in 1990 and I think I have wrung the life out if it – the cassette no longer works.  However the CD player works and I get my TV sound through the stereo.  It is a Fisher all in one unit.  Neither of the TVs are DVD ready.  Should I purchase:

1.   A DVD/VCR combo (this is what I am leaning toward, definitely a space saver.)

2.   A five disc CD/DVD combo

3.   A single DVD player (cheapest of all the options).

4.   A home theater system.  

How do I tell what sort of converter I need to purchase with the new DVD player?  
-Maureen Sullivan

A:   A DVD/VCR combo is a great space saver, and you can play it through your all-in-one Fisher stereo.   Since your 1994 VCR seems to be on its last legs, this is probably a good choice for you.   The disadvantage with a combo is if the VCR part stops working, you are out a DVD player, and vice-versa.

The five disc CD/DVD player would be useful if you change discs frequently, and this too can be played through your Fisher.     (By the way, all DVD players play CDs, so calling it a combo is something of a misnomer.)

“Home theater system” could have two meanings.   One is a “home theater in a box” (HTIB).   A HTIB is typically comprised of five speakers, a subwoofer, and a combination DVD player/receiver.   The receiver tunes radio stations, creates the surround-sound effect, and powers the speakers.   It will usually has an input or two for a VCR and a cassette deck.   HTIBs are easy to purchase and use, and available for $299 and up. The disadvantage with the HTIB is the sound quality.   By far the most important link in sound reproduction is the speakers, and this is where the manufacturers save their money in these systems.   If you are a true hi-fi fan or looking to go to the next level in sound quality beyond your Fisher, the HTIB option will not satisfy you.

The other home theater option is a custom component system where you choose speakers and electronics separately, to your taste and budget.   This offers the best sound quality, but a component system with good speakers will cost well over $500, not including the DVD player.   If you want the best sound and can afford it, this is the way to go.   Based on your current system and the way you posed your questions, this may be unnecessarily complex and expensive for you.
 
Hopefully this information will help you choose your course.   While I can’t make your decision, I do have two recommendations that may suit your needs.   The first is you get the DVD/VCR combo and run it through your Fisher.   This is inexpensive, plays DVDs, and replaces an unreliable VCR.   When the Fisher goes out, you can shop for another all-in-one system, or start building a true high fidelity system with separate components. The second is to get the HTIB and a separate VCR.   If you want better sound quality down the road, you can replace the HTIB’s original speakers with better ones purchased separately.
 
As for your second question, the device you need for your DVD player is called an RF modulator, around $30.   This converts your DVD’s output to channel 3 for your TV.

Have questions about audio, video, computers, or photography, or need some help using and enjoying what you already own?   Don Lindich welcomes your questions and will be answering them in this column.