HD-DVD, and AVAmp Questions
 

Hi there,

I am not very knowledgable when it comes to DVD & Cinema systems and was just wondering if anyone could point me in the right direction.

1. I know that I can buy a DVD Recorder with built in hard drive and that it would probably be fine for me.
I then found out that you can buy HD-players.
Does anyone know if there exists a HD-DVD Player that is also a DVD Recorder with hard drive so I don't have to go and buy a new machine in a year or so time ?

2. I need to buy a new Amplifier so wondered if I was to buy an AV Amp it would be just as good or if I should get a dedicated stereo amplifier and then a dedicated AV amplifier.
The first option to combine everything would be more easy money wise.

Thanks for the info and help,

halcyon :)

Re: HD-DVD, and AVAmp Questions
 

Not too sure about the answer to the first question. I suppose the nearest I've seen is the PS3, assuming Sony ever get around to releasing their planned PVR addon for it here, but that only includes a blu-ray DVD rom, not a recorder.

Regarding the second. Theoretically, yes, it does make a difference whether you buy seperate stereo and AV amps, or just an AV amp. Basically, the extra hardware in the AV amp for distributing video signals, and amplifying/decoding the extra audio channels is electrically quite noisy and can introduce a miniscule amount of interferance to music.

But, whether you notice this or not depends on how good your hearing is, the kind of music you listen to (classical tends to test music systems more thoroughly than any other kind), and the quality of the original recordings.

TBH, most people (myself included) wouldn't notice the difference.

Re: HD-DVD, and AVAmp Questions
 

Have a trundle round here:

http://www.avland.co.uk/

Re: HD-DVD, and AVAmp Questions
 

Thanks.
I'll check out that link.
I don't need the recorder to record in HD as I'm sure that will be really pricey.
Just a player for HD-DVD's but that records in DVD format would be great.

I see your point about added noise.
I'll probably have to give some a try and check them out.

Thanks again,

halcyon :)

Re: HD-DVD, and AVAmp Questions
 

Hi Halcyon,
I would recommend a peek over at AVForums they really are the ones to ask for this sort of thing.

When it comes to a good AV amp that wont break massive budgets then the one that gets them all going gooey right now is the Onkyo TX-SR605 seems to have all the right gubbins and a good price at 400 quid.

Dolby True HD, Dolby Digital Plus and DTS HD decoding
Dolby Digital and DTS decoding
Dolby Digital EX, Pro Logic IIx decoding with Cinema and Music Modes
DTS-ES Matrix & Discrete 6.1 decoding
DTS Neo:6 Cinema & Music Surround decoding
HDMI 1.3a Inputs with up conversion to HDMI
Faroudja DCDi Deinterlacer
Audyssey 2EQ Auto Setup
Built in RDS FM/AM Tuner with 40 presets
Bi-amping capability
7x110W 8Ω, 1kHz, (1 channel driven)
7.1 channel input
Pure Audio Mode
Advanced 32bit DSP chip
Independent Crossover Adjustment F/C/S/SB(40/50/60/80/100/120/150/200 Hz)
192kHz/24bit DAC's for all channels
WRAT (Wide Range Amplifier Technology) For DVD-Audio and SACD
RIHD (Remote Interactive over HDMI) communication protocol
12v Trigger
Audio Delay (up to 250ms in 5ms steps)
Powered Zone 2 Option

Dont know of any HD-DVD recorders though...

Re: HD-DVD, and AVAmp Questions
 

Thanks. I'l check that out. :tu:

Re: HD-DVD, and AVAmp Questions
 

probably a daft question, showing my total lack of knowledge, but why does it have a network port? - what's that used for?

Re: HD-DVD, and AVAmp Questions
 

That is a daft question - it doesn't have one! ;)

http://www.avland.co.uk/onkyo/txsr605/rearlrg.jpg

Re: HD-DVD, and AVAmp Questions
 

oh yeah, I just saw the 'ethernet port' heading in the table of connectors, didn't see there was a 0 there :)