Lowyat.NET: Latest topics by Aspen

DTS-HD vs Other Variance of DTS

Aspen — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:38:22 +0800

There are so many type of surround sound nowadays, e.g. Dolby Digital, DTS-ES, DTS-EX, THX and now if I'm not mistaken is the latest are DTS-HD and DTS Encore.

I did some search on the net and found the differences are explained from technical perspective. But does the newer format like DTS-HD really have significant difference to our ears and listening experience?

For those who have upgraded to DTS-HD, please share your listening experience here.

I'm also quite sure, for those who are going to or planning to upgrade to a DTS-HD capable receiver, would like to know as well.

Thank you.

Astro Channel PQ Survey

Aspen — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 18:14:59 +0800

Hi,

Just would like to do a survey on PQ of Astro's channel.

I'm well aware that overall PQ of Astro channel are bad, that is if you compare it with HD source like DVD or Blueray.

But I'm quite sure that, at time, you do experience an 'acceptable' PQ from certain Astro channel. That also sometimes it depends on the program itself.

For this survey, I would appreciate if all of you could maintain your 'expectation and judgement level' within the channels offered by Astro, and give your experience on general basis.

Here is my result on my Panny Plasma:

ACCEPTABLE CHANNEL

TV1, TV2, Prima, OAS, NTV7, ZEE, AEC, IVIEW, KBSW, JYU, WLT, PHNX, TVB8, XHE, WATV, HBO, MAX, SMV, AWANI, BRTV, CTV9, BBC, AJE, CNBC, BTV, TVIQ, HISTORY, CER, NICKLODEON, CARTOON NETWORK, AXN, AFC, HITZ, 8TV, ANIM and GOLF CHANNEL

BAD CHANNEL
TV3, RIA, TV9, CNN, AUSN, DISCOVERY, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHY, DISCOVERY, ANIMAL PLANNET, PHDC, DISNEY, HALLMARK, TRAVEL, SWR, E!, MTV, V, ASSP, ESPN, STAR SPORT AND ES.

I will appreciate if you could share your experience here.

Thank you.

DVD Upscaling

Aspen — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 14:02:12 +0800

I had recently purchased a Panasonic 42" S10 which is a Full HD TV.

However, I'm still using using a old Phillips DVD player that does not have upscaling function. Currently I'm connecting the DVD to my TV using a Monster component cable and what the maximum I can get in term resolution is 576p (after setting to the progressive scan to ON).

I understand that currently there are quite a number of DVD player in the market has upscaling features when connecting through HDMI thus enabling 1080p output on the TV. My question is, how significant is the improvement in term of picture quality?

If it is significant, then I might consider getting one of these DVD player that has got upscaling features.

My the other question is that, there are also many AVR that has upscaling feature. Is there any major difference using AVR to upscale instead of using the DVD?

Thank you.

[WTB] Wharfedale Modus 8 or Modus 6 Speaker

Aspen — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 14:37:03 +0800

If any of you would like to sell your Wharfedale Modus 8 or Modus 6 speaker, please PM me.

I'm interested to get one of the driver to replace one of the driver for my Modus 8 speaker of which one of the driver has worn out.

Thank you.

B&W 601 Speaker

Aspen — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 09:20:37 +0800

I have a pair of nice of B&W 601 speaker. However, one of the speaker has given me some problem., the sound is distorted when play with slighly higher volume.

After hunting high and low for B&W service center in Malaysia, I finally found that TMT Service is service center for B&W product. I have sent my speaker to them and they found that the problem is caused by the circuit board/cross-over and it cannot be replaced as the spare part for this old model speaker is no longer available, even from B&W HQ is UK.

I still like this pair of speaker. As such, I'm seeking other alternative trying solve this problem.

Does anyone know any other people who can repair B&W speaker?

or

Does anyone have the similar speaker and is not fully functional and would like to sell for the part?

Appreciate anyone who can help me on this.

Thank you.