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2torial #0580:
Learn2 Buy a Home
Theater System (Continued)
 Choose your video source
At the moment, you have three choices for a video source. Although
with the speed that new technology is hitting the market, this may
change soon.
- The first and most basic is a hi-fi VCR. The difference
between this and a normal VCR is that the hi-fi provides audio
information for the Surround Sound or Pro Logic receiver that
an ordinary VCR can't. (The cost, however, is not that much more.)
Fancier models will give you more control over how you record
something than a cheaper model will. Reproduction of a pre-recorded
tape's soundtrack will probably be superior as well. But unless
you're an educated listener, you won't notice the difference.
For the majority of us, a less expensive unit from a reputable
manufacturer will be just fine, as long as it has audio out
jacks.
- Next is the laserdisc player, which gives you a much
sharper picture than you can get with most VCRs, or on cable or
broadcast TV. Some of them incorporate a CD player and the best
play both sides of an album-sized disc without you having to flip
it. If you have a big-screen TV and notice picture imperfections
easily, you may really appreciate a laserdisc player.
- Finally, the DVD player, which is the latest in video
technology and produces a slightly better picture than the laserdisc.
Unlike laserdiscs, DVDs are CD-sized, which makes for easier storage.
For sound and video quality, you can't get any better than this
(at least not yet).
Again, the higher quality sound and picture will usually mean a
higher cost, with DVD players running the highest. Other drawbacks
for DVDs (and laserdiscs) are selection--you have a far greater
number of choices with a VCR--and the ability to record. Still,
wait a couple years and these problems may disappear.
 Step 3
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