Monthly Article
Mar. 16, 2007
Ok....so it's not really a "monthly article". To be accurate; it's a "when I have time" article! Anyways...here goes our little discussion for this...umm....quarter.
Let's talk 1080p. That means 1080 progressive. I'll start by saying THERE IS NO SOFTWARE AVAILABLE AS OF YET; AND MAY NEVER BE.
Whew...glad that's off my chest now. Now, we'll talk truth about 1080p.
1. Viewers cannot see the difference between 1080p and 720p from more than 5 feet away.
2. There is no software available
3. Although new televisions claim that they are "1080p", in truth they are not. The signal is downconverted to either 720p or 1080i
4. The only sources offering supposed 1080p are HD-DVD and Blu-Ray. Neither format actually displays at 1080p native. Again, downconverted.
So, why the big push from manufacturers for all these 1080p sets? The short answer is "marketing". Every year there has to be something new and improved for companies to push, and convince the public that this is the latest and greatest thing. The truth is, your plasma or LCD TV that you bought a year or 2 ago is just fine. Don't rush out and buy a new TV because it's "1080p". Unless of course, you really want to...we won't argue with you! Incidentally, there are no plasma screens that are 1080p capable as I write this. I'm sure there will be this year when we see new product in the coming months. We'll see what the future holds...
July 20, 2006
As with time, everything changes. It is with sadness that we announce we are closing our Brockville location after 20 years. We will be consolidating into our Kingston store at the end of July. Both Larry and Joyce are saddened that we must close the doors in Brockville but, with every door that closes, a new one shall open.
I will be moving to our custom installation division with David Willemse, our CEDIA certified custom installer. I am excited and a bit trepidacious. The custom installation division is growing at a wonderfully alarming rate, and we must keep up. So, off I go!
Larry, Joyce and I send all our heartfelt thanks to all our customers. We invite you to call, email or drop in to our Kingston location for all your audio/video needs.
Again, thank you so much, and we look forward to serving you in the future!
Stef.
Feb. 02, 2006
Keep it local. A simple statement. 20 years ago, shopping in different cities was something most people only did while on vacation. Now, it is a normal occurrence.
Why do many people think they will get a better deal, or better service, or better technical support if they shop in Ottawa, Toronto, or from some shop in U.S. that has an Ebay store? Here's the answer. They probably won't. I know a lot of you don't realise it though. You've been brainwashed by F*&^reshop or B#@t Buy. (Which, incidentally are American owned.) Why not keep your dollars where you earn them? At home. By shopping out of town, or on the Internet, you are taking away from the local economy, which, in turn, may eventually have a negative effect on your own job! Wouldn't you rather have someone local you can call if something goes wrong, or you just have a question? I know I would. I try to keep all my purchases in my hometown because I believe in karma. What goes around, comes around. You buy from me, I buy from you, your brother buys from my friend, etc. etc. So, the next time you're on a road trip and you consider buying that plasma TV from a big box store, just because you're there, call me. I'll beat their price, and you'll get far better service from us. Just some food for thought. I think I'll head over to the Quickie store next door for a drink, then I'll pick up my dry cleaning at the dry cleaners in the same plaza I'm in; after that, I need a new ink cartridge from the computer store next to me.....you get the idea?
Nov. 29, 2005
This month I'd like to discuss something that has, in one way or another, affected all of us. It has provided countless hours of fun, research, love, entertainment and of course, information. The Internet!
Let's focus on the "information" portion of the opening statement. The Internet has become, without a doubt, an indispensable resource. However, as much true information on the web is overshadowed by all the false information. When I have a customer that says to me "....I read on the Internet...." I immediately think..."Oh no! Another victim of the information super highway.". Just because you read it on an A/V site, doesn't necessarily mean it's true. People, especially those on bulletin board type sites can say whatever they like about whatever they like. Please take what you read on the net with a grain of salt. When buying a TV, buy the one your eye finds pleasing. When buying speakers, buy the ones' that you like the sound of. When buying a receiver, buy the one you like!!! Don't just buy it because it got a good review on some bulletin board site. It amazes me that people still fall into this trap. It's your money, and your mind. You can believe what some yahoo in godknowswhere tells you, or you can look for yourself and BUY WHAT YOU LIKE!
Oct. 22, 2005
Oh, I'm a bad boy! Too long in between articles! This month we'll dispel some rumours regarding plasma televisions.
Rumour #1. "They don't last." FALSE! Plasma manufacturers now put in writing in brochures and on websites that plasma panels are expected to last up to 60000 hours. That's 27.5 years at 5 hours a day!
Rumour #2. "If my kids play video games on it, it will burn in." FALSE! Plasma manufacturers are now taking measures against burn in. Most video games are very graphic intense anyways, and there is so much movement that the picture won't burn in. **VERY IMPORTANT** If a video game, DVD, or PC picture is left motionless on the screen for a prolonged period of time it CAN burn in. If caught early enough a certified technician MAY be able to repair the damage. Use your judgment. If you're not comfortable with the kids (or yourself) playing games, don't allow it. Up to you!
Rumour #3. "The picture fades." TRUE, & FALSE. Yes, like a tube television, a plasma display will fade over time....not in a year or 2, but over 15 to 20 years, yes it will. Now, if you think about it, you'll likely buy a new TV long before this is an issue. Don't worry about it.
Rumour #4: "Why can I buy a plasma at ***Mart or Z***ers for a lot less than these brand names?" Ok, not really a rumour, but a good question. The big box department stores tend to buy displays that are of lesser quality than the brand names. If you are considering buying one of the cheap plasmas, make sure you read the fine print. Most importantly....LOOK AT THE PICTURE!! They make a picture that is dramatically worse than the brand name displays. The cheap displays tend to make a "muddy" or "soft" picture. Or, it can be harsh and grainy.
Just as a side note: Always, always, ALWAYS buy from an AUTHORISED DEALER! If you buy from a certain "grey market" websites or purchase a product that will be shipped from the US or another country; the manufacturer will NOT honour the warranty. Buyer beware.
Remember, at Just HiFi, we'll beat ANY authorised dealers price by 10% of the difference. Don't give in the the big box way of thinking. Just HiFi is independently, and locally owned and operated.
June 30, 2005
I'd like to take some time and discuss a VERY important part of your system...speakers. There are a couple of points I'd like to make right off the top:
1. Smaller speakers are NOT as good as larger ones.
2. Don't buy a speaker based on looks.
3. Quality vs. quantity.
4. Most important...SOUND!
1. Smaller vs. Larger:
So, you want a pair of speakers, or a home theatre setup. We'll start with the main speakers, as they are the most important speaker purchase you'll make. Just think about it, the main left and right speakers are "on" 100% of the time the system is on. Therefore, they should be of the best quality you can afford, especially if you appreciate good sound for your music. Let's face, little dinky "cube" speakers just don't cut the mustard when it comes to music. Sure they're ok for movies or television, but for your music....NO WAY! Use at least a bookshelf type speaker. They will sound infinitely better than those "cube" speakers. Now, let's look at why a little bigger is much better.
It's simple physics. A small box does not have the same volume of air inside to move the drivers, and make the sound. Plain and simple. The larger the speaker, the more bass it is capable of producing. Granted, some bookshelf speakers make good bass. The PSB Alpha B is a great example. Excellent bass response from a bookshelf speaker. In my opinion, a free standing tower speaker is the way to go, especially if you are a music person. A larger speaker has better frequency response, meaning better highs, lows and mids.
2. Esthetics
You like the free standing towers, your spouse likes the small inconspicuous speaker because they are "cute", or they are the right colour. WRONG! This is not what matters when buying speakers! Buying a pair of speakers based on what they look like is basically judging a book by its' cover. Some companies make really nice looking speakers but, they sound awful! Where some companies make rather unattractive speakers that sound phenomenal! The best thing to do is find a speaker that most importantly sounds great, and as a secondary thing, suits your decor.
3. Quality vs. Quantity
Budget is a major concern for most of us. Ideally, you'll find a pair of speakers that sound great, suit your decor and you can comfortably afford. First off, decide if you want to do all 5, 6, or 7 speakers as a package or, build your system as time and money permit. What I tell my clients, is buy the best of what they can afford at the time. You can always take advantage of our tradeup program later! So, if you've decided that you'll just buy the mains for now and add on later, get the absolute best that you can in your price range. Our professional sales people will help guide you to the speaker that's best for you. Ultimately, you get what you pay for. That's why there are so many speakers out there.
4. Sound!
The most important issue when buying speakers is sound! Sound is a very subjective thing. What I like the sound of, you may not; and vice versa. Listen to a couple of different pairs of speakers before deciding. Don't buy a speaker based on what your friend, brother in law, or father says. They are your ears, and you know what you like the sound of. Bring a couple of your favourite CD's. If you're going to listen to mostly new jazz, bring some! If it's to be old Robert Johnson blues, bring that. You'll know if you like the sound within 60 seconds of listening. Find a couple of pairs that you like the sound of and whittle it down as you listen. Find the best speaker for YOU! I can't stress it enough. You're the one that has to listen to these speakers every day.
A good system is an investment. Your satisfaction is important to us at Just HiFi. That's why we offer our excellent trade up program. You can keep trading up until you get to the ultimate speaker of YOUR dreams! We have speakers to suit every need. From the "have it on" family to the "critical listener". We have speakers to suit every requirement. Even studio monitors for the musicians out there! A good monitor can make or break your recording!
June 3, 2005
Sorry about not having an article last month. We were having some computer troubles but, all is good now.
This month we'll explore what makes one DVD player better than another. There are so many to choose from, and finding which one suits your needs can be a taxing issue. I will try to break it down and make your decision somewhat easier.
First off, what makes a $120.00 player better than a $45.00 ***Mart special. Simply put...QUALITY! The department store cheapie special isn't a well built or well performing machine. They just don't last. What makes the more expensive machine better? Here are some answers:
Quality. Build quality as well as picture and sound quality. By build quality, I mean more aluminum and less plastic. Because the DVD disc spins so quickly, it can cause jitter. If a heavier chassis is used, less jitter. Less jitter, better performance. Even if you're just hooking up a DVD player to your standard television, a better built machine will perform better. Better video DAC's * and audio DAC's* make an appreciably better picture and sound superior to the lower end players.
Warranty. Most of the low end players offer a 30 - 90 day warranty. Better quality machines from reputable companies offer a year. In the upper scale players, a 2 or 3 year warranty may be offered but, 1 year is most common.
Internal components. We already covered DAC's, so it need not be discussed again here. Better quality optical assemblies (lasers), and transport mechanisms are a big issue in better players. Many of the low end players use "B" stock lasers, and transports. Even quality of connectors on the back of a machine can, and do make a difference in performance. Solder joints on boards and wiring also play a role. You're only as strong as your weakest link!
Output connections. Many low end players only offer a composite video, S video and coaxial digital audio output, and left and right analog outputs to connect to a television or home theatre system. What about component video? Component video offers the BEST connection your DVD can output, especially if your player is capable of "progressive scan". Progressive scan uses 480 scan lines on your television simultaneously, resulting in a stunning, more realistic picture with less picture distortion. Progressive scan is only usable with an HD or HD ready television. A regular TV just can't do it. Progressive scan is also only usable via the component video outputs on your DVD player. No component out...no progressive scan.
Digital audio outputs are also a big issue. A better quality player will offer both an optical output and a coaxial digital output, as well as 2 channel audio outputs. It is an open ended argument as to which connection sounds better, the optical or coaxial. I'll let you decide. The optical, or fibre optic is a faster transfer than the coaxial digital, so you may not have to adjust the delay time on your centre speaker.
Versatility. What formats does your player support, and will you use these formats? Many DVD players support the following formats: DVD audio, SACD, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R, DVD+RW, DVD-RAM, MP3, WMA (windows media audio), as well as regular DVD and CD. (See the Glossary page for descriptions of these acronyms)What you have to decide is if you'll be using the machine with any of these formats, or is it a strictly movie machine. Myself, I have a separate 5 disc CD player for my music, and a single disc DVD for movies. That's an issue for another article though!
Ease of use. Is the remote easy to understand? Can everyone in the household operate the machine with no trouble? Many cheaply made, low end machines are terribly engineered and the remotes are awful. Remember, the remote is the part of the machine you'll use the most! It has to be easy to use, well marked, and well made.
I think that about covers what makes a little more expensive machine ALOT better. If you have any questions regarding this, or any other article, feel free to contact us anytime at either of our stores, or by phone or email.
*DAC - Digital to Analog converter. The processor that converts the binary code to analog pulses that your audio receiver or television can display or output.
Apr. 01, 2005
OK. You're visiting our site because you know you want a home theatre that sounds better than what the Big box department store sells for $300.00. Let's explore why.
The most common misconception I hear is that home theatre is too expensive to do properly. Not true! Home theatre systems vary in cost from, yes the $300.00 HTIB (home theatre in a box) to well....the sky's the limit. It's ok to fall somewhere in between the two. First, you need to decide on a budget. Once you have, we'll work together to build the best system we can and stay within your budget.
We'll start with the heart and brains of the whole operation: ME! No, I'm kidding. The receiver is the heart and brains of the entire home theatre system. In my opinion, the receiver should make up 1/3 of your allotted budget. So, if you're planning on investing $3000.00, your receiver will run around $1000.00. It doesn't have to, this is just an example. We have receivers from Yamaha, Harman/Kardon, NAD, and Rotel. Other home theatre component manufacturers that we sell are Linn, Bryston, and others.
Now that the budget has been decided, we need to decide if you're a "turn it on and it makes sound" household. Or, are you a "tinkering and tweaking" household. Most likely it's a combination of the two. Finding the receiver for you shouldn't take too long at all. First when deciding on a receiver, don't purchase anything less than a "5.1" receiver. Most receivers now are "6.1" and "7.1". Some are even "9.1". For the beginner, I'll detail how to discern between them. The most common are 6.1 and 7.1 but, 5.1 will suffice if you just don't have the space for the extra speakers.
5.1 : In a 5.1 system you have 5 speakers and a subwoofer. The subwoofer is the ".1" because it is not a full range speaker and usually has a built in amplifier. It only makes low bass below 150 hz. The other 5 speakers are as follows: Front Left, Centre, Front Right, Rear Right and Rear Left. Thus, 5.1.
6.1 : In a 6.1 system all the speakers are the same as a 5.1 system save one. We have added a "rear centre channel". In Dolby Digital EX, the rear centre uses "matrixed" information from the rear left and rear right speakers and combines it within the rear centre. With DTS ES Discrete, the rear centre channel information is dedicated to the rear centre.
7.1 : In a 7.1 system the speaker layout changes somewhat. I'll make a simple diagram below to explain. We still have the 3 speakers across the front plane, and the subwoofer. They do not change location. The rear speakers however, have moved to the sides, and the 2 extra speakers are now in the rear. There currently is no 7.1 software available, but rest assured...there will be!
Here's what a 7.1 system will look like: The "X" is your seating position
FL= Front Left C= Centre FR= Front Right SL= Surround Left SR= Surround Right SBL= Surround Back Left SBR= Surround Back Right
FL C FR
Subwoofer
SL SR
X
SBL SBL
So, now that you have some idea of what you can expect to see when you're shopping for a new receiver, all you have to do is decide which is right for you. Most receivers now are 6.1 and 7.1. Many "low end" receivers have a built in DVD player. To be quite candid; these are bad news. The receiver will LONG outlive the DVD player. Then, you're without your entire system while the DVD is being repaired, or replaced. Separates are the way to go! The HTIB, or all in one systems are fine as a secondary thing or a system for the kids, but let's be real here. You've worked hard and deserve better than that!
Back to "turn it on and it works" or "tinkering and tweaking". Myself, I tend to tinker a bit with the sound to get it perfect for the movie I'm watching. For music it's 2 speakers and the subwoofer. Many receivers offer different surround sound programs or modes as they're often called. From Concert Halls to Movie Theatres, these surround modes are certainly fun to play with. Are they useful? That's for you to decide. The best thing you can do is to try 2 or 3 different receivers and buy what you like the sound of. Not what your brother in law tells you is good! Everyone has a certain tone that they like to hear. Whether it's big, fat bottom end, or clean neutral tone. Decide for yourself. Don't rely on anyone else to tell you what sounds good. Some speakers sound very different when hooked up to different amplifiers. It's best to try different combinations of equipment to get the sound you like. Another factor to consider is that just because it was a top brand 25 or 30 years ago, doesn't necessarily mean it is today. Do some research! Ultimately though, the decision is yours and don't rely completely on the Internet, magazines or what other people tell you. Rely on what your ears tell you.
Many systems sound good for movies, but not so good for music. The next factor to consider is application. Will this be a movie system? Music system? Or both? How important is music over movies or vice versa? For the most part, if a system sounds good for music it will sound good for movies. NOT vice versa though! Many systems sound ok for movies and TERRIBLE for music. Be careful. Have the sales associate play music first, then a movie clip. If he/she is hesitant to play music, chances are it's not a very good system and the salesperson knows it! Or he/she is just too lazy to change the disc! So, rule #1 in shopping for a new system is "MUSIC FIRST!"
Another factor to consider when shopping for a receiver is this. How many other components will you be hooking up to the receiver? DVD, VCR, Satellite, DVD recorder, CD player, Tape Deck, Game System....the list goes on. If you only have one or 2 components to be attached, then you won't need a higher end receiver, as the mid range receivers will have enough inputs and a couple of extras for future use. Most mid range receivers offer everything you'll need now, and in the future. The sales associate should ask questions so he/she can guide you and help you choose the receiver that's exactly what you need. Incidentally, we offer a 60 day trade up of any receiver, just in case you decide the one you took home initially isn't quite what you wanted. You can always trade it up to the next model, or a different brand! You can't lose or make a mistake.
What type of warranty does the company offer? Most receiver manufacturers offer at least 2 years on receivers. We at Just HiFi offer a FREE EXTENDED WARRANTY on ALL RECEIVERS. We have technicians in Kingston and Brockville that service everything we sell. Our techs are factory trained and authorised for most of the products we sell.
The final factor, and for some people the most crucial....the remote control. Many, many remotes are poorly designed and tend to be very confusing. Always ask to see the remote. Hold it in your hand, press buttons...you can't break it by pushing buttons! Remember, the remote is the thing that you have to deal with every day. Don't be intimidated though. Many remotes are very smartly designed. A good sales associate will show you what the remote is capable of and how easy it is to understand.
Summing up the deciding factors in purchasing a new home theatre receiver:
1. Budget - Decide on a budget and the receiver should use about 1/3 of it. Give or take.
2. Ease of use - Are you a tinkering and tweaking family or a turn it on and it makes sound family?
3. Size of the room will determine whether you should go 5.1, 6.1 or even 7.1.
4. Use your ears to decide. Listen to music. If it sounds good for music, it will sound good for movies.
5. Versatility down the road. How many inputs does it have? Will you be adding more components later on?
6. Warranty? How long? Parts and labour? Local service?
7. How's the remote? Easy? Too small? Too big? Have the salesperson show you what's what.
8. The only dumb question is the one you didn't ask. Don't be afraid to ask questions! Your sales person is a trained professional and will have the answers.
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