Can I get some feedback on the DVD and Hardware FAQ?
12-12-01, 11:03 PM
#1
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Can I get some feedback on the DVD and Hardware FAQ?
I just wanted to get some feedback from everyone on the FAQ.
I wanted to put something up so visitors to the forum have a place to look without having to leave DVDTalk to find it, and also to keep a repository of some of the most common questions asked here in the hardware forum.
I am updating and adding to it as much as I can and will continue to do so.
Just to throw out a few questions...
What do you think of it?
Do you have anything you feel should be added?
Does anyone have any problems with what has already been posted?
How do you you feel about the presentation of the thread itself?
All suggestions and comments are welcome.
Thanks
I wanted to put something up so visitors to the forum have a place to look without having to leave DVDTalk to find it, and also to keep a repository of some of the most common questions asked here in the hardware forum.
I am updating and adding to it as much as I can and will continue to do so.
Just to throw out a few questions...
What do you think of it?
Do you have anything you feel should be added?
Does anyone have any problems with what has already been posted?
How do you you feel about the presentation of the thread itself?
All suggestions and comments are welcome.
Thanks
12-13-01, 06:47 AM
#3
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Simply awesome, palebluedot. 
I just finished reading through it and found it VERY helpful. However, does a section on real basics - like what fronts, rears, center, sub and receiver do - need to be added?
I just finished reading through it and found it VERY helpful. However, does a section on real basics - like what fronts, rears, center, sub and receiver do - need to be added?
12-14-01, 12:07 PM
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I think it would be definitely worth including more information on HDTV, which is probably the most misunderstood item in home entertainment.
Specifically, topics to cover should include:
-How do I receive a HD signal? (antenna vs satellite)
-What hardware do I need? (TV, decoder box, antenna or satellite)
-What type of programming is available? (CBS,ABC, HBO, etc.)
-Why are screens rectangular? (HD programming is 16:9)
-Why did the salesperson tell me something contrary to what is in the FAQ? (They don't know what they're talking about. ie: no proper training)
-And why does the picture on the demo model look like crap? ( Store management too ignornat to properly display true HD material)
And there is a probably a lot more.
Specifically, topics to cover should include:
-How do I receive a HD signal? (antenna vs satellite)
-What hardware do I need? (TV, decoder box, antenna or satellite)
-What type of programming is available? (CBS,ABC, HBO, etc.)
-Why are screens rectangular? (HD programming is 16:9)
-Why did the salesperson tell me something contrary to what is in the FAQ? (They don't know what they're talking about. ie: no proper training)
-And why does the picture on the demo model look like crap? ( Store management too ignornat to properly display true HD material)
And there is a probably a lot more.
12-14-01, 12:47 PM
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That is a great effort, and I applaud your desire to improve it.
For possible additions, I agree with Movie_Man's suggestions, and would add for HDTVs:
- what is Firewire? What is DVI?
- what is the 4x3 image on a XX" 16x9 screen? There are several bots for this you can link to - I'll find one later and post back.
- what stations are broadcasting HD over-the-air (OTA) in my area? Link to antennaweb.org.
- will all broadcasters be HD by 2006?
- what is red (or green) push?
- which HDTV is best? No answer other than look at them and do on-line research.
Other things:
- I'd mention subwoofer crossovers and how to set them.
- I assume that's the Rat Shack catalog # for the analog SPL, which I'd mention is more accurate and easier to use than the digital SPL. This is one of those rare cases where digital is worse.
- I thought you set the SPL to C weighting? See here and here
- I'd link to the digital bits' anamorphic explanation - a buddy of mine found it very helpful and fascinating, in fact - http://www.thedigitalbits.com/articl...hic/index.html
- what is scan velocity modulation and how do I turn it off?
- how do I get my TV to look its best? Use Avia or VE.
- how do I set the delay on my surround speakers? There's a formula for this based on distance but I couldn't find it. I'll keep searching.
I think the presentation of the thread is good. But if a lot of questions are in the top of the thread, you should break them into sub-sections so it's not just one long hard-to-read list. I like that the answers are kept short and sweet, and I wouldn't change that. But you might try to find links for more detailed info for those who want to do more research.
But the FAQ really is great. It'll prove its value shortly, as some of those millions who get DVD players for X-mas eventually find their way to our little corner of cyberspace.
(edit - fixed links)
For possible additions, I agree with Movie_Man's suggestions, and would add for HDTVs:
- what is Firewire? What is DVI?
- what is the 4x3 image on a XX" 16x9 screen? There are several bots for this you can link to - I'll find one later and post back.
- what stations are broadcasting HD over-the-air (OTA) in my area? Link to antennaweb.org.
- will all broadcasters be HD by 2006?
- what is red (or green) push?
- which HDTV is best? No answer other than look at them and do on-line research.
Other things:
- I'd mention subwoofer crossovers and how to set them.
- I assume that's the Rat Shack catalog # for the analog SPL, which I'd mention is more accurate and easier to use than the digital SPL. This is one of those rare cases where digital is worse.
- I thought you set the SPL to C weighting? See here and here
- I'd link to the digital bits' anamorphic explanation - a buddy of mine found it very helpful and fascinating, in fact - http://www.thedigitalbits.com/articl...hic/index.html
- what is scan velocity modulation and how do I turn it off?
- how do I get my TV to look its best? Use Avia or VE.
- how do I set the delay on my surround speakers? There's a formula for this based on distance but I couldn't find it. I'll keep searching.
I think the presentation of the thread is good. But if a lot of questions are in the top of the thread, you should break them into sub-sections so it's not just one long hard-to-read list. I like that the answers are kept short and sweet, and I wouldn't change that. But you might try to find links for more detailed info for those who want to do more research.
But the FAQ really is great. It'll prove its value shortly, as some of those millions who get DVD players for X-mas eventually find their way to our little corner of cyberspace.
(edit - fixed links)
12-14-01, 02:37 PM
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THANK YOU!!!!! You did an amazing job and on top of that, the fact that you want to keep adding to it is simply awesome!
I will definitely pass the word that your post is out there!
Thanks again!
I will definitely pass the word that your post is out there!
Thanks again!
12-14-01, 03:41 PM
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Everyone, thanks for the comments...
Movie_Man and Stats, thanks for the suggestions they are excellent. I will incorporate them into the FAQ.
pbd
Movie_Man and Stats, thanks for the suggestions they are excellent. I will incorporate them into the FAQ.
pbd
12-15-01, 03:40 PM
#10
DVD Talk Legend
When I started my newcomer thread, I heard negative feedback about some of the presentation. Very few, but a few people took it personally and accused me of "know it all" or "welcome, read this dictionary before you post". I guess what I'm saying is I think it's a great idea to have the thread, but I would tone down the opening. Ever since I got mine on a sticky, very few people post to it anyway. When they do, it's a good guide for people who keep up on it to track the changes. If the thread becomes long and unmanageable, just cut and paste to a new one.
