I don't need S-VHS copies of my DVDs because I take care of my DVDs. Under
proper care, DVDs will not wear out from normal use.
That remains to be seen. Dyes DO fade with time and use. chemical
compounds do destabilize.

That's if you use recordable DVD media.

However, I am referring to PRESS-REPLICATED DVD media. Big difference in that
the information is physically molded onto the polycarbonate disc instead of
being inscribed on a cyanine-based dye substrate.

If I was going to state DVD-R media, I would have specified that.


And, why would I want to copy DVDs for illegal distribution, if you are
thinking of it that way?
I didn't ever imply illegal, rather fair use.

I agree with fair use. But, I don't have a need for copying my DVDs as they
don't get damaged.

Nooo... That's what you usually get with those all-in-one kits.

Go out to the store and really audition some of the systems that are there.
There are some systems that use speakers that are a bit more substantial than
those polypropylene cube squakers and are still relatively economical for
someone who only wants a sound system that's adequate enough for movie
soundtracks.

Panasonic SC-HT400K
Panasonic SC-HT700
Panasonic SC-HT467S
Panasoinc SC-HT405
Panasonic SC-HT425
Panasonic SC-HT900
Sony DAVFC7

Those are some systems I have auditioned. While they certainly aren't hi-fi by
any means, they don't sound that bad and would fit the bill for anybody who
wants something that actually does sound decently and just wants something to
enjoy movie soundtracks, particularly for a relatively small-to-medium sized
listening environment. For stereo reproduction, the very best offerings are
just okay. But, for the average consumer who isn't an audiophile or an audio
enthusiast: they aren't bad choices, they don't cost an arm and a leg, and they
will sound significantly better than the TV speakers.

Panasonic, Pioneer or JVC systems you're
talking about come with a 15 inch sub

Bigger is not always better. Being able to move air more efficiently is what
matters, that is if you are going to use a sub for LFE exclusively as opposed
to stereo music reproduction.

But, if your stereo mains can reproduce good bass by themselves, then it's
pointless to add a sub unless you want to enjoy bass meant to be felt from a
movie soundtrack with an LFE programmed to it.

I don't care what anyone says until
you get below 26hz you aren't even approaching true sub output.

But you will still get bass that can be felt from the LFE with the systems I've
mentioned, which is the whole point for a movie soundtrack subwoofer. Plus,
most bass content are above the 26 Hz range you've described.

That's what you get in most of the 5.1 box kits.

But you do know that there are some kits that are fairly decent.

At the very best you
wind up with a 12inch, mostly tho' it's 6-8"s.

Like I said, bigger isn't always better. You also have to factor the listening
environment. Having a 15 inch sub for most family rooms is overkill.

Saw a THX unit at a local hifi shop last month that went for just over
1,800.

So, you'll get a THX certified component for $1,800. But what about everything
else?

If you want a TRUE THX system, then EVERYTHING has to conform to the standards,
including the listening environment, speakers, and speaker placement.

Just buying one THX component does not make your entire system THX. A CEDIA
rep will tell you that.

That has to do with the signal processing, not with the basic design
of the tuner/amp/power stages.

http://www.smr-home-theatre.org/blow...d/index-j.html

Can't totally agree with you there about Sony.
they've been going down the tubes in later years just like many
others, and I've never cared for their customer policies.

The thing about Sony is that if you buy higher end, you generally will get
better quality. If you buy an ES class (DA series) or DB series receiver, you
will end up with a decent piece of equipment. Buy a DE series receiver, and
you will end up with a piece of crap.

Try getting a Sony specific part from them sometime

I have and a lot of techs here have before as well, and it's not too bad unless
you are looking for parts for something as obscure as a Sony SL-HF750 SuperBeta
VCR.

But almost every manufacturer has a problem when it comes to their inventories
for parts on obscure and discontinued models.

I have two or three Sony Receiver/Amps sitting around that fried right
out.(Friends brought them to me for repairs.)

Model numbers?

I'm willing to bet they are lower end DE series models, which wouldn't surprise
me why they may be so bad. - Reinhart