by BERT WHYTE
Super-Color Black Box
In describing my Dolby Surround Sound home-video theater installation in the February 1988 issue, I pointed out the system's three interrelated elements: The acoustically treated dedicated room, the video equipment, and the audio setup. With movies on high-quality videocassettes and laser videodiscs, the audio/visual experience has been quite spectacular.
Many professional audio people have seen and heard this system and have been most impressed by it. Even the most die-hard audiophiles, who generally sniff disdainfully at anything video, commented favorably.
Now that the audio/video marriage is on a firm footing, many new products have been developed. Some specifically enhance the visual aspects of the home theater, while others upgrade the audio quality. With the recent acquisition of some new hardware and software, my system's performance has considerably improved.
David Fletcher-who heads Sumiko, a company well known for high-end phono cartridges and tonearms-is a physicist who has always had a passionate interest in video technology.
Fletcher has developed an outboard "black box," 8 1/2 in. W x 2 in. H x 7 1/4 in. D, which he calls his S-RGB processor. The "S" refers to the new Super VHS videocassette recorders. These VCRs have "S" input and output connectors which provide separate "Y" (luminance) and "C" (chrominance)
signals.
While Super VHS VCRs are capable of 420 lines of resolution, achieving this performance requires that certain conditions be met. First off, one needs a program source with 420-line resolution, ideally a prerecorded Super VHS tape. Then the "S" outputs (Y and C) of the VCR are connected to the "S" inputs on a TV monitor or projection TV. Many new monitors and projection TVs are now equipped with "S" connectors-but they are absent from all older TV units.
This is why Fletcher is offering the S-RGB processor. The "RGB" refers to red, green, blue-the three primary colors-which; combined in the proper proportions, give the full color picture.
Many current TV monitors and projection TVs are equipped with analog RGB inputs. Normally, they are used to connect computers and video games.
The "S" output of a Super VHS VCR is connected to the Sumiko processor, where the Y and C signals are converted to RGB and then fed to the RGB inputs on the TV. The Sumiko processor derives its RGB signals from the Y and C signals of the VCR in a proprietary process too complex to detail here, but it includes the use of temperature-compensated crystal oscillators and wide-band (6.875-MHz), complementary-symmetry, d.c.-coupled output amplifiers.
These amps use four transistors for each RGB output to achieve a much more powerful and linear drive, as compared to the usual monitor or projection TV in which the equivalent circuits use two transistors per RGB output in a nonsymmetrical configuration.
With the Sumiko processor connected to the RGB inputs of monitors or projection TVs, their hue, color, contrast, and brightness controls are disabled. These controls are provided on the front panel of the Sumiko unit; with an "S" connector cable of sufficient length, they can be remotely operated.
There is also an edge-enhancement control, and two special red and blue controls adjust white balance. These white-balance controls offer one of the major benefits of the Sumiko processor. As Fletcher explains, "For colors to reproduce accurately, the color temperature or white balance of the picture must match that of the video camera. Cameras are set to match a color temperature of 6500° K. In other words, television 'white' is very slightly bluish with proper white balance. As a monitor or projector ages, the light outputs of the three guns in a three-color tube (or of the three separate tubes in a projector) change relative to each other. This changes the white balance and, consequently, the color fidelity of the picture. Normally when this happens, a service technician must be called in to adjust the internal gun or tube-drive controls to restore proper white balance. The S-RGB obviates this need. The white balance can be restored with the red and blue controls on the front panel.
"On the back of the S-RGB is a switch labeled 'Notch.' When non-Super VHS tapes are played, the extra resolution may allow some annoying color artifacts; this switch will allow one to reduce these artifacts." What does Sumiko's magic box do? It certainly provides distinct benefits in terms of color temperature (white balance) and resolution with monitor TVs, but it really shines in the improvements it can bring to projection TVs. A few points to consider: Thus far in the brief history of Super VHS, virtually no prerecorded S-VHS videocassettes of feature films are available (although some are supposed to be released in the near future). This may have deterred some people from buying Super VHS recorders. However, if one owns a TV set with RGB inputs, consider this: Even if you have a really good antenna in a good signal area or you have a good cable connection, about the best resolution you can normally expect is 240 lines because of the composite signal (and other factors). And this is in spite of the fact that the horizontal resolution of the NTSC broadcast luminance channel is more than 330 lines!
In other words, with a Super VHS VCR, the Sumiko processor, and RGB inputs on the TV set, even broadcast TV has improved resolution. (True, one usually must use the VCR's TV tuner in order to operate the S-RGB.) Because of the wide bandwidth and the more powerful and more linear drive of the Sumiko processor, as compared to similar circuitry used in most monitor and projection TVs, a whopping 30% more picture brightness and contrast is available. For most projection TVs, which usually are lacking in picture brightness and contrast, this is a real boon. Even with the essentially good picture of the Infinity projection TV I use, the difference is startling.
Many low-light scenes have far more detail. Most important, skin tones, which are usually more difficult to balance naturally on projection than on direct-view TVs, are easy to correct with the white-balance controls. You can imagine what it is like to see an 8 1/2-foot-diagonal picture with brightness, contrast, color saturation, natural skin tones, absolutely clean whites and blacks (in the color picture) almost on a par with direct-view TV! It puts projection TV into another realm of visual accuracy. It has terrific impact and is very involving! I also found I could use the Sumiko with CD Video discs by feeding the video output of the videodisc player into the video input on the JVC Super VHS, then feeding the "S" output of the VCR into the Sumiko processor. With the superb 420-line resolution of the CD Video discs, plus the enhancements of the Sumiko, the result is visually stunning. The Sumiko SRGB processor sells for $485 and is also compatible with ED Beta VCRs.
For devotees of projection TV, its performance speaks for itself.
Laser videodiscs were introduced in the early 1970s and, after some teething problems, became a prime source for those who wanted the best picture quality. Perhaps at that time, laser technology was too exotic, for it did not gain broad consumer acceptance.
Now, with the tremendous success of laser-read CDs, the public knows about and has enthusiastically accepted laser technology. Polygram feels this is true, and with improved disc processing, has decided to re-enter the laser videodisc (now dubbed CD-Video) market with a bang. They have released 14 initial programs. All have digital soundtracks (mostly digitally re mastered from the original analog tapes) as well as analog soundtracks for compatibility with older laser videodisc players. Many of them utilize film and TV productions from Unitel; you've probably seen some of these productions on the TV series "Live from Lincoln Center." The quality, both visually and sonically, is on a very high-level pictures are crisp and clean, and sound is exceptional because of excellent stereo, wide dynamics, and little or no noise.
These CD Videos are real treasures.
How about a breathtaking version of Tosca (London Records 071 502-1 LHE2) filmed on location in Rome with Placido Domingo as Cavaradossi and Sherrill Milnes as Scarpia in a lavish production? Or the great Luciano Pavarotti swaggering as the Duke of Mantua in London's Rigoletto (071 501-1 LHE2), which features Riccardo Chailly conducting the Vienna Philharmonic? How about the brilliant Franco Zeffirelli film of Pagliacci with the La Scala Chorus and Orchestra on Philips Classics (070 204-1 PHI)? A high point of this CD Video is Domingo with a heartrending "Vesti la Giubba." Then there are Rudolf Nureyev and Dame Margot Fonteyn tripping the light fantastic in an opulent production of Swan Lake (Philips 070 201-1 PHG). More ballet, with Philips' Giselle (070 202-1 PHG) and the American Ballet Theatre, and back to opera with the glorious voice of Mirella Freni in La Bohéme (Deutsche Grammophon 072-205-1 GI-II), another Zeffirelli/La Scala production with Herbert von Karajan conducting. Among other gems are a thrilling Bernstein performance of the Mahler Second Symphony in the Ely Cathedral in England (Deutsche Gramophon 072-2001 GHG) and Carlos Kleiber in acclaimed performances of Beethoven's Fourth and Seventh Symphonies with the Concertgebouw Orchestra of Amsterdam (Philips 070 200-1 PHG). Polygram has a very ambitious release program-over 100 CD Videos by the end of this year. I am looking forward to them with anticipation, especially if all the releases are as exceptional as the ones mentioned above.
(adapted from Audio magazine, 1988; Bert Whyte)
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Vintage magazine ADs:
This invitation isn't about our speakers.
It's about your music.
This is an invitation to hear more of your music than you ever thought possible.
It's an invitation to bring your favorite CD, cassette or LP to any Infinity dealer for what might best be described as a rediscovery of your music collection.
You'll experience all of the underlying passages and subtle textures of the music, revealed for the first time, as well as the full dynamic range and impact that can only he experienced with speakers of extraordinary technological heritage.
--------Kappa Reference Standard Plate System
(Which, specifically, begins with the acclaimed, state-of-the-art $50,000 IRS V and extends ail the way down to speakers costing just $85.) And you'll discover why, for 20 years, most people who have experienced their favorite music through Infinity speakers now own Infinity speakers.
Infinity … We get you back to what it's all about. Music.
For the name of an Infinity home audio or autosound dealer near you, call (818) 709-9400.
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DENON WHAT MAKES ONE AUDIO BRAND SOUND BETTER.
CD PLAYERS have always been susceptible to errors in converting digital data to analog audio. In fad, academic researchers recently declared that error in converting the Most Significant Bit is a primary cause of audible problems. Every Denon Compact Disc Player since 1983 has corrected this problem with the Super Linear Converter.
Now, with the new "Delta "conversion circuit, Denon's DCD-3520 and DCD-1520 represent the closest approach yet to true 16-bit linearity.
Denon's 20-bit 8x oversampling digital filter joined to a pair of true 20-bit Super Linear Converters quite simply elevate digital playback to a new level of musicality.
DCD1520
But then, Denon built the world's first professional digital audio recorder back in 1972. And we've recorded digital master tapes of unsurpassed musical accuracy.
It's simply easier to make digital audio sound more like music when you know what music sounds like.
DENON, Denon, NA. 222 New Rood, Parsippany, NJ C7054 (201) 125-2810
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LINN'S NEXUS LINKS EXPERIENCE AND ENGINEERING.
… by far and away the best loudspeaker I have ever heard." Popular Hi-Fi on the Linn DMS
... for seekers of the truth, the new design from Linn is one of the best speakers available under $2,000."
Andrew Marshall's Audio Ideas Guide on the Linn Nexus "I felt I was getting much closer to the music than I had before... The Nexus is punchy, lively, dynamic and informative." Hi-Fi Review on the Linn Nexus "In short, there is more a sense of listening to music... than there was of listening to hi-fi." Hi-Fi Review on the Linn Index
These quotes about Linn loudspeakers come from highly respected reviewers. We could literally fill this entire page with similar quotes (hut then, so could any other manufacturer). Fortunately for us, it takes a lot more than a rave review to make a good speaker. It takes solid engineering.
Take the Linn Nexus, which was selected as "one of the most innovative consumer electronics products of 1988" by the Design and Engineering Exhibition in Chicago.
In the Nexus we didn't bend the laws of physics to fit some pet theory. We simply applied fifteen years of engineering , experience in mechanics, F4 acoustics, material science, electronics, and computer programming to produce a speaker that really works.
The front baffle is molded from expanded structural foam which is acoustically superior to wood. It is then bonded to the critically braced MDF cabinet using ultra-strong adhesives developed for aircraft and Formula One racing cars.
The cone of the bass driver is manufactured from an exceptionally light and rigid carbon-loaded polypropylene material.
The crossover is a fourth-order (24dB per octave)
Linkwitz-Reilly phase coherent system based on research we did during the development of our standard-setting Aktiv electronic crossover. It is even housed in a separate, sealed enclosure to avoid microphonic distortions.
The very same engineering expertise has been applied to the full range of Linn Loudspeakers starting with the under-$600-a-pair Linn Index and progressing through to the "Aktiv" Isobarik Monitor System.
If you're tired of listening to "hi-fi", visit your Linn dealer and find out how good "music" can sound.
Linn Hi-Fi is distributed in North America by:
Audiophile Systems, Ltd., 8709 Castle Park Drive, Indianapolis, Indiana 46256 (317) 849-7103.
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REVOX---Essential Elegance
Revox, with the new BI00 Series, simplifies its idea of elegance in audio ... The new B100 line represents a distillation of the most pertinent features of the 200-S Series--also a new Revox line of hifi components-and is less expensive. Yet the Revox reputation for matchless sonic performance established over 40 years by Studer Revox of Switzerland-the world's premier manufacturer of professional multitrack, mastering and digital studio recorders-is not compromised in any way.
Elegance is the definitive Revox quality. This distinctive characteristic of the B100 Series is evidenced in two ways: in its engineering-the strikingly apt, original and unobtrusive use of technology-and in its operation-the rapid and accurate access to exactly what you want to hear, in the fewest possible moves.
A classic statement in high quality audio, the new B100 Series is the essence of Revox elegance.
STUDER REVOX AMERICA, INC. 1425 Elm Hill Pike, Nashville TN 37210 (615) 254-5651
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Nothing comes remotely close.
Introducing "The System" by Proton.
You're looking at the perfect synthesis of advanced electronics, sophisticated design and uncompromising sound. It's "The System," Proton's incomparable new, integrated audio components with remote control.
There's a fully programmable compact disc player that lets you play up to 20 of your favorite selections-in any order totally free of distortion or noise.
A digital tuner that locks in the precise station frequency for clean, undistorted listening. Powered by a component quality amp with 22 watts per channel.
An auto-reverse cassette deck with Dolby B Noise Reduction that plays and records in both directions for continuous enjoyment.
And our AL-200, two-way acoustic suspension speaker system. Its 6.5 inch woofer and wide dispersion dome tweeter deliver sound so breathtaking, you simply won't believe your ears.
Even the sleek, comfortable remote control is a work of art that's exceptionally easy to work. While you may find a system with similar components as "The System;' that's where the similarity ends. Because when it comes to sound, nothing comes remotely close.
Call for your free Ultimate Systems Guide. Proton's Ultimate Systems Guide for Audio/Videophiles tells you all about the innovative technology and design in our renowned line. For your copy, and the name of the Proton retailer nearest you, call (800)772-0172.In California, (800) 428-1006.
PROTON CLEARLY THE BEST
737 W. Artesia Blvd., Compton. CA 90220
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What Is The Meaning Of Life?
Many have pondered this weighty question, no one has found an answer that satisfies all.
At best, life is synonymous with what we know to be real, i.e. genuine, unaffected and natural. As life grows denser and more technologically complex, simplicity becomes more appealing.
The same applies to hifi. High end audio systems are now dedicated to the transparent reproduction of authentic, lifelike sound.
Unfortunately too many of us remain impressed with massive speakers that produce a brutish and exaggerated "larger-than-life" sound.
But truly lifelike sound is always more thrilling, simply by the sheer impact of its total fidelity. That's why it's universally acclaimed as "the real thing”. Those who know the truth when they hear it can't be satisfied by any substitutes or illusions of reality.
For them, we offer Celestion loudspeakers. A range of subtle and elegant components that deliver lifelike" sound.
If you've had enough surreal sound to last a lifetime, we've been building the world's most honest loudspeakers for you. Discover the meaning of life at your qualified Celestion component dealer
CELESTION. 89 Doug Brown Way, Holliston, MA 01746 (647) 420-6706
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ARISTON
The Affordable Hi End Alternative Born out of a tradition of fine craftsmanship in Scotland, Ariston Acoustics is proudly introducing the Ariston System, a sophisticated yet elegantly simple expression of technology at the service of music.
The Ariston System was designed to produce superb sound quality and offer maximum convenience by means of a full function remote control that comes standard with our amplifier.
Founded in 1969, Ariston Acoustics has enjoyed a steadily increasing reputation over the years for their innovative, quality products. Ariston components have been critically acclaimed for their sheer musicality by reviewers on both sides of the Atlantic. Ariston's commitment for the future is to develop new components which both complement and expand upon the existing system while maintaining the concept of true music reproduction at eminently affordable prices.
Visit your nearest authorized Ariston dealer and hear our complete line of turntables, speakers and electronics.
ARISTON ACOUSTICS LTD. 12 Rte 17 N., Ste. 309 Paramus, N.J. 07652 (201) 845-9265 Telex: 4973296 SAP. Fax: 2018450719
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NAD
Who we are. And how you can hear the difference.
NAD is the world's leading designer of reasonably priced audiophile-quality stereo components. From enormously powerful amplifiers to modest appearing receivers. From unique multi CD players to advanced tuners and cassette decks. NAD equipment is the best in design and performance, in value, in ease and simplicity of operation, and in genuine usefulness of features.
But there are so many good components out there, you might say.
Well, consider this. Designed in Boston and London by American and European engineers, NAD equipment happens to be the insider's choice. It is the equipment secretly owned by the technicians and staff of other audio companies. It is the equipment those companies' engineers recommend to, and buy for, their parents, grandparents, even their in-laws. It is the equipment that journalists and audio society members get for themselves. In fact, NAD has become the overwhelming choice of the most knowledgeable consumers.
Why? Because it performs brilliantly, it sounds superb, it's rugged and reliable, and it is utterly easy to understand and use.
We invite you to see and hear the difference at your local NAD dealer.
NAD(USA), Inc., 575 University Avenue For the music, pure and simple. Norwood, MA 02062 (617) 762-0202
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Signet
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Your CDs sound their best when dust and fingerprints don't force error corrections. Now you can thoroughly clean your CDs with the Signet SK315 Wet/Dry CD Cleaner...and it's fully automatic. Simply add four drops of Signet fluid, insert the CD, and press the power button.
First, the fluid dissolves fingerprints and lifts dirt, then the dry pad automatically buffs the CD to perfection. Only Signet has this two-stage wet and dry action.
Clean up your sound today with the SK315 CD Cleaner...only from your Signet dealer.
signet ---- 4701 Hudson Drive, Stow, OH 44224
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