Q.
1. I’m buying a new television. Should I buy a wide-screen television and why?.
A.
It depends on where this particular television fits in to your lifestyle. If it’s basic function is to keep the viewers of it up to date with the News, Shortland Street, and a few other programmes during the week, a normal 4:3 ratio screen may be adequate. If this television is to become an integral part of or the beginning of an expanding home entertainment system with VCR, Satellite, or DVD sources of signal, then the wide-screen television will enhance your viewing pleasure.
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Q.
1. My old television was more watchable on this existing aerial system than my new expensive television. Why is this so?
A.
The modern television is more demanding of the signal source. We want extra functions like Teletext and Nicam Sound to be received so the signal quality must be very good. The new television with a sharper image is going to highlight the signal deficiencies as well as all other aspects of the picture. Although the older television may have been easy to view, the chances that the picture tube was "softer" (a normal wear and tear occurrence) which would minimize the ghosting and graininess the new television displays.
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Q.
2. What is the difference between a 2 Head Long Play video recorder and a 4 Head Long Play video recorder?
A.
The essential difference is better picture quality. The improvement is more obvious during pause, cue, and review, especially with long-play recordings.
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Q.
2. Why is Surround Sound weak on some sources?
A.
The "Surround Sound" effect varies according to the sound signal that comes with the source or programme transmitted at the time. The greater the stereo separation between the left and right channels, the greater the surround sound effect. The closer that the left and the right channels are to producing the same sounds (i.e. mono sound) the lower the effect. With pure mono sound, there may be no surround sound.
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Q.
3. My old television and video recorder lasted for 20 years and 13 years respectively. Should these new appliances last the same?
A.
Possibly, depending on use and type, etc. The modern television is designed to serve for seven to ten years and it is priced accordingly. Our suppliers attempt to guarantee parts availability for seven years and some will be available long after that. But with the advancement of features and services, it is not always useful to consumers to pay a lot more for a set that is durable but less useful after a reasonable period.
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Q.
4. My new microwave is going rusty. My first microwave which was purchased in 1986, and is still working, Why?
A.
The modern microwave does not evacuate the oven cavity of steam as vigorously as some older types, so that the humidity measurements used for the sensor programmes can be taken. Also, the increased heating-food efficiency results in slower or less heating of the cool cavity. As a result, food or drink left to stand will condense more readily on the microwave sides and door, and can run into a pool underneath the glass tray and roller ring.
Modern microwave ovens are manufactured to last between four and ten years depending on use and are priced accordingly – relatively, compared to the one purchased in 1986, they are about one-eighth of the price and that difference is reflected to some degree in the paint quality. It is therefore very important that any condensation left in the oven be mopped up with a soft cloth immediately the heated items are removed. This will maintain the oven’s efficiency too. Any liquid or food scraps left inside will absorb cooking energy during subsequent cooking cycles.
While on the subject of cleaning, never spray the keypad with cleaner as the liquid may seep around and into the edge of the membrane necessitating it's replacement. It is advisable to use a slightly moist soft cloth.
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Q.
5. Can I buy a new video recorder that will connect to my old VHF-only television?
A.
No. All modern video recorders have UHF and Line outputs only. If the old television has AV or EXT inputs they can be used.
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Q.
6. If my old television does not have an EXT/AV input, can I connect a DVD through my video recorder which does?
A.
No. Macrovision designed to prevent DVD copying will not allow a DVD picture to pass clearly through a video recorder and to your television.
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Q.
7. Why are EXT/AV inputs better than RF or Channel inputs?
A.
Firstly, they provide the clearest possible picture. The video or picture information has not passed through two RF stages that would be necessary to convert the signal to RF or "TV Channel" inputs where picture snow or graininess is added. Secondly, Hi Fi VCR, DVD, Satellite, and some cable decoders only provide stereo sound to the AV/EXT connections, not through the RF channel inputs.
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