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BUYING
GUIDES
Here you will find brief explanations of the various checklist
parameters found in the sample and print scorecards. They
are provided as an explanation of the various features
and facilities you're rating and to help you more accurately
fill in relevant information on those scorecards ... thus
making searching for the right products even more informative.
Scoring
Tips for Package Systems
Use
these tips to as a guide when filling out the buying scorecards
in Sofa. These let you when assess the merits of the products
you are contemplating buying and will help you shortlist
a range of suitable products, thus making investing in
home entertainment equipment a whole lot more enjoyable
and rewarding.
 PRINT
VERSION
[right click to download]
Brand
This is the name of what's usually the full range of
equipment from the relevant manufacturer. It's often
trademarked.
Model
This is the number or word that references the relevant
product within a range.
Features
The function or performance parameter under which the
product under scrutiny is being judged.
Warranty
The extent that the manufacturer, distributor or retailer
(or, some, or all parties) guarantees a product from
failure in operation under normal conditions.
Cosmetic
Design
How the products look and how they will integrate with
your system and into your home environment.
Power
Output - Front
The amount of power available to drive the front speakers
in a home cinema application or as the stereo speakers
in a music scenario.
Power
Output - Rear
The amount of power available to drive the rear surround
(effects) speakers in a home cinema application.
Power
Output - Centre
The amount of power available to drive the centre speaker
in a home cinema application.
5.1 channel amplifier
It ain't home theatre if it doesn't have six-channel
capability.
Dolby Digital processing
Mandatory for DVD reproduction.
DTS Surround processing
A good system to have if you can afford it
Dolby Pro Logic processing
Makes the gear retro-suitable with older movies.
Acoustic functions
Hall, church, live stadium … do you want them?
System functions
What can the system do and how does it do it.
Remote control
Rate its functions and how easy it is to use.
Front speakers
Quality and floor standers or stand mount?
Centre speakers
Quality and voice matched to front speakers?
Surround speakers
Quality and do their match the system properly?
Subwoofer
Is one included or is it optional?
Overall performance
Are sound levels sufficiently high and appealing?
Sonic quality
Is it natural and clean without falseness?
Sonic detail
How well can you hear sounds and directional effects.
Versatility
What can you do with the system and where can you do
it?
Input/output options
Do they allow adequate connection to your DVD player
and television?
Dimensions
Do the measurements match existing components and will
they fit cupboards, shelving and other storage options.
Weight
Can storage options handle the weight of the receiver
and can it be stacked safely with other components?
Total
Points Awarded
The tally of all scores awarded which gives you a numerical
value of the relevant product's worth.
Comments
Where you place notes of your personal experiences when
auditioning the relevant products.
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1996-2002. Virtual Magazines. All rights reserved.
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