lionel@eiffel.DEC (Steve Lionel) (08/22/85)
Sam Anastasio wanted info on MTS (broadcast stereo) decoders for his Sony PROFEEL TV. If your tuner has an MPX-out jack, as I'm pretty sure it does, there are several MTS decoders on the market that will work for you. Sony's is called the MLV-1100, and typically sells for $175. It is unusual in that it has a built-in stereo amp, but if you are using your own hi-fi system, this is just extra baggage. Note also that the MLV-1100 seems to have line-in jacks so that you can switch the line output between decoded stereo and the line-in (ideal if you are hooking it up to a VCR), the front-panel switch doesn't affect the line out, just the speaker outputs! (However, a coworker persuaded Sony to modify his unit so that the switch worked reasonably for free...) Sadly, the MLV-1100 has mediocre performance in terms of separation and frequency response. Other decoders that should work are sold by NEC and Zenith, but the Zenith has been sharply criticized for its performance. Proton's 690 decoder should also work - the Proton was recently reviewed and was found to perform much better than all other MTS decoders tested to date. I have one on order and will report on it when I get it (Real Soon Now, I am told...) I'll be using it with my Sony SL-2700. Steve Lionel