e456@sphinx.UChicago.UUCP (mark alan epstein) (05/13/85)
Memoirs of a new Video/Audiophile --------------------------------- I've really been in this business for only a short time, but I have drawn some conclusions. First, my setup: Pioneer LD-700 Laser Video Disc Player Proton 600M Video Monitor ADS R1 Receiver (Atelier series) ADS C2 Cassette Deck (Atelier Series) B&O TX Linear Tracking Turntable B&W bookshelf speakers (LP1, I believe) Make Levinson (very) fat speaker wire You may notice that "better" equipment exists in this price range, but this equipment has the distinct advantage of sleek, cosmetically- appealing, black design. So, I have forsaken some performance for appearance. Also, notice there is no source for my Proton other than my Laserdisc player (you see, I am a purist). My laserdisc collection now numbers around 80 pieces (including some 8" music videos), and I am very happy with my decision to go for laserdisc over VHS/Beta alternatives. Without question, the laserdisc picture quality out performs every tape source that I have tried with my Proton, and the sound quality is certainly comparable with the best Hi-Fi tape sounds. But, that's not what I came to speak about. I want to discuss laserdisc production quality control. I own 80 discs, but I have bought perhaps twice that number. Of course, defective discs are easily returnable (exchange for the same title), but the store I buy from rarely has many duplicates, so I get a different equally priced title. The sorts of defects I get are: (1) A beating sound in the sound track - more noticible at high volumes (usually varies in level over the side of the disc) (2) Snow in the picture (usually accompanied with the beating sound - although not always) (3) Serious defects: skips or harsh lines through picture (localized at single location on disc) You may wonder why I am pleased with my setup when as many as 50% of the discs I purchase require replacing. Well, only two discs have had the "serious defects", while all the others have the "minor" problems, which don't terribly detract from a single viewing. Also, those discs that are good are really GOOD, and problems are on just Now, I am in the Chicago area and have recently seen a large chain of video stores discontinue the video disc line, and have found local availability to be terrible. I realize that I am in the Midwest (that can not be helped -- really Chicago IS wonderful), but is the video disc losing its hold in the marketplace? Am I the only person with serious defect problems? It's not my machine. Will all movies on tape eventually arrive on disc? Is it safe to order discs by mail with defects being so prevalent - how? I'm glad to see that so many people on the net are Laserdisc enthusiasts. I look forward to a great amount of Laserdisc stuff at the Summer CES next month. Mark Epstein: inhp4!gargoyle!epstein inhp4!sphinx!e456