Introduction Lansonic™, a division of Digital Voice Systems, Inc. (DVSI), a leader in the field of voice compression, has introduced the first unit in what may be a brand-new product category. The DAS-750 Digital Audio Server is a high-performance audio product that stores and plays music files, decoding all the standard MP1/MP2/MP3 compression rates, ranging from 32 kbps to 448 kbps (kilo bits per second), as well as uncompressed WAV files. Depending on the configuration, the unit ranges in price from $695 to $ 2,595. Unlike a PC that emits high levels of hum, noise and heat, the DAS-750 is far better suited for storing and playing a wide range of music files, since it employs 20-bit crystal A-to-D and D-to-A converters. Analog output is measured at 96 dB SNR from 0-22 kHz, which is considerably better than the typical computer soundcard. The DAS unit also contains a programmable 40-bit Digital Signal Processor to ...

Introduction The RCA DTC100 receives, decodes and displays standard definition NTSC broadcasts from local and cable stations, plus all DTV formats, as well as DIRECTV satellite programming. Retailing for $ 649.00, the DTC100 provides a comprehensive array of audio and video outputs, serving a range of display devices from standard TVs to many high-definition display devices. RF, Composite, S-Video and 15-pin VGA video outputs are supplied, along with RCA-type connections for analog audio in addition to an optical (Toslink) discrete digital audio output (however, no COAX digital audio connection is included). The DTC100’s HD monitor output supports high-resolution video up to 1080i. To achieve this signal, the 15-pin D-subminiature connector is used to provide a component output (RGB) that is compatible with multi-sync displays. The horizontal resolution at the HD monitor output for standard definition digital broadcasts may be up to 720 pixels per line and, for high-definition broadcasts, can reach 1920 pixels per line. The ...

VCRs suck. They just do. I understand there are situations when you need them. I’ve got one in my rack to watch vintage Philadelphia Flyers hockey games, but that is about it. As the publisher of a 70,000 readers-per-month audio-video publication, I am not so proud to admit that it takes me all sorts of effort to make my Mitsubishi VCR record from DSS through my AV preamp. It’s not impossible to do but, in my world, I don’t have the time and/or the patience to bother with it. Panasonic Showstopper featuring ReplayTV technology ($499) is the digital replacement to the VCR. Simply, the Panasonic Showstopper uses a hard disc system to record compressed television signals for future viewing. It can be configured into your television and/or home theater system in a number of ways. I hooked my Panasonic ShowStopper between my Sony B3 DSS receiver and my Proceed AVP AV preamp. Another ...

Introduction If managing your CDs has gotten out of hand, as jewel cases both empty and full are found lying all around your room, the Escient Tunebase 2000i CD Library Management System is a welcome solution. In addition to the Tunebase 2000i controller, the Escient system can control up to three 200-disc CD changers, for a total of 600 CDs. The basic system with the controller and one Sony CDP-CX220 changer runs $3,000. Unlike previous CD management systems, it's not necessary to spend hundreds of dollars to program song titles and artwork from your CD collection into the system. First off, the Tunebase2000i is delivered with text and artwork for 2,500 popular CDs. If a CD is inserted into the changer that is not recognized by the system, it calls (via the built-in modem) Escient's main library to download the appropriate data. The Tunebase2000i allows users a variety of ways to play back CD's, ...