Comments on: Going Digital but Keeping the VCR

By: James Hayden

James Hayden — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 18:41:42 +0000

My Panasonic HDTV has an “Audio/Other Adjustments” submenu that includes: “AI – Equalize overall volume across all channels.” It works well, but within limits. I have AI activated and use Cox Cable. CNN channel 71 was slightly lower in volume than 20 other favorite channels I surf. CNNHD (ch. 708) is slightly louder.

Other TV brands I have owned had similar audio level equalizers.

By: Jim Jensen

Jim Jensen — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 15:53:02 +0000

While you may be able to record with your VCR from a converter box, the VCR is not going to be able to change channels on the converter box. So, unless you only record shows from the same channel all the time, you will lose any ’scheduled recording’ capability you might currently use on your VCR.

By: John Yast

John Yast — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 04:19:58 +0000

Regarding the TV volume problem, I find that setting my audio to mono instead of stereo vastly reduces the annoyance. While this won’t be of interest to the home theatre crowd, it works for me.

Also, my wife suggests liberal use of the mute button. While you still need the remote handy, it’s a one-push solution rather than a search for ideal volume.

By: Tom Reif

Tom Reif — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 22:04:00 +0000

Another useful program for trying to figure out which background tasks can be eliminated is Startup Inspector for Windows (www.windowsstartup.com). It scans your pc, lists the tasks, then links to their website abd sends a description of each task and their opinion on whether it is valuable or not.