Archive for January, 2010
Start loading up your rack or cabinet with the gear positioned such that you can install it easily. This is where you’ll be glad you bought two-meter cables, because the slack you have now can be used to make your system slide together easily.
Start attaching all of your speaker cables first, especially if you are working with a receiver. If you have a pin or banana plug connector on the receiver end of the speaker cable, then you are in good shape. Most receivers do not leave enough room for connection of speaker cables and it is the single most frustrating part of the installation project. I recommend, especially if you are using bare wire, that you take your time during this part. Make sure you have the wire stripped far enough down the cable. Twist the cable very well and then twist it again around your binding post of your receiver. Also, install other inputs first make installing the speaker connectors on the back of the receivers even harder to successfully complete.
Once the speakers are connected solidly, start connecting inputs. For example, you might connect your TV with a component cable. You might start with sources after that. Arrange the cables you need for each source one at a time. In the case of a DVD-Audio/SACD player connect the 6 RCA cables first – being careful to connect the correct corresponding interconnect from the player to the receiver. They are not always labeled the same. Sometimes Left Surround is labeled “left rear” or “LR.” Connect the digital audio cable and the component video cable. Once done with plugging in cables, program the input(s) on your receiver for the source.
Move on to other inputs, systematically installing each and adding up your successes with each source component.
Install a direct connection from your traditional satellite receiver or cable box right to your TV. You will want to have that so you can just turn your TV on and watch without getting involved with your entire home theater systems. If your system doesn’t work when you power it up, you may need to seek out some more advanced TV repair troubleshooting.
Despite being less clunky than a VCR, DVD players still require a significant amount of care, particularly if they’re being used frequently. While DVD player repair should be let to the experts, here is an easy guide on how to clean and maintain your DVD player:
First you will want to start by, unplugging your DVD player from the wall and tv, and move it to a more suitable working environment, like a table or desk.
Examine the outside of the DVD player, around the vents for the cooling fans, and look for any excessive dust build up, if the vent area seems to have a small quilt of dust on it, it has been way to long since you cleaned! You don’t want to blow this dust with the air duster, as it will spread back into the DVD player, however, if your dust build up is light, you can begin by blowing through the machine. If you open the drawer, on some models this will allow you to blow all the way through the DVD player.
Next, you can put your cleaning disc in and relax as it plays through. Now you can watch your movies with a peace of mind.