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Conference hips::uk_audioo

Title:You get surface noise in real life too
Notice:Let's be conformist
Moderator:GOVT02::BARKER
Created:Thu Jul 28 1988
Last Modified:Mon Jun 02 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:550
Total number of notes:3847

509.0. "Nicam TV Tuners" by MILE::JENKINS (Get yourself a thesaurus) Tue Jan 17 1995 17:04

    
    
    I'm interested in buying a Nicam TV tuner so I don't have to buy a
    whole new Nicam TV. 
    
    I believe Arcam used to make one (Delta 150?), but as far as
    I can find out they don't make them any more.
    
    Does anyone have any recommendations or even know who makes them?
     
    Thanks,
    Richard.
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509.1Sound and picturesMILE::JENKINSGet yourself a thesaurusTue Jan 17 1995 17:207
    
    
    Just to add to the previous note, I want a tuner that produces a
    picture output (RGB or composite video o whatever) as well as sound.
    
    Thanks,
    Richard.
509.245769::TAFF::WobRobert Screene, UK Finance EUCTue Jan 17 1995 17:3824
Hello Richard,

I looked into this a few years back.  I know MAPLINS stock a NICAM decoder 
kit.

Do you have a VHS HI-FI video?   If not then you might be diassapointed 
with the recorded audio quality on VHS linear audio.

You might like to look at entry level NICAM Video recorders.  These come 
with VHS Hi-Fi recording, which is excellent, and of course a NICAM tuner. 
Then just use your TV as a monitor.

I have read that NICAM decoders are usually better in VCR's than TV's.  
Into context, my �450 Mitubishi HS-M55 vcr sounds is a little more open 
than the tuner in my �850 Toshiba 2805DB television, when run through my 
Hi-Fi.

And by excellent recording; I cannot distinquish the VHS Hi-Fi recording of 
any CD against the original in a blind test (my CD is a Kenwood transport 
and a Deltec DPA Little Bit external DAC box).  

Pity the broadcast NICAM top end is a little tizzy at times.

Regards,
509.3first hand experience...WOTVAX::STONEGTemperature Drop in Downtime Winterland....Wed Jan 18 1995 10:2722
    
    I use a Cullam Nicam Decoder to get stereo sound onto a Betamax Hi-Fi
    VCR. I auditioned both the Cullam and the Arcam (150?) at home first. i
    did direct comparisons and decided the Arcam wasn't �120 better than
    the Cullam - build quality seemed better, but sound-wise there was
    little to choose between the two.
    
    Both have/had stereo Hi-fi sound, selectable modes for multi-lingual
    broadcasts - ie. you can choose left, right, stereo or mono tv signal -
    and both have/had picture output.
    
    It's 2 or 3 years ago now, and I'm not sure if the Cullam is still in
    production - if so it's worth looking at.
    
    Graham
    
    BTW, the only drawback with both is that there is no timer/memory built
    in, so I can only record from a single channel in stereo if I leave the
    m/c unattended - made more complicated because i can't program the
    Betamax for line & tuner recording, it's a physical switch on the
    control panel.
    
509.4FILTON::NOBLEJuggling while Rome burnsThu Jan 19 1995 14:299
    I've got an Arcam 150 and would thoroughly recommend it. I bought a
    Tosh 29" Nicam TV and still use the Arcam as the tuner in preference.
    It's still advertised in Arcam's literature so there may be some
    kicking around.
    
    Steve
    
    PS - Last I heard, the price was below �200 - I paid nearly �300 for
    mine.