Video Asylum

Posted by Bob W (i) on June 18, 2000 at 12:10:10:

In Reply to: $4000 system for parents posted by Kali on June 16, 2000 at 07:16:51:

Here's my story: I installed a Polk RMDS-1 system for a family of technophobe music and movie lovers. It took me about 6 hours to install and train the family. That included buying mounting hardware for the speakers, running all speaker cable through a drop ceiling, and generally doing a seamless job.

The RMDS is idiot proof; right out of the box, it is extremely easy to use. So easy to use that they threw away the instruction manual with the box, and that has not slowed them down. The family consists of mom, who is no good with technology; a 14 year old daughter, right in the same boat with mom, a 12 year son who is adventurous, and dad, who wants to be able to watch movies and listen to music without learning anything else.

Sound quality is amazingly good. The sub trades off the extreme bottom end (20-30Hz) for great dynamics from 30Hz up, and seamless integration with the satellites. The system, in their large rec room, easily peaks over 100dB.

With that said, I think it would be possible to do a receiver based system that is nearly as simple to operate; however, I think it would take you a significant amount of effort. Could you achieve better sound? Maybe, maybe not.

I think a key to going this latter route would be a Pronto remote and a lot of programming of deterministic codes (see remotecentral.com). This is going to end up taking you quite a bit of time, unless you have already done it once for identical components. About the only things that you will not get that the Polk system offers is automatic detection/switching based on active source, and remote volume control of the subwoofer.

Great gift idea, however you end up implementing it. I'm sure your folks will love it!

The little voices told me to stay at home and clean the guns today.