Ask S&V

Does bias lighting improve the viewing experience? How do the current JVC projectors compare with previous generations? What are "legacy components"?

Welcome to UAV's latest blog, in which I answer your questions about anything related to audio and video technology—equipment setup and optimization, wired and wireless connections, room environment, content creation, digital cinema, cable/satellite/terrestrial broadcasting, online streaming, Blu-ray, 3D, 4K, future technologies, and anything else in the ever-expanding A/V universe. Even better, other readers can add their two cents in the comments, which I invite and encourage—after all, you might think of something I didn't. Also, I know a lot about this stuff, but I don't know everything, so sometimes I'll post a question and throw it open to readers who might know more about it than I do. And if an answer I provide proves to be inadvertently incorrect or misleading, I want to know, and I'll update it immediately.

All you have to do is send your question to askscottwilkinson@gmail.com. Try to keep your questions as short as practical, but don't skimp on any details you think are important for me to provide a suitable answer. If you're asking about specific gear, please include the makes and model numbers.

My goal is to help you get the most out of whatever A/V system you have and better understand the complex world of current and coming technologies. So let the questions begin!

Are 21:9 TVs worth waiting for? What small speakers do you recommend for whole-house audio? Are the JVC 3D projectors as good with 2D material as their predecessors?

Is there a downside to using speakers with built-in subwoofers? How do I take speaker impedance into account when shopping for an AVR? What's the best audio connection?

How much resolution am I actually seeing on my CRT RPTV? Is it better to have apps in the TV or Blu-ray player? Are there compatibility issues between 3D content and active or passive glasses?

What speakers do you recommend to replace my old ones? Will one company's active 3D glasses work with another company's 3D TV? What's the best audio connection for watching TV with or without the AVR?