Tips for buying a new minicompo

Mon, 06 Nov 2000, 00:00 WIB

Nowadays, the minicompo has given a new face to home
entertainment. The models launched in Indonesia come with a
variety of features. Each manufacturer has its own special built-
in features. Polytron, for example, come with a Phone Recorder
which can record phone conversations. Philips come with a
boombox, Panasonic with 3D sound system and power blaster,
Pioneer with sound morphing and Sony with its 5.1 Dolby pro Logic
stereo, which can also play DVDs.

These features may confuse some of us in deciding which
minicompo to buy.

Here are some of the points we should consider when buying our
minicompo.
* Number and type of features: These can influence the price. We
have to compare each specific feature of any brand. Nowadays,
most types can play CD/VCD/DVD/S-VCD/MP-3 and have AM/FM radio
with twin cassette player/recorder. Newer features include Jog
Dial, which quickly turns the player to a desired track and for
titling the track. See how complete the Sound Mode is, with sound
characteristics such as Stadium, Concert, Classic, Jazz, etc.
* Disc capacity: Maximum number of discs a player can hold.
* Random play (plays tracks in random) and favorite track search,
remote control included.
* Price: We must consider our budget. In Indonesia (first week of
November), suggested retail prices start at Rp 420,000 (Polytron
GB321C), and go up to Rp 6.5 million (Sony MHC-ZX70-DVD).
* Sound system: It refers to a) how strong sound pressure level
or output power is (known as PMPO); b) sound purity or audio
level softness (both represent also bass and treble quality); and
c) what is the power consumption.
* Picture quality: See how perfect it creates pictures (for
VCD/DVD compo).
* Design: Is it a case of "love at first sight"? Most models now
have futuristic designs and colors. Check and see how easily you
can operate each model. Consider also the compo's size (is it
portable or slim enough?).

Once again, we have to "investigate" in searching for the
ideal minicompo for our ears and eyes. It helps if you take demo
discs which you can try in each model, or ask the seller to
demonstrate for you. (Gatot)

Upcoming topics for
IT Superhighway:

Television

on your PC? -- Nov. 13

Health and safety
with cellular
phone usage -- Nov. 20

Home

networking -- Nov. 27

Active

speakers -- Dec. 04

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