REVIEW OF THE PHILIPS STEREO VIDEO DUBBING KIT (SBA264)
        -------------------------------------------------------

                          By Scott English



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   I wanted to connect my Amiga to my stereo system because one of the
  speakers on my 1081 monitor had bitten the big'un. So I went looking for a
  stereo lead at my local K-Mart and this dubbing kit is what I found.

   Included in the package is an Audio lead (2 X RCA plugs to 2 X RCA plugs),
  which is the exact thing that I was looking for to connect the two audio
  ports on my Amiga to the two CD-IN ports on my stereo. On top of that, you
  also get 4 RCA to BNC Adaptors, 2 RCA to Co-Axial plug adaptors, 2 RCA to
  Co-Axial socket adaptors, and 2 RCA to RCA leads.

   The versatility of this package was amazing to me. With all the
  combinations of plugs available I am now able to
   - Hook up my Amiga to my Stereo.
   - Hook up my Frame Grabber to my Video.
   - Hook up my Video to my TV.
   - Hook up my Stereo to my TV so that I can audio tape directly from it
      or use my stereo speakers instead.
   - Hook up a portable CD player to my stereo.

   Unfortunately, the package doesn't come with any instructions whatsoever,
  so I will look at the first two operations a little more closely.

1. Hooking your Amiga to your Stereo.
-------------------------------------
WHY?
----

   The audio output from your Amiga WILL sound 1000% better. I was told by
  friends that when I hooked my computer up this way, I would never revert to
  using my monitors speakers.... and they were right. The difference was
  more noticeable for me because one of my monitors speakers was not working
  fully. So basically, you get clearer sound, louder volume, and you don't
  require your monitor to be on to hear the sound. You can also hear the
  sound from somewhere other then right in front of you (ie wherever your
  stereo is) and this is even better if you detachable speakers. Finally,
  you can do all your stereo type things to the sound output that you just
  can't do on your monitor... such as adding in adding in bass boost,
  fiddling with the graphic equalizer, etc.

HOW?
----

   Take the audio lead (2 X RCA to 2 X RCA) and replace the audio lead at the
  back of your Amiga that leads to your monitor. Then plug in your new audio
  lead and plug the other end to the CD-IN (sometimes called Aux, or
  Auxillary) ports that should be at the back of your stereo. Then just
  bring down your selector to CD and your new quality sound will come
  blasting out of your stereo speakers.

2. Hooking your Frame Grabber up to your Video.
-----------------------------------------------
WHY?
----

   Probably because your frame grabber won't work without it ;)

HOW?
----

   Take the RCA plug to RCA plug lead and add a RCA to BNC adaptor onto one
  end (it doesn't matter which). Place the unchanged end into the Video-In
  port of your Frame Grabber, and the BNC Adaptor end into the Video-Out port
  on the back of your Video player.


Where, and how much?
--------------------

   I purchased the pack from K-Mart for $23.75. I know a friend who claims
  he purchased a similar thing (the contents may have varied slightly) from a
  local electronics store for only $21, so if you are watching your pennies
  it might not hurt to have a look around for the better prices, and it would
  be better if you did buy from smaller locally owned stores then larger
  chain stores.

   The dubbing kit is made in Taiwan. It's code is 4802 019 17691.

Do you really need it?
----------------------

   Maybe not. My 1081 monitor doesn't allow my Amiga to be hooked up to a
  stereo system with it's existing cords, and so the purchase of a new Audio
  lead WAS necessary. So monitors may come with RCA audio cords that will
  enable you to do this straight away. But, if the get worn out or
  disfunctional from great use, then a new pair may be the order of the day.

   As for the cable to allow you to Frame Grab.... your Frame Grabber SHOULD
  already come with one. If not, then this pack may also be the one for you.
  Again, if the original cable stops working well, then this makes a good
  replacement kit.

   Finally, if you don't have the cables for any of the other functions that
  can be carried out with these then have a look at these.

Problems?
---------

   The only minor problem that I have encountered is the cable's length.
  They are fairly short, and you need to be within 1.5 metres or so of your
  stereo or Video in order to be able to use them.

                                                    Scott English


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