I've just bought a Chord - Power Chord mains lead for my Pioneer 427xd plasma and found it undoubtedly improved the picture quality. The colour depth was better, overall sharper image and the contrast ratio was better. I've had to reduce the colour setting from my previous settings.

Plasma's put huge amounts of interference back into the immediate area of the mains ring (even if you have a separate spur) and this degrades the picture quality. The cause is the switch mode power supply, which manufacturers half heartedly solve by adding a ferrite ring on the mains lead. This method is next to useless. The best way to dissipate the interference is by shielding and clever earthing.

I wonder if it'll work on my Naim system?

Always like to keep my audience rivited.

I got another Power Chord for my PS3. This improved the sound and picture. So, just like your hifi, if you've not changed those cheap IEC cables that come with your TV and dvd players, you're not getting the full potential of your equipment.

Do you have a copy of Digital Video Essentials or other source of test patterns (e.g. the THX setup on most THX mastered DVD's)? Have you checked these findings using test patterns as most of what you are describing should be visible there.

Allan

I bought a Tacima AV mains block from Maplins for £39.95 and I don't think there has been any sign that I can detect of any improvement in my AV set-up at all over the cheapy 6-way mains block I used previously.

How much are the Chord power chords, out of interest?

Allan, I do have a THX dvd and have set up my picture with it, but I didn't do any specific tests through the new lead with it. The improvements were very obvious without any test patterns.

Jon, the Chords are priced approx £115-£170 depending on the length. Not cheap.

I put a standard Naim lead on the PS3 and that improved the sound better than the Chord, but the picture was better through the Chord. The Naim lead made voices more natural.

I'm basically using shielded leads on my av because, unlike hifi, all the leads are gathered together for a smart appearance.

Thanks for the info, count.