Can I take my Home Theater to Europe?

Hey I'm from North America but I live in 220 India. Projectors are no problem at all, totally dual voltage. The receiver (and powered sub) are the 2 things you need to worry about. Some receivers are in fact dual voltage with a switch (probably easier to make 1 model for both markets) but these are the minority. I'm actually researching to find one that's cheap with HDMI right now to import it.

That step down is similar to what I use here in India for my HT, except mine is 750 watts and not 37lbs That's most of 1 suitcase, just that one piece. I've actually been using a 200 watt unit on my 500 watt rms sound system and it's been mostly fine. I did have one power surge or drop off or something resulting in a blown channel and blown satellite, but I attribute that to the horrible power supply here in India, not my equipment. I now have a UPS hooked into my sound system (small computer type).

So yes you're on the right track. I've been living on step-down converters for the last 2.5 years in almost every room in my house and it's not an issue, generally. I'd suggest you figure out the real needs of your sub and receiver and get a step-down closer that. Maybe I'm just in another market segment and you really do need 3000 watts If so you rock!

Alex

I live in Germany where the power is 220V/50hz.

Like nightfly13 said, most projectors are dual voltage and not a problem. My VPL-HS20 is.

Also like nightfly13 said, your receiver could be a problem. Voltage is not your only concern. Check the power requirements on the back of receiver. If you purchased it in the US, more than likely, it is ONLY 110V/60Hz. If you are lucky it is switchable or can handle 50Hz. Step-down transformers only convert voltage. They DO NOT convert frequency (60 to 50Hz). Using a 60Hz ONLY device with 50Hz power can sometimes destroy the power supply. although it may work fine for several days. You can purchase combination voltage&frequency converters but they are very expensive. It would be cheaper to purchase a new receiver.

Working for the US Military, we are fortunate that the local Base or Post Exchange normally sells dual voltage AV equipment. Unfortunately, the selection is not that great and they are often a year or more behind on current models. My Yamaha RX-V2400 is begging to be replaced with a RX-V2700 but the BX is still selling RX-V2500 (two years old no HDMI). I have been unable to find an online retailer selling the dual voltage RX-V2700 model :-(

Good luck and remember to pay attention to frequency as well as voltage.

Also, other European countries are often cheaper than Ireland or the UK. France and Germany come to mind. Mail order to those countries is an option or you might want to take a road trip.

Rob

Great first post, Rob

Here in India the power is 190-240ish and I have no idea what the frequency is, I doubt my power company does either

I posted a thread about dual voltage receivers and got 1 hit so far, on some guy's old receiver, nothing about current models, I'd love to get others helping in that research.

It's 50Hz in India (and 60Hz in the US). Audio gears should have no problem due to this difference.

Have you taken into account the cost to ship your HT to Europe? Doesn't seem like it would be worth it unless the move is going to last a few years.

I have the US version Xbox360 and Toshiba HD-A2 HD-DVD player. While both are 110/120V, both can handle 50Hz. I currently have both running off a 220-110V 750 watt step down transformer which is more than twice what they need.

I am in Australia and want to purchase a 605 receiver, the prices here are unreal 40% more vs the US $400 t0 600 US( $1200 Aus). Given the conversion rate we are till out by $500 to 700. I have a transformer converter that will step me down from 240 to 110 with 50-60 hz. The hz seems not a problem. I can order from the US and save a lot of $$$$. I have read the threads and from what I have read my transformer should handle the conversion (it 2000 watts) Am I OK? I am still a bit concerned. Thanks.