HDTV and Home Theater Podcast

This week our show really matters! We feature a few of the newly certified Matter controllers and we talk about what projector we would consider if we were building out a dedicated home theater. Plus we read your emails and news of the week. News: Eve Announces Matter Updates for Eve Energy, Eve Motion and Eve Door & Window Samsung smart TV owners just got a welcome image upgrade Philips Hue Bridge is getting updated to Matter early next year Other: Cleaning a Record with Wood Glue Record lubricators & preservatives GruvGlide Amazon Official: Introducing Alexa Voice Remote Pro, includes remote finder, TV controls, backlit buttons, requires compatible Fire TV device Matter Hubs Hub M2 By Lumi United Technology Co., Ltd. The Aqara Hub M2 is a smart home control center. It can be connected with a WiFi or Ethernet network, and supports interaction and connection with Aqara Zigbee accessories. It also has an IR remote control function, which can add and manage the control of different IR devices. The Aqara Hub M2 allows you to control your Aqara accessories more conveniently. It can also bridge the Zigbee accessories to Matter to realize the interconnection of devices between different ecological platforms. Company Website Smart Wired Gateway Pro By Tuya Global Inc. As the core of the IoT connection, the wired Matter gateway is the first gateway released by Tuya that supports Matter. It supports the communication protocol of Cable+Zigbee+Thread, that is, the uplink Ethernet connects to the cloud, and the downlink supports both Zigbee (compatible with the original Zigbee device ecology of Tuya) and Thread (Matter over thread) sub-devices. This gateway has powerful localized management capabilities and high stability of multi-device control. It can be connected to all devices such as home automation, smart energy and home security systems to provide users with an intelligent control experience. Company Website DIRIGERA hub for smart products By IKEA of Sweden The hub is the bridge between your smartphone and your connected products LG ThinQ By LG Electronics Discover an easier way of smart home life with LG ThinQ. With LG ThinQ app, you can manage all your LG smart appliances and IoT devices in one place. More Info … webOS TV By LG Electronics LG Smart TV with Matter support will help users register and control Matter enabled home appliances around the TV. Users can maintain the list of Matter enabled devices around, and control using home dashboard application pre-installed on TV. Company Website Philips Hue Bridge By Signify The brains of the Philips Hue smart lighting system, the Hue Bridge allows you to connect and control up to 50 lights and accessories. Simply plug it in and use the Hue app to set routines, timers, custom light scenes, and more. It's the Philips Hue Bridge that unlocks it all — including Matter. The Hue Bridge will support Matter with a software update, making all existing and new Hue lights and accessories automatically Matter enabled too (except the Hue Sync Box and dial of the Tap dial switch). Sony Projectors Something to Consider for Your Home Theater Sony recently announced three new projectors (VPL-XW7000ES, VPL-XW6000ES and the VPL-XW5000ES) which range in price from $27K at the high end and $6K for the 5000ES. All three are SXRD panels with native 4K resolution. All three use the X1 Ultimate image processing. And all three use a laser light source that should last more than ten years if you watch your projector five hours a day. A typical projector uses a lamp that would need to be replaced ten times in the time the Sony laser would last. They typically cost $50 to $100 depending on your projector, so over time this adds up! Plus the laser is much brighter so if you want to watch on a larger screen or in a room with ambient light these projectors have the chops to do so. We have not seen these projectors in person but we have seen the previous versions when we were invited to a presentation at Sony Pictures in Culver City. What we saw at that time was quite impressive and those did not have the X1 Ultimate processor. If I (Ara) were building a dedicated theater today it would include the 5000ES. But only because I can't afford the 6000 or 7000.

This week we take a look at the week's top ten movie rentals and we continue our feature on getting the best results when listening to vinyl. We also read your emails and take a look at the week's news. News: Survey: Americans Want Netflix with Ads to Be Free Netflix to open branded hubs in 2,400 Walmart stores 4K Fireplace, More Local News Channels Coming to Samsung TV Plus Fox Sports Ready for 4K/HDR FIFA World Cup Rental Top Ten Movies Rank LW Rank Title Box Office (Millions) 1 New Bullet Train $103.32 2 1 Beast $31.85 3 New Fall $7.24 4 2 Jeepers Creepers Reborn $2.03 5 3 DC League of Super-Pets $93.36 6 4 Thor: Love and Thunder $343.26 7 5 Where the Crawdads Sing $90.23 8 New Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank $17.81 9 New Orphan: First Kill $5.41 10 6 Minions: The Rise of Gru $368.85 Breathing Life Back into Your Records Last week we talked about cleaning your record needle for perfect playback based on an article sent to us from long time listener Stan. At that time he also sent us an article on cleaning your records. So this week we continue with our second installment. The following was taken from the Pro-Ject website. Cleaning records revitalizes old and dirty records. If you don't see scratches on your vinyl, most likely, the reason that your vinyl does not play as well as it should is because of lint, dust, and grime. Luckily, the most common reasons to clean vinyl records are easy to manage and take care of. Clean records play with less distortion, and it helps the vinyl last longer because the friction that happens when dust is on the record will no longer happen. In fact, keeping your records clean can even extend the life of your record player's stylus, which can save you from having to replace your record player needle. Your entire record collection will sound better with the right cleaning process than when you purchased it at the record store. Record Washing Of course, you can wash your records like you would your dishes. Simply put a few drops of dish soap into a tub of water. Avoid using tap water if you are creating your own solution. This will help to keep minerals that could damage the vinyl away from the records that you are cleaning. Di-ionized or distilled water is ideal for cleaning records. Never use Isopropyl alcohol in your vinyl cleaning solution because it removes the shine from the vinyl's surface and makes it more vulnerable to damage. Instead of making your own cleaning solution, you can purchase a record cleaning solution that will work for your entire collection. It can be purchased individually or in a cleaning kit like the Spin-Clean Vinyl Record Washer System. This is a full cleaning system with soft brushes, cleaning fluid, and microfiber cloths that won't scratch the vinyl. Once the record is clean, rinse the cleaning solution or any soap off with distilled water, being careful not to get the label wet. If water or cleaning solution does get on the label, make sure that you quickly blot it dry with a microfiber cloth, and don't put it away with your other records until it completely air dries. This helps to ensure that the ink doesn't bleed and the label doesn't tear. Always make sure that the records are dry before playing them on your player. It should also be allowed at least 30 minutes to dry before it is placed back in the sleeve because the excess moisture can damage the records and cause the inner paper sleeves to mold. One way to ensure this is avoided is to use plastic sleeves instead of the paper ones that come with most records. Vacuuming Records Vacuuming records is one of the better cleaning methods to consider using. Using a vinyl record cleaner that is vacuum-powered will suck up any dust and debris found in the grooves. Using the vacuum cleaner should be done after the record is brushed to remove excess dirt on the surface. The VC-E Compact Vinyl Record Cleaning Machine falls into this category of record cleaner. Record vacuuming machines will apply a cleaning solution to the records, scrub them, and vacuum away all of the wet solution and debris. It is the superior way to clean vinyl because it combines all of the cleaning methods using a machine that is quick and safe for the records. It may not be the best option for someone who has just a few records because of the price of these machines, but if you have a larger collection of albums, it's a solid investment to make. Cleaning Records and Storing Without Worry Once you have cleaned your record collection, you need to ensure that the vinyl does not get damaged or become warped because it is stored improperly. The first step that you need to take to keep your records safe is to store them in an inner sleeve that will not scratch the surface of the vinyl. To add more protection, you should also use outer sleeves on your vinyl to keep the dust away from your records completely. Records should always be stored vertically because stacking them on top of each other on a shelf causes warping that hurts th

This week we spotlight some huge "desktop" speakers from Monoprice and take a look at why NFL fans want Youtube or Amazon Prime to pick up Sunday Ticket. We also give you some tips to keep your turntable in tip top shape. All that plus your emails and the week's news. News: This Year's Cheap Mini-LED 4K TVs Are A Dream Deal, Except For One Problem Broadcast And Cable TV Viewing Didn't Equal Streaming in September TiVo is making its case as a smart TV platform Other: Toronto audiofest Monolith by Monoprice MTM-100 100 Watt Bluetooth Powered Desktop Speakers Product spotlight The Monolith™ MTM Desktop Speakers (MSRP $499.99 direct from Monoprice) deliver stunning audiophile performance for your desktop! These speakers feature an accurate frequency response, exceptional sonic clarity, punchy, powerful bass, and present a spacious, and musical soundstage. Set up is a breeze: Connect easily through analog RCA and 3.5mm inputs or through the optical or USB digital inputs. Pair your device wirelessly using the Bluetooth® with Qualcomm® aptX™ HD Audio for high quality, CD audio level Bluetooth performance. A headphone jack adorns the front, allowing you to easily switch between the speakers and headphones. The Monolith MTM powered speakers are a perfect, great sounding addition to a home office, gaming, or bedroom system. 50 Watts per Speaker Flat Frequency Response (50Hz ~ 20kHz) Dual 4" Woofers per Speaker 1" Silk Dome Tweeter 5.25" Passive Radiator 45Hz-20Khz Frequency Response +/- 3db Bluetooth 5 with aptX HD Toslink Optical Input USB-C Input RCA & 3.5mm Inputs Subwoofer Output Front Headphone Jack Remote Control Dimensions (each) 6.3" x 14.0" x 7.9" (160 x 355 x 200 mm) Survey: Fans Hope YouTube or Amazon Win the NFL Sunday Ticket Bidding War Nearly two-thirds of NFL fans said they are most likely to subscribe to Sunday Ticket if it lands on either YouTube or Amazon Prime Video, according to a survey by The Streamable Full article… How to Clean a Record Needle for Perfect Playback We have talked about listening to music on vinyl lately and this prompted long time listener Stan to send in an article about cleaning your record needle for perfect playback. And with the Holliday's quickly approaching some of you may be thinking about buying a turntable for yourself as a present. So if you currently own a turntable or are thinking of buying one, we thought this may be of help to you. The following was taken from the Pro-Ject website. How a Dirty Turntable Stylus Impacts Sound Quality Clean record player needles help prevent playback issues. When dust interferes with the stylus reading the record grooves properly, you will hear a slight scratching or popping sound when you play the records. If you hear these sounds, it's time to inspect your record player's stylus to see if there is any visible build-up that's removable. When a stylus is dirty, you are more likely to hear the needle jump as it navigates the turntable. This is referred to as record skipping, and it can affect the sound of the music. Dust and grime will also cause additional wear on the stylus tip, which will be heard as you play your music. If you don't keep your stylus clean, it will wear down more quickly. In effect, a clean stylus will help you save money because you won't need to replace it as often. Tips to Follow when Cleaning a Turntable Needle Cleaning a record needle should be done once a week. If listening to records is somewhat infrequent, you will be able to clean the needle every other week instead. Most record player needles last for about 1,000 hours, so the first time you hear static during playback, it most likely only needs to be cleaned. When using a brush to clean the tip of the stylus, make sure that you brush in the direction that the record spins. This helps to ensure that the cantilever is not damaged during the cleaning. Even if your stylus looks clean, before playing a record, whether it's new or used, use an anti-static record brush to ensure no dust is hidden in the grooves that will transfer to the needle. When cleaning your stylus, use a cleaning solution to get a deeper clean when using a stylus brush. If you are uncomfortable using a stylus cleaning brush on the tip of the stylus, try using a stylus cleaning gel pad. This method may cost more, but it's an option that many feel is less abrasive than the brush bristles. You may have also read forums about cleaning record needles with a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. To start, gently place a small piece of the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser on the platter. These sponges can be purchased at any hardware store. It needs to be an all white pad because the blue ones are a bit more abrasive and could cause unwanted damage. Lower the tonearm down to touch the pad, and then raise it back up. Do this process about two to three times or until the debris is removed. Vinyl Records Cleaning and Proper Storage Helps Even if you clean your stylus every time you use your record player, there is a good

No show this week.

This week we have a review of the Technics EAH-A800 Noise Canceling Over Ear Headphones and we read your emails and look at the week's news. News: LG advances smart TV platform business The new Matter smart home standard could make TVs more powerful Optoma's new 4K UST laser projector is seriously bright at 3000 lumens Roku may soon begin selling its own smart home lighting and accessories Other: Wiim Mini Airplay 2 Music Streamer wiimhome Belkin SoundForm Connect AirPlay 2 Audio Adapter Technics EAH-A800 Noise Canceling Over Ear Headphones Review We have spent a lot of money on wireless earbuds over the years looking for that ultimate tradeoff in sound quality, fit, and noise cancellation vs portability. To date, we have found a few that we liked but have settled on the Technics EAH-AZ60 ($230 MSRP). Today we decided to look at our first full size over the ear headphones, the Technics EAH-A800 ($350 MSRP). What we give up in portability we expect to get back in sound quality and noise cancellation. Let's see if that thought process pans out. Features: Polyurethane 3-Layer Diaphragm 40mm driver 8 distinct mics and advanced wind noise reduction Dual Hybrid feedforward & feedback noise canceling with analog & digital processing Cushioned, super-soft earpads that evenly distribute pressure for a stable fit, with a headband that reduces pressure across your entire head. Multi-Point Connectivity lets you connect to more than 2 Bluetooth devices at once Music Quality Audio quality was quite good! We listened to the same music that we did for our AZ60 review (SRV - Tin Pan Alley, Snoop Dog - California Roll, Pearl Jam - Yellow Ledbetter, Diana Krall - Fly Me to the Moon) and found that everything we like about the AZ60 was turned up a notch on the A800. The detail in the music was clear and precise; the bass was boomy, maybe a bit too boomy. But still very good. The place where these headphones shined was in the vocal range. You could hear texture in the voice of Diana Krall. It was very good. Movies did really well too. Dialog was easy to understand and the noise cancellation made it easy to hear at lower levels. One issue we have is that on airplanes the dialog can be hard to hear. The A800 did an exceptional job with boomy special effects. Telephone Quality We don't discuss telephone quality really on this podcast but the phone calls that I made and received were good. The listener on the other end had no issues hearing me and me them. If you work using headphones to make calls these will work just fine. Comfort The memory foam ear pads conform to your ear providing a comfortable fit that makes it easy to wear for hours. I wore them in the woodshop for three hours without issue. In fact they are the most comfortable headphones I have worn. Noise Canceling Noise canceling is good but not on par with some of the ear buds. One of the benefits of ear buds is that they can create a barrier that prevents noise from getting in and those with active cancellation can eliminate the rest. But here is the tradeoff, I have found that no matter what size silicone earpiece I use, they eventually lose their tight fit and let outside sound in. It's gradual so you don't notice right away. If you are eating something it happens much faster. These headphones make a tighter connection with the ears and never let go. I used table saws, planers, and sanders while wearing these headphones and never noticed an increase in outside noise coming through. The noise reduction made it easy to work with loud machinery without fatigue. Plus I got through more podcasts because I was able to continue listening while working with those tools. If you need to hear something from the outside a simple tap to the earpad lets in the exterior sound. The amount of sound allowed in is set in the Technics Audio Connect App. You can also select the amount of noise cancellation in that app as well. Although that always amuses me. Why do people want less than max cancellation? Battery Life These things never run out of juice! They can give you anywhere from 30 to 60 hours of use depending on the noise cancellation and codec you are using. If you listen to AAC without noise cancellation you can get close to 60 hours. If you have max cancellation and hi res audio playing you can expect the 30 hours. I was using cancellation and AAC and didn't need to recharge for over a week. About 35 hours. Also, if you run out of power, a fifteen minute charge can get you another 10 hours of noise canceled AAC music. Room for Improvement There is no AptX support which can limit the quality of what you are listening to. For instance Apple does not support LDAC. Many Android devices support it so keep that in mind. The noise canceling is good but not the best. Perhaps a firmware update can improve it. Lastly, these are expensive and there are other headphones that perform as well and cost less.

This week we present the TWICE Best of show awards for the CEDIA show that took place last weekend. We also read your emails and take a look at the week's news. News: KEF Adds New Models to Extreme HT Architectural Speakers Line LG's New 120-Inch Laser Projector Blows Away Your Big-Screen TV Google steps into future with Home app update, Nest tech Other: Best Ultra Short Throw Projectors 2022 || AWOL LTV-3500, FORMOVIE Theater, XGIMI AURA TWICE Best of Show Awards Winners Crestron LED Light Fixtures - The modular design of Crestron LED light fixtures gives you unprecedented flexibility and control to complement any décor with the highest quality light. Options include adjustable, wall wash, fixed frame, pinhole fixtures, multiple enclosure possibilities, and square or round trims. Epson Pro Cinema LS12000 Pro UHD Laser Projector - Utilizing an all-new Laser Array Light Source, the Pro Cinema LS12000 is capable of displaying a 4K picture on screen up to an astonishing 2,700 lumens for both color and white brightness2. And, when driven by a proprietary Epson ZX Picture Processor for powerful picture processing, the Pro Cinema LS12000 produces incredible brightness, color accuracy, and image detail to faithfully display all your content the way it was meant to be seen. $5000 Hisense PX1-PRO TriChroma Laser Cinema - The PX1-PRO features the award-winning TriChroma laser engine to achieve full coverage of the BT.2020 color space for a true-to-life picture. With its Digital Lens Focus the PX1-PRO delivers a razor-sharp 4K image in sizes from 90 to 130-inches. Add to that premium features eARC for lossless audio, Filmmaker Mode, and smart home integrations and you've got yourself an Ultra Short Throw brimming with entertainment potential. Support for Dolby Vision $3000 Hisense U8H - Featuring a Mini LED upgrade paired with Hisense's ULED technology and Quantum Dot, the U8H delivers vibrant colors, impressive contrast, and its trademark bright picture for a fantastic HDR experience. For those looking for a stunning picture and a robust set of premium features, the U8H delivers. $1,500 for 75" Kaleidescape Compact Terra 22TB Movie Server - The compact Terra 22TB can store over 350 4K UHD movies or over 650 movies with a mix of 4K UHD, Blu-ray, and DVD-quality titles, and serve up to 5 simultaneous 4K UHD playbacks. The compact Terra allows customers the flexibility to add playback zones and grow their movie collection over time. Up to four compact Terra servers can be combined in a single system for more storage. $11,000 plus you need Strato C players which are priced at $3,995 each. LG CineBeam HU915QB Premium 4K UHD Laser Projector - The LG CineBeam HU915QB Projector is the total premium package for integrators and customers alike, offering a suite of CI-centric features, astonishing immersion with a 3-channel laser, plus an ultra-short 0.19 throw ratio. Install it just inches from the wall to give your customers dazzling color and contrast—all at epic proportions. $6,500 LG OLED Flex (Model LX3) - With LG OLED Flex, go from a flat display all the way to a spectacular 900R curve* until you find the ideal arc for total immersion. Simply press the curvature button on your remote control and explore 20 different levels of curve. LG hasn't released pricing for its new LG OLED Flex TV, nor a release date. Lutron Palladiom Wire-Free Shading System - The Palladiom Wire-Free Shading System offers both simple, wire-free installation and precise, automated control of daylight in our most refined aesthetic. Extend the ultimate in design flexibility to every room in every home - for both existing homes and new construction. This shade uses no more than six D-cell batteries, while still maintaining an industry-leading battery life of three to five years using fewer batteries. Samsung Neo QLED QN100B 4K TV - Get immersed in this virtually edgeless, all picture 98" Class Infinity Screen television. Our best AI-Neural Processor always displays glorious 4K, powers the latest Smart TV Apps and fills the room with sound, all in an ultra-sleek high end metal design. Brilliant details in any light with Quantum Matrix Technology. Powered by a huge grid of Samsung's ultra-precise Quantum Mini LEDs, it takes exact control of the individual zones of light in your picture for breathtaking color and contrast. No pricing yet. But the QN90A 98" is currently selling for $15,000. So probably close to that. Samsung The Frame QLED 4K Smart TV - The Frame transforms to art when you're not watching TV. Choose from the Samsung Collection or upload your own pieces to reflect your personality. $3000 for 75" Frame extra but right now Samsung is running a promotion where the frame is free. Sonus (NOT SONOS) faber Arena - Handmade in Italy by our experienced Artisans of Sound, Arena delivers the acoustic power and dynamics required for hi-performance home cinema with the Natural Sound signature, definition, and details for which Sonus faber has been long

This week we look at five ways Matter will disappoint you at launch. Spoiler, we don't think it will. We also take a look at the new lineup of Denon Receivers for 2022. We round out the episode with email and news. News: Chromecast with Google TV (4K) is getting updated to Android 12 soon Google said to be working on free alternatives to Dolby Atmos and Vision Kaleidescape Announces Two New Movie Servers Verizon will give NFL+ discount to wireless subs 5 ways Matter will disappoint users at launch After participating in a panel on Matter at Silicon Labs' Works With event on Tuesday and conversing with attendees throughout the event, I think the initial response to Matter is going to be tepid at best and downright aggravated at worst. Full article here… New Denon Receivers for 2022 The new A/V receivers all pass 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz signals via HDMI and are compatible with just about every HDR format(Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+, Dynamic HDR, HLG, and BT.2020). Denon's new line-up combines popular 3D formats such as Dolby Atmos®, DTS:X®, IMAX Enhanced and Auro 3D, along with Dolby Surround, DTS:X and others. Finally, the new receivers all work with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri for voice control of major functions, and Denon has added a new set of front panel indicators that visually confirm the kind of signal that's being processed (4K/8K/HDR). A-Series AVR-A1H: AVR-A1H is the latest in Denon's class-leading "A-Series" of receivers, designed to deliver the ultimate home-theater experience. With 15 channels of amplification, Denon's most powerful transformer, carefully selected parts, and hefty, high-rigidity construction, the flagship AVR-A1H delivers a professional theater experience in your home cinema, perfect for cinephiles of the greatest caliber to fill large rooms with engulfing 3D sound. The A1H will support Dirac Live upgradability with a future software update. $6,499.00 Coming Soon! X- Series AVR-X580BT: The Denon AVR-X580BT offers an entry-level AV receiver for those looking to enhance their home theater set up. This powerful 5.2 channel AVR provides 70W per channel. Could not find pricing info AVR-X2800H: Fill medium-sized rooms with more refined sound using this 7.2 channel AV receiver with 95W per channel. The Denon AVR-X2800H consists of increased HDMI 2.1 connectivity with three 8K inputs, which leads to supporting higher video resolution and refresh rates. $1,199.00 Available Now AVR-X3800H: Powering 105W per channel, the Denon AVR-X3800H 9.4 channel 8K AV receiver delivers an enveloping 3D audio experience and amazing picture quality to satisfy the most discerning home theater enthusiast. The X3800 will support Dirac Live upgradability with a future software update. $1,699.00 Available Now AVR-X4800H: This 9.4 channel AV receiver, powering 125W per channel, delivers breathtaking 3D audio that perfectly matches high-definition video up to 8K. With nine channels of amplification and up to four independent subwoofers, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X plus IMAX Enhanced and Auro 3D, this unit envelops large rooms in theater-quality sound. The X4800 will support Dirac Live upgradability with a future software update. $2,499.00 Coming Soon S-Series AVR-S570BT: For movie lovers looking to take the first step in upgrading their home theater experience or those who want better quality sound in a smaller space, this powerful 5.2 channel AVR, with 70W per channel, is the perfect entry-level accompaniment to any users' set-up. The Denon AVR-S570BT is available in North America only. Could not find pricing info AVR-S970H: Offering 90W per channel power, the Denon AVR-S970H 7.2 channel AV receiver consists of three 8K inputs, leading to an increased HDMI 2.1 connectivity and delivers support of higher video resolution and refresh rates. $899.00 Coming Soon

This week we take an extended look at an email from Chris who is paying for two sports packages but still can't watch all his team's games. Is there a VPN solution? Did you know you can get Sunday Ticket from DirecTV without a Satellite? There are some limitations but we have the info. Finally we have a brief review of two portable amplifiers from Fosi Audio that pack a huge punch. All that plus your emails and the week's news! News: Netflix Estimates Ad-Supported Tier Will Reach 40 Million Viewers by Late 2023 ELAC Announces Powered Bookshelf Speakers With HDMI ARC Platin Audio's wireless (WiSA) home theater speaker system now handles Dolby Atmos Other: Commando - 'Let off some steam Bennett' PREDATOR - STICK AROUND - KNIFE THROW VPN for dummies I use Xfinity for cable & internet service in Central PA but also have an apartment in Central NC with ATT internet. Back home, if I subscribe to MLB.tv, I can watch all games except for the Pirates and Phillies. My team is the Orioles. In Central NC, the Orioles are blacked out even though the stadium is 5.5 hours away (it's only 3 hours from Central PA). Figure that one out... Your show on 9/16 talked about Sling Box and VPNs. I don't mind paying for a service but when you are paying (sometimes multiple times), it is frustrating to not get what you pay for. (((Ara, you'd appreciate this-I am a Washington Capitals fan. I pay for the NHL Network, I subscribe to the ESPN+, and when I go to a youth hockey tournament, I cannot use my Roku in the hotel to watch a Caps game that night because it's on the NHL Network...which I pay for back home!))) There are alot of YouTube videos about VPNs but a simple questions is: what is the best way to use my laptop in Central NC and make it think I am in Central PA? Xfinity will only let you watch certain "To Go" channels if you are on your home wifi. NHL Network is one of them. I can record the event but then only watch it after it completes the recording. Thanks guys. Chris Sunday Ticket without Satellite NFL Sunday Ticket Offer Details: NFLSUNDAYTICKET.TV service is only available to non-DIRECTV customers who live in select multi-dwelling unit buildings (apartments, condos, etc.,) nationwide in the U.S. where DIRECTV service is not available Live in select areas within various metropolitan cities Live in a residence that has been verified as unable to receive DIRECTV satellite TV service due to obstructions blocking access to satellite signals Actively or previously enrolled college students NFLSUNDAYTICKET.TV U only available to students actively enrolled or previously enrolled within the last 18 months in post-secondary educational institutions from the date of purchase. NFLSUNDAYTICKET.TV consists of all out-of-market Sunday regular-season NFL games (based on customer's device location) broadcast on FOX and CBS. Games broadcast by your local FOX or CBS affiliate will not be available in NFLSUNDAYTICKET.TV. Access via NFL SUNDAY TICKET App to only one game at a time based on device location. If you qualify, here are the packages and prices: NFLSUNDAYTICKET.TV TO GO - $69.49 for four months or $277.96 INCLUDES Enjoy every live out-of-market game every Sunday afternoon.(Eligibility restrictions and other conditions apply) Watch on your compatible tablet, smartphone, laptop, or connected device like a game console Get real-time stats and scores Customize your Game Mix to watch up to 4 games of your choice on one screen Track up to 20 of your favorite players with Player Tracker Short Cuts: see whole games, commercial free, in 30 minutes NFLSUNDAYTICKET.TV MAX - $93.49 for four months or $373.96 INCLUDES Enjoy every out-of-market NFL game LIVE, every Sunday(select int'l games excluded) Watch on your compatible tablet, smartphone, laptop, or connected device like a game console Get real-time stats and scores Customize your Game Mix to watch up to 4 games of your choice on one screen Track up to 20 of your favorite players with Player Tracker Short Cuts: see whole games, commercial free, in 30 minutes RED ZONE CHANNEL® DIRECTV FANTASY ZONE CHANNEL® Add NFL+ PREMIUM $48.00 Exclusive offer! Add NFL+ Premium to this NFLSUNDAYTICKET.TV package for $48.00 (currently retails for $79.99). Enjoy replays of NFL games all season long and more Payment for MAX + NFL+ Premium must be made in full at checkout. Fosi Audio Digital Amplifies I was looking for a new amplifier to test my speakers more in different rooms of my house. So the amp needed to be small, high quality, and inexpensive. My searching around the internet landed me on Fosi. A company I had never heard of. From the company's web site: Audio equipment company with a focus on HiFi sound Fosi Audio was founded in 2017 by a team of engineers and music lovers with the objective of delivering high-quality audio products. After years of research and development, we have mastered the art of miniaturizing HiFi sound and bringing it to any space, big or small. Fosi Audio's range of products

This week we take a look at a startup home automation company, Fluid One. Their goal is to seamlessly connect your actions, your decisions, and your home. Then we go through the network shows and premiere dates. We also read your emails and the week's news. News: Comcast plans symmetrical multigig service for 2023 Details about upcoming "Chromecast HD" leaked IKEA x Swedish House Mafia record player goes on sale next month Sonos announces long-awaited Sub Mini for $429 Fluid One: Next Generation Smart Home Control and Automation We found a super interesting Kick starter project called Fluid One. It takes home automation into the AR realm and if it works is pretty cool. From the campaign page: At Fluid, we aim to seamlessly connect your actions, your decisions, and your home - making the environment around you its own responsive interface.They are trying to raise $100,000 but at the time of this writing have only secured about $9,500 from 40 backers. We know what you're thinking. Do we need another Home Automation controller? Probably not a typical one, but this one has some unique features that may appeal to some of you. Most notably, to control a device you simply aim your smartphone at it and the relevant controls appear on your screen. You can also use gestures with the phone like swiping up to turn something on or swipe down to turn it off. Fluid One also makes setup straight forward as well. You aim your phone at the device, tap it and then select it from automatically discovered devices. This also places an air marker at the location. There are some aspects of the setup that the developers claim makes it simple but based on our experience some people will find it overwhelming. The whole concept of laying out the home floor plan including furniture placement is very cool and precise. But that will turn some people off. Setting up Zones and automations as you walk through them are also very cool, but again, many people just want a few lights to turn on at sundown. So the question is who is this system for? Do we need a home automation system this sophisticated? Smart Device and Phone Compatibility: Fluid Lite comes directly compatible with all Homekit devices. To gain access to even more devices, Fluid One enables control over Homebridge, Home Assistant, and any IR devices, amounting to over 2000+ compatible integrations. Fluid One will also be fully Matter compatible upon its upcoming release. The lowest pledge for the Very Early Bird Fluid One Lite is $249 which gets you access to Fluid controls in a Primary Area in your home. When the product comes to market it will cost Retail $399. INCLUDES: 4× Smart Node ESTIMATED DELIVERY Aug 2023 Only available in the United States For $799 you get the Special Fluid One Pro which gets access to Fluid Controls in a Primary Area and Automation in a Primary Area plus four Extension Areas INCLUDES: 8× Smart Node Smart Hub ESTIMATED DELIVERY Aug 2023 Fall 2022 Premiers It's that time of year when our favorite shows come back with new episodes and we get new content as well. The following is the release dates for new and returning shows on ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, and CW ABC ABC 2022-2023 Fall TV Lineup: New Shows and Trailers Wednesday, Sept. 21 8 p.m.: The Conners 8:30 p.m.: The Goldbergs 9 p.m.: Abbott Elementary 9:31 p.m.: Home Economics 10 p.m.: Big Sky Friday, Sept. 23 8 p.m.: Shark Tank 9:01 p.m.: 20/20 (two hours) Sunday, Sept. 25 10 p.m.: The Rookie Tuesday, Sept. 27 8 p.m.: Bachelor in Paradise 10 p.m.: The Rookie: Feds (NEW SERIES) Sunday, Oct. 2 7 p.m.: America's Funniest Home Videos Monday, Oct. 3 8 p.m.: Bachelor in Paradise 10 p.m.: The Good Doctor Thursday, Oct. 6 8 p.m.: Station 19 9 p.m.: Grey's Anatomy 10 p.m. Alaska Daily (NEW SERIES) ABC 2022-2023 Midseason Premieres New seasons of A Million Little Things and The Wonder Years will premiere on ABC at midseason sometime in 2023. Additionally, Gina Rodriguez's comedy Not Dead Yet, Milo Ventimiglia's drama The Company You Keep, and the adaptation Will Trent will also premiere early next year. CBS CBS Lineup: All the New Shows and Trailers Coming in Fall 2022 Saturday, Sept. 17 10 p.m.: 48 Hours Sunday, Sept. 18 7:30 p.m.: 60 Minutes Monday, Sept. 19 8 p.m.: The Neighborhood 8:30 p.m.: Bob (Hearts) Abishola 9 p.m.: NCIS 10 p.m.: NCIS: Hawai'i Tuesday, Sept. 20 8 p.m.: FBI 9 p.m.: FBI: International 10 p.m.: FBI: Most Wanted Wednesday, Sept. 21 8 p.m.: Survivor 10 p.m.: The Amazing Race Sunday, Sept. 25 8 p.m.: Big Brother Thursday, Sept. 29 8 p.m.: Young Sheldon 8:30 p.m.: Ghosts 9 p.m.: So Help Me Todd (NEW SERIES) 10 p.m.: CSI: Vegas Sunday, Oct. 2 8:30 p.m.: The Equalizer 9:30 p.m.: East New York (NEW SERIES) Wednesday, Oct. 5 9 p.m.: The Real Love Boat 10 p.m.: The Amazing Race Friday, Oct. 7 8 p.m.: S.W.A.T. 9 p.m.: Fire Country (NEW SERIES) 10 p.m.: Blue Bloods Sunday, Oct. 9 10 p.m.: NCIS: Los Angeles CBS 2022-2023 Midseason Premieres Fans will have to wait until midseason to see CBS's TV adaptation

This week we take a meta look at Home Theater Trends by comparing what different groups are saying. Let's see if there are any common threads. We also read your emails and the week's news. News: Top Gun: Maverick Has Broken Another Record Upcoming Price Change Leica Set To Drop First-Ever 4K Video Projector in 2023 YouTube TV 5.1 surround sound is now available on Apple TV Five Home Theater Trends We decided to take a meta look at this subject by comparing what different groups are saying. Let's see if there are any common threads. First up is a West Palm Beach Company called ETC. The company's vision is: "company vision is to enhance our customer's lifestyle using technology to simplify their lives." Comfort is desired more than ever - Most of us think of a home theater as a mini-theater-like space complete with stadium seating. Some people still enjoy such a space, but the trends are evolving, and people are investing more in comfortable recliners or loungers to relax while binge-watching their favorite shows. Multi-Use Rooms - Today many homeowners want to invest in home theaters, but they find it difficult to allocate an entire room to theater. This has resulted into a growing demand for modern home theaters, which allows homeowners to have a multi-use room where their whole family can sit together and have quality time. Home theater is now becoming the heart of the family by enabling people to watch movies, stream shows, or simply do gaming while sitting at their favorite place. Screens - Screens make one of the most common elements of a home theater. A good quality and a high-resolution screen is a must whether you are investing in a home theater for watching a movie, series, gaming, or streaming. The screen is truly the key focus area of home theaters. It can make or break the look and feel of your home theater. The market is expanding with many good quality screen options for home theaters, which makes it one of the key trends that will stay longer than you think. High Speed Internet - Today most people choose various OTT services available in the market to fulfill their entertainment needs. For feasible home theater installation, you need a good and reliable high-speed internet connection. Soundbars - Music and sound fanatic homeowners usually have multiple speakers scattered across the room. But this isn't viable anymore. Sleek soundbars are now increasingly becoming a common name in the home theater of this age. Today, homeowners can enjoy an elevated auditory experience with fewer wires and no clutter. Next up is Elite Home Theater Seating. Elite Home Theater Seating (Elite HTS) is an internationally recognized manufacturer of ultra-luxury home theater seating for residential and commercial projects. Color: Serene and Neutral Tones - The choice of color is a major factor in your home theater design because it sets the room's tone. For 2022, we are going with a neutral color palette. Beiges, taupe's, grey's, and creams are a great starting point, offering a blank canvas that can make even a small home theater appear larger. Furniture: Sculptured Curves - Curved furniture has proved to be a top trend in 2022. A curved form is interpreted as safe and welcoming. From subtly rounded to circular, curved furniture can add softness and a sense of effortless flow to your home theater. Comfortable Lounge Seating - The desire for comfort remains a huge trend in home theater seating ideas in 2022. With families spending more time at home, homeowners have become very creative in finding new ways to enjoy the experience. The home theater is a place to go to relax and unwind, where comfort is key. Multi-Functional Spaces - Turn your home theater into an "entertainment space" that can be used for activities that appeal to everyone in the family. Also referred to as a media room, multi-purpose, dual-purpose or hybrid room, your home theater can also be a place to listen to music, do a home workout routine or play video games. Texture - Texture has always played a big role in interior design. This year, interior designers are predicting a huge uptick in textured materials that feel good to touch and are interesting to look at. Texture It is used to keep a space from feeling flat or one-dimensional and adds warmth and dimension. It can also be used to make a room pop. It has "visual weight," drawing attention to itself, and creates contrast to help the room look balanced. Residential Systems serves the custom home entertainment and automation design and installation professionals with solid business solutions to real-world problems. Dedicated Spaces - Dedicated theater spaces are being specified and designed more than ever, possibly because consumers are tired of having multi-use spaces in every room of the home and want a room devoted to just being entertained. We are also seeing them being added to housing plans right from the start. Streaming is King - Media production and consumption is extremely disruptive, a

This week we have three features provided by our listeners. Scott Hawk has thoughts on why CDs were considered superior to albums in the early 80s. John Lyman compares Records vs Airplay and Digital lossless and Tim Klevar reviews the Airfly Bluetooth dongle and the Sony Mark V headphones. Plus we have listener emails and news. NBC Could Give Third Hour Of Nightly Primetime Back To Local Affiliates Samsung, Prime Video to Offer 8K Content From 'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power' Report: Budget-friendly Samsung displays on the horizon CD's Were Universally Recognized as Superior to Albums in the 1980s By Scott Hawk Back in 1985, cassettes were outselling records and you probably remember how terrible they were. Cheap housings made them wobbly inside your player. Cheap tape material gunked up the heads and reels of your cassette deck with soot. They used Dolby B or no noise reduction. All this got worse if you kept them in your car. For many people, records were not much better. Few people cleaned their records so pops, hisses and cracks were common. Plus, the record undergoes wear with each play since the needle is physically touching the grooves. Plus, the stylus would also exhibit wear, reducing its ability to track the grooves on the record. A stylus starts off with a nice point but gets rounder over time. So, play a record 300 times and the wear on the stylus and record obviously effects the sound quality. Most turntables were belt driven and the belts had been stretched, dried out or slipping which caused all sorts of wow & flutter. Now, enter the CD. Even though CD players were at first expensive, within a few years all CD players sounded alike. Everyone who listened to music got an upgrade. If you had a cassette tape, the new CD sounded amazing. And, if your tape was a few years old, the new CD sounded like it came from heaven. If you had a worn out record playing on a worn out turntable, you also got a major sound upgrade. And, if you listened to FM radio, you too got a huge sound upgrade. Plus, they sounded great on the first play and the 300th. CDs were also indestructible compared to tapes and records. No wonder everyone raved about digital music. So, what happened since then? Today, getting a good music experience is much simpler. Any phone with even basic headphones stream good sounding music. And, nice sounding music can even come from a bluetooth speaker. But to get music out of a turntable, you have to go through a process which has some attraction. It's certainly more of a process than using your phone. That process has some allure to it and the music will sound different. People can decide for themselves if something that sounds different is actually better. I think my own experience was not the most common. I was passionate about this as a kid. I saved up to buy a fancy direct-drive turntable, with a floating suspension and a carbon fiber tonearm. I bought a Shure cartridge, installed it myself and adjusted the tonearm, tracking pressure and tracking angle. I'd buy a new album and play it twice … once to remove any manufacturing artifacts and then again to copy it to a Hi-Bias or Metal tape with Dolby C noise reduction. I splurged on a 3-head tape deck and cleaned it (and my records) religiously. I'd only play the record again to replace the tape or make a mix tape. I was very particular in getting the tape to sound as close to the record as I could. So … a friend gets a CD player and loans it to me. I go out and buy 2 CD's … Don Fagan's Nightfly and Dire Straits (first album). Holy cow … it blew away my ears. The highs on the cymbals were stunning. The dynamic range was astonishing. The extra thump of the bass gives me chills to this day. Even after all the effort I took to get the best sound, this new technology just ran the table. Record vs Airplay and Digital lossless a Listener's Test By John Lyman With all the discussion I was curious about the difference in the following three formats: Streaming via AirPlay 2, USB to Amp streaming at highest rate vs a record. My setup for the test: M1 iMac streaming to an Airport Express (Airplay 2) - digital output into the receiver (10 Feet away) 2019 16" MacBook Pro connected to Amp using USB output set to 24 bit 192Khz Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Evo Turntable - connected to a Cambridge Audio phono amp Amp is a Cambridge Audio CXA-81 Speakers are Wharfdale EVO 4.2 Sub is turned off and no EQ running Using Apple Music for digital content The songs I picked were determined by the few albums I have and those that are brand new. I also chose the first song on a side of the record so I was listening to the same thing from all sources. I played about 1:30 minutes of the song. I went in the same order starting with streaming to Airplay, USB direct connect and then turntable. Songs used Elton John - Sweet Painted Lady (24 bit 44.1Khz lossless from Apple) Neil Young - Old Man (24 bit 196 Khz) Pink Floyd - Speak to Me/Breathe (24bit 96Khz) Overall I not

This week we look at why OLED TVs are losing the price war to Mini-LED and share some of the winners of the Expert Imaging and Sound Association EISA Awards. Plus we read your emails and look at the week's news. News: Roku Channel adds Scripps, NBC local stations to lineup Streaming Overtakes Cable in July, Leads Platform Rankings for the First Time MoviePass returns from the dead—again—on Labor Day Google TV Touts Performance and Storage Improvements Why OLED TVs Are Losing The Price War To Mini-LED The picture quality benefits of the best OLED TVs are widely known and rightly lauded – if you want images with perfect blacks and detailed shadows, OLED has long been a go-to for discerning viewers. (Full article here…) No budget OLED Pricing levels for OLED panels remain prohibitively high and that's even with the recent addition of Samsung Display to the supplier mix. The current situation simply doesn't work for a budget b brand, one that's focused on establishing market credentials while maintaining pricing aggressive enough to sway buyers over. Enter mini-LED: the OLED alternative Hisense expects to sell its 65-inch U8H mini-LED ULED TV for $950-$1,000. Samsung's mini-LED-backlit QN90B Neo QLED TV displays deep blacks and detailed shadows – kind of like an OLED TV for $2500. That is $500 less than LG's 77" C1 (2022). Note - there are other OLED models that are in the same price range or less than the Samsung QLED. Also you can buy a 2021 model of the C1 for about the same price as the QLED. Competition Competition will always force manufacturers to be more efficient and price competitive. Competition is coming at OLED on two fronts, other suppliers of OLED panels and mini-LED. One thing to consider is that Mini LED is new and thus has more room to improve the process and cost. This translates to really inexpensive mini-LED panels that may be too difficult for OLED to attain. Regardless of which technology wins, this is good for consumers. Either platform will provide you with an experience reserved only for the highest end consumers of just five years ago, EISA awards The Expert Imaging and Sound Association is the community of 60 technology magazines, websites and social media commentators from 29 countries, specializing in hi-fi, home theater, photo and video, in-car and mobile electronics. Every year the EISA jury of experts rewards the best products in each class with a coveted EISA Award. This week we'll cover a few of the winners and link to the complete list (EISA AWARDS 2022-2023). Hi-Fi Floorstanding Speaker - Paradigm Founder 120H ($4499.00 Each) Wireless Floorstanding Speaker - KEF LS60 Wireless ($6999.99 Pair) Value Wireless Speakers - SVS Prime Wireless Powered Speakers ($600) Vinyl System - Pro-Ject X2 B ($1799) & Phono Box S3 ($499.00) Turntable - Thorens TD 1500 ($1,500 - $2500 depending where you find it) Value Turntable - Argon Audio TT-4 (650 Euros) Home Theater Audio Best Buy Soundbar - TCL C935U We could not find the C935U on the TCL european website but based on specifications we think the Alto 8+ is the equivalent which goes for $279.99) Home Theater Processor - Anthem AVM 90 ($7499) Home Theater Amplifier - Trinnov Amplitude 16 ($12,500) AV Receiver - Denon AVR-X1700H ($699.00) Subwoofer - Perlisten D215 ($8995) Media Player - Zidoo NEO S ($1300) Speaker System - Perlisten S Series (Thousands and Thousands of dollars. If you have to ask you can't afford it) Home Theater Display and Video Home Theater TV - Philips 65OLED 937 (We could not find any information on this TV) Best Buy LCD - TCL 55C735 (US 5-Series) ($649.99) Premium LCD - Hisense 65U8HQ ($1399.99) Premium Mini LED - TCL 65C835 (US 8-Series) ($1999.99) Premium OLED - SONY XR-65A95K ($3999.99) UST Projector - XGIMI AURA ($2379) This was talked about last week. It is a single laser and finished 4th in that category. Home Theater Projector - Epson EH-LS12000B ($4999.00) Media Player - Zidoo NEO S ($1300)

This week we are back from vacation and have a jam packed show. We start off with a Phoenix record store owner who set the audiophile world on fire over his claim that Mobile Fidelity a company that has prided itself on using original master tapes for its pricey reissues, had actually been using digital files in its production chain. Then we look at 8 reasons you should keep buying UHD discs. And we look at Projector Central's 2022 Laser TV Showdown. All this plus the week's news and your emails! News: Google TV rumor points to 50 live channels coming soon LG Display's 97-inch OLED panel vibrates to create 'cinematic' 5.1 sound Step aside Google, Amazon, Roku: TiVo is coming to smart TVs Google predicts Matter will make the smart home flawless Other: P.180 Avanti EVO Flying at Jet Speeds in Italian Style with the Piaggio P.180 Avanti Evo Turboprop – AINtv How a Phoenix record store owner set the audiophile world on fire In a sometimes halting video posted to the YouTube channel of his Phoenix record shop, the 'In' Groove, Esposito said that "pretty reliable sources" told him that MoFi (Mobile Fidelity), the Sebastopol, Calif., company that has prided itself on using original master tapes for its pricey reissues, had actually been using digital files in its production chain. In the world of audiophiles — where provenance is everything and the quest is to get as close to the sound of an album's original recording as possible — digital is considered almost unholy. And using digital while claiming not to is the gravest sin a manufacturer can commit. Full Article Here… Comments from Youtube video: So basically, MOFI just proved that all these guys who swore they could tell analog from digital were just full of crap!! 🤣🤣🤣 Thanks MoFi for settling that tired old debate! I think this introduces a new concept, that there is a difference between an "Audiophile" and an "Audiopurist". The audiophile chases the best sound quality, whereas the audiopurist requires the media to be of a specific origin, and with no deviation, which can be digital or analog. I think the marriage of digital in the analog format works fantastic, and can produce results that are synergistic. I personally attribute the magic of vinyl, regardless of the source the vinyl was made from, is the mechanical to electric conversion that occurs in the cartridge. It's differently nuanced then how a DAC converts its signal. I think that's why vinyl kills digital in terms of soundstage, and imaging. This isn't even remotely shocking to me all things considered. I spent all of 2020 investing so much into my system and high end audiophile vinyl to find CD counterparts matching or exceeding. I've collected vinyl for 15+ years and it's a wonderful medium to enjoy music. But it's all about the mastering. Digital mastering done right can be even better. This is proof. 8 reasons you should keep buying 4K Blu-ray discs For true movie enthusiasts who value the highest quality viewing, movie discs are still the way to go. Here's why… 2022 Laser TV Showdown - Triple Laser Rankings The results are in from the 2022 Laser TV Showdown hosted August 4th by ProjectorCentral and ProjectorScreen.com that faced-off 14 laser UST projectors, with newcomer Formovie capturing the top honor in the Triple Laser category and projection stalwart BenQ coming in first in the Single Laser category. Full article here… The difference between the highest rated projector and lowest regardless of technology is 9.15 for the BenQ V7050i and 8.06 for the Optoma P2. That's an 11% difference however the cost difference is $1200. You need to decide if that 11% improvement is worth the $1200. Even more compelling is that the Hisense 100L5G came in second in the single laser category with a score of 8.90 just 2.5% less performance for $500 more. But the caveat here is that the Hisense comes with a 100" screen making it a better value than the BenQ The best 3 Laser UST was the Formovie Theater (catchy name) with an overall score of 9.08 and costing $3000. $500 less than the BenQ. If that is not compelling enough it supports Dolby Vision! A few months ago we talked with the CEO of AWOL about their new LTV-3500 which has Dolby Vision in Beta but it's big thing was that it has a super bright laser with a whopping 3500 lumens. And where this projector shined was in daytime viewing in a bright room. However it was at the low end on color gamut. It finished second to last and costs $4900. But in the category second to last is still really good with a score of 8.76 which is only 3% worse than the winner. Notes - Since all these projectors were calibrated we have no way of knowing if one calibrator's results vs another could have changed the results. Some of the results only a percent of two off. We'd like to see this done again using the preconfigured settings of the manufacturer. Because if they are pitching these projectors as large format TV replacements and not high end home theater units most people

This week Ara is on vacation again but we didn't want to leave you hanging so we have a special show. We go back to the early 2000s and learn how Ara and Braden became pilots for a very brief moment. And we also look at the best 65" TV for less than $1000 Other: Join the Neat Exchange - Social Media for Whiskey Drinkers Ara's Woodworking Join the Flaviar Whisky Club and get a free bottle Best 65-Inch TV Under $1,000 (RTINGS.COM) The Hisense 65U8G is the best 65-inch TV under $1,000 we've tested (full review here). It's an impressive TV, with outstanding contrast, excellent black uniformity, and high HDR peak brightness. It has the Android TV smart platform built-in, with an easy-to-use interface with a large selection of apps, so you're sure to find your favorite streaming content. It supports HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, meaning you can get a great HDR experience from any streaming service or external source. Visibility won't be an issue if you want to use it in a well-lit room, thanks to its excellent reflection handling and amazing SDR peak brightness. It's also an amazing TV for playing video games, with an excellent response time, resulting in very clear motion with little blur behind fast-moving objects. It has low input lag and supports both FreeSync and G-SYNC Compatible variable refresh rate technology, which can help reduce tearing in some games. It's also great for PS5 or Xbox Series S|X gaming, with HDMI 2.1 bandwidth on two ports. 8.4 Mixed Usage 8.6 Movies 8.2 TV Shows 8.0 Sports 8.8 Video Games 8.6 HDR Movies 8.8 HDR Gaming 8.3 PC Monitor Pros: Outstanding contrast. High peak brightness. Excellent reflection handling. Excellent response time. Cons: Image degrades when viewed at an angle.

This week we take a look at a new IPTV service called Vidgo and the five reasons why services like Vidgo are taking subscribers away from Cable and Satellite TV Services. Can they stem the flow? Perhaps but it's unlikely they will do what is needed. We also read your email and the news of the week. News: Disney+ update adds Atmos Spatial Audio on Apple TV 4K, breaks Atmos on Android TV Nest cameras can now, at long last, livestream to Chromecast with Google TV TCL REPORTS 10.15M GLOBAL SMART TV SHIPMENTS OVER THE FIRST HALF OF 2022 LG debuts CineBeam projector lineup Other: NextGen TV: Auton, Anywave Launch Broadcast Internet Trial in Bend, Oregon | TV Tech Vidgo IPTV Service Stream with Vidgo for 110+ channels of LIVE sports, entertainment news, local, and so much more. Every Vidgo subscription gives you access to 14,000+ shows and movies, with 100+ hours of new content added daily. Timeless hits, blockbuster movies, classics, and new releases - all at your fingertips. Grab your popcorn and get comfy! More info… 5 Reasons The Cable and Satellite Services are losing Subscribers We have talked about Cable and Satellite systems dying a slow death for quite some time. This is a slow death that has been going on for almost ten years. Today we talk about what is causing it and how the cable companies can not only reverse it but thrive. The most obvious is that there are streaming alternatives that provide on demand entertainment. Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, Apple as well as the networks provide streaming content. You no longer need a set top box provided by cable and satellite companies to watch anything that is being broadcast to the masses. Ironically you need high speed internet and for most of us that is being provided by cable companies. This is a missed opportunity for better bundles by cable providers. We are no longer willing to pay for a ton of channels that we don't watch. We joke about getting what we want (a la carte programming) is costing us more, which is true. However, for the same amount or slightly more money, we get an unproportionally large amount of programming. When we first opined that it would be great to just watch the channels we wanted and only pay for them, we had no idea what was coming in the way of content. There is just so much content out there that you have to subscribe to more services which ends up driving up the cost of your "TV" plan. And it is good content!! No more summer doldrums as far as TV programming goes. If you have a limited budget you now allocate it to other services and not cable or satellite. Companies like ESPN, Discovery, and HBO have made their content available directly to the consumer. No need for a cable or satellite service to get some of the best programming on TV. Cable and Satellite service costs have really risen to the point where the pain of separating is less than the pain of remaining on the service. Back in the day if you wanted to watch something it had to be on TV. Now we watch on our phones, tablets and computers. It is so easy to take your content with you using streaming providers. Your entertainment is now portable both inside and outside the house. With IPTV every room in the house can easily be connected to your streamers. Gone are the days when adding a TV to a bedroom was an ordeal to string cable to it. Now if you have wifi you can add a TV. So what can be done to reverse this trend? In our opinion there is nothing that can be done. However, the cable providers can steer into the skid and go full IPTV. We looked into adding a cable TV and an Internet bundles and on paper it looked comparable so why not just go with getting both services in one place. Well it's the fees and hidden costs that get you. We could not find a true IPTV service through Cox. Sure they had an option where you could watch your TV on different devices. But all their plans required a set top box that you have to rent. Plus the costs are only guaranteed for two years and require a two year commitment. And to top it off, there are a bunch of fees that just break the bank and make this an uncompetitive choice for almost everyone. For cable companies to survive, they have to stop being cable companies and embrace the fact that they are now primarily Internet Service Providers that can also offer IPTV at a lower cost that other IPTV services.

This week we discuss Bluetooth getting it's biggest upgrade in years, NFL+ launching it's own streaming service and Braden tells us if his new speakers were worth the wait. Plus we read your emails and news of the week. News: It looks like the next Apple TV 4K might be ready to go 8K LG And Samsung's Next-Gen OLED TV Price War Is On, And We're All Winners Comcast may buy set-makers to boost smart TV efforts 'Stranger Things' Keeps Top Spot on Parrot Analytics Demand Chart Bluetooth is getting the biggest upgrade in years This latest evolution to the Bluetooth specification known as Auracast enables Bluetooth streaming "to an unlimited number of nearby audio devices." - This has so many cool uses. Imagine being at an airport gate and being able to connect your headphones to your particular gate announcements. That way you never have to wonder if the last call to board that you just heard was for your flight or for the gate across the way. But more traditionally you can share your music with friends headphones or you can listen to the audio of a TV in a sports bar. There is also the new LC3 codec, which is designed to be a much more efficient way to transmit audio. That either means much higher audio quality at the same bit rate than the current baseline SBC codec, or even slightly better audio quality at less than half the bit rate. A lower bit rate means lower power consumption, which should translate to longer battery life. This would be nice if you can decide which way to go. If you were going for a long bike ride you may forgo the highest quality for longer battery life. Other features include better support for true wireless earbuds, since Bluetooth LE Audio allows each individual earbud to maintain its own separate connection with the source device. And it's also hoped that, combined, all LE Audio's features will serve as a massive benefit for future hearing aids. The last thing that is left is whether or not it will be integrated into existing devices. While it may be possible to add support for Bluetooth LE Audio through updates in the present devices, most people might have to purchase better hardware. NFL+ The National Football League (NFL) has launched its own streaming service called NFL+. Beginning with the 2022 season. There are two subscription options for NFL+. The basic plan costs $4.99 per month or $29.99 per year. Live out-of-market Preseason games across devices Live local and primetime Regular Season & Postseason games on your phone or tablet Live game audio for every game (Home, Away, and national Calls) NFL Library programming on-demand, ad-free For $9.99 per month or $79.99 per year, the NFL+ Premium gives you all the features of the basic tier plus some extras. Condensed game replays across devices (ad-free) Coaches Film (which lets fans study the game in-depth) Braden's New Speakers Braden took delivery of his new speakers (CSS Criton 2TD-X Tower Kit MSRP $1074) this week and we get his thoughts on hs Historic Speakers. Specifications: Crossover Point: 1800 Hz Recommended Power: 20-100 watts Nominal Impedance: 6 Ohm Frequency Response: +/- 1.5 dB from 35 Hz to 17 kHz anechoic +/- 3 dB from 30 Hz to 20 kHz anechoic 20 Hz to 20 kHz in room Sensitivity: 90 dB External Dimensions: 44"H x 8.5"W x 10.5"D (111cm H x 21.5cm W x 26.6cm D) Weight 36 lbs (16.3Kgs) each

This week we discuss whether TV reviews are worth using on the current crop of TVs and we look at the US use of Smart TVs growing even beyond the pandemic induced growth of 2020. Vizio announced their new lineup with the glaring omission of a new P-Series model. And finally we read your emails and look at the week's news. News: YouTube TV Hits 5M Subs Hulu Driving More Subscribers For Disney Than Disney+ ESPN+ Price Hike Coming Aug. 23rd, Monthly Rate Jumps to $9.99 Why 2022 TV reviews are a HOT MESS (Digital Trends) TV reviews in 2022 have gotten messy. From delayed delivery and restricted availability, to confusing firmware updates, and unnecessarily deep dives, TV reviews don't look anything like they used to, and that's become a problem. (Youtube Video) Supply Chain issues causing delays in TV shipments which means it's harder to get TVs for review. Some reviewers have to go to the manufacturer's site for review. But you are reviewing the TVs on the manufacturer's terms which means you won't necessarily get the full picture. Because there is a lack of TVs that are available for review some reviewers dive so deep into the minutiae they may expose something that does not affect 99% of the watching experience but they complain loudly. Then the TV manufacturers, wanting no bad press, over react and fix the issue and inadvertently break something else. Which results in the TV you bought a month prior turning into a different TV due to a firmware update. This may or may not be a good thing. But it kind of does invalidate aspects of any previous reviews. U.S. TV Homes Using A Smart TV To Stream Up 15 Percentage Points Since 2020 Hub Entertainment Research reveals the huge pandemic-era shift in consumption patterns. The big question in a post-growth era for Netflix: Is this shift still happening? Full article here… New Vizio Smart TVs for 2023 Vizio has announced its 2023 collection of new M-, V-, and D-Series smart TVs. However, there weren't any new P-Series products announced. Vizio says that its existing 65- and 75-inch P-Series Quantum TVs, and 85-inch P-Series Quantum X TV will all continue to be sold until at least the end of 2022. A quick search of the Vizio website showed none available. For reference, Vizio lists the 85" P Quantum X for $3100. It is possible that the high end chips required for these TVs are in short supply but we'll have to wait until the end of the year for any info. Press release… Vizio M-Series Quantum X Specs: Size options: 65- and 75-inch 4K resolution Full Array LED with local dimming (FALD) 800 nits of brightness Dolby Vision, HDR10+ 120 Hz native refresh rate AMD FreeSync VRR Wi-Fi 6E Apple AirPlay 2 and Chromecast Built-in Smarthome compatibility: Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and Apple HomeKit Price: $850–$1,200 Vizio M-Series Quantum 6 Specs: Size options: 43-, 55-, 65-, 70-, and 75-inch 4K resolution Full Array LED Dolby Vision, HDR10+ 60 Hz native refresh rate - This is what saves you $250 AMD FreeSync VRR Wi-Fi 6E Apple AirPlay 2 and Chromecast Built-in Smarthome compatibility: Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and Apple HomeKit Price: $350–$950 Vizio V-Series Specs: Size options: 43-, 50-, 55-, 58-, 65-, 70-, and 75-inch 4K resolution Full Array LED Dolby Vision, HDR10+ 60 Hz native refresh rate - this and no Quantum color is why it's less expensive AMD FreeSync VRR Wi-Fi 6E Apple AirPlay 2 and Chromecast Built-in Smarthome compatibility: Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and Apple HomeKit Price: $289–$780 Vizio D-Series Specs Size options: 24-, 32-, 40-, and 43-inch 1080p resolution Full Array LED HDR Gaming 60 Hz native refresh rate AMD FreeSync VRR Wi-Fi 5 Apple AirPlay 2 and Chromecast Built-in Smarthome compatibility: Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and Apple HomeKit Price:$160–$250

This week we have a special guest host DJ Briggs of "The Bright Side of Home Theater" podcast filling in for Braden. We do the usual things like read your email and discuss the week's news. But we also discuss how much DJ loves his Kaleidescape video server. News: Your Sonos Ray soundbar just got an update it desperately needed NFL Sunday Ticket: "We'll Be Moving to a Streaming Service" Google Unveils $49 Nest Mini with Better Sound, Dedicated Machine Learning Chip Compact Terra Movie Server Storage for approximately 300 (18TB), 200 (12TB), or 100 (6TB) 4K movies Downloads a 4K HDR movie in as little as 10 minutes, at up to 800 Mbps Ability to play back and download content at the same time Distributes up to 5 simultaneous playback streams in 4K HDR when connected to Strato C players The compact size allows the server to be rack mounted side-by-side with the Strato C Kaleidescape's compact Terra movie server and Strato C movie players offer upgraded performance compared to Strato S, pulling key features from the top-level Terra sever into a smaller and less expensive package. Strato C Movie Player Plays movies from Terra, compact Terra, and Strato S Compact and quiet for dense rack installations or local placement in a room New wall mount option lets you mount the Strato C behind a TV for local placement Ideal for additional viewing zones in residential and marine applications Custom 1RU rack shelf with faceplates for one or two players sold separately Kaleidescape designed the Strato C movie player to provide an immersive home cinema experience, with better audio and video playback quality than most commercial theaters. Strato C is a premium 4K Ultra HD movie player that supports high dynamic range (HDR) and lossless multichannel audio including Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, DTS:X, and DTS-HD Master Audio. Strato C plays movies from a Terra, a compact Terra, or a Strato S over a network, with bit rates up to 100 Mbps and frame rates up to 60 fps.

This week Ara is on vacation but we didn't want to leave you hanging so we have a special show. We go back to the mid nineties and learn how Ara almost gave up software to become a projectionist. Enjoy!

This week we take a look at the Hisense UG6 as the best budget TV (from RTINGS.com) and we take a look at a streamers dream site called "The Streamable". Plus we read some listener emails and the week's news. News: Ads Are Officially Coming to Netflix Disney, Apple and Amazon keep waiting as NFL considers Sunday Ticket offers 'Top Gun: Maverick' Soars As Tom Cruise's First Billion-Dollar Movie Dolby Vision Now Available On Hisense's L9G TriChroma Laser TV Best Budget TV (RTINGS.COM) The best budget TV we've tested is the Hisense U6G (Full Review) (65" $549.99). It's a great all-around TV that delivers good picture quality and offers performance that rivals some more expensive options, but you won't get some of the same features. For example, it has fewer gaming features than both the Hisense U8G and LG C1 OLED, but if you don't need those features, it's a great choice that'll save you some cash. If you tend to stream a lot of content, you won't have to worry about getting an external streaming device because the built-in Android TV has a ton of apps available to download. Even if you watch content from a cable box, the picture quality is good because it upscales lower-resolution content without any issue. It's also impressive when watching movies in dark rooms because it displays deep blacks with outstanding black uniformity. Unfortunately, if you want to enhance your movie-watching experience and connect a receiver, the U6G doesn't have eARC support to pass high-quality audio formats. If that's important to you, the Hisense U6GR is similar in performance and supports eARC. However, the U6G delivers the best picture quality for a budget TV and is easier to find. 8.0 Mixed Usage 8.3 Movies 7.8 TV Shows 7.7 Sports 8.2 Video Games 8.0 HDR Movies 8.1 HDR Gaming 7.9 PC Monitor PROS Excellent contrast. Outstanding black uniformity. Decent reflection handling. Huge selection of streaming apps. CONS Image degrades when viewed at an angle. Ads throughout the smart interface The Streamable The Streamable is a website that helps you find the best way to stream anything. If you have wanted to know how to watch a movie or even find out if a movie is available to buy, rent, or stream through a service this website is for you! The website is full of useful information to anyone who streams their entertainment. There is a tool to help you find the best TV service for what you watch. It's called the "Service Matchmaker". Here you can enter sporting teams or networks you are interested in and it will give you a list of services that support it. Note - the site makes a commission on any purchases you make through them. Ara entered the Los Angeles Dodgers as a criteria and the only option was DirecTV Stream. Looks like he is not changing services soon. If I were a Rams fan Sling TV Orange package comes up as a possibility. However, so does DirecTV stream at a higher monthly cost. Even with the cost, Streamable says it's the better option based on the channels available and other features. But if I were strictly making a financial decision SlingTV is the way to go. Searching Top Gun Maverick yielded "Top Gun: Maverick is not available to stream with a subscription service." Nor did it provide any insight as to when it would be available for streaming. But searching for Jurassic World Dominion revealed that it will be available for streaming on Peacock on October 7. A little more than 90 days after it hit the theaters. Not day and date but not six months later either. The site is pretty comprehensive in that you can search on sports, TV Series, movies, channels, devices, and more. It's really the streamers best friend. What we'd like to see happen with streamable Of course this is a pipe dream but why not. We'd like to see streamable integrated with smart TVs and set top boxes. It would also be nice if this integration automatically picked up the services you subscribe to. Displayed search results would be listed by the least expensive way to watch first with clickable links. If none of your services are able to stream a title then it would list options to stream if available, and clicking on them would take you to a one click signup page. If you stream "The Streamable" should be your go to site!

This week we take a look at the top ten movies on Netflix and talk about DTS Play-Fi becoming a challenger to WISA with their new Play-Fi Soundbars. We also discuss why 8K TV sales are not really doing anything worldwide. Plus we read your emails and the week's news. News: Major Smart Home Milestone Achieved! Z-Wave Alliance Surpasses 4,000 Certified Devices Amazon overhauls Fire TV user interface Chromecast with Google TV users get first crack at profiles Nokia Is Working On A Chromecast-Like Streaming Stick Netflix's most watched films, ranked The following are Netflix's most watched movies, based on Netflix's own reporting of total hours viewed in the first 28 days of each titles' release. Any changes are in bold text. Red Notice, an action movie starring Dwayne Johnson, Gal Gadot and Ryan Reynolds -- 364 million hours. Don't Look Up, a dark comedy with a star-packed cast -- 359.8 million hours. Bird Box, a post-apocalyptic movie starring Sandra Bullock -- 282 million hours. The Adam Project, a sci-fi adventure comedy -- 233.2 million hours. Extraction, an action movie starring Chris Hemsworth-- 231.3 million hours. The Unforgivable, a drama about a woman rebuilding her life after prison -- 214.7 million hours. The Irishman, a period Mafia epic directed by Martin Scorsese-- 214.6 million hours. The Kissing Booth 2, a teen rom-com sequel -- 209.3 million hours. 6 Underground, a Michael Bay explosion-fest starring Ryan Reynolds -- 205.5 million hours. Spenser Confidential, an action-comedy starring Mark Wahlberg -- 197.3 million hours. DTS Play-Fi Launches Play-Fi Home Theater for Soundbars Play-Fi Home Theater Extended in TVs to support new Speaker Configurations. DTS Play-Fi Home Theater is both expanding the feature-set and availability. Full press release from DTS here… Play-Fi Home Theater for Soundbars Support for wireless surround sound has been added to the latest generation of Play-Fi soundbars, speakers and subwoofers. You can create a wireless home theater using multiple Play-Fi products as the cornerstone of your system. TYou can add up to two subwoofers and optional rear satellites or amplifiers for surround sound with support up to 7.2.4. Play-Fi Home Theater for TVs Enhancements Available beginning with 2022 TV models, Play-Fi Home Theater for TVs will allow Play-Fi speakers or amplifiers to be used either as stereo pairs with the TV, or alternatively to be used as left and right speakers with the TV serving as the center channel for a surround sound system. This functionality augments existing home theater functionality enabled in 2021 TVs including: Using the TV's built-in speakers as the front channels of a surround system or upgrading them with a Play-Fi enabled soundbar to improve audio quality without wiring between TVs and external speakers or electronics. Select Philips TVs will be first to launch with these features. New and Recently Launched Play-Fi Products New products continue to launch featuring DTS Play-Fi in 2022 and more products are on the way. Products that have launched or are launching soon include: Audiolab Omnia Streaming Amplifier Hisense AX2106GW 2.1 Soundbar Hisense U5120GW 5.1.2 Soundbar Integra DRX-2.4, DRX-3.4, DRX-5.4 AVRs Loewe klang bar5 mr 5.1.2 Soundbar Loewe klang mr1, mr3, and mr5 Speakers Onkyo TX-NR5100, TX-NR6050, TX-NR6100, TX-NR7100, and TX-RZ50 AVRs Full 2022 range Philips Ambilight TVs running on Android TV Philips Fidelio FB1 7.1.2 Soundbar Philips Fidelio FW1 Subwoofer Philips Fidelio FS1 Speaker Philips B8907 Soundbar Philips B8507 Soundbar Pioneer VSX-LX105, VSX-LX305, VSX-LX505 AVRs SVS Prime Wireless Pro Powered Speakers SVS Prime Wireless Pro Streaming Amplifier Products that Support Play-Fi Surround There are two elements of product required for Play-Fi Surround. They are the concepts of the Master and its Surrounds. In order to have Play-Fi Surround, you need at least one product that can be the Master, and you need two to act in Surround as Left and Right respectively. Any Play-Fi product can act as Surround Left or Right, but the Master has special requirements, and is limited to select products. The latest DTS Play-Fi soundbars will allow you to create configurations up to 7.2.4—complete with height channels for Dolby Atmos—simply by adding more Wi-Fi-connected Play-Fi speakers. 8K TV Adoption is Much Lower Than Expected 8K TV has been getting a lot of hype, especially from Samsung, but the latest numbers show that consumers aren't taking the bait. Full article here… According to a recent report from Omdia research only 350,000 8K TVs were shipped to dealers worldwide in 2021, which amounts to only 1.5% of total TV shipments. With Samsung offering the most models, 65% of the 250,000 were from them. What is interesting is that according to the report, Samsung didn't ship any 8K TVs to Japan. What makes this significant is that Japan is the only country that actually offers 8K TV broadcasts on a limited basis. By the end of 2022, the numbe

This week we try to determine whether Netflix has jumped the shark and what they can do save the company. We also take a look at a new smart home protocol from Broadlink called Fastcon. It's highly reliable and very affordable. We also read your emails and discuss the week's news. News: LG 'Objet' OLED Evo TVs prioritise both style and substance Android TV reaches 10K streaming apps There's a new OLED TV panel manufacturer on the block Cox explores a smart TV strategy Other: doitforme.solutions Sonos Voice Assistant - what is it, how does it work, how does it compare? Apple Inks 10 Year Global Deal for Major League Soccer Has Netflix jumped the shark? - Listener email and discussion Just been thinking about Netflix and wanted to share my thoughts The old saying from Happy days when the Fonz jumped a shark tank on water skis and Happy Days was never the same. Innovation & Interface No one can say that Netflix was not an innovator in the DVD delivery and then streaming service. They showed everyone what could be done and pioneered the streaming services. A wise person in the software business who I work with to create our company's digital platform told me this that our product was visionary and ahead of anything currently on the market. He then said let's make sure that we keep pushing forward because the competition is coming and this is their starting point. Netflix in my opinion is no longer the innovator they once were and have fallen behind the crowd. I believe the lack of integrating into a box or TV streaming OS really hurts them. This is my main way to find new stuff to watch and the what's next makes decisions easier. Their interface I believe is one of the worst of the main stream services. They have gone to allowing algorithms show you movies/shows that it thinks you would want to watch. I have a soft side I don't always need to see thing blow up in what I watch. Trying to find the vast majority of their library is difficult. The other streaming service allow you to see everything they have very easily again in my opinion. Cost of main stream streamers & Business Model Netflix 4k streaming at $19.99 Disney Bundle – No ads 4k streaming - $19.99 Netflix - 1080P only - @ $15.49 HBO Max - 4k streaming @ $14.99 Disney Bundle adds - $13.99 All others are under $10 a month I believe They raised their prices at the wrong time as inflation was starting to it creep up they raised the prices and in reality or the #1 & 2 highest priced streaming services as the Disney bundle is 3 separate services. Also, it was kick in the face to be charging $15.49 for 1080P streaming – this is when I said goodbye. I have kept my Paramount, Discovery, Apple TV+, subscription because their prices is low and upgraded to Peacock without commercials because the per month price is under $10. I do get the Disney bundle and HBO Max free and if I had to pay for them I would pay from HBO Max & Disney Plus – wait for the $1 deal from hulu to sign back up. Their business model of binging is great for consumers but not the corporations. Once Netflix jumped the shark with their prices I decided I could just wait till the late summer and re-activate for a month or two to see all their good content and then put the service back on pause. Disney & HBO have the weekly release that to me makes more invested in their services and they have good content. Future Does NetFlix go the way of Blackberry, MySpace or can they reinvent themselves? This is the questions each stockholder is asking right now. If I were in charge first thing I would do is realize that I'm no longer the only big dog and be honest about my place in the streaming world. I would integrate with the Box and TV OS's integrated search. I would redesign my interface. I would change my $15.49 price to allow for 4K streaming. I would not buy Roku as that does not help you but spend money. If your plan is to make it the only way to get Netflix then you really don't know your place in the streaming war. If you want to buy something look for a content provider with a big catalog if there is one left. I hope Reid can see beyond his ego and reshape Netflix to be competitive and still deliver great content and reasonable price. Roku Staffers Swirl in Netflix Acquisition Rumors Roku stock was up nearly 10% Wednesday morning as internal discussions focus on the possibility of a tie-up with a streaming giant that suddenly needs help with advanced advertising Full article here… Ad supported streaming? - With Roku Netflix would not have to share revenue with other hardware makers. Broadlink FastCon Smart Home Protocol We have spoken a lot about Matter this year as a way to unify the Smart Home market. Well there is another protocol that has recently been released that has some pretty cool features. We're talking about the Broadlink FastCon Smart Home Protocol. FastCon BLE is a patented communication technology based on Bluetooth Low Energy developed by BroadLink, boasting many advantages over t

This week we discuss the Sonos Ray Sounbar and we found a solution for controlling which rooms in your house get all the cool or warm air from your HVAC system. Finally we take a walk through Costco and look at their TV department. We have some breaking news about Insteon turning their servers back on along with the rest of the week's news. We also read your emails in an action packed episode!. News: NESN Becomes First Regional Sports Net to Launch DTC Service Ring is raising the cost of its cheapest subscription by 99 cents a month New Google TV app turns your iPhone into a virtual remote Cable & Satellite Lost Around 1.45M Customers in Q1 2022 Other: Signal GH on the iOS App Store From Top Gun Instructor to Four Star Admiral: A Conversation with Sandy "Jaws" Winnefeld Building a TRUE 4k home cinema projector (it's awesome) Samsung caught cheating in TV benchmarks, promises software update - FlatpanelsHD What's New in tvOS 16 for Apple TV: Features and Enhancements Insteon Server is Back Online! (Eastern US 4:21 PM 07JUN2022) Sonos Ray Soundbar Review: Great TV Sound on a Budget, Even Better for Music The $279 Ray is the closest thing yet to a Sonos One speaker in soundbar form, and that's high praise. Full article here… Ecovent Whole Home Zoning System A few weeks ago we talked about trying to keep an entire home at the same temperature by using sensors throughout the house. Ara mentioned that in his home to get the upstairs cool he needs to keep the downstairs cold. Reverse in the winter for heat. Rather than getting a second A/C unit Ara bought portable A/C units for the bedrooms upstairs. But this is a manual process albeit one that works well when there are people in the house to turn the units on. At that time we opined that it would be great if there was a way to control the vents automatically to send the air where it was needed. Richard from San Diego heard our call and let us know about a company called Keen Home that has solved the problem with their Ecovent Whole Home Zoning System. We have no relationship with the company nor do we have experience with the product so this is just for information. We reached out to the company to see if we can get a representative to come on our show. The following is from the Keen Home Website: The Ecovent Whole Home System replaces 80% of your home's existing airvents to optimize airflow throughout your entire home. The Ecovent Sensors, Hub, and a Sensi Thermostat enable the Ecovent App to set specific room temperatures, giving you the ultimate climate control. You adjust the temperature in any room from your app. The Sensors gather and transmit climate data in every room. Your Ecovent Vents then open and close to redirect airflow in your home and make every room the right temperature. Mark vacant rooms to allow air to go where you are. Save your favorite room setpoints and schedule them for automated comfort. Adjust your settings easily while away from home. Add your Sensi thermostat to the Ecovent app for end-to-end control of your home's HVAC system. Shopping for TVs at Costco Samsung QN85QN85BD (85") for $3999.99 Oddly enough Samsung is selling them for the same price on their website. Amazon has it for $3997. Looks like the only discounts available on this TV is the 2021 model which goes for $3345 at Amazon. The only difference we can see is that the 2022 model has speakers at the top that support Dolby Atmos. In our opinion you will be better served with the 2021 model and saving $500. Quantum Matrix with Mini LEDs 4K Resolution with AI Upscaling Quantum HDR 24x Optimized Eye Comfort Mode: Enjoy an optimized display without lifting a finger. Its lighting system evaluates the brightness of your space to tailor your screen contrast The Costco version comes with a $65 Samsung streaming credit. LG OLED77C1AUB (77") for $2599.99. Like the Samsung this OLED is going for the same amount on LGs website for the PUB version which appears to be the non warehouse store equivalent. At the time of this writing we could not find the 2022 model at Amazon. But the 2021 was available for $2596. Self-lighting OLED: Perfect Black, Intense Color, Infinite Contrast α9 Gen4 AI Processor 4K with AI Picture Pro/Sound Pro Dolby Vision IQ and Dolby Atmos webOS + ThinQ AI w/ Magic Remote Gaming: G-SYNC Compatible, FreeSync, VRR, ALLM The Costco version comes with a $100 streaming credit. Sony XR77A80CJ (77") The best we can tell is that this is a 2021 model and the warehouse store equivalent of the XR77A80J. Feature wise they are identical. The 80J goes for $2799.99 on Sony's website and is also available at Amazon for $2599.96. COGNITIVE PROCESSOR XR™ – Revolutionary TV processing technology that understands how humans see and hear to deliver intense contrast with pure blacks, high peak brightness, and natural colors. XR TRILUMINOS PRO™ - Rediscover everything you watch with billions of accurate colors and see impressive picture quality that is natural and beautiful to the human

This week we have a holiday shortened show where we briefly discuss Microlens OLED and Streaming to your TV hitting record levels. We also answer a few emails and read the week's news. News: U.S. Netflix Usage Up Despite Sub Loses LG Unveils Star Wars Special Edition OLED evo Samsung will soon stop making traditional LCD panels Nielsen: Streaming Hits Record Levels, Accounts for 30% of TV Viewing While total TV viewing declined, streaming volume stayed steady and increased its share Full article here … LG Display demonstrates a prototype WOLED display with a microlens MLA array Article Here What is microlens technology? Think of it like microscopic glasses that are attached to the OLED layer and that these glasses increase the light output. From a paper (Novel fabrication method of microlens arrays with High OLED outcoupling efficiency) published in Science Direct - After attaching a hemispherical microlens array with contact angle of 50.4° onto the OLEDs, the luminance was enhanced by approximately 117%.

This week LG Debuts a new 4K UST Laser Projector and we discuss five mistakes everyone makes with Sonos Soundbars. Finally, Samsung begins integrating it's SmartThings home automation platform with Matter capable devices. We also read your emails and the week's news. News: Hey Sonos! Company Debuts Entry-Level Soundbar, Voice Control For Music, And New Roam Colors Google TV app to add casting as Android TV ecosystem grows to 110M monthly active device Disney+ beats estimates with 7.9M new subscribers in Q1 Samsung SmartThings begins testing Matter devices on its platform Roku and Element partner for their first outdoor TV LG Debuts New 4K UST Laser Projector LG Electronics is expanding its premium CineBeam 4K laser projector lineup with the new Ultra Short Throw (UST) laser projector (model HU915QE), the follow up to the HU715Q released earlier this year. LG's latest flagship home cinema solution can produce sharp 90-inch images when placed 2.2 inches (5.6 centimeters) from the wall, or 120 inches at a distance of 7.2 inches (18.3 centimeters). The HU915QE plays movies and streaming content in 4K HDR, using HDR Dynamic Tone Mapping to analyze and adjust image brightness every single frame. With LG's webOS smart platform onboard, the HU915QE lets users watch all their favorite shows from streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, YouTube, and Apple TV without an additional device. They can also wirelessly stream content via Screen Mirroring, Apple AirPlay2, and Bluetooth. On top of that, its built-in 2.2 Channel, 40-watt speaker system enhances the viewing experience with strong, rich audio. Users can also connect up to two LG Bluetooth speakers at once. LG CineBeam 4K laser projector (model HU915QE) with the latest UST technology will be available in the first half of 2022. No pricing available but Value Electronics is advertising it for $6000 to $6500.. 5 mistakes everyone makes with Sonos soundbars Got a Sonos Beam or Arc? Don't make these classic mistakes Full article here… Mistake 1: ignoring Trueplay room calibration Mistake 2: leaving the TV's sound output in PCM Mistake 3: not trying the speech enhancement feature Mistake 4: not playing with the 'Loudness' feature Mistake 5: missing the new height adjustment feature HOW SAMSUNG'S SMARTTHINGS IS THINKING ABOUT MATTER AND THE FUTURE OF THE SMART HOME The smart home is about to change. Soon, you won't have to choose a smart light bulb or door lock just because it works with your smart speaker. Instead, you'll be able to buy a smart device, bring it home, and it will work with any voice assistant or app you choose. At least, that's the promise behind Matter, a new standard created by Samsung, Google, Apple, and Amazon. Most importantly, you won't be locked into the platform you chose. If you decide you want to switch to SmartThings from Google Home, or go with Amazon Alexa over Apple HomeKit, any Matter-enabled devices can come with you. Full article here… Founded 10 years ago on Kickstarter, SmartThings is one of the only standalone consumer smart home hubs from the early days of the DIY smart home boom that's still alive and kicking. The SmartThings hub is one of the few consumer-level devices with multiple radios in it, including Wi-Fi, Zigbee, and Z-Wave, allowing it to control a much wider range of smart home devices. It also works with cloud-to-cloud software services and is one of the most compatible smart home platforms. There's voice assistant support, too, for both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant as well as Samsung's Bixby. It was acquired by Samsung in 2014. Since the acquisition, Samsung has moved away from manufacturing any SmartThings hardware, offloading both the standalone hub and many of the sensors to device maker Aeotec. The company has said it's focusing all efforts on the SmartThings app and supporting Samsung's connected products through software. The following are questions to Mark Benson, the newly appointed Head of SmartThings US, Samsung's home automation arm What is the future for the SmartThings hub with Matter on the horizon? The standalone SmartThings V3 Hub and the Aeotec SmartThings Hub will be updated to support Matter when it launches in the fall. SmartThings is getting integrated more deeply across the Samsung portfolio, with SmartThings Hub software built into select 2022 Samsung Smart TVs, Smart Monitors, and Family Hub refrigerators. These devices will also allow users to connect a wide variety of existing smart home devices, as they will be updated to get Matter as a controller support, as the new standard becomes available. We also plan to support Matter as a controller on our SmartThings Hub V2. This will enable our existing users to connect and control Matter devices. Will the built-in hubs have any low-power wireless radios, as the standalone hubs do? What about Thread? Low-power wireless protocols are a crucial part of the Matter standard and will definitely come to the Samsung SmartThin

This week we discuss how matter will fix the smart home. Well it won't fix the smart home completely but it will make adding new devices faster. Pulse we have an abbreviated email and news segment since one of us went to Alaska. News: Classic Japanese audio brand Onkyo files for bankruptcy Hisense announces its own Fire TV, starting at $530 Other: Join the Neat Exchange - Social Media for Whiskey Drinkers Ara's Woodworking Join the Flaviar Whisky Club and get a free bottle Google says Matter Still Set to Fix the Biggest Smart Home Frustrations In early 2019, Michele Turner sat down for dinner with her colleague Grant Erickson. Joining them at the restaurant in Silicon Valley's Woodside were two of their counterparts from Amazon and two from Apple. Turner and Erickson both worked for Google. The hosts of this dinner party were Tobin Richardson and John Osborne from the Zigbee Alliance. The aim of the evening was simple: fix the smart home. Full article here…

This week we take a look at Sony's 2022 TVs and Projectors with availability and pricing information. We also read your emails and take a looks at the week's news. News: Sonos may roll out its own voice assistant next month Leviton launches HomeKit-enabled Decora Smart No-Neutral Switch, Dimmer, and Bridge aimed at older homes Are Sluggish Smart TV Shipments Really Behind the Growth Problems for Netflix and Other Streamers? Just Look at This Chart Google Nest cameras now work with Amazon Alexa devices Dish, Sling TV Report Increased Sub Loses Other: Sinclair and Bally Announce Their Direct-to-Consumer Streaming Platform is Coming in June Fans struggling to watch Mavs, Stars and Rangers games on Bally Sports may soon have a solution Same-day theatrical and streaming releases are dead, says theater owners CEO - FlatpanelsHD Netflix Dolby Atmos problems with new Apple TV 4k 2021 new gen Apple tv 4k Dolby Atmos Problems | MartinLogan Audio Owners Forum Some Apple TV Users Complain of Dolby Atmos Audio Issues - MacRumors Dolby Atmos stuttering on newest gen Apple TV MyQ With Alexa – Here's How! (Step-By-Step Instructions) Sony 2022 TVs — QD-OLED, Mini LED, Master Series And More The Sony 2022 TV lineup features an updated XR processor, promising Sony's Bravia XR TVs to ramp up image processing power across 4K OLED TVs, a QD-OLED TV and the brand's first Mini LED TV. Full article here… Sony Debuts Three New Native 4K HDR Laser Home Cinema Projectors Sony Electronics has revealed three new Native 4K HDR Home Cinema laser projectors, featuring what the company calls the world's smallest Native 4K SXRD 0.61-inch panel (3840 x 2160), enabling a compact chassis design. New wide dynamic range optics in combination with Triluminous Pro algorithm deliver an unmatched 4K HDR experience on the large screen. Powered by Sony's "X1 Ultimate for projector," the picture processor based on technology used for its BRAVIA TV series and optimized for projectors, this processor enables unique features like Dynamic HDR Enhancer and Object-based Super Resolution to create expanded dynamic range and extreme clarity, heightening the viewing experience. The new models are: The VPL-XW7000ES is Sony's new Native 4K HDR laser model in the range, with 3200 lumen and Live Color Enhancer that provides vivid images even in bright home living spaces. This model also features a new 70mm diameter Advanced Crisp Focused (ACF) lens with aspherical front element and floating focus group that delivers high clarity. The VPL-XW7000ES has a suggested retail price of $27,999.99 and is available to order summer 2022 at Sony Electronics, Amazon, Best Buy, and other authorized dealers. The VPL-XW6000ES offers a bold, crisp entertainment experience with 2500 lumen of brightness, generated by a long-lasting laser light source, for vibrant images even on a large screen. Available in either black or white, this model also features an all-new 0.61-inch SXRD panel for high brightness, inky blacks, vibrant colors, rich tones and textures, clear cinematic motion, and image smoothness. Utilizing Flagship-level X1 Ultimate for projector brings the best of Sony's BRAVIA TV video processing for projection, resulting in high dynamic range imagery with texture, color, contrast, and realism. The VPL-XW6000ES has a suggested retail price of $11,999.99 and is available to order summer 2022 at Sony Electronics, Amazon, Best Buy, and other authorized dealers. The VPL-XW5000ES addition to Sony's Home Cinema lineup is a 2000 lumen laser model that delivers high contrast and object-based HDR remastering for real-time picture processing. On the XW series, over a billion colors are brought to life by Triluminos Pro, which features the ability to display 95 percent of DCI-P3 Color Gamut. The VPL-XW5000ES has a suggested retail price of $5,999.99 and is available to order summer 2022 at Sony Electronics, Amazon, Best Buy, and other authorized dealers.

This week we look at 5 mistakes people make with their TV Settings and how to fix them and long time listener Jerry documents his transition from the Insteon Home Hub to Home Assistant. We have no email but we do discuss some of the week's news in an episode that includes a discussion about Mead, Bourbon, Beer, and Moonshine! News: Harman Kardon Citation MultiBeam 1100 soundbar boasts Dolby Atmos audio Roku welcomes Apple Music to its lineup Alexa can tell you when your security camera detects a person or package Wyze takes on Ecobee, Nest with new room sensors for its smart thermostat 5 mistakes everyone makes with LG OLED TVs, and how to fix them Thanks to their irresistible combination of futuristic, super-slim designs and consistently outstanding picture quality, LG OLED TVs have become the darlings of the high-end TV world – they're not only among the best OLED TVs, but the best TVs of any kind. The problem is that few TVs are set up to deliver their best possible viewing experience out of the box, so if you haven't picked the right settings, you're not getting the most from your TV. So let's look here at some of the most common set up mistakes LG OLED owners make that may be stopping them from getting the viewing experience they deserve. Full article here… Cheat Sheet for Insteon Replacement with HomeAssistant (2.0) Like many I was shocked to see my Insteon hub with a permanent red light and my expensive IOT devices inoperative. A good number of ex-Insteon users are looking to other implementations of home management system and I soon discovered that HomeAssistant does work with Insteon Devices. The help pages are well done and explain the procedures well. I am back up and running with HomeAssistant following the instructions, but it is not simple and here are some of the fine points. The definitive solution involves either the HomeAssistant server hardware or a Rasberry Pi with the software installed. You can run the system using Virtual system implement ations such as Microsofts's Hyper-V or VirtualBox. I suggest you try Virtual Box before you decide to buy dedicated hardware. I found the Hyper-V unusable, as I have with other implementations, but the VBox works… though was not stable enough in my hands for a permanent install. So with Ara's financing I bought a Raspberry Pi on Amazon with the additional bits and pieces you NEED: mico-SD card for the system; mini-HDMI connector for a display as well as getting a mouse and keyboard to attach and of course an ethernet cable. Here are the nice install instructions: https://www.home-assistant.io/installation/raspberrypi/ The set-up is self generated and you really just follow the questions. If you did this right, the home screen will appear on any web browser populated by a lot of devices you never thought you had, including the hub.. Each of these will then show up on your home screen which is your interface, as well as on your smart phone. My goal was to get the cameras that I use in my astronomical observatory to work, which I did https://www.astrobin.com/users/jerryyyyy/ There are many viable "canned" interfaces and contingency programming and the home page is entirely customizable… I am still learning and a real time sink. The biggest problem is initializing some devices. The hub interface seems worthless as it never showed all my devices and I basically had to add them back in one by one. I made a spreadsheet with the MAC address and set fixed IP addresses for many… If you do not know what I am talking about when I mention MAC addresses or IP addresses, you will be in trouble because you need to mess with your router and set up "fixed IP addresses" for some devices… also cameras have BOTH Wi-Fi and Ethernet MAC Addresses… On the other hand, if you know what I am talking about, this is a piece of cake. My to-do list: Get the motion sensor up and running (Appears to be impossible). See if there is a way to pan work the cameras (Maybe learning more Python). Get the GPS location off my iPhone into the system… yes you can get this through the App. Find some good models for home pages and automations… there are tons but hard to choose. The one I have is pretty basic. Bottom line, all in all this is a viable option if you are familiar with the basics of networking. Essential Afterthought: How to back-up your installation. I learned that to shut down the Pi you do not pull the power cord… you go to the Linux shell and "sudo halt" luckily my install came back after that adventure. You can backup and reinstall the SD card contents using Win32 Disk Imager: https://sourceforge.net/projects/win32diskimager/ If you put this system together, you do not want to lose it!

This week we talk about a world with 400Gbps Internet speeds and a new TV service that combines OTA and IPTV. Also, are we spending more for our A La Carte TV services today than what we used to spend for bundled cable programming when HDTV came on the scene? We also read your emails and the week's news. News: Philips' high-end OLED907 and OLED937 TVs revealed early Discovery+ Reached 24 Million Subscribers Before Merger with Warner Bros. TV Buyers More Motivated by Screen Size and Picture Quality Than Price Sennheiser's new true wireless earbuds put the pressure on the Sony WF-1000XM4 Yamaha updates its Aventage AVRs to add HDMI 2.1 gaming features and HDR10+ support Comcast Reports 400 Gbps Internet Speeds in Hollowcore Fiber Test Comcast becomes the first U.S. ISP to deploy advanced Hollowcore Fiber with faster speeds, lower latency Full article here… Evoca TV Cable is more expensive. Satellite is inconsistent. Evoca is the only home entertainment option that uses NextGen technology, combining the best of broadcast and streaming to deliver crystal-clear picture quality at a fraction of the cost. For the best Evoca experience, simply pair the Scout receiver with an antenna to enjoy live news, sports and entertainment. And where available, we deliver your favorite shows using an ATSC 3.0 signal that doesn't hog bandwidth. It's better picture quality with less buffering, the way TV was meant to be. Evoca's receiver that works with a standard TV antenna and your internet connection. Scout uses an innovative blend of broadband and broadcast to search and adjust for optimal bandwidth. That means, if you're watching TV, you won't have to compete for bandwidth with other people in your house playing games, videoconferencing, or streaming video. You'll still get the best picture with less buffering or glitchy stuff, the way TV should be. Imagine that. TiVo: Average U.S. Pay TV Customer Is Paying $204 a Month for Broadband and Video Entertainment With the total monthly bill for connected services approaching the payment for cheap subcompact car, the subscription market does seem a bit ... saturated Full article here…

This week we discuss the shutting down of Insteon servers and what you can do to continue using your Insteon automation products and we have an interview with Tony Willis where we discuss his Home Assistant setup that is one of the ways to keep your Insteon devices working. Plus there is a lot of Netflix news and we read your emails. News: Netflix stock plunges 38% on shocking subscriber loss Netflix, Disney+, HBO losing billions to illegal password sharing TiVo Stream 4K First To Fully Integrate With YouTube TV IMDb TV Rebrands as Amazon Freevee Sony's flagship soundbars just got support for another spatial audio format Insteon Discussion Insteon servers offline. Company had a change in management in 2017 and tried to pivot it's products (with different manufacturers and partnerships). This did not go well and caused the decline of the company. According to our source the present automations should still work but you will not be able to check the status of your home or make changes. If you are using Idigo Domotics control SW you will see no changes, likewise if you are using Home Assistant You can also use an ISY controller. But you'll need a 2413S INSTEON Dual-Band PLM to talk to the devices. The devices are no longer being sold but you can find them on ebay for, get this, $1000. If the hub was your only interface to your switches, Home Assistant may be your only way back in. Apparently Home Assistant has access to the inner workings of the hub and can take over the automation process. But as you will hear in a little bit, you will need to get into the weeds making everything work. Insteon was one of the first partners with Apple's Homekit. However, Apple did not have everything finalized and it cost Insteon a lot of money to support it. As a result the product was very buggy and did not work well. My own experience with the Homekit integration was so bad that I moved away from Insteon. They never really got it to a point that I thought was bullet proof. There is hope… Things are happening that may see the servers turn back on. I can't say much more than that. Warning - Do not factory reset your device under any circumstances as it will not be recoverable. /r/insteon Is where you can get information from other Insteon users Home Assist Interview with Tony Willis Home Assistant is open source home automation that puts local control and privacy first. Powered by a worldwide community of tinkerers and DIY enthusiasts. Perfect to run on a Raspberry Pi or a local server.

This week Monoprice introduces three new THX Certified compact on-wall home theater speakers and we discuss Plex's latest beta features that can help you navigate every streaming service you have. We also ask the question if all the content creation going on right now dilutes the quality of what we are watching. Plus we read your emails and discuss the week's news. News: YOUTUBE TV ADDS 5 CHANNELS TO LINEUP AirPods security flaw could put some private data at risk HBO Max's Apple TV app gets a much-needed overhaul TP-Link's first WiFi 6E mesh system is available to order TCL's latest smart TVs boast 144HZ refresh rates, HDR10+ Other: 35mm cinema film and digital audio - by Nava Whiteford Michael J. Kohut - Wikipedia Michael J. Kohut Inventions, Patents and Patent Applications Monoprice Introduces three new THX Certified compact on-wall home theater speakers Monoprice has just added three THX certified on-wall home theater speakers to its popular Monolith line. The Monolith M-OW3 combines front left, center, and right channels into a single thin wall-mounted speaker. Each channel features a high-performance 4.5-inch concentric driver with an inset 20mm silk dome tweeter, an optimized waveguide, and two 4.5-inch passive radiators. Monoprice claims a flat frequency response from 70Hz to 20kHz and it has been THX Certified Select Certified. Sensitivity is 84.8dB with 4 ohms nominal impedance, five-way spring-loaded binding posts and keyhole slots on the back for easy wall mounting. The smaller Monolith M-OW1 speaker pair also uses the same drivers per unit. Ideally suited for use as front-, center- and surround-channel speakers. Lastly, the Monoprice's Monolith THX Certified Compact Satellite speaker pair. Monoprice bills them as a perfect solution for front left and right, height or surround channels, again featuring the same drivers. Though smaller in form factor than the other on-wall options, these cube shaped speakers have a flat frequency response down to 80Hz. All of the speakers are available immediately. The Monoprice Monolith M-OW3 is $500; the Monoprice Monolith M-OW1 also costs $500, and the Monoprice Monolith Compact Satellite speakers are $250 per pair Plex's latest beta features can help you navigate every streaming service you have Plex's latest beta features are a modern solution to a modern problem — having to search through HBO Max, Netflix, Disney Plus, and like, three other services to find something to watch. The company announced a new "Discover" feature, which aggregates and recommends content from various streaming services and a universal watchlist that gathers everything you want to watch all in one place. Full article here… State of Play The video streaming industry has reached a tipping point The amount of video programming today is staggering—and growing. As of February 2022, Gracenote, a Nielsen company, listed more than 817,000 unique program titles across U.S. traditional TV and streaming services, with many of those titles featuring hundreds of individual episodes and chapters. Back in December 2019, there were just over 646,000 unique program titles. While many of those titles form the bedrock of the traditional TV universe, more recent content, especially during the past two years, has been developed for over-the-top (OTT) release across the growing expanse of streaming services. And as choice proliferates, consumers will increasingly rely on content platforms and services to provide them with the content they're most interested in.

This week we discuss the number one streaming films/shows on Netflix across the world and we take an in-depth view into streaming trends and motivations of Samsung TV owners. Plus we read your email and take a look at the week's news. News: Bluetooth devices set to hit new high by 2026 Roku Extends Deal to Support Amazon Prime Video, IMDb TV LG's next OLED panels should suffer fewer dead pixels QD-OLED is great for TV lovers, but not for the reason you think TCL closes the gap to LG when it comes to smart TV sales Other: F-14s vs MiG-28s - May 1986, a Danger Zone in the Indian Ocean You Should Probably Stop Using Your Wyze Camera Right Now What is the World Streaming on Netflix? Number 1 in Film English Language - The Adam Project with 17.72 million hours viewed. After accidentally crash-landing in 2022, time-traveling fighter pilot Adam Reed teams up with his 12-year-old self for a mission to save the future. IMDB Rating 6.7 out of 10 Rotten Tomatoes 68% Critics 76% Audience Number 1 in Film Non-English Language - All Hail with 24.28 million hours viewed. After failing to predict a destructive hailstorm, a famous meteorologist flees to his hometown and soon finds himself on a journey of self-discovery. The Argentinian dramedy made the Top 10 in 32 countries. IMDB Rating 5.6 out of 10 Rotten Tomatoes N/A Critics 33% Audience Number 1 in TV English Language - Bridgerton with 251.74 million hours viewed. Wealth, lust, and betrayal set against the backdrop of Regency-era England, seen through the eyes of the powerful Bridgerton family. IMDB Rating 7.4 out of 10 Rotten Tomatoes 82% Critics 77% Audience Number 1 in TV Non-English Language - Business Proposal with 32.52 million hours viewed. In disguise as her friend, Ha-ri shows up on a blind date to scare away her friend's prospective suitor, but plans go awry when he turns out to be Ha-ri's CEO -- and he makes a proposal. IMDB Rating 8.8 out of 10 Rotten Tomatoes N/A Critics 94% Audience Is it Cake Skilled cake artists create mouthwatering replicas of handbags, sewing machines and more in a mind-bending baking contest inspired by a popular meme. Is it Cake came in at #3 with 26.51M hours viewed. IMDB Rating 5.7 out of 10 Rotten Tomatoes N/A Critics 39% Audience

This week we discuss Sonos adding "Smart TV" Features to their Sound Bars and we take a look at the Best 4K Projectors according to CNET. We also read your emails and take a look at the week's news. News: LG's 97-inch G2 OLED looks set to cost as much as a fancy new car Bowers & Wilkins Introduces Panorama 3 Soundbar Samsung's S95B QD-OLED TV Finally Has A Release Date And Price, But Where's The 'QD' Bit? 5.1 surround sound for YouTube TV is on the way to Roku and Android/Googe TV Apple confirms Friday Night Baseball free for at least 12 weeks Sonos starts hiring to build "Home Theater OS" Sonos has ambitions not just to be the platform of choice for home audio but for home theater, too, according to several new job postings discovered and reported by Protocol. The job listings suggest several new areas of expansion for Sonos, and they paint a picture of a much broader home theater strategy than the sound bar-driven one the company focuses on now. Full article here… Best 4K Projectors for 2022 (CNET) 4K projectors offer huge, ultra high resolution images for the ultimate movie night. Here are the best ones. Full article here…

This week we further discuss the beginning of the "Fuzz Tone" in music, give you some fun facts of the Compact Disc and rundown the availability and pricing of the 2022 LG line of HDTVs. Plus we read your emails and go over the week's news. Ara's Latest Speaker Build News: ESPN's iOS app adds SharePlay to help you watch sports with friends Apple TV 4K gets seriously useful upgrade — it's now a travel essential Epson unveils 4K 120Hz laser projector Xiaomi launches a huge 100-inch 4K TV in China for $3,150 Other: Lutron Caseta Wireless - Smart Lighting Control System Ready Wholesale Electric Supply Matter home automation full release delayed until Fall 2022 | AppleInsider Join the Neat Exchange - Social Media for Whiskey Drinkers Ara's Woodworking Join the Flaviar Whisky Club and get a free bottle How Sam Phillips Invented the Sound of Rock and Roll Here is some more information about the story Ara told last week about the broken amp that created a new sound. Full article here… From the article: It was around this time that a baby-faced Beale Street regular came into the studio. His name was Riley King, but everyone called him the "Beale Street Blues Boy," a name that later boiled down to simply "B.B. King." With singles like "Mistreated Woman" and "She's Dynamite," King became one of Phillips' first successful artists, and far from the last. In early 1951, King recommended Phillips' services to the Mississippi-based band "Kings of Rhythm," led by teenager Ike Turner. In their haste to fix an unlucky flat tire on a road trip to Memphis, one of their amps fell out of the trunk and onto the pavement. Upon arriving at Phillips' studio, guitarist Willie Kizart plugged in the amp and got a horrible, fuzzy, distorted noise. The speaker cone of the vacuum tube amp seemed to have broken in the fall, or maybe was damaged during a rainstorm that befell the band on their way to the studio. Whatever the case, the amp was shot and the group, crestfallen, feared their shot at recording a song was over before it had even started. Phillips, however, had a different idea. Running to the diner next door, he grabbed some paper—the legend differs on whether it was brown paper or day-old newspaper—and stuffed it into the amp, giving it a new, unique sound, a muffled saxophone-like bass. For Phillips, this wasn't just a quick fix, but in fact something better: something different. When you listen to the the song widely hailed as rock and roll's first, "Rocket 88," you'll hear exactly what he created. A sound that helped launch a genre. "Instead of trying to hide that sound," says Jerry Phillips, "he brought it to the forefront." While this may not have been the first instance of fuzz tone or distortion in a song, it was the first commercially successful song with this soon-to-be-iconic manipulation of sound that would go on to define songs from The Kinks' "You Really Got Me Going" to The Rolling Stones' "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" to The Beastie Boys' "Sabotage." Rocket 88 (Original Version) - Ike Turner/Jackie Brenston Fun facts about the CD Sony worked with Philips to develop the first CD. The Sony CDP-101 was the first CD player and it cost around $900 in 1982. Compact discs themselves were at first extremely expensive at $30 each. CDs were manufactured at only two facilities in the entire world, each owned by Philips and Sony. The manufacturing process was tedious and required masked technicians in labs. There were soon six factories, and the price per disc dropped to $25, and then to $20. As venture capital poured in, there were soon 40 factories manufacturing discs. The first portable CD player was released in 1982, but it was not possible to skip songs you didn't like.That technology came out in the mid 1990's. Sony's first portable CD player, the Discman D-50, was introduced in November 1984. At first, the D-50 was not profitable but as the product gained popularity, it soon became profitable, and Sony began to create a portable CD market. The Discman range was later re-named to CD Walkman. The first ever CD was a 1982 album by Swedish pop group Abba called The Visitors The biggest selling CD of all time is the Eagles 1976 Their Greatest Hits album, which sold over 38 million copies If all the CDs in the world were piled up, they'd circle the Earth six times Vinyl sales in 2021 topped CDs in the United States for the first time in 30 years. According to data from Billboard, 38% of all album sales in the country last year were in vinyl format, accounting for over 50% of all physical album sales. This marked the first time more vinyls were sold than CDs in the US since 1991. LG's 2022 OLED televisions start shipping this spring LG today announced pricing and availability for its 2022 line of OLED televisions. That includes four series of 4K sets (we've got info for three of them, anyway), as well two 8K models. Full article here…

This week we take a look at aptX HD Bluetooth: What is it? What devices and headphones support it? We also ask if Lutron Caseta Smart Home Products are the answer to Wifi Issues for homes with a lot of 2.4Ghz wifi devices? We read your emails and look at the week's news as well. News: Denon Expands Hi-Res Speaker Ecosystem With Denon Home Wireless Subwoofer Netflix Testing Shared Account Discount Pricing 'Daredevil,' 'Jessica Jones,' 'The Punisher' and more are now streaming on Disney Plus Sky Looks Set To Broadcast Live Formula 1 In 4K HDR For The First Time This Weekend aptX HD Bluetooth: What is it? What devices and headphones support it? If there's one thing we've learned over the years it's that plenty of people will happily sacrifice audio quality for convenience. The popularity of music streaming services and wireless headphones are proof of that. Although seldom a match for a well-recorded LP or good pair of wired headphones, they sure are mighty handy. Full article here… Lutron Caseta Smart Home Products - The answer to Wifi Issues? A couple of weeks ago we received an email from Robert Iadevaia extolling the virtues of hub based smart home devices. Specifically Lutron Caseta. Robert pointed out that using a hub connected to the network with an ethernet cable that in turn talks with the wireless devices on a separate proprietary network offloads the demands on the Wifi network, which will increase the reliability of both the Wifi network and the smart home devices. I did a deeper dive into this after receiving an email from Robert Spivack of DoItForMe.Solutions. Robert and I had a conversation discussing the way Lutron works and after the call I bought a Starter kit that included a Hub, two dimmers, and two pico remote controls for $170 from Amazon. Note - If you plan on installing the Pico remote in place of another switch as part of a three way light control you will need two wall plate brackets that cost $6 each. Hub Features: Works with Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and the Google Assistant Does not interfere or compete with Wi-Fi connected devices because it transmits on the same frequencies as a garage door opener. The lower frequency the devices operate on extend the range of devices. Supports up to 75 Caseta devices Switch Installation: These are the easiest switches I have ever installed! There are only two wires and a ground. The switches do not need the white neutral wire which makes it a great choice for older homes. The other interesting part of the install is that it doesn't matter where you connect the line and load wires on the switch. You can install these without a volt meter. Just make sure you turn off the power! The three way switch is just as easy. There is no need for the traveler wire so you cap it off. You will, however, need to connect the line and load lines in the remote switch location so that the circuit is completed. But other than that, you install the wall plate bracket and put the remote into it and put the switch cover on and you are done. Lutron App: The app is pretty basic but gets the job done. If you use Alexa, HomeKit, or Google Home, you will use it to add the devices and nothing else. But you can manage your entire Luton based home with the app if you choose. Adding devices is much faster than using the Home app and the nice thing is when the device is added it automatically shows up in the Home app. This is provided that you added the hub to Homekit. The other automation systems work just as easily. You have to add and pair the remote as well. However, you can pair remotes with switches without the need of the app. The remote does not show up in the Home app so it can only control Lutron devices. You can control the Lutron devices with other remotes in your automation system if you want. Performance: Lightning fast! 100% reliable! Yes it's only been four days but one of the switches that was replaced needed to be reset about every three days. I like the switches so much I bought three more! And on a side note, they have wall plugs that cost $45 but they are only two prongs. They do dim however. Not a requirement for me. In my quest to reduce the number of wifi devices I wanted to swap out a few of my current wall plugs but the two prong socket is an issue for me. Fortunately el Gato sells a three prong plug that is bluetooth based that supports Thread for $40. When I was done. I replaced Five wall switches and two wall plugs for about $500. My automation got more responsive and reliable and as a side benefit, my wifi performance for the other devices on my network improved dramatically. If you have a lot of devices in your system and the response is a bit flaky, you should seriously consider trying out Lutron Caseta Smart Home Products!

This week we explore a world where Netflix uses ads to support it's massive hunger for content and consider an approach where smart TVs are replaced by a mechanism that lets set top box manufacturers integrate their software with the TV. We also explore the sub $400 tower speaker world. All this plus your emails and the week's news on this week's show. News: Is Google fortifying its audio plans? Disney+ will introduce ad-supported tier at lower price The Beatles' Biggest Hits Turn 3D on Apple Music Amazon Launches Standalone IMDb TV App for Samsung Smart TVs Apple and Major League Baseball to offer "Friday Night Baseball" Hulu to Lose Next-Day Streams of NBC Shows, Shifting to Peacock Instead Netflix CFO has no plans for advertising but 'never say never' A senior Netflix Inc executive said on Tuesday the company had no current plans to offer a streaming option that included advertising but declined to rule it out in the future. Full article here… Roku CEO Wood: Samsung, LG and Vizio Will Eventually Give Up on Their Own OS The major smart TV makers who supply their own operating system will eventually give up and license a third-party OS from either Roku, Amazon or Google, Roku CEO Anthony Wood said. Full article here… Inexpensive Tower Speakers We saw a post over at AVS Forum where someone was asking about which sub $400 tower speaker would make a good addition to his theater. The poster was asking other members to chime in on the merits of the Klipsch R-820F vs the JBL Studio 590. Both are highly rated by users. Well this got us wondering about other quality sub $400 tower speakers. Before we get into the list, why would you want floor standing speakers? Loudness - Floor standing speakers typically get louder than satellites so if you have a larger room or simply like your music and movies loud, Towers are the way to go. Full Range - Tower speakers have better frequency range and can typically go to lower frequency lessening the reliance on a large subwoofer. We are not saying you don't need a subwoofer but the Klipsch can reproduce sound down to 35Hz. Higher Sensitivity - This is a spec that many people ignore because we have such big amplifiers. But the higher the sensitivity the less your speakers have to work to create sound. A typical bookshelf speaker has a sensitivity of 85db. That means that it speaker produces a level of 85dB when driven with 1 watt of power and measured 1 meter in front. The JBL has a sensitivity of 92db. The translation is that your amplifier doesn't need to work as hard which will extend it's life. The Klipsch has a sensitivity of a whopping 97db! They Sound Better - This is a general statement and needs further context. There are plenty of bookshelf speakers that will sound better than tower speakers. However, within a manufacturers line the tower speakers will sound better than the same model's bookshelf version. Of course there is the pesky issue with size. Tower speakers don't fit easily in some rooms and typically cost more than their bookshelf counterparts. Which finally brings us to our list of some fantastic tower speakers that won't break the bank. Klipsch R-820F ($399 each) Frequency Response 35Hz - 21kHz +/- 3dB Sensetivity 97 dB @ 2.83V/1M Power handling (cont/peak) 150W/600W 1" Aluminum LTS tweeter 90x90 Square Tractrix Horn Dual 8" Spun-Copper IMG Woofers Bass-Reflex via Rear-Firing Tractrix® ports Strong, Flexible Removable Magnetic Grille Dimensions: 43" x 10.9" x 17.5" (1093mm x 277mm x 443mm) Weight 54 Lbs (25.5 Kg) JBL Studio 590 ($399.99 each) Frequency Response 35Hz - 40kHz +/- 3dB Sensetivity 92 dB @ 2.83V/1M Power handling 25 - 250W 1" (25mm) compression driver with neodymium magnet and one-piece Teonex diaphragm on a glass-filled ABS Bi-Radial horn, magnetically shielded tweeter Two 8" (200mm) PolyPlas cones with Symmetrical Field Geometry magnet structures, cast frames and rubber surrounds, magnetically shielded woofers Dimensions: 49.75" x 12.7" x 16.25" (1263mm x 322mm x 413mm) Weight 69.5 Lbs (31.5 Kg) Debut 2.0 5.25″ Floorstanding Speaker – DF52 ($399.98 each) Frequency Response 42Hz - 35kHz +/- 3dB Sensitivity 86 dB @ 2.83V/1M Power handling 140W 1″ Cloth Dome tweeter Three 5-1/4″ Aramid Fiber woofer Dimensions: 40" x 7" x 9.2" (1016mm x 178mm x 233mm) Weight 69.5 Lbs (31.5 Kg) Monolith by Monoprice Encore T6 Tower Speaker ($399.99 Each) Frequency Response 37Hz - 20kHz +/- 3dB Sensitivity 87.8 dB @ 2.83V/1M Power handling 50-180W 1″ Silk Dome with Waveguide tweeter 6.5" Long Fiber Pulp Cone with NBR Surround mid woofer 2x 6.5" Long Fiber Pulp Cone with NBR Surround woofer Dimensions: 40" x 7.9" x 13.8" (1016mm x 201mm x 351mm) Weight 49.2 Lbs (22.3 Kg)

This week we look at an article that claims a QLED TV is finally on par with OLED. We are not as convinced. We also review the Audioengine S6 Powered Desktop Subwoofer. And as usual we read your email and cover some of the week's news. News: Eve Water Guard leak monitor integrates with Thread LG Launches First 2022 4K LG CineBeam Projectors Average Broadband Usage Hits A Record Half a Terabyte In 4Q21 Other: Join the Neat Exchange - Social Media for Whiskey Drinkers Ara's Woodworking Join the Flaviar Whisky Club and get a free bottle HT Tours #1 John's 5.1.4 Soundbar Theater Why 2021 was the year QLED finally beat OLED When it comes to grading the best TVs, Tom's Guide takes a two-pronged approach. We arrive at a verdict after first analyzing lab test results, then reporting anecdotal viewing experience. In both assessments, QLED beat OLED this year. Full article here… Audioengine S6 Powered Subwoofer Review The HT Guys have been using Audioengine products pretty much since there was an HT Guys! From their powered desktop speakers, wireless audio adapters and now to the new S6 desktop subwoofer. The S6 (MSRP $299) is a small subwoofer that packs a huge punch. Measuring a mere 10″ (25.2 cm) x 8.7″ (22.2 cm) x 10″ (25.3 cm) and weighing a paltry 15.4 lb (6.98 kg), the S6 is the smallest subwoofer we have reviewed to date. Specifications: Amplifier Type - Class D Power Output - 210 W peak power total (140 W RMS), AES Drivers - 6″ long throw front-firing woofer Inputs - 3.5 mm stereo mini-jack, RCA L/R Input Voltages - 100-240 V AC, 50/60 Hz auto-switching SNR - >100 dB (typical A-weighted) Frequency Response - 33Hz – 132Hz ±1.5dB Input Impedance - 10K ohms unbalanced Crossover Frequency - 40Hz – 130Hz Protection - Output current limiting, thermal over-temperature, power on/off transient protection Standby Consumption - Phase - 0 / 180 degrees The S6 is designed to fit on a desktop but it is certainly capable of being part of a typical family room entertainment center. The S6 produces a clean tight bass right out of the box. Which is a good thing since there aren't many adjustments on the subwoofer rear panel. The rear panel has volume, crossover, phase (0 or 180), auto sensing standby toggle, inputs, and a USB Port that can charge a device or better yet, power a wireless adapter (not included) that frees the subwoofer to be placed anywhere in the room. You can use RCA or a 3.5mm cable to connect your sub to your source. For our testing we set the crossover frequency to 100Hz, the low end of some full range speaker that I built a few months ago. The S6 comes in any color you want as long as it's matte black, and is solidly built. Performance We ran through our typical subwoofer test tone sweeps and verified that the subwoofer does go down to the low 30hz range producing sound. We did have to crank up the volume on the subwoofer to "feel" it at the lower frequencies. But in typical listening to music, the S6 brought the low end that my speakers couldn't produce. It turned a simple homemade desktop speaker using a three inch driver into something that sounded big and full. The transformation was quite remarkable. After doing frequency sweeps we listened to our standard music playlist for speaker evaluation, Tin Pan Alley by Stevie Ray Vaughn and California Roll by Snoop Dog and Fly Me to the Moon by Diana Krall. The bass was prominent and blended with the higher frequencies beautifully. The sub added a pleasant texture especially with the bass in Fly Me to the Moon. The output of this subwoofer feels natural and enhances what you are listening to. We did watch some movies with it and found the sub did a decent job but don't think it will replace a full sized subwoofer even in a modest sized room. The 50 cal in Act of Valor did exercise the sub and provided a good amount of effect. Just not the visceral experience of our 15" HSU subwoofer. For a family room your approach should be that if there isn't room for a full sized sub this will add some LFE. But you will probably have to run it at max volume. Where does this S6 Shine? The S6 is a must for the desktop! If you spend a lot of time working on your computer and listen to music you can now buy small speakers that do well with mid and higher frequencies and let the S6 handle the low end. If you game on a PC the S6 will take your experience to the next level. Conclusion At $299 the Audioengine S6 is an exceptional value. Especially when you consider that it fits in less than a cubic foot and produces sound well above its size. Audioengine includes a 30 day free in-home audition with free shipping both ways. This is a no lose proposition if you are in the market for a desktop subwoofer.

This week we discuss how vulnerable your DIY Home Security System is. We help you with your LED bulb buying and give you three reasons why the HT Guys feel that set top streamers are not going anywhere soon. Plus we read your email and the week's news. News: Epson Releases Its Most Advanced Laser Projector To Date Sony's A95K QD-OLED TV might be cheaper than expected Important change to your Prime membership Other: Booze & Vinyl Join the Neat Exchange - Social Media for Whiskey Drinkers Ara's Woodworking Join the Flaviar Whisky Club and get a free bottle Ring, SimpliSafe, and Three Other DIY Home Security Systems Vulnerable to Hacking If you've seen the latest Scream movie, you might be haunted by the scene of the killer disabling a home security system to get inside a victim's house. (Warning: the trailer is chilling.) The portrayed attack method is highly unlikely to happen in real life, but the scary scene might make you wonder just how tamper-resistant your own home security system is. And that's a legitimate concern. Full article here… 5 things you need to know before buying LED bulbs If you haven't switched to LED bulbs, now is the time. The reasons why are compelling. For starters, LED bulbs last much longer than incandescent bulbs, and they put out the same amount of light using significantly less energy. That's great for the environment, and it can save you money on your electricity bill in the long term. Full article here… Three Reasons a Set Top Streamer will not be Replaced by a Smart TV We read an article about the CEO of Roku saying that the company isn't ready to give up on dongles: Company executives told reporters and analysts that streaming adapters remain a key part of the company's business, despite reports of consumers increasingly migrating to smart TVs for their binge-watching needs. He was responding to a recent report from streaming analytics company Conviva, which detailed that the global usage of streaming adapters had fallen for the first time in Q4 of 2021, while smart TVs continue to see double-digit usage growth. Here are the three reasons the HT Guys feel the streamer isn't going anywhere. A consistent experience - you may have multiple TVs in your house made by different manufacturers. Using an external device keeps the experience consistent across manufacturers. Technology changes fast - you spent your hard earned money on a TV two years ago and now want to stream the latest 4K content from Netflix. Turns out to get the best resolution Netflix updated their software with better compression. Only a setup box or TV made in the last six months has the processing power to decode the new algorithm. As a result you get the lower resolution version of the program even though your TV can display the 4K picture in all it's glory. Applications - There are far more applications developed for streamers. There are a lot of local, national, and global news stations with apps that simply are not available on smart TVs. Many will never be available. In a strategic shift, Roku plans to make its own TV sets

This week we have a top ten list of what is popular on Vudu, five advancements that will "fix" the smart home and the best OLED under $1,500. Plus we read your emails and go through the week's news. News: Discovery+ is Bringing an Ad-Lite Version to the U.K. and Ireland NFL Exec: Sunday Ticket Deal Isn't Done Fox to Stream Big Ten, Big East Basketball Tournaments In 4K ViacomCBS Gets a New Name: Paramount Other: Black Leather - YouTube Black Leather - Spotify Join the Neat Exchange - Social Media for Whiskey Drinkers Ara's Woodworking Join the Flaviar Whisky Club and get a free bottle Top Ten Titles on Vudu This Week Ghostbusters: Afterlife Sing 2 American Underdog Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City House of Gucci Dune King Richard Redeeming Love The Matrix Resurrections Encanto These five advancements promise to "fix" the smart home in 2022 In less than a decade, smart home tech has gone from a luxury for the rich to something relatively commonplace. Even if you can't afford high-end Sonos speakers or a wall covered in Nanoleaf panels, you can probably afford an Echo Dot or a Lenovo Smart Clock. Yet adoption hasn't been as strong as some tech companies have been hungry for. There are reasons for this, but 2022 promises to lift some of the barriers and "fix" the smart home. By the end of the year, the smart home industry could look very different, and here's why. Full article here… Best 65" OLED TV Under $1,500 (RTINGS.COM) According to RTINGS.COM the best TV under $1,500 ($1,400 at Best Buy) with an OLED panel is the LG OLED65A1PUA from 2021. The A1 is a no-frills basic TV for people who don't care about the extra features. It delivers very similar picture quality to the high-end models, with the deep, inky, uniform blacks that OLEDs are known for. Full Review… Like all OLED TVs, it has superb viewing angles, so it's a great choice if you have a wide seating arrangement. It's not quite as bright as other OLEDs, so despite its superb reflection handling, it's not as well-suited for a bright room. It runs the LG webOS platform, which is easy-to-use and has a huge selection of streaming apps. It also supports casting from your mobile device, so you can easily watch content in a matter of a few seconds. Sadly, this TV has limited gaming features, so it's best-suited for watching TV shows or movies. However, it's still excellent for casual gamers who don't care about those extra features. Also, like all OLED TVs, there's a chance of permanent burn-in, but we don't expect this to be an issue for most people. Overall, it's an excellent TV that should please most people. Mixed Usage 8.5 Movies 9.2 TV Shows 8.0 Sports 8.0 Video Games 8.7 HDR Movies 8.6 HDR Gaming 8.5 PC Monitor 8.5 PROS Near-infinite contrast ratio. Wide color gamut. Perfect black uniformity. CONS Not bright enough for small highlights to stand out. Some stutter in low frame rate content. Can't remove judder from all sources.

On today's show we define "Reference Level" and what it means for your home theater and we look at the 9 things you need to consider if you are in the market for a new TV. We also read your emails and look at the news stories of the week. News: Sonos acquisition fuels new headphone rumors The cheapest 2022 Samsung MicroLED TV will reportedly cost $80,000 Samsung Display apparently struggling with QD-OLED production Streaming device wars: Smart TV viewing time surges, dongles see first-ever decline Other: Join the Neat Exchange - Social Media for Whiskey Drinkers Ara's Woodworking Join the Flaviar Whisky Club and get a free bottle Mike's Star Wars Inspired Home Theater Reference Level Reference level is a calibrated volume setting used for movie production, Sound and dubbing stages, and movie theaters (and now the home theater) A reference is critical if the mix is to translate from one production house to another and audiences are to hear the director's intent in terms of the balance in the soundtrack between dialog, effects and ambiance. So how do we set up a theater for Reference? Reference level for all channels except the subwoofer is calibrated by adjusting the gain of each channel when a pink noise signal recorded at -20dB relative to full scale (0dB) is played through the system and measures 85dB with a C weighted sound pressure meter at the seating locations. This is what your receiver's auto calibration tries to do. What is Pink Noise? To answer that we have to tell you what white noise is. White noise consists of an equal amount of every frequency, all played at once. If you are old enough to remember "snow" on TVs that had no signal. That was white noise. Pink noise is essentially bass-boosted white noise, where the amplitude decreases as the frequencies get higher. It got its name thanks to the pink / violet hues present at the lowest frequencies of light. This is the perceptually 'balanced' white noise that many of us are comfortable with; After each channel is individually adjusted until they read 85dB. The master volume control setting associated with this playback level is then set to a nominal 0dB, or reference level. The history behind this is that sound engineers and producers generally work so that the average recording level for dialog in movie soundtrack is -20dB. This allows for 20dB of dynamic range in the soundtrack. The Subwoofer is calibrated higher, so that a -20dB signal reaches 95dBC at the seating locations. In the home it works slightly differently. Most receivers have calibration test tones used for level setting that are recorded at -30dB relative to full scale. Using these tones the level of individual speakers are adjusted to 75dB at the seating position. That is 10db less than movie theaters and sound stages. Can my speakers and subwoofer support reference levels? If your system is properly calibrated to output 85dB for a -20dB signal at the seats then the speakers and amplifiers could be asked to produce 105dB for a 0dB signal. The Subwoofer is handled slightly differently and has a 10dB boost relative to the other channels. The maximum SPL that subwoofers could be asked to reproduce from the low frequency effects track is therefore 115dB at the seats. More than likely the typical home theater setup will not handle reference levels. But that is OK. Most of us don't need that level of sound. If you have a theater with a large volume you should look for a set of highly efficient speakers specifically designed to handle reference levels. You may also need a better receiver to achieve this as well. TV buying guide: 9 things you need to know In the market for a new TV, and feeling overwhelmed? This TV buying guide is here to help. If you've been browsing in-store or online for a new TV, you might have found yourself a bit confused by huge selection of different technologies, features and functionality that come with buying a TV in 2022. And that's before we get started on the acronyms… Full article here… Screen size: Finding the sweet spot - A good rule of thumb is that you should sit at a distance from the TV that is three times more than the height of the screen for HD and just 1.5 times the screen height for 4K Ultra HD. In other words, you can sit twice as close to a 4K UHD TV. Don't buy a TV with less than 4K resolution. Avoid full HD or 1080p sets. You can skip 8K TVs (for now). 8K TVs are super expensive, and 8K movies and shows aren't available yet. Expect to pay about $500 for a good budget 55-inch 4K TV. And at least $900 for a 65-inch model. Models with a better picture, upgraded speakers and next-gen features will cost more. Look for 60 Hz or 120 Hz refresh rate: When it comes to refresh rates, 60 Hz is good, but 120 Hz is better. A higher refresh rate provides smoother motion for everything from movies and shows, to live sports and gaming. Look for an HDR-compatible set: This offers more realistic colors and better contrast. Preferably consider a TV that support

We have a shortened show this week but fear not we will go back to our regular show next week. For this week we ask if streaming delays an issue for you when watching live sports? We also have abbreviated email and news segments as well. News: Super Bowl 2022 won't stream in 4K on NBC Wyze discontinues its original WyzeCam Other: Why Matter matters, and how does WiFi and Thread fit into it. What is Matter and how will it affect your smart home? Thread smart home explained: Everything you need to know about the wireless protocol Stu's Voice Activated Home Theater Streaming TV Delays a Growing Headache for Sports Fans Picture this: you're in the Kansas City metro area, watching last Sunday's thrilling Divisional Round matchup against the Bills. Josh Allen just connected with Gabriel Davis for what seems like their 10th TD of the night and you think your team is absolutely done for. You suddenly hear a roar from the viewing party across the street and your group chat blows up. You look up at your screen and…the kick returner is letting the ensuing kickoff go into the endzone. It's only once your feed catches up that you see what all the fuss was about. Full article here…

On today's show we look at what's next for Google TV and look at what the "Smart home" of 2022 will look like. We also read your emails and look at the news of the week. What's next for Google TV Google's living room strategy appears to be working: The company revealed at CES last week that there are now 110 million monthly active Android TV devices in the world. Thirty million of these have been added since last May alone, and a growing number are using the company's new Google TV interface, with TCL revealing at the trade show that it is now selling 10 million TV sets with the Google TV UI a year. So where does Google go from here? Brave new home: 2022 will be remembered for how it redefined the smart home 2022 may well mark a final step toward incarnation for the smart home: Millions of people have been driven into their homes during the pandemic; millions more have begun building new homes according to the emergent needs of a world rewritten by COVID; average internet speeds can finally support connected homes, and those speeds will only continue to climb; a new communication protocol might finally unite a historically siloed industry; and, perhaps most importantly, people are more tech-literate, more tech-interested and readier to live in smart homes than ever before. Full article here…

On today's show we help you determine if your new HDMI cable is Ultra High Speed certified and discuss whether Samsung's Mini LEDs are harmful to your eyes. We finished with why dialog in today's movies is so bad and how the movie studios can fix them. Plus we read your email and look at the week's news. Ultra High Speed HDMI® Cable Certification Program The HDMI 2.1 Specification includes a new cable - the Ultra High Speed HDMI® Cable. It's the only cable that complies with stringent specifications designed to ensure support for all HDMI 2.1 features including uncompressed 8k@60 and 4K@120. The cable's increased bandwidth capability supports up to 48Gbps. Full info here… LG Display welcomes Samsung's QD-OLED, says miniLED is bad for eye health LG Display is currently the sole supplier of OLED TV panels to all TV brands including Hisense, LG, Sony, Panasonic, Philips, and Vizio, but later in 2022 Samsung Display will introduce the first real alternative in the form of QD-OLED, which will be available in TVs from Samsung and Sony. Full info here… Here's Why Movie Dialogue Has Gotten More Difficult To Understand (And Three Ways To Fix It) I used to be able to understand 99% of the dialogue in Hollywood films. But over the past 10 years or so, I've noticed that percentage has dropped significantly — and it's not due to hearing loss on my end. It's gotten to the point where I find myself occasionally not being able to parse entire lines of dialogue when I see a movie in a theater, and when I watch things at home, I've defaulted to turning the subtitles on to make sure I don't miss anything crucial to the plot. Full article here…

2022 CES Innovation Awards On today's show we rundown some of the 2022 Innovation Award winners. We are discussing products related to home theater and audio as well as the Smart Home for this discussion. The full list can be found here… Headphones & Personal Audio, Portable Media Players & Accessories Introducing the Anker Soundcore Frames—inspired by home audio systems and stylish eyewear. Soundcore Frames have a unique interchangeable frame design and the world's first OpenSurround System for open-ear surround sound which offers users a completely new lifestyle and technology experience. Starting at $199 Experience golden sound from true-wireless earbuds. Using ACAA 2.0, the second generation of the world's first coaxial hybrid driver unit, the Anker Liberty 3 Pro produce stunning sound which has achieved Hi-Res Audio Wireless certification and features Soundcore's innovative HearID ANC for noise cancelling that's tailored to your ears. $169 ROG Cetra TWS Pro in-ear headphones offer wireless and wired connections for total versatility and high-quality sound in a variety of scenarios. It features a hi-res ESS 9281 DAC for true-to-life audio, and an ASUS AI Noise-Canceling Microphone provides crystal clear communications. Also, low-latency wireless connections keep video and audio in-sync for advanced gaming experiences anywhere. The SOUNDFORM Immerse Noise Cancelling Earbuds are high-fidelity earbuds featuring superior sound quality with Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), advanced six (6) microphone technology, Bluetooth LE audio in Gaming Mode, and locating features using Apple Find My and the SOUNDFORM app. The SOUNDFORM Immerse earbuds are the next-generation edition of its original earbuds offering introduced in April 2021, one of the first-ever accessories to work with Apple's vast and global Find My network, made up of hundreds of millions of Apple devices. The Soundform Immerse noise-canceling earbuds will launch in the second quarter of 2022 for $180 High Performance Home Audio & Video Nebula Cosmos Laser 4K shines with laser-powered brightness giving consumers the power to stream all day. Powered with ALPD 3.0 technology, the projector is the smallest 4K Android TV home projector, projecting content at 2,400 ANSI Lumens. The Smart Image Adaption Engine reduces setup time to seconds with the following features: Gridless Horizontal and Vertical Auto Keystone Correction, Autofocus, Auto-Obstacle Avoidance, and Screen Alignment. If consumers want to move Cosmos Laser 4K around the home, they can with its easy-to-use handle. Content options are abundant with 7,000+ applications available on the Android TV 10.0 operating system. The Cosmos Laser 4K will be available for pre-purchase on Kickstarter from Jan. 11 through mid-March for $2,100. The PSB Speakers' Synchrony T600 towers represent the finest application of the brand's "True to Nature" design philosophy. Like all PSB Speakers products, the T600s were designed and engineered at Canada's National Research Council (NRC) by a team of highly regarded acoustic specialists guided by renowned PSB Speakers Founder and Chief Acoustic Designer, Paul Barton. This flagship tower features a new 5-way transitional driver array employing three 6½′′ woofers, a 5¼′′ midrange driver, and a 1′′ titanium dome tweeter, in a heavily braced, four-chamber MDF enclosure and custom IsoAcoustic isolators to deliver an immersive, tonally accurate, true to nature soundscape. $8,000/Pair Immersive, jaw-dropping sound marries up with simple, seamless control, and versatile connectivity in the groundbreaking SVS Prime Wireless Pro Powered Speaker Pair. For the first time, all the benefits of wireless smart speakers with the stunning dynamics and pristine clarity of a complete HiFi system, at a fraction of the cost. The Prime Wireless Pro speakers will be available in March 2022 in black or white finish options and are expected to sell for $799/pair Home Audio & Video Components & Accessories Harman Kardon Citation Amp brings HD streaming to any loudspeaker and supports a multi-channel wireless surround sound system with other HK Citation products. User can play their favorite music via Chromecast built-in™ and AirPlay or connect to a TV via HDMI ARC. The simple and intuitive remote control allows the user to control Amp easily and efficiently. A local website provides detailed configuration options for the user to customize and enjoy the premium sound. No US pricing available but can be found for $1000 AUS ($715 USD) Harman Kardon Citation MultiBeam 1100 is the first soundbar combining MultiBeam™ beam-forming surround sound and up-firing speakers that enable 3D-surround formats like Dolby Atmos enhances the TV sound with best-in-class acoustic performance. With the well-integrated LCD touch screen on the top panel, users can easily set up a Wi-Fi connection and stream music over AirPlay, Chromecast, Alexa MRM, Spotify connect. No US Pricing but can be found for £799.00 ($9

This week it's all about CES 2022! So much to talk about including Sony getting into the electric vehicle market. We read your emails as well. Samsung Neo QLED - The powerful evolution of Samsung Neo QLED is built on Quantum Matrix Technology. It precisely controls Samsung's exclusive new Quantum Mini LED to express blacks, whites, and every shade in between, more accurately than ever. Enjoy great detail in dark and bright areas. Micro LED - MICRO LED is an inorganic, self-emitting LED designed to change the world of displays. Creating light and color on its own, MICRO LED delivers true-to-life color and contrast with optimum brightness in every scene. Discover stunning details on our biggest screen that surpass your greatest expectations. When you want more than one view, MICRO LED allows for four split-screen views. See up to four screens at once from a variety of sources — including the four HDMI ports — each giving you an immersive experience. The Frame - A minimalist-inspired design makes The Frame blend flawlessly with your interior. A slimmer profile, wider range of hues, and monochromatic back provide a sophisticated appearance from every angle. Connect the One Invisible Connection cable to discover what makes The Frame a modern masterpiece — on or off.³ The Premiere - Ultra-bright, high-resolution images are projected with cutting-edge Triple Laser Technology. The Premiere LSP9T uses a triple laser light source for dramatic home cinema viewing that nearly replicates a theater experience.⁸ Get precise color accuracy and incredible contrast with the Premiere LSP9T 4K Smart Triple Laser Projector.⁹ The Premiere LSP9T is the world's first HDR10+ certified projector for realistic, vibrant viewing. $3500 for 120" $6500 for 130" Eco Remote - combines a built-in solar panel with new wireless charging technology that uses radio waves emitted by Wi-Fi routers. It works by "collecting routers' radio waves and converting them to energy," Samsung explains. And because it doesn't require any special Wi-Fi technology, it's compatible with almost every router in use today. The Freestyle - is a projector, smart speaker and ambient lighting device all rolled into one lightweight, portable device weighing only 830 grams (1.8 lbs). The Freestyle comes with full auto keystone and auto leveling features that allow the device to automatically adjust its screen to any surface at any angle, providing a perfectly proportional image every time. SmartThings Cooking - A new service from Samsung SmartThings is designed to make your culinary journey seamless. An automatic Meal Planner powered by Whisk's Food AI recommends meals for the whole week, makes shopping lists with the ingredients you need, and connects to grocery retailers for one-stop shopping straight from the Family Hub™ refrigerator or your mobile screen. Recipe instructions can be sent directly to synced Samsung cooking devices to minimize hassles and mistakes. Samsung Health Smart Trainer on Samsung 2021 TVs: Samsung Health seamlessly transforms the home into a personal gym, and the new Smart Trainer4 feature tracks and analyzes posture in real-time, just like a personal trainer. During and post-workout, Smart Trainer provides feedback on form, helps you count your reps, and estimates calories burned. With video and interactive training via Bixby-enabled voice control, Samsung Health Smart Trainer elevates and personalizes the home workout experience. JetBot 90 AI+: Coming to the US 1H 2021, this new vacuum cleaner uses object recognition technology to identify and classify objects to decide the best cleaning path. LiDAR and 3D sensors allow JetBot 90 AI+ to avoid cables and small objects, while still cleaning hard-to-reach corners in your home. Also outfitted with a camera, JetBot90 AI+ is integrated with the SmartThings app to assist you with home monitoring. Samsung Bot™ Care is designed to use AI to recognize and respond to your behavior. It will be able to act as both a robotic assistant and companion, helping to take care of the details in your life. It will also learn your schedule and habits and send you reminders to help guide you throughout your busy day. Samsung Bot™ Handy: Also in development, Samsung Bot™ Handy will rely on advanced AI to recognize and pick up objects of varying sizes, shapes and weights, becoming an extension of you and helping you with work around the house. Sengled The Smart Health Monitoring Light bulb claims to read heart rate, body temperature and other vital signs through entirely non-invasive sensors. It uses a radar sensor instead of a passive infrared (PIR) sensor, meaning it can read through materials and detect more subtleties. Ideally, the higher sensitivity would allow for the light bulbs to detect different people, see movement through textiles and other complexities of off-skin health tracking. According to Sengled, a collection of Smart Health Monitoring Light bulbs connect via Bluetooth mesh to create a virtual map i

Happy New Year! For our last show of 2021 we go through some of the news stories of the past year. We also have a few listener emails and some end of year news. Five Home Theater Trends. Did they pan out? People will spend more money on their home theaters Shortening window between the theatrical release of a film and its release to home entertainment. The cost to build and create a great home theater setup has lowered dramatically. Source material quality will improve. Immersive audio such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X offer a high-quality sound experience to watching movies in the home. ATSC 3.0 started rolling out 42 markets are online today. More info here NextGenTV Ara tracked down wifi issues for the first part of the year Eventually ending up with the Netgear Orbi Tri Band Wifi System Harmony went end of life But fortunately there are some worthy replacements. The SofaBatton and the far more expensive Yio look to fill the void left behind by the Harmony exiting the market. But with better CEC and Matter will these remotes be needed? The SofaBatton has a good universal remote already available for $50 and a Kickstarter campaign for the Harmony Replacement is well underway for $100. The Yio is also a kickstarter that will run you $420. We did our 1000th Show! A big thank you to all our listeners and supporters who make doing this show worthwhile Apple Releases Spatial Audio What do you think of this technology? Scarlett Johansson Sued Disney and won! Terms of the settlement were not released but it's safe to say the whole thing made Disney look bad. DirecTV's streaming platform got yet another rebranding What started as DireTV Now -> ATT TV Now -> ATT TV -> to DirecTV Stream Locast Shut Down A sad day it was! Dune was released on HBO Max to great Fanfare We didn't like/had no interest in the movie Matter Picked up Steam Samsung promised Matter support for SmartThings hubs, Galaxy devices, TVs, and fridges Disney+ Got Imax Support

On this week's show we take a look at the best mesh routers for 2021 and discuss whether something labeled HDMI 2.1 is actually HDMI 2.1. We read your emails and take a look at the week's news stories as well. Best mesh routers for 2021 The past couple of years have made it clear that having a dependable Wi-Fi network at home is essential -- especially if you're working or learning from home, gaming online with friends or calling loved ones for regular video chats. In cases like that, you might've noticed that the signal from your router isn't as strong as you'd like it to be in some parts of your house. Those wireless signals can only travel so far on their own before your speeds drop off, especially if you're connecting multiple devices and your home's layout and construction are creating obstructions that those signals struggle to penetrate. Full Article Here… HDMI 2.0 No Longer Exists This email came in from Stan in Pittsburg and we felt it deserved a deeper dive. When it comes to HDMI features claimed by manufacturers it is definitely buyer beware. I am sure that most of the podcast listeners of the HT Guys might know to evaluate HDMI based on features not HDMI version, but I doubt most average consumers would know that a HDMI 2.1 tv claim by a manufacturer may not have HDMI 2.1 features. This seems like a free pass to mislead consumers. HDMI 2.0 devices are now HDMI 2.1 devices: "HDMI 2.0 no longer exists" - FlatpanelsHD HDMI 2.0 no longer exists, and devices should not claim compliance to v2.0 as it is not referenced any more The features of HDMI 2.0 are now a sub-set of 2.1 All the new capabilities and features associated with HDMI 2.1 are optional (this includes FRL, the higher bandwidths, VRR, ALLM and everything else) If a device claims compliance to 2.1 then they need to also state which features the device supports so there is "no confusion"

On today's show we take a look at two budget smart thermostats and discuss whether Matter will be the glue that ties your entire house together. Finally we listen to music on an almost $25,000 two channel system. We also read your emails and go through the week's news. Amazon Smart Thermostat vs. Wyze Thermostat: Which budget model is best? The Amazon Smart Thermostat and the Wyze Thermostat are the two most affordable connected thermostats I've tested. Both models can be controlled with an app or voice commands and both cost less than 100 bucks. So, which one is the best for you? We've got a side-by-side comparison below so you can see their main differences and determine which budget-friendly smart thermostat to choose. Full article here… Matter Could Bring Universal Casting That Actually Works The new smart home standard Matter is making a lot of grand promises, chief among them are fixing the interoperability mess the smart home is currently in and making Apple, Samsung, Google, and Amazon talk to each other. Big jobs. But it's also tackling one of the other pain points in the connected home: TV control. Full article here… Audiophile Two Channel System Components: PrimaLuna EVO400 - $5000 Furman Power Conditioner HT 20A - $1500 Rega P5 Turntable - $2000 Manley Chinook Phono Amp - $2900 Schiit Audio YGGDRASIL DAC - $2200 AURALIC ARIES G1 - $2800 Bowers and Wilkins 702S2 - $5000 REL S/510 10" Subwoofer - $2500 Total Cost - $23,900

Technics True Wireless Headphones A few weeks ago we read an email from one of our listeners who works for Technics announcing a slew of new products. Two of which were the AZ40 (Street Price $150) and AZ60 (Street Price $230) Wireless Headphones. We expressed interest in reviewing them and were sent two pairs for review. There are two types of people who will benefit from these earbuds, professionals who are on phone calls and zoom meetings all day and the music lover who wants to escape the noise of the world. We'll talk about each separately. Setup But first let's discuss pairing and setting up the earbuds. Prior to pairing we suggest you try the different size ear tips to assure a proper fit. This will aid in the comfort, quality of the audio, and noise cancelation/isolation. To pair you take the fully charged earbuds and place them in your ear. A voice tells you they are in pairing mode. Go to your device's bluetooth settings and select the AZ40/60 and wait for the voice to tell you they are paired. Now you are ready to start listening. But if you want more control, Technics has an app that will let you dial the earbuds in to exactly how you like, Go to your app store and download and launch the Technics Audio Connect App. It will automatically search for your earbuds. Once found you can rename them if you wish. Here you can turn on and off noise canceling for the AZ60 and activate Ambient Sound which allows audio from outside to be passed through the headphones. You can also set the sound enhancement with some presets or you can customize it to your liking. I found "off" to be the best for me. On the AZ60 you can configure the Active noise Cancellation (ANC) to the level that sounds best for you. To do this I turned on white noise on my stereo and cranked it up. I adjusted the setting until the sound was the least detectable. Once that is done you have the ability to set the level of your noise canceling from 0 to 100%. Of course I took the headphones down to the wood shop to see how well they canceled the noise. The AZ40, without noise cancellation, did a good job at blocking the noise and allowed me to work while listening to music. The AZ60 worked so well that when I turned on the dust collection I had to remove the headphones to verify that it was actually on! Quite remarkable. The app allows you to customize touch sensor settings like which ear activates your voice assistant and which gestures are play/pause for music and which ones answer calls. Performance - Professional Working from Home This use case has a different threshold for performance based mostly on how good the human voice sounds and how good the microphone picks up your voice when talking. Multiple calls were placed while driving, from noisy rooms, and a typical home office setting. Technics has a technology that they call "Just My Voice" which cancels out the ambient sounds around you while amplifying the spoken word. In our tests all calls were perceived clearly on the other end. I made calls to two separate customer service reps and was not asked to repeat myself once. Then I had my wife use the headphones to call me from a room that had music playing at a loud level. I had no issue hearing her talk. The music in the background was squashed. This was done with both the AZ60 and AZ40. I could not detect any difference between them on phone call performance. From a confort point of view both the AZ40 and AZ60 can be worn for hours without fatigue. If you are on the phone or video calls for work, these headphones are easy to wear for hours at a time. Performance - Listening to Music This is where these headphones excel! I listened to my standards (SRV - Tin Pan Alley, Snoop Dog - California Roll, Pearl Jam - Yellow Ledbetter, Diana Krall - Fly Me to the Moon). I also added Walker Hayes Fancy Like because first, it's a fun song and second it has a great bass line during the hook! The AZ60 supports Hi-Res LDAC sound quality and for the test I put it into this mode which turns off Multipoint connections. No biggie as I am never connected to multiple devices simultaneously. Both sound good. I would give the AZ60 an edge in music playback performance. I switched the earbuds in and out while listening to the same track and noticed improved sound in the AZ60 but if I didn't have both side by side'ish I would have found the AZ40s completely acceptable. The bass in both is outstanding! In general these headphones present a realistic soundstage with the clarity to pick out elements of the music that may be hidden by other headphones. There is a part in "Fly Me to the Moon" where there is a piano and guitar playing off each other with the standup bass backing both up that sounded like you were in the room with them. This is a live recording that puts you right on stage with them. I listened to it over and over picking out each instrument clearly. For fun I listened to some Christmas carols that were remixed with Spatial audio. To do this on no

On this week's show we take a look at a cool gift idea for your technophobe friends that want to stay connected with you and we " Level Up" your home theater. We also read your emails and discuss the week's news. Plus Braden goes on a rant about his Internet provider. Cool Gift Idea New Skylight Frame I bought one of these for my mom and mother-in-law From their website: The Skylight Frame has a gorgeous, 10'' color touch screen that displays your photos with extraordinary clarity, color, and brilliance. It is the perfect size for a desk, mantel, coffee table, or kitchen. Skylight is a striking gift that will make an unforgettable impression the moment your loved one turns it on! Skylight is a beautiful touch-screen, Wi-Fi connected digital photo frame that lets you email photos from your phone or computer directly onto your loved one's Skylight - from anywhere in the world! 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed. If you don't love your Skylight, we'll offer you a full refund. PRODUCT DETAILS: -Screen size: 10'' Diagonal -Resolution: 1280x800 IPS display -Dimensions: 12'' x 8.5'' x 0.9'' -Time required to receive photos: -Accepted digital photo file formats: JPEG, BMP, PNG, GIF -Storage space on device: 8GB (enough for 8000+ photos) -100% Satisfaction Guaranteed: If you don't love your Skylight, we'll offer you a full refund. Level Up Your Home Theater Many of our listeners put new home theater gear on their holiday shopping list. Even though you have had a decent home theater for a few years now, you want to take it to the next level. What do you ask your family (or yourself) to spend their/your money on? Better speakers, an external amplifier, or some other device? Case for the Amplifier Actually this is more like the case against the external amplifier. Before you spend money on an external amplifier you need to consider your speakers. Do they need the extra power? If you had a modest home theater with mid level speakers the external amplifier will be overkill. A forklift that can pickup a ton will also pick up 500 pounds. But so will a forklift that can pick up a half a ton. If you never need to pick up more than 500 pounds a bigger forklift is a waste of money. An amplifier in this case is the one ton forklift. For most mid level speakers, the amplifiers in your receiver will do a good job providing power to your speakers. Then there is the case where your mid level receiver most likely doesn't even have pre-outs to support an external amplifier. If you are going to go this route, make sure your receiver is up to the task. With that said, an argument can be made if your receiver can process more channels like an Atmos configuration but does not have the required amplifiers. This is really the only argument for an external amplifier with the typical mid level home theater setup. For argument's sake, let's say you have really nice speakers that can handle more power and furthermore you have a receiver that has preouts. Should you still add an external amplifier? This is where Ara may differ from some others. Instead of an external amplifier you may want to consider a higher tier receiver with more and better amplifiers. It simplifies the installation and in this tier of receivers you will have plenty of power. Marantz has two receivers that will support a 7.1.2 Atmos setup and one that will support a 7.2.4 Atmos setup. They are the SR6015 ($2000), SR7015 ($2800) and SR8015 ($3800) respectively. Case for new Speakers Good speakers will make or break your home theater. While they can't turn low end equipment into audiophile grade, they will get the most out of your gear. Likewise good speakers will quickly show you the limits of your gear. Good speakers don't need to break the bank either. However, since we are "Leveling Up" it will take a bit of a financial commitment to get to the next level. A 5.1.2 CG25 System from RSL Speakers will run you $2650. Other companies have high quality 7.1 systems for $3000 and much much more. Budget $3,500 to $5,000. But serious improvement can be had for less than $1500 from companies like JBL, SVS, and others. Some Other Device This is a broad category. But other than new speakers, receivers, or amplifiers maybe a new projector and very large format screen is in order. That will make a big impact visually. If we had to roadmap the upgrade from a mid level home theater we would first upgrade speakers, which includes the subwoofer, then amplification whether that be separates or a powerful receiver, then we'd upgrade the TV/Projector. The speakers will last more or less forever. Once you have enough amplification that will last for quite some time as well. Maybe even forever now that we have 3D audio and 8K pass through. It's the TV/Projector that will change the most. Whatever you can't afford now will be a black friday doorbuster in a few years. Buy the new screen once you have your audio in order.