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    Gadgets

    HDTV and Home Theater Podcast

    The HT Guys, Ara Derderian and Braden Russell, are Engineers who formerly worked for the Advanced Digital Systems Group (ADSG) of Sony Pictures Entertainment. ADSG was the R&D unit of the sound department producing products for movie theaters and movie studios. Two of the products they worked on include the DCP-1000 and DADR-5000. The DCP is a digital cinema processor used in movie theaters around the world. The DADR-5000 is a disk-based audio dubber used on Hollywood sound stages. ADSG was awarded a Technical Academy Award by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 2000 for the development of the DADR-5000. Ara holds three patents for his development work in Digital Cinema and Digital Audio Recording. Every week they put together a podcast about High Definition TV and Home Theater. Each episode brings news from the A/V world, helpful product reviews and insights and help in demystifying and simplifying HDTV and home theater. Our email address is hdtvpodcast@mac.com

    Advertise

    Copyright: Copyright © 2022, HT Guys. All rights reserved.

    • Apple Podcasts
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    • Spotify

    Latest Episodes:
    Podcast #1180: Christmas Classics and where you can stream them Dec 13, 2024
    Show notes

    On this week's show we give you ten Christmas Classics and where you can stream them. We also read your emails and take a look at the week's news stories.

    News:

    • Netflix promises smooth, family-friendly streams of 'WWE Raw' are coming
    • Sports Central is one of DIRECTV Stream's hidden gems
    • Walmart Completes $2.3 Billion VIZIO Acquisition
    • Is Amazon preparing to buy Roku?

    Other:

    • 9.16.4 Channel Home Theater! McIntosh House Of Sound Tour
    • House of Sound NYC
    10 Christmas Movies and Where to Watch Them

    Each time this year our family loves to settle in and watch Christmas movies that are loaded on our Plex Server. This year one of my daughters decided to watch the 1994 version of Miracle on 34th Street when I said to her the quality of the movie was better than I remembered, our Plex Server has a DVD rip, she said that she was watching on Disney+. This got me thinking which of my favorite Christmas movies are available to stream and on what service. So for this episode we give you ten Christmas Classics and where you can stream them.

    1. Die Hard, 1988 IMDB Rating 8.2/10 — Peacock, Hulu
    2. Elf, 2003 IMDB Rating 7.1/10— Max, Hulu
    3. Home Alone, 1990 IMDB Rating 7.7/10— Disney+
    4. How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, 1966 IMDB Rating 8.3/10 — Peacock, Fubo
    5. It's a Wonderful Life, 1946 IMDB Rating 8.6/10 — Prime
    6. Miracle on 34th Street, 1947 IMDB Rating 7.9/10 — Paramount+
    7. Miracle on 34th Street, 1994 IMDB Rating 6.6/10 — Peacock, Disney+
    8. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, 1989 IMDB Rating 7.5/10 — Hulu, Max
    9. The Santa Clause, 1994 IMDB Rating 6.6/10 — Disney+
    10. White Christmas 1954 IMDB Rating 7.6/10 — Prime

    Podcast #1179: Could Legacy Audio Brands Disappear Next Year? Dec 06, 2024
    Show notes

    On this week's show we ask "Could Legacy Audio Brands Disappear Next Year?" We also read your emails and take a look at the week's news.

    News:

    • Peacock to Stream First Ever Animated Madden NFL Cast During Texans vs. Chiefs
    • AT&T Sets a Date to Shut Down DSL Internet & Traditional Phone Service in Most Areas
    • Max password-sharing restrictions coming soon

    Other:

    • Hisense 85" Class R6 Series 4K UHD Roku Smart TV
    Could Legacy Audio Brands Disappear Next Year?

    Major audio brands, including Denon, Marantz, Klipsch, and Pioneer, are facing potential extinction as their parent companies, Masimo and Voxx International, struggle with significant financial difficulties.

    Masimo, having acquired Sound United's brands for $1.532 billion in 2022, reported a decline in consumer audio revenue from $171.5 million to $161.4 million, leading to a loss of $31.3 million, including $12.9 million in Q3 alone. Similarly, Voxx International witnessed a 35% drop in consumer electronics sales and a 15.4% overall revenue decline, exacerbated by a $40 million court judgment and halted production of key brands due to licensing issues.

    The declines are attributed to a post-COVID market slump, where the surge in sales during the pandemic is now reversing, alongside structural corporate issues and shifting consumer preferences.

    The post-COVID slump

    The pandemic created a surge in home audio sales as people built home offices and upgraded their living spaces. But those golden days are over. Since 2022, sales have crashed by up to 30% in some cases.

    For example, Voxx International's consumer electronics dropped by 35% partly because people aren't spending like they used to. Even turntables, which were flying off the shelves during lockdown, are now collecting dust in warehouses.

    The corporate structure problem

    The problems run deeper than just sales.

    Masimo, a medical tech company, lacks the expertise to run an audio business. They're experts at hospital equipment, but high-end speakers are a different game entirely.

    Voxx faces similar challenges. They can't even make Pioneer products anymore because of licensing issues!

    Perhaps because of these misalignments, both companies are trying to squeeze unrealistic profits out of these brands (around 300% to 500% margins).

    That's like trying to sell a $100 pair of headphones for $500.

    Voxx did manage to cut costs by $5.3 million in Q2, but their operating losses continue to mount.

    Basically, managing multiple classic brands under one corporate umbrella has only added to their struggles, spreading resources thin and diluting brand identities.

    The changing consumer market

    Consumer preferences have also changed dramatically:

    • Young music fans prioritize convenience over traditional hi-fi setups. They're not looking for massive speaker setups anymore. Instead, they look for portable, budget-friendly solutions that fit their lifestyle better.
    • Serious audiophiles are turning to vintage equipment, which often matches or exceeds new products in quality and value.
    • Some Chinese manufacturers have come in to offer the same things luxury audio brands do but at less cost. So, customers have been leaning towards them more in recent years.

    Podcast #1178: Happy Thanksgiving Nov 28, 2024
    Show notes

    On this week's show The HT Guys are thankful for our family, friends and listeners! This is a shortened podcast with emails and the week's news.

    News:

    • Amazon Unveils All-New Fire TV Products
    • MLB Eyes Major Streaming Shift in 2028, Aiming for National Blackout-Free Packages | Cord Cutters News
    • Bose Acquires High-End Audio Brand McIntosh
    • Video Streaming Service American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI)

    Other:

    • Samsung QB85C 85" 4K (3840x2160) 75Hz LED FreeSync Monitor, Black - Newegg.com
    • Samsung QN85QN85DBFXZA 85" Neo QLED 4K Smart TV with Dolby Atmos (2024) - Newegg.com
    Happy Thanksgiving!

    Podcast #1177: Black Friday 2024 Nov 22, 2024
    Show notes

    On this week's show we take a look at some great Black Friday deals to set up a home theater. We also read your emails and take a look at the week's news.

    News:

    • Netflix's Tyson-Paul Boxing Bout Gets 65 Million Viewers at Peak
    • Meet Wi-Fi 8, which will trade speed for a more reliable experience
    • Smart TV ownership reaches 68% as prices fall

    Other:

    • Starling Home Hub
    Black Friday Deals

    Best Buy Black Friday Deals

    • Hisense - 85" Class QD6 Series QLED 4K UHD Smart Google TV (2024) $649.99 Save $450 Was $1,099.99
    • Sony - 77" Class BRAVIA 8 OLED 4K UHD Smart Google TV (2024) $2599.99 Save $400 Was $2999.99
    • Insignia™ - 55" Class F30 Series LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV $229.99 Save $120 Was $349.99
    • Pioneer Elite - VSX-LX105 7.2 Channel Network AV Receiver $499 Save $300 Was $799

    Costco Black Friday Deals

    • Samsung 70" Class - DU6900D Series - 4K UHD LED Smart TV $479.99 Save $50 Was $529.99 (Includes 3 Year Warranty)
    • LG 75" Class - QNED90 Series - 4K UHD MiniLED LCD TV $1599.99 Save $200 Was $1799.99 (5 year Total Coverage with Allstate 3-Year Protection Plan)

    Other Deals

    • Roku Smart TV – 65-Inch Select Series 4K HDR $378 Save $71.99 Was $449.99
    • TCL 98-Inch Q65 QLED 4K UHD Smart TV with Google TV $1449.99 Save $1550 Was $2999.99
    • Insignia™ - 32" Class F20 Series LED HD Smart Fire TV $74.99 Save $55 Was $129.99
    • Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds $189 Save $60 Was $249
    • Apple AirPods (3rd Generation) $94 Save $75 Was $169
    • Blink Mini 1080p Security Camera $17.99 Save $12.00 Was $29.99
    • Blink Outdoor 4 - Battery-Powered Smart Security 3-Camera System $99.99 Save $160 Was $259.99
    • Roku Streaming Stick 4K Streaming Device 4K/HDR/Dolby Vision with Voice Remote with TV Controls $34.99 Save $15 Was $49.99
    • Roku Premiere | 4K/HDR Streaming Media Player $18 Save $21.99 Was 39.99
    • SVS Prime Wireless Pro SoundBase $499 Save $200 Was $699
    • Amazon eero Pro 6E mesh wifi router (newest model) 3 Pack $349.99 Save $200 Was $549.99
    • CINEMA 1200 SOUND BAR 5.1.4 SYSTEM $799 Save $1100 Was $1899
    • SVS and RSL speakers are running great sales on their speakers

    Podcast #1176: Flatten Your Warped Vinyl and Pause Your Streaming Services Nov 15, 2024
    Show notes

    On this week's show we take a look at a device that claims it will flatten your warped vinyl. Then we ask is there anything that can be done to prevent subscribers from pausing the streaming services. We also read your email and take a look at the week's news.

    News:

    • Xumo expands retail scope with Target deal
    • Matter 1.4 now supports more smart home devices and adds new capabilities
    • TiVo to launch smart TVs in US by year-end
    • Apple Set For Smart Home Revolution

    Other:

    • Cosm
    • LG Display's stretchable screen is now even stretchier - The Verge
    Record Pi Vinyl Flattener

    A couple of episodes ago we talked about a turntable that uses suction to make warped records flat. Ara joked about taking a blow dryer and heating up the record and then just unwarping it. Well it turns out that there is a product that essentially does this. One of our listeners, Matthew Dropco, pointed us to a product that flattens your vinyl!

    The Record Pi ($275) vinyl flattener is an innovative solution tailored for fixing warped vinyl records, featuring a patent-pending integrated system comprising three essential components: the Record Pi Device, Record Pi Temperature Controller, and Record Pi Heating Case. The Record Pi Device is engineered using premium steel alloy, ensuring an even distribution of heat while securely holding the record to apply uniform flattening pressure with heavy metal alloy plates and protective Groove Guards. The Temperature Controller offers precise temperature regulation within 1°F of the target range of 100 to 145°F, allowing users to remotely adjust settings via internet connectivity using either Google Android or Apple iOS devices, provided a compatible Wi-Fi router is available.

    The Record Pi Heating Case not only warms the device during use but also serves as a practical storage solution when not in operation. The product comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee (with the buyer covering return shipping) and a two-year limited warranty, providing confidence in its durability and effectiveness. Weighing 16 lbs, the Record Pi is designed for US standard voltage of 110V but can also be used internationally with the appropriate voltage converter, ensuring its versatility for vinyl enthusiasts everywhere.

    What can streaming services do to keep customers from pausing subscriptions?

    We found an article over at TheStreamable.com opining about "What can streaming services do to keep customers from pausing subscriptions". We have some thoughts on this as well!

    As streaming services in the U.S. approach market saturation, the focus has shifted from acquiring new customers to retaining current ones. Recent data reveals a significant rise in viewers pausing their subscriptions, increasing from 29.8% in 2022 to 34.2% in early 2024. Many consumers are not dissatisfied with their services; rather, they find it hard to justify the cost until new desirable content is available.

    To address this issue, streaming providers are exploring various strategies. Current efforts include enhancing bundling options, as surveys indicate that bundled services can significantly decrease cancellations. Recent bundles, such as the Disney+, Hulu, and Max combination, aim to encourage user loyalty.

    Additional strategies could involve allowing customers to temporarily pause their subscriptions while keeping their accounts active. For example, Hulu could offer a one-time 30-day pause option at a lower rate, such as on an ad-supported plan, to keep users engaged without full financial commitment. Overall, creative retention strategies beyond simple discounts may be essential for preventing subscription pauses.


    Podcast #1175: Tips for Buying your 4K TV on Black Friday Nov 08, 2024
    Show notes

    On this week's show we take a quick look at a $20 set of earbuds, the Soundcore A30i. We also get you ready for your Black Friday TV shopping with 10 tips. We also read your email and take a look at the week's news.

    News:

    • Disney+ Introduces Top 10 List Of Movies & TV Shows To Help Users Discover New Content

    • Samsung To Cease LED Production

    • This tiny smart puck can control your entire smart home

    Soundcore A30i by Anker

    The Soundcore A30i are earbuds that are housed in a lipstick-shaped case. They are lightweight and comfortable, ensuring they feel almost weightless during use. These earbuds have "noise cancellation" but I'd say it's more like noise isolation. Going from ANC to passthrough was almost imperceptible in the amount of sound coming from the outside. Since they do block out sounds, they work well in noisy environments.

    In terms of audio quality, the soundcore A30i delivers decent sound once you set the EQ. I was not happy with any of the preset EQ modes. But increasing the bass and treble yielded a nice sound. This is done through the soundcore app. You can turn on a 3D surround sound effect via the app as well. But after about 30 seconds it was turned off.

    Additionally, the earbuds feature four microphones equipped with AI technology that Anker claims yields crystal-clear calls, regardless of location. Not so! I made three test calls and everyone of them sounded bad to the person on the other end. When I reconnected with my AirPods the people I was talking with said it was much better. Range wasn't very good either. I put my phone on my workbench and by the time I got to the edge of my garage there were dropouts. I tested this multiple times.

    So is it all bad? Is there any redeeming features? Well yes there is, it only costs $20! For twenty dollars this makes a great stocking stuffer for a younger child who may be prone to losing things. They are also a good backup for when your Airpod Maxs start to hurt your ears. Sometimes you need to give your ears a break from the vice that's on your head!

    Tips for Buying your 4K TV on Black Friday

    Buying a new 4K TV can be an exciting yet overwhelming experience due to the variety of options available. With Black Friday deals right around the corner we want you to consider a few things before you go out hunting. Here are steps you need to take to ensure you get the best TV for your budget:

    1. Budget - This has to be the first consideration. Everything else is impacted by cost. Fortunately, you can get higher quality TVs for less money than when we first started doing Black Friday episodes. Once you set your budget and determine size (next tip) you can begin to decide on the other criteria.

    2. Screen Size: Choose the right size for your room. This is where you would expect us to come up with some cool formula about seating distance and screen size. Not us! Measure your available space and put the largest screen that will fit. Of course after you consider the remaining items on this list. Also, don't be opposed to knocking down walls or buying new furniture to gain a few more inches of diagonal ;-)

    3. Display Technology - You'll have to decide between OLED, QLED, and LED. Each has their place and will have an impact on screen size. By that we mean a larger OLED will cost more than an LED so you may not get the size you want. But in a nutshell

      1. OLED - Offers superior picture quality with deeper blacks and vibrant colors, ideal for dark rooms.

      2. QLED - Provides bright colors and is better in well-lit rooms, but can have slightly less contrast than OLED.

      3. LED - Generally more affordable but may not offer the same level of picture quality as OLED or QLED.

    4. Refresh Rate - If you're watching sports or into gaming. Higher refresh rates can provide even smoother visuals. If you watch movies and TV shows any TV on the market will have sufficient refresh rates.

    5. HDR Support - High Dynamic Range (HDR) enhances picture quality significantly by offering a brighter, more vibrant image with better contrast. Look for TVs that support multiple HDR formats, such as HDR10, Dolby Vision, or HDR10+. But make sure it has Dolby Vision at the very least.

    6. Smart Features - Most modern TVs have smart capabilities. Check the operating system and pre-installed apps. Ensure it supports the streaming services you use (like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, etc.). If you get a smoking deal on a TV that does not have the smart apps you are looking for, don't write it off. You can buy an AppleTV, Roku, etc with the money you saved.

    7. Audio Quality - This is a non issue. We assume ALL TVs have lousy speakers. So consider also buying a sound bar (if you don't already own one) while you are out buying your TV. Of course we recommend that you eventually buy a multi channel system that includes a receiver and 5.1.2 speakers!!

    8. Connectivity - Ensure the TV has ample HDMI ports, including HDMI 2.1 if you plan to connect next-gen gaming consoles. This is less important if you have a receiver doing the source switching.

    9. Viewing Angle - If you have a large room or plan on watching from different angles, consider a TV with good viewing angles. OLED TVs are the best. But if your viewing is head on this becomes less of an issue.

    10. Warranty and Customer Service - Finally, look at the manufacturer's warranty and customer service reputation. A good warranty can provide added peace of mind as can buying a brand that has a good reputation. Using a particular credit card may extend the warranty. Likewise buying from Costco will do the same. Don't pay for extended warranties. If they throw them in, great! But if a TV is going to fail it "typically" will do so within the warranty period. It's an odds game but the odds are in the consumer's favor.

    By following these steps, you'll be better equipped to choose the right 4K TV for you. Happy Hunting!


    Podcast #1174: Video Trends Nov 01, 2024
    Show notes

    On this week's show we discuss the Tivo Video Trends Report and we read your emails and and take a look at the week's news.

    News:

    • Streamers bet on food partners to help reduce churn
    • Samsung Reveals Its Reach: Free Streaming TV Service Is As Big as the Major Players
    • A Growing Number of Cord Cutters Don't Plan to Buy a New Streaming Device in 2024, Spelling Trouble for the Tech Giants

    Other:

    • 10 of the world's most expensive turntables | What Hi-Fi?
    TiVo Video Trends Report

    As we look at the content ecosystem in Q2 2024, consumers are noticeably scaling back their spend on content and as a result, the number of sources they utilize for video. In this iteration of the Video Trends Report, we continue to see respondents supplement their video bundle and save money by turning to ad-supported services. In fact, the ratio of SVOD consumers utilizing lower-cost, ad-supported tiers has increased across the board, while the share of consumers utilizing ad-free SVOD services has dropped almost 18% year-over-year.

    Some key findings:

    • 84.5% of respondents are prone to browsing before landing on a show or movie.
    • 77.8% of all respondents noted that they are at least tolerant of ads.
    • 63% of respondents noted reducing their entertainment spending.
    • 61.7% of respondents noted using at least one AVOD/FAST service in Q2.
    • 22% of Pay TV subscribers cut the cord then later resubscribed to traditional TV service.

    Average number of video sources reverting back to 2022 levels

    Q2 22/Q2 23/Q2 24

    Average Total Services 9.9 10.9 9.1

    Avg Paid Services 6.7 6.9 5.7

    Avg Non-paid Services 3.2 4.0 3.4

    Household income does have an impact on the number of sources used, but it does not appear to be as substantial of a driver as demographics like age or geography. At the low end of less than $20K you have about 10 sources for 2023 and 2024. Households with incomes of $200K or more saw an increase from 10 sources in 2023 to about 14 in 2024.

    Percentage of Respondents Who Watch on Each Device

    Q2 22/Q2 23/Q2 24

    TV 81.0% 78.9% 81.3%

    Smartphone 50.6% 60.2% 51.8%

    Tablet 29.2% 30.9% 25.3%

    Computer 36.6% 37.3% 33.7%

    When it comes to discovery methods, the percentage of those who find out about new TV shows or movies from commercials has declined 3% year-over-year. In comparison, word of mouth and recommendations from friends continue to remain the most commonly used method of discovery.

    Top Methods of Discovery

    % of all respondents/YoY Change

    Word of mouth / friends 50.1% +4.8%

    Commercials or ads that run during other shows 40.6% -2.9%

    Social media 39.7% +2.3%

    Streaming apps / home screen / carousel ads 39.3% +5.9%

    Suggestions in my pay-TV channel guide or menus 27.9% +1.0%

    Print, outdoor and/or online banner advertisements 14.3% +6.9%

    News articles or stories outside social media 9.7% -6.7%

    Emails or newsletters from streaming services 9.6% -0.1%

    Radio 7.8% +0.7%

    Daily viewership is largely consistent; Importance of local news drops 5% YoY. Fifty Four percent think local content is somewhat or very important compared to 59% in Q2 2023. Twenty One percent of all time spent watching video is spent watching local content, compared to 22.6% in Q2 2023.

    27% of car owners report watching video in the car. This is down 13% from last year.

    Top Reasons for Watching Video In-Car

    To pass the time while waiting in the car 49.6%

    To keep children entertained 45.1%

    To pass the time on long road trips 34.7%

    To pass the time while commuting 31.6%

    To pass the time while filling up at the gas station 26.8%

    To watch something immediately/couldn't wait to watch it later 20.0%

    To pass the time while charging an electric vehicle 18.4%

    SVOD churn declines as more respondents turn to ad-supported tiers. Eighty Four Percent utilize SVOD services. This is a slight decline from 88.0% this time last year.

    SVOD Viewing Habits

    TV 67.9%

    Smartphone 12.5%

    Computer 11.5%

    Tablet 8.%

    Transactional video on demand (TVOD) usage takes a hit in Q2 2024; Amazon remains firmly at the top. Forty Four percent use a TVOD service. This is down about 6% from 50.8% in Q2 2023, seemingly driven primarily by a decrease among pay-TV subscribers.

    Number of TVOD purchases per year Q2 2022 9.1%, Q2 2023 11.3%, Q2 2024 7.3%

    Forty Six percent have not gone to the movie theater in over a year. In fact, only 32.2% report that they'll most likely see a new movie in the theater (down roughly 2% year-over-year), compared to 55.5% who would most likely wait to stream it.

    Reasons respondents prefer to stream new releases at home

    It costs us more than $30 to actually go to the movies 46.7%

    It's too much of a hassle to go to the movie theater 33.2%

    You can't pause the movie at the theater 30.7%

    I have a great TV/sound system at home 29.6%

    I have better snacks at home 26.1%

    The movie theaters near me aren't very good 15.6%

    Movie theater seats are uncomfortable 15.1%

    Other theatergoers are loud, rude, etc. 14.9%

    You don't have to sit through ads and previews at home 14.8%

    I don't want to get sick 10.9%

    Sixty Seven percent of all free AVOD/FAST viewers noted watching some form of free live streaming TV or FAST channels, which in Q2 2024 accounts for roughly 51% the viewing time of all free AVOD/ FAST services. This has remained relatively flat year-over-year.

    Top Free AVOD/FAST Services (Most popular to least popular)

    • Tubi
    • Pluto TV
    • Roku Channel
    • Freevee
    • Samsung TV Plus
    • Crackle
    • Vudu
    • Global TV
    • Plex
    • CBC Gem

    Ad Tolerance by Service Type

    • Averse to ads (avoid watching ads during video)
    • Tolerant of ads (don't mind watching ads sometimes)
    • In favor of ads (I prefer to watch ads during video instead of paying)

    Averse/Tolerant/In Favor

    Pay TV 23.7% 63% 13.3%

    SVOD (Ad-Supported) 17.0% 69.5% 13.6%

    SVOD (Ad-free) 24.3% 64.2% 11.5%

    Free AVOD/FAST 20.7% 65.1% 14.2%

    VMVPD 26.8% 60.9% 12.3%

    Social Video/UGC 22.1% 65.3% 12.6%

    Free AVOD/FAST users report the excessive and repetitive nature of ads as top reasons for their ad-aversion.


    Podcast #1173: Halloween Movies Oct 25, 2024
    Show notes

    On this week's show we take a look at the Pro-Ject 12.2 turntable and ask who is this for. And since it's Halloween we give you a list of five Halloween movies that you can watch with the family. We also read your emails and take a look at the week's news.

    News:

    • Best Buy supersizes its TV selection for the holidays
    • Spectrum Invests $9 Billion to Bring High Speed Internet & TV to Rural America
    • Fox Sports Aims To Enhance World Series Coverage With 'Inside-Out' Perspective
    • Roku Keeps 37% Share of North American CTV Streaming Device Market
    Pro-Ject's Flagship Signature

    The Pro-Ject Signature 12.2 turntable looks like an amazing electronic device that is also art. But from a music lover's point of view, is the price tag of $14,999 worth it? Pro-Ject has made a name for itself as a pioneer in high-end technology and they say that the craftsmanship justifies the cost, but from a purely music lover's point of view, it's ludicrous to spend that kind of money on a record player. But we get it, this product seems more like a luxury statement than a necessary audio component. So we'll ask our listeners the question of whether anyone truly requires a turntable that costs more than many people's monthly rent.

    When you read the product info it's clear they are not talking to us: "With painstaking hand-polished metal parts and a chassis that involves 10 layers of paint", so who is this really for? They do use terms like "anti-resonance" and "precision CNC machining." Maybe I need to use terms like that in my speaker ads on Etsy. Precision cuts and only the best glue make my speakers the best out there. LOL, Actually, I wish I had a CNC machine to make precision cuts!!

    What it boils down to is, does the average (or even audiophile) music lover need their vinyl spinning on a platter that weighs almost 25 pounds? Especially when even some budget turntables can deliver decent sound quality for a fraction of the price.

    In the end consider this, all cars can get you from point A to point B, so why do some people drive expensive high end cars? Well it's about performance and in some cases image. There is an absolute measurable difference driving a Porsche vs a Honda Accord. I'm not so sure you can say that about the Pro-Ject 12.2. Well unless you are going to build a shrine to it and display it prominently in your music room. It ships in November. Full Product Information…

    The HT Guys List of Halloween Movies to Watch

    As Halloween approaches, it's the perfect time to gather your friends and family for a spooky movie marathon. Whether you're a fan of classic horror, light-hearted thrills, or animated fun, there's something for everyone in the spirit of the season. Here is a HT Guys list of five highly rated Halloween movies that you can enjoy in your home theater. Grab your popcorn and enjoy these Halloween favorites!

    1. Halloween (1978) (IMDB Rating 7.7) - Directed by John Carpenter, this classic slasher film introduces Michael Myers. Fifteen years after murdering his sister on Halloween night 1963, Michael Myers escapes from a mental hospital and returns to the small town of Haddonfield, Illinois, to kill again.
    2. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) (IMDB Rating 7.9) - This animated musical by Tim Burton combines Halloween and Christmas themes as Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King, attempts to take over Christmas.
    3. A Quiet Place (2018) (IMDB Rating 7.5) - A suspenseful thriller about a family living in silence to avoid creatures that hunt by sound, appealing to teens who enjoy intense storytelling.
    4. Ghostbusters (1984) (IMDB Rating 7.8) - Three parapsychologists forced out of their university funding set up shop as a unique ghost removal service in New York City, attracting frightened yet skeptical customers.
    5. It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (1966) (IMDB Rating 8.1) - A classic animated special that follows the Peanuts gang as they wait for the Great Pumpkin on Halloween night.

    Podcast #1172: Fall TV Line up and Braden is Back! Oct 18, 2024
    Show notes

    On this week's show Braden is back!! We discuss if greed threatens to ruin the revival and go over the 2024/2025 TV season. We also read your emails and take a look at the week's news.

    News:

    • Plex intros movie, TV reviews for friends to share
    • Roku feature turns TVs into security hub
    • DirecTV to Launch Free, Ad-Supported Streaming Service Next Month

    Other:

    • www.DoItForMe.Solutions
    • What is Home Assistant and why is it so popular?
    • The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best UPS System for Your Home

    Vinyl sales drop 33⅓ as greed threatens to ruin the revival

    Vinyl sales are slumping after years of growth. Is greed killing the golden goose of old-school audio? Full article here…

    2024 TV Season Snapshot

    Fox:

    Renewed Fox TV shows returning in fall 2024

    Dramas: 9-1-1: Lone Star, Accused Comedies: Bob's Burgers, Krapopolis, The Simpsons Unscripted: The Floor, Hell's Kitchen, The Masked Singer, Crime Scene Kitchen

    Renewed Fox TV shows returning midseason

    Dramas: Alert: Missing Persons Unit, The Cleaning Lady Comedies: Family Guy, Animal Control, The Great North, Grimsburg Unscripted: Extracted, LEGO Masters, MasterChef, Name That Tune, Next Level Chef, Special Forces: World's Toughest Test

    New Fox TV shows for the 2024-2025 season

    Dramas: Rescue: HI-Surf, Murder in a Small Town, Doc (midseason) Comedies: Universal Basic Guys, Going Dutch (midseason) Unscripted: Extracted (midseason)

    Canceled Fox TV shows that won't be back in 2024

    Housebroken

    NBC:

    Renewed NBC TV shows returning in fall 2024

    Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, Chicago P.D., Found, The Irrational, Law & Order, Law & Order: SVU, Lopez vs. Lopez, Night Court

    Renewed NBC TV shows returning midseason

    Deal or No Deal Island

    New NBC TV shows for the 2024-2025 season

    Brilliant Minds, Happy's Place, St. Denis Medical, The Americas (midseason), Destination X (midseason), The Hunting Party (midseason)

    Canceled NBC TV shows that won't be back

    Extended Family, La Brea, Magnum P.I., Quantum Leap, Transplant

    CBS:

    Renewed CBS TV shows returning in fall 2024

    48 Hours, 60 Minutes, Blue Bloods, The Equalizer, FBI, FBI: International, FBI: Most Wanted, Fire Country, Ghosts, NCIS, The Neighborhood, Survivor, S.W.A.T.

    Renewed CBS TV shows returning midseason

    NCIS: Sydney

    New CBS TV shows for the 2024-2025 season

    Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage, Matlock, NCIS: Origins, Poppa's House, The Summit, Watson

    Canceled CBS TV shows that won't be back

    Bob Hearts Abishola, CSI: Vegas, Loteria Loca, NCIS: Hawai'i, So Help Me Todd, Young Sheldon

    ABC:

    Renewed ABC TV shows returning in fall 2024

    Dramas: 9-1-1, Grey's Anatomy

    Comedies: Abbott Elementary

    Unscripted: Dancing with the Stars, Shark Tank, America's Funniest Home Videos, Press Your Luck, Celebrity Wheel of Fortune

    Renewed ABC TV shows returning midseason

    Dramas: The Rookie, Will Trent

    Comedies: The Conners

    Unscripted: American Idol, The Bachelor, Celebrity Jeopardy!, Celebrity Wheel of Fortune, What Would You Do?

    New ABC TV shows for the 2024-2025 season

    Dramas: High Potential, Doctor Odyssey

    Unscripted: The Golden Bachelorette, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition (midseason)

    Docuseries: Scamanda

    Canceled ABC TV shows that won't be back

    Station 19, The Good Doctor, Not Dead Yet

    CW:

    Renewed CW TV shows returning in fall 2024

    Dramas: Sullivan's Crossing, Superman & Lois

    Comedies: Children Ruin Everything

    Unscripted: Whose Line Is It Anyway?, Penn & Teller: Fool Us

    Sports: Inside the NFL

    Renewed CW TV shows returning in 2025

    Dramas: All American, Wild Cards

    New CW TV shows premiering in fall 2024

    Dramas: Joan

    Unscripted: Trivial Pursuit, Scrabble, The Wranglers, WWE NXT (Broadcast Television Debut)

    New CW TV shows premiering midseason

    Dramas: Good Cop/Bad Cop, Sherlock & Daughter

    Canceled CW TV shows that won't be back

    Dramas: All American: Homecoming (final season airing in summer 2024), Walker, The Spencer Sisters

    Comedies: Run the Burbs, Everybody Burns


    Podcast #1171" We Catch Up with Email and News Oct 11, 2024
    Show notes

    On this week's show Ara catches up with email and news. Braden is back next week! Also, sorry for the aggressive noise gate. Trust me it's better than hearing me wheeze!

    News:

    • DirecTV and Dish to Merge
    • Fubo Launches 'Multiview' Beta on Roku
    • SVS Launches 17-Ultra R|Evolution Subwoofers - A Quantum Leap Forward in Subwoofer Design.

    Other:

    • Victory+ Sports Network
    • Inovelli Smart Home
    • Google TV Streamer 4K User Interface Review
    • Vintage Review – Technics SL-5200 Turntable
    • AUDIO Cu | Multi-Room Audio Over Power Lines
    • 100" Class U76N ULED 4K Google TV

    Previous 1 10 11 12 13 14 85 Next

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