HDTV and Home Theater Podcast

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Podcast #1092: A Speaker Selection Journey Mar 24, 2023

Show notes

This week we go on a speaker evaluation journey with Ara and his daughter. But not before we read your emails and the week's news.

News:

Other:

JBL Speaker Makeover but I didn't have a tweeter.

Bought Dayton Audio DC25T-8 1" Titanium Dome Tweeter for $17 a piece.

These tweeters are very efficient, 93db vs 88db for the entire 2500.

This mismatch was very off putting. The tweeter was overpowering the woofer and it was fatiguing to listen to.

So I researched how to reduce the high frequencies otherwise known as Tweeter attenuation

Tweeter attenuation is the reduction of voltage & power to a tweeter to decrease its volume output. This is usually done with a resistor network with values chosen to match the expected load of a stereo, amplifier, or speaker crossover.

Essentially what I did was cut the positive (red) lead and insert a resistor. There is a formula that is used to determine how much attenuation a specific resistor value achieves

So I bought a few resistors and went through the process of removing the tweeter and clipping in a resistor and listening. I used alligator clips during the testing phase and I soldered the final result and shrink wrapped the connection.

In my case I ended up with a 5 ohm resistor which resulted in a 9 db attenuation. So now the speaker is no longer excessively bright and the Dayton Audio tweeters are much better than the JBL titanium tweeters. There was much more detail and just the right amount of "brightness".

You can do this if you have speakers that are bright as well. But you probably won't need to go as high a value as I did since the mismatch was so large. Speakers are designed to work together so if the speakers are bright they were designed that way. But even still if you love you speakers but want to tame them a bit you can easily do this.

I created a video that I uploaded to YouTube. It's not a how to but it visually shows you what i am talking about. I even try to record the before and after using a good microphone. But it's impossible to hear the difference. In person the difference is dramatic. Just make sure you use audio grade resistors. Part Express has plenty and they are a couple of dollars each.

Once I had everything dialed in I wanted to do a blind listening test. For that I asked my daughter to be the guinea pig. She accepted and got a huge lesson in auditioning speakers. The speakers being auditioned:

JBL 2500 (Ara Redo all JBL components)
JBL 2500 (Ara Redo wit DA Tweeter and 5 ohm resistor)
JBL LX22 (Ara Redo)
CSS Audio Criton 2D Kit
Ascend Acoustics Sierra 1 (Ara Redo all Ascend Acoustics components)

We listened to the identical parts of each song on all speakers.

First Test

I asked her to pick a song that she liked. I don't remember the name but it was by a band called Camino. I played it on all five different speakers and asked her if she had a favorite. To me it sounded terrible on all speakers. The mix was a jumble of sounds that was just bad. She actually agreed but selected the Ascend Acoustics as the best worst sounding example of crappy music. That was me editorializing.

Second Test

The first minute of "Wish You Were Here" by Pink Floyed. Wow! What a difference. I could see on my daughter's face that she was blown away by the imaging. The song starts out with an old timey AM radio feel in the right channel. Then when the effect disappears and the guitar comes up smack dab in the middle of your listening position. You just smile. I then start over and switch speakers. The other thing that I found interesting is that for most speakers she couldn't tell which pair was on. By the end of the test, she started recognizing the characteristics of some of the speakers and was able to tell which ones were on. Test two goes to JBL 2500 with the DA tweeter.

We listened to seven total tracks with the results below:

Fifth of May by Zach Bryan - JBL 2500 with DA Tweeter
Dawns by Zach Bryan - JBL 2500 with DA Tweeter
Tin Pan Alley by SRV - CSS Audio (so much bass!)
Everything She Ain't by Haily Whitters - JBL 2500 wit h DA Tweeter
I have Got You Under My Skin Live in Boston by Chris Botti featuring Katharine McPhee - Ascend Acoustics

In the end the JBL 2500 with the Dayton Audio tweeter was the speaker my daughter picked most. But all these speakers sounded really good. It really comes down to what kind of music you like listening to determine what speakers you will like. In reality all these speakers performed well. If you like bass heavy music then the CSS Audio speakers would be your go to. If you like clear detail then the Ascend Acoustics might be what you would go with. By the way, the CSS audio has great highs and the Ascend Acoustics has great lows. Just not as good as the other.

But what really surprised me is how well the modified JBL 2500 did against speakers costing $600 to $800 more. If you have any sort of wood working skills, you can build yourself some amazing speakers for a fraction of what you would pay for commercial products.

Our final recommendation is to consider the type of music you listen to and do research. Once you narrow it down, audition the speakers if possible. Take advantage of in home trials. Try to have them in the house at the same time and keep the ones that sound best. It's a lot of work but speakers practically last forever so choose wisely!

Podcast #109: Set up your Speakers Properly Mar 17, 2023

Show notes

This week Ed Mullen and Nick Brown of SVS join the show to help you get the most out of your speakers. We also read your emails and discuss the week's news.

News:

Other:

For Bill, these are five great sounding vinyl records (in no specific order and not knowing his taste of music):

Any Dire Strait album
Fleetwood Mac - Rumors (Pallas Pressing)
Funkadelic - Maggot Brain
Dave Brubeck - Time Out
Radiohead - Ok Computer

Set up your Speakers Properly

A couple of months ago Stan from Pittsburgh sent us an email asking if we could do a feature on setting up speakers in rooms that may not be ideal. For that we turn to Ed Mullen Senior Director of Customer Service and Technology and Nick Brown Vice President of Marketing for SVS.

Home of the 45 day in home trial that includes free shipping and returns. Check out svsound.com for more details.

Podcast #1090: New Sony Bravia TVs and Why Movie Theaters Fail Mar 10, 2023

Show notes

This week look at the new Sony Bravia line for 2023 and discuss why watching movies at home is better than in the cinema. We also read your emails and take a look at the week's news.

News:

Other:

HT Guys Music Testing Playlist

Sony 2023 Bravia TV

Sony Electronics Inc. announced its 2023 BRAVIA XR™ TV Lineup, with Cognitive Processor XR™, for the ultimate home entertainment experience. There are five new models in the BRAVIA XR line: X95L and X93L Mini LED, X90L Full Array LED, A95L QD-OLED and A80L OLED. All models are equipped with features to provide consumers with an immersive experience for watching movies, streaming apps, gaming and more. Full Press release…

2023 BRAVIA XR TVs have the updated Cognitive Processor XR, featuring the all new XR Clear Image on select models, which improves noise reduction and clarity with motion, reducing blur and creating scenes bursting with action. The Cognitive Processor XR enables better backlight control for increased local dimming zones, increased brightness and decreased blooming.

Additionally, each model offers Acoustic Center Sync, which synchronizes the TV's audio system with the center channel of a compatible Sony soundbar turning it into the center speaker for the ultimate, immersive at-home experience. For consumers looking for an even more immersive sound experience, each model also works with Sony soundbars to offer 360 Spatial Sound Mapping which generates phantom speakers and sound field optimization. New this year, the X95L features Acoustic Multi-Audio+™, using frame tweeters to elevate the sound in a way that matches the image on screen. The A95L and A80L models feature Acoustic Surface Audio+™ with actuators that vibrate to produce sound from the entire screen, perfectly matching with what's playing on screen.

The 2023 BRAVIA XR lineup also allows gamers to take their PlayStation® 5 gaming to the next level with exclusive features, including Auto HDR Tone Mapping and Auto Genre Picture Mode, for optimized picture quality while gaming and streaming

Key BRAVIA XR lineup features:

Cognitive Processor XR with XR Clear Image: The Cognitive Processor XR replicates content the way people see and hear for an incredibly lifelike experience. The latest iteration of the Cognitive Processor XR for 2023 enters a new chapter in its development with advanced XR Clear Image. This technology further reduces noise and reduces blur in motion, creating scenes that burst with life.
Elevate the experience with Sony's sound products: Sony's new BRAVIA XR TVs are an excellent match for an array of Sony sound products, such as the HT-A9 Home Theater System or the HT-A7000, HT-A5000 and HT-A3000 soundbars. 360 Spatial Sound Mapping, a new frontier of spatial sound technology, is the latest addition to models HT-A7000 and HT-A5000. By calibrating sound to the chosen viewing room, the technology creates multiple optimally arranged phantom speakers for a wider and more immersive cinematic sound field.
Acoustic Center Sync: Pairs perfectly with Sony soundbars – Acoustic Center Sync synchronizes the TV speakers with select Sony soundbars and AV receivers to reinforce the center speaker channel for clearer, fuller dialogue and more immersive sound. When paired with Sony Home Audio products, consumers can expect a truly exceptional at-home movie viewing experience.
XR Backlight Master Drive and Mini LED: Powered by Cognitive Processor XR™, the XR Backlight Master Drive uses a Sony-developed local dimming algorithm to control thousands of tiny, ultra-dense Mini LEDs with absolute precision and independence, delivering extraordinary brightness, impressive dynamic range, deep blacks and beautifully natural colors.
Perfect for PlayStation® 5 and new Gaming functions: Gamers can take their PlayStation® 5 gaming to the next level with exclusive features Auto HDR Tone Mapping and Auto Genre Picture Mode that optimize picture quality while gaming and streaming. With the newly added Game Menu, it has never been easier to fine-tune gaming settings and assist functions. All the essentials are at the gamer's fingertips for on the fly adjustments. Additionally, the BRAVIA XR A95L features Multi View, making it easier than ever to watch walkthroughs side-by-side while the gamer plays their favorite titles.
BRAVIA CORE: The BRAVIA CORE app is a pre-loaded movie service that comes with five, 10 or 15 movie credits to watch the latest releases and popular classics and additional movies up to 24 months of unlimited streaming, with the purchase of a BRAVIA XR TV. With BRAVIA XR technology, Pure Stream™ and IMAX® Enhanced, content is delivered with stunning visuals and expressive sound quality. Featuring BRAVIA CORE Calibrated Mode, movies will automatically adjust to the optimal picture settings including IMAX® Enhanced mode to create a truly exceptional at-home movie viewing experience. Over time, the app experience will be enriched with new features.
Crunchyroll® remote button: The Crunchyroll remote button gives BRAVIA users one-touch access to one of the world's largest anime libraries, a collection of more than 18,000 hours of anime, comprising more than 44,000 episodes and feature films, translated in multiple languages. Simulcasting is also accessible, so Japanese titles can be watched from abroad following broadcast in Japan.
BRAVIA CAM: BRAVIA CAM can detect the viewer's position to optimize the picture and sound according to room environment and viewing distance.
Google TV: See 700,000+ movies and TV episodes, plus live TV, all in one place. Google TV brings everyone's favorite content from across apps and subscriptions and organizes them. Searching is easy- just ask Google. Try saying, "Hey Google, find action movies" to search across apps.
Built with sustainability in mind: During manufacturing, Sony is reducing overall plastic usage by approximately 60%, and is cutting emissions by approximately 15% by using smaller and lighter packaging during transportation.
All Eco settings in one place: The Eco dashboard keeps all user settings in one place, making it easier to change them individually or in one go. With the Easy Setup option, users can optimize settings for their viewing environment.

Pricing and Availability

Suggested retail price and retail availability will be announced in spring 2023. For more information on new Sony television models, please watch Sony's BRAVIA XR announcement video here or visit the BRAVIA XR website: https://electronics.sony.com/bravia-xr-TV.

To learn more about each US model, please visit the links below:

Bad Projection Is Ruining the Movie Theater Experience

Michelle Pfeiffer and Jonathan Majors look like crap. Usually, they're two of the most radiant, dermatologically exceptional people in the world. But right now, they're decrepit husks of themselves, their faces so drained of color that they could pass for cadavers. Full Article Here…

For quite some time we have been making the case that we prefer to watch movies at home. We have modest home theaters, nothing like the ones we show on our YouTube channel. However, in our modest theaters we have very large screens, Braden has an 86" Sony UHD and Ara has a 100" Optoma UST Projection system. We also have good speakers and sound systems to match. But come on, you seriously aren't saying your audio and video quality are better than the cinema.

Getting back to the article, Jack Theakston, a projection specialist who works as a contractor at Dolby Laboratories and the article author visit flagship theaters and critique the experience. Jack immediately diagnoses the washed out issue: This is a 2-D showing of Ant-Man, but some neglectful employee has forgotten to remove the 3-D filter from the projector.

You can tell when it's happening because if you look at the port-window glass, instead of a single image, you'll see two, with one stacked on top of the other." He points up to the booth behind us, and sure enough, there are two stacked beams.

So imagine you pay your hard earned money only to find that the movie looks like crap. Are you going to complain and see if someone can diagnose the issue? Would you ask for your money back?

The two go into another theater and find trailers that are playing on screen that's creased and sagging. Almost as bad: The picture is trapezoidal instead of rectangular, a phenomenon known as keystoning, which happens when a projector is not set up perpendicular to the screen. It's fixable with software, if one bothers to do it.

The two spending the day finding plenty of other issues;

A torn masking curtain
Out of calibration projectors
Noisy dine in service
Variable seat pricing

However, the Dolby consultant can look the other way on most issues with the exception of bad projection. "If a movie theater can't perform its most basic function and deliver a sharp, well-lit image with the right colors and contrast, then we might as well knock it down and put up a bank."

The pandemic hurt theaters but the problem started well before. Back in 2009 when theaters went digital. Chains and studios loved this because there were no more film that had to be shipped and threaded into projectors. Everything was beamed into the cinema and then to the projector. One projectionist could cover an entire cinema.

The new projectionist was more like an IT guy instead of a skilled technician who could maintain and troubleshoot issues like the washed out faces we discussed at the top of this feature.

One of the most common issues today are dim images. That's because many of these projectors need new lamps that cost about $1500. Since cinemas are essentially broke they ride the old gear as long as they can, creating a situation where people can actually have a better experience at home.

Obviously this is not every theater, but enough to where people decide to stay home and stream. This starts the vicious cycle of cinemas not spending the money they need to in order to put out a quality product.

AMC announced that it will install laser projectors made by Barco in 3,500 of its U.S. theaters by 2026. These machines offer better brightness, colors, and contrast than standard digital projectors. They're also bulb free and can run for 20,000 hours before needing a replacement. But by 2026 will it even matter?

So why doesn't Hollywood do something about it. Jack argues that when there is a major hollywood premier the theater is gone through with a fine tooth comb to assure every aspect of the presentation is perfect. So our recommendation is, if you want to see a movie the way it was meant to be, go to a theater in Hollywood or New York. Otherwise get yourself a large OLED and have it professionally calibrated.

Podcast #1089: Freeform Radio of the 70s and 80s and Why Audio Reviewers Can't Hear Obvious Flaws Mar 03, 2023

Show notes

This week we take a trip down memory lane and discuss Los Angeles free form radio from the 70s and 80s. We also discuss a technology that may make LCD TVs obsolete. And finally we talk about audio reviewers and whether it's worth listening to what they have to say. Plus we read your emails and the week's news.

News:

Other:

HT Guys Listener Playlist Thank you Joseph
MantelMount

Freeform Radio from the 1970s and 80s

The other day I was wondering about a DJ that used to work at KLOS in Los Angele. Her name was Linda McGinnis. She had a beautiful voice and was an excellent DJ. So I wondered if she was still on the radio someplace. As it turned out she had passed away in 2003. If you lived in San Diego or the Bay area during the 70's and 80's I am sure you heard her.

However, in doing my search I found a couple of recordings that some had done and digitized off of an old cassette tape and posted on the Internet. It was an hour of Linda's daily show from October of 1981 replete with commercials of the day. It was a glorious trip down memory lane!

This started my trip down the rabbit hole! I found many other recordings from the DJs of KLOS and KMET all making me sad for the days when radio had true artists spinning the tunes. Back then, at least on freeform rock stations, DJs would curate music for you and help you discover artists and bands you never knew you needed to hear. For the past few days, I have been listening to these recordings in my car with a huge smile on my face.

Some DJs like Jim Ladd (from both KLOS and KMET fame) have freeform shows on Sirius radio. Jim can be found on Deep Tracks channel 27. Otherwise if you had a favorite DJ from your youth I recommend that you search his or her name and see if there are recordings from back in the day. You will thank me for this.

Surprisingly, Apple Music Radio is old school with it's DJs. My tastes have broadened to include country music so I listen to Apple Music Country and find their DJs are very much like the DJs of the 70s and 80s. They create sets based on their mood, time of year, or what their listeners are requesting. The DJs are in the industry and based in Nashville so they have their fingers on the pulse of what is happening in the country music scene.

I have discovered a bunch of country artists before everyone else in my circles. It's kind of fun being ahead of the curve like I was in highschool! I am giving my daughters music suggestions and they are wondering how on earth this old man knows about new artists before they do!!

I haven't listened to the other Apple Music stations but I assume the same thing happens there. Do you have a favorite station that's old school? Let us know because it's probably available through an app.

I am going to play about a minute of Linda on the radio. It made me sad and happy at the same time. Also, John in Cornwall there is a baseball comment in there that I hope you enjoy!

Linda McInnes, KLOS-FM Los Angeles, CA December 28, 1981 (Restored Unscoped)

Bob Coburn, Steve Downes, KLOS-FM Los Angeles, CA July 6, 1982-May 21, 1990 (Unscoped)

Meta-display concept could retire LCD panels in big-screen TVs

The metasurface display technology could replace the LCD layer in flat-screen televisions, bringing thinner panels, higher resolution, fast response times and lower power consumption. Full article here…

The metasurfaces are 100-times thinner than liquid crystal cells, offer a tenfold greater resolution and could consume less energy.
metasurface cells would replace the liquid crystal layer and would not require the polarisers, which are responsible for half of wasted light intensity and energy use in LCD displays.
The new technology pixels are made of silicon, which offer a long life span in contrast with organic materials required OLED. Moreover, silicon is widely available and cheap to produce.
The metasurface array could effectively just replace the liquid crystal layer in today's displays, which means manufacturers won't need to invest in brand new production lines to make panels.
The next phase of research will be building a large-scale prototype and generating images, which is hoped to be achieved within the next five years. Once the prototype has successfully generated high-definition images it is expected the technology will be integrated into flat screens and available to the public within the next 10 years.

A Room Full of Audio Reviewers Can't Hear Obvious Flaws

A couple months ago, I went to a press event I decided not to write about. The reason I demurred is that I could hear crackling and hiss coming out of the speakers when nothing was playing. But it occurred to me that no one else noticed that the system—a six-figure rig with some well known high-end gear in it—had the noise floor of a transistor radio playing static.

This is not the first or last time I've been in a room with audio reviewers who seemed to have no clue. I can recall one demo where the tweeter was blown on one of the speakers, and another where the source material turned out to be 96 kbps MP3.

No wonder some of these folks avoid double-blind tests like the plague.

Entire Thread on AVS Forum

Podcast #1088: Optimal Screen Size Feb 24, 2023

Show notes

This week we ask the question, how big is too big? We discuss what is the optimal size screen for your viewing situation. We also give some recommendations for some large screen TVs. We also read your emails and look at the week's news.

News:

Other:

How Long Should A TV Last?

To try to answer this question, RTINGS.com decided to run 100 TVs that they still have in the lab from the last 2-3 years through a grueling 2-year accelerated longevity test to see how long they last. Each TV will run for either 20 or 15.5 hours per day, for a total of 126 hours per week, turning off eight times a day to simulate normal use. Every two months, they'll take uniformity and brightness measurements to see how they age over time and to look for any uniformity issues or change in brightness over time. Updates will be posted on their website (How Long Should A TV Last? Our 100 TV Accelerated Longevity Test - RTINGS.com) and their YouTube channel.

What is the Optimal Size and Placement of my 4K TV

We are asked from time to time what size TV should I buy for my room. We typically say, "No one has ever said I should have bought a smaller TV". So we typically say buy the biggest one you can afford or that will fit in the room. No one has ever complained about this advice.

THX has some recommendations on how to calculate the optimal screen size for your room as well as where to place it. First let's take a look at placement. For optimal viewing, THX recommends that your line of sight be more or less aligned with the center of the screen. They suggest 15 degrees or less, above or below the center. Our recommendation is if the only place to mount the TV is over the fireplace, you should move!

For optimal distance from the screen in inches, divide the diagonal length by .835. So for a 70" screen the optimal distance is 7 feet (213 cm). The other way to use this formula is if you know the distance and want to calculate the optimal screen size if to take the distance in inches and multiply it by .835. So if you sit 10 feet (305 cm) away from where the screen would go, the optimal screen size is 100 glorious inches!

So what have we learned today? We learned that the HT guys have been successfully advising our listeners about screen size without the pesky use of math for years. Get the biggest size TV that you can afford that will fit in your room! Spouse approval optional. Just tell them Ara and Braden said it was OK.

Four Large TVs for under $1200 (Costco)

Samsung 75" - TU700D Series - 4K UHD LED LCD TV $679.99

Features:

Smart TV Powered by Tizen
Crystal Processor 4K
Works with Alexa and Google Assistant
Crystal Display
3 Year Warranty + HDMI Cable

LG 75" Class - NANO80 Series - 4K UHD LED LCD TV $899.99

Features:

α5 Gen 5 AI Processor 4K
Local Dimming
Active HDR10, HLG
$75 Streaming Service
Magic Remote

Sony 75" Class - X80CK Series - 4K UHD LED LCD TV $1099.99

Features:

3 Year Manufacturer Warranty
1 yr. Bravia Core Streaming + 5 Movie Credits
Premium Backlit Remote w/ Finder Function
4K HDR Processor X1
TRILUMINOS PRO Color

LG 86" Class - UQ8000 Series - 4K UHD LED LCD TV $1199.99

Features:

α7 Gen 5 AI Processor 4K
120 Hz Refresh Rate
AI Sound Pro
$75 Streaming Service
Magic Remote with NFC
Allstate 3-Year Protection Plan Bundle Included for 5 years of total coverage

Podcast #1087: Is ATSC Doomed to Fail? Feb 17, 2023

Show notes

This week we take a look at what is next for the ATSC 3.0 transition and why we think it will not be as smooth as the ATSC 1.0 transition. We also read your email and take a look at the week's news.

News:

What's Next for the ATSC 3.0 Transition?

Up until last week, all of the major parties involved in the transition from ATSC 1.0 to 3.0 appeared to be on the same page. Advocates touted the continuing progress in deployments, pointing to the fact that more than 60% of American TV households are capable of receiving NextGen TV. Although CES came and went with little news about NextGen TV, four of the world's largest manufacturers now offer sets with 3.0 tuners with Sony making them available across its entire TV line. Full Article Here…

More Support Needed

NAB wants the FCC to promote ATSC 3.0 more prominently.
NAB's highest priority request is that the FCC announce a cutoff similar to what it did with the ATSC 1.0 switchover.
ATSC 3.0 was announced in 2017.

A More Competitive Market

Touting the advantages of a standard that combines the flexibility of IP with far more efficient use of spectrum, the broadcasters told the commission that the deployment of 3.0 will help the industry better compete with streaming companies and similar Silicon Valley giants.
There were mandates in the early days of ATSC that required manufacturers to include ATSC 1.0 tuners in their products and to solve backward compatibility issues, ATSC converter boxes were available at no or little cost to consumers.
There were no streaming companies in 2009 that could produce a picture anywhere near what could be had OTA. Now 4K is everywhere. This makes it hard for broadcasters to compete.

Don't Expect a Mandate

Today, support for a tuner mandate is practically non-existent. In the first transition, the CEA initially opposed the mandate but eventually manufacturers had to comply with FCC rules that were implemented in 2005. But that stipulation was also part of an agreement that set a hard deadline for the analog switch off. While NAB is pushing for such a deadline today, it has consistently supported a mostly market-driven approach for the transition to 3.0.
With both the NAB and CEA are opposed to a mandate, what compels TV manufacturers to include ATSC 3.0 when consumers are not asking for them?
TV sets that support NextGen TV represented only 8% of overall TV set sales in the U.S. in 2022 and CTA predicts that almost 5 million will ship to dealers in 2023, representing 12% of the total. It expects that share to hit 50% by 2025. These are mostly high end models. Sony is the only manufacturer that will include NextGen TV tuners on all their models.
CTA believes set sales will accelerate, but that broadcasters have to make a purchase more compelling by offering more than what they're providing now. We have a classic chicken or egg situation here.
People are holding on to their TV sets much longer and those who have ATSC 1.0 TVs do not find the same compelling reason to switch over like the need to go from NTSC to ATSC. Realistically if you bought a high end 4K TV three years ago, you may not need to upgrade it for another ten years. The pool of potential upgraders is much smaller than in 2009.

What it Means for Broadcasters

Using 3.0 as a "data pipe" has been promoted as perhaps the "killer app" that will allow broadcasters to offer enterprise-level services such as software updates for anything from gaming systems to rental cars and providing live over the air streaming to vehicles and even playing a role in the slow but steady emergence of autonomous vehicles.
ATSC 3.0 technology is also being used to provide internet to areas that might not have access to traditional broadband.

Podcast # 1086: Listener Recommended Demo Material and New Sony Receiveers Feb 10, 2023

Show notes

This week we list the content our listeners use to show off their systems whether it be for music listening or movie watching. Also, Sony announced five new receivers that we discuss. And as usual, we read your emails and go over the week's news.

News:

Listener Recommended Music and Movie Demo Material

Music

JR - provided the following Spotify Playlist for Music Demos

Dan - Marcus Miller: Blast (from the album Marcus) Blast

Stan - Daddy's Gonna Pay For Your Crashed Car (U2) & the first three minutes, and Dear Prudence (Beatles)

Brian

Donald Fagen – The Nightfly – I.G.Y. (DSD64 5.1)
Foreigner – 4 – Waiting for a Girl Like You (DSD64 5.1)
The Alan Parsons Project – The Turn of a Friendly Card – Games People Play (DSD64 Stereo)
Heart – Dreamboat Annie – Crazy on You (FLAC 24bit/192kHz)
Steely Dan – Aja – Aja (DSD64 Stereo)
Aerosmith – Toys in the Attic – Walk This Way (DSD64 5.1)
Beck – Sea Change – Any Track! (DSD64 5.1)
Dire Straits – Brothers in Arms – Money for Nothing (DSD64 5.1)
Tears for Fears – The Tipping Point – Break the Man (Dolby Atmos)
Sting – Nothing Like the Sun – Englishman in New York (FLAC 24bit/96kHz)
Toto – IV – Africa (DSD64 5.1)

Curt - provided the following Spotify Playlist for Music Demos

John - My number one all time favorite test track that I have been using for over 30 years Is Supertramp's song Fool's Overture from their live album Paris. There is so much happening in the song in the different parts of the song. In the middle of the song it goes to all different sounds like a grandfather clock, wind blowing and then a great bass guitar building up to the second part of the song with a sax and other high pitch instruments and then it mellows down to a piano, drum and singer. This song gives me everything in one song to push and test speakers. Fleetwood Mac - Tusk (Bass) Rush - YYZ This instrumental track will put any speaker to the test. This is a very fast paced song with a lot of stereo testing as instruments move from one speaker to another (helps in speaker placing) and its fast. Chris Issak - Baby Did a very bad thing - he has an amazing voice and he can go from deep to very high

Mark - Chuck Mangione - Feels So Good

Poco - Heart of the Night

Poco - Crazy Love

From the Tommy Bolin album Private Eyes, Bustin' Out For Rosey, Sweet Burgundy, Post Toastee

Bill - here's a track I use to show off my subs. It was recorded by the Yellowjackets (Galileo for Jaco) as a tribute to Jack Pastorius in the 80s so it has that digitally produced sound. I've had grown men giggle like a kid at about a minute in.

Enrique - Hans Zimmer: Live in Prague

Movies

DJ - District 9 start at 12:15 and at 12:24 the engine shuts off and you can feel it.

JR - Ride of the Rohiorrim scene in The Return of the King (Youtube Clip in 4K with Atmos of this scene)

Brian

Blade Runner 2049 – Intro Scene
Gemini Man – Intro Scene (Dolby Vision 4K60)
Mad Max: Fury Road – Intro Scene
Ready Player One – Race Scene
Midway – Pearl Harbor Attack Scene
Top Gun: Maverick – Mach 10 Scene
Top Gun: Maverick – 2 Minutes 15 seconds Trial Run Scene

Curt - The race scene from "Ready Player One" (Atmos!), train wreck scene from "Super 8" (not Atmos or DTSX, but awesome surround cacophony)

John - the end of John Wick when they are in the rain and talking. Also Aquaman the fight sequence about a third of the way in the Italian village.

Mark - Ready Player One, the race scene early in the movie, Dune, around 2 hours into the movie they place the devices to lure the worms, the bass is insane with that, The Dark Knight, when Batman is in the batcave and he's test firing a big gun, crazy bass there too

Enrique - Maverick (of course), Mad Max, Blade Runner 2049

Sony Electronics Launches new ES 8K AV Receiver Lineup

Sony Electronics Inc. announced its newest addition to the brand's AV receiver line. These receivers are the first from Sony to feature 8K and 4K/120 support as well as Sony's 360 Spatial Sound Mapping technology. These receivers were tuned by Sony engineers to provide the most immersive home theater experience yet. The new ES line features four new models built mainly for custom installation. Additionally, the STR-AN1000 receiver is created for consumers looking to upgrade their current home theater system. Full Press Release Here…

STR-AN1000 - 7.2 Channel 8K A/V Receiver (Pre-Order for $899.99)

7.2-channel A/V Receiver (165 W 6 ohms, 1 kHz, 1ch, THD 0.9%)
8K & 4K/120Hz HDMI Connectivity with HDMI 2.1 support (6-in/2-out)
Supports Dolby Atmos® & DTS:X® object-based sound decoding
Immersive audio with Digital Cinema Auto Calibration IX and 360 Spatial Sound Mapping

What is 360 Spatial Sound Mapping

By utilizing the positional information measured by Sony's Digital Cinema Auto Calibration IX (D.C.A.C. IX), multiple phantom speakers are generated all around the room so cinema lovers can experience every breath, step, and word as if inside the film. D.C.A.C. IX, the latest auto-calibration technology developed by Sony, can correct the distance, angle, sound pressure and frequency response of each speaker by measuring the speaker placement in 3D using the supplied calibration microphone. This works alongside Auto Phase Matching which aligns the phase of different speakers. This means users can compensate for challenging speaker placement, delay or phase shift and feel fully immersed in a movie.

Additionally, enjoy music the way the artists truly intended with High-Resolution Audio for crystal clear precision. The ES series and STR-AN1000 also supports DSD (Direct Stream Digital) native playback, with no conversion involved so DSD content can be fully enjoyed without losing any of the original quality.

When connected to a BRAVIA XR TV with Acoustic Center Sync, the ES series and STR-AN1000 combine audio from the TV with the audio from the center speaker to create an incredible sound-from-screen experience. Dialogue will appear to come directly from the characters on the screen creating a much more immersive experience.

The ES Series models are available for presale at Sony Electronics.

STR-AZ1000ES: 7.2 CH (100W 8 ohms) A/V Receiver will be priced at MSRP $1,099.99

STR-AZ3000ES: 9.2 CH (120W 8 ohms) A/V Receiver will be priced at MSRP $1,699.99

STR-AZ5000ES: 11.2 CH (130W 8 ohms) A/V Receiver will be priced at MSRP $2,099.99

STR-AZ7000ES: 13.2 CH (150W 8 ohms) A/V Receiver will be priced at MSRP $3,299.99

The only real difference in features besides the number of amps and channels is that the 5000 and 7000 have three 12V triggers and the 1000 and 3000 only have one. The Standard AN1000 does not have a 12V trigger

Podcast#1085: Monoprice SS-Pro 8 Speaker Selector and Audio to Show Off Your Sound System Feb 03, 2023

Show notes

This week give you our impression of the Monoprice SS-Pro 8 Speaker Selector, take a look at the streaming scorecard for 2022, and we wrap up with our list of music to demo your sound system. We also read your emails and take a look at the week's news.

News:

Other:

Netflix: secret codes to unlock scores of hidden films and TV shows | Daily Mail Online

Monoprice SS-Pro 8 High Power Dual Source 300 Watt 8 Pair Impedance Matching Speaker Selector

The Monoprice SS-Pro 8 ($100) is a powerful and efficient dual source, audiophile grade speaker selector for up to 8 pairs of speakers. Featuring robust transformers, the SS-Pro 8 allows you to play all 8 pairs of speakers at once without damaging the amplifier, able to withstand up to 300 watts peak of power per channel. A front panel A/B switch allows you to choose between two amplifier sources, and easily removable snap-in connectors make installation easy. A rotary switch located on the rear panel can be used to set the appropriate impedance based on the number of pair of speakers connected.

8-zone speaker selector that allows you to connect up to 8 pairs of speakers or 8 listening zones and control each zone with front panel push-buttons
Utilizes audiophile-grade impedance-matching transformers to safely distribute maximum power throughout your system
Easy to use front panel switch to choose between sources
Designed for use with either 4 ohm or 8 ohm speakers
Protection circuit ensures your amplifier is protected

Streaming Scorecard for 2022

Amid all the doom and gloom in the streaming industry regarding slumping stock prices and hefty losses, streaming audiences continue to grow at a significant pace, with Americans streaming more than 19 million years worth of content last year, according to new data from Nielsen.

In total, Americans streamed more than 19.4 million years of content last year, up 27% about 15 million years in 2021. The increase was driven by the breadth of new and expanded services, coupled by the depth of content—particularly streaming originals, Nielsen reported. Full article here…

Rick Beato's Preferred AV Demo List

Instead of the typical audiophile spin, music educator Rick Beato provides a musician's perspective on how to choose and how to listen to music. Full article here…

From the article:

Throwing my two cents into this discussion, I like that Beato had many popular recordings in his list from artists as diverse as Jay-Z, Steely Dan and Linkin Park. It's my opinion that besides the lack of knowledge audiophiles have on the production process and mastering in particular, the lack of emotional connection to a piece of music is where system demos most often fail with consumers.

Explaining mastering in the most basic of terms, it is the process in which engineers make sure a recording sounds balanced, full and even. The problem with a lot of popular music over the past few decades has been the issue in which the dynamics of recordings have been squashed or evened out in order for it to sound better on the radio or through a set of earbuds. The problem with heavy levels of mastering, which uses tools such as compressors and limiters, is these tools can remove the musicality and dynamics from a recording. Production professionals will sometimes refer to this trend as the "loudness wars."

Using the criteria of content that people recognize and music that is well produced, including mastering that lets the music breath, here are some of my top demo choices:

Ara's List:

Diana Krall Live in Paris - Fly Me to the Moon
Stevie Ray Vaughn - Tin Pan Alley
Pearl Jam - Yellow Ledbetter
First 5 seconds of California Roll - Snoop Dog
Ennio Morricone - The Good, The Bad and The Ugly
Explosions in the Sky - Your Hand in Mine (Theme from Friday Night Lights Movie)
Madeline Edward - Mama, Dolly, Jesus
Michael Ray - Holy Water
Hailey Winters - Everything She Ain't

Podcast #1084: Netflix Password Sharing - Netflix Top 10 Series - 4 ATMOS Sounders for 2023 Jan 27, 2023

Show notes

This week we discuss Netflix and password sharing and while we are at it we countdown the top ten TV series streaming on Netflix. We wrap up with the Four of the best Dolby Atmos soundbars to look forward to in 2023. We also read your emails and discuss the week's news.

News:

Other:

Streaming Password Crackdowns: 70% of Netflix Users Willing to Pay Full Price

Other streaming services may not fare as well, however, a new survey from Horowitz suggests Full Article Here…

Netflix Global Top 10 TV

Full list as well as lists from different countries

January 16 - January 22, 2023

TV (English)

WEEKS IN TOP 10

HOURS VIEWED

Ginny & Georgia: Season 2

87,400,000

Vikings: Valhalla: Season 2

55,530,000

Wednesday: Season 1

45,740,000

Ginny & Georgia: Season 1

43,290,000

That '90s Show: Season 1

41,080,000

Vikings: Valhalla: Season 1

25,370,000

Kaleidoscope: Limited Series

22,990,000

Emily in Paris: Season 3

15,550,000

New Amsterdam: Season 1

14,640,000

The Walking Dead: Season 11

11,800,000

Four of the best Dolby Atmos soundbars to look forward to in 2023

If you need an Atmos soundbar, 2023 may just be your year. Full article…

Podcast #1083: Home Automation Golden Rules and Switching Back to Cable Jan 20, 2023

Show notes

This week we look at an article in the Washington Post that talks about Four Golden Rules of Home Automation and we discuss whether switching back to cable is worth it. We also have your emails and the week's news.

News:

Other:

The Future of Screens Is So Top-Secret, I Can't Show It Yet - CNET

Home Automation Golden Rules

Washington Post columnist Geoffrey Fowler has four Golden Rules for automating your home. These rules were posted in the Washington Post online on January 6, 2023 (Your smart home can be dumb. Here's how to do it the right way).

1) Don't fall in the app trap! Be wary of installing any critical home feature that only works with an app. You need to be able to unlock your door or turn on lights the old fashioned way as a backup. This is why I stopped using Philips Hue bulbs, even though I know they have many fans.

2) Build your smart home in Switzerland … metaphorically. Many of these products limit your options. For example, Amazon's smart plugs only work with Alexa. You might love Alexa today, but you don't know what voice AI, smartphone or face computer you might be using in five years. If you can, pick products that say they work with Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit and a new smart home standard called Matter.

(Note: Amazon founder Jeff Bezos owns The Washington Post.)

3) Look out for spies. Some companies collect and store a suspiciously large amount of data. I'm looking at you, Amazon. In some cases, you can adjust settings to tell them to collect less information — our Privacy Reset guide can help. But the best products don't live in the cloud and collect as little data as possible, like ones made by the brand Eve.

4) Security is your responsibility. You need a different password and two-factor authentication for every home product, or you're inviting hackers into your home. Shira, I can tell you're about to say, "This is why a dumb home is good!" But if you get this basic right, you'll be fine.

Why I'm Switching Back to Cable TV

Cord-cutting—the act of ditching traditional cable TV—has been gaining popularity for over a decade. Streaming is great, but it's not the home run it used to be. In fact, I made the decision to switch back to cable. Full Article here…

The author of this article goes through the same progression we have. In the Early days he says:

The rise of streaming live TV services came at a perfect time for me. I was living on my own for the first time, and cable wasn't something I wanted to deal with. When Sling TV was announced, I was very excited, and I signed up immediately,

He does what we all did. Because there are no required boxes or commitments he tried them all! We both have done the same. And for one reason or another Braden ended up with YouTubeTV and Ara with DirecTV Stream.

His thoughts:

The early days of streaming live TV was great. The channel packages were small and very affordable. Most services let you choose from add-on bundles to expand your channel list. It was pretty easy to get the channels you wanted without much extra "fluff" jammed in.

However, in the years since, I've watched as these services have ballooned in channel lineup size and price. The dream of "al la carte TV" never really materialized. This brings us to today, where streaming live TV is not much different than cable TV.

All true! So the author looked at going back to cable.

To my surprise, I discovered I could save a whopping $30 per month (taxes and fees included) by ditching Sling TV and adding a TV package to my internet package. Ah, but I'll need a clunky cable box again, right? Turns out Comcast finally gives you the option to only use the Xfinity Stream app.

As much as I don't like Comcast, it was hard to pass up this deal. I could get the same channels I had, save $30 per month, and still watch it on my phone or smart TV—no extra hardware required. I never thought I would say this, but I am a cable TV customer again.

We are in the Cox Cable world and our plans would cost us about $115 more to get similar TV service and we would need a streaming box. Our current IPTV service runs us about $80 so it is not as cut and dry. Plus we don't need a box! We will not be switching back to cable anytime soon!

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