HDTV and Home Theater Podcast HT Guys

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

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 ever

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

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