HDTV and Home Theater Podcast

HT Guys
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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

  1. Podcast #1176: Flatten Your Warped Vinyl and Pause Your Streaming Services

    5 DAYS AGO

    Podcast #1176: Flatten Your Warped Vinyl and Pause Your Streaming Services

    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.

    48 min
  2. Podcast #1175: Tips for Buying your 4K TV on Black Friday

    NOV 8

    Podcast #1175: Tips for Buying your 4K TV on Black Friday

    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: 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.   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 ;-) 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 OLED - Offers superior picture quality with deeper blacks and vibrant colors, ideal for dark rooms. QLED - Provides bright colors and is better in well-lit rooms, but can have slightly less contrast than OLED. LED -  Generally more affordable but may not offer the same level of picture quality as OLED or QLED. 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. HDR Support - High Dynamic Range (HDR) enhances picture qual

    37 min
  3. Podcast #1174: Video Trends

    NOV 1

    Podcast #1174: Video Trends

    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 Q

    57 min
  4. Podcast #1173: Halloween Movies

    OCT 25

    Podcast #1173: Halloween Movies

    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! 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.

    40 min
  5. Podcast #1172: Fall TV Line up and Braden is Back!

    OCT 18

    Podcast #1172: Fall TV Line up and Braden is Back!

    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

    45 min
  6. Podcast #1171" We Catch Up with Email and News

    OCT 11

    Podcast #1171" We Catch Up with Email and News

    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

    35 min
  7. Podcast #1170: Ara (and Braden's) Origin Story

    OCT 4

    Podcast #1170: Ara (and Braden's) Origin Story

    I got home late last night and thought I could put a regular show together. Well I couldn’t. So instead this is my (and Braden’s) Origin story.

    23 min
  8. Podcast #1169: The State of Consumer Video: Transitioning from Cable to Streaming

    SEP 27

    Podcast #1169: The State of Consumer Video: Transitioning from Cable to Streaming

    The State of Consumer Video: Transitioning from Cable to Streaming The landscape of consumer video has experienced a significant transformation over the past two decades, moving from the traditional cable television and movie theater experience to the era dominated by streaming services. Before the streaming revolution, cable television was the main way we consumed content, offering viewers a set number of channels bundled within packages that often included sports, news, series, and movies. Viewers scheduled their lives around broadcast times, and rentals of physical media like VHS and DVDs provided an alternative for those who sought to enjoy movies at home. While this landscape offered a reliable viewing experience, it was also limited by the constraints of channel programming and geographical restrictions regarding content access. One of the most notable changes in this new age of video consumption is the impact of streaming on live sports. Previously, fans would rely on cable networks for airtime of their favorite sports teams, creating predictable viewing habits. However, with the advent of streaming, the broadcasting rights for sports have become increasingly fragmented. Leagues like the NFL, NBA, and MLB have sought to maximize profits by licensing content across multiple platforms. This has led to challenges for fans who may need to subscribe to several services—often at a premium—to catch games from their favorite teams. The complexities of accessing live sports have frustrated fans, particularly those less tech-savvy or unfamiliar with navigating multiple apps and platforms. Consequently, many fans feel that the accessibility and enjoyment of live sports have diminished, as the once straightforward experience of flipping on the TV to catch a game has morphed into an increasingly intricate endeavor. Convenience represents another important aspect of the current state of consumer video. The rise of streaming services has undeniably enhanced the ability to watch content on demand. Rather than adhering to predetermined broadcast schedules, viewers can enjoy shows and movies whenever it suits them, utilizing smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs to access content anywhere. However, this convenience is tempered by the challenges of searching for content. With an overwhelming number of options available, finding a specific show or movie can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. In practice, many users find that they are better off searching through Google than relying on the clunky search functions offered by various streaming services. Despite advancements in technology, the complexity of content discovery remains a significant pain point for consumers in this new era. Quality, both in streaming technology and the resulting content produced, has improved significantly since the early days of streaming. High-definition and, more recently, 4K streaming have elevated viewers' experiences, offering sharper images and better sound quality than many traditional cable broadcasts. In addition, the influx of investment in original programming from platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime has resulted in a wealth of quality content that often surpasses what is offered on cable. Audiences now have access to diverse genres, innovative storytelling, and international content that previously would have been hard to find. Yet, as the volume of content increases, concerns persist about the saturation of the market and whether the overall quality will continue to maintain its standards amidst an ever-expanding catalog. Despite the many advantages that streaming offers, the economic implications for consumers cannot be overlooked. A common assertion is that streaming is a cheaper alternative to traditional cable, but this perspective can be somewhat misleading. As streaming platforms invest heavily in securing broadcasting rights for popular sports and producing high-quality original content, the costs for consumer

    29 min
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About

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

Information

  • Creator
    HT Guys
  • Years Active
    2005 - 2024
  • Episodes
    729
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    Copyright © 2022, HT Guys. All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    HDTV and Home Theater Podcast

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