HDTVs, projectors, and surround sound systems.
Home Theater
Scott Wilkinson ... less precise
Episode 1707
Scott joins Leo to talk about the new microLED technology which can use Local dimming to increase contrast with greater precision. The smaller LEDs are, the smaller the zones that brighten independently. That translates into a greater dynamic range.
In other news ... CES is determined to hold the conference in January. Scott says he won't go because he doesn't want to be exposed to the CoVid19 virus.
Scott Wilkinson ... Stylish
Episode 1705
Scott Wilkinson joins Leo to talk about wireless earphones and says that the small rubber tips on Apple's AirPod Pros are really important to sealing the headphone and blocking out ambient noise. Called "in-ear headphones" or monitors, those tips will ensure a weighty sound with bass. But Apple's headphones are hugely expensive and Leo says that there's an insane profit margin in that category. Especially with Apple's Beats brand.
Why is My Apple TV Screen Image Shadowy?
Episode 1703
Joey fromJoey just bought a new Apple TV. He is having issues with the video not having full quality on the entire screen. Just the center part is "shadowy." Leo says that's an odd situation. Joey may want to check the cable. But it could be coincidental that the TV may be ready to go out. But more likely, it's the DVI cable that Joey is connecting it to. From the chatroom - HDCP may be the issue if the cable isn't compatible.
Leo also says that there's a strong rumor that a new Apple TV is being released on June 22. So he may want to return it and wait for a new one.
Are LED TVs too bright?
Episode 1702
Tony fromTony heard the call yesterday of a man getting a headache watching TV. He thinks the user is suffering from a form of light blindness, where the LEDs are too bright on the new TV. LEDs can dim over time, and he was so used to his older TV, that the newer one's brighter LEDs are giving him a headache. And TVs are set to be very bright on the showroom floor. So adjusting the brightness could help. Leo says you can adjust your TV to Cinema mode or movie mode, and that will adjust the TV to work best in low light.
Can a QLED TV Give Me a Headache?
Episode 1701
Larry fromLarry is trying to pair his new Samsung 55" QLED with his Denon AV. He finally got that working, but he's having an issue with headaches. Leo says that flickering may cause the issue and he recommends adjusting the frame interpolation (called Action Motion Plus in Samsungs) and see if by adjusting the refresh rate up or down will solve that issue. Most likely, going as high as he can will fix it. But he'll get that "soap opera" look.
Scott Wilkinson, the Specialist
Episode 1701
Scott's latest review is of a pair of Bluetooth Speakers that he says are really cool. The Ai60 bookshelf speakers are made by Fluance and have a 6 1/2" woofer and 4" tweeters. You connect two speakers together and then connect the right one via Bluetooth to your device. Scott says that the Ai60 exceeded his expectations, sounding great. The cost is $300, which is surprisingly good. The only real drawback is that you can't stream via WiFi, but you can connect wired.
Should I Buy the New Tivo Edge OTA DVR?
Episode 1699
Stan fromStan wants to buy the TIVO Edge recently. Leo says that the current deal of $249 is a pretty good deal, but he'll also have to pay for the service, guide, and commercial skip. Stan wants to get a model that he can use over the air with no cable. Leo says that's a good way to go if he's within range of the towers by line of sight.
Scott Wilkinson and the very low tech thing
Episode 1699
Scott joins Leo again to talk about an email he got from a listener who has a Sony Bravia 65" 4k HDTV and he's wondering if he should replace it with an ultra-short throw projector. Would the image quality be the same even though the screen is a larger area? Scott says that you couldn't sit close enough to see the individual pixels, so it would be a pretty good upgrade. What is key is viewing distance to have the field of view encompassing the screen. And there are calculators online that can help with that.
How can I add a turntable to my home theater AV system?
Episode 1698
G. Scott fromGScott has a ton of vinyl records and he'd like to listen to them again. How can he connect a record player to his AV receivers without disconnecting his home theater system? Optical out to the TV, and then use the composite connections? Leo says yes. You'll have a setting in your TV that turns on the optical audio option. The turntable he is getting will have a preamp in it as well as a USB to capture. Leo says that as long as the audio is balanced by a preamp, it'll work just fine.
Scott Wilkinson ... Projected
Episode 1697
Scott joins Leo today to talk about ultra-short-throw (UST) projectors. It's a box that you put about six inches away from your wall, and it can project the light against the screen from a very sharp angle. The screen you use is an ambient light rejecting screen, which means you can use your project under any light conditions. Scott has an article about ambient light rejecting screens on ProjectorCentral.com right now.
