HDTVs, projectors, and surround sound systems.
Home Theater
Scott Wilkinson and the Grado Headphones
Episode 1772
Scott has a review of a new pair of headphones, the Grado GW 100 v2 Bluetooth Headphones. Grado has been making headphones since 1991 and the GW100 is their first wireless Bluetooth headphones. What's interesting about them is that they have Bluetooth, but not active noise cancellation. The choice was deliberate in order to focus on better quality sound. It's also a better quality experience with AAC and other codecs which are transmitted over Bluetooth 5. Battery life is about 40 hours, which is very impressive. The cost is about $250.
Scott Wilkinson ... streamed and vented
Episode 1770
Scott joins Leo to talk about how the quality of TV series have started to drop of streaming services. Scott says he's noticed that some seasons of TV shows have just disappeared without notice. That's one of the problems with streaming. With physical media, you can watch something any time you want. But with streaming services, shows and movies can disappear at any time. At least with Netflix, they warn you what titles are leaving every month. But some services, they just vanish. Leo adds that convenience outweighs the risk, and Scott adds that it also outweighs quality.
How Can I Cut the Cable and Get OTA TV?
Episode 1768
Patrick fromPatrick wants to cut the cable. How can he cancel cable and stream live TV? Leo says if he has straight access to a line of sight to the tower, then an antenna is the best option out there. What about a DVR? Leo says that there are two OTA DVRs. One is ChannelMaster, and the other is the Silicon Dust HD Home Run. Both will work with an antenna and home network, so he can stream to any TV in the house. Is there a monthly charge? Leo says just for the channel guide, though only for the HD Home Run. Channel Master doesn't charge.
Why Am I Getting HDCP Error on Roku?
Episode 1768
Jose fromJose has issues with his 4K HDR TV connected to Roku Ultra. He's getting HDCP copy protection errors. Leo says that copy protection never stops pirates. He can even order a box that strips copy protection from Amazon. So what's the point? All it does is punish those who follow the rules.
How Can I Relay TV Signals Wirelessly From My Antenna to My TV?
Episode 1767
Al fromAl wants to know if there's a wireless TV antenna that will relay TV station signals wirelessly to his TV. Leo says that there is a relay antenna. Leo recommends going to AntennaWeb.org. It talks about all the antennas you can use and what's best where you live. TVFool.com is another one.
Is My Chromecast Too Old to Stream From My Google Pixel 4a?
Episode 1767
Steve fromKen is having issues casting from his mobile phone via Chromecast to his LG TV. He has a Google Pixel 4a. Leo says it's probably that his Chromecast is too old. So it sounds like Ken would need a new version. The good news is, they're pretty cheap.
How Can I Get 5.1 Dolby Streaming With Live TV?
Episode 1767
Kent fromKent has upgraded his home theater system, and he's noticed that all the streaming services aren't streaming in 5.1 surround sound. Leo says that SLING will stream in 5.1 when available, but that's the real trick. If it's available. And even then, live TV is just in stereo. On-demand though, you can get 5.1. Netflix does it. The issue is just live TV, and that's only in stereo.
What Antenna Can I Get After I Cut the Cable?
Episode 1766
Dave fromDave is cutting the cable and wants to look into getting an indoor antenna. Leo says to first check out Locast.org. He can stream live local TV. It'll work on Roku, the computer, and the phone. And if he wants to avoid being nagged for donations, he can pay $5 a month for the service. A lot cheaper than DirecTV's $150 a month. He can also consider YouTubeTV. For $65 a month, he will get live and local channels, plus select cable stations. Roku also has a lot of free channels like PlutoTV. PeacockTV has a free tier.
Scott Wilkinson ... Super Bowl TV Deals
Episode 1766
Better than Black Friday, the week before the Super Bowl is the best time to buy a new TV. Scott joins Leo to talk about the best TVs and the best deals available right now. Most of the TVs are closer to the end of the annual product cycle. So many of the deals are near the end of life in order to clear them out for the next generation. Some of these deals are great deals, while others, not so much.
Why Doesn't ATSC3 Work With My DVR?
Episode 1765
John fromJohn has a TV with ATSC 3.0, but ATSC3 doesn't work with his DVR. Only the ATSC 1.0 side works. Leo says that most broadcasters aren't even using ATSC3 yet. It could be an incompatible file format. If your DVR supports ATSC3, then Leo says a call to the manufacturer is in order. Welcome to the world of being an early adopter. It's the early days of ATSC3 though, so in time, the issue should correct itself.
