Episode #027

 

Patrick Norton and Robert Heron have returned for more home theater goodness

Our Patreon supporters make AVexcel possible, and we thank every one of them

The guys are (finally) back

  • Adventures and shoveling dirt
  • More Patreon Hangouts

Shop smarter every day

  • Black/Cyber/<insert name> <insert day(s)>
  • @snubs shopping laws
    • Know what you want
    • Know what it's priced at
    • Know what a real sale is

Rocky Mountain Audio Fest

Adventures in China + Hong Kong

  • 14,700+ miles/14 days
  • Planes, trains, cars, buses, foot
  • Hisense in Qingdao
    • Traffic automation masters
    • R&D facility
    • Assembly
    • (Destructive) testing
    • Subjective/objective analysis
    • RF/Anechoic chamber
    • Laser Cast TV
      • 4K DLP short throw laser
      • Screen is the key
      • See it in action at CES
      • ~$10K retail price
  • H8C Series TV out now
  • HDR H10C soon
  • Watching cell phones being born
  • Nantong...Shenzhen...Beijing
  • Kowloon/Hong Kong
    • Great public transit
    • No VPN needed
  • Powerplug adapter to rule them all
  • USB power pack
  • Travel more
  • Air quality concerns
  • N95 and P95 filtering recommended

Thank you

Visit us at AVexcel.com

Connect with us

Enjoy

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Link to this episode page

Recorded on November 14, 2016

Episode #026

Welcome to episode 026 of the AVexcel podcast

Our Patreon supporters make AVexcel possible, and every bit helps

This week Patrick Norton and Robert Heron are traveling for the home theater goodness

ask@avexcel.com - that’s the email to reach us

DisplayMate goes gaga for LG OLED

  • 2016 LG OLED's breaking records
  • Lots to learn/study
  • Color accuracy, contrast, luminance, accuracy...
  • Lowest screen reflectance
  • Very fast response time
  • "Visually Indistinguishable from Perfect"

Google I/O 2016

The Internet of Crap

New firmware for Vizio M/P series TVs

  • Via Matthew McRae at Vizio
  • HDR10, PQ, ARC, PS4 fix and more
  • 4:4:4 fix "coming soon"

HBO's biggest premiere: Westworld

Bloomberg: Netflix to 50% self-produced

DThink Tweeted us about a Smart Antenna

@Ken_Addison wants Amazon HDR on a 2016 Vizio

Bobo's eyeing those sweet Monoprice subs

  • Using Denon S500BT w/2 sub pre-outs
  • Monoprice sub has L/R ins
  • Use the Left input on each sub

We love Projector Central

Plex Cloud

RedFox's regular discounts

David Pogue: digitize your tapes NOW

New Blu-rays this week

Doings and transpirings
Robert

Patrick

  • Rocky Mountain Audio Fest
    • Public event, but not free
    • Zoo Audio
    • KEF
    • Audio Quest
    • DIA's Demon Stallion aka Blucifer
    • Head-Fi (dot ORG)
  • Dirac Live: real-time room correction
    • Not quite Get Smart's "Cone of Silence"
  • Pulling 12AWG speaker cable
  • Arc-fault circuit interrupters
  • Everything I love is being canceled
  • Agent Carter...Roadies...
  • Not canceled: GoT, Ballers, and Billions

We love you

Do not install this game

Thank you

Visit us at AVexcel.com

Connect with us

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Recorded October 5th, 2016

Episode #025

Welcome to episode 025 of the AVexcel podcast

Our Patreon supporters make AVexcel possible, and every bit helps

This week Patrick Norton and Robert Heron are catching the home theater goodness

Warm 4K fuzzies

  • Dearth, or not
  • Not so much wide-color/HDR

Speaking of Netflix 4K

New 4K Rokus

OLED is looking good

DisplayMate impressed with iPhone 7

  • Brightest display tech
  • Lowest reflectance
  • Superb Rec. 709/DCI color accuracy
  • "Visually Indistinguishable from Perfect"

Comcast X1 DVR getting Netflix

The lack of UHD PC monitors w/HDR

CEDIA Expo

Monoprice Monolith Line

PlayStation 4 Updates

Michael NotMike asked via Facebook if we know why there aren't more UHD BD players

We love Projector Central

seerpea asks about more HDR content

  • Wants more classics
  • Film has HDR potential
  • Financial incentives

Robert’s Comcastic adventures

  • @comcastcares on Twitter saves day
  • Replaced modem/router - both were fine
  • Line to house was culprit

What we're watching

  • Classic Star Trek on Netflix
  • Blu-ray goodness
  • Marco Polo
  • Captain America: Civil War

Thank you

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Recorded September 26, 2016

Episode #024

Welcome to episode 024 of the AVexcel podcast

Our Patreon supporters make AVexcel possible, and every bit helps

This week Patrick Norton and Robert Heron are accelerating the home theater goodness

Sonos users rejoice

Intel's new 4K-ready chips

  • HDGuru says Sony's "Ultra 4K" streaming service coming to 7th Gen parts early 2017
  • Purchase + 48-hour rentals
  • A bit pricey
  • DIY 4K streaming dreams

Samsung’s Dolby Atmos Soundbars

  • Available now
  • Nice TechRadar review
  • HW-K950 soundbar
  • Wireless subwoofer + rear surrounds
  • 16 drivers each w/own amp
  • DTS is stereo only

Stephen is curious about MicroLED TVs

Mark emails ask@avexcel.com about CalMAN Mobile Forge

  • Free app generates test patterns w/Amazon Fire TV
  • ColorMatch software free too
  • Need a meter + CalMAN license to do more
  • Home Express workflow looks decent
    • Brightness check
    • Clipping check
    • Color temp and gamma checks
    • Color space
    • 2-pt WB setup
    • What’s missing
    • CMS analysis or setup
    • Full-range WB analysis/setup
    • Color Checker
    • Saturation Sweeps
  • Plenty of other options

New RIVA WAND series

  • Compact style ARENA
    • 3 ADX drivers
    • Three passive radiators
  • Table sized FESTIVAL model
    • 6 ADX drivers
    • Four passive radiators
  • Playback
    • High-resolution music, podcasts, YouTube
  • Wi-Fi, DDMS, Spotify Connect, AirPlay, DLNA, Bluetooth, Google Cast
  • MP3, ALAC, APE, FLAC, FLAC HD, HLS, WMA, WAV

Pat's sound

Labor Day = odd Blu-ray releases

Browncoat fo' life

Pat's testing mesh networks

Calibration corner

Robert enjoys low voltage lighting

Anyone going to CEDIA or RMAF

  • Let us know

Patreon live events + dedicated RSS feed...finally

Last minute

We love you!

Check our sweet AVexcel show notes

Thank you

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Recorded August 31, 2016

Episode #023

Welcome to episode 023 of the AVexcel podcast

Our Patreon supporters make AVexcel possible, and every bit helps

This week Patrick Norton and Robert Heron are smiling at the home theater goodness

Robert is Olympic-ed out

  • Awaiting live 4K/UHD/WCG

Off the record

  • "Listened to your Olympics show. All the content is archived in full recorded resolution on Spectra Logic tape libraries. You didn't get this from me."
  • Other clients
    • National Geographic
    • NBC
  • Robots manage our growing archives
  • NAS = Networked Attached Storage
  • Backblaze hard drive stats

Intel Developer Forum

  • Kaby Lake CPUs 4K ready
    • Native HDCP 2.2 support
    • HEVC Main10/10-bit
    • VP9 10-bit video decoding
  • Pat playing Overwatch on Intel graphics
  • Project Alloy VR platform

Best seat in the room

  • Southern Motion theater seating
    • Power headrests
    • Fold down drink tables
    • USB charging
    • “multimedia sofas”
  • What's your movie/TV seat of choice
  • Pat's spousal acceptance factor
  • Robert's 4K office chair

Enterprise Home Theater

Archiving Blu-rays

We love your email ask@avexcel.com

HDMI cables for everyone

Evan has pixel shift concerns

@ajsmith tweets, “Any network ever broadcast live in 1080P? Are we going to compressed 4K first?”

  • Neulion’s 4K60 UFC 200 fight was the best we've seen so far
  • Broadcasters use 1080i as it converts nicely into 1080p30
  • 24p movies in 1080i film processed into original 1080p24
  • 1080p60 live streaming is doable today
  • ATSC 3.0 before we see much 4K live action

New Blu-ray Movies

Tim's tl;dr

Talking to the TV

8 vs. 4 Ohm

  • Pete encourages more experimentation
  • Use a good amp
  • THD can go up as resistance drops
  • Run speakers "small"
  • LFE to the sub

Robert’s crazy calibration week

  • Pro monitor LUT generation
  • Pro-tip: reset display to widest color gamut before doing LUT
  • OLED’s separate calibration for HD/HDR10/Dolby Vision
  • The KS9800 leaves the building
    • Impressed; yearning yet for more
    • 2015 JS9500 still a great TV
  • FlatpanelsHD’s Dolby Vision FAQ

We depend on the support of our listeners

Wear eye and ear protection when appropriate

Check our sweet AVexcel show notes

Thank you

Visit us at AVexcel.com

Connect with us

Enjoy

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Recorded August 26, 2016

Episode #022

Welcome to episode 022 of the AVexcel podcast

Our Patreon supporters make AVexcel possible, and every bit helps

This week Patrick Norton and Robert Heron are gaming the home theater goodness

Fun time

Foxconn acquires Sharp

VR doings

Kris is blinking at NHK's 8K + 22.2-channel doings

Samsung KS9800

Vizio M/P-Series HDR10 update

Joe wants projection w/fewer cords

Bai's OTA antenna reception woes

Check our sweet AVexcel show notes

Thank you

We appreciate the Patreon support that makes AVexcel possible

Visit us at AVexcel.com

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Link to this episode page

Recorded August 12, 2016

Episode #021

Welcome to episode 021 of the AVexcel podcast

Our Patreon supporters make AVexcel possible, and every bit helps

This week Patrick Norton and Robert Heron are boiling in the home theater goodness

Vizio sold to LeEco

  • $2 Billion
  • Will be operated as wholly owned subsidiary
  • Inscape data business to be spun off into privately owned company led by Vizio CEO William Wang
  • Deal expected to wrap up later this year

@FmHolty noted Vizio HDR10 update

Color gamuts explained

Brian seeks a 3D audio upgrade

@Aiden_deJong's looking to drive 4-ohm speakers

Keep pets cool and hydrated

@KenKobra asks 2K OLED or 4K LCD

  • OLED contrast > pixel count
  • Great TVs at great prices

David K wants widescreen cinema

Thank you!

Samsung KS9800 Update

  • Full array local dimming
  • 1300+ nits peak brightness
  • New UI + IoT functionality

More 4K Olympics

Thank you

We appreciate the Patreon support that makes AVexcel possible

Visit us at AVexcel.com

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Recorded July 28, 2016

Episode #020

Welcome to episode 020 of the AVexcel podcast

Our Patreon supporters make AVexcel possible, and every bit helps

This week Patrick Norton and Robert Heron support the home theater goodness

Pat returns from mandatory R&R

Comic-Con 2016

  • Great summary over at io9
  • DC Suicide Squad
  • DC Wonder Woman trailer
  • Luc Besson’s Valerian coming 2017
  • Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
  • Spider-Man Homecoming
  • Black Panther panel    
  • Neil Gaiman’s American Gods on Starz in 2017
  • CW’s Riverdale this Fall
  • Luke Cage via Netflix
  • No release date for Marvel’s The Punisher yet

Glorious pixels

Premium HDR TV roundup

BitTorrent TV

  • BitTorrent News via BitTorrent Live
  • Apple TV and OS X - other platforms soon

Better Wi-Fi for all

NBC 4K Olympic coverage from Rio

  • DirecTV coverage to include 8-screen mosaic
    • Channels: NBC, NBCSN, Golf Channel, Bravo, CNBC, MSNBC, USA Network, + NBC Universo
    • 720p per tile on 4K TV
  • Also, 4-channel quad-1080p view
    • NBCSN, Bravo, USA Network, + local affiliate
  • No live 4K coverage
    • Most available after one-day delay
  • Events: swimming, track and field, basketball, the men’s soccer final, judo, + “Rio scenic”

Eddy Cue: Apple TV’s Plans

  • Questions
    • Live streaming service
    • 'Skinny' bundle
    • Creators vs platform providers

JVC RS400 projector

  • Similar to DLA-X550R
  • Calibration update
  • New HDR update
  • Old cables/new projector
  • Lamp changes over time

Mark's 2-channel amp quest

Anthony needs low-lag HDMI extension

andcbii asks about the XAVC-S codec

Thank you

We appreciate the Patreon support that makes AVexcel possible

Visit us at AVexcel.com

Connect with us

Enjoy

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Link to this episode page

Recorded July 27, 2016

Episode #019

Welcome to episode 019 of the AVexcel podcast

Our Patreon supporters make AVexcel possible, and every bit helps

This week Patrick Norton and Robert Heron are honing the home theater goodness

Epic late night enjoyment

HDR10 Update

Amplifications

New flix

4K Integral

  • HDR10 metadata injector
  • 2x2 matrix switch on steroids
  • Stylish dip switches

4K Roku TVs arrive

The randoms

Thank you

We appreciate the Patreon support that makes AVexcel possible

Note: check mic positioning

Visit us at AVexcel.com

Connect with us

Enjoy

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Recorded June 27, 2016

Episode #018

Welcome to episode 018 of the AVexcel podcast

Our Patreon supporters make AVexcel possible, and every bit helps

This week Patrick Norton and Robert Heron are related to the home theater goodness

HDR madness is afoot

seerpea wants a TV w/a light sensor

  • Available on many mid-to-premium models
  • Good for auto eye-friendly viewing
  • Setting often buried in the menus
  • Turn off during picture setup

Sound values

For the love of 3.5mm

Tom's going outdoor projection

Calibration time

Pat's head-related functions

Sounds from Robert

Be there for your friends

Enjoy

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Recorded June 23, 2016

Episode #017

Welcome to episode 017 of the AVexcel podcast

Our Patreon supporters make AVexcel possible, and every bit helps

This week Patrick Norton and Robert Heron are shiny with the home theater goodness

For the love of headphones

But first, a summary...

New Blu-ray movies this week

Wirecutter's Best Soundbars

Connect with us

Top 2016 Smart TV Platforms

Gregg wants a UHD BD Player

Ron asks what's up with Vizio + HDR10

  • Service rep said no HDR10 coming
  • Vizio CTO: "...sometime later this Summer..."
  • Robert's take: ain't happening
  • No HDR10 = no UHD Blu-ray
  • Samsung KS8000 = worthy alternative

The random

Bo's eyeing SpectraCal's MobileForge app

Thomas likes LG's LED projector

Quantum Dot-ery

LG E-Series OLED TV

  • Comparing to the competition

Going long...for home theater love

Enjoy

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Recorded June 16, 2016

Episode #016

Welcome to episode 016 of the AVexcel podcast

Our Patreon supporters make AVexcel possible, and every bit helps

This week Patrick Norton and Robert Heron assist with the home theater goodness

E3 Expo and WWDC went down this week

Robert appreciating the glory of DOOM

New Blu-ray and UHD Blu-ray releases

Checking the top torrents (tor)

The death of the Xbox One DVR

Apple's WWDC coverage via The Verge

  • New Apple TV/tvOS apps & updates
  • Sling TV
  • Fox Sports Go
  • NBA 2K
  • Minecraft Story Mode
  • Sketch Party
  • tvOS has 6,000 apps - 1300 video related
  • App to feature-match Siri Remote
  • YouTube voice search
  • Single Sign-on
  • Live channels

Apple's Home for iOS 10

Robert doings

AVexcel doings

  • Play Store coming soon
  • We grow on the support of our audience
  • Thanks to everyone who has sent us an email, tweet, Reddit, and/or positive thought

Dave wants to know if he can enjoy UHD Blu-ray on his PC

@josefabres0600 wants to optimize TV's contrast setting

  • Using DVD/BD player as source device
  • Quick contrast setup
    • Reduce contrast to 50%
    • Increase until peak white levels disappear/change color
    • Reduce contrast to return detail/minimize color shifting

Matt in North Carolina asked about adding Bluetooth audio support

Francois is looking for a 46" 4K TV recommendation

XBox One S

Email us your comments and questions

We love our supporters

The AVexcel sub-Reddit is a great place for group interaction

We thrive with our audience's participation - thank you

Enjoy

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Recording date: June 13, 2016

Episode #015

Welcome to episode 015 of the AVexcel podcast

Our Patreon supporters make AVexcel possible, and every bit helps

This week Patrick Norton and Robert Heron assist with the home theater goodness

Yeah, we're back!

A loving pet needs a good home

Recently watched

Robert doings

Internet of Thingies

Console upgrade goodness

Mike's seeks solace from pixelated shadows

Tom asks about Dolby Vision and HDR10

Todd asks about DIY video calibration

This podcast is made possible by you!

  • Hangout and Movie Club soon!

Watching and loving this week

New 4K Blu-ray releases

Don asks about Bluetooth (BT) audio

James reminds us to be mindful of the greater world

We love our supporters

The AVexcel sub-Reddit is a great place for group interaction

We thrive with our audience's participation - thank you

Enjoy!

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Recording date: June 2, 2016

Episode #014

Welcome to episode 014 of the AVexcel podcast

Our Patreon supporters make AVexcel possible, and every bit helps

This week Patrick Norton and Robert Heron flow with the home theater goodness

May the 4th (be with you)

4K doings

More eye candy

55-inch showdown: 1080p vs 4K at 9-feet

Blockers & VPNs

@thomassully wants to enjoy HD audio on an iPad

Comcast relaxes data caps (for some)

We love our supporters

The AVexcel sub-Reddit is a great place for group interaction

We thrive with our audience's participation - thank you

Enjoy!

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Recording date: May 4, 2016

Episode #013

Welcome to episode 013 of the AVexcel podcast

Our Patreon supporters make AVexcel possible, and every bit helps

This week Patrick Norton and Robert Heron calibrate the home theater goodness

Watching this week

Robert's new laptop is well-behaved

More live streaming options

Sub stuff

Question: DIY video calibration

We appreciate our Patreon supporters

Premium sound

We love our supporters

The AVexcel sub-Reddit is a great place for group interaction

We thrive with our audience's participation - thank you

Enjoy!

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Subscribe to AVexcel on iTunes or RSS

Recording date: April 21, 2016

Episode #012

Welcome to episode 012 of the AVexcel podcast

Our Patreon supporters make AVexcel possible, and every bit helps

This week Patrick Norton and Robert Heron redo the home theater goodness

Robert loves his new notebook

Nano's projector question

4K UHD Blu-ray update

Nicholas asked about UHD Blu-ray on 1080p TVs

Vizio's 2016 M-Series TVs

  • Half the zones of the P-Series
  • Less colorful than P-Series
  • 720p tablet remote

HDR - the early years

Robert's watching

Wireless rear speakers

Samsung KS9800

Patrick goes to the movies

From Plasma to LCD

More watching

We love our supporters

The AVexcel sub-Reddit is a great place for group interaction

We thrive with our audience's participation - thank you

Enjoy!

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Recording date: April 14, 2016

Episode #011

Welcome to episode 011 of the AVexcel podcast

Our Patreon supporters make AVexcel possible, and every bit helps

This week Patrick Norton and Robert Heron pursue the home theater goodness

Noise considerations: HVAC

Upgrade TV sound

Vizio SmartCast P-Series TV

News

Virtual Reality headsets

Do you care about VR? Let us know! 

CanJam Social 2016
Ossic X 3D Headphones

  • Head-tracking
  • 8-drivers
  • HRTF calibrated
  • Kickstarter project    

We love our supporters
 
The many Flavors of Audyssey MultiEQ

We thrive with our audience's participation - thank you

And, we'll soon be adding additional show support methods for folks who prefer an alternative to Patreon

Enjoy!

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Recording date: April 7, 2016

Episode #010

Welcome to episode 010 of the AVexcel podcast

Our Patreon supporters make AVexcel possible, and every bit helps

This week Patrick Norton and Robert Heron enter the home theater goodness

Pat's sweet sounds

We have a date...

Home theater room setup

Sony's 2016 TVs arrive

Dolby Cinema is (slowly) spreading

Send us your thoughts

Eric's quality option for assisted listening

Greg says the science agrees with 2+ subs

All the science papers (Tor)

Daniel says VUDU does HD on the PC

Cam's upgrade path with an HDMI 1.4 AVR

Roku's epic audio setup guides

@NeXTchef's need to convert old RF output

  • Emulate and enjoy

We thrive with our audience's participation - thank you

And, we'll soon be adding additional show support methods for folks who prefer an alternative to Patreon

Enjoy!

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Recording date: March 8, 2016

Episode #009

Welcome to episode 009 of the AVexcel podcast

Our Patreon supporters make AVexcel possible, and every bit helps

This week Patrick Norton and Robert Heron bask in home theater goodness

On the table

Samsung's UHD Blu-ray player arrives

Lab time: 2016 Samsung KS9500 LCD

Blu-ray movies of interest

Going 4K...slowly
 
Daniel asks about the fate of AnyDVD HD

AnyDVD lives (in Belize)!

Michael's tip for Chris' power woes

TampaOrange via Reddit loves Marantz

kpbearfl via Reddit on DTS:X

Marc needs white stereo RCA cables

Steve asks if the time is now for ultra-high definition

The AVexcel sub-Reddit is a great place for group interaction

And, we'll soon be adding additional show support methods for folks who prefer an alternative to Patreon

Enjoy!

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Recording date: March 2nd, 2016

Episode #008

Welcome to episode 008 of the AVexcel podcast

Our show grows through audience support, and every bit helps

This week Patrick Norton and Robert Heron are enveloped in home theater goodness

HBO's Vinyl
 
Hosko's lens cleaning rules

PC cleaning must-haves

Protect your investment

1080p TV deals are vanishing

Get your 4K on (now)

Keith's TV doesn't decode the VP9 codec

Send us your questions ask@avexcel.com

Richard is curious about SiliconDust tuners

AV calibration training

Tom asks if it's OK to copy calibration settings

Luxury headphones

A great week for new Blu-ray releases

Rotten Tomatoes purchased by Fandango

Ron wants the best streaming service

Chris wonders why his gear freezes/crashes

  • Simplify setup to one device
  • Line conditioners for clean power

We love your questions ask@avexcel.com

Find us on Twitter and like us on Facebook

The AVexcel sub-Reddit is a great place for group interaction

And, we'll soon be adding additional show support methods for folks who prefer an alternative to Patreon

Enjoy!

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Recording date: February 22, 2016