Podcast Summary: All TWiT.tv Shows (Audio) - Home Theater Geeks 467: CES 2025 Part 3: Audio

Release Date: January 30, 2025
Host: Scott Wilkinson
Guest: Mike Heiss, Industry Journalist and Consultant

Introduction

In the latest episode of Home Theater Geeks, host Scott Wilkinson wraps up his conversation with Mike Heiss, an industry journalist and consultant who recently attended CES 2025. The focus of this installment centers on audio innovations showcased at the conference. Both hosts provide insights into emerging audio technologies, product announcements, and the evolving landscape of home audio systems.

1. Audio Systems at CES 2025

Scott Wilkinson opens the discussion by noting the shift in CES's focus towards video technologies, observing a decline in the audio presence compared to previous years. Mike Heiss concurs, explaining that many audio professionals now prefer attending specialized events like CEDIA Expo or regional audio shows.

• Notable Quote:
  Scott Wilkinson [00:31]: "CES is more about video, I think, and certainly has gotten so in the last few years."

Despite the reduced focus, several noteworthy audio products made their debut:

• Hisense HT Saturn: A multi-speaker system integrating seamlessly with Hisense TVs. The setup includes a center channel supported by the TV, wireless right and left front speakers, a wireless subwoofer, and wireless right and left surround speakers. This configuration aims to provide a comprehensive surround sound experience without the clutter of wired connections.

• Samsung HW Q990F and HW QS700F: Samsung introduced sophisticated soundbars equipped with up-firing drivers designed to create an immersive 1-1-1 surround sound field. The HW Q990F incorporates additional satellite speakers and a powerful subwoofer, though Mike criticizes the acoustic performance, suggesting that the system may require significant room treatment to achieve optimal sound quality.

  • Notable Quote:
    Mike Heiss [03:48]: "That room's gonna need some acoustic treatment."

2. Innovative Audio Technologies

The conversation delves into advanced audio technologies emerging from CES 2025, highlighting Samsung's "Eclipsa" and a French company's "Deep Stereo."

• Samsung Eclipsa: Described as a 3D immersive audio technology developed in partnership with Google, Eclipsa is integrated into Samsung's 2025 TVs and soundbars. Although detailed demonstrations were limited, Eclipsa aims to enhance the spatial audio experience without relying on traditional encoding formats like Dolby Atmos.

  • Notable Quote:
    Scott Wilkinson [08:34]: "Coming out of that same lab is something they call Eclipsa, which is a 3D immersive audio technology developed, they say, in partnership with Google."

• Deep Stereo by Lesson: A simulation technology that converts mono or stereo signals into immersive audio compatible with any headphone or speaker setup. Unlike other encoding technologies, Deep Stereo claims to achieve this without requiring specific encoding processes.

  • Notable Quote:
    Scott Wilkinson [10:13]: "It is a simulation technology that does not require any encoding called Deep Stereo from a company, a French company called Lesson."

The hosts compare these innovations to existing solutions like Dolby Headphone and DTS:X360 Reality, questioning their market viability and effectiveness.

3. The Rise of Over-the-Counter (OTC) Hearing Aids

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the burgeoning market of OTC hearing aids, a trend spurred by recent regulatory changes allowing these devices to be sold without a prescription.

• Ella Hearing's Beyond Pro: Introduced at CES 2025, Beyond Pro offers features such as AI-powered real-time language translation and tinnitus masking sounds. These devices aim to make hearing aids more accessible and affordable while incorporating advanced technologies to enhance user experience.

  • Notable Quote:
    Mike Heiss [20:06]: "The real reason whether I have any hearing issues or not is these have built in AI translation."

Scott shares a personal connection, revealing his struggle with tinnitus and his interest in how these new hearing aids might alleviate his condition through masking sounds.

• Notable Quote:
  Scott Wilkinson [24:45]: "I do suffer from it. And I have asked ents and all sorts of audiologists. Is there any cure for it? No, there is not."

Mike expresses cautious optimism, acknowledging the potential benefits while highlighting concerns about the quality and efficacy of cheaper OTC options available in the market.

4. Doofy Gadgets and AI Integration

Though CES 2025 saw a prevalence of AI-focused innovations, the hosts briefly touch upon some of the more unconventional gadgets showcased:

• Saltier Spoon: A novelty item designed to enhance the saltiness of soup through an electric current. While amusing, Mike remains skeptical about its practical application and safety.

  • Notable Quote:
    Mike Heiss [26:42]: "I don't get it. I mean, that's... none of that Morton imitation soup."

The discussion underscores a broader theme of AI's pervasive influence in both serious and whimsical products, reflecting the technology's dual-edged impact on the consumer market.

5. The Future of AI in Audio

The episode concludes with reflections on AI's role in shaping the future of audio technologies. While recognizing the advancements and conveniences AI brings, both hosts express concerns about its long-term implications and the need for balance between innovation and user experience.

• Notable Quote:
  Scott Wilkinson [27:54]: "And there is some good that can come of it."

Mike adds a philosophical note, contemplating the integration of digital advancements with traditional analog preferences, emphasizing the importance of maintaining quality and authenticity in audio experiences.

• Notable Quote:
  Mike Heiss [28:25]: "I'm just an analog soul in a digital world."

Conclusion

Home Theater Geeks 467: CES 2025 Part 3: Audio offers a comprehensive overview of the latest trends and products in the audio sector as showcased at CES 2025. From innovative sound systems and immersive audio technologies to the democratization of hearing aids through OTC options, the episode highlights both the exciting advancements and the challenges facing the industry. The integration of AI emerges as a central theme, promising enhanced functionalities while prompting discussions about quality and user-centric design.

Listeners are encouraged to explore these developments further and consider how they can enhance their own home audio setups or address personal hearing needs with the latest technologies.

Further Resources

• Mike Heiss' Publications:
  • Residential Tech Today - restektoday.com
  • Hidden Wires - hiddenwires1word.co.uk

Note: This summary excludes non-content segments such as advertisements, intros, and outros to focus solely on the substantive discussions between Scott Wilkinson and Mike Heiss.