Podcast
HDTV and Home Theater Podcast
Hosted by HT Guys · EN
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
42episodes
Episodes
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Podcast #1177: Black Friday 2024
Nov 22, 202400:45:14Tap to summarizeOn this week’s show we take a look at some great Black Friday deals to set up a home theater. We also read your emails and take a look at the week’s news. News: Netflix’s Tyson-Paul Boxing Bout Gets 65 Million Viewers at Peak Meet Wi-Fi 8, which will trade speed for a more reliable experience Smart TV ownership reaches 68% as prices fall Other: Starling Home Hub Black Friday Deals Best Buy Black Friday Deals Hisense - 85" Class QD6 Series QLED 4K UHD Smart Google TV (2024) $649.99 Save $450 Was $1,099.99 Sony - 77" Class BRAVIA 8 OLED 4K UHD Smart Google TV (2024) $2599.99 Save $400 Was $2999.99 Insignia™ - 55" Class F30 Series LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV $229.99 Save $120 Was $349.99 Pioneer Elite - VSX-LX105 7.2 Channel Network AV Receiver $499 Save $300 Was $799 Costco Black Friday Deals Samsung 70" Class - DU6900D Series - 4K UHD LED Smart TV $479.99 Save $50 Was $529.99 (Includes 3 Year Warranty) LG 75" Class - QNED90 Series - 4K UHD MiniLED LCD TV $1599.99 Save $200 Was $1799.99 (5 year Total Coverage with Allstate 3-Year Protection Plan) Other Deals Roku Smart TV – 65-Inch Select Series 4K HDR $378 Save $71.99 Was $449.99 TCL 98-Inch Q65 QLED 4K UHD Smart TV with Google TV $1449.99 Save $1550 Was $2999.99 Insignia™ - 32" Class F20 Series LED HD Smart Fire TV $74.99 Save $55 Was $129.99 Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds $189 Save $60 Was $249 Apple AirPods (3rd Generation) $94 Save $75 Was $169 Blink Mini 1080p Security Camera $17.99 Save $12.00 Was $29.99 Blink Outdoor 4 - Battery-Powered Smart Security 3-Camera System $99.99 Save $160 Was $259.99 Roku Streaming Stick 4K Streaming Device 4K/HDR/Dolby Vision with Voice Remote with TV Controls $34.99 Save $15 Was $49.99 Roku Premiere | 4K/HDR Streaming Media Player $18 Save $21.99 Was 39.99 SVS Prime Wireless Pro SoundBase $499 Save $200 Was $699 Amazon eero Pro 6E mesh wifi router (newest model) 3 Pack $349.99 Save $200 Was $549.99 CINEMA 1200 SOUND BAR 5.1.4 SYSTEM $799 Save $1100 Was $1899 SVS and RSL speakers are running great sales on their speakers
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Podcast #1176: Flatten Your Warped Vinyl and Pause Your Streaming Services
Nov 15, 202400:47:40Tap to summarizeOn 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.
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