AVexcel - Episode 200

AVexcel - Episode 200
Recorded on April 20, 2023
Hosts: Patrick Norton and Robert Heron 

The rundown:
- 200!
  - HBO goes Max 
  - Samsung S90C QD-OLED review 
  - VLC adds NVIDIA Video Super Resolution tech 
  - Emotiva BASX MR1 Cinema Receiver 
  - RSL Speedwoofer 12S 
  - Sony ELF-SR2 Spatial Reality Display 
  - Headphone Power Calculator 
  - Retro gaming console follow-ups 
- Your excellent feedback & questions
- Email us at ask@avexcel.com
- What we're watching

This episode of AVexcel was made possible by generous contributions from our Patreon supporters - thank you!

Visit www.AVexcel.com for links, show notes, contact info, and more! 

Link to this episode page

#CommissionsEarned with some links

AVexcel - Episode 199

AVexcel - Episode 198

AVexcel - Episode 198
Recorded on March 18, 2023
Hosts: Patrick Norton and Robert Heron 

The rundown:
- The Academy Awards, aka Oscars
- YouTube TV price increase/decrease
- John Wick: Chapter 4
- Roku retires old streaming hardware
- Roku TVs arrive at Best Buy
- LG OLED evo C3/G3 release date
- Sony's 2023 TV details
- Sonos Era 100 and Era 300 pre-orders
- CanJam NYC 2023
- Monoprice CL3 cables
- HDMI cable testing
- WiiM Mini and WiiM Pro AirPlay 2 receiver
- GPT-4 arrives
- The Criterion Channel
- Your excellent feedback & questions
- Email us at ask@avexcel.com
- What we're watching

AVexcel is 100% powered by our fantastic crew of Patreon supporters - thank you! 

Visit www.AVexcel.com for links, show notes, contact info, and more! 

Link to this episode page

#CommissionsEarned with some links

AVexcel - Episode 167

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AVexcel - Episode 167
Recorded on January 26, 2022
Hosts: Patrick Norton and Robert Heron 

The rundown:
- AVexcel's Best of 2021
- Supply chain suckage
- Pricing entry-level speakers/kits
- Great AV cables, TVs, discs, streaming, and sound
- C9 OLED update v05.25.07
- Audiocheck.net is very useful
- #askavexcel
- Your excellent feedback & questions
- What we're watching

AVexcel is 100% powered by our awesome crew of Patreon supporters - thank you! 

Visit the AVexcel website for links, show notes, contact info, and more! 

Link to this episode page

#CommissionsEarned with some links

AVexcel - Episode 160

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AVexcel - Episode 160
Recorded on November 12, 2021
Hosts: Patrick Norton and Robert Heron 

The rundown:
- HDMI cable testing results
- More aspect ratio nerding
- CES 2022 is coming
- Monoprice Monolith headphones/speakers
- WiFi 6 on a budget
- KEF LS50 Meta Wireless II update
- YouTube vs mobs
- DIY room audio tuning
- Studio Ghibli Fest 2021
- AVexcel Patreon Meetup
- #askavexcel
- Your excellent feedback & questions
- What we're watching

AVexcel is 100% powered by our awesome crew of Patreon supporters - thank you! 

Visit the AVexcel website for links, show notes, contact info, and more! 

Link to this episode page

#CommissionsEarned with some links

AVexcel - Episode 153

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AVexcel - Episode 153
Recorded on September 9, 2021
Hosts: Patrick Norton and Robert Heron 

The rundown:
- The Matrix returns
- Matrix Explained
- Amazon's Fire TV Omni Series
- TCL 8K 6-Series
- RGB laser projetors
- 2000-nit outdoor TV
- Burning-in speakers
- McIntosh 8K AV Processor
- HDMI CEC revisited
- #askavexcel
- Your excellent feedback & questions
- What we're watching

AVexcel is 100% powered by our awesome crew of Patreon supporters - thank you! 

Visit the AVexcel website for links, show notes, contact info, and more! 

Link to this episode page 

#CommissionsEarned with some links

AVexcel - Episode 146

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AVexcel - Episode 146
Recorded on July 12, 2021
Hosts: Patrick Norton and Robert Heron 

The rundown:
- Keep your gear cool
- New Ikea Symfonisk Sonos
- Verizon Adaptive Sound
- More C9 firmware updates
- Calibration microphones
- In-wall HDMI cables
- #askavexcel
- Your excellent feedback & questions
- What we're watching

AVexcel is 100% powered by our awesome crew of Patreon supporters - thank you! 

Visit the AVexcel website for links, show notes, contact info, and more! 

Link to this episode page 

#CommissionsEarned with some links

AVexcel - Episode 138

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AVexcel - Episode 138
Recorded on May 6, 2021
Hosts: Patrick Norton and Robert Heron 

The rundown:
- The Mitchells vs. The Machines
- Hisense 2021 TV launch event
- 1400-nit Asus gaming monitor
- Too many streaming services
- HDMI fiber optic cables
- Monoprice Monolith Amps
- Atmos and sub-optimal ceilings
- Epson 4010 vs. 5050UB
- Calibrating streaming sources
- #askavexcel
- Your excellent feedback & questions
- What we're watching

AVexcel is 100% powered by our awesome crew of Patreon supporters - thank you! 

Visit the AVexcel website for links, show notes, contact info, and more! 

Link to this episode page 

#CommissionsEarned with some links

AVexcel - Episode 124

AVexcel - Episode 124
Recorded on November 25, 2020 
Hosts: Patrick Norton and Robert Heron 

The rundown:
- Patrick's speaker cable
- Subs in stock
- Bandcamp
- Best Buy doing OK
- Xbox Series X/PS5 demand
- Next-gen console HDMI bandwidth
- Battery-powered sats
- Great TV deals
- In search of a neutral headphone
- Comparing streaming bitrates
- Your excellent feedback & questions
- What we're watching

AVexcel is 100% powered by our awesome crew of Patreon supporters - thank you! 

Visit the AVexcel website for links, show notes, contact info, and more! 

Link to this episode page 

#CommissionsEarned with some links

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AVexcel - Episode 111

AVexcel - Episode 111
Recorded on June 5, 2020 
Hosts: Patrick Norton and Robert Heron 

The rundown:
- Patrick's new home
- HBO Max
- A great HDMI cable
- The Sonos Arc
- Best Buy shopping tips
- Empty room audio setup
- ATMOS setup advice
- HDR peak luminance
- Your excellent feedback & questions
- What we're watching

AVexcel is 100% powered by our awesome crew of Patreon supporters - thank you! 

Visit the AVexcel website for links, show notes, contact info, and more! 

Link to this episode page 

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AVexcel - Episode 109

AVexcel - Episode 109
Recorded on April 23, 2020 
Hosts: Patrick Norton and Robert Heron 

The rundown:
- ATSC 3 tuners are coming
- Sweet speaker deals
- Where to shop besides Amazon
- 8K HDMI cables
- 4K with an older AVR
- Your excellent feedback & questions
- What we're watching

AVexcel is 100% powered by our awesome crew of Patreon supporters - thank you! 

Visit the AVexcel website for links, show notes, contact info, and more! 

Link to this episode page 

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AVexcel - Episode 102

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AVexcel - Episode 102
Recorded on May 2, 2019. 
Hosts: Patrick Norton and Robert Heron 

The rundown: 
- GoT exposes contrast woes
- GOOG and AMZN playing nicer
- Disney+ is coming
- Qobuz brings hi-rez audio
- HDMI best practices
- For those who rent discs...
- Shade vs Hue
- In search of 4K PiP
- What we're watching
- Your excellent feedback & questions

AVexcel is 100% powered by our awesome crew of Patreon supporters - thank you! 

Visit the AVexcel website for links, show notes, contact info, and more! 

Download the MP3 of this episode 

Link to this episode page 

AVexcel - Episode 86

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Recorded on July 12, 2018. 
Hosts: Patrick Norton and Robert Heron 

The rundown: 
  - Dolby Vision on Xbox
  - HDMI audio extraction
  - Sonos adds AirPlay 2
  - Sennheiser HD1 review
  - Value calibration hardware
  - World Cup streaming snafu
  - 4K calibration discs
  - Beach party boomboxes
  - What we're watching
  - Your excellent feedback & questions 

AVexcel is 100% powered by our awesome crew of Patreon supporters - thank you! 

Visit the AVexcel website for links, show notes, contact info, and more! 

Download the MP3 of this episode 

Link to this episode page 

AVexcel - Episode 72

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Recorded on March 9, 2018. 
Hosts: Patrick Norton and Robert Heron 

The rundown: 
  - The Mother of the MP3
  - Affordable OLEDs
  - Channel Master SMARTenna+ 
  - Samsung 2018 TVs revealed
  - LG 2018 OLED pricing/availability
  - 4K sports streaming
  - RF console adapters
  - Antenna combiners
  - Favorite movies
  - HDMI cable specs
  - Your excellent feedback & questions 

AVexcel is 100% powered by our awesome crew of Patreon supporters - thank you! 

Visit the AVexcel website for links, show notes, contact info, and more! 

Download the MP3 of this episode 

Link to this episode page 

Detailed show notes for this episode coming soon! 

AVexcel - Episode 59

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Recorded on October 5, 2017. 
Hosts: Patrick Norton and Robert Heron  

The rundown: 
  - New Roku gear/updates
  - Google's best phone
  - Schiit's sweet tone control
  - Line level output redux
  - Bias in AV testing
  - Your excellent feedback & questions

AVexcel is 100% powered by our awesome crew of Patreon supporters - thank you! 

Visit the AVexcel website for links, show notes, contact info, and more! 

Download the MP3 of this episode 

Link to this episode page 

Detailed show notes for this episode coming soon! 

AVexcel - Episode 58

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Recorded on September 28, 2017. 
Hosts: Patrick Norton and Robert Heron  

The rundown: 
  - Dolby Vision vs HDR10 visuals
  - Amazon grows Alexa family
  - An OLED bargain
  - HDMI splitters and switches
  - Vinyl adventures
  - Amp rating rabbit hole
  - Your excellent feedback & questions 

AVexcel is 100% powered by our awesome crew of Patreon supporters - thank you! 

Visit the AVexcel website for links, show notes, contact info, and more! 

Download the MP3 of this episode 

Link to this episode page 

Detailed show notes for this episode coming soon! 

AVexcel - Episode 45

Recorded on June 9, 2017 

Patrick Norton and Robert Heron are igniting the home theater goodness 

Our Patreon supporters make AVexcel possible, and we thank 'em all 

The tingly bits

Pat's Buffy-o-rama

Your awesome feedback

AV101

Eyeballs on...

Listening time

Thank you 

Visit us at AVexcel.com

We appreciate your feedback

Enjoy

Subscribe to AVexcel

Download the MP3

Link to this episode page

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

Download the MP3
Subscribe to AVexcel on iTunes or RSS
Link to this episode page

Recorded August 26, 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

Download the MP3
Subscribe to AVexcel on iTunes or RSS
Link to this episode page

Recorded July 27, 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!

Download the MP3
Subscribe to AVexcel on iTunes or RSS

Recording date: March 8, 2016