AVexcel - Episode 185

AVexcel - Episode 185
Recorded on June 9, 2022
Hosts: Patrick Norton and Robert Heron 

The rundown:
- FOMO's 2023/2024 OLED roadmap
- KEF LSX II
- Outdoor speaker options
- Home theater audio upgrades
- Open-box gear warranties
- Replacing a surround sound processor
- Patreon hangout ideas
- The joys of Cyberpunk 2077
- SDR OLED isn't bright enough
- Your excellent feedback & questions
- Email us ask@avexcel.com
- What we're watching

AVexcel is 100% powered by our awesome 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 184

AVexcel - Episode 184
Recorded on June 3, 2022
Hosts: Patrick Norton and Robert Heron 

The rundown:
- Normalizing shipping costs
- Safely moving your TV
- Screen protectors for televisions
- Sonos "Sub Mini" FCC listing
- Monoprice Monolith in-wall subs
- Interesting iPhone headphone amp
- HDTVTest unboxes Sony A95K QD-OLED
- Linus' home theater setup
- "Hacks" on HBO Max
- Your excellent feedback & questions
- Email us ask@avexcel.com
- What we're watching

AVexcel is 100% powered by our awesome 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 170

AVexcel - Episode 170
Recorded on February 18, 2022
Hosts: Patrick Norton and Robert Heron 

The rundown:
- 2022 projector tech
- Epson Pro Cinema LS12000 laser
- LG HU715Q UST + HU710P long-throw
- Screen cleaning safely
- AnchorIt.gov
- Valve Steam Deck + iFixit
- JDS Labs Element III
- A superb soundbar roundup
- Living room to Home Cinema
- The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
- Joe's Classic Video Games
- Robert likes MotoGP
- #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 147

AVexcel - Episode 147
Recorded on July 22, 2021
Hosts: Patrick Norton and Robert Heron 

The rundown:
- Sony High Performance HT System
- Hisense U7G looking good
- Definitive Decend DN12/DN15 subs
- Olympics in HDR + Dolby Atmos
- Optimizing Your Projector for HDR
- LG's 8K QNED 99-Series
- Elac Solano speakers
- In search of SACD players
- #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 145

AVexcel - Episode 145
Recorded on June 29, 2021
Hosts: Patrick Norton and Robert Heron 

The rundown:
- Budgeting your home theater
- Qualcomm's Snapdragon Sound tech
- 83-inch OLEDs arrive
- Sennheiser CX True Wireless
- 120Hz Dolby Vision is official
- YouTube TV goes 4K
- Robert's new 1440p monitor
- Best 4K Blu-ray player
- #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 56

Recorded on September 14, 2017. 

Hosts: Patrick Norton and Robert Heron 

The rundown: 
  - Apple TV goes 4K
  - CEDIA 2017 roundup
  - New laser projectors
  - Sweet looking screens
  - Superb speakers for all
  - Useful AV gear
  - Cordcutting grows
  - 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 54

Recorded on August 24, 2017 

Hosts: Patrick Norton and Robert Heron 

The rundown: 

•   Post-eclipse glow 
•   LG's new Dolby Vision 4K Blu-ray player 
•   Roku ruling the world 
•   CD archiving app of choice 
•   4K UHD streaming gear 
•   TV moving/installation tips 
•   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 46

Recorded on June 15, 2017 

Patrick Norton and Robert Heron are building the home theater goodness 

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

The tingly bits

More 4K projection

• Optoma's $2000 4K wonder
• Dell's 5000-lumen Laser
• Christie Digital D13HD-HS
  • Blue + red lasers can do wide color
  • 11,500 ANSI lumen
  • 4.5x the cost of the Dell
  • Not 4K, but that color...

AV101 - a quiet base

• Quiet rooms make for better listening

Sweet Q&A

• Mike wants a UHD disc player w/Dolby Vision
  • Oppo UDP-203/UDP-205 or bust
  • Chance: Xbox One S future update
• James considers a Definitive setup
  • Definitive Technology
  • ProMonitor 1000
  • BP9060
• Kevin's looks at OLED TV burn-in
  • aka uneven pixel wear
  • aka permanent image retention
  • More robust than plasma
  • Less than LCDs
  • Modern projectors very burn-in resistant
  • Mix up viewed content

OTA adventures

• Upgraded flat antenna
• WallTenna
• Live channel goodness

Thank you

Visit us at AVexcel.com

We appreciate your feedback

• Tweet
  • @avexcel
  • @patricknorton
  • @robertheron
• Email
• AVexcel sub-Reddit
• Facebook

Enjoy

Subscribe to AVexcel

• iTunes
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• RSS

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Link to this episode page

AVexcel - Episode 39

Recorded on March 14, 2017 

Patrick Norton and Robert Heron are returning to the home theater goodness 

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

Great 2017 TVs Arrive

• Sony XBR-A1E BRAVIA OLED
  • Available April
  • Acoustic Surface
  • X1 Extreme processor
  • Super Bit-Mapping 4K HDR
  • Less banding artifacts
  • Android TV
  • Google Assistant
• Samsung Q9 QLED TV
  • Improved AR coating
  • Metal quantum dots
  • New sub-pixel design
  • Fiber optic link to input box
  • New “The Frame” design
    • 55-inch + 65-inches only
• Q8 (curved) Pricing
  • 55-inches $3500
  • 65-inches $4800
• Q7 (flat) Pricing
  • 55-inches $2800
  • 65-inches $4000
  • 75-inches $6000

AV101: bi-wiring

• Each speaker gets its own amp wire
• Not bi-amping

Pat's speaker doings

• Wirecutter: best speaker wire
• miniDSP UMIK-1 USB mic
• miniDSP 2x4 kit

Great questions

• John needs to try Tidal
  • Has Pioneer AVR
    • Load mobile app + try AirPlay
  • Volumio
  • Roon Labs
  • ELAC Discovery Music Server
• @KyleEJohnson looking at HDMI 2.x mobos
  • DisplayPort 1.2 to HDMI 2.0 adapter
• @SconnieTek needs a big screen value
  • Love the Roku TVs
  • This 65-inch Hisense 4K screen
• @erikbelusic's triple-driver needs
  • Start w/Monoprice 8323
  • V-MODA Forza In-Ear
  • 1MORE Quad Driver In-Ear
  • 1MORE Triple Driver

Viewing doings

• Wolf Children
• Game of Thrones
• MLB.tv

Thank you

Visit us at AVexcel.com

Connect with us

• Tweet
  • @avexcel
  • @patricknorton
  • @robertheron
• Email
• AVexcel sub-Reddit
• Facebook

Enjoy

Subscribe to AVexcel

• iTunes
• Google Play
• RSS

Download the MP3

Link to this episode page

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

• CTO Matt McRae tweeted
• Update rolling out now
  • 2016 P-Series & 2016 M-Series

Color gamuts explained

• Dr. Raymond Soneira
• DisplayMate
• Display Color Gamuts Shoot-Out
  • CIE 1931 vs. 1976
• Sony 940D calibration
• Sony's new Z9D flagship 4K TV
• Check AVS Forum for owner experiences

Brian seeks a 3D audio upgrade

• Atmos, DTS:X, Auro 3D
• Isolating room acoustics
• 2-channel vs. 4-channel
• Atmos titles
• DTS:X at home
• Auro 3D experience

@Aiden_deJong's looking to drive 4-ohm speakers

• Prefers an AVR
• Expand to surround eventually
• Audioholics 4-ohm advice
  • Amp/power basics
• Check AVR specs carefully
• 4-ohm capable amps
  • Denon X2200W
  • Denon S710W/S720W
  • Marantz NR1606/NR1607
  • Yamaha Aventage AVRs

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

• Good screens at all prices
• Zoom/focus presets a must
• Masking screens
• Check projector manufacturer for setup app
• Projector Central's Projection Calculator Pro
• AVS Forum 2:35:1 discussions
• Heron Fidelity's Great TV Deals

Thank you!

Samsung KS9800 Update

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

More 4K Olympics

• UHD, HDR, Atmos...oh my
• Day delay for most events
  • 2.5hr delay opening/closing ceremonies
• 4K video from 8K cameras
• More 4K viewing options
  • Comcast: Xfinity Ultra High Definition Sampler app
  • Dish: Hopper 3 DVR or 4K Joey

Thank you

We appreciate the Patreon support that makes AVexcel possible

Visit us at AVexcel.com

Connect with us

• Tweet
  • @avexcel
  • @patricknorton
  • @robertheron
• Email
• AVexcel sub-Reddit
• Facebook

Enjoy

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

Recorded July 28, 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

• Soundbars
• KEF EGG
• KEF LS50
• KEF X300A
• Riva Turbo X

Vizio SmartCast P-Series TV

• 6-inch Android tablet remote
  • Better than a tuning fork
• SmartCast app (Android/iOS)
• Calibration setup
• HDR10 update coming soon
• Touchscreen tactile woes
• Harmony remotes FTW

News

• Thursday Night Football streaming via Twitter
• MLB.tv + Unlocator = viewing bliss
• MLB class action settlement

Virtual Reality headsets

• Samsung Gear VR
• Oculus Rift
• HTC Vive

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!

Download the MP3
Subscribe to AVexcel on iTunes or RSS

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

• B&W DM600 series speakers
• Amp Camp Amps (PDF)
• Johnny Cash - At San Quentin
• ELAC UB5 speakers
• KEF EGG
• aptX helps Bluetooth audio
• Yamaha's AV controller app

We have a date...

• Game of Thrones: Season 6 trailer
• Star Wars: The Force Awakens
  • The Force.net has the retail exclusive details
• House of Cards: Season 4

Home theater room setup

• Dolby's setup guide is a must-read
• Consider room acoustics
• Clap your hands
• Bare walls are bad
• Hang some art
• Consider curtains and rugs
• Diffusion and absorption
• Square rooms are audio hell
• Placing the sub in a node
• Noise generators are helpful
• Pick a quiet room
• Use a tripod with an AVR setup mic
• Acoustically transparent screens
• DIY screens: Carl's Place

Sony's 2016 TVs arrive

• Dual light guides 
  • XBR-series X930D 55-inch/65-inch
• Sony BVMX300 Pro OLED

Dolby Cinema is (slowly) spreading

• A Bay Area option arrives
• AMC Prime
• The ButtKicker
• "The Brown Noise"

Send us your thoughts

• ask@avexcel.com
• Twitter
• Facebook
• AVexcel sub-Reddit

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

• UHD Blu-ray player w/dual HDMI output

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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Subscribe to AVexcel on iTunes or RSS

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

• Air blower
• Amp Camp Amp (PDF)
• RIVA S
• KEF MUO
• Mobile gear

Samsung's UHD Blu-ray player arrives

• CNET's solid review
• Enable TV's 'UHD color' option
• Initial UHD Blu-ray movie quirks
• Such an odd collection of 4K titles
  • The Martian
  • Deadpool
  • Sicario
  • Chappie
  • Salt
  • Pan
  • Concussion
  • Hancock
  • Wild
  • The Revenant
    • Congratulations, Leo
  • Ender's Game
  • The Maze Runner
  • San Andreas
  • The Peanuts Movie
  • Mad Max: Fury Road

Lab time: 2016 Samsung KS9500 LCD

Blu-ray movies of interest

• The Decline of Western Civilization
• Howard the Duck
• Xanadu
• The Flash: Season 1
• History of the World Part 1

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

• Blu-ray decryption software
• SlySoft is gone
• Great coverage on MyCE
• Alternatives
  • MakeMKV
  • DVDFab

AnyDVD lives (in Belize)!

• RedFox Forums
• Lifetime subscriptions still work
• Great free virtual drive sw

Michael's tip for Chris' power woes

• Try disabling CEC

TampaOrange via Reddit loves Marantz

• Marantz SR series w/HDAM
• Compact NR series wo/HDAM

kpbearfl via Reddit on DTS:X

• AVR bargain: Onkyo TX-NR646

Marc needs white stereo RCA cables

• Blue Jeans Cable
• Custom DIY: Home Theater Shack
• Add an RCA cable coupler

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

• 4K projectors are available
• Sub-$2K 4K projectors not here yet
• UHD setup tools
  • Florian Friedrich's UHDTEST.com
  • SpectraCal's CalMAN

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 #005

In this overflowing episode

• We thank our wonderful audience (you!)
• Foxconn reveals an interest in Sharp
• Adventures in OLED calibration
• Burn-in vs image retention
• The $9 CHIP computer
• Headlamp home theater helper
• Netflix prices going up
• DLP making 4K projection affordable
• Support the EFF - support freedom/privacy
• Hisense 65-inch Ultra LED TV in February
• 4K Blu-ray has arrived
• Optoma 4K RGB LED Demo
• Epson 8350 DIY dust blob removal/FAQ
• Picture contrast > pixel resolution
• Compression artifacts are everywhere
• Watching SD/HD on UHD screens
• THX viewing distance recommendation
• Viewing angles: print a protractor
• All about telecine
• TCL stands for...
• Wire it up
  • Good 14AWG speaker cable
  • Great banana plugs
  • Good wire strippers
  • Audioholics on wire gauge
  • XLR for high-end speakers/amps
  • Good label maker for wire sanity
• What we're watching
  • YouTube casting
  • Jamie Mantzel - inspiring maker dude
  • YouTube Kids
  • Handmade Quake
  • Gilda on Criterion Blu-ray
  • Straight Outta Compton on Blu-ray
  • Ice Pirates on Blu-ray
  • Inside Llewyn Davis on Criterion Blu-ray
• Great HDMI cables for less
• Thoughts on 5.1/7.2/3D audio
• Dolby's Speaker Setup Guide
• Audioquest NightHawk Headphones
• Audioquest DragonFly DAC
• Love for Beck's Blu-ray Audio disc

We thank you for listening to our longest episode (yet!)

As always, we'd love to hear from you. Contact us via email at ask@avexcel.com

Also, please follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

The AVexcel sub-Reddit is another great place for group interaction.

And, we'll 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: January 21, 2016