HDTVs, projectors, and surround sound systems.
Home Theater
What TV would have decent audio in it? (Part 1)
Episode 949
Alan from
Alan is looking to get either a Panasonic UT50 or Samsung 550, both plasma sets. What bothers him is the internal speakers in these TV sets. Scott says that the internal sound of Samsung TVs in particular is very disappointing. The UT50 is a great TV, but don't expect good sound from that either. Dave says it's a matter of physics since TVs are so thin. A sound bar is a worthy accessory to make up for any HDTV sound short comings and the sound will be significantly better.
What's the best budget 32" TV?
Episode 949
Jason from
Jason is looking at the Toshiba LCD TV in 32", is that a good brand?
Is there a TV I can get that would be good in a brightly lit room?
Episode 949
Tom from
Tom needs to replace the CRT TV in his exercise room. Scott says since the room is likely bright, an LED LCD TV is going to be the best bet. He'll also want a matte finish screen and an LCD is best for that.
Why is my projector displaying a blue spot on the screen?
Episode 949
David from
David has a Sanyo Z3 projector and a blue spot is appearing on the screen. Scott says that's a 9 year old projector and if he goes into the settings, he will see a timer setting that will tell him how many hours are on the bulb. It may just be time to replace it. Dave says that another issue may be that an LCD panel may be going out, and Scott thinks it may be the green panel. If that's the case, it's time to get a new projector.
Where should I mount a sound bar?
Episode 949
Ed from
Scott says he can mount a sound bar anywhere, but he'll want it close to the TV, preferrably above or below it. He can even mount them to the wall.
Do they use HDMI? Scott says usually, and they would need to have an audio codec to do that. There's also digital coax and optical as well. Dave says some would also need amplification and that would require an a/v receiver.
How do I stream all of my music through my home network?
Episode 949
Mark from
David recommends the Logitech Squeezebox. Mark has one but would like to get the music to his A/V receiver. Scott says if the NAS is DLNA compliant, like Synology's, he can use the DLNA receiver to pull the music off the NAS wirelessly. If the receiver isn't DLNA, then a blu-ray player may be an option. Head over to AVS Forum for tricks and tips on how to network and stream in the home. Scott also recommends AudioStream.com.
What would be a good budget blu-ray player with streaming capabilities? (Part 1)
Episode 949
Ashar from
Scott says that almost any Blu-ray player will do the job, but for the budget minded, Scott usually recommends Panasonic. Dave says Sony has a Blu-ray at Costco for $79 with all streaming services. He also likes Sony because they carry Amazon video on demand as an app.
Scott Wilkinson Guest Hosts While Leo Is at the Super Bowl
Episode 949
Leo has taken today off, because he's in New Orleans for the SuperBowl. Home Theater Geeks Host Scott Wilkinson is 'pinch hitting' today. David Von from Home Theater Magazine joins Scott today as well.
Also, you can join Scott over at AVS Forum, where he's recently been added as an editor! Check out his current article AVS Guide to Media Servers, Part 1
Scott Wilkinson and the NAMM Show
Episode 948
Scott is just back from the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) show. It's the musicians version of NAB and it was amazing how much great music there was, including an Elton John concert which they streamed live online. Leo says that's the future of public performance. He also saw some great drums, new synthesizers by Moge, and there was a resurgence of vinyl records, although Scott doesn't miss the hassle of cleaning up vinyl records before playing them. He just prefers the comparative low maintenance of digital music.
Is a rear projection HDTV worth repairing?
Episode 947
Joe from
Joe has an old rear projection TV and he can't adjust the blue convergence up and down. Can it be fixed? Leo says probably only professionally and it's probably not worth paying to have it fixed. Time to look at a new TV.
