AV Rant #847: Corporate Bad Decisions
Netflix quickly walked back their anti-account sharing blockages and temporary codes. Sightline at AMC is here to charge different movie ticket prices depending on your seat. Sony announced their new lineup of ES Series AV Receivers. And Denon’s A1H manual describes some interesting feature changes.
Pictures shown in this episode: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjArf7X
00:00:00 – Intro & What We Watched
Rob watched Underwater.
00:08:41 – Listeners of the Week
Our Listeners of the Week are Stefan for his PayPal donation, plus our 142 Patreon Patrons, as well as Nelson for sending a movie code.
Thanks to Greg for sending photos with permission for Tom to use them on https://avgadgets.com/
And we appreciate the notes of gratitude for keeping the podcast going from: Stefan, Juls Kevin, Dan, and Gurinder. Thank you to everyone for continuing to listen! Dishoom!
In the news:
00:14:56 – News: Netflix Walks Back Anti-Account Sharing
You’ll need to verify devices outside your primary residence, but no more 7-day codes: https://bit.ly/3xbFemU
00:19:26 – News: Sightline at AMC
Value, Standard, and Preferred seats get different ticket prices: https://bit.ly/3DN9IiP
00:25:22 – News: Sony ES AV Receivers
HDMI 2.1 AVRs with Digital Cinema Audio Calibration IX and 360 Spatial Sound Mapping: https://bit.ly/3lj6wFA
– https://avgadgets.com/how-to-install-two-center-channel-home-theater-speakers/
– https://avgadgets.com/qotd-can-i-use-a-tv-as-a-center-speaker/
– https://avgadgets.com/what-is-apples-spatial-audio/
00:33:09 – News: Denon AVR-A1H Manual
Rob found some interesting feature changes: https://bit.ly/3YdzLbb
– https://avgadgets.com/everything-wrong-with-dolby-speaker-layout-diagrams/
QUESTIONS:
00:41:30 – Steve: Atmos Modules as Surrounds
Placed on top of Front speakers and firing up, can Atmos Modules serve as Surrounds?
– https://avgadgets.com/best-placement-of-up-firing-dolby-atmos-enabled-modules/
– https://avgadgets.com/qotd-what-is-speaker-phase/
00:46:06 – Raf: What is Bass Sync?
Denon Bass Sync confuses us: https://bit.ly/3RIbNSZ
00:49:32 – Stefan: Bedroom TV Speakers
SoundBar or Bookshelf Speakers + Sub?
– https://avgadgets.com/fluance-ai41-powered-bookshelf-speakers-review-soundbar-killer/
– Vizio M512-H6: https://bit.ly/3RI7qY8
– SVS Prime Wireless Pro: https://bit.ly/3JRFb7r
– KEF LSX II at A4L: https://bit.ly/3I9FFEX
– ELAC Debut ConneX DCB41: https://bit.ly/3HNKQc2
00:56:13 – Juls: AI Upscaling
Which site for blowing up images to print on acoustic panels?
01:00:57 – Jon: Long UHS HDMI Cable Woes
The Ablink fiber optic HDMI cable we recommended gave him problems, so we have an alternative.
– RUIPRO UHS fiber optic HDMI: https://amzn.to/3JNLJUN
01:06:12 – Anders: Dedicated 2-ch + Surround Setup
We dive deep on integrating a pair of subwoofers into a Surround Sound system that utilizes a dedicated, analogue-only Stereo 2-channel setup for the Front Left & Right speakers. We also discuss connecting both a 4K TV and 1080p projector. And what level of lamp replacement to buy.
– https://avgadgets.com/stop-putting-two-subwoofers-at-the-front-of-your-room/
– https://avgadgets.com/why-bi-amping-doesnt-make-an-audible-difference/
– https://avgadgets.com/what-does-it-mean-that-subwoofers-are-omnidirectional/
– https://avgadgets.com/setting-up-dual-subwoofers/
– https://avgadgets.com/qotd-do-i-eq-dual-subs-separately/
– https://avgadgets.com/definitive-list-of-home-theater-buying-and-setup-resources/
– Rob was mistaken, and should have suggested the HD Fury Diva to do everything Anders wants to do: https://bit.ly/3I5G9f0
01:34:54 – Dan: Wire Gauge and Voicing Explained
We discuss what actually matters when it comes to speaker wire, manually setting speaker trim levels, why AV Receiver “voicing” isn’t the same as speaker tuning, and why Denon & Marantz are charging extra for Dirac.
– https://avgadgets.com/best-speaker-wire-gauge-for-home-theater/
– https://www.audioholics.com/audio-video-cables/speaker-wire-gauge
– http://www.bluejeanscable.com/articles/what-does-wire-gage-mean.htm
– https://avgadgets.com/what-is-a-blind-test-in-av/
– https://avgadgets.com/everyone-that-says-their-av-upgrade-is-slightly-better-is-a-liar/
– https://avgadgets.com/i-switched-from-audyssey-to-dirac-and-i-wish-i-hadnt/
01:57:29 – Infinite Gary: Scope Screen Still Has Black Bars
Why are most modern movies even wider than 2.35:1? And troubleshooting HDMI.
– https://avgadgets.com/why-169-is-the-best-projector-screen-aspect-ratio/
– Filmmaker IQ Aspect Ratio History: https://youtu.be/3CgrMsjGk7k
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