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AV Rant #999.9o: We Fight Diminishing Returns

July 22nd, 2026

AV Rant #999.9o: We Fight Diminishing Returns

Value Electronics’ new King of TVs. The Odyssey in 70mm Film IMAX Review.

Value Electronics crowned their new King of TVs for 2026. Rob saw The Odyssey in 70mm Film IMAX and shares his review. And if you missed it last week, check out our interview with Michael Kobb from Kaleidescape that we posted as a Special extra episode.

Pictures shown in this episode: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCZANk

00:00:00 – Intro

00:09:53 – Kaleidescape Interview

We posted an extra episode last week in which Rob and Joe Klusnick interview Michael Kobb from Kaleidescape to discuss the new Strato K Movie Player, 8K, 4K Cinematic, 4:4:4, and more!

– https://avrant.com/av-rant-special-interview-with-michael-kobb-from-kaleidescape/

– https://youtu.be/10KtbZQFyzM

00:18:09 – What We Watched

Tom watched What If…? S.3. Rob watched The Running Man, and The Odyssey.

00:56:20 – Listeners of the Week

Our Listeners of the Week are Steven and Dan for their PayPal donations, plus our 120 Patreon Patrons, as well as Ilango for talking us up to HSU Research.

We also appreciate the notes of gratitude for keeping the podcast going from: Steve, Bill, Martin, and Karl. Thank you to everyone for continuing to listen!

In the news:

00:58:18 – News: Brand New King of TVs

Value Electronics’ 25th annual TV Shootout tested OLEDs and RGB-backlit LCDs this year, and they crowned a new King of TVs for 2026: https://tinyurl.com/yj3anusj

Comments:

01:04:12 – Comment: Infinite Gary – Trinaural Speaker Selector

Watching The Food That Built America reminded him he has a vintage Speaker Selector in his basement.

01:06:28 – Comment: Greg – Plush Toy Wall Panels

Last week he found a way to turn plush toys into standing corner bass traps. This week, he found a solution to make plush toys into hanging wall panels: https://tinyurl.com/4af2pj5y

QUESTIONS:

01:08:19 – “Tall Scott”: Spending $2,000

We have strong feelings about where Scott’s budget should be spent first in his large, open room.

– HSU VTF-TN1: https://tinyurl.com/mvyy6efb

– Acoustimac DIY Panel Kits: https://tinyurl.com/d26ahcf6

– Ascend CMT-340SE2: https://tinyurl.com/46pe9va2

01:20:16 – Nick: Ivory Wall Plates

It’s easy enough to find wall plates to cover in-wall wire runs. But what about in ivory finish?

– Cable Leader: https://tinyurl.com/37rsm2wy

– Infinite Cables: https://tinyurl.com/jaseehz2

01:23:37 – Ilango: Which Panasonic Player

Should he buy another Panasonic Ultra HD Blu-ray player? And if so, which one?

– Panasonic UB150: https://tinyurl.com/yhzusrdy

01:27:52 – Steve: “Am I Doing Anything Really Bad?”

We have a look at Steve’s sunken Den setup. Are there compromises? Sure. But we think he’s done well, and we share the few changes we’d make if it were ours.

01:37:47 – Ilango: HSU TN1 Settings

Ilango seeks clarification about exactly how his HSU TN1 subwoofers should be adjusted, and how to interpret Audioholics’ measurements.

– https://avgadgets.com/everything-you-know-about-bass-in-home-theater-is-wrong/

– https://www.audioholics.com/subwoofer-reviews/hsu-vtf-tn1-1

01:57:29 – Bill: Replacement Gear

A sizable insurance deductible unfortunately means Bill will be out-of-pocket to replace his damaged home theater gear. He already got a new TV, so we discuss OTA DVR and Receiver options.

– https://zapperbox.com/

– https://www.tablotv.com/

– Denon S770H from A4L: https://tinyurl.com/bdemfdh3

– https://www.zkelectronics.com/

02:04:04 – Patrick: Mysterious Thud

A random “thud” has started coming from his speakers, but not his subs. We discuss the potential culprits and how to troubleshoot for them.

– https://avgadgets.com/iogear-professional-online-ups-review/

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