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.
– 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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