Podcasts about dolby vision

On today's show we discuss Ara's new family room TV and Audio setup and what his plans are for the future. We also read your emails and look at the week's news. News: Marantz Introduces The CINEMA Series 2 Receivers Dolby Vision 2 HDR Is Officially Arriving On Certain Hisense TVs Nearly A Third Of U.S. Homes Get TV Only Via Streaming Peacock hikes prices for fourth straight year, this time by $3 Other: Theatrium - A home Assistant or HomeKit Dashboard for your AppleTV Parts List for Ara's New Home Family Room: Mantel Mount MM815 Motorized Drop Down & Swivel TV Mount - $700 The MM815 is a remote-controlled drop-and-swivel TV mount. Press one button to lower the TV to eye level and rotate it as needed. It comes with an RF remote, is silent, and has two memory presets. Sony BRAVIA 7 II PRO True RGB 4K HDR Google TV with Gemini (Model Number K75XR70PRO)-  $2300 The Sony BRAVIA 7 II PRO is Sony's 2026 mid-range True RGB Mini-LED TV (65 inches and up) with independently driven red, green, and blue backlight LEDs, XR processing, and about 2,000 nits of peak brightness for stronger color volume and contrast than a typical white Mini-LED. It is 4K at 120 Hz, supports Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, and has HDMI 2.1 gaming features (VRR, ALLM, 4K/120). Google TV includes Gemini for voice search and recommendations, plus AirPlay 2. The Pro bundle adds a three-year replacement warranty, a backlit rechargeable remote, extra Sony Pictures Core credits, and an enhanced Voice Zoom 3 dialogue mode; picture hardware is the same as the standard 7 II. From RTINGS: Pros: Great black levels with minimal haloing. Bright details in HDR stand out incredibly well. Fantastic SDR brightness helps it overcome glare during the day. Fantastic upscaling and great low-quality content smoothing. Colors are incredibly bright and vivid. Cons: Dark scenes are hard to see during the day. Sonos Arc Ultra - $1099 The Sonos Arc Ultra supports Dolby Atmos that has a 9.1.4 driver layout and Sound Motion woofer to produce wide, height-enhanced surround and stronger bass from a single bar. It connects to a TV with one HDMI eARC cable, supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, and the rest of the Sonos ecosystem (including optional Sub and rear speakers), and can be controlled with the TV remote, Sonos app, touch controls, Sonos Voice Control, or Alexa. Trueplay tunes the sound to the room, and AI speech enhancement is meant to keep dialogue clear. It is a long, low-profile bar (about 46 inches wide) sold in black or white. Sonos Sub 4 - $899 The Sonos Sub 4 is a wireless subwoofer for Sonos S2 systems, pairing with current soundbars and speakers to add bass down to about 25 Hz. Two inward-facing 5-by-8-inch woofers and dual Class-D amps use a force-canceling layout so the cabinet stays relatively still and the bass stays clean. It has the same slot-style shape as earlier Subs, in black or white matte, and can stand upright or lie on its side. Updates over the Sub 3 include Wi-Fi 6, a faster processor, more memory, lower idle power, and a slightly lighter cabinet; setup is through the Sonos app, with optional Ethernet. Two Sub 4s can be used with the Arc Ultra. Master Bedroom: Sony BRAVIA 3 II 4K HDR LED Google TV (Model Number K55XR30M2) - $798 - The Sony BRAVIA 3 II is Sony's 2026 entry-level 4K LED set, sold from 43 to 100 inches. It uses a direct-lit LED panel, a 120 Hz refresh rate, and the XR processor for color, motion, and upscaling. HDR covers Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG. All four HDMI ports are 2.1, with 4K/120, VRR, and ALLM. It runs Google TV with Gemini, AirPlay 2, and Chromecast, plus built-in speakers that pass Dolby Atmos and DTS:X to a soundbar. The picture is good in bright rooms; but as you would expect, the contrast and HDR are limited compared with higher BRAVIA models. If you are going to use this for anything more than casual viewing or you are really critical of picture quality you may want to look elsewhere. But for those on a budget or used in a secondary room, it's a solid TV.

Samsung wants to get the jump on Dolby Vision 2 by partnering up with Amazon Prime Video to launch HDR10+ Advanced content first. Monitor Audio Silver Series 8G speakers bring 3-way designs at competitive prices. Tom and Rob do a full spoiler discussion of Spider-Man: Brand New Day. Pictures shown in this episode: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjD2JNV 00:00:00 – […] The post AV Rant #999.9s: Spider-Man Brand New Day Spoilers appeared first on AV Rant.

Showrunner Oren Uziel and director of photography Darran Tiernan join us to discuss how Prime Video's “Spider-Noir” was designed, shot, and finished for two distinct visual versions at once: “Authentic Black & White” and “True-Hue Full Color.” They break down the creative and technical challenges of building both looks simultaneously, from old-school noir influences to modern custom LUTs, as well as the enormous collaboration required across the camera, lighting, production design, costumes, makeup, and visual effects departments."Nothing was brought to set that hadn't been looked at already through both LUTs... It's measure twice, cut once. This was prep twice, shoot once."—Oren Uziel, Executive Producer and Showrunner, “Spider-Noir”Be sure to check out “Spider-Noir,” now streaming on Prime Video, in both black & white and color, in Dolby Vision® and Dolby Atmos®.Please subscribe to Dolby Creator Talks wherever you get your podcasts, now available as a video podcast on YouTube and Spotify!Learn more about the Dolby Creator Lab and check out Dolby.com. Connect with Dolby on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn.

Hisense 2026 UX, U7, UR8, and UR9 Series TVs are the first to get Dolby Vision 2 Max. Marantz Cinema Series 2 Receivers arrive. ... The post AV Rant #999.9r: Rob’s Shopping Hack appeared first on AV Rant.

This Week for your Daily Ratings Movie News: It's week two at looking into what tech and specs Dolby has to offer that give us some premium movie experiences. Today Tom is taking us through Dolby Vision. What it is, how it works, and why we want it!   - Check out all our Movie Scores on the site! - Support the Daily Ratings and become a Producer now! - Here are all the new movies out now! - Shop our store for all the Daily Ratings gear!

It's the first new Bose QuietComfort headphones in three years. Plus, Dolby Vision 2 comes to HiSense, a Samsung soundbar that doesn't need a subwoofer, and smart glasses displays that don't need prescription inserts.Starring Tom Merritt and Huyen Tue DaoShow notes can be found here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When Dolby Vision 2 - the latest version of the company's dynamic HDR solution - was first announced in late 2025, there was a lot of uncertainty about how, when and why it was coming. Over the past 10 months, things have become clearer, including its imminent availability on select Hisense TVs.Tune in with eCoustics founder Brian Mitchell, Senior Reviewer Al Griffin and Editor at Large Chris Boylan as we discuss the latest developments with Dolby Vision 2 and Dolby Vision 2 Max and what's coming over the next few weeks and months.Additional details about Dolby Vision 2 and Dolby Vision 2 Max:https://www.ecoustics.com/news/dolby-vision-2/Thank you to our sponsor of this episode, Shure! www.shure.com• Original intro music by The Arc of All. https://sourceoflightandpower.bandcamp.com• Voice Over Provided by Todd Harrell of SSP Unlimited. https://sspunlimited.com• Production by Mitch Anderson, Black Circle Studios. https://mixcloud.com/blackcircleradioKeep up-to-date with all the latest news and product reviews on hi-fi, headphones, home theater, music and more. https://www.ecoustics.com#dolbyvision2 #dolbyvision2max #dolbyvision #ecoustics #hometheater #hisense

Season two of Netflix's anthology series “Beef” received 16 Emmy Award® nominations, including recognition for its bold cinematography and meticulously crafted sound. In this conversation, creator, showrunner, writer, director, and executive producer Lee Sung Jin — who also goes by Sonny Lee — joins members of his creative team to discuss how they gave the second season its own distinct identity while still retaining the DNA of the show. “The dialogue is kind of musical in a way. We are chasing these rises and falls to land a joke or a dramatic moment. And we all collectively feel it. And so that's what's great is that I think most teams would be like, ‘Sonny, you're crazy. You don't need to spend any more hours on this.' But they're like, ‘Ugh, you know what? We know what you mean and it can be a little bit better.' … I think whether in the mix, or with James [Laxton] in color [grading], what I love about this team is that we want it to be perfect. And it's really hard to do that on TV time and TV resources.” —Lee Sung Jin, Creator, Showrunner, Writer, Director, and Executive Producer, “Beef” Joining Lee Sung Jin for this conversation about “Beef” season 2: - James Laxton, ASC – Director of Photography - Christopher Gomez, MPSE – Supervising Sound Editor - Penny Harold, CAS – Re-recording Mixer - Andy Lange, CAS – Re-recording Mixer Be sure to check out “Beef,” now streaming on Netflix in Dolby Vision® and Dolby Atmos®. Please subscribe to Dolby Creator Talks wherever you get your podcasts. You can also check out the video for this episode on YouTube. Learn more about the Dolby Creator Lab and check out Dolby.com. Connect with Dolby on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn.

HDR10+ Advanced llega a Prime Video con más brillo, mejor movimiento y una nueva generación de imagen para televisores compatiblesPor Félix Riaño @LocutorCoSamsung y Prime Video presentaron HDR10+ Advanced, una nueva versión del estándar HDR10+ que promete imágenes más brillantes, un movimiento más natural y un mejor aprovechamiento de los televisores más recientes. La tecnología llegará primero a algunos contenidos de Prime Video y funcionará inicialmente en los televisores Samsung compatibles de la línea 2026.La noticia parece anunciar una mejora de calidad de imagen. La historia de fondo habla de otra cosa: una nueva competencia entre formatos para convertirse en el estándar de las próximas generaciones de televisión. Muchas personas ya tienen televisores con HDR. Entonces surge una pregunta: ¿qué cambia realmente con esta nueva versión?La calidad mejora, pero la compatibilidad sigue siendo el desafío.HDR significa High Dynamic Range, o alto rango dinámico. Esta tecnología permite mostrar zonas muy brillantes y muy oscuras al mismo tiempo sin perder tantos detalles.HDR10+ ya utilizaba metadatos dinámicos para ajustar la imagen escena por escena. HDR10+ Advanced añade más información para que el televisor aproveche mejor su brillo y su capacidad de procesamiento.La primera mejora se llama Enhanced Overall Brightness. Esta función utiliza nuevos metadatos y procesamiento con inteligencia artificial para aumentar el brillo sin perder detalle en las sombras.La segunda mejora se llama Intelligent Motion Smoothing. Esta función adapta el tratamiento del movimiento en cada escena. Las películas conservan su apariencia cinematográfica y los deportes o las escenas de acción pueden verse con mayor fluidez.La tecnología ya existe, pero muy pocas personas podrán usarla desde el comienzo.Prime Video será el primer servicio compatible y Samsung será el primer fabricante con televisores preparados para HDR10+ Advanced. El resto del mercado todavía no ha anunciado soporte.La industria mantiene además una competencia entre estándares. Samsung impulsa HDR10+, mientras Dolby desarrolla Dolby Vision. Algunas marcas adoptan uno, otras incorporan ambos y algunas prefieren soluciones propias. Esa diversidad obliga a que fabricantes, plataformas y estudios acuerden qué formatos van a utilizar antes de que una nueva tecnología pueda extenderse.Samsung desarrolló HDR10+ Advanced para aprovechar el brillo y la capacidad de procesamiento de los televisores más recientes. Prime Video comenzará a ofrecer contenidos compatibles durante este mes y Samsung incorporará el formato en sus próximos televisores.La evolución recuerda el lanzamiento original de HDR10+ en 2017. Aquella versión también comenzó en Prime Video y después fue sumando fabricantes y dispositivos. Actualmente el ecosistema HDR10+ reúne 183 empresas y más de 22.000 productos certificados.Ahora queda por ver si otras plataformas y fabricantes se unen a esta nueva versión o mantienen la competencia entre distintos formatos de imagen.BibliografíaBroadband TV NewsSamsung NewsroomEngadgetTechRadarPocket-lintEl Siglo 21 es HoyConviértete en un supporter de este podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/flash-diario-de-el-siglo-21-es-hoy--5835407/support.⚡️

Academy Award®-winning composer Michael Giacchino returns to Dolby Creator Talks for his fifth appearance, this time to discuss his latest score for “Spider-Man: Brand New Day.” In this conversation, Giacchino explores how he approached Peter Parker's new emotional reality: One where the character is alone, isolated, and carrying difficult memories no one else shares, by reshaping familiar musical themes, excavating pieces out of the melody, and introducing a dark, synth palette beneath the orchestra. He also reflects on his working relationship with director Destin Daniel Cretton, recording an 85-piece orchestra at Abbey Road, and finding the right balance between the spectacle befitting a Spider-Man movie, and the loneliness at the heart of this new chapter for the beloved superhero."For me, musically, it was... 'do we abandon the theme that we had for three movies and just go with something brand new? So it felt like he's in a wholly new place?' That was my first thought. But the more I tried to do that, I kept thinking, 'well, no, maybe it's not so much about inventing anything new, but it's about taking away from what we already have.' So if I have a full melody written out, what notes can I pull out of that melody, that would represent the pieces of his life that have now gone away?"—Michael Giacchino, Composer, “Spider-Man: Brand New Day”Be sure to check out “Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” now playing in theaters in Dolby Vision® and Dolby Atmos® where available.Please subscribe to Dolby Creator Talks wherever you get your podcasts.You can also check out the video for this episode on YouTube.Learn more about the Dolby Creator Lab and check out Dolby.com. Connect with Dolby on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn.

On this week's show we look into our crystal ball to see what is on the Home Theater Horizon. We also read your emails and take a look at the week's news. News: 2026 Value Electronics TV Shootout: Samsung Snaps Sony TV Streak CarPlay video coming with iOS 27 WGA Seeks Injunction to Block Deal's Closing What is on the Home Theater Horizon Home theater technology is advancing quickly and the trend is moving toward wireless setups, brighter and more flexible displays, AI-powered calibration, immersive spatial audio, and simpler high-end installations. Today we take a look at what we can expect over the next couple of years. Displays: Brighter, Wireless, and Modular Ultra-thin wireless OLEDs: LG's OLED evo W6, also called the Wallpaper TV, is part of their 2026 evo lineup. It's incredibly thin — just 9 millimeters thick — and features a true wireless design. All your devices plug into a separate Zero Connect Box that can sit up to 10 meters away. The box then sends 4K video and audio wirelessly to the TV with almost no quality loss. The TV also includes Hyper Radiant Color Technology. This delivers much higher brightness — up to 3.9 times brighter than standard OLEDs — along with deeper black levels and fewer reflections. For gamers, it supports 4K at 165 Hertz, G-SYNC, and very fast response times. MicroLED and RGB advancements: MicroLED displays — including variants like Micro RGB or TriChroma — are becoming popular for luxury home theater setups. They deliver perfect blacks like OLED screens, but with much higher brightness, no burn-in risk, and modular designs that let you create custom sizes, such as 136-inch or even larger cinema walls. Brands like LG with their MAGNIT Active Micro LED, Samsung, and Sony are leading the way, offering seamless, cinema-certified picture quality. Consumer versions are still quite expensive — often six figures for a full wall — but they're becoming more realistic and affordable over time. Mini RGB: These TVs are poised to be a big hit because they combine the best of both worlds: the perfect blacks and contrast of OLED with the extreme brightness, longevity, and modular flexibility of MicroLED-style RGB technology. By using advanced Mini RGB LED backlighting, Mini RGB delivers stunning HDR performance, vibrant colors, and seamless large-screen designs ideal for luxury home theaters — all without burn-in worries. Sony's reputation for premium picture processing, cinema-grade calibration, and build quality gives their Mini RGB  a clear edge over competitors, making these TVs the top choice for serious enthusiasts who want theater-like visuals that will stay impressive for years to come. Projectors: Triple-laser UST (ultra-short-throw) and standard models dominate, with brighter outputs (thousands of ISO lumens), wider color gamuts (e.g., 110% BT.2026), Dolby Vision support, and 4K/8K capabilities. Examples include XGIMI Horizon 20 Max, AWOL Vision LTV-3000 Pro, and Hisense models. Laser is now the baseline for premium performance. Audio: Wireless Immersion and Modular Systems Wireless multi-speaker ecosystems: Dolby Atmos FlexConnect is rolling out more widely including the LG Sound Suite. This enables cable-free speaker placement with accurate panning. Sony's BRAVIA Theatre lineup (Trio, Bar 7/9, etc.) emphasizes modular wireless components with 360 Spatial Sound Mapping, phantom speakers (up to 24 channels), and room calibration. Advanced AVRs and processors: Denon, Onkyo, and others offer higher-channel support (9.4+), Dirac Live/Audyssey calibration, and AI room tuning. Multi-channel processors use Audio over IP for fewer wires in custom installs. Immersive extras: Haptic furniture, synchronized smart lighting using the  Philips HDMI Sync Box 2.1, and AI acoustic optimization for real-time adjustments. Other Notable Trends AI integration: Automatic calibration, content optimization, and adaptive environments including  room mapping for sound and light.. Hybrid/immersive rooms: 360-degree or wraparound video with spatial audio, plus premium formats inspired by commercial cinema (laser projection, higher baselines like 7.1+ with height channels). Lifestyle focus: Movable displays, aesthetically integrated speakers, mainly acoustically transparent designs, and easier setups for non-dedicated rooms. There are some exciting technologies shaping the next couple of years in home theater. Displays are getting brighter, thinner, and more flexible with ultra-thin wireless designs. High-performance UST laser projectors will bring huge screens to rooms where it was never possible before. And the shift toward truly wireless, immersive audio will fill any room with rich, room-filling sound. Best of all, your entire system will adapt to your room with the touch of a button!

Send us Fan MailIn Part 2 of the Warner Archive's August Announcements, we review 4 Blu-ray and one 4K UHD release and explain what makes each upgrade worth owning, from nitrate negative scans and Dolby Vision to packed discs with shorts, cartoons, and commentaries. Pre-order links are not yet available. Moviezyng Affiliate LinkThe Extras Facebook pageThe Extras TV YouTube ChannelThe Extras Twitter Warner Archive & Warner Bros Catalog GroupJoin our new public Facebook Group for Warner Archive Animation Fans and get the latest update on all the releases.As an Amazon and Moviezyng Affiliate, The Extras may receive a commission for purchases through our purchase links.  There is no additional cost to you, and every little bit helps us in the production of the podcast.  Thanks in advance.Otaku Media produces podcasts, behind-the-scenes extras, and media that connect creatives with their fans and businesses with their consumers.  Contact us today to see how we can work together to achieve your goals.  info@theextras.tv

Send us Fan MailWe share Warner Archive's August Blu-ray and 4K UHD releases and explain what makes each upgrade worth owning, from nitrate negative scans and Dolby Vision to packed discs with shorts, cartoons, and commentaries. Pre-order links are available for the following August 18th titles:Moviezyng pre-order links (10% OFF - Most reliable for release day delivery):MONTANA (1950) Blu-rayALL THROUGH THE NIGHT (1942) Blu-rayTORRID ZONE (1940) Blu-raySERGEANT RUTLEDGE (1960) Blu-rayWAG THE DOG (1997) Blu-rayAmazon pre-order links:MONTANA (1950) Blu-rayALL THROUGH THE NIGHT (1942) Blu-rayTORRID ZONE (1940) Blu-raySERGEANT RUTLEDGE (1960) Blu-rayWAG THE DOG (1997) Blu-rayOUT OF THE PAST, FOREVER, SERGEANT RUTLEDGE, and SCOOBY-DOO MYSTERY, INC. are not yet available for pre-order. Moviezyng Affiliate LinkThe Extras Facebook pageThe Extras TV YouTube ChannelThe Extras Twitter Warner Archive & Warner Bros Catalog GroupJoin our new public Facebook Group for Warner Archive Animation Fans and get the latest update on all the releases.As an Amazon and Moviezyng Affiliate, The Extras may receive a commission for purchases through our purchase links.  There is no additional cost to you, and every little bit helps us in the production of the podcast.  Thanks in advance.Otaku Media produces podcasts, behind-the-scenes extras, and media that connect creatives with their fans and businesses with their consumers.  Contact us today to see how we can work together to achieve your goals.  info@theextras.tv

Fevzi Turkalp, the Gadget Detective, joins Jumoké Fashola on BBC Radio London to discuss the latest tech news and reviews. This time; Netflix is to use an AI version of Gene Wilder's voice for their new Willy Wonka showGadget of the Week goes to;Sharp's 55HM5245K Smart TV with TiVo+ built in. This 55 inch 4K TV features a QLED screen for a vibrant picture, has TiVo+ built in for live and on demand viewing, Freely (the new streaming service), Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos for great picture and sound, as well as a standard DVB tuner for over the air channels. Scoring 4.5 out of 5, listen in for more details.Aqara U500 Smart Lock. This range of smart locks either replace your current lock or fit over an existing lock, allowing you to remotely open and lock a door using Apple Home Key, fingerprint, NFC, and Matter over Thread. Scoring 4 out of 5, more in the show.You can hear the Gadget Detective on BBC Radio London every other Thursday just after 1pm and follow and contact him on X @gadgetdetective and BlueSky @GadgetDetective.com#Fevzi#Turkalp#Gadget#Detective#Tech#Technology#News#Reviews#Help#Advice#BBC#Radio#London#Eddie#Nestor#Jumoke#Fashola#Gene#Wilder#Netflix#Willy#Wonka#Chocolate#Factory#Michael#Parkinson#AI#Artificial#Intelligence#Voice#Actor#Elon#Musk#Implant#Brain##GadgetoftheWeek#Week#Sharp#55HM5245K#4K#Smart#TV#QLED#Dolby#Vision#Atmos#Sound#Picture#Optical#HDMI#WiFi#Bluetooth#USB#DVB#Aqara#U500#Smart#Lock#Security#Apple#Home#Key#Fingerprint#NFC#Matter#Thread

Composer Claudia Sarne joins guest host Jon Burlingame to discuss her bold, hybrid score for “Supergirl,” and how she blended orchestra, choir, synths, and experimental textures to match this more complicated, emotionally wounded version of the iconic DC character. Sarne also breaks down how she built Supergirl's theme gradually across the film, letting it emerge piece by piece as Kara steps into her heroic identity. “[Director] Craig [Gillespie] did not want the theme to play properly until she had emerged into the suit and walked into the character fully. We hinted at it earlier on when she's still in the trench coat, and in her first fight sequence — which is this bus sequence with the Sklarians. The first thing that I wrote on this was on that Sklarian bus sequence where she's floating in space. It's sort of lonely piano, and it opens out, and you almost get to a theme, but you don't quite. It just hints at something. When I had that… just a tiny architecture of something, I took that and made it into the theme. That kind of was the genesis of what happened in the whole film and with the music. I took that as the seed and expanded from there.” —Claudia Sarne, Composer, “Supergirl” Be sure to check out “Supergirl,” now playing in theaters, in Dolby Vision® and Dolby Atmos® where available. Please subscribe to Dolby Creator Talks wherever you get your podcasts. You can also check out the video for this episode on YouTube. Learn more about the Dolby Creator Lab and check out Dolby.com. Connect with Dolby on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn.

Fevzi Turkalp, the Gadget Detective, joins Clive Bull on LBC with the latest tech news and reviews. This week; The death of the TV aerial as more and more TV is sourced via our internet connection, often built into our smart TVs, especially with the introduction of Freely. How long will broadcast TV survive and what happens if your internet goes down?Gadget of the Week goes to;Sharp's 55HM5245K Smart TV with TiVo+ built in. This 55 inch 4K TV features a QLED screen for a vibrant picture, has TiVo+ built in for live and on demand viewing, Freely (the new streaming service), Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos for great picture and sound, as well as a standard DVB tuner for over the air channels. With a wide range of connections, including 3 HDMI sockets, this is an excellent choice if you're looking to upgrade your viewing experience without breaking the bank.You can hear the Gadget Detective on LBC every Friday morning around 3.40am and you can follow and contact him on X @gadgetdetective and BlueSky @GadgetDetective.com#Fevzi#Turkalp#Gadget#Detective#Tech#Technology#News#Reviews#Help#Advice#Clive#Bull#LBC#Radio#TV#Aerial#Streaming#Freely#Freeview#Television#EPG#Guide#Broadcast#Sky#Stream#Satellite#Dish#Catchup#Demand#Manhattan#Aero#Tivo#Puck#GadgetoftheWeek#Week#Sharp#55HM5245K#4K#Smart#TV#QLED#Dolby#Vision#Atmos#Sound#Picture#Optical#HDMI#WiFi#Bluetooth#USB#DVB

Send James and Sam a message or voicemail(This uses Buzzsprout's CoHost AI summary. Buzzsprout is our sponsor.)We question whether Netflix can make podcasts work without chasing YouTube's time-spent game, and we map where premium video fits in a world built on niche audio. We also dig into ad overload, new measurement fights, identity-driven targeting, and why immersive formats like Dolby Atmos could change what “good” sounds like. • Netflix podcast strategy and why profitability beats time spent • Why premium platforms struggle with low-cost creator content • Late-night TV ad clutter as a warning for podcast ad loads • New York's stealth crawler law and what it could mean for publishers • Plays versus downloads and the measurement standards shifting underneath • How digital identity and mobile ad IDs can reshape podcast ad targeting • Privacy trade-offs, probabilistic matching, and how opt-out really works • Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision basics for podcast and app developers • Practical guidance on episode length, editing, and avoiding fluff • RSS feed ownership as a non-negotiable contract question • Podcast discovery data pointing to YouTube and social media • Why podcast promos can work and when they annoy listeners • Product and platform updates including open source wins and CarPlay changes You can support this show by giving us feedback using the BuzzSprout thumbnail or voicemail link in our show notes, and you can send us a boost or become a power supporter like the 24 Power Supporters at weekly.podnews.net Support the showConnect With Us: Email: weekly@podnews.netFediverse: @james@bne.social and @samsethi@podcastindex.socialSupport us: www.buzzsprout.com/1538779/supportGet Podnews: podnews.net

*NOTE: This episode contains spoilers.“Disclosure Day” is at once a conspiracy thriller, a first-contact story, and a wildly inventive showcase for cinematic sound. In this conversation, Gary Rydstrom, Brian Chumney, and Andy Nelson join us to discuss crafting the film's immersive soundtrack, from its disorienting opening wrestling sequence, to Emily Blunt's alien-clicking language, to John Williams's score, and its many spectacular action sequences. But underneath the film's mystery and spectacle, the sound team was guided by something much simpler and more human.“We came to the one word direction, which was: ‘Empathy.' So the movie, any time that we can have a sense of empathy… you can connect with people or disconnect, but feel internalized with other people's feelings. That's what [director Steven Spielberg] said early on.”—Gary Rydstrom - Supervising Sound Editor, Sound Designer, Re-recording Mixer, “Disclosure Day”Joining today's conversation:- Gary Rydstrom - Supervising Sound Editor, Sound Designer, Re-recording Mixer- Brian Chumney - Supervising Sound Editor- Andy Nelson - Re-recording MixerBe sure to check out “Disclosure Day,” now in theaters and Dolby Cinemas® in Dolby Vision® and Dolby Atmos®.Please subscribe to Dolby Creator Talks wherever you get your podcasts.You can also check out the video for this episode on YouTube.Learn more about the Dolby Creator Lab and check out Dolby.com. Connect with Dolby on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn.

What does Dolby Atmos actually mean in a car — and why does it matter more in a car than in your living room?In this episode of the evo India Podcast, Karan Grover, Senior Director at Dolby Labs, sits down with executive editor, Aatish Mishra to explain exactly how Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision work in cars, why a car is actually the most perfect listening environment Dolby has ever worked with, and why India is doing things in car audio that have never been done anywhere else in the world.The conversation covers the detail that will stop most people cold: AR Rahman composed 1,100 individual chimes for the Mahindra BE6 and BE9, all mixed in Dolby Atmos — so when a warning sound tells you there is an obstruction on your left, it genuinely comes from your left. That is not a gimmick. That is object-based audio design applied to a car's entire sound ecosystem.Karan explains how Dolby Atmos goes from a recording studio to a streaming platform to your car's speakers, why the car is the only listening environment where every speaker position and every seat position is fixed — which makes it the ideal space for Atmos tuning — and how Mahindra Auto became the first manufacturer in the world to put Dolby Atmos on a 4-channel non-branded speaker setup in the XUV 3XO. Mahindra also pushed Dolby to deliver Atmos on the Thar, previously thought impossible at that speaker configuration. Both were firsts. Both happened in India.The episode also covers the Mercedes-AMG GT63 Electric's synthesized V8 sound and whether it is tuned in Dolby Atmos, how EVs are changing the science of sound design because there is no engine masking the audio environment, why Apple CarPlay supports Atmos playback and what Android's recent update means for wireless Atmos in cars, and where car audio goes from here — including the possibility of film premieres in cars and Dolby Atmos eventually reaching buses, tractors and auto-rickshaws. He also talks about the various cars which have Dolby Atmos like the XUV 7XO, the Maruti Suzuki Victoris, Tata Sierra and more. Dolby currently works with 38 automobile manufacturers and over 150 car nameplates globally.

The sound of “Stranger Things” has always been huge, cinematic, and unmistakably its own — and the series finale takes that signature style to its most epic scale yet. In this conversation, supervising sound editor Craig Henighan, re-recording mixer Mark Paterson, and dialogue and ADR supervisor Ryan Cole join us to discuss bringing the final chapter to life, from the sonic DNA first established in season one, to the massive battles and emotional moments that define the end of the series. They also break down how the team balanced all of that scale and intensity without losing clarity, dynamics, or the emotional release that makes all “that chaos" work. “The tricky bit is to kind of embrace a lot of that chaos. It's usually like some Demogorgon screaming and just everything's all going on at once. But the key to it is that that chaos ends and you feel that release. That's kind of what makes the audience feel safe. So it's a tricky balance to work out, ‘how clean do we go in, in terms of mixing here, to hear everything else?' We always work through that with the [Duffer Brothers], as well.” —Mark Paterson, Re-recording Mixer, “Stranger Things” season 5 Be sure to check out “Stranger Things,” now streaming on Netflix, in Dolby Vision® and Dolby Atmos®. Please subscribe to Dolby Creator Talks wherever you get your podcasts. You can also check out the video for this episode on YouTube. Learn more about the Dolby Creator Lab and check out Dolby.com. Connect with Dolby on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn.

“Tuner” is a rare film where sound is not only essential to the cinematic experience — it is central to the story itself. Today we welcome back Academy Award®-winning sound designer, supervising sound editor, and re-recording mixer Johnnie Burn, joined by the film's star Leo Woodall, to discuss how they brought audiences inside the world of Niki, a piano tuner with hyperacusis whose acute hearing makes him an expert safe cracker. Together, they explore how sound shapes the film's tension, romance, and point of view, from delicate safe-cracking rhythms and subjective hearing shifts to put the audience directly inside Niki's head.“You should see it in a movie theater because it really is a film where the experience of a movie theater can take you so much closer to the feeling of what the main character actually has. So it's quite a one-off opportunity in that.”—Johnnie Burn, Sound Designer, Supervising Sound Editor, and Re-Recording Mixer, “Tuner”Be sure to check out “Tuner,” now playing in theaters, in Dolby Vision® and Dolby Atmos® where available.Please subscribe to Dolby Creator Talks wherever you get your podcasts.You can also check out the video for this episode on YouTube.Learn more about the Dolby Creator Lab and check out Dolby.com. Connect with Dolby on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn.

Nino shares what it was like to be embedded in the ARRI ALEXA 35 broadcast deployment at Eurovision 2026, followed by discussions of the newly released Insta360 Mic Pro, Graham's review of the Profoto ProPanel 3×2 LED soft panel, two ASUS ProArt OLED monitor reviews, the OPPO Find X9 Ultra smartphone, a Sony a7 V firmware update, the Thypoch Voyager 24–50mm f/2.8 lens, the ARRI Omnibar LED bars, the NANLUX Matrix 2500 series, the Godox RS100R/Bi, a recap of the our MZed storytelling webinar, and an educational deep-dive into the SnorriCam. 00:00 Intro & topic outlook 1:00 ARRI ALEXA 35 Live at Eurovision 2026 – CineD Goes Behind the Scenes of the Biggest Broadcast Deployment in ARRI History https://www.cined.com/arri-alexa-35-live-at-eurovision-2026-cined-goes-behind-the-scenes-of-the-biggest-broadcast-deployment-in-arri-history/ 33:10 Insta360 Mic Pro Released – E-Ink Display, 32-Bit Float Recording, Adjustable Pickup Pattern https://www.cined.com/insta360-mic-pro-released-e-ink-display-32-bit-float-recording-adjustable-pickup-pattern/ 18:30 Profoto ProPanel 3×2 Review – The World's Brightest LED Soft Panel? https://www.cined.com/profoto-propanel-3x2-the-worlds-brightest-led-soft-panel-light/ 28:15 ASUS ProArt OLED PA27USD Review – On-Set 4K OLED with 12G-SDI and Built-In Colorimeter https://www.cined.com/asus-proart-oled-pa27usd-review-on-set-4k-oled-with-12g-sdi-and-built-in-colorimeter/ 33:10 ASUS ProArt Display OLED PA32USD Announced – 31.5-Inch 4K QD-OLED with Dual 12G-SDI and 1000-Nit HDR https://www.cined.com/asus-proart-display-oled-pa32usd-announced-31-5-inch-4k-qd-oled-with-dual-12g-sdi-and-1000-nit-hdr/ 36:36 OPPO Find X9 Ultra Coming Soon – 8K Log Recording, 4K 120fps Dolby Vision, and an ACES-Certified Color Pipeline https://www.cined.com/oppo-find-x9-ultra-coming-soon-8k-log-recording-4k-120fps-dolby-vision-and-an-aces-certified-color-pipeline/ 44:00 Sony a7 V Firmware v2.00 Adds 32-Bit Float Audio With Adapter, Preset Focus, and More https://www.cined.com/sony-a7-v-firmware-v2-00-adds-32-bit-float-audio-with-adapter-preset-focus-and-more/ 49:41 Thypoch Voyager 24-50mm f/2.8 – Brand's First Autofocus Zoom Arrives for Sony E-Mount https://www.cined.com/thypoch-voyager-24-50mm-f-2-8-brands-first-autofocus-zoom-arrives-for-sony-e-mount/ 53:24 ARRI Omnibar LED Bars Unveiled – RGBAM Color, IP65 Build, and Magnetic Optics https://www.cined.com/arri-omnibar-led-bars-unveiled-rgbam-color-ip65-build-and-magnetic-optics/ 01:02:27 NANLUX Matrix 2500B and Matrix 2500C Announced – 2500W Fixtures for Lighting Arrays https://www.cined.com/nanlux-matrix-2500b-and-matrix-2500c-announced-2500w-fixtures-for-lighting-arrays/ 01:08:29 Godox RS100R/Bi Introduced – High-Output for Mobile Production, and Versatile Accessory System https://www.cined.com/godox-rs100r-bi-introduced-high-output-for-mobile-production-and-versatile-accessory-system/ 01:10:59 A Mighty Cut and How it Drives the Story – Free Storytelling Sessions Webinar on May 19th https://www.cined.com/a-mighty-cut-and-how-it-drives-the-story-new-storytelling-sessions-webinar-on-may-13th/ 01:12:54 The Visceral Subjectivity of the SnorriCam – Capturing Internal Turmoil with Body-Mounted Rigs https://www.cined.com/the-visceral-subjectivity-of-the-snorricam-capturing-internal-turmoil-with-body-mounted-rigs/ Have feedback on this episode? Email us at podcast@cined.com.

Today we welcome acclaimed horror filmmaker Lee Cronin back to the show, alongside sound designer and supervising sound editor Peter Albrechtsen, to discuss their delightfully gory new horror film, “Lee Cronin's The Mummy.” As with their previous collaboration, 2023's hit “Evil Dead Rise,” Cronin and Albrechtsen embraced sound design from the earliest stages of the creative process, using it not only for maximum impact, but also to sharpen the film's storytelling.“I actually found the edit on this one quite stressful… We would have been in big trouble without early sound in it. Because of the way it was written and the nature of it, and how the tension needed to be built. At times, it was quite hard to find the shape of scenes without sound that was very, very clear in its signposting of where we were headed, ultimately. Sometimes you're cutting something and you can dig into a bit of a library, but quite early on we actually needed design to help us craft the sequences.”—Lee Cronin, Director and Writer, “Lee Cronin's The Mummy”Be sure to check out “Lee Cronin's The Mummy,” now playing in theaters and Dolby Cinemas® in Dolby Vision® and Dolby Atmos®.Please subscribe to Dolby Creator Talks wherever you get your podcasts.You can also check out the video for this episode on YouTube.Learn more about the Dolby Creator Lab and check out Dolby.com. Connect with Dolby on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn.

On this week's show we go beyond the hype to tell you what specs matter most, what specs are mere marketing hype, and we give you some tips for buying your next HDTV. We also read your emails and take a look at the week's news. News: The price of Netflix is set to go up for all users New VIZIO smart TVs to require a Walmart account The latest Matter update improves camera streaming Other: Why Did TV Manufacturers Stop Using 8K Panels? What Specs Matter and What Don't When Buying a New HDTV Last week the Brightside Home Theater Podcast did a panel discussion on the real factors that shape picture quality. Check it out when you have a chance, it's very informative (Beyond Resolution: The Real Factors That Shape Imaging). So this week we are piggybacking on their discussion to tell you what specs matter most, what specs are mere marketing hype, and we give you some tips for buying your next HDTV.  Specs That Matter Most Panel Technology (OLED vs. Mini-LED/QLED): Not really a spec as much as a technology but it is important for making the right decision for your room. This is the single biggest factor to consider. Choosing the right panel really matters. It directly affects how sharp, colorful, and lifelike the picture looks in your room — whether you're watching movies in the dark or enjoying sports during the day. Which technology you choose depends on what and where you watch TV. OLED (including QD-OLED): Perfect blacks, high contrast, excellent viewing angles, and natural motion. Great for dark rooms and movies. Newer 2026 OLEDs are much brighter than older ones so if you are watching sports don't count this out. Just make sure you buy one of the brighter panels like the LG G5/G6 series, Panasonic Z95B, and the BRAVIA 8 II. Mini-LED/QLED: Much brighter overall (can exceed 2,000–3,000+ nits), better for bright rooms with lots of ambient light. Good contrast with enough dimming zones, but blacks aren't as deep as OLED. Choose based on your room: OLED for controlled lighting, Mini-LED for bright rooms.  Brightness (Peak HDR nits): Real measured peak brightness in HDR content (especially small bright areas like highlights). Higher is better for HDR pop and visibility in bright rooms (1,000+ nits is solid; 2,000+ is excellent). Full-screen brightness also matters but is less advertised. Ignore vague "ultra bright" claims—look for review-tested numbers. Contrast & Local Dimming (for LCD/Mini-LED TVs): Native contrast ratio (higher is better). Number and quality of local dimming zones (more zones = better control, less blooming). OLED skips this entirely with per-pixel lighting. Poor dimming creates distracting halos. HDR Support: Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG. Dolby Vision and HDR10+ are dynamic (scene-by-scene adjustments) and preferred over basic HDR10. Most good TVs support multiple formats now. Refresh Rate (Native Panel Rate): 120Hz native is the sweet spot for most people—smooths sports, reduces blur in action, and supports 4K@120Hz from PS5/Xbox/PC. 144Hz or 165Hz is a bonus for high-end gaming. 60Hz is fine for casual viewing but noticeable in fast content. Gaming Features (if you game): HDMI 2.1 ports (at least 2–4 for full bandwidth), VRR (Variable Refresh Rate: freesync/g-sync compatible to eliminate tearing), ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode), low input lag (

Duncan is back to review a late-era entry from Hammer Film Productions, Blood from the Mummy's Tomb which stands apart from the studio's earlier monster-led formula by reworking classic Mummy lore through a more psychological and intriguingly subversive lens. Directed by Seth Holt and based on a story by Bram Stoker, the film shifts the horror inward centred on identity, possession, and female power. Arriving during a period of declining commercial success for Hammer, the film didn't redefine the studio's fortunes, but has since earned recognition as one of its more unusual and thematically rich horrors.This new Collector's Edition brings the film to 4K for the first time with a brand-new Dolby Vision restoration, offering a strong presentation of one of Hammer's more visually distinctive late-period releases. The set is packed with both archival and newly produced extras, alongside collectible physical content. Features include: 4K UHD & Blu-ray discsNew 4K Dolby Vision restorationMultiple new featurettes and interviewsAudio commentaryArchival materials including TV/radio spots and galleries64-page booklet with essays and original press kitBrand-new artwork, Two posters & a release date of 6th April 2026.The grading follows the Netflix rating style of 1 = Hated It, 2 = Didn't Like It, 3 = Liked It, 4 = Really Liked It & 5 = Loved ItBlood from the Mummy's Tomb:Duncan: 3.5Thanks to Studio Canal & Fetch PR for the review copy of this movie.Our new RSS Feed: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://anchor.fm/s/13ba6ef0/podcast/rss⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Check out the show on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Anchor⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠iTunes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TuneIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Stitcher Radio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Please leave us feedback on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠iTunes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, podcastunderthestairs@gmail.com and follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.TIMECODE BLOOD FROM THE MUMMY'S TOMB BLURAY REVIEW00:00:00 Intro 00:02:30 Unboxing00:03:32 Fear in the Night Review00:08:58 Special Features00:15:27 Closing

Composer Daniel Pemberton returns to Dolby Creator Talks to discuss his inventive new original score for “Project Hail Mary.” In conversation with guest host Jon Burlingame, Pemberton breaks down how he built a custom musical language for the film using everything from wooden blocks, body percussion, treated vocals, bowls of water, and even a squeaky water tap recorded on his iPhone. He also reflects on balancing the film's vast sci-fi scale with its intimate emotional core, and how experimentation, failure, and discovery shaped one of his most ambitious scores yet.“Developing all your own sounds… I call it mixing your own paints. You've basically spend a long time mixing paint colors rather than buying it off the shelf. And that's how you get stuff that feels very original, like this. And I've got millions of these and most of them don't work. You spend ages when you experiment. When you have time to fail, you have time to create ... Hopefully there'll be something in there that'll work.”—Daniel Pemberton, Composer, “Project Hail Mary”Be sure to check out “Project Hail Mary” now in theaters in Dolby Vision® and Dolby Atmos®.Please subscribe to Dolby Creator Talks wherever you get your podcasts.You can also check out the video for this episode on YouTube.Learn more about the Dolby Creator Lab and check out Dolby.com. Connect with Dolby on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn.

W tym odcinku prowadzący rozpoczynają od serii domowo-technologicznych follow-upów (m.in. na temat smart home i czujników czadu), by płynnie przejść do bogatej sekcji newsowej, w której dyskutują o wycofaniu Dolby Vision przez Disney+ w Europie, o Nvidia DLSS 5 i … Czytaj dalej → The post 579: Testujemy Sony A7R V i 50-150 F2 w Japonii first appeared on Retro Rocket Network.

On this week's show we take a walk down memory lane and look at how the Set Top Boxes we all take for granted evolved from niche Netflix-focused or iTunes-centric devices to broad ecosystems. We also read your emails and take a look at the week's news. News: Hisense TVs Force Owners to Watch Intrusive Ads TCL now can't call some of its TVs 'QLED' TCL launches two new 163-inch 4K microLED TVs in China, starting at $36,000 Short-form video dominates Gen Z digital consumption Other: 9 Brilliant Hi-Fi "Failures" | Awesome Disasters! Set Top Boxes - From Niche Devices to Major Ecosystems Here's a chronological timeline of major set-top streaming boxes: Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Google (Chromecast, Android TV/Google TV devices).  These devices evolved from basic media extenders to full smart platforms with app stores, 4K/HDR support, voice remotes, and integration with services like Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, and more. 2007–2008: Early Pioneers 2007 (January announcement, March release): Apple TV (1st generation) — Apple's first set-top box, initially focused on syncing content from iTunes (40GB/160GB HDD models), supporting up to 720p. It was more of a media extender than a pure streamer at launch. 2008 (May): Roku (1st generation, originally "Roku Netflix Player" or DVP N1000) — The first dedicated streaming box, launched in partnership with Netflix for its "Watch Instantly" service. It marked the start of affordable, channel-based streaming. 2010–2012: Maturing Platforms 2010 (September): Apple TV (2nd generation) — Major shift to a smaller, puck-like design running a variant of iOS, focused on streaming from iTunes and rentals (no HDD, app-like interface). 2012 (March): Apple TV (3rd generation) — Updated model with 1080p support; a minor refresh (Rev A) came in 2013. 2013–2014: Dongle Era and Amazon Enters 2013 (July): Google Chromecast (1st generation) — Revolutionary low-cost HDMI dongle ($35) for casting from phones/tablets/browsers; simple, no full interface or remote. 2014 (April): Amazon Fire TV (1st generation) — Amazon's entry as a set-top box with voice remote, Alexa integration potential, and app ecosystem (initially focused on Prime Video). 2015–2016: Upgrades and 4K 2015 (September): Google Chromecast (2nd generation) — Improved design and performance; also launched Chromecast Audio (audio-only variant, later discontinued). 2015 (October): Apple TV (4th generation, later called Apple TV HD) — Big leap to tvOS with App Store, Siri Remote, games, and third-party apps. 2016 (November): Google Chromecast Ultra — First 4K/HDR-capable Chromecast. 2017–2018: 4K Becomes Standard 2017 (September): Apple TV 4K (1st generation) — Added 4K, HDR10, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos. 2017 (October): Amazon Fire TV (3rd generation set-top box) — 4K model with Alexa Voice Remote. 2018 (June): Amazon Fire TV Cube (1st generation) — Hands-free Alexa speaker-integrated set-top box. 2018 (October): Google Chromecast (3rd generation) — Updated HD model. 2019–2020: Android TV/Google TV Shift 2019–2020: Various Amazon Fire TV Stick iterations (4K models in 2018/2019/2020) dominate budget streaming. 2020 (September): Chromecast with Google TV (4K) — Major change: full Google TV interface (based on Android TV), voice remote, app store; moved away from pure casting dongle. 2021–2022: Refinements 2021 (May): Apple TV 4K (2nd generation) — A15 Bionic chip, improved remote (no clickpad issues), more storage options. 2022 (September): Chromecast with Google TV (HD) — Budget 1080p version of the 2020 model. 2022 (November): Apple TV 4K (3rd generation) — HDMI 2.1, Thread support, faster performance. 2023–2024/2025: Current Era and Google Rebrand 2023–2024: Ongoing Amazon Fire TV updates (e.g., Fire TV Cube 3rd gen in 2022/2023, new Sticks). 2024: Roku Ultra (2024 model) — Latest high-end Roku with improved processing. 2024: Google TV Streamer (4K) — Replaced the Chromecast name; full set-top box form factor with Google TV, Ethernet, more storage, and smart home hub features (ending the classic Chromecast dongle line after 11 years and 100M+ units sold). This timeline shows the progression from niche (Netflix-focused or iTunes-centric) to broad ecosystems competing on apps, performance, voice control, and integration. Roku emphasized neutral channel access, Apple focused on the premium ecosystem, Amazon on Prime/Alexa, and Google on casting then full smart TV interface. By 2025–2026, most support 4K/HDR, Dolby Atmos, and thousands of apps.

Johnny Spoiler is BACK with a gritty, unfiltered movie reaction and review of King of New York (1990) — the controversial crime classic starring Christopher Walken and directed by Abel Ferrara.After a rare trip to a movie theater (yes, it involved cheap chicken tenders and chaos), Johnny dives into one of the most infamous gangster films ever made. From Walken's icy performance as Frank White to the raw, “gutter poetry” filmmaking style of Ferrara, this episode breaks down why King of New York still hits hard today. In this episode:Johnny Spoiler's hilarious cold open theater storyKing of New York full movie reaction & reviewChristopher Walken's BEST performances rankedAbel Ferrara's wild directing style explainedBehind-the-scenes chaos (booed premieres, walkouts & controversy)Cast highlights: Laurence Fishburne, Wesley Snipes, Steve Buscemi & moreIconic scenes & underrated momentsBinge Now, Later, or Never verdict Home Video Headlines:Buffy reboot drama at HuluSYFY Leprechaun marathon madnessFirefly animated revival talkMichael B. Jordan wins big for Sinners BONUS – Galaxy Quest 4K SpotlightNEVER GIVE UP. NEVER SURRENDER.Celebrate Galaxy Quest in stunning 4K Ultra HD with Dolby Vision & Atmos. One of the greatest sci-fi comedies ever is back! Get it at our Amazon Influencer link https://amzn.to/4snXPYg  Expect signature Johnny Spoiler energy: sarcastic, hilarious, and brutally honest takes on movies you love (or love to hate).

On this week's show we have a shootout between four set top boxes and we try to determine which one is best for you. We also read your email and take a look at the week's email. News: Netflix Walks With A Cool $2.8 Billion Breakup Fee: Who Gets What In New Paramount-WBD Merger Proposal Viewers Continue To 'Struggle' With Sports Program Discovery Samsung Wallet's 'Digital Home Key' lets me use my phone to open my doors Set Top Box Shootout  On last week's show, in response to a news story,  Ara asked why would someone use a FireTV set top box over ones from Apple, Google, or Roku. So for this week we decided to do a comparison of them all and try to identify who each product would benefit the most.  For this comparison we looked at the Apple TV 4K (latest 3rd-gen model from 2022, still current), Google TV Streamer (the modern successor to Chromecast with Google TV), Roku (focusing on high-end like Roku Ultra or Streaming Stick 4K), and Amazon Fire TV (focusing on popular models like Fire TV Stick 4K Max or Cube). All support 4K HDR streaming including Dolby Vision, major apps (Netflix, Disney+, etc.), and voice remotes. In a nutshell, the differences come down to your ecosystem, interface, performance, ads, and price. Apple TV 4K Price range: ~$129–$149 (64GB Wi-Fi or 128GB Wi-Fi + Ethernet). Key specs: A15 Bionic chip (fast/smooth), Wi-Fi 6, optional Ethernet, Dolby Vision/Atmos/HDR10+, Thread smart home hub, USB-C Siri Remote. Pros: Premium, ad-free high performance interface with fast app loading. Excellent integration with Apple ecosystem (iPhone, iPad, Mac, AirPlay, Apple TV+, Fitness+, Arcade). Superior picture/audio quality, privacy focus (less tracking), and acts as a smart home hub. Great for gaming (Apple Arcade) and high-end home theater setups. Cons: Most expensive option. Less neutral—prioritizes Apple content/services. Fewer "free/ad-supported" channels compared to rivals. Best for: Apple users and those wanting a premium, ad free experience. Google TV Streamer  Price range: ~$90–$100 (Buy Now). Key specs: Powerful processor (faster than old Chromecast), 32GB storage, Wi-Fi 6, Ethernet, Dolby Vision/Atmos, Google Home/Matter smart home support, hands-free options in some setups. Pros: Intuitive, personalized interface with excellent content discovery/search across services. Strong Google ecosystem integration (YouTube, Nest, Google Assistant, synced watchlists). Good performance/speed, supports cloud gaming, and broad app support. Balanced neutral approach. Cons: Some ads and recommendations can feel cluttered. More expensive than basic sticks but cheaper than Apple. Interface may prioritize Google content slightly. Best for: Google/Android users or those wanting smart recommendations and smart home features. Roku (Ultra or Streaming Stick 4K) Price range: ~$30–$100 (Buy Now). Key specs: Fast quad-core processor (in Ultra), Wi-Fi 6, Ethernet (Ultra), Dolby Vision/Atmos/HDR10+, rechargeable Voice Remote Pro (Ultra), broad smart home compatibility. Pros: Simple, neutral, user-friendly interface with huge app/channel selection (including tons of free/ad-supported content). No heavy ecosystem bias—treats all services equally. Often the most affordable high-quality options; great search/universal watchlist. Compatible with Alexa, Google, Apple Home; highly popular among cord-cutters. Cons: Can feel slower on lower-end models compared to premium rivals. Some ads on home screen. Less "smart home hub" depth than Apple/Google. Best for: Most people—especially beginners or those wanting value and neutrality. Amazon Fire TV (Fire TV Stick 4K Max or Cube) Price range: ~$25–$60 Sticks (Buy Now) to ~$100+ Cube (Buy Now). Key specs: Fast processor/Wi-Fi 6E (Max), Dolby Vision/Atmos, Alexa voice, Ambience mode, Ethernet (Cube). Pros: Very affordable, especially on sale. Quick performance and deep Amazon Prime integration (Prime Video priority). Excellent Alexa/smart home control (Ring, Echo, etc.). Good app support and features like live TV guides. Cons: Heavy ads and Prime content promotion (can feel pushy/cluttered). Interface prioritizes Amazon ecosystem over neutrality. Privacy concerns with more tracking. Best for: Amazon Prime members or Alexa/Echo households on a budget. Overall, Roku wins for broad appeal and value, while we give the nod to the Apple TV 4K for premium quality, and the Google TV Streamer excels for smart features. Choose based on your ecosystem (Apple/Google/Amazon) or if you want neutral/no-fuss just go with Roku. 

Join us for a behind-the-scenes conversation with Academy Award®-nominated cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw about her work on “Sinners” — and the creative choices that shaped the film's look from the very early stages of conception. Autumn breaks down how she and director Ryan Coogler developed the visual language together, from camera and lens selection to lighting strategies designed to support performances, tone, and mood, especially in those challenging night scenes. Along the way, she reflects on collaboration, preparation, and the real on-set problem-solving that is always involved in filmmaking. “How our team collaborates: It's the authority [director Ryan Coogler] gives each department to pour themselves into it… everyone has a say, your opinion matters. Any great filmmaker knows that it's never about one department… When we approach stuff, we want the lighting to be a character, but we also want it to feel of the space — and so that requires us to collaborate very closely with production design… When you give people that respect and you consider them and you give them that authority, they work very hard for you and they care.” —Autumn Durald Arkapaw, ASC, Director of Photography, “Sinners” Be sure to check out “Sinners,” now streaming on HBO Max, in Dolby Vision® and Dolby Atmos®. Watch our previous episode with the Oscar-nominated sound team behind “Sinners.” Also, be sure to catch our previous episode about the music of “Sinners,” with Two-time Academy Award-winning composer Ludwig Göransson and Executive Music Producer Serena Göransson on YouTube. Please subscribe to Dolby Creator Talks wherever you get your podcasts. You can also check out the video for this episode on YouTube.Learn more about the Dolby Creator Lab and check out Dolby.com. Connect with Dolby on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn.

Join us for a behind-the-scenes conversation with the Oscar-nominated sound team behind “One Battle After Another,” as they share how they shaped the film's world through sound—from intimate character moments to large-scale action. They discuss what it takes to capture great audio on set, build powerful sequences in post, and blending dialogue, effects, and music into a mix that plays on the biggest screens — plus how their collaboration with Paul Thomas Anderson guided the sonic identity of the movie from start to finish. “Knowing Paul [Thomas Anderson] — and knowing any director — something happens on set, sound-wise and [in] production, and [if] you don't have a reference for it… it could potentially be a problem. You have the cars — the actual cars — you have the drivers, you have the road, you have the permits. Can we just spend a little time and try and get some good recordings of these vehicles? Because they're going to be really useful. It's such an iconic sequence. People are like, ‘oh man, that chase at the end of the movie is amazing.' And we worked and worked and worked on that sequence trying to find what that was supposed to be.” —Chris Scarabosio, Re-recording Mixer, Supervising Sound Editor, and Sound Designer, “One Battle After Another” Joining today's conversation: - José Antonio García - Production Sound Mixer - Tony Villaflor - Re-recording Mixer - Chris Scarabosio - Re-recording Mixer, Supervising Sound Editor, and Sound Designer Be sure to check out “One Battle After Another,” now streaming on HBO Max, in Dolby Vision® and Dolby Atmos®. Please subscribe to Dolby Creator Talks wherever you get your podcasts. You can also check out the video for this episode on YouTube. Learn more about the Dolby Creator Lab and check out Dolby.com. Connect with Dolby on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn.

Academy Award®-nominated cinematographer Darius Khondji joins us to discuss his stunning work on “Marty Supreme.” In this episode, Khondji unpacks his bold visual approach with director Josh Safdie, from shooting on film with classic anamorphic lenses and expressive close-ups to building a richly textured 1950s world through production design, lighting, and color. He also shares how collaboration across every department shaped the film's emotional power.“Anamorphic can be very minimal… The important thing is the way it renders closeups; it makes people bigger than life, like black and white does… The real old classic anamorphic of the fifties—I wanted to go back to this feeling… Anamorphic is like a magnifier. And Marty is seen through the film like that.”—Darius Khondji, ASC, AFC, Director of Photography, “Marty Supreme”Be sure to check out “Marty Supreme,” now available for at-home purchase or rental, as well as in select theaters, in Dolby Vision® and Dolby Atmos®. Please subscribe to Dolby Creator Talks wherever you get your podcasts.You can also check out the video for this episode on YouTube.Learn more about the Dolby Creator Lab and check out Dolby.com. Connect with Dolby on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn.

This week we sit down with the Oscar-nominated sound team behind Guillermo del Toro's “Frankenstein,” to explore the film's epic and deeply expressive soundtrack. Sound designer and supervising sound editor Nathan Robitaille, supervising sound editor Nelson Ferreira, re-recording mixer Brad Zoern, and production sound mixer Greg Chapman break down their long-standing collaboration with del Toro and the bold creative choices that shaped the film's sonic identity. From early sound exploration and practical effects to dynamic use of Dolby Atmos® and the creation of the film's unforgettable creature voice, this conversation offers a deep dive into how sound drives the emotion, scale, and storytelling in one of the year's most ambitious films.“Guillermo is really, really great about wanting to fill the space. This comes from working with him for a long time. We were able to anticipate all this stuff. There's moments where he wants the concentration on the screen and he wants to pull everything back in the room. Dolby Atmos allows us to do that so beautifully and separate stuff and make it where we can focus. This movie lends itself to Atmos… It's just such a great tool and it was so much fun on this mix to use all that. We have such a beautiful visual to work with. We have to meet that standard with the sound.”—Brad Zoern, Re-recording Mixer, “Frankenstein”Be sure to check out “Frankenstein,” now streaming on Netflix, in Dolby Vision® and Dolby Atmos®.Our previous episodes:Guillermo del Toro and D.P. Dan Laustsen on the Cinematography of FrankensteinThe Music of Frankenstein with Composer Alexandre DesplatPlease subscribe to Dolby Creator Talks wherever you get your podcasts.You can also check out the video for THIS episode on YouTube.Learn more about the Dolby Creator Lab and check out Dolby.com. Connect with Dolby on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn.

Here's why you should buy a big OLED screen with Dolby Vision and HDR10 Plus instead for the big game. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The sound of “Sinners” is bold, immersive, and essential to the film's emotional power — a standout achievement that has earned the film a spot on the shortlist for Best Sound at this year's upcoming Academy Awards®. We're joined by re-recording mixer and sound designer Steve Boeddeker, supervising sound editor Benny Burtt, re-recording mixer Brandon Proctor, and production sound mixer Chris Welcker to break down how they layered music, dialogue, and sound design to shape the film's mood, rhythm, and storytelling, including that incredible sequence conjuring musical spirits from the past and the future. “This comes back to Ryan being bold and taking big swings. From the effects standpoint, this was obviously a big music moment, so we were doing whatever we could to not mess it up. We started by being very specific with anything we cut, and anything we cut, we cut in rhythm with the music… And then Ryan really just wanted to be in Sammy's head, so it ended up being effects getting out of the way almost entirely, with just a few moments standing out.”—Benny Burtt, Supervising Sound Editor, “Sinners”Be sure to check out “Sinners,” now streaming on HBO Max, in Dolby Vision® and Dolby Atmos®. Also, be sure to catch our previous episode about the music of “Sinners,” with Two-time Academy Award-winning composer Ludwig Göransson and Executive Music Producer Serena Göransson on YouTube. Please subscribe to Dolby Creator Talks wherever you get your podcasts. You can also check out the video for this episode on YouTube. Learn more about the Dolby Creator Lab and check out Dolby.com. Connect with Dolby on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn.

On this week's show we look at the annual Consumer Electronics Show inLas Vegas Nevada. In years past there was more for us home theater fans but we still find some cool products that will eventually find their way into our homes. News: More than 60% of audiences use TV as primary streaming device Which sports will Netflix have in 2026? LG Key Highlights Return of the Wallpaper OLED TV (LG OLED evo W6) — LG revived its iconic ultra-thin "Wallpaper" design after a multi-year hiatus. The W6 is just 9mm thick, fully wireless (with a separate connection box up to 10 meters away), uses Hyper Radiant Color Technology for improved brightness and colors, and supports features like art display via Gallery+ service. It's marketed as reflection-free and significantly brighter than average OLEDs. New OLED Lineup — Including the brighter flagship G6 (up to 20% brighter than the G5 with Primary RGB Tandem 2.0 panels and reduced reflections), split C6 series (with varying tech tiers), and claims of the world's first TVs supporting 4K 120Hz cloud gaming with low-latency controllers. Micro RGB evo TV — LG's first flagship Mini-LED TV with Micro RGB technology for vastly expanded color range and brightness, available in large sizes including the "world's largest" Micro RGB LCD TV, the 130-inch R95H. Gallery TV — A direct competitor to Samsung's The Frame, with anti-glare screens and curated art modes (designed with museum input). CLOiD Home Robot — A standout AI-powered housekeeper robot demoed on stage. It performs complex chores like folding laundry, loading/unloading dishwashers, preparing simple meals (baking croissants), and coordinating with connected appliances for a "Zero Labor Home" vision. LG Sound Suite (with Dolby) - Includes the H7 soundbar, optional M7/M5 wireless surround speakers, and W7 subwoofer. Allows free placement of speakers; the system auto-configures channels for optimal immersion, solving a major pain point in traditional wired or rigidly positioned Atmos setups.Hands-on reports highlighted its ease for real-world living rooms, delivering expansive sound without cables or furniture rearrangement. Samsung Key Highlights World's first 130-inch Micro RGB TV (): The largest in their Micro RGB lineup, featuring next-generation color accuracy (100% Rec.2020 coverage), bold new design, HDR10+ ADVANCED support, Eclipsa Audio, and AI enhancements like conversational search, proactive recommendations, AI Football (Soccer) Mode Pro, and integrations with Microsoft Copilot and Perplexity. AI Soccer Mode delivers a more exciting gameday experience through AI-driven picture and sound tuning to stadium-level quality. AI Sound Controller Pro lets you raise or lower the volume of the crowd, commentary, or background music, providing a personalized listening experience for TV shows and movies. Users can simply make verbal requests, and any TV equipped with VAC – which includes Micro LED, Micro RGB, OLED, Neo QLED, Mini LED and UHD TV – contextually carries out those requests. Expanded Micro RGB TV lineup: New sizes including 55-, 65-, 75-, 85-, 100-, 115-inch models, alongside upgrades to Neo QLED and OLED TVs  The Freestyle+ portable projector: An upgraded AI-powered version with improved brightness, support for projecting on uneven surfaces (walls, ceilings, corners, curtains), and smarter entertainment features. New audio products: Music Studio 5 and 7 wireless speakers (Bluetooth/Wi-Fi, unique designs), and soundbars like the HW-QS90H (all-in-one 7.1.2 with Quad Bass Woofer system). Broader AI focus: Enhanced experiences in home appliances (e.g., Bespoke AI), TVs, and ecosystem integration. Press releases  Sony No major announcements were made regarding Sony's traditional consumer products, such as new Bravia TVs, headphones, cameras, or PlayStation hardware. Sony's focus shifted toward the future of mobility and software-defined vehicles. TCL Key Highlights X11L SQD-Mini LED TV - as its 2026 flagship. It features new "SQD-Mini LED" technology (Super Quantum Dot Mini-LED), emphasizing superior color accuracy and performance. Features 10,000 Nits, 20,000 dimming zones, 100% coverage of BT.2020 color gamut. Available initially in 98-inch and 85-inch sizes (75-inch later), with launches starting as early as January 2026. Some who have seen it are saying it rivals Micro RGB TVs from competitors like Samsung and LG, potentially challenging OLED in brightness and contrast. A65K Design Series soundbar — A compact 3.1.2-channel Dolby Atmos model with Bang & Olufsen tuning and wireless subwoofer. Hisense Key Highlights RGB MiniLED evo Technology — Hisense introduced an evolved version of its RGB MiniLED backlight system, which adds a fourth primary color to improve accuracy and fill spectral gaps (especially in the 500-600nm range) for more natural and vibrant colors. This debuts in the flagship 116UXS large-screen TV, positioned for premium cinematic home viewing. Expanded RGB MiniLED Lineup — The company is bringing RGB MiniLED to more accessible screen sizes and models, including new UR9 and UR8 series TVs, making the technology available beyond ultra-premium flagships. Industry-First RGBY MicroLED Display — Hisense unveiled a new MicroLED prototype using four primary colors (Red, Green, Blue, Yellow), aimed at future ultra-large screens with enhanced color reproduction. Laser Projection and Other Displays — Extensions of multi-primary color tech to laser projectors, emphasizing better color accuracy and flexible installations. Additional Mentions — New projectors, smart home AI assistants, and support for advanced formats like Dolby Vision 2 on upcoming 2026 MiniLED models (via OTA updates). Home Audio Announcements Budget brand Ultimea surprised with the Skywave X100 Dual, a premium compact system boasting up to 9.2.6 channels across seven modular units.Focuses on high-channel-count immersion in a small footprint, positioning it as an affordable yet powerful alternative for space-constrained home theaters. SVS R|Evolution SeriesAudio specialist SVS debuted the 3000 R|Evolution subwoofers and a new Dolby Atmos soundbar, demonstrated in a full 5.2.4-channel cabin setup for reference-level performance. Klipsch Powered Speakers UpdateKlipsch refreshed its powered lineup with The Fives II, Sevens II, and Nines II, building on heritage horn-loaded designs with modern connectivity, plus concept teases for future innovations.Other mentions included Cambridge Audio's new active bookshelf speakers and various AI-enhanced EQ features across brands, but the Dolby Atmos FlexConnect implementations (especially LG's) stood out as the truly novel leap forward for effortless, high-quality home audio in 2026. The Fives II: $1,399.99/pair USD. The Sevens II: $1,999.99/pair USD. The Nines II: $2,399.99/pair USD Home Automation Announcements The standout trend was humanoid or multi-purpose home robots moving beyond single tasks (like vacuuming) to general household help, embodying a vision of embodied AI. LG CLOiD: LG's flagship reveal was this wheeled, dual-armed AI home robot designed for a "Zero Labor Home." It autonomously handles diverse chores like retrieving items from the fridge, heating food in the oven, folding laundry, and coordinating with other smart appliances. Powered by advanced AI and sensors, it demonstrates real-world household automation in demo setups. SwitchBot onero H1: SwitchBot introduced this accessible humanoid household robot as part of its "Smart Home 2.0" vision. It represents a shift to multi-task embodied AI, going beyond specialized devices to perform varied daily tasks. Accompanied by other AI robotics integrations for intuitive automation. Other mentions included updates like Samsung's AI Jet Bot Steam Ultra (with AI object/liquid recognition for smarter cleaning) and emerging players like 1X NEO, signaling a wave of practical home robotics. Devices are increasingly using on-device AI to automate routines without user programming. Conversational AI and Butler-Style Control: Widespread demos of voice assistants that learn habits and respond to natural commands, turning smart homes into proactive "housekeepers." Sorcerics Lens (CES Innovation Award honoree): An AI hub using on-device computer vision for fully contextual automation of housework, understanding environments to trigger actions intelligently. Lights turn on because the AI recognizes you're reading - not just because you moved. Lights turn off only when the AI understands you're about to sleep - not simply on a routineWhat motion and presence sensors fail to see, Sorcerics AI sees the difference. Govee Smart Lighting Advancements: New lights (e.g., Ceiling Light Ultra) that proactively adjust based on time of day, mood, space usage, and user patterns—rethinking lighting as adaptive rather than reactive. SwitchBot AI MindClip: AI MindClip continuously captures meetings, conversations, and everyday moments, transforming them into structured summaries, actionable to-dos, and a searchable personal knowledge base. Acting as a "second brain" fueled by subscribed cloud AI service, it allows users to retrieve past discussions, reminders, and learning materials on demand, ask questions when details are forgotten, and turn fragmented information into usable insight. Weighing just 18 grams and supporting over 100 languages, AI MindClip helps people organize and recall the growing volume of spoken information they encounter every day, enabling them to think more clearly, work more efficiently, and manage modern life with less cognitive load. Innovative Access and Security Aqara U400 Smart Deadbolt: Uses Ultra-Wideband (UWB) for precise, hands-free unlocking as you approach—more reliable than traditional geofencing/Bluetooth mixes. Lockin V7 Max: Features wireless AuraCharge (recharges within 4 meters) and fast unlocking, earning a CES Innovation Award. SwitchBot's biometric 3D locks with advanced vision. Other Notable Smart Home Innovations Expanded Matter ecosystem support across brands, enabling broader interoperability. Smarter kitchen tech, like Govee's Smart Nugget Ice Maker Pro. Enhanced security cameras with deeper AI context for automation triggers.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! This will be our final episode of 2025. So we’ll see you all in 2026 next episode! We each made a big purchase. Andrew posted his Sofabaton X2 Review over at AVGadgets, and Rob has fresh Sofabaton X2 thoughts, as well. Dolby Vision + Atmos Theater that isn’t a Dolby […] The post AV Rant #997: Merry Xmas from Tom & Rob appeared first on AV Rant.

Writer, director, and producer Bradley Cooper joins us to discuss the sound of his latest film, “Is This Thing On?” Audio became a primary storytelling tool in shaping the film's deeply subjective point of view. In conversation with the film's sound team, the director breaks down how perspective, texture, and restraint were used to place audiences directly inside the emotional experience of a man discovering stand-up comedy as his marriage unravels. For Cooper, that approach ultimately comes back to how films are meant to be experienced in theaters.“It's really about the theatergoing experience — how you best tell the story in these rooms, in this theatrical space. And to me, I haven't seen a better version than those two elements: Dolby Vision and Atmos. When Stefan [Sonnenfeld] and I colored the Dolby Vision, it was like, ‘Oh — there's the movie.' And when you do it in Atmos, in terms of mixing sound… the immersive experience — it's just a whole different experience than a 5.1 mix. It's not even in the same universe… And once you go there, you can never go back. I watched a movie the other night that wasn't in Atmos, and I couldn't stop imagining what it could be.”—Bradley Cooper, Writer, Director, Producer, “Is This Thing On?”Joining today's conversation:- Bradley Cooper, Director, Producer- Dane A. Davis, Supervising Sound Editor- Tom Ozanich, Re-recording Mixer- Dean A. Zupancic, Re-recording MixerBe sure to check out “Is This Thing On?,” now in theaters.Please subscribe to Dolby Creator Talks wherever you get your podcasts.You can also check out the video for this episode on YouTube.Learn more about the Dolby Creator Lab and check out Dolby.com. Connect with Dolby on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn.

On this week's show DJ Briggs from Brightside Home Theater fills in for Braden who is away on business. We ask DJ to give us his opinion on using a large format TV as a replacement for a projector. We also read your emails and take a look at the week's news. News: LG will debut its first Micro RGB television at CES Local ABC, CBS, FOX, & NBC Stations Are Demanding Up to a 50% Price Hike for Cable TV Customers WBD board recommends rejection of Paramount's takeover bid Other: YouTube TV Wants to Unbundle the Cable Package That Streamers Were Meant to Kill in the First Place Tailwind Meross Garage Door Opener HT Guys Amazon List Swapping a projector for a 100" TV  Jon Taylor recently purchased a TCL 98QM7K (2025 model, QD-Mini LED QLED with Google TV) during Black Friday for $1,999.99 (50% off the $3,999.99 retail price). After using it for a couple of weeks in his basement home theater (replacing an older 82" Samsung and supplementing a projector setup), he shares highly positive impressions. Key Highlights: Size and Installation: The 98" screen is enormous and immersive. Delivery and installation (included from Best Buy) went smoothly, though modifications to basement stairs were needed to fit the massive box. Picture Quality: Exceptional deep blacks (best non-OLED he's seen, rivaling his old Panasonic plasma), vibrant colors, and strong contrast. Upscaling of lower-resolution content (720p/1080p from cable, Blu-ray, streaming) is excellent. 4K sources, including Ultra HD Blu-ray and YouTube, look stunning with minimal motion blur. Performance Across Sources: Built-in Google TV streaming: Clear and smooth. Roku Premier: Deep blacks and popping colors. Standout: Apple TV 4K shines brightest, leveraging Dolby Vision for an incredibly vivid, "popping" image—far superior to non-Dolby Vision devices on his previous Samsung. Gaming and Features: 144Hz refresh rate delivers outstanding performance with low motion lag. Fun feature: Displays four simultaneous 48" screens for NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube TV. Observations: Large size exposes weaknesses in poor cable signals (fixed by rerouting). He notes TCL (and Hisense) are seriously challenging premium brands (Samsung, LG, Sony) with high-end specs at budget prices, earning praise from reviewers like RTINGS.com. Jon historically preferred established brands for reliability but now sees TCL/Hisense as the new value leaders, similar to how Samsung/LG rose decades ago. He recommends checking out the latest high-end TCL models, especially for large sizes where premium brands were too expensive for him. He's also considering switching from Verizon Fios to a streaming TV service to cut costs. Overall, Jon is thrilled with the TV's performance and value, calling it a "force to be reckoned with."

On this week's show we find you the best Black Friday deals for your home theater, well at least at the time of recording. We also read your emails and take a look at the week's news. News: YouTube TV and Disney reach agreement to restore channels Disney+ and Hulu near 200 million combined subscribers New Study Finds 38% Of Respondents View TV With Speaker Sound Off Content Discovery Still a Challenge for Streamers Other: ONKYO - Adding Internet Radio Stations Bright Side Home Theater MOVEMBER MEGA RAFFLE 2025 Movember Raffle — Bright Side Home Theater Black Friday 2025 Each year we go through the Black Friday ads from various stores and list items. It's a long list and can be tedious to listen to. So this year we decided to search out what we thought were the best deals on various items for your Home Theater and Smart Home. This year many retailers are not releasing their sales until the last minute and since we are recording one week before Black Friday our list may be missing a few items that pop up later. But here is our early list of things we think you will be interested in: The standout deal for the largest screen size at the lowest price is the 98-inch TCL Q Series 4K QLED Google TV at Walmart for $998 (down from $1,798, saving $800). This is a 2025 model with premium features like 144Hz refresh rate, Dolby Vision HDR, Dolby Atmos audio, and Google TV smart platform—making it ideal for movies, gaming, and streaming without breaking the bank under $1,000. Hisense has a slightly more expensive model that hits that magic 100" mark.  The 100-inch Hisense QLEDs (priced between $1,000–$1,200) delivers the biggest diagonal size for the cheapest absolute dollar amount right now. Deals can fluctuate or sell out quickly, so check often and lock in your price. The Best soundbar deal with dolby ATMOS we have seen so far is the Samsung HW-Q990D 11.1.4-Channel Soundbar System at $1,000 (save $1,000 off $2,000 MSRP) at Best Buy. It's praised as the "best Dolby Atmos soundbar system" for its massive scale, precise 3D sound, and gaming features (4K/120Hz HDMI). At 50% off, it outperforms pricier competitors in value and power (656W total). If you want something more compact, the JBL Bar 1300X ($1200) edges it for portability. The Govee Holiday sale starts November 20th at Amazon. We don't know what the savings will be but Ara owns some Govee light strips and is very pleased with them. They support Matter and can be installed permanently outdoors.  The best deal on a Samsung high end TV is the Samsung S95F OLED for 2025, known for being bright, vivid colors, deep blacks, and excellent motion handling, this TV is ideal for bright rooms or mixed use. It includes the NQ4 AI Gen2 processor for 4K upscaling, four HDMI 2.1 ports, and Tizen OS with free channels and cloud gaming.  Current Black Friday deal: 65" for  $2,298 at Amazon (save $700 from $2,998)—matches the all-time low. There are 77 and 83 inch models for $3500 and $5000 respectively. The Best Deal on high end wireless speakers the Kef LS50 Wireless II ($2000) is more than a high-performance loudspeaker; it's the perfect all-in-one speaker system, streaming from any source thanks to wireless compatibility with AirPlay 2, Google Cast and more, plus wired connections for your TV, games console and turntable. Great sound, no strings attached. If you are looking for a gift for the Home Theater enthusiast in your life, and that may mean you buy it for yourself. Check out The Home Theater Store. They are running a black friday sale on seating, decor, and accessories. Some examples include popcorn machines starting at $40 and going all the way up to $2000. With savings up to $600. They also have sound panels normally priced at $750 on sale for $500.  The Best deal on the Ring Battery Doorbell is $50 at Amazon. And as long as we are here. THis deal is crazy! Two Blink Mini 2 Home Security & Pet Cameras with HD video, color night view, motion detection, two-way audio, and built-in spotlight for $28! The best overall deal on an OLED TV is the LG 77" C5 Series OLED evo AI 4K UHD Smart webOS TV (2025 model) at $1,999.99 at Bestbuy (down from $3,699.99—a $1,700 savings, or 46% off). The LG OLED evo C5 is powered by the next-gen Alpha 9 Gen8 AI Processor —exclusively made for LG OLED—for ultra-realistic picture and sound along with boosted brightness for luminosity and high contrast, even in well-lit rooms. Dolby Vision for extraordinary color, contrast and brightness, plus Dolby Atmos for immersive sound you can feel all around you. FILMMAKER MODE allows you to see films just as the director intended. Packed with gaming features, the LG OLED evo C-Series comes with everything you need to win like a 0.1ms response time, native 120Hz refresh rate, with VRR for PC gaming and four HDMI 2.1 inputs. AWOL Vision LTV-3000 Pro 4K Laser Projector, (I found a better deal at Amazon after we recorded. $2300!!) has a compact ultra-short-throw (UST) model that transforms any wall or table into a massive, vibrant cinema screen without the bulk of a traditional TV setup. Unlike standard projectors that require dark rooms and precise mounting, this one projects up to 150 inches from just inches away, with built-in speakers delivering Dolby Audio and a sleek, furniture-like design that blends into your space. Priced at $2,999 (down from $3,999—a $1,000 savings with discount code obtained at the AWOL site) A killer deal on an AVR is the Denon AVR-X2700H for $680. At this price it would have made our list of best AV receivers for enthusiasts. It has 95W per channel, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X audio formats for up to 5.1.2 setups, Audyssey room calibration. It features 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz video passthrough with Dolby Vision and HDR10+ HDR, and HDMI 2.1 connectivity, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and voice control via Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri.  The best deal on a no-frills subwoofer that packs a punch is the Klipsch Reference R-121SW ($350 at Walmart regular price $650). 400W peak power, 29-120Hz response, front-firing port for room-filling punch; ideal for movies/gaming. Compact at 16"H x 14"W. Known for it's "chest-thumping" bass without the boominess. Perfect starter upgrade for under $350. The craziest 50-Inch TV Deal we have seen is the Insignia 50" Class F50 Series LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV at $169.99 at Best Buy. Is this a great TV? No but it's shockingly good value with Alexa voice control, built-in Fire TV streaming, and DTS Virtual:X audio for immersive sound without extra speakers. Picture quality is decent for bright rooms. Home Depot has great deals on Nest Thermostats. Some deals are active now and others on Black Friday. We are reading that Home Depot will have the Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen) available for $199. It's regularly priced at $279. Check out their site for more BLACK FRIDAY DEALS FROM GOOGLE SMART HOME.

Samsung HDR10+ Advanced will rival Dolby Vision 2. GiK Amplitude Panels replace both the Alpha and Impression Series. CEDIA Reference Level white paper. The post AV Rant #991: Bamboozled! appeared first on AV Rant.

Samsung HDR10+ Advanced will rival Dolby Vision 2. GiK Amplitude Panels replace both the Alpha and Impression Series. CEDIA Reference Level white paper. The post AV Rant #991: Bamboozled! appeared first on AV Rant.

On this week's show we recommend five 55” TVs for less than $500 that will give you the best bang for your buck! We also read your emails and take a look at some of the week's news. News: Anker opens pre-orders for its Nebula X1 Pro projector system Amazon unveils a new Fire TV lineup, including the $40 Fire TV Stick 4K Select TiVo Exiting Legacy DVR Business Walmart's Onn 4K Pro Google TV Streaming Device is On Sale At Its Lowest Price Ever Other: DIY Surround Sound... USING LASERS! Signal GH Highly Rated 55 Inch TVs Under $500  This week we scoured the Internet for best bang for the buck TVs that would work in a typical family room. For this criteria we landed on 55” as it is, in our opinion, the Goldilocks size. We read reviews from sites like RTINGS, CNET, Tom's Guide, and What Hi-Fi? To select five models that have something for everyone. All the TVs are 4K smart TVs with good picture quality, HDR support, and gaming features.  All Models Available at Amazon Here's a comparison of the top-rated options: TCL QM6K (QLED Mini-LED)  55-inch ~$445 at Amazon   CNET: 8.6 out of 10 RTINGS: 7.1 out of 10 overall  Tom's Guide: 4 out 5 144Hz refresh rate, local dimming for deep blacks, Google TV OS, VRR/AMD FreeSync for gaming, Dolby Vision HDR. Best all-around budget TV; excels in brightness, color vibrancy, and motion handling for movies/gaming—rivals pricier models without blooming issues. Hisense QD7QF (QLED)  55-inch ~$350 at Amazon   CNET: 8 out of 10  RTINGS: 6.8/10 Full-array local dimming, 144Hz VRR, Dolby Vision/Atmos, Google TV, twice the brightness of most budget rivals. Unmatched contrast and immersion for the price; ideal for dark-room viewing and gaming, with solid upscaling for streaming. Roku Plus Series (QLED Mini-LED) 55-inch $400 at Amazon Tom's Guide: 4 out of 5 WIRED: Best Smart TV  Mini-LED backlight, quantum dots for color pop, Roku OS (simple streaming), HDR10+, 60Hz with low lag.  Easiest interface for casual users; great value for vibrant colors and decent blacks—perfect for bright rooms and Roku fans. Hisense U6K (Mini-LED) 55-inch ~450 at Amazon  RTINGS: 7.4 out of 10|  Tom's Guide: 4.5 out of 5 Quantum dots, local dimming, 60Hz Game Mode, VIDAA OS, Dolby Vision, Affordable entry to Mini-LED tech; strong HDR performance and shadow detail—beats basic LEDs in contrast without extras. Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED 55-inch $410 at Amazon What Hi-Fi?: 4 out of 5;  RTINGS: 7.6 out of 10  Local dimming, Alexa voice control, Fire TV OS, Dolby Vision, wide color gamut | Balanced for smart home integration; solid contrast and app ecosystem—best for Amazon Prime users wanting a compact, feature-rich set.

Victor Pavy sent in the shortest listener question we've ever received! He wants to know Scott Wilkinson's opinion of the new Dolby Vision 2 HDR format, which was just announced at the IFA 2025 trade show. Scott was going to talk about anyway, because it's an important upgrade to the already-best HDR format. Host: Scott Wilkinson Download or subscribe to Home Theater Geeks at https://twit.tv/shows/home-theater-geeks Want access to the ad-free video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.

On this week's show we look at three gadgets that we think are responsible for the year of home automation. We also discuss Dolby Vision 2. All that plus your emails and the week's news on episode 1220 of the HDTV and Home Theater Podcast! News: Live TV streamers leave viewers more satisfied than cable ‘The Paper' to premiere on NBC after Peacock success Samsung's $2,000 Smart Fridges Now Serve Ads, Owners Are Furious Other: Panasonic Blu-ray & DVD John's Streaming Cost Spreadsheet These Gadgets Are Responsible for the Year of Home Automation We have been involved with home automation for a long time and have seen a lot of gadgets come and go. The category was mostly for DIYers or for people with deep pockets. It wasn't until these  three products came out that the year/decade/century of automation was officially upon us.  Philips Hue Smart Bulb - Philips essentially defined smart lighting and is used in 50M+ homes for ambiance/security the world over. Many have copied Philips but for us nothing beats these lights. Nest Learning Thermostat - The Nest Learning Thermostat revolutionized home climate control as the first smart thermostat, pioneering the category with its innovative self-learning technology and sleek design in 2011. Although we use the ecobee and recommend it, the category would not be where it is without the Nest Thermostat.  Ring Video Doorbell - The Ring Video Doorbell revolutionized home security by pioneering the smart doorbell category, introducing remote video monitoring and two-way communication in 2014.  What is Dolby Vision 2 Dolby Vision 2 is a next-generation HDR format announced by Dolby Laboratories on September 2, 2025, at IFA 2025. It builds on the original Dolby Vision by introducing AI-driven tools, enhanced creator controls, and features that extend beyond traditional HDR, such as improved motion handling. The format is designed to deliver more accurate, director-intended visuals across a range of TVs, adapting to content, viewing environments, and display capabilities. It comes in two tiers: Tier Target TVs Key Focus Dolby Vision 2 Mainstream TVs Core upgrades via new image engine and Content Intelligence for improved picture quality. Dolby Vision 2 Max High-performance TVs (e.g., premium Mini-LED) All core features plus premium extras like Authentic Motion for maximum brightness, contrast, and cinematic fidelity.   Main Features Here are the primary features of Dolby Vision 2: 1. Dolby Image Engine A more powerful processing engine that enhances overall image rendering, enabling higher brightness, sharper contrast, and more saturated colors while preserving artistic intent. Supports bi-directional tone mapping, allowing creators to optimize content for specific TV capabilities (e.g., brighter displays) without losing fidelity. 2. Content Intelligence (AI-Powered Optimization) An AI suite that automatically adjusts picture settings based on content type, viewing environment (e.g., room lighting), and device. Light Sense: Upgraded ambient light detection combined with reference data from the source material to dynamically tweak brightness and visibility. Precision Black: Improves shadow detail and clarity in dark scenes, addressing complaints about HDR appearing too dark; creators can embed room/bias lighting info and black-level sliders for precise control. 3. Authentic Motion (Premium Motion Handling) Available only in Dolby Vision 2 Max: The world's first creator-driven motion control tool, enabling shot-by-shot adjustments to reduce judder (stutter) while avoiding the "soap opera effect." Makes 24fps cinematic content feel more fluid and authentic, ideal for movies, sports, and fast-action scenes. These features aim to make Dolby Vision 2 backward-compatible with existing Dolby Vision content (with some improvements), but full benefits require new TVs and mastered content.  Industry Adoption: Hisense will be the first TV brand to introduce Dolby Vision 2 to its lineup. These TVs will be powered by MediaTek Pentonic 800 with “MiraVision™ Pro” PQ Engine, the first silicon chip to integrate Dolby Vision 2. Timing and availability will be announced at a later date. Joining Hisense, CANAL+ is the first media and entertainment group to commit to enhance its lineup – from movies and TV shows to live sport – in Dolby Vision, leveraging the latest innovation to enrich the viewing experience for its subscribers.  

YouTube Premium begins its big crackdown on Family Plan sharing, and Dr. Niki has an update on US science funding.Starring Jason Howell, Tom Merritt, and Dr. Niki.Show notes found here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Trump family's big new crypto coin makes its debut. OpenAI outlines new safety guardrails. Dolby announces its biggest new TV tech in years. Say hello to Dolby Vision 2. Fintech seems to be back. And as the price per token for AI models has fallen, why are costs for developers rising? Links: Trump family's World Liberty Financial token falls in trading debut (FT) Parental controls are coming to ChatGPT ‘within the next month,' OpenAI says (CNNBusiness) Dolby Vision 2 goes beyond HDR with more AI and ‘authentic motion' smoothing (The Verge) UK fintechs explore buying US banks to speed up push for licences (FT) Cutting-Edge AI Was Supposed to Get Cheaper. It's More Expensive Than Ever. (WSJ) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices