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Host Mitch Anderson interviews IsoAcoustics' Sean Morrison and Matt Reilly about hi-fi isolation, vibration control, and why speakers, tube amps, turntables, and audio components may perform better when properly isolated. From floating a CBC Radio studio on 3,000 pucks to becoming an OEM solution for more than 50 hi-fi manufacturers, IsoAcoustics explains why the quietest product in your system might be doing more than you think.Thank you to our sponsor of this episode, SVS! www.svsound.com• Original intro music by The Arc of All. https://www.sourceoflightandpower.com• Voice Over Provided by Todd Harrell of SSP Unlimited. https://sspunlimited.com• Production by Mitch Anderson, Black Circle Studios. https://blackcircleradio.comKeep up-to-date with all the latest Hi-Fi, Headphone, Home Theater and Music news by visiting:https://www.ecoustics.com#hifi #isoacoustics #soundisolation #proaudiohacks #recordlathe #blackcircleradio #vinylcommunity #ecoustics #audiophile #homelistening
In this episode, Matt Yocum, an SVS artist and working film sound engineer, explains how modern movie soundtracks are built and why low frequency clarity plays a critical role in shaping the final experience. Drawing on his work across major film and television projects, Yocum discusses how much of what audiences hear is created in post production, how he approaches mixing for the LFE channel using SVS subwoofers, including the SB 4000, and why he often relies on dual subwoofer setups instead of one. The conversation also explores why SVS has become part of his workflow and what that says about the demands of contemporary film sound design. Learn more about Matt and SVS here:https://www.svsound.com/blogs/artist-spotlight/svs-featured-producer-matt-yocum-movie-and-tv-sound-engineer• Original intro music by The Arc of All. https://www.sourceoflightandpower.com• Voice Over Provided by Todd Harrell of SSP Unlimited. https://sspunlimited.com• Production by Mitch Anderson, Black Circle Studios. https://blackcircleradio.comKeep up-to-date with all the latest Hi-Fi, Headphone, Home Theater and Music news by visiting:https://www.ecoustics.com#svs #hifi #lowendmixing #2026subwoofers #soundforfilm #hometheater #svsspeakers #svssubwoofers #ecoustics #audiophile #homelistening #soundforfilm
On this week's show we take look at five underrated home theater picks that will set you back less than $500. We also read your emails and take a look at the week's news. News: YouTube Premium is getting a US price hike of up to $4/month Prime Video Ultra officially replaces Prime Video ad-free; what's different in the plan, besides a higher price? Your Smart TV might be crawling the web while you watch movies Walmart is updating its 4K streaming box with Gemini and Matter support Other: Category Five: A Cold Trail Thriller a novel by Tyler Richardson Five Underrated Home Theater Gear Picks Under $500 In the world of home theater, the big brands usually grab all the attention. But some of the best-performing gear doesn't have to break the bank while still delivering impressive sound, clear dialogue, and deep, immersive bass. If you're building or upgrading a home theater system on a budget, say less than $500, these underrated products deliver a lot of bang for the buck. You won't see these on typical "best of" lists and the best part, they can all be had for under $500. Of course, prices can change, so be sure to check the latest deals online. Here are the top five underrated home theater gems worth considering: 1. ELAC Debut Series Bookshelf Speakers ELAC's Debut line consistently earns rave reviews for neutral, detailed sound and surprising soundstage that we have loved for years. ELAC's strength is music, however, the Debuts are an excellent choice as front left/right or surround speakers. Pair them with a good center channel for dialogue and wide imaging. They will handle dynamic movie soundtracks without sounding harsh and sell for about $270 per pair. You will need a subwoofer and center channel if you plan on using these as part of a home theater setup. But don't worry, we have you covered for that as well! 2. Denon AVR-S570BT While flagship Denon and Onkyo models get all the attention, this entry-level AVR quietly delivers solid 5.1-channel performance, HDMI support for 4K/8K passthrough, and easy setup — all without complicated features most beginners don't need. You can count on the 570 for reliable amplification, Bluetooth streaming, and basic room correction options. It powers speakers cleanly and supports modern video formats, making it a great foundation for a starter system. The AVR-570 goes for $375 at Amazon. Consider this model if you are new to home theater or upgrading from a soundbar. It pairs nicely with ELAC speakers previously mentioned. 3. Polk Audio Signature Elite Center Channel Speaker Polk's center channels often get overlooked in favor of more "premium" options, but they excel at one critical job: making movie dialogue crystal clear even during explosive action scenes. Great for anchoring a 5.1 or 7.1 system without muddying voices. At 10.6"D x 20"W x 7.5"H it should be easy to find a place for it on a wall or TV stand. Coming in at $400 it's one of the more expensive items on the list. If you are frustrated with unclear dialogue in your current setup, match this with the ELAC speakers for clean dialog that you won't have to strain to hear. 4. RSL Speedwoofer 10S MKII We have been big fans of RSL ever since we interviewed Joe Rogers on our show. Every pair of RSL speakers we have listened to have performed well beyond their price tag. Their subwoofers are no different, the RSL Speedwoofer series is frequently rated as good or better than the bigger names in bass control, musicality, and value according to detailed tests. If you want tight, punchy bass with good extension for movies and games without needing to dedicate a good portion of your family room, the 10S MKII is something you should consider. Barely making our upper price limit boundary at $499 consider this as part of your ELAC, Polk Audio, and Denon system. 5. Klipsch Reference Cinema Dolby Atmos 5.1.4 System We used to design our own Home Theater in a Box systems when we first started doing this podcast. They always featured a Klipsch 5.1 speaker system because they were better than any any set of 5.1 speakers you could buy for the price. Back then it cost about $300. Today it will set you back $500 but you get a subwoofer and ATMOS. Klipsch designs efficient speakers that make any receiver perform to it's best. Their horn tweeters bright and lively. Coming in at $500 it would be hard to beat. Pair it with the Denon (note this model of Denon does not support ATMOS) and you have a HTIB for under $1000! Available from Amazon for $499. Final Thoughts: Focus on room acoustics, proper speaker placement, and gradual upgrades — a good subwoofer and clear center channel often make the biggest difference. Shop sales and check for refurbished options from reputable retailers. What's your favorite home theater find for less than $500?
In this episode, we sit down with Jordan Pries, owner of The Electric Kitsch record store in Bay City, Michigan and working musician (he wrote our podcast theme song!), for a clear eyed look at what it takes to survive and stay relevant through 14 years of industry shifts and the rise of Record Store Day. From the early days of RSD to today's global frenzy, Jordan breaks down what has changed, what has not, and what customers rarely see, including the financial realities, supply chain headaches, and the role RSD plays in keeping the lights on. We also explore how running a shop intersects with life as a musician, shaping how music is valued on both sides of the counter, and whether Record Store Day still delivers for the independent stores it was built to support or just makes for one very long Saturday.In the Episode:Jordan Pries (Arc of All), Owner of The Electric KitschMitch Anderson, ProducerCredits:Original intro music by The Arc of All.Voice Over Provided by Todd Harrell of SSP Unlimited.Production by Mitch Anderson, Black Circle Studios.Keep up-to-date with all the latest Hi-Fi, Music, Home Theater, and Headphone news by visiting:https://www.ecoustics.com#hifi #audiophile #vintageaudio #RSD2026 #RecordStoreDay #vinylcommunity #electrickitsch #podcast #ecoustics #blackcircleradio #sourceoflightandpower #blackcircleradio #solp #bcr #instavinyl #vinylcommunity #brickandmortar #smallbusiness #michiganbusiness #musicindustrynews
Recorded from the show floor at AXPONA 2026, the team from SVS breaks down their latest powered subwoofer, the SVS 3000 Micro R|Evolution, and why this compact design hits harder than it has any right to. We dig into the engineering behind the output, the tradeoffs of going small without sacrificing performance, and the bigger question hanging over it all is whether SVS is quietly undercutting its own lineup with each new release that raises the bar and resets expectations.Guests: Gary Yacoubian & Nick BrownCo-Hosted by: Mitch Anderson & Brian MitchellCredits:• Original intro music by The Arc of All. https://www.sourceoflightandpower.com• Voice Over Provided by Todd Harrell of SSP Unlimited. https://sspunlimited.com• Production by Mitch Anderson, Black Circle Studios. https://blackcircleradio.comKeep up-to-date with all the latest Hi-Fi, Headphone, Home Theater and Music news by visiting:https://www.ecoustics.com#svs3000revolution #svsspeakers #svssubs #audiophile #hifihappyhour #hifi #2026speakers #hometheater #lifestylesound #interiordesign #speakerdesign #audioindustry #ecoustics #musictech #AXPONA2026
If you're lining up for Record Store Day 2026, this episode focuses on the one name that matters most: Zev Feldman, known as The Jazz Detective. Best known for his first-release live recordings of Bill Evans on Resonance and Elemental, Feldman has already delivered 14 Evans RSD titles, with a 15th arriving April 18.For Record Store Day 2026, he goes further than ever with 11 new jazz releases (including the Evans) across Resonance, Elemental, and Time Traveler Recordings, the label he co founded to bring back rare and hard to find 1970s jazz albums from the Muse catalog. This is not filler for collectors. It is a serious expansion of what Record Store Day can deliver.Join Eric Pye and Mitch Anderson as they break down the full slate, the continued demand for the Bill Evans RSD series, and the reality of tracking down and restoring lost recordings. At the center is Feldman's latest discovery, a deep archive from legendary Chicago club owner Joe Segal, now driving an ongoing series of never before heard live albums, with five debuting for RSD 2026. If you care about jazz, vinyl, and making smart choices before the lines form, this conversation gives you a real advantage.RESONANCE RECORDS• Joe Henderson – Consonance: Live at the Jazz Showcase 3-LP set featuring saxophone titan Joe Henderson and his quartet with pianist Joanne Brackeen, bassist Steve Rodby and drummer Danny Spencer captured in February of 1978. Liners by John Koenig, reflections by Brackeen, Rodby and Spencer, but Joe Segal's son Wayne.• Ahmad Jamal – At The Jazz Showcase: Live in Chicago 2-LP set featuring the iconic pianist with bassist John Heard and drummer Frank Gant on March 20-21, 1976. Newly curated liner notes by Jamal scholar Eugene Holley, Jr. with memories from Jamal's daughter Sumayah and appreciations from pianists Joe Alterman and Fred Hersch. • Yusef Lateef – Alight Upon The Lake: Live at the Jazz Showcase 3-LP set featuring Lateef with pianist Kenny Barron, bassist Bob Cunningham and drummer Albert "Tootie" Heath captured live in June of 1975. Liner notes by Lateef biographer Herb Boyd, plus interviews with Bennie Maupin, Wayne Segal and more.• Mal Waldron – Stardust & Starlight: At The Jazz Showcase2-LP set featuring Waldron with bassist Steve Rodby, drummer Wilbur “the Chief” Campbell, and saxophonist Sonny Stitt captured in August 1979. Newly curated liner notes by Howard Mandel, interviews with pianist Lafayette Gilchrist, bassist Steve Rodby, Wayne Segal and more.TIME TRAVELER RECORDINGS • Terry Callier – At The Earl of Old Town2-LP set featuring the influential singer/songwriter at just 22-years-old. A compelling never-before-released 1967 solo performance, recorded by NEA Jazz Master Joe Segal. The package includes comprehensive liner notes by Callier's longtime friend, Real Jazz Sirius/XM program director Mark Ruffin and comments by daughter Sunny Callier. • Roy Hargrove – BERNRecorded at the International Jazzfestival Bern, Switzerland in May 2000, the album captures a vital, previously unissued Roy Hargrove date showcasing the then 30-year-old trumpeter/bandleader at the height of his powers. The package features extensive liner notes by noted jazz journalist/author Nate Chinen.• Buster Williams – PinnacleWilliams' celebrated 1975 debut album will be reissued for the first time by Time Traveler Recordings' Muse Master Edition Series. Package includes original 1975 notes by Elliot Meadow, new liners by noted journalist Mike Flynn and a rare period photo by Raymond Ross. ELEMENTAL RECORDS• Michel Petrucciani – Kuumbwa (Europe only)2-LP set capturing a fiery 1987 performance at Kuumbwa Jazz Center in Santa Cruz, California. The first Petrucciani release among the label's many jazz treasures, the recording features the legendary pianist with bassist Dave Holland and drummer Eliot Zigmund. The thoughtfully annotated set includes reflections by pianist's son Alexandre Petrucciani, drummer Eliot Zigmund, Italian pianist Enrico Pieranunzi, journalist Thierry Pérémarti, and Kuumbwa Co-Founder Tim Jackson.• Bill Evans at the BBC2-LP set featuring spellbinding, intimate music from a 1965 performance showcasing the legendary pianist's trio with bassist Chuck Israels and drummer Larry Bunker which aired on the British TV program Jazz 625, hosted by English trumpet player Humphrey Lyttelton. The comprehensive package includes notes by Evans scholar Marc Myers, appreciations by Jamie Cullum and James Pearson, and an interview with Israels who told Marc Myers, “Yes, we were damn near perfect at the BBC."• Cecil Taylor Unit – Fragments, The Complete 1969 Salle Pleyel Concerts 3-LP set featuring two explosive never-before released Cecil Taylor Unit performances featuring the avant-jazz pianist's 1969 Unit with saxophonist Jimmy Lyons, saxophonist/flutist Sam Rivers and drummer Andrew Cyrille at their creative peak. The expansive package includes notes by Taylor biographer Philip Freeman, memories from drummer Andrew Cyrille and appreciations from Karen Borca, Matthew Shipp, Jack DeJohnette and more.• Freddie King – Feeling Alright: The Complete 1975 Nancy Jazz Pulsation Concerts3-LP set featuring the blues legend Freddie King live before more than 50,000 fans in October 1975, the final full year of his life. Joining King are organist Alvin Hemphill, guitarist Ed Lively, pianist Lewis Stephens, bassist Benny Turner and drummer Calep Emphrey. The deluxe package features appreciations from his daughter, Wanda King, as well as ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons, plus liner notes by author Cary Baker. The set documents an essential blues artist whose ferocious guitar tone, commanding singing, and genre-bridging vision helped reshape modern blues and rock.hank you to our sponsor SVS for supporting this episode!https://www.svsound.comIn the Episode:Zev Feldman, Elemental, Time Traveler, and Resonance RecordsEric Pye, Vintage Audio ColumnistMitch Anderson, ProducerCredits:Original intro music by The Arc of All.Voice Over Provided by Todd Harrell of SSP Unlimited.Production by Mitch Anderson, Black Circle Studios.Keep up-to-date with all the latest Hi-Fi, Music, Home Theater, and Headphone news by visiting:https://www.ecoustics.com#hifi #audiophile #vintageaudio #RSD2026 #RecordStoreDay #vinylcommunity #analogreissue #podcast #ecoustics #blackcircleradio #audioloveyyc #instavinyl #vinylcommunity #resonancerecords #elementalrecords #timetravelerrecordings #musicindustrynews
The Artemis II trip has captured the attention of many this week, and iPhones have captured some of the amazing pictures taken by the crew. Besides space pictures, Apple had its 50th last week with Paul McCartney, and continues to be all over the news. Get caught up on what's going on in technology so you can get out there and tech better! Watch on YouTube! - Notnerd.com and Notpicks.com INTRO (00:00) Paul McCartney closes Apple's 50th with historic full-circle show (03:50) Every iPhone (06:00) MAIN TOPIC: Around the moon (12:05) Artemis delivers some exceptional, high-quality photos of the Moon iPhone 17 Pro Max photos from space NASA Flickr Photos Astronaut Reid Wiseman snaps unbelievable photo of the lunar surface Even Artemis II astronauts have Microsoft Outlook problems DAVE'S PRO-TIP OF THE WEEK: iPhone triple-click the side button (21:35) JUST THE HEADLINES: (26:30) You can buy a custom iPhone that has a fragment of Steve Jobs' iconic turtleneck Peter Thiel is betting big on solar-powered cow collars China flies world's first megawatt-class hydrogen turboprop engine Engineer brings Lightning port to iPhone 17 Pro Apple says payments fully blocked in Russia following government diktat Apple sued by three YouTube channels over AI scraping Scientists shocked to find lab gloves may be skewing microplastics data LISTENER MAIL: Unifi wifi access point placement (29:20) WITHIN REACH! Dave 4-2, this is round 7 Nate Goes First (38:45) TAKES: Entire Claude Code CLI source code leaks thanks to exposed map file (43:50) All Google users in the US can now change their Gmail address (50:20) BONUS ODD TAKE: spurious correlations (52:55) PICKS OF THE WEEK: Dave: TERRO Ant Killer Bait Stations T300B - Liquid Bait to Eliminate Ants - Bait System - 12 Count Stations for Effective Indoor Ant Control (55:05) Nate: USB C to 1/4" TRS Audio Stereo Cable, 4FT Type C to 6.35mm 1/4 Male Aux Audio Cord Compatible with iPad Pro/iPhone16/15, Pixel 5XL, Samsung Galaxy S22 for Amplifier, Mixer, Home Theater, Speaker ect (58:45) Guest Pick: Jared - The GameSir Pocket Taco (01:01:20)
Join Chord Electronics' digital audio consultant Rob Watts as he dives deep into the challenges of reproducing lifelike sound from 16-bit/44.1kHz PCM. From his groundbreaking DAC designs—spanning $650 to $20,000—to why off-the-shelf chips can't compete, Rob explains how his unique approach goes beyond conventional measurement-based audio engineering. He also previews Chord's next flagship product, the Quartet M Scaler, which will build on the Hugo M Scaler, and shares his thoughts on DSD, the importance of cables, and hidden sonic factors like RF and power supply issues. Even 45 years after the CD's debut, there's still high-resolution audio left to uncover.Sponsors: Thank you to our sponsors SVS & ShurePanel:Rob Watts, Digital Audio Consultant, Chord ElectronicsBrian Mitchell, Host & eCoustics FounderCredits:Original intro music by The Arc of All. https://sourceoflightandpower.bandcamp.comVoice Over Provided by Todd Harrell of SSP Unlimited. https://sspunlimited.comProduction by Mitch Anderson, Black Circle Studios. https://blackcircleradio.comKeep up-to-date with all the latest Hi-Fi, Headphone, Home Theater and Music news by visiting: https://www.ecoustics.com#ecoustics #dacs #chordelectronics #audioengineering #digitalaudio #musicstreaming #hifi #audiophile
Japan has become the world's most in demand travel destination since the pandemic, but beyond cherry blossoms, bullet trains, Lawson runs, anime and those dangerously good 7-Eleven egg salad sandwiches, there's a deeper pull that audiophiles can't ignore.In this episode of the eCoustics podcast, resident Japanophile Eric Pye (@audioloveyyc) and reluctant future convert Mitch Anderson (@blackcircleradio) go all in on Japan's cultural gravity and its quiet takeover of audio: the pilgrimage to e-Earphone, late night jazz kissa listening rooms, Technics heritage, Three Blind Mice pressings, JICO styli, portable travel rigs, flying JAL, record hunting in back alleys, and why Japan still treats music as ritual instead of background noise. This isn't tourism hype it's immersion, listening culture, and what the rest of us may have forgotten.Links for further information:Japanese Jazz Kissa and the Art of the Piano Trio: Exit to Vintage StreetJazz Kissa Culture Goes Global: Exit to Vintage StreetJazz City online store: Purchase Jazz Kissa magazines and booksTokyo Jazz Joints website@jazz_kissa on InstagramThank you to our sponsor SVS & Shure for supporting this episode!https://www.svsound.comhttps://www.shure.comIn the Episode:Eric Pye, Vintage Audio ColumnistMitch Anderson, ProducerCredits:Original intro music by The Arc of All.Voice Over Provided by Todd Harrell of SSP Unlimited.Production by Mitch Anderson, Black Circle Studios.Keep up-to-date with all the latest Hi-Fi, Music, Home Theater, and Headphone news by visiting:https://www.ecoustics.com#hifi #audiophile #vintageaudio #jazzkissa #japanesejazz #vinylcommunity #consumerelectronics #podcast #jico #ecousticsd #blackcircleradio #audioloveyyc #instavinyl #vinylcommunity
"Houston We have a Problem"Team TR discusses gives you the low down on the hard drive shortage situation and how it effects you!1800 listeners can't be wrong Lucky 11!Justin has a spirited conversation of how AI is creating havoc in the Home Theater World and weighs in on MicroLed Panels.The Team Discusses the 10 rules to live buy when building you home theater as we bring our Home theater series to a close.Show Cast:Ray Garcia Ian Grain Byron Wallace Justin J
On Hands-On Tech, Mikah Sargent answers listener Don's questions on how to set up a Mac mini as a home theater system. Send in your questions to Mikah at hot@twit.tv! Host: Mikah Sargent Download or subscribe to Hands-On Tech at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-tech Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord. Sponsor: Melissa.com/twit
On Hands-On Tech, Mikah Sargent answers listener Don's questions on how to set up a Mac mini as a home theater system. Send in your questions to Mikah at hot@twit.tv! Host: Mikah Sargent Download or subscribe to Hands-On Tech at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-tech Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord. Sponsor: Melissa.com/twit
On Hands-On Tech, Mikah Sargent answers listener Don's questions on how to set up a Mac mini as a home theater system. Send in your questions to Mikah at hot@twit.tv! Host: Mikah Sargent Download or subscribe to Hands-On Tech at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-tech Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord. Sponsor: Melissa.com/twit
On Hands-On Tech, Mikah Sargent answers listener Don's questions on how to set up a Mac mini as a home theater system. Send in your questions to Mikah at hot@twit.tv! Host: Mikah Sargent Download or subscribe to Hands-On Tech at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-tech Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord. Sponsor: Melissa.com/twit
On Hands-On Tech, Mikah Sargent answers listener Don's questions on how to set up a Mac mini as a home theater system. Send in your questions to Mikah at hot@twit.tv! Host: Mikah Sargent Download or subscribe to Hands-On Tech at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-tech Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord. Sponsor: Melissa.com/twit
On Hands-On Tech, Mikah Sargent answers listener Don's questions on how to set up a Mac mini as a home theater system. Send in your questions to Mikah at hot@twit.tv! Host: Mikah Sargent Download or subscribe to Hands-On Tech at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-tech Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord. Sponsor: Melissa.com/twit
On Hands-On Tech, Mikah Sargent answers listener Don's questions on how to set up a Mac mini as a home theater system. Send in your questions to Mikah at hot@twit.tv! Host: Mikah Sargent Download or subscribe to Hands-On Tech at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-tech Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord. Sponsor: Melissa.com/twit
On Hands-On Tech, Mikah Sargent answers listener Don's questions on how to set up a Mac mini as a home theater system. Send in your questions to Mikah at hot@twit.tv! Host: Mikah Sargent Download or subscribe to Hands-On Tech at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-tech Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord. Sponsor: Melissa.com/twit
On Hands-On Tech, Mikah Sargent answers listener Don's questions on how to set up a Mac mini as a home theater system. Send in your questions to Mikah at hot@twit.tv! Host: Mikah Sargent Download or subscribe to Hands-On Tech at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-tech Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord. Sponsor: Melissa.com/twit
YOU CANT TALK ABOUT SUPER-BOWL WITHOUT TALKING ABOUT SUPERSIZED Screens!as our home theater chapter continues the team finds there flow, in this super sized episode!Topics Discussed: Projector VS TV'S, How to modify your home theater to achieve the home cinema look and feel! tips and tricks.The Great Debate between Justin and Ray, as they compare Commercial Cinema styles to Residential and where they differ.REL 3D Discussed Atmos Discussed and why room treatment is important!The Difference between a Home Theater and Home Cinema Show Cast Ian Gran Byron Wallace Ray Garcia Justin J
From oilfield wastewater and lithium policy missteps to redefining what a “home theater” really is, Main Street explores energy innovation, regulation, and smart tech choices.
The Goof Troop Attacks more topics in the Home Theater Series, Join us as our show cast comes back from the Frozen Kingdom and are back at it again.Cast: Byron Wallace Ray Garcia Ian Grain Justin J They once again jump in to the Favorite Movie Topic!Byron Discovers Kaleidescape and the recent options they've releasedA Brief Discussion of REL 3D and why its important and easy to add to any Home Theater.Ray Weighs in with his Cinema Expertise
Fresh off a week in Las Vegas, the eCoustics team breaks down the CES 2026 Best in Show award winners across speakers, soundbars, wireless audio, TVs, home theater projectors, and headphones, explaining who stood out, why these products impressed us in controlled demo booth conditions, and what those design and performance choices are likely to cost you when they hit the market later in 2026. View all Best in Show CES 2026 Awards:https://www.ecoustics.com/articles/best-ces-2026/Panel:Brian Mitchell, Host and eCoustics FounderChris Boylan, Editor at LargeRobert Silva, News Correspondent Mitch Anderson, ProducerCredits:• Original intro music by The Arc of All. sourceoflightandpower.bandcamp.com• Voice Over Provided by Todd Harrell of SSP Unlimited. https://sspunlimited.com• Production by Mitch Anderson, Black Circle Studios. https://blackcircleradio.comKeep up-to-date with all the latest Hi-Fi, Headphone, Home Theater and Music news by visiting:https://www.ecoustics.com#ces2026 #cesconvention #audiophile #hifi #hometheater #lifestylesound #interiordesign #audioindustry #ecoustics #projectors #4ktv #luxuryaudio #luxuryav #inwallspeakers #2026tvs #consumertech #futuretech #multimedianews
On this week's show we have compiled a list of home theater and home automation/smart home products that received notable awards or honors at CES 2026. News: Amazon has started automatically upgrading Prime members to Alexa Plus Apple Reveals 'Record-Breaking' Year For Apple TV And Other Services Bears vs. Packers on Prime Video sets streaming record 2026 CES Award Winners Samsung S95H (OLED TV with enhanced brightness, anti-burn-in art display, wireless features) Awarded Best TV or Home Theater (CNET) and Winner in Home Theater category (ZDNET/CNET Group awards). Samsung Music Studio 5 (Compact smart speaker with artistic design, Wi-Fi/Bluetooth connectivity for whole-home audio) Winner in Best Audio category (CNET) and Winner in Audio category (ZDNET/CNET Group awards). Samsung 140" Micro LED - The Samsung 140" Micro LED TV creates a seamless, immersive 3D-like experience by using AI to extend on-screen content onto innovative Micro LED Mirror bezels that blend with the image. When not in use, it folds in half via a hidden hinge to function as an elegant art frame, eliminating the traditional "black box" appearance and blending beautifully into home décor. CES 2026 Best of Innovation in Video Displays KLIPSCH THE 9S II - The Klipsch The 9s II powered speakers feature Onkyo audio processing and an updated Tractrix horn for wide dispersion and precise clarity, while supporting both two-channel music and Dolby Atmos content with versatile connectivity including AirPlay 2, USB-C, HDMI, and XLR inputs.They include Dirac Live auto-room calibration and deliver exceptional sound quality, though the pair carries a premium price of $2,399. Tom's Guide Best Audio LG H7 FlexConnect soundbar (Dolby Atmos soundbar with modular FlexConnect surround extension to any TV, part of LG Sound Suite) Best Audio category (CNET). LG W6 (Ultra-thin "wallpaper" OLED TV, flush wall mount, bright display, supports Dolby Atmos FlexConnect) Best TV or Home Theater category (CNET). LG CLOiD - The LG CLOiD is a wheeled household robot that connects to LG ThinQ smart appliances and uses its two arms, cameras, sensors, and voice recognition to autonomously handle tasks like loading laundry, folding clothes, organizing the fridge, tidying up, running errands, and assisting with cooking. By learning the user's routines, understanding context and emotions, and proactively acting with gestures, voice, and expressions, it reduces household labor and enhances quality of life and emotional well-being. 2026 Honoree in Smart Home Hisense 116UXS (Massive 116-inch mini-LED TV with advanced RGB + cyan backlight for wide color gamut) Highlighted in Best TV or Home Theater category (CNET) and CES 2026 Best of Innovation in Video Displays Hisense 163MX The Hisense 163MX is the world's first 163-inch MicroLED TV to use a four-primary RGBY (QuadColor) pixel design, which adds a yellow subpixel to achieve 95% BT.2020 color coverage—a 5% improvement over traditional RGB MicroLED systems. This self-emissive technology delivers perfect blacks, infinite contrast, precise brightness control, and stunning visual quality in any lighting without a backlight. 2026 Best of Innovation in Video Displays. Samsung EdgeAware AI Home - processing sounds, videos, and data from Samsung and third-party devices locally on your Samsung tech to generate detailed event summaries, contextual recommendations, and health insights displayed on your TV—all without sending private data to the cloud. It detects 12 distinct sounds (like running water or breaking glass), provides actionable suggestions such as launching telemedicine for persistent coughing or triggering emergency services for intrusions/fires, and enables fast AI-driven searches for moments like "doorbell rang." 2026 Honoree in Smart Home Doma Intelligent Door - Doma is pioneering secure home intelligence by integrating advanced technology directly into the front door, starting with keyless entry, intruder protection, and real-time awareness of activity inside and around the home. Founded by the team behind August and Yale smart locks, it delivers a holistic system that elevates the home experience, monitors health and safety, senses surroundings, and takes personalized actions to provide true peace of mind. 2026 Honoree in Smart Home Roborock Saros Rover (Advanced two-legged/smart robot vacuum with stair-climbing, AI navigation for multi-level homes) Winner in Smart Home category (ZDNET/CNET Group awards). AQARA U400 - Thanks to its use of Ultra Wide Band (UWB) technology, it can sense when you (and your iPhone or Apple Watch) are approaching your door, and will unlock it automatically. No fuss. And, the technology is good enough that it can recognize if you're merely walking past your door rather than to it, or if you're inside, rather than outside your house. Tom's Guide Best Smart Lock JBL Tour One M3 Smart Tx JBL Tour One M3 Smart Tx delivers all the powerful features of the Tour One M3 headphones such as world class noise cancellation, crystal clear calls and legendary Hi-res certified JBL Pro Sound. The Smart Tx audio transmitter connects you to almost any audio source and elevates your wireless experience. Connect wirelessly to digital devices using the USB-C connection, or analog devices with a 3.5mm audio jack, such as in-flight entertainment systems. No need to pull out your phone and search for the app. Full access to all controls is right there on the touch screen of the transmitter. 2026 Honoree in Headphones & Personal Audio. $450 Timekettle W4 AI Interpreter Earbuds The Timekettle W4 AI Interpreter Earbuds are the world's first in-ear translation device to use Bone-Voiceprint Sensor technology combined with LLM-powered, context-aware AI, achieving 98% accurate, noise-immune speech recognition with just 0.2-second latency across 42 languages and 95 accents.Designed for all-day comfort with up to 18 hours of battery life, sleek styling, one-flip sharing, automatic mode switching, and audio/video translation capabilities, the W4 delivers natural, real-time multilingual conversations and is now available for purchase. 2026 Honoree in Artificial Intelligence, Headphones & Personal Audio, Mobile Devices, Accessories & Apps. $350
Taking a different approach to an age-old problem, Nyal Mellor, system designer for HYPERSUB and founder of Acoustic Frontiers, a Calif.-based technology integration firm, is applying his experience and science to residential low-frequency audio reproduction. Bob Archer hosts this episode to talk with Nyal about his experience and what drove him to develop the HYPERSUB line. As you'll hear, Nyal talks about a gap that existed in the market and need for higher-performing subwoofer systems that would better support reference home theaters. Working with Harbottle Audio, Mellor was determined to define the necessary parameters to achieve those reference levels of performance. Tune-in to this episode of AV Trade Talk: Introducing HYPERSUB and learn about the origin of the brand, the performance specifications the lineup is built to achieve, and where to go to get more info. Want to check HYPERSUB out now? Visit www.hypersubwoofers.com
If you want music in every room without juggling multiple apps, this is your episode. HEOS isn't just in Denon and Marantz gear — it's built into a growing ecosystem of speakers, AVRs, soundbars, and components across the Harman Lifestyle portfolio. It's become a serious multi-room, multi-zone streaming platform with Hi-Res audio, major music services, stereo pairing, and full Alexa/Google voice-assistant support.Phil Jones of Harman Lifestyle joins us to lay out what HEOS can really do — including the tricks Sonos, BluOS, and WiiM would probably prefer you didn't mention. Simple to run, surprisingly deep, and absolutely worth a fresh look.Thank you to our sponsor SVS for a phenomenal year of collaboration and support of our programming! https://www.svsound.comOn the panel:Brian Mitchell, Founder & CEOChris Boylan, Editor at LargePhil Jones, Harman LifestyleCredits:Original intro music by The Arc of All. https://sourceoflightandpower.bandcamp.comVoice Over Provided by Todd Harrell of SSP Unlimited. https://sspunlimited.comProduction by Mitch Anderson, Black Circle Studios. https://blackcircleradio.comKeep up-to-date with all the latest Hi-Fi, Headphone, Home Theater and Music news by visiting: https://www.ecoustics.com#ecoustics #avtrends #heos #musicstreaming #multiroomstreaming #networkstreaming #denon #marantz #qobuz #hifi #audiophile #vintageaudio #hometheater #dolbyatmos #headphones #vinylcommunity #harmanlifestyle
On the first episode of Hands-On Tech for 2026, Mikah helps Andrew out with some recommendations to replace his home theater PC (HTPC) so that his family can watch old home movies easily! Send in your questions for Mikah to answer during the show to hot@twit.tv. Host: Mikah Sargent Download or subscribe to Hands-On Tech at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-tech Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord. Sponsor: NetSuite.com/HOT
On the first episode of Hands-On Tech for 2026, Mikah helps Andrew out with some recommendations to replace his home theater PC (HTPC) so that his family can watch old home movies easily! Send in your questions for Mikah to answer during the show to hot@twit.tv. Host: Mikah Sargent Download or subscribe to Hands-On Tech at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-tech Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord. Sponsor: NetSuite.com/HOT
On the first episode of Hands-On Tech for 2026, Mikah helps Andrew out with some recommendations to replace his home theater PC (HTPC) so that his family can watch old home movies easily! Send in your questions for Mikah to answer during the show to hot@twit.tv. Host: Mikah Sargent Download or subscribe to Hands-On Tech at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-tech Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord. Sponsor: NetSuite.com/HOT
On the first episode of Hands-On Tech for 2026, Mikah helps Andrew out with some recommendations to replace his home theater PC (HTPC) so that his family can watch old home movies easily! Send in your questions for Mikah to answer during the show to hot@twit.tv. Host: Mikah Sargent Download or subscribe to Hands-On Tech at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-tech Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord. Sponsor: NetSuite.com/HOT
On the first episode of Hands-On Tech for 2026, Mikah helps Andrew out with some recommendations to replace his home theater PC (HTPC) so that his family can watch old home movies easily! Send in your questions for Mikah to answer during the show to hot@twit.tv. Host: Mikah Sargent Download or subscribe to Hands-On Tech at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-tech Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord. Sponsor: NetSuite.com/HOT
On the first episode of Hands-On Tech for 2026, Mikah helps Andrew out with some recommendations to replace his home theater PC (HTPC) so that his family can watch old home movies easily! Send in your questions for Mikah to answer during the show to hot@twit.tv. Host: Mikah Sargent Download or subscribe to Hands-On Tech at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-tech Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord. Sponsor: NetSuite.com/HOT
On the first episode of Hands-On Tech for 2026, Mikah helps Andrew out with some recommendations to replace his home theater PC (HTPC) so that his family can watch old home movies easily! Send in your questions for Mikah to answer during the show to hot@twit.tv. Host: Mikah Sargent Download or subscribe to Hands-On Tech at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-tech Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord. Sponsor: NetSuite.com/hot
On the first episode of Hands-On Tech for 2026, Mikah helps Andrew out with some recommendations to replace his home theater PC (HTPC) so that his family can watch old home movies easily! Send in your questions for Mikah to answer during the show to hot@twit.tv. Host: Mikah Sargent Download or subscribe to Hands-On Tech at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-tech Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord. Sponsor: NetSuite.com/hot
On the first episode of Hands-On Tech for 2026, Mikah helps Andrew out with some recommendations to replace his home theater PC (HTPC) so that his family can watch old home movies easily! Send in your questions for Mikah to answer during the show to hot@twit.tv. Host: Mikah Sargent Download or subscribe to Hands-On Tech at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-tech Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord. Sponsor: NetSuite.com/hot
We're on Patreon! Find us at https://www.patreon.com/AudioUnleashed This week, Brent and Dennis begin with a discussion about the design and manufacture of high-end audio cables courtesy of Secrets of Home Theater & High Fidelity. How much art is there to appreciate? How much science is there to check? And most importantly, which aspects of the article pissed off our curmudgeonly duo the most? Speaking of being pissed off, Brent has a bone to pick with Erin Hardison over his most recent video about flat frequency response. You don't want to miss that. And finally for most listeners this week, Dennis finally gets to do an entire segment about King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard, thanks to an AI clone of the band that popped up on streaming services. Did this whole story somehow prove that Google is more evil than Spotify? Perhaps!
In this episode, the eCoustics team cut through a year of hype, delays, and eyebrow-raising price hikes to talk about the products that genuinely moved the needle across hi-fi, head-fi, and home theater. We cover the TVs and projectors that finally earned their bragging rights, the headphones and earbuds that didn't just chase trends, and the loudspeakers and portable gear that reminded us why good engineering still matters.It's a wide-ranging, candid discussion about what impressed us.And because the timing couldn't be better, the ink is barely dry on our massive eCoustics Editors' Choice awards list. If you want to know which products actually earned a spot—and which ones quietly didn't—you'll want to listen first, then check the list.Less hype. More perspective. And no participation trophies.Thank you to our sponsor SVS for a phenomenal year of collaboration and support of our programming! https://www.svsound.comOn the panel:Brian Mitchell, Founder & CEOChris Boylan, Editor at LargeW. Jennings, Sr. Portables EditorEric Pye, Contributor / IG Influencer @audioloveyycEalan Osborne, Mr. eCoustically SpeakingMitch Anderson, Podcast ProducerProducts mentioned:Chris Boylan:> Sony Bravia 8 II> Hisense L9Q UST> Kaleidescape Strato E and Strato V> Denon AVR-X3800H> Samsung Micro RGB> Dirac Acoustic Room TreatmentEalan Osborne:> Sony STR-AZ7000ES> Google Eclipsa> DTS:X Profile 2William Jennings:> Sony WH-1000XM6> Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3> Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2> Audeze CRBN2> Questyle QCC Pro> Astell&Kern SP4000 DAP> Bose Ultra Open-Ear budsEric Pye:> Vinyl reissues> KLH Model Five> KLH Model SevenMitch Anderson:> MoFi UltraTracker> Ray TubesBrian Mitchell:> Canvas HiFi> Canvas HiFi Frame> Bacch 3DRelated links:> https://www.ecoustics.com/best-right-now/Credits:Original intro music by The Arc of All. https://sourceoflightandpower.bandcamp.comVoice Over Provided by Todd Harrell of SSP Unlimited. https://sspunlimited.comProduction by Mitch Anderson, Black Circle Studios. https://blackcircleradio.comKeep up-to-date with all the latest Hi-Fi, Headphone, Home Theater and Music news by visiting: https://www.ecoustics.com#ecoustics #avtrends #2025bestof #hifi #audiophile #vintageaudio #hometheater #dolbyatmos #headphones #vinylcommunity #yearinreview
In this episode of The Fun Waste of Time, the fellas discuss the best new video game announcements and gameplay reveals to come out of the 2025 Game Awards. Did any of the new announcements and reveals get the guys excited and looking forward to gaming this upcoming year? In Movies and TV, the fellas discuss the impact the Netflix and Warner Bros. acquisition will have on film, TV, video game, comic book and home theater enthusiast communities. Will this deal negatively affect how these fan communities engage and interact with future Warner Bros. content and IP? With properties such as HBO, DC Comics and Studios, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings and Mortal Kombat to name a few, the fellas share their thoughts on possible future outcomes for the legacy Hollywood studio. And of course, all the movies, TV shows and video games the fellas have been watching and playing are discussed as well! There's all this and more in episode 85 of The Fun Waste of Time! FWT Website: thefunwasteoftime.com FWT Email: podcast@thefunwasteoftime.com Be sure to subscribe and follow us on YouTube, Apple Podcast, Spotify, iHeart Radio, and all other major podcast platforms!
(00:00:00) Ultimate Guide to Home Theaters (00:12:47) Home Theater Value and Performance (00:18:48) Audiophile Insights on Home Audio Systems (00:25:40) Home Theater Speaker Technology Overview (00:28:51) What are the points / dots in Home Theater Systems? (00:32:53) Where do I start for a Home Theater System? (00:37:10) Klipsch, Onkyo & Premium Audio Home Theater Systems (00:40:23) Lil Jon X Hyundai (00:53:04) Apple TV's The Last Frontier with Jon Bokencamp (01:01:28) Apple TV's The Last Frontier with Jason Clarke (01:08:32) All Her Fault's Abby Elliott & Jake Lucy (01:15:58) All Her Fault's Sarah Snook & Dakota Fanning In this electrifying episode of Pop Culture Weekly, host Kyle McMahon first dives into the Ultimate Home Theater Guide with industry leader Marcus Buckler (Premium Audio Company / Klipsch / Onkyo) then dances with the stars with iconic rapper and producer Lil Jon, goes to The Last Frontier with writer / director Jon Bokencamp and acclaimed actor and executive producer Jason Clarke, and then they talk about how it's All Her Fault with Abby Elliott and Jake Lucy and the talented actresses Sarah Snook and Dakota Fanning. Join us as we dive deep into the world of high-fidelity audio, cutting-edge automotive collaborations, and thrilling cinematic adventures, offering insights that blend technology, storytelling and celebrity flair.Kick off your home theater journey with Klipsch / Onkyo's Marcus Buckler as he unravels the secrets to creating the ultimate home entertainment experience. This is your Ultimate Home Theater Guide. Discover how investing in quality audio equipment, from basic soundbars to sophisticated 7.2.4 systems, can transform your media consumption. Marcus shares his personal evolution in the world of high-fidelity audio and highlights the importance of components like soundbars, speakers and audio video receivers in crafting a cinematic atmosphere at home - on any budget. Next, get ready for an engaging conversation with Lil Jon, who shares his thrilling collaboration with Hyundai on the luxurious 2026 Palisade Hybrid. Lil Jon's infectious enthusiasm for hybrid technology and his surprising journey into the automotive world will captivate listeners. From discussing the SUV's impressive features to his passion for fitness, this segment blends cars, music, and lifestyle with the vibrant energy Lil Jon is known for.Then, venture into the rugged landscapes of Alaska with interviews with Executive Producer Jon Bokencamp and actor Jason Clarke as they takes us behind the scenes of Apple TV+'s action-packed series "The Last Frontier." Learn about the challenges and exhilarating moments faced during filming, including horseback riding and shooting on icy terrain. Jason shares his experiences working on the series and highlights how Alaska itself becomes a dynamic character within the narrative.Finally, delve into the creative process with interviews with Abby Elliott and Jake Lucy as well as Sarah Snook and Dakota Fanning as they discuss their roles in the gripping limited series "All Her Fault," now streaming on Peacock. Discover how they navigate the balance between personal experiences and on-screen portrayals, and how the source material influenced their performances. This conversation offers a peek into their preparation and adaptation processes, adding depth to their compelling characters.Don't miss this captivating episode of Pop Culture Weekly, where technology meets storytelling, and pop culture magic unfolds. Check out The Ultimate Home Theater Guide here for everything you need and on any budget to get yourself the best system for your space.If you dig the show, subscribe, rate, and share—and tell your mom; she and Kyle would absolutely get along.
This episode examines the results from the 2025 Ultra-Short Throw (UST) Projector Showdown with event organizer, Brian Gluck of ProjectorScreen.com and emcee, Phil Jones of ProjectorReviews.com. The UST Projector Showdown allowed 6 judges to rate 9 UST projectors side-by-side with identical 100-inch screens, which underwent testing 15 different categories. The models in the competition included the:• Epson QS100 3-Chip Laser-Lit LCD Projector – 4,500 Lumens ($4,999)• Formovie Theater Premium Triple Laser DLP Projector – 2,200 Lumens ($2,799)• Hisense L9Q Triple Laser DLP Projector – 5,000 Lumens ($5,999)• Hisense PT1 Triple Laser DLP Projector – 2,500 Lumens ($2,999)• Hisense PX3 Pro Triple Laser DLP Projector – 3,000 Lumens ($3,499)• JMGO O2S Ultra Triple Laser DLP Projector – 3,600 Lumens ($2,999)• Nexigo Aurora Pro MKII Hybrid Triple Laser/LED DLP Projector – 2,400 Lumens ($3,499)*• XGIMI Aura 2 GTV Hybrid Laser/LED DLP Projector – 2,200 Lumens ($2,699)The 2025 UST Projector Showdown was held November 8, 2025 at ProjectorScreen.com's headquarters in New Jersey, which crowed winners across four categories:1. Best for Mixed use in Bright and Dark Rooms2. Best for Home Theater3. Best Value4. Best Overall Picture PerformanceFind out who won and how it all went down.Panel:• Brian Mitchell, Founder, eCoustics• Chris Boylan, Editor-at-Large, eCoustics• Brian Gluck, Owner, ProjectorScreen.com• Phil Jones, Owner, ProjectorReviews.comRelated links:https://www.ecoustics.com/news/best-ust-projectors-2025-showdown/https://www.projectorscreen.com/blogs/insights/the-2025-ust-projector-showdown-resultshttps://www.projectorreviews.com/2025-ultra-short-throw-projector-showdown-recap/Credits:Original intro music by The Arc of All. https://sourceoflightandpower.bandcamp.comVoice Over Provided by Todd Harrell of SSP Unlimited. https://sspunlimited.comProduction by Mitch Anderson, Black Circle Studios. https://blackcircleradio.comKeep up-to-date with all the latest Hi-Fi, Headphone, Home Theater and Music news by visiting: https://www.ecoustics.com#USTProjector #USTshowdown #miniprojector #ecoustics #projectorscreens #projectorshootout #hometheater #hdr #uhd #4k #8k #tvtech #2025bestoftech #2025tv
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.
Confused by the Denon vs. Marantz AVR maze? Join eCoustics Founder Brian Mitchell, Editor at Large Chris Boylan, and Phil Jones, Global Director of Training at Harman International, as they break down 19 AVRs ranging from $400 to $7,200. Though Denon and Marantz have been under the same corporate roof for over a decade (now Harman International, owned by Samsung), not all AVRs are created equal.Discover the subtle—and not-so-subtle—differences, what really matters for your Dolby Atmos setup, and which brand might make your wallet sigh. Perfect for home theater enthusiasts ready to cut through the hype and make a smart buy.Thank you to our sponsor of this episode, HEOS! For more information please visit:https://www.denon.com/en-us/plp/heosCredits:Original intro music by The Arc of All. https://sourceoflightandpower.bandcamp.comVoice Over Provided by Todd Harrell of SSP Unlimited. https://sspunlimited.comProduction by Mitch Anderson, Black Circle Studios. https://blackcircleradio.comKeep up-to-date with all the latest Hi-Fi, Headphone, Home Theater and Music news by visiting:https://www.ecoustics.com#hifi #audiophile #ecoustics #avr #heos #surroundsound #denon #marantz #soundunited #bowerswilkins #polk #hometheater
Apple finally blinks. We break down the rumored touchscreen MacBook Pro on M6 silicon and what it means for the Mac–iPad divide, creative workflows, and the future of touch-first productivity without giving up a real keyboard and trackpad. If Apple embraces touch on macOS, does the iPad's role shrink, or do we enter a new era of flexible, two-in-one computing?Streaming also sheds a skin as Apple TV drops the “Plus” while raising prices. We talk about what a name change signals, how the industry is normalizing higher monthly fees, and why subscriber rotation is your smartest money move. Then we put on a headset and test Meta's Horizon TV app—turning a $399 Quest and a $1 download into a wraparound home theater. It's shockingly good for travel, apartments, and late-night bingeing, even with some missing apps.Security stays front and center with a meticulous loyalty email phish that threads through a legitimate address, a Zendesk excuse, a call center handoff, and a final push for remote access. We slow it down, show you every red flag, and share simple rules that stop sophisticated cons. We also look at the PayPal and Venmo outage overlap and why a backup payment rail should be part of your daily toolkit. And we spotlight a Florida “Tech Fairy” who refurbishes laptops and gives them away—proof that practical innovation often starts at home.Along the way, we sip Jack Daniel's Old No. 7 from 1972 versus today's bottle, compare notes, and talk about what changed in the glass. If you enjoyed this one, tap follow, share it with a friend who loves tech and whiskey, and drop a review to help more curious listeners find the show.Support the show
Home Theater PCs in 2025, Apple TV's confusing naming changes, TiVo's discontinuation of DVRs, and massive changes for Game Pass. The post Entertainment 2.0 #692 – Home Theater PCs in 2025 with Jon Biggs appeared first on The Digital Media Zone.
Home Theater News Review Podcast Season 3, Episode 14
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Sigmund is joined by 9to5Mac editor-in-chief Chance Miller to highlight Paul Greengrass's emotional California fire triumph-over-disaster movie, Apple Music's next Super Bowl half-time show headliner, and the indefinite postponement of The Savant. Special Guest Co-Host Chance Miller 9to5Mac 9to5Mac Daily 9to5Mac Happy Hour Highlight The Lost Bus Paradise by Lizzie Johnson Apple Audio Beats Fit Pro MKBHD's AirPods Pro 3 Review Trailer Talk Knife Edge: Chasing Micheline Stars Loot S3 Down Cemetery Road Stiller & Meara: Nothing is Lost Apple Original News Global sensation Bad Bunny to perform at Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show | NFL Schmigadoon! Is headed to Broadway | Entertainment Weekly The Hunt First Look The Savant Postponed | Deadline Apple TV+ Releases The Sisters Grimm Immersive: Elevated — Maine Apple Arcade Releases Dominoes: Classic Tile Game+ by MobilityWare Piffle+ by Hipster Whale Thomas & Friends: Let's Roll+ by StoryToys Extras Chief Of War — The Olowalu Massacre | Apple TV+ Chief of War — Another Take with Temuera Morrison | Kahekili Fights Kūpule Scene | Apple TV+ Chief of War — Another Take with Jason Momoa | Cliff Fight Scene | Apple TV+ Highest 2 Lowest — Spike Lee & Denzel Washington's Collaborative History | Apple TV+ Foundation — Foundation, Fact, or Fiction | Apple TV+ Platonic — Season 2 Bloopers | Apple TV+ Pluribus — Taking Out the Trash | Apple TV+ Slow Horses — See London the Slow Horses Way | Apple Maps The Watchlist Rabbit Trap Caught Stealing Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale Spinal Tap II: The End Continues The Toxic Avenger The Naked Gun Bring Her Back Shell Steve The Threesome Twinless One Day in October Up Next Abbott Elementary Chad Powers We want to hear from you! Contact us via our feedback form. Send us a voice message all week via iMessage or email to magic@macstories.net. Subscribe to Magic Rays of Light on YouTube and follow us on Mastodon and Bluesky. Sigmund Judge | Follow Sigmund on Mastodon or Bluesky Chance Miller | Follow Chance on Mastodon or Bluesky
In this episode of Hands-On Tech, Mikah Sargent answers Lance's question about remapping those Disney+ and Netflix-type media buttons on a TV remote. Send in your questions to be answered on the show! hot@twit.tv Host: Mikah Sargent Download or subscribe to Hands-On Tech at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-tech 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.