By HT Guys
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The podcast currently has 911 episodes available.
On this week’s show we take a look at some great Black Friday deals to set up a home theater. We also read your emails and take a look at the week’s news.
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Best Buy Black Friday Deals
Costco Black Friday Deals
Other Deals
On this week’s show we take a look at a device that claims it will flatten your warped vinyl. Then we ask is there anything that can be done to prevent subscribers from pausing the streaming services. We also read your email and take a look at the week’s news.
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A couple of episodes ago we talked about a turntable that uses suction to make warped records flat. Ara joked about taking a blow dryer and heating up the record and then just unwarping it. Well it turns out that there is a product that essentially does this. One of our listeners, Matthew Dropco, pointed us to a product that flattens your vinyl!
The Record Pi ($275) vinyl flattener is an innovative solution tailored for fixing warped vinyl records, featuring a patent-pending integrated system comprising three essential components: the Record Pi Device, Record Pi Temperature Controller, and Record Pi Heating Case. The Record Pi Device is engineered using premium steel alloy, ensuring an even distribution of heat while securely holding the record to apply uniform flattening pressure with heavy metal alloy plates and protective Groove Guards. The Temperature Controller offers precise temperature regulation within 1°F of the target range of 100 to 145°F, allowing users to remotely adjust settings via internet connectivity using either Google Android or Apple iOS devices, provided a compatible Wi-Fi router is available.
The Record Pi Heating Case not only warms the device during use but also serves as a practical storage solution when not in operation. The product comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee (with the buyer covering return shipping) and a two-year limited warranty, providing confidence in its durability and effectiveness. Weighing 16 lbs, the Record Pi is designed for US standard voltage of 110V but can also be used internationally with the appropriate voltage converter, ensuring its versatility for vinyl enthusiasts everywhere.
What can streaming services do to keep customers from pausing subscriptions?We found an article over at TheStreamable.com opining about “What can streaming services do to keep customers from pausing subscriptions”. We have some thoughts on this as well!
As streaming services in the U.S. approach market saturation, the focus has shifted from acquiring new customers to retaining current ones. Recent data reveals a significant rise in viewers pausing their subscriptions, increasing from 29.8% in 2022 to 34.2% in early 2024. Many consumers are not dissatisfied with their services; rather, they find it hard to justify the cost until new desirable content is available.
To address this issue, streaming providers are exploring various strategies. Current efforts include enhancing bundling options, as surveys indicate that bundled services can significantly decrease cancellations. Recent bundles, such as the Disney+, Hulu, and Max combination, aim to encourage user loyalty.
Additional strategies could involve allowing customers to temporarily pause their subscriptions while keeping their accounts active. For example, Hulu could offer a one-time 30-day pause option at a lower rate, such as on an ad-supported plan, to keep users engaged without full financial commitment. Overall, creative retention strategies beyond simple discounts may be essential for preventing subscription pauses.
On this week’s show we take a quick look at a $20 set of earbuds, the Soundcore A30i. We also get you ready for your Black Friday TV shopping with 10 tips. We also read your email and take a look at the week’s news.
News:
Disney+ Introduces Top 10 List Of Movies & TV Shows To Help Users Discover New Content
Samsung To Cease LED Production
This tiny smart puck can control your entire smart home
The Soundcore A30i are earbuds that are housed in a lipstick-shaped case. They are lightweight and comfortable, ensuring they feel almost weightless during use. These earbuds have “noise cancellation” but I’d say it's more like noise isolation. Going from ANC to passthrough was almost imperceptible in the amount of sound coming from the outside. Since they do block out sounds, they work well in noisy environments.
In terms of audio quality, the soundcore A30i delivers decent sound once you set the EQ. I was not happy with any of the preset EQ modes. But increasing the bass and treble yielded a nice sound. This is done through the soundcore app. You can turn on a 3D surround sound effect via the app as well. But after about 30 seconds it was turned off.
Additionally, the earbuds feature four microphones equipped with AI technology that Anker claims yields crystal-clear calls, regardless of location. Not so! I made three test calls and everyone of them sounded bad to the person on the other end. When I reconnected with my AirPods the people I was talking with said it was much better. Range wasn’t very good either. I put my phone on my workbench and by the time I got to the edge of my garage there were dropouts. I tested this multiple times.
So is it all bad? Is there any redeeming features? Well yes there is, it only costs $20! For twenty dollars this makes a great stocking stuffer for a younger child who may be prone to losing things. They are also a good backup for when your Airpod Maxs start to hurt your ears. Sometimes you need to give your ears a break from the vice that’s on your head!
Tips for Buying your 4K TV on Black FridayBuying a new 4K TV can be an exciting yet overwhelming experience due to the variety of options available. With Black Friday deals right around the corner we want you to consider a few things before you go out hunting. Here are steps you need to take to ensure you get the best TV for your budget:
Budget - This has to be the first consideration. Everything else is impacted by cost. Fortunately, you can get higher quality TVs for less money than when we first started doing Black Friday episodes. Once you set your budget and determine size (next tip) you can begin to decide on the other criteria.
Screen Size: Choose the right size for your room. This is where you would expect us to come up with some cool formula about seating distance and screen size. Not us! Measure your available space and put the largest screen that will fit. Of course after you consider the remaining items on this list. Also, don’t be opposed to knocking down walls or buying new furniture to gain a few more inches of diagonal ;-)
Display Technology - You’ll have to decide between OLED, QLED, and LED. Each has their place and will have an impact on screen size. By that we mean a larger OLED will cost more than an LED so you may not get the size you want. But in a nutshell
OLED - Offers superior picture quality with deeper blacks and vibrant colors, ideal for dark rooms.
QLED - Provides bright colors and is better in well-lit rooms, but can have slightly less contrast than OLED.
LED - Generally more affordable but may not offer the same level of picture quality as OLED or QLED.
Refresh Rate - If you're watching sports or into gaming. Higher refresh rates can provide even smoother visuals. If you watch movies and TV shows any TV on the market will have sufficient refresh rates.
HDR Support - High Dynamic Range (HDR) enhances picture quality significantly by offering a brighter, more vibrant image with better contrast. Look for TVs that support multiple HDR formats, such as HDR10, Dolby Vision, or HDR10+. But make sure it has Dolby Vision at the very least.
Smart Features - Most modern TVs have smart capabilities. Check the operating system and pre-installed apps. Ensure it supports the streaming services you use (like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, etc.). If you get a smoking deal on a TV that does not have the smart apps you are looking for, don’t write it off. You can buy an AppleTV, Roku, etc with the money you saved.
Audio Quality - This is a non issue. We assume ALL TVs have lousy speakers. So consider also buying a sound bar (if you don’t already own one) while you are out buying your TV. Of course we recommend that you eventually buy a multi channel system that includes a receiver and 5.1.2 speakers!!
Connectivity - Ensure the TV has ample HDMI ports, including HDMI 2.1 if you plan to connect next-gen gaming consoles. This is less important if you have a receiver doing the source switching.
Viewing Angle - If you have a large room or plan on watching from different angles, consider a TV with good viewing angles. OLED TVs are the best. But if your viewing is head on this becomes less of an issue.
Warranty and Customer Service - Finally, look at the manufacturer’s warranty and customer service reputation. A good warranty can provide added peace of mind as can buying a brand that has a good reputation. Using a particular credit card may extend the warranty. Likewise buying from Costco will do the same. Don’t pay for extended warranties. If they throw them in, great! But if a TV is going to fail it “typically” will do so within the warranty period. It's an odds game but the odds are in the consumer’s favor.
By following these steps, you'll be better equipped to choose the right 4K TV for you. Happy Hunting!
On this week’s show we discuss the Tivo Video Trends Report and we read your emails and and take a look at the week’s news.
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As we look at the content ecosystem in Q2 2024, consumers are noticeably scaling back their spend on content and as a result, the number of sources they utilize for video. In this iteration of the Video Trends Report, we continue to see respondents supplement their video bundle and save money by turning to ad-supported services. In fact, the ratio of SVOD consumers utilizing lower-cost, ad-supported tiers has increased across the board, while the share of consumers utilizing ad-free SVOD services has dropped almost 18% year-over-year.
Some key findings:
Average number of video sources reverting back to 2022 levels
Q2 22/Q2 23/Q2 24
Average Total Services 9.9 10.9 9.1
Avg Paid Services 6.7 6.9 5.7
Avg Non-paid Services 3.2 4.0 3.4
Household income does have an impact on the number of sources used, but it does not appear to be as substantial of a driver as demographics like age or geography. At the low end of less than $20K you have about 10 sources for 2023 and 2024. Households with incomes of $200K or more saw an increase from 10 sources in 2023 to about 14 in 2024.
Percentage of Respondents Who Watch on Each Device
Q2 22/Q2 23/Q2 24
TV 81.0% 78.9% 81.3%
Smartphone 50.6% 60.2% 51.8%
Tablet 29.2% 30.9% 25.3%
Computer 36.6% 37.3% 33.7%
When it comes to discovery methods, the percentage of those who find out about new TV shows or movies from commercials has declined 3% year-over-year. In comparison, word of mouth and recommendations from friends continue to remain the most commonly used method of discovery.
Top Methods of Discovery
% of all respondents/YoY Change
Word of mouth / friends 50.1% +4.8%
Commercials or ads that run during other shows 40.6% -2.9%
Social media 39.7% +2.3%
Streaming apps / home screen / carousel ads 39.3% +5.9%
Suggestions in my pay-TV channel guide or menus 27.9% +1.0%
Print, outdoor and/or online banner advertisements 14.3% +6.9%
News articles or stories outside social media 9.7% -6.7%
Emails or newsletters from streaming services 9.6% -0.1%
Radio 7.8% +0.7%
Daily viewership is largely consistent; Importance of local news drops 5% YoY. Fifty Four percent think local content is somewhat or very important compared to 59% in Q2 2023. Twenty One percent of all time spent watching video is spent watching local content, compared to 22.6% in Q2 2023.
27% of car owners report watching video in the car. This is down 13% from last year.
Top Reasons for Watching Video In-Car
To pass the time while waiting in the car 49.6%
To keep children entertained 45.1%
To pass the time on long road trips 34.7%
To pass the time while commuting 31.6%
To pass the time while filling up at the gas station 26.8%
To watch something immediately/couldn’t wait to watch it later 20.0%
To pass the time while charging an electric vehicle 18.4%
SVOD churn declines as more respondents turn to ad-supported tiers. Eighty Four Percent utilize SVOD services. This is a slight decline from 88.0% this time last year.
SVOD Viewing Habits
TV 67.9%
Smartphone 12.5%
Computer 11.5%
Tablet 8.%
Transactional video on demand (TVOD) usage takes a hit in Q2 2024; Amazon remains firmly at the top. Forty Four percent use a TVOD service. This is down about 6% from 50.8% in Q2 2023, seemingly driven primarily by a decrease among pay-TV subscribers.
Number of TVOD purchases per year Q2 2022 9.1%, Q2 2023 11.3%, Q2 2024 7.3%
Forty Six percent have not gone to the movie theater in over a year. In fact, only 32.2% report that they’ll most likely see a new movie in the theater (down roughly 2% year-over-year), compared to 55.5% who would most likely wait to stream it.
Reasons respondents prefer to stream new releases at home
It costs us more than $30 to actually go to the movies 46.7%
It’s too much of a hassle to go to the movie theater 33.2%
You can’t pause the movie at the theater 30.7%
I have a great TV/sound system at home 29.6%
I have better snacks at home 26.1%
The movie theaters near me aren’t very good 15.6%
Movie theater seats are uncomfortable 15.1%
Other theatergoers are loud, rude, etc. 14.9%
You don’t have to sit through ads and previews at home 14.8%
I don’t want to get sick 10.9%
Sixty Seven percent of all free AVOD/FAST viewers noted watching some form of free live streaming TV or FAST channels, which in Q2 2024 accounts for roughly 51% the viewing time of all free AVOD/ FAST services. This has remained relatively flat year-over-year.
Top Free AVOD/FAST Services (Most popular to least popular)
Ad Tolerance by Service Type
Averse/Tolerant/In Favor
Pay TV 23.7% 63% 13.3%
SVOD (Ad-Supported) 17.0% 69.5% 13.6%
SVOD (Ad-free) 24.3% 64.2% 11.5%
Free AVOD/FAST 20.7% 65.1% 14.2%
VMVPD 26.8% 60.9% 12.3%
Social Video/UGC 22.1% 65.3% 12.6%
Free AVOD/FAST users report the excessive and repetitive nature of ads as top reasons for their ad-aversion.
On this week’s show we take a look at the Pro-Ject 12.2 turntable and ask who is this for. And since it's Halloween we give you a list of five Halloween movies that you can watch with the family. We also read your emails and take a look at the week’s news.
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The Pro-Ject Signature 12.2 turntable looks like an amazing electronic device that is also art. But from a music lover's point of view, is the price tag of $14,999 worth it? Pro-Ject has made a name for itself as a pioneer in high-end technology and they say that the craftsmanship justifies the cost, but from a purely music lover’s point of view, it's ludicrous to spend that kind of money on a record player. But we get it, this product seems more like a luxury statement than a necessary audio component. So we’ll ask our listeners the question of whether anyone truly requires a turntable that costs more than many people's monthly rent.
When you read the product info it's clear they are not talking to us: “With painstaking hand-polished metal parts and a chassis that involves 10 layers of paint”, so who is this really for? They do use terms like "anti-resonance" and "precision CNC machining." Maybe I need to use terms like that in my speaker ads on Etsy. Precision cuts and only the best glue make my speakers the best out there. LOL, Actually, I wish I had a CNC machine to make precision cuts!!
What it boils down to is, does the average (or even audiophile) music lover need their vinyl spinning on a platter that weighs almost 25 pounds? Especially when even some budget turntables can deliver decent sound quality for a fraction of the price.
In the end consider this, all cars can get you from point A to point B, so why do some people drive expensive high end cars? Well it's about performance and in some cases image. There is an absolute measurable difference driving a Porsche vs a Honda Accord. I’m not so sure you can say that about the Pro-Ject 12.2. Well unless you are going to build a shrine to it and display it prominently in your music room. It ships in November. Full Product Information…
The HT Guys List of Halloween Movies to WatchAs Halloween approaches, it's the perfect time to gather your friends and family for a spooky movie marathon. Whether you're a fan of classic horror, light-hearted thrills, or animated fun, there’s something for everyone in the spirit of the season. Here is a HT Guys list of five highly rated Halloween movies that you can enjoy in your home theater. Grab your popcorn and enjoy these Halloween favorites!
On this week’s show Braden is back!! We discuss if greed threatens to ruin the revival and go over the 2024/2025 TV season. We also read your emails and take a look at the week's news.
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Vinyl sales drop 33⅓ as greed threatens to ruin the revival
Vinyl sales are slumping after years of growth. Is greed killing the golden goose of old-school audio? Full article here…
2024 TV Season SnapshotFox:
Renewed Fox TV shows returning in fall 2024
Dramas: 9-1-1: Lone Star, Accused Comedies: Bob's Burgers, Krapopolis, The Simpsons Unscripted: The Floor, Hell's Kitchen, The Masked Singer, Crime Scene Kitchen
Renewed Fox TV shows returning midseason
Dramas: Alert: Missing Persons Unit, The Cleaning Lady Comedies: Family Guy, Animal Control, The Great North, Grimsburg Unscripted: Extracted, LEGO Masters, MasterChef, Name That Tune, Next Level Chef, Special Forces: World's Toughest Test
New Fox TV shows for the 2024-2025 season
Dramas: Rescue: HI-Surf, Murder in a Small Town, Doc (midseason) Comedies: Universal Basic Guys, Going Dutch (midseason) Unscripted: Extracted (midseason)
Canceled Fox TV shows that won't be back in 2024
Housebroken
NBC:
Renewed NBC TV shows returning in fall 2024
Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, Chicago P.D., Found, The Irrational, Law & Order, Law & Order: SVU, Lopez vs. Lopez, Night Court
Renewed NBC TV shows returning midseason
Deal or No Deal Island
New NBC TV shows for the 2024-2025 season
Brilliant Minds, Happy's Place, St. Denis Medical, The Americas (midseason), Destination X (midseason), The Hunting Party (midseason)
Canceled NBC TV shows that won't be back
Extended Family, La Brea, Magnum P.I., Quantum Leap, Transplant
CBS:
Renewed CBS TV shows returning in fall 2024
48 Hours, 60 Minutes, Blue Bloods, The Equalizer, FBI, FBI: International, FBI: Most Wanted, Fire Country, Ghosts, NCIS, The Neighborhood, Survivor, S.W.A.T.
Renewed CBS TV shows returning midseason
NCIS: Sydney
New CBS TV shows for the 2024-2025 season
Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage, Matlock, NCIS: Origins, Poppa's House, The Summit, Watson
Canceled CBS TV shows that won't be back
Bob Hearts Abishola, CSI: Vegas, Loteria Loca, NCIS: Hawai'i, So Help Me Todd, Young Sheldon
ABC:
Renewed ABC TV shows returning in fall 2024
Dramas: 9-1-1, Grey's Anatomy
Comedies: Abbott Elementary
Unscripted: Dancing with the Stars, Shark Tank, America's Funniest Home Videos, Press Your Luck, Celebrity Wheel of Fortune
Renewed ABC TV shows returning midseason
Dramas: The Rookie, Will Trent
Comedies: The Conners
Unscripted: American Idol, The Bachelor, Celebrity Jeopardy!, Celebrity Wheel of Fortune, What Would You Do?
New ABC TV shows for the 2024-2025 season
Dramas: High Potential, Doctor Odyssey
Unscripted: The Golden Bachelorette, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition (midseason)
Docuseries: Scamanda
Canceled ABC TV shows that won't be back
Station 19, The Good Doctor, Not Dead Yet
CW:
Renewed CW TV shows returning in fall 2024
Dramas: Sullivan's Crossing, Superman & Lois
Comedies: Children Ruin Everything
Unscripted: Whose Line Is It Anyway?, Penn & Teller: Fool Us
Sports: Inside the NFL
Renewed CW TV shows returning in 2025
Dramas: All American, Wild Cards
New CW TV shows premiering in fall 2024
Dramas: Joan
Unscripted: Trivial Pursuit, Scrabble, The Wranglers, WWE NXT (Broadcast Television Debut)
New CW TV shows premiering midseason
Dramas: Good Cop/Bad Cop, Sherlock & Daughter
Canceled CW TV shows that won't be back
Dramas: All American: Homecoming (final season airing in summer 2024), Walker, The Spencer Sisters
Comedies: Run the Burbs, Everybody Burns
On this week’s show Ara catches up with email and news. Braden is back next week! Also, sorry for the aggressive noise gate. Trust me it's better than hearing me wheeze!
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I got home late last night and thought I could put a regular show together. Well I couldn’t. So instead this is my (and Braden’s) Origin story.
The landscape of consumer video has experienced a significant transformation over the past two decades, moving from the traditional cable television and movie theater experience to the era dominated by streaming services. Before the streaming revolution, cable television was the main way we consumed content, offering viewers a set number of channels bundled within packages that often included sports, news, series, and movies. Viewers scheduled their lives around broadcast times, and rentals of physical media like VHS and DVDs provided an alternative for those who sought to enjoy movies at home. While this landscape offered a reliable viewing experience, it was also limited by the constraints of channel programming and geographical restrictions regarding content access.
One of the most notable changes in this new age of video consumption is the impact of streaming on live sports. Previously, fans would rely on cable networks for airtime of their favorite sports teams, creating predictable viewing habits. However, with the advent of streaming, the broadcasting rights for sports have become increasingly fragmented. Leagues like the NFL, NBA, and MLB have sought to maximize profits by licensing content across multiple platforms. This has led to challenges for fans who may need to subscribe to several services—often at a premium—to catch games from their favorite teams. The complexities of accessing live sports have frustrated fans, particularly those less tech-savvy or unfamiliar with navigating multiple apps and platforms. Consequently, many fans feel that the accessibility and enjoyment of live sports have diminished, as the once straightforward experience of flipping on the TV to catch a game has morphed into an increasingly intricate endeavor.
Convenience represents another important aspect of the current state of consumer video. The rise of streaming services has undeniably enhanced the ability to watch content on demand. Rather than adhering to predetermined broadcast schedules, viewers can enjoy shows and movies whenever it suits them, utilizing smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs to access content anywhere. However, this convenience is tempered by the challenges of searching for content. With an overwhelming number of options available, finding a specific show or movie can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. In practice, many users find that they are better off searching through Google than relying on the clunky search functions offered by various streaming services. Despite advancements in technology, the complexity of content discovery remains a significant pain point for consumers in this new era.
Quality, both in streaming technology and the resulting content produced, has improved significantly since the early days of streaming. High-definition and, more recently, 4K streaming have elevated viewers' experiences, offering sharper images and better sound quality than many traditional cable broadcasts. In addition, the influx of investment in original programming from platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime has resulted in a wealth of quality content that often surpasses what is offered on cable. Audiences now have access to diverse genres, innovative storytelling, and international content that previously would have been hard to find. Yet, as the volume of content increases, concerns persist about the saturation of the market and whether the overall quality will continue to maintain its standards amidst an ever-expanding catalog.
Despite the many advantages that streaming offers, the economic implications for consumers cannot be overlooked. A common assertion is that streaming is a cheaper alternative to traditional cable, but this perspective can be somewhat misleading. As streaming platforms invest heavily in securing broadcasting rights for popular sports and producing high-quality original content, the costs for consumers can accumulate rapidly. Many people find themselves subscribing to multiple services to access all the content they desire, resulting in monthly bills that may rival, if not exceed, the cost of traditional cable packages. While the value that consumers receive has shifted from purely a cable-dependent model to a more content-competitive landscape, the overall expenditure on video viewing is increasingly a question of balancing financial considerations against personal entertainment preferences.
In conclusion, the state of consumer video has undergone a seismic shift characterized by both newfound convenience and emerging complications. As the industry moves forward, it remains essential for content providers to streamline content discovery and access while also ensuring the quality of both the delivery mechanisms and the programming. Navigating the complicated terrain of fragmented sports broadcasting, the ease of on-demand viewing, improvements in streaming quality, and the associated costs will define the consumer video experience for years to come. As we look ahead, finding a harmonious balance between the diverse content available and the economic realities will likely be the key to ensuring a satisfying viewing experience for all.
On this week’s show we look at the best Streaming Service for 4K content according to CNET. We also read your emails and look at the week’s news.
News:
When looking for the best 4K content on streaming services, the top contender is Netflix. It does cost extra to get the higher quality, but it's one of the easiest platforms to use with a fair amount of good original content, regular updates and optimized features. While Max and Apple TV are also good choices, they aren't as good as Netflix. Full article here…
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