HDTV and Home Theater Podcast

On this week's show we have a listener review of the NETGEAR Orbi 770 Series WiFi 7 Mesh System as well as a review of the Aqara cameras. We also read your emails and take a look at the week's news.

News:

• Yamaha's Unveils Its Most Compact Dolby Atmos Soundbar Yet
• Philips Adds Two TV Lighting Sync Options
• Fubo will offer local hockey games in four markets
• Sony Is Skipping CES 2027 for the First Time in Over Six Decades
• Apple's Smart Home Launch is Set

Netgear Orbi 770 and Aqara Camera Review

This week we have a listener review of the NETGEAR Orbi 770 Series WiFi 7 Mesh System. These can be bought in One, two, and three packs costing $300, $550, and $700 respectively. Netgear's specs say that a single unit can cover up to $2750 square feet and a three pack can cover 8000 square feet combined. And just for good measure John talks about his experience with Aqara cameras.These are the same cameras Ara uses so let's see if John has similar results.

Product Features:

• Tri-band hardware with a dedicated backhaul is meant to keep throughput more consistent when many devices are online at once.
• WiFi 7 peak rating is up to 11 Gbps and it also connects WiFi 6 and WiFi 5 devices; real speed depends on your plan and hardware.
• Devices can easily roam between the router and satellites.
• Setup, device management, and guest WiFi are handled in the Orbi app.
• Sold for use in the United States only.

John Lyman's Review

A few years ago, I replaced my old Netgear Orbi system with a TP-Link Deco XE75 mesh system. At the time, my older Orbi just wasn't able to handle all the devices we had in the house. After doing some research, the Deco XE75 and XE75 Pro had great reviews, so I decided to give Deco a try.

The Deco worked, but as we added more devices—and because of the design of our house—I kept having to add more and more nodes to get good, consistent coverage. Even with gigabit fiber, I never really felt like I was getting the speeds I should have been getting throughout the house.

When Amazon Prime Day came around in July, I decided it was time for an upgrade. At the same time, I decided this was going to be MY "year of home automation."

Back to Orbi — This Time with Wi-Fi 7

For the network, I went with the Netgear Orbi 770 Series Wi-Fi 7 mesh system.

I considered going down the Ubiquiti route, but ultimately I wanted something easier to manage and more "set it and forget it." I spent enough time around networking years ago. These days, I'd rather leave my network-engineering hat in the past and have something that simply works.

I've now been running the Orbi 770 for about four months, and—with one exception—it has been pretty much bulletproof.

That exception was automatic firmware updates. I didn't realize they were enabled, and Orbi decided to install an update in the middle of the day. That's something I'd definitely check when setting up the system.

Other than that, the performance has been excellent.

I have AT&T Fiber with the AT&T gateway configured to pass the connection through to the Orbi. My office is upstairs and away from the main router, but I have my computer connected by Ethernet to an Orbi satellite. I'm consistently seeing speeds in the low 900 Mbps range both down and up.

My media/home-theater room has historically been the hardest room in the house to reach with good Wi-Fi. With the Orbi, I'm seeing roughly 700–800 Mbps there over Wi-Fi, connecting on 5 GHz.

More importantly, coverage throughout the house is now excellent and the system has been extremely stable.

If you're considering a mesh system and aren't ready to go down the Ubiquiti route, I'd strongly suggest looking at the Orbi 770. Based on my experience with both systems, I'd skip the Deco, spend a little more and get the Orbi.

The Orbi also gives you separate IoT and guest Wi-Fi networks. Devices connect quickly, stay connected and, in my experience, have worked considerably better than they did with my Deco system.

Moving Away from Ring

The next part of the project was home automation.

Over the years, I had accumulated a hodgepodge of smart-home products: Ecobee thermostats, Ring doorbells, different cameras, Hue lights and other devices. Even the Ecobee that was supposed to work with Apple HomeKit would periodically disconnect.

I wanted to simplify everything, and I particularly wanted to move away from Ring.

While researching alternatives, I came across Aqara. They make doorbells, cameras, thermostats, switches, sensors and a number of other smart-home products, with particularly strong integration with Apple's Home ecosystem.

So during Prime Day, I jumped in. I bought two thermostats, two cameras and two doorbells.

There was definitely a settling-in period. Between changing the network and adding all the new smart-home equipment, it probably took about six weeks before everything really fell into place.

Since then, however, it has been remarkably solid.

The network can go down and come back up, and the Aqara devices reconnect on their own. About the only problems I've encountered have been when somebody physically unplugged one of the doorbell hubs. Since some of the other devices were relying on that hub, unplugging it naturally caused those devices to disappear as well.

The $34 Camera That Surprised Me

One of the biggest surprises has been the Aqara G100 indoor/outdoor cameras.

I paid $33.99 each for them, and they've been excellent. For the price, I'm genuinely impressed with how well they've worked and how nicely they integrate into the Apple ecosystem.

Security and privacy were also part of my decision to move away from Ring. I like having my cameras integrated with Apple Home and being able to use iCloud/HomeKit Secure Video rather than building my smart-home camera system around Amazon.

The Doorbells — A Big Improvement Over Ring

The Aqara doorbells have also worked really well.

I have two of them. One is at our front door, and the other is on a door that we added to the house where I don't have wiring available. For that one, I use rechargeable batteries, and that setup has worked well.

The front-door unit is very small and unobtrusive, which I like. More importantly, both doorbells have been rock solid.

That's probably the biggest difference I've noticed compared with my old Ring setup. The Aqara doorbells are consistently connected and integrate directly into Apple HomeKit. I don't feel like I'm waiting for the doorbell to connect when I actually need to see who's at the door.

They just work, which is becoming a recurring theme with most of the Aqara equipment I've installed.

For me, replacing the Ring doorbells with Aqara has been one of the better parts of this whole home-automation upgrade.

Aqara Thermostats — Simple, Which Is Exactly What I Want

The Aqara thermostats were very simple to install. I was replacing my Ecobees, and the changeover was straightforward. They connected to Apple HomeKit easily and, since getting everything settled, they just run.

Easy peasy. There's really not much more I want from a thermostat. I don't need it to be exciting—I need it to control the temperature, stay connected and work when I open the Home app. So far, that's exactly what they've done.

One feature that really interested me is Apple Home's Adaptive Temperature. Instead of relying on a traditional fixed schedule, the temperature can automatically adjust based on whether people in your Apple Home are actually home or away.

There are four modes you can configure: Home, Away, Night and Extended Away. Home and Away automatically adjust the temperature depending on whether anyone from the household is home. Night mode lets you set different temperatures for specific days and times, so the house can automatically adjust while everyone is sleeping.

The one I'm particularly happy to have is Extended Away. When we're going to be gone for an extended period, the system can automatically adjust the temperature appropriately. That's one less thing I have to remember to change before we leave—and, more importantly, remember to change back when we get home.

It's another example of what I'm looking for with this whole project: home automation that actually automates things instead of giving me another app and another device to manage.

The One Finicky Aqara Device

I also bought an Aqara Smart Climate Sensor with three programmable buttons. This has been the one finicky device in my Aqara setup.

Getting it set up properly with HomeKit was a little tricky. Each of the three buttons is supposed to support three different actions—a single press, double press and long press—which theoretically gives you nine different programmable actions.

In practice, I've only been able to get the single-press actions to work somewhat reliably. I currently use Button 1, the middle of the three buttons, and even that hasn't been as seamless as the rest of my Aqara equipment.

That said, I like the concept enough that I'm planning to put a second one in my media room. The idea is to program the buttons for lighting and temperature control so the kids can simply push a button rather than flipping off the actual light switch—which, of course, defeats the whole purpose of having smart lights.

So this one is still a work in progress. I really like what the device is supposed to do; I just wish the HomeKit button actions worked as reliably as the rest of my Aqara setup.

Finally, One Home App

That's probably the biggest improvement from this whole project.

Instead of having different pieces scattered across different ecosystems, I can now open Apple's Home app and see essentially everything in one place.

I've also settled on Nanoleaf as my primary smart-lighting platform. I still have some Philips Hue lights in the house, and I'm not ripping out perfectly good bulbs just for the sake of replacing them. As those eventually die, however, I'm replacing them with Nanoleaf.

Four months into this project, I'm very happy with where I've ended up.

For networking, the Orbi 770 has been fast, stable and about as close to "set it and forget it" as I could have hoped for. If you want a high-performance home network but don't want to make the jump into something like Ubiquiti, I think Orbi deserves a serious look.

And if you're an Apple/HomeKit household and looking to build out a smart-home ecosystem, I'd also recommend taking a look at Aqara.

The combination of Orbi, Aqara, Nanoleaf and Apple Home has finally given me what I was looking for:

A smart home that doesn't require me to constantly mess with it.

On this week's show we take a look at the consumer reports ratings for 70 inch and larger TVs. We also read your email and take a look at the week's news.

News:

• Your Google Home can now take orders from Claude and other AI agents
• Roku Adds 30 New Bundles To Premium Subscriptions
• Element Launches New TiVo-Powered Smart TVs in the U.S.
• Paramount Settles States' Antitrust Suit, Clearing Way for Warner Megadeal

On this week's show we take a look at the consumer reports rating for 70 inch and larger TVs. This list was sent to us by Dermot who thought it may make a nice topic. We took the list and only updated pricing. So how does Consumer Reports determine a score for their TV ratings?

Consumer Reports builds each TV's Overall Score from three buckets: lab performance, member surveys, and (for smart TVs) privacy/security. They do not accept manufacturer samples. Secret shoppers buy the sets at retail so they test the same units you would buy.

They run 200+ TVs a year. Each set goes through 20+ tests and more than 500 data points in their Yonkers labs. Picture settings are optimized with the on-screen user controls only—not a full professional calibration. If a set needs a calibrator to look good, that hurts it.

What the lab actually measures

• HD and UHD picture quality — test patterns plus real movie/TV clips for detail, black level, contrast, and color accuracy after the set is optimized.
• HDR — peak brightness (measured with a Photo Research PR-740 spectroradiometer), plus how well highlights and shadows hold up in dark and bright scenes.
• Viewing angle — color and contrast from both horizontal and vertical off-axis positions.
• Motion blur — how clean moving text and action stay.
• Sound quality — built-in speakers: clarity, bass, volume range, and distortion, compared against reference sets in the lab.
• Features / versatility — inputs, smart-TV functions, ease of use, etc.
• Data privacy and data security — whether the TV collects extra data, how easy it is to control that, encryption, known vulnerabilities, update practices. These scores are folded into the Overall Score.

A viewing panel then watches real content side-by-side after the meter work is done.

Survey piece

Predicted reliability and owner satisfaction come from CR member surveys, not from the lab unit they bought.

• Reliability is brand-level, not model-level. A statistical model estimates the chance a new set from that brand will have a problem in the first five years. They control for age, how often it's used, and whether it has an extended warranty.
• Owner satisfaction is how likely members are to recommend that brand. It is weighted at 5% of the Overall Score for every product category.
• Reliability's weight varies by category (typically 10–20%). For TVs it sits toward the lower end of that range because members rate reliability about even with picture performance.

If a brand scores Poor or Fair on predicted reliability, that model cannot get a CR "Recommended" badge, no matter how well it tested.

When they don't have enough survey data for a brand (like on some Roku sets), they plug in category-average survey scores.

How it becomes one number

Overall Score is a weighted mix of the lab scores plus those two survey scores (and privacy/security). Models are then ranked against others in the same size group.

That's why two 91-point sets can sit at very different prices: one won on lab performance plus surveys at a lower street price; the other is a more expensive flagship that still maxed the same scoring formula.

Brand Model Overall Score Price LG OLED77C5PUA 91 $1,800 Samsung QN77S95F 91 $3,000 Samsung QN77S90F 90 $2,500 Samsung QN77S90H 89 $2,600 LG OLED77G6WUA 89 $3,800 LG OLED77G5WUA 88 $3,150 LG OLED77C6HUP 88 $2,700 LG OLED77M5PUA 87 $3,870 Samsung QN77S84FA 85 $1,600 LG OLED77B5PUA 84 $3,000 Sony K-77XR80 83 $3,000 Sony K-75XR90 83 $3,500 Samsung QN75QN90F 82 $2,000 Sony K-77XR8B 78 $2,500 Sony K-75XR70 78 $1,500 Hisense 75U8QG 75 $1,700 (65") LG 75QNED92AUA 75 $1,680 TCL 75QM8K 74 Mostly Unavailable Sony K-75XR50 73 $2,000 Roku 75R8B5 73 $1,250 Roku 75R8C5 72 $1,200 Hisense 75U75QG 72 $1,700 (65")

TV COMPARISON SUMMARY

TOP TIER (Score 88-91)

1. LG OLED77C5PUA 91 $1,800 Best score-to-price
2. Samsung QN77S95F 91 $3,000 Same score as C5, $1,200 more
3. Samsung QN77S90F 90 $2,500
4. Samsung QN77S90H 89 $2,600
5. LG OLED77G6WUA 89 $3,800 Highest-priced LG
6. LG OLED77G5WUA 88 $3,150
7. LG OLED77C6HUP 88 $2,700

Our takeaway is that the only score that actually matters here is not "91 vs 89." It is that the LG C5 is tied with Samsung's flagship S95F at 91, and it is $1,200 cheaper.

If we were going to spend money for a 75–77" set, we would treat the list like this:

• Buy the C5 if the room is normal-to-dim and you want the best picture per dollar.
• Buy the S95F only if the room is bright, you want a matte screen, and you specifically want a bright picture. Do not buy it just because it is tied at 91.
• The Samsung S84F at $1,600 / 85 is the value model if you don't want to go OLED.
• Anything at 75 or below is fine for a secondary room. Especially when you consider models from Samsung and LG providing higher quality for barely more in cost.

Does Consumer Reports still matter? Yes, but not as the only vote, and not the way it did 15 years ago. There are other sources out there and each weighs aspects of TVs differently. With that said, they all agree that the LG C5 is a really nice TV.

On this week's show we compiled a list of fall 2026 network TV season/series premieres for ABC, NBC, Fox, and CBS, organized by network and then by premiere date. We also read your emails and take a look at the week's news.

News:

• LG responds to findings about Smart TV spying
• Roku Makes Big Changes to Its Free Live TV Channel Guide on Roku TVs & Roku Players
• TCL sues Samsung, alleging false advertising of 'Mini LED' TVs
• Yamaha introduces the compact B200A soundbar with Dolby Atmos

On this week's show we compiled a list of fall 2026 network TV season/series premieres for ABC, NBC, Fox, and CBS, organized by network and then by premiere date. Sports (NFL, college football) and most news/magazine shows are omitted unless they were listed as a season premiere in the official rollout. Dates and slots come from the networks' 2026 fall calendar.

ABC

Tuesday, September 15

• Dancing with the Stars — Season 35 (Night 1 of 2), 8 p.m.
• R.J. Decker — Season 2, 10 p.m.

Wednesday, September 16

• Dancing with the Stars — Season 35 (Night 2 of 2), 8 p.m.

Friday, September 25

• 20/20 — Season 49, 9 p.m.

Sunday, September 27

• America's Funniest Home Videos — Season 37 (two-episode premiere), 7 p.m.
• The Wonderful World of Disney (Inside Out 2), 9 p.m.

Wednesday, September 30

• Scrubs — Season 2 (two-episode premiere), 8 p.m.
• Shark Tank — Season 18 (two-episode premiere), 9 p.m.

Friday, October 2

• Celebrity Wheel of Fortune — Season 7, 8 p.m.

Wednesday, October 7

• Abbott Elementary — Season 6, 8:30 p.m.
• Who Wants to Be a Millionaire — Season 5 continuation, 9 p.m.

Thursday, October 15

• 9-1-1 — Season 10, 8 p.m.
• 9-1-1: Nashville — Season 2, 9 p.m.
• Grey's Anatomy — Season 23, 10 p.m.

NBC

Thursday, September 17

• The Traitors: New Blood — Series premiere (two hours), 8 p.m. An all-civilian US season of the social-deduction reality series in which Alan Cumming hosts 22 everyday Americans at a Scottish castle as hidden Traitors secretly eliminate Faithfuls while the group races to unmask them and split (or steal) a prize of up to $250,000.

Monday, September 21

• The Voice — Season 30 (Night 1 of 3), 8 p.m.
• Line of Fire — Series premiere, 10 p.m. A family of law enforcement agents become targets of a mysterious assassin after a U.S. Marshal falls in the line of duty, forcing them to use their expertise to protect each other.

Tuesday, September 22

• The Voice — Season 30 (Night 2 of 3), 8 p.m.

Wednesday, September 23

• The Voice — Season 30 (Night 3 of 3), 8 p.m.

Friday, September 25

• Dateline NBC — Season 35, 9 p.m.

Saturday, September 26

• Saturday Night Live — Season 52, 11:30 p.m.

Wednesday, October 7

• Chicago Med — Season 12, 8 p.m.
• Chicago Fire — Season 15, 9 p.m.
• Chicago P.D. — Season 14, 10 p.m.

Thursday, October 8

• Law & Order: SVU — Season 28, 9 p.m.
• Law & Order — Season 26, 10 p.m.

Friday, October 23

• Happy's Place — Season 3, 8 p.m.
• Newlyweds — Series premiere, 8:30 p.m. A free-spirited woman and a buttoned-up professor get married impetuously after a whirlwind courtship.

Monday, November 2

• St. Denis Medical — Season 3, 8 p.m.
• The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins — Season 2, 8:30 p.m.

Fox

Monday, September 21

• Celebrity Name That Tune — Season 6, 8 p.m.
• Celebrity Weakest Link — Season 2, 9 p.m.

Tuesday, September 22

• Best Medicine — Season 2, 8 p.m.
• Doc — Season 3, 9 p.m.

Wednesday, September 23

• The Floor — Season 6, 8 p.m.
• 99 to Beat — Season 2, 9 p.m.

Thursday, September 24

• Hell's Kitchen — Season 25, 8 p.m.
• Special Forces: World's Toughest Test — Season 5, 9 p.m.

Sunday, September 27

• The Simpsons — Season 38, 8 p.m.
• Animal Control — Season 5, 8:30 p.m.
• Universal Basic Guys — Season 3, 9 p.m.
• Grimsburg — Season 3, 9:30 p.m.

CBS

Sunday, September 13

• 60 Minutes — Season 59 (special time after NFL), ~7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, September 23

• Survivor — Season 51 (two-hour premiere), 8 p.m.

Wednesday, September 30

• The Amazing Race — Season 39 (Night 1), 9:30 p.m.

Thursday, October 1

• The Amazing Race — Season 39 (Night 2), 9:30 p.m.

Sunday, October 4

• Marshals — Season 2, ~8:30 p.m.
• Tracker — Season 4, ~9:30 p.m.

Monday, October 5

• FBI — Season 9, 8 p.m.
• CIA — Season 2, 9 p.m.
• Harlan Coben's Final Twist — Season 2, 10 p.m.

Tuesday, October 6

• NCIS — Season 24, 8 p.m.
• NCIS: New York — Series premiere, 9 p.m. - Legendary NCIS Agent Sam Hanna returns to his NYC hometown field office, teaming with a roguish agent to lead a new team on high-stakes missions defending one of the world's most vital cities and ports.
• NCIS: Origins — Season 3, 10 p.m.

Thursday, October 8

• Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage — Season 3, 8 p.m.
• Eternally Yours — Series premiere, 8:30 p.m. - Follows the journey of a married vampire couple struggling to accept their daughter's human boyfriend, after being together for 500 years.
• Elsbeth — Season 4, 9 p.m.
• Cupertino — Series premiere, 10 p.m. - A scrappy lawyer takes on a powerful tech giant in a high-stakes legal battle, navigating the cutthroat world of Silicon Valley while fighting for justice and the little guy's rights.

Friday, October 9

• Sheriff Country — Season 2, 8 p.m.
• Fire Country — Season 5, 9 p.m.
• Boston Blue — Season 2, 10 p.m.

Thursday, October 29

• Ghosts — Halloween special (two episodes), 9 p.m.

Thursday, December 10

• Ghosts — Christmas special (two episodes), 9 p.m.

A number of other series (High Potential, The Rookie, Will Trent, Shifting Gears, Ghosts Season 6 proper, Matlock, American Idol, The Bachelor, Baywatch reboot, etc.) are held for midseason 2027 and are not on this fall list. Always check local listings; NFL overruns can shift Sunday start times.

On this week's show we look into an article that alleges LG's Smart TVs are listening in on your conversations even when the screen is off. We also do a quick rundown on what Dolby's AC4 is and where you can experience it. We also read your emails and look at the week's news.

News:

• Streaming Is Raising Prices Faster Than Cable Ever Did
• More than half of consumers want live TV and streaming in one package

Stan from Pittsburg sent us a link to an article (LG Smart TVs caught listening even with the screen off) at FlatpanelsHD claiming LG smart TVs collect more data than many owners realize — including with the screen off.

What the investigation found

• LG TVs use ACR (automatic content recognition): they snapshot what's on screen, including HDMI sources, for ad targeting. FlatpanelsHD notes this has been industry-wide for years, not unique to LG.
• The TVs scan the local Wi‑Fi network, identify other devices, and send back data such as IP address, location, and nearby network names.
• Voice features can transcribe speech after "Hi LG." The mic can stay active 10–15 seconds after silence. Researchers reported recording/transcription even with the display off, and that locally stored data can upload later when the set reconnects (including for a firmware update).
• That last point is presented as conflicting with LG's claim that its TVs "do not collect, record, or store ambient conversations." LG had not commented when the article ran.

Flatpanel's Recommendation

Turn ACR off if you can, or take the TV off the internet and use an external streamer (Apple TV, or Roku.). Firmware can be updated via USB instead of online.

ACR is an old, industry-wide problem and it's unclear why the article focused only on LG. They still argue the mic/network findings are worth attention. They also link their earlier piece ranking Apple TV 4K as stronger on privacy because it doesn't do this kind of viewing tracking.

Update - In a statement sent to Tom's Hardware, LG said "The claims made in the recently published video are not true. LG TVs process voice data only when the voice button on the remote control is pressed and held, or when a wake word such as 'Hi LG' is recognized after the user has activated the Far-Field voice recognition feature. Other than these instances, the TVs do not collect or record ambient conversations. (If the wake word is not recognized, no voice data is transmitted to the server; the audio processing for wake word detection is performed locally on the device and is immediately deleted.)"

One of our listeners, Scott, sent an email asking us to discuss Dolby AC-4 so that is what we are going to do today! Dolby AC-4 is Dolby's next-generation audio codec for broadcast and streaming. It was designed as a clean-sheet replacement for the older Dolby Digital family, not as a tweak of it.

Compared with Dolby Digital Plus, AC-4 aims for similar or better quality at roughly half the bitrate. It natively handles channel-based audio, object-based Dolby Atmos, dialogue enhancement, loudness control, multiple language tracks, and different renderings for speakers vs. headphones in one bitstream. There are several profiles/levels:

• Level 3 — the version widely built into TVs (broadcast/OTT Atmos-style delivery).
• Level 4 — fuller Atmos metadata, including headphone/head-tracking features.
• IMS (Immersive Stereo) — a stereo-plus-metadata flavor used for Atmos music on phones and headphones.

Is it backwards compatible?

No. An AC-4 bitstream cannot be decoded by a Dolby Digital (AC-3) or Dolby Digital Plus decoder. Old AVRs, soundbars, and TVs that only know DD+ (AC-3) will not play AC-4.

What is compatible is the playback path in new TVs and set-top boxes. Those devices decode AC-4 internally, then output whatever the next box needs: PCM stereo, AC-3, DD+, or Atmos over HDMI. So the living-room chain can still work; the codec itself is not drop-in compatible with older Dolby formats. Services that must reach mixed old/new hardware still send DD+ or AAC as a fallback.

Devices that support it

AC-4 decoding is common in UHD TVs shipped since about 2017, especially models that already license Dolby Audio (Dolby has said it is in a large majority of new UHD TVs). Early public commitments came from Samsung, Sony, and Vizio; it is also in many Android TV / Google TV platforms and some Amazon Fire TV devices.

It is not universal:

• Pre-~2017 TVs, most older soundbars/AVRs, and a lot of cheap streaming sticks do not decode it.
• ATSC 3.0 ("NextGen TV") tuners are the main over-the-air path in the U.S.; tuner support is still incomplete across brands and model lines.
• Most consumer AVRs still expect Atmos via DD+ JOC (Joint Object Coding) or TrueHD, not a raw AC-4 bitstream from the source.

Note - JOC allows an Atmos-capable TV, soundbar, or AVR to use the "JOC" metadata to build the immersive mix. An older DD+-only device ignores the extra data and just plays the core 5.1

Studios and television

Broadcast is the main home. AC-4 is an official audio system for ATSC 3.0 in the U.S. and is adopted by DVB in Europe. NextGen TV stations can (and some do) use it for Atmos, dialogue enhancement, and multiple presentations. Immersive AC-4 on U.S. OTA is still uneven; many 3.0 stations have not yet gone full Atmos.

Streaming is later. Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+, and most other major video services still deliver Atmos as Dolby Digital Plus + JOC. Peacock has publicly committed to AC-4 (alongside Dolby Vision 2), with rollout described as later in 2026. Atmos music already uses AC-4 IMS on several apps.

Studios still master Atmos the same way. The delivery codec is chosen per platform: cinema TrueHD, most streaming DD+ JOC, NextGen TV and a few future streamers AC-4. AC-4 is in the pipeline; it is not yet the default living-room streaming format.

On this week's show Ara gives his impression of the new gear installed into his new home. We talk Internet, Home Networking, Automation, and Home Theater in an action packed show. We also read your emails and take a look at the week's news.

News:

• Apple TV Hikes Prices
• SVS Releases SoundPath Multi-Band Wireless Audio Adapter
• Roku ups premium hardware with launch of its first OLED TVs
• Sonos Welcomes Beam Ultra and Sonos Ace Ultra to its System

Starlink Performance - We had no issues while we were in TN. The entire week no said anything about slow speeds and our streaming was no different than when we are in CA. I tested speeds from time to time and results varied but the slowest speed (22 Mbps) never impacted TV viewing.

Ubiquity Network Management - this is a different world! I am still exploring all the things you can do. But the system is setup like a business. You have a network and wireless access points. I have four. One on Channel 11, two on 6, and one on 1. It was setip so the channels are far apart and don't overlap.

MyQ & Honeywell (matter compatible) thermostats go offline from time to time. I restart the wifi access point and they come back.

Third Reality Garage Door Opener - 2.4 GHz, Scene Management

Mantel Mount MM815 Motorized Drop Down & Swivel TV Mount - $700 The MM815 is a remote-controlled drop-and-swivel TV mount. Press one button to lower the TV to eye level and rotate it as needed. It comes with an RF remote, is silent, and has two memory presets.

Sony BRAVIA 7 II PRO True RGB 4K HDR Google TV with Gemini (Model Number K75XR70PRO)- $2300 The Sony BRAVIA 7 II PRO is Sony's 2026 mid-range True RGB Mini-LED TV (65 inches and up) with independently driven red, green, and blue backlight LEDs, XR processing, and about 2,000 nits of peak brightness for stronger color volume and contrast than a typical white Mini-LED. It is 4K at 120 Hz, supports Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, and has HDMI 2.1 gaming features (VRR, ALLM, 4K/120). Google TV includes Gemini for voice search and recommendations, plus AirPlay 2. The Pro bundle adds a three-year replacement warranty, a backlit rechargeable remote, extra Sony Pictures Core credits, and an enhanced Voice Zoom 3 dialogue mode; picture hardware is the same as the standard 7 II.

Sonos Arc Ultra - $1099 The Sonos Arc Ultra supports Dolby Atmos that has a 9.1.4 driver layout and Sound Motion woofer to produce wide, height-enhanced surround and stronger bass from a single bar. It connects to a TV with one HDMI eARC cable, supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, and the rest of the Sonos ecosystem (including optional Sub and rear speakers), and can be controlled with the TV remote, Sonos app, touch controls, Sonos Voice Control, or Alexa. Trueplay tunes the sound to the room, and AI speech enhancement is meant to keep dialogue clear. It is a long, low-profile bar (about 46 inches wide) sold in black or white.

Sonos Sub 4 - $899 The Sonos Sub 4 is a wireless subwoofer for Sonos S2 systems, pairing with current soundbars and speakers to add bass down to about 25 Hz. Two inward-facing 5-by-8-inch woofers and dual Class-D amps use a force-canceling layout so the cabinet stays relatively still and the bass stays clean. It has the same slot-style shape as earlier Subs, in black or white matte, and can stand upright or lie on its side. Updates over the Sub 3 include Wi-Fi 6, a faster processor, more memory, lower idle power, and a slightly lighter cabinet; setup is through the Sonos app, with optional Ethernet. Two Sub 4s can be used with the Arc Ultra.

Audio Advice - I'll be in Franklin in October for a SVS/Audio Advice Event. Details to come

On today's show we have an interview with Nick Brown (VP of Marketing) and Smith Freeman (Senior Director of Product Management) at SVS Sound.

We discuss their new Auto EQ, the upcoming Soundbar and general audio chat.

SVS Launches First-Ever Soundbar and New 3000 R|Evolution Series Subwoofers at CES 2026

SVS AUTO EQ Frequently Asked Questions

On today's show we discuss Ara's new family room TV and Audio setup and what his plans are for the future. We also read your emails and look at the week's news.

News:

• Marantz Introduces The CINEMA Series 2 Receivers
• Dolby Vision 2 HDR Is Officially Arriving On Certain Hisense TVs
• Nearly A Third Of U.S. Homes Get TV Only Via Streaming
• Peacock hikes prices for fourth straight year, this time by $3

Other:

• Theatrium - A home Assistant or HomeKit Dashboard for your AppleTV

Family Room:

Mantel Mount MM815 Motorized Drop Down & Swivel TV Mount - $700 The MM815 is a remote-controlled drop-and-swivel TV mount. Press one button to lower the TV to eye level and rotate it as needed. It comes with an RF remote, is silent, and has two memory presets.

Sony BRAVIA 7 II PRO True RGB 4K HDR Google TV with Gemini (Model Number K75XR70PRO)- $2300 The Sony BRAVIA 7 II PRO is Sony's 2026 mid-range True RGB Mini-LED TV (65 inches and up) with independently driven red, green, and blue backlight LEDs, XR processing, and about 2,000 nits of peak brightness for stronger color volume and contrast than a typical white Mini-LED. It is 4K at 120 Hz, supports Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, and has HDMI 2.1 gaming features (VRR, ALLM, 4K/120). Google TV includes Gemini for voice search and recommendations, plus AirPlay 2. The Pro bundle adds a three-year replacement warranty, a backlit rechargeable remote, extra Sony Pictures Core credits, and an enhanced Voice Zoom 3 dialogue mode; picture hardware is the same as the standard 7 II.

From RTINGS:

Pros:

• Great black levels with minimal haloing.
• Bright details in HDR stand out incredibly well.
• Fantastic SDR brightness helps it overcome glare during the day.
• Fantastic upscaling and great low-quality content smoothing.
• Colors are incredibly bright and vivid.

Cons:

• Dark scenes are hard to see during the day.

Sonos Arc Ultra - $1099 The Sonos Arc Ultra supports Dolby Atmos that has a 9.1.4 driver layout and Sound Motion woofer to produce wide, height-enhanced surround and stronger bass from a single bar. It connects to a TV with one HDMI eARC cable, supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, and the rest of the Sonos ecosystem (including optional Sub and rear speakers), and can be controlled with the TV remote, Sonos app, touch controls, Sonos Voice Control, or Alexa. Trueplay tunes the sound to the room, and AI speech enhancement is meant to keep dialogue clear. It is a long, low-profile bar (about 46 inches wide) sold in black or white.

Sonos Sub 4 - $899 The Sonos Sub 4 is a wireless subwoofer for Sonos S2 systems, pairing with current soundbars and speakers to add bass down to about 25 Hz. Two inward-facing 5-by-8-inch woofers and dual Class-D amps use a force-canceling layout so the cabinet stays relatively still and the bass stays clean. It has the same slot-style shape as earlier Subs, in black or white matte, and can stand upright or lie on its side. Updates over the Sub 3 include Wi-Fi 6, a faster processor, more memory, lower idle power, and a slightly lighter cabinet; setup is through the Sonos app, with optional Ethernet. Two Sub 4s can be used with the Arc Ultra.

Master Bedroom:

Sony BRAVIA 3 II 4K HDR LED Google TV (Model Number K55XR30M2) - $798 - The Sony BRAVIA 3 II is Sony's 2026 entry-level 4K LED set, sold from 43 to 100 inches. It uses a direct-lit LED panel, a 120 Hz refresh rate, and the XR processor for color, motion, and upscaling. HDR covers Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG. All four HDMI ports are 2.1, with 4K/120, VRR, and ALLM. It runs Google TV with Gemini, AirPlay 2, and Chromecast, plus built-in speakers that pass Dolby Atmos and DTS:X to a soundbar. The picture is good in bright rooms; but as you would expect, the contrast and HDR are limited compared with higher BRAVIA models. If you are going to use this for anything more than casual viewing or you are really critical of picture quality you may want to look elsewhere. But for those on a budget or used in a secondary room, it's a solid TV.

On today's show we discuss Ara's garage door plan for integrating it into HomeKit, we help a listener decide on which receiver to buy, and we ask whether Atmos is worth it for a family room. We also read your emails and take a look at the week's news.

News:

• Get YouTube TV For Just $67.99 a Month Down From $82.99 For The Rest of 2026
• How many subscribers do major live TV streamers have?

Other:

• Bingebuster

Last week I discussed my garage door situation where MyQ does not integrate with Apple's HomeKit. I explained that I will be using a solution called ratgdo (Rage Against The Garage Door Opener). A few of the listeners emailed and suggested that I look at the ThirdReality Smart Garage Door Opener). Available at Amazon for $50.

Issues for me:

• When you install it in Apple home it installs as a lightbulb.
• I added it to Home Assistant first because I knew Apple HomeKit was going to treat it like a light instead of a garage door. In Home Assistant, it shows up as a light entity, with the on off state following the tilt sensor. To make it behave like a real garage door, I created a Template Cover helper and set the device class to Garage. For the state, I used the template to report open when the light is on and closed when it's off. Then I set the Open and Close actions to call the light.turn_on service on the light entity, so pressing Open or Close in Home Assistant is basically the same as pressing the garage remote button. After that, it shows up and behaves like a garage door inside Home Assistant, with the right open/closed status based on the tilt sensor.
• It's mechanical.
• Batteries

After Jorge's email,I am now looking past these issues and considering this solution.

And yet another listener provided even more fuel for this fire!

David writes in and says:

Most door operators have a provision for a wall mounted pushbutton ( the same one used for years). It's a momentary pushbutton closure. There is a cold contacts switch which operates in the Matter smart home standard. As a result it works in all the various smart home systems. It's a Shelly 1 Mini Gen 4 device…about $25.

I have installed mine into my Apple HomeKit system to operate my Genie garage door opener.

There is no sensing of the position of the door in the Shelly 1 Mini Gen 4 - it is only for operating the door.

I have used the IKEA "MYGGBETT" door/window sensor ($10) to sense the position of the door - it is also Matter compliant. It is the usual magnet/reed switch pair.

I have used this sensor to also trigger a light inside my house to signal an open garage door.

The Apple Home automation could be written to close and open door after 10 PM. Or close a door open for more than 1 hour.

• Marantz Cinema 70s

• Denon AVR-X2800H

• Onkyo TX-RZ30

Onkyo TX-RZ30

Pros

• 9 amplified channels (supports 5.2.4 or 7.2.2 Atmos)
• Full-bandwidth Dirac Live included (major value)
• THX Select + IMAX Enhanced certified
• Dual independent subwoofer outputs + full pre-outs
• Strong power (~100W/ch) and generally excellent reviews for sound and value

Cons

• Dirac setup can be finicky
• Onkyo's past reliability reputation still in the back of my mind

Denon AVR-X2800H

Pros

• Reliable, polished, user-friendly experience
• Solid Audyssey MultEQ XT room correction
• Good, balanced sound and strong HDMI features
• Much better reliability and support

Cons

• Only 7 channels (max 5.2.2 Atmos without external amps)
• No Dirac (Audyssey is good but not as advanced)

Marantz Cinema 70s

Pros

• Slim, stylish design that fits media cabinets
• Marantz sound
• Pre-outs for future expansion

Cons

• Lower power (~50W/ch) — best for smaller/efficient speakers
• Only 7 channels
• More expensive relative to performance and channel count

Recommendation: Onkyo TX-RZ30

It delivers the most meaningful advantages for the money — 9 channels, including full Dirac Live, THX certification, and independent dual subs. The Denon is the safer "set-it-and-forget-it" choice if you prioritize polish and reliability, while the Marantz is best if you specifically need a slim form factor. For performance and value in a modern Atmos setup, the RZ30 is the clear winner right now.

Yes, Atmos is usually worth it in a typical family room — but with some practical caveats.

Why it's worth it

• The overhead effects (rain, helicopters, debris, ambiance) add noticeable immersion even in a normal living/family room.
• A lot of modern movies, streaming shows, and games take advantage of it.

Realistic expectations for a family room

• The "wow" factor is more subtle than in a dedicated theater. You're not going to get the same dramatic height effects you hear in a big cinema.
• Placement matters a lot. Up-firing Atmos speakers work okay if your ceiling isn't too high or absorbent, but actual in-ceiling or on-ceiling speakers sound better.
• Aesthetics Committee — extra speakers on or near the ceiling are more noticeable in a shared family space.

Bottom line recommendation

• If you are starting from scratch and have access to wire ceiling speakers do it. If you don't have access you won't miss too much.
• Skip if the budget is tight, ceiling placement is difficult, or you mostly watch TV/sports rather than movies.

A solid 5.1.2 Atmos setup is the sweet spot for most family rooms. You'll get most of the benefit without needing a full 7.1.4 layout.

On today's show we take a look at your family room and decide whether a 7.2 system is worth it over 5.1. We also read your emails and catch up on the week's news.

News:

• How Valuable Is TV to Smaller, Independent Cable Operators?
• DirecTV and EverPass reach new deal to keep NFL Sunday Ticket in bars after threatening split

Other:

• Rage Against the Garage Door Opener (ratgdo)

Most of us don't have a fully dedicated theater room to fully deck out with a 7.2.4 Atmos system. Most of us have family rooms and would like some sort of a surround sound experience beyond a low end sound bar. The question we get asked a lot is whether a 7.2 system will provide a noticeably better experience than a 5.1 system. So today we answer that question.

Spoiler, in most family living rooms, a well-set-up 5.1 system is the smarter choice. A 7.2 system only becomes clearly better if you have good space behind the seating and can place the rear speakers properly. Let's get into it.

• Better immersion - The two extra rear speakers create a more continuous sound field. Sounds that move from front to back (or circle around you) feel smoother and more realistic.
• Improved envelopment - You get a stronger sense of being "inside" the movie instead of just having sound coming from the sides.
• Smoother bass (the .2) - Two subwoofers reduce bass peaks and nulls. This is often the biggest real-world improvement over a single sub.
• More seating flexibility - Multiple people can enjoy better surround effects even if they're not in the exact sweet spot.
• Future-proofing - Many modern receivers can use the extra channels for Atmos height speakers later if you decide to expand.

• Space requirements - You need room behind the main seats for the rear speakers. If your sofa is against the back wall (very common), the rear speakers end up too close and the benefit largely disappears.
• Higher cost - Two extra speakers + a second subwoofer + possibly a more expensive receiver adds significant cost.
• Harder placement - Getting the rear speakers at the right height, distance, and angle is more difficult in a shared family room.
• Diminishing returns in smaller rooms - In rooms under about 15x15–16x18 feet, the extra speakers can actually make the sound less coherent if they're too close together.
• More clutter & wiring - Extra speakers and cables are harder to hide in a multi-purpose family room.
• Content reality - Most streaming content is still mixed in 5.1. True discrete 7.1 tracks are less common outside Blu-rays

If your sofa is against the back wall you are realistically looking at a 5.1 system since the rear speakers have nowhere to go. If you have 3 feet or more behind you, 7.2 may be worthwhile. If you can't fully afford a proper 7.2 system you will be better served with better speakers and a great subwoofer.

For a typical family room:

• A high-quality 5.1 almost always delivers more enjoyment for the money and effort.
• Only go 7.2 if you have decent space behind the seating and are willing to spend more for the extra immersion and smoother bass.

Next week should we discuss if Atmos is worth it in a family room?

On this week's show we breakdown the Value Electronics 2026 TV Shootout and see who the new King TV is. We also read your emails and look at the week's news.

News:

• LG is cracking down on smart TV apps that quietly turn your TV into a secret proxy
• Streaming Execs Say Roku Most Important CTV Platform for Home Screen Visibility
• Comcast has Lost Over 600,000 TV Customers So Far This Year & 232,000 Internet Customers

Other:

• LG TVs are better than they've ever been — here's what they're doing right, what they're doing wrong, and what needs to change in 2026

Value Electronics (Scarsdale, NY) held its annual expert-judged TV Shootout on July 18, 2026. All sets were professionally calibrated and compared side-by-side against reference Sony BVM-HX3110 mastering monitors. Judges scored attributes (contrast/grayscale, color accuracy, processing, shadow detail, motion handling, bright-room performance, etc.) on a 1–5 scale for both SDR and HDR. Combined averages determine the rankings.

OLED Category (65-inch flagships)

• Samsung QN65S95H (QD-OLED) — Combined (SDR + HDR) average 9.3 → King of OLED TV and overall King of TV for 2026. Highest scores in both SDR and HDR; won the majority of categories. Ended Sony's seven-year winning streak. $2500 at Amazon
• Sony K65XR80M2 (Bravia 8 II / QD-OLED) — Combined average 8.0 Close runner-up with strong, consistent performance in both SDR and HDR. $3000 at Amazon
• LG OLED65G6WUA (W-OLED / tandem) — Combined average 7.0 Solid but finished a clear third. $3300 direct from LG

Micro RGB (True RGB Mini/Micro-LED LCD) Category (75-inch flagships)

This was the first year the shootout included a dedicated Micro RGB / true RGB-backlit LCD category.

• Sony K75XR90M2 (Bravia 9 II) — Combined average 7.9 → King of Mini/Micro RGB TV. Dominated most categories in both SDR and HDR. $3400 at Amazon
• Samsung MRN75R95H — Combined average 6.2 Clear second place. $4500 direct from Samsung
• LG 75MRGB95BUA — Combined average 5.2 Finished third. $4500 direct from LG

Key Takeaways

• OLED still generally outperformed the new Mini/Micro RGB LCD technology overall.
• Samsung's S95H QD-OLED was the standout performer of the event by a healthy margin.
• Sony's new true RGB Bravia 9 II proved the Mini RGB approach is highly competitive (it even beat LG's G6 OLED and was competitive with Sony's own OLED in some HDR aspects).
• LG placed third in both categories.
• The event highlighted how close the top flagships have become, while still showing meaningful differences in accuracy, processing, and real-content performance under calibrated conditions.