Physical & Digital EST: The Future of Home Video Discussion Thread

[Wendell R. Breland]

@ crutzulee

Do you have a method to read audio levels, as is in a DMM with dB scales? If so, you could compare your audio levels against a known reference.

I recorded several minutes of a 440 Hz tone then played it back using the Oppo UDP-203 as the source for the Yamaha AVP and measured audio level. Then I used the Zappiti Neo, Zidoo Z9X, Zidoo UHD5000 and Chromecast Audio devices as a source and checked their levels while playing the test tone. For these devices setting the audio to 100% they matched the Oppo. For these devices the audio level control seems to be attenuation only.

What I can not remember is how I checked the ATV4K and Shield Pro. For the ATV4K you should be able to use the Computer app or Infuse to play a test tone.

[bhampton]

I've been reading the next ATV4K that may arrive next month is significantly overhauled.

And, lets infuse use bitstream And may feature better native audio.

I also read Android is doing away with side loading which is a bit hard to believe but significant. The fact Android has been so completely hacked adds a lot of interest to it.

https://www.techtimes.com/articles/3...ail-comply.htm

[Wendell R. Breland]

Originally Posted by alchav21

I have no problem with my Sony UHD TV Android Apps, I've used them for almost a Decade. I have them arranged for easy access when in the Home Screen they come up with no trouble. I'm logged into the ones I use, and they come right up. With the Sony Processor they work Fantastic!

Don’t know about other Android devices but I can tell you the Nvidia Shield Pro is regarded as one of the best streaming devices but to this day it does not match source frame rate automatically, it is still a manual operation .

I really dislike the ads and clutter on the home page and is the reason for changing launcher. OTOH I can do what you can not do, click the desired app and go straight there, see pic.

[Show spoiler]

[Steedeel]

Originally Posted by bhampton

I've been reading the next ATV4K that may arrive next month is significantly overhauled.

And, lets infuse use bitstream And may feature better native audio.

I also read Android is doing away with side loading which is a bit hard to believe but significant.

It’s VERY significant, it’s been used as a major plus by most Android fans throughout the years.

[crutzulee]

Originally Posted by Wendell R. Breland

@ crutzulee

Do you have a method to read audio levels, as is in a DMM with dB scales? If so, you could compare your audio levels against a known reference.

I recorded several minutes of a 440 Hz tone then played it back using the Oppo UDP-203 as the source for the Yamaha AVP and measured audio level. Then I used the Zappiti Neo, Zidoo Z9X, Zidoo UHD5000 and Chromecast Audio devices as a source and checked their levels while playing the test tone. For these devices setting the audio to 100% they matched the Oppo. For these devices the audio level control seems to be attenuation only.

What I can not remember is how I checked the ATV4K and Shield Pro. For the ATV4K you should be able to use the Computer app or Infuse to play a test tone.

Not going to lie.. much of what you've written here has gone over my head..lol...

I have a broken OPPO, an AT4K that I only use for iTunes, an NVIDIA SHIELD pro, a ZIDOO Z9X and an old RADIO SHACK analogue SPL meter.. and a seriously fading memory

If you upload your test file and give me clear instructions, I can try and help you out..

[crutzulee]

Originally Posted by gotmule

I just asked my guy who I am going to get my screen and seating from to price out a Kaleidescape as well. I was more than likely going to grab one at some point, but the movie that tipped the scales to buy is Greyhound with Tom Hanks. I am still pissed it went to Apple and never saw a proper release (and so was Hanks) but Kaleidescape has it in 4k with Atmos for $14.99. Once I am at the painting stage downstairs, I will place my order for all 3 items.

I view a Kaleidescape purchase the same way I think about "upgrading" my center channel to MONITOR 9 to have a matching front LCR soundstage.... I'm really happy with things as they currently are so I'll wait for something to shift before I make a change....

For KALEIDESCAPE, it will mean something seriously shifting in the availability of physical media...For my center channel, something more drastic...My current CC350 is going strong after more than 30 years, I'd probably have to buy a pair of MONITOR 9s and I actually have a backup CC350 I acquired in some deal that I don't remember..lol..

And when you finally get around to rebuilding your rig, my vote is for BRING HER BACK as your first test title...

[Wendell R. Breland]

Originally Posted by gotmule

I just asked my guy who I am going to get my screen and seating from to price out a Kaleidescape as well.

Have you decided on a screen yet? I can wholeheartedly recommend Stewart Filmscreen StudioTek 130 G4 as a screen material (here). Mine has Ultra Perf because the center speaker is behind the screen.

Stewart has several frame options available. I used a WallScreen 1.5 frame to maximize screen size in the available space.

[Vilya]

Originally Posted by bhampton

$14

Hit buy so fast.

[Show spoiler]

I have the comparable Lionsgate blu-ray; please let me know if you think that it is much of an upgrade as the site reviewer did not seem to enthusiastically endorse it. It has no HDR, either.

"The four films arguably look improved on the new 4K edition despite some quibbles and complaints of DNR and digital tinkering to the 4K scan. Worthwhile, with reservations and considerations made of the picture-quality. Keep expectations in check."

https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Walla...371986/#Review

[crutzulee]

Talk about your low tech solution... I'm very susceptible to screen sparkle, and my room is a bat cave (fades to black plunge the room into pitch black darkness where you literally can't see your hand in front of your face..lol)... the lowest gain, most acoustically transparent material i could find was also the cheapest! Yeah for SPANDEX

[bhampton]

I think I need to upgrade my screen.

The funny (or sad thing) is my wife has told me to go ahead and buy the Stewart screen and I haven't for some reason.

[Vilya]

Originally Posted by bhampton

I think I need to upgrade my screen.

Splash some whitewash on the garage door. Done.

[crutzulee]

I haven't even sold my Denon 6700 yet and I'm still breaking in the A1H... and there's no way I can possibly fit more channels in my room but....

Unveiling Trinnov Altitude CI: Why It’s a Major Leap for Home Cinema - YouTube

[alchav21]

Originally Posted by Wendell R. Breland

Don’t know about other Android devices but I can tell you the Nvidia Shield Pro is regarded as one of the best streaming devices but to this day it does not match source frame rate automatically, it is still a manual operation .

I really dislike the ads and clutter on the home page and is the reason for changing launcher. OTOH I can do what you can not do, click the desired app and go straight there, see pic.

Like I said I have no problem with my Home Page. My Android Apps are lined up for easy access. The Home Page does have Announcements for Movies and TV Shows, but unless you click on them they just change periodically. My Sony Remote does have a button for Google Play and Netflix, and I do use it.

[gotmule]

Originally Posted by Wendell R. Breland

Have you decided on a screen yet? I can wholeheartedly recommend Stewart Filmscreen StudioTek 130 G4 as a screen material (here). Mine has Ultra Perf because the center speaker is behind the screen.

Stewart has several frame options available. I used a WallScreen 1.5 frame to maximize screen size in the available space.

I am staying with Stewart but do not need an acoustic transparent material. My calibrator still recommends Studiotek 100 for a complete light controlled room, some am sticking with that.

[gotmule]

Originally Posted by crutzulee

I view a Kaleidescape purchase the same way I think about "upgrading" my center channel to MONITOR 9 to have a matching front LCR soundstage.... I'm really happy with things as they currently are so I'll wait for something to shift before I make a change....

For KALEIDESCAPE, it will mean something seriously shifting in the availability of physical media...For my center channel, something more drastic...My current CC350 is going strong after more than 30 years, I'd probably have to buy a pair of MONITOR 9s and I actually have a backup CC350 I acquired in some deal that I don't remember..lol..

And when you finally get around to rebuilding your rig, my vote is for BRING HER BACK as your first test title...

I will definitely pick it up based on your endorsement but will hold off on watching it. The first title to go in will be something to test things out but also something I don’t care a lot about….so something stupid like Godzilla vs Kong New Empire. I will be paying more attention to what the system is doing and not necessarily the movie, and Bring Her Back will need more of my attention to appreciate it I think.

[bhampton]

Originally Posted by crutzulee

My current CC350 is going strong after more than 30 years, I'd probably have to buy a pair of MONITOR 9s and I actually have a backup CC350 I acquired in some deal that I don't remember..lol..

You could probably sell me your speakers as you upgrade. I'm fond of my lower end Paradigm speakers.

[stonesfan129]

Originally Posted by Steedeel

Which is a far poorer viewing experience. Not even 1080p I understand?

Not sure if it's HD or FHD, but I am not going to complain because it's free. They have a pretty decent selection too.

[Ender14]

Added these from GameFly:

[crutzulee]

Originally Posted by bhampton

You could probably sell me your speakers as you upgrade. I'm fond of my lower end Paradigm speakers.

Absolutely LOVE the PARADIGM sound... Due to free access to Canadian government funded R&D facilities in Ottawa, many Canadian speaker companies of a certain era were able to put out products of very high quality at competitive price points and enjoy unparalleled confidence in their listed specs at a time when the industry was full of snake oil..

There have been times over the years where I've bought someone's complete set just to get a speaker or two that I've wanted as I've upgraded. My in-laws complete 5.1 living room setup is made up of spare speakers and gear that I've acquired over the years...LOL..

I've sent down a few smaller bits (media players etc) with them over the years for their place in Florida.... but I wouldn't think you would be allowed to own any Canadian PARADIGM gear down there as the neighbours might get out their pitchforks.... They've stopped eating at THE CRACKER BARREL and they certainly aren't going to put up with any woke speakers

[Steedeel]

Originally Posted by stonesfan129

Not sure if it's HD or FHD, but I am not going to complain because it's free. They have a pretty decent selection too.

Yeah, not for me.