Wabo's HT Hideaway

[Waboman]

Originally Posted by ldgibson76

Hello Wabs. Just watched Jerry Jones cursing himself for paying Dak all that cheddar1 But real talk, based off todays market value, he got off cheap.

Anyway, I want to slide in on the pre-pro upgrade bug convo. That new Marantz AV10 looks magnificent. That front panel is mesmerizing. That processor is insane. I concur with the need vs want dilemma. Do you or will you use any of the additional features it offers. The 8805A is still a beast in its own right. However, $7000! That's steep man. I know you da man, but day-yum! If was an even trade or close, I'd do it on aesthetic alone. But, history has proven that if you do move forward and you'll finagle a sweet deal making the acquisition feasible. You are the acquisition sensei.

Who am I foolin'? I'm considering the Anthem AVM 70 to replace the Marantz AV7702 MkII. But like you, for what the Anthem may offer, the question is, will any of those additional features result in overall better performance? 8K resolution? Really? Where and when? Supposedly it has better DAC's across all channels, and of course, ARC.
The repellents are out in mass! For me, 4 grand is nuts! Let's not forget that understatement regarding the back breaking cable reconnect job I passed the "Too old for that $hit" phase a long time ago. I'm in the "I wish you would try that $hit" phase of my life.

It will eventually happen. More than likely, the upgrade will be subsidized by the IRS.

An LDG drive by.

Whassup, amigo? Hope the new year is treating you well. Yeah, I have a feeling both Dak and the Dallas kicker are now making lattes at the local Starbucks. My prediction for the big game - Bengals vs Eagles. With the Bengals winning. Which will be good for the city of Glendale. They won't have to grease up their light poles for those wacky Philly fans. Speaking of, how's the new tv?

That AV10 keeps singing to me. Like a Siren luring the USS Wabo to it's destruction by the sweetness of her song. It really is a gorgeous looking bastard. Much like yourself. But this time my repellent is strong. I have no desire, I mean no desire, none, zilch, zip, to contort my arse behind my stand and connect a new processor. Add in the cost and I'm happy parking that arse on my couch.

So the Anthem 70 is coming to the LDG mansion? Hex yeah, man! Love it. Plus getting a little something-something from those beancounters is always appreciated. When that happens to me I like to give back down at the all girl mud wrestling center er I mean the YMCA. But that's a story for another forum...

[RageATL]

Originally Posted by Waboman

An itchy buying finger + annual bonus = lets go shopping.

Yeah, 15 years with the same processor is quite the run. People seem to be liking the new Anthems 70/90. Anthem has just never floated my boat. But that's me. I think you have the stones to pull that trigger. Or you can just say f'ck it and go all in with the Trinnov.

I think so too, but like you, not sure I'll ever need all of what the AV 10 has to offer so it'd be all about sound quality for me. I've also heard that while Anthem gear sounds great, it tends to be a little frustrating to set up and tweak due to poor documentation and the menus and such. It'd also be a brand I have absolutely zero familiarity/experience with and I've always wanted a Marantz pre/pro so I think that's the move. That being said, it's about mustering up the cheddar AND the stones to pull the trigger.

[superpacman]

Originally Posted by Waboman

I'm pretty sure it's illegal to use your drone to peak in peoples windows.

Even in Michigan.

Welp!! I am interested in this other drone that is much more quieter...

This one has a very distinctive cool sound, and it gets people attention at a distance. I do know the rules/laws for flying near/over people, and I follow it(had to get a freaking license).

[Batman1980]

Originally Posted by Waboman

I'm pretty sure it's illegal to use your drone to peak in peoples windows. Even in Michigan.

Peeping on girls again, Waboman?

[ldgibson76]

The New Year, up until now has been a break even saga. Some good, some not so good. C'est la vie.

Yeah, it's going to be an ugly off-season in The big D. Everyone is getting fired! McCarthy, Elliott, Maher, the defensive backfield, etc,...

Bengals, huh?! Interesting choice. Hurts is playing some good football. If that's the game, I have to go with Philly, but I'm thinking KC vs. Philly.

I know that song the AV10 is singing. Anthem sings a similar tune. But like you, I'm trying to keep my impulses in check. Before I move on the AVM 70, a new Mac Mini is in my immediate future. It will replace the old HTPC I've had for too many years.

The Sony uber bluray player is retiring along with the 1st Gen apple TV (I bricked it!). I'm also considering an Apple TV 4K. But that may prove to be redundant due to the acquistion of the Mac Mini M2, which will not only provide me access to my hi-rez music files, but should allow me access the apple tv app when needed.

I'm currently experimenting with the Roku 4K stick in my living room setup. I like it bur I'm still getting use to the interface. I'm not sure that I'm ready to completely abandon Fios TV altogether.

The All girls mud wrestling center? Really? I'm in!!!!!! Lol.

[Waboman]

Originally Posted by RageATL

I think so too, but like you, not sure I'll ever need all of what the AV 10 has to offer so it'd be all about sound quality for me. I've also heard that while Anthem gear sounds great, it tends to be a little frustrating to set up and tweak due to poor documentation and the menus and such. It'd also be a brand I have absolutely zero familiarity/experience with and I've always wanted a Marantz pre/pro so I think that's the move. That being said, it's about mustering up the cheddar AND the stones to pull the trigger.

To quote the legendary Colonel John " Hannibal " Smith, overkill is underrated. I think you should get the AV10. Heck, it might even make watching the Jets tolerable. I'm kidding. Send your hate mail to Anthem.

Yeah, pulling the cheddah trigger is always fun. And when you finish and cleaned up, buying a new processor is fun too.

I'm wondering if I can convince our Northern Delaware compatriot to maybe swing by and do some cable management. Might even be a trip to the YMCA in it.

[Waboman]

Originally Posted by superpacman

Welp!! I am interested in this other drone that is much more quieter...

This one has a very distinctive cool sound, and it gets people attention at a distance. I do know the rules/laws for flying near/over people, and I follow it(had to get a freaking license).

So after only 2 weeks you're ready to upgrade your drone? I think you're going on the no fly list.

Originally Posted by Batman1980

Peeping on girls again, Waboman?

Not me.

[Waboman]

Originally Posted by ldgibson76

The New Year, up until now has been a break even saga. Some good, some not so good. C'est la vie.

Yeah, it's going to be an ugly off-season in The big D. Everyone is getting fired! McCarthy, Elliott, Maher, the defensive backfield, etc,...

Bengals, huh?! Interesting choice. Hurts is playing some good football. If that's the game, I have to go with Philly, but I'm thinking KC vs. Philly.

I know that song the AV10 is singing. Anthem sings a similar tune. But like you, I'm trying to keep my impulses in check. Before I move on the AVM 70, a new Mac Mini is in my immediate future. It will replace the old HTPC I've had for too many years.

The Sony uber bluray player is retiring along with the 1st Gen apple TV (I bricked it!). I'm also considering an Apple TV 4K. But that may prove to be redundant due to the acquistion of the Mac Mini M2, which will not only provide me access to my hi-rez music files, but should allow me access the apple tv app when needed.

I'm currently experimenting with the Roku 4K stick in my living room setup. I like it bur I'm still getting use to the interface. I'm not sure that I'm ready to completely abandon Fios TV altogether.

The All girls mud wrestling center? Really? I'm in!!!!!! Lol.

I have a feeling there's gonna be more good than not so good in store. I've always been a glass is half full guy. In fact, hold on just a sec... honey, my glass is less than half full. Beer me!

[Show spoiler]

How in the world do you brick an ATV? I actually have a 4K gen 1 collecting dust. You want it? It's yours. You may want to hold off on that new Mac Mini until you understand these things better. What are you using for a 4K disc player?

[superpacman]

Originally Posted by Waboman

So after only 2 weeks you're ready to upgrade your drone? I think you're going on the no fly list.



Not me.

Not upgrade... Another..

They have different drone that perform differently. The one I have is a smaller FPV(first person view), where I wear goggles and fly from the drone view. FPV is simply fun as hell and the distance you can go and still fly the same. WAAAIT A MINUTE!!!! You already know how FPV works, you talking about peeking in windows... lol

Of course you know how other drones work.

[ldgibson76]

Originally Posted by Waboman

I have a feeling there's gonna be more good than not so good in store. I've always been a glass is half full guy. In fact, hold on just a sec... honey, my glass is less than half full. Beer me!

[Show spoiler]

How in the world do you brick an ATV? I actually have a 4K gen 1 collecting dust. You want it? It's yours. You may want to hold off on that new Mac Mini until you understand these things better. What are you using for a 4K disc player?

Wabs, I like where your heads at. I can appreciate your mind set. It's always best to accentuating the positive. Hopefully 2023 will be an improvement over 2022.

How to brick an ATV? That's easy,.... Apple discontinues support on the device. No more firmware updates, changes security protocols so the device can no longer connect to iTunes or Apple Music and lastly, accidently doing a reset resulting in a complete deletion of all data (music and video files) and custom settings. With the inability to connect to itunes, you now have a bricked device.

The Mac Mini will give me the HTPC function I need in order play my hi-rez files but also allow me to use the Kodi app and play the movies in my video library. Nearly 4TB worth.

My current HTPC is my main source of media. Yes, I can stream from the various streaming apps on the Sony 75X95J and use the eARC HDMI audio path, however, the Marantz AV7702 MkII is only ARC capable so the best audio I will get from the Sony XR is compressed 5-7.1 audio. Now, my Fios VMS-4100 HD/DVR STB will give me Atmos audio if the show or movie I'm viewing has Atmos audio.

I'm using the Panasonic DMP-UB900, not to be confused with the 9000! It's the predecessor to the 9000. I acquired the 900 back in 2017. I've probably used it 10 times max. It's a decent player, but no Dolby Vision or HDR10+. It was state of the art 6 years ago. My system is full of holes.

Wabs, it's difficult buying media today. My days of forking out $30.00 for a disc that I may pop into the tray 2 - 3 times max is just about over. And let's not even get into re-buying old movies because they are in higher resolution. That's not ever happening again!!!(1080p is fine. The upscaling ability of the UB900 and TV will have to suffice). I must admit though, when Gladiator (My fave) became available in 4K, that was a tough one! I almost caved.

Up until now, I've purchase 20 new 4K blurays (all new releases) and I'm kicking myself in the arse for having that many. I've open only 10 of them. The other 10 are still in the plastic. Even the new releases I purchased, ones that I considered "Must haves" went thru a vetting process. Stream first viewing to justify/qualify for actual purchase and even then, 10 of the movies are still in plastic. I miss the days of buying movies just on GP, just to pad the collection. College tuition has a way of giving one acute clarity and financial perspective.

Are you truly offering me your ATV 4K? That's very kind. We will chat about that via text.

What are you using for 4K material? Are you still making that run to Best Buy on new release day like we use to do back in the golden era of bluray acquisitions? Or have you converted to stream only sources?

I last visited a local Best Buy (at one time, one of the top performing stores in the nation) about a month ago to browse for a future Amazon purchase (it's a shame, I know) and the atmosphere was bordering on depression. It reminded me of when Kmart was going out of business. When you walked in, you could literally feel the lack of morale. They were walking around like zombies. The employees in my local Best Buy weren't that bad, but did looked defeated. I actually found something to purchase. When I went to the register with a cat6 cable, I asked the clerk, "Is everything okay with Best Buy?" He looked back and forth then just shook his head in a "No" gesture and then said, "You have no idea". I just left it at that and walked out. Good times ahead.

[Waboman]

Originally Posted by ldgibson76

Wabs, I like where your heads at. I can appreciate your mind set. It's always best to accentuating the positive. Hopefully 2023 will be an improvement over 2022.

How to brick an ATV? That's easy,.... Apple discontinues support on the device. No more firmware updates, changes security protocols so the device can no longer connect to iTunes or Apple Music and lastly, accidently doing a reset resulting in a complete deletion of all data (music and video files) and custom settings. With the inability to connect to itunes, you now have a bricked device.

The Mac Mini will give me the HTPC function I need in order play my hi-rez files but also allow me to use the Kodi app and play the movies in my video library. Nearly 4TB worth.

My current HTPC is my main source of media. Yes, I can stream from the various streaming apps on the Sony 75X95J and use the eARC HDMI audio path, however, the Marantz AV7702 MkII is only ARC capable so the best audio I will get from the Sony XR is compressed 5-7.1 audio. Now, my Fios VMS-4100 HD/DVR STB will give me Atmos audio if the show or movie I'm viewing has Atmos audio.

I'm using the Panasonic DMP-UB900, not to be confused with the 9000! It's the predecessor to the 9000. I acquired the 900 back in 2017. I've probably used it 10 times max. It's a decent player, but no Dolby Vision or HDR10+. It was state of the art 6 years ago. My system is full of holes.

Wabs, it's difficult buying media today. My days of forking out $30.00 for a disc that I may pop into the tray 2 - 3 times max is just about over. And let's not even get into re-buying old movies because they are in higher resolution. That's not ever happening again!!!(1080p is fine. The upscaling ability of the UB900 and TV will have to suffice). I must admit though, when Gladiator (My fave) became available in 4K, that was a tough one! I almost caved.

Up until now, I've purchase 20 new 4K blurays (all new releases) and I'm kicking myself in the arse for having that many. I've open only 10 of them. The other 10 are still in the plastic. Even the new releases I purchased, ones that I considered "Must haves" went thru a vetting process. Stream first viewing to justify/qualify for actual purchase and even then, 10 of the movies are still in plastic. I miss the days of buying movies just on GP, just to pad the collection. College tuition has a way of giving one acute clarity and financial perspective.

Are you truly offering me your ATV 4K? That's very kind. We will chat about that via text.

What are you using for 4K material? Are you still making that run to Best Buy on new release day like we use to do back in the golden era of bluray acquisitions? Or have you converted to stream only sources?

I last visited a local Best Buy (at one time, one of the top performing stores in the nation) about a month ago to browse for a future Amazon purchase (it's a shame, I know) and the atmosphere was bordering on depression. It reminded me of when Kmart was going out of business. When you walked in, you could literally feel the lack of morale. They were walking around like zombies. The employees in my local Best Buy weren't that bad, but did looked defeated. I actually found something to purchase. When I went to the register with a cat6 cable, I asked the clerk, "Is everything okay with Best Buy?" He looked back and forth then just shook his head in a "No" gesture and then said, "You have no idea". I just left it at that and walked out. Good times ahead.

I dunno, LDG. Seems to be some user error involved in your bricking of the Apple.🤔

Yeah, college tuition has a way of kicking a dad right in the Jimmy.😬

I'm not a fan of arc/earc and rarely use the internal apps on my tv. I do use Bravia Core occasionally, but then just end up using the tv's built in speakers. Lol.

I have the Panny 9000. Sadly, it doesn't get used as much as it should. I've scaled back and don't buy as many discs either. I still buy new 4K releases from the boutique labels. The latest being From Beyond from Vinegar Syndrome. Can't wait for this disc to arrive.

I was actually in a Best Buy last week. Had to buy a new printer. Gone is the Magnolia design center. That was always fun to walk thru. I didn't even look at the physical media so can't really comment on it. I did however spend some time in the major appliance section. Much to my kids chagrin. "Come with me. We'll be in and out. Oooh, look at the shiny refrigerators..." Gone are the checkout lanes. It's all done at their customer service counter. Lots of space given to their pickup lockers now. The times they are a changing.

Back to streaming, like I said I prefer an external device and the ATV is my device of choice. I'm currently using the ATV4K gen 2. So if you'll use it I have an ATV4K gen 1 sitting on my shelf. I'd rather it go to a connoisseur, aficionado and general upstanding gentleman such as yourself then try and sell it.

Are you watching The Last of Us? I've enjoyed the first 2 episodes.

[ldgibson76]

I dunno, LDG. Seems to be some user error involved in your bricking of the Apple.

Believe it when I tell you that when something goes wrong with my system, recognizing user error is always top priority. Man, I did a complete systems check before coming to the conclusion that Apple purposely bricked the first gen Apple TV. After further investigation, I discovered that Apple did in fact stopped supporting the device. One of the troubleshooting protocols was a system reboot/reset. After the reboot, ATV would find the files in your iTunes library and reload. I followed that protocol and that's when I realized any data on the device was lost forever due to the inability to connect to iTunes via the cloud. My ATV could not find iTunes on my computer. There is no longer a pathway between the software and the device. Hence the "I bricked it" conclusion.

Naturally, I took a trip into the Apple store and their remedy was,"The new Apple TV 32GB starts at only $99.00." It was very apparent that my square dinosaur had reached it's age of extinction. Hence the "It's Bricked!" conclusion. What I liked about the old ATV was the 160GB internal HD and it's legacy connections. I was able to route the digital signal (optical) thru my PS Audio DAC for upscaling to 24/192. I know the newer ATV's are HDMI, USB 3 and Thunderbolt only. Surrender thru obsoletion.

I haven't watched "The Last of Us" yet, however, it's in the cue. I just finished the "Queen of the South" saga. Alice Braga is special. Have you seen it? It's 5 seasons long.

[superpacman]

i'm looking forward to the final season of Picard...
Looks like they getting the band back together..

You still have the photo I asked for 14yrs ago?

[RageATL]

Originally Posted by Waboman

To quote the legendary Colonel John " Hannibal " Smith, overkill is underrated. I think you should get the AV10. Heck, it might even make watching the Jets tolerable. I'm kidding. Send your hate mail to Anthem.

Yeah, pulling the cheddah trigger is always fun. And when you finish and cleaned up, buying a new processor is fun too.

I'm wondering if I can convince our Northern Delaware compatriot to maybe swing by and do some cable management. Might even be a trip to the YMCA in it.

The more I think about it, the more I think the AV 10 will be my 50th birthday gift to myself...a new pre/pro would go so much further and bring so much more enjoyment than buying something frivolous. Once the bonus arrives, I think I'm gonna go for it.

Haha yeah, no kidding, I definitely need to do some cable clean-up in my HT for sure.

[Waboman]

Originally Posted by superpacman

i'm looking forward to the final season of Picard...
Looks like they getting the band back together..

You still have the photo I asked for 14yrs ago?

If the photo is of that sweet crazy bastard Hamp and his ass blaster 5000 than no, I do not.

[Waboman]

Originally Posted by RageATL

The more I think about it, the more I think the AV 10 will be my 50th birthday gift to myself...a new pre/pro would go so much further and bring so much more enjoyment than buying something frivolous. Once the bonus arrives, I think I'm gonna go for it.

Haha yeah, no kidding, I definitely need to do some cable clean-up in my HT for sure.

Nice! Now that's how you birthday. You only turn half a century once. Or at least that's what they tell me. Although buying something frivolous is also appreciated and approved. When is the big day, old man?

[RageATL]

Originally Posted by Waboman

Nice! Now that's how you birthday. You only turn half a century once. Or at least that's what they tell me. Although buying something frivolous is also appreciated and approved. When is the big day, old man?

Exactly, it's a perfect time and excuse to say "fuggit!" Not until the end of October but no way I'm waiting that long...it's a year-long celebration!

[superpacman]

Originally Posted by Waboman

If the photo is of that sweet crazy bastard Hamp and his ass blaster 5000 than no, I do not.

The signed Star Trek picture....

[ldgibson76]

Good Morning Wabs.

Since our last conversation regarding what teams will in SB LVII, I did predict that it would be Chiefs vs Eagles.

So what's your prediction this time? I think the Chiefs playoff pedigree will help them prevail.

Are you doing anything like attending a SB party or hosting one?

[Waboman]

Originally Posted by RageATL

Exactly, it's a perfect time and excuse to say "fuggit!" Not until the end of October but no way I'm waiting that long...it's a year-long celebration!

Good day to crack open a few pre bday cervezas. Salud.

Originally Posted by superpacman

The signed Star Trek picture....

Oh, that pic. Yes, yes I do.

Originally Posted by ldgibson76

Good Morning Wabs.

Since our last conversation regarding what teams will in SB LVII, I did predict that it would be Chiefs vs Eagles.

So what's your prediction this time? I think the Chiefs playoff pedigree will help them prevail.

Are you doing anything like attending a SB party or hosting one?

I think the Chiefs will prevail. Although I'm rooting for a few Philly touchdowns.

[Show spoiler]

I'm too old and ornery for any of that SB shenanigans. Will probably just order a couple of pizzas. You? Should we be greasing the pole in Northern Delaware?