The Home Theater Thread

[Ascf33]

Originally Posted by GSUdawg521

I know this thread is usually for videophiles, etc. but anyone else have experience with some of the bigger budget LEDs? I'm looking to get a 65" here soon and there are a handful around the $600 range. TCL, Samsung, LG all have one. I've heard good things about TCL and my brother has a couple of the 50" or 55"s that he loves.

At that price range, the TCL 6 series or the Vizio P series.

[dmbetc]

Just did a remodel and have Sonos as the sound bar for two TVs and two sonos Play:1 for the surround sound effect.

We are looking for another speaker that is wireless and able to sync up to our iPhones (sonos can only seem to link Apple Music and select apps, from what I can tell?). We are looking at the HomePod but am seeing if anyone here has any other recommendations.

We are absolutely loving the sonos set up though.

[comeandsee41]

I have a house full of Sonos speakers (Play 1). I’ve read a bunch and thought you couldn’t make them surround speakers? How did you do it??

[dmbetc]

Originally Posted by comeandsee41

I have a house full of Sonos speakers (Play 1). I’ve read a bunch and thought you couldn’t make them surround speakers? How did you do it??

Oh well, I don’t know if it’s real surround . I just have the sound bar and a play:1 in the back. Shouldn’t say “surround” sound but it works for us.

We have an open house downstairs so the play:1 is in the kitchen.

[dinkyvision]

Originally Posted by comeandsee41

I have a house full of Sonos speakers (Play 1). I’ve read a bunch and thought you couldn’t make them surround speakers? How did you do it??

I setup my parents family room using a Sonos playbar & sub with a Sonos connect to feed the rear surrounds (in ceiling speakers). It was a pain to get set up correctly & took many adjustments but it’s possible. Not sure how to use play 1’s for surrounds though... (at the time it could not support dts signals but Dolby 5.1 worked fine.. not sure if that’s changed. No dts is kind of a deal breaker for me, and I’m not in the Sonos ecosystem at home, but I will say they sound quite good for the size.

[Cscottrun]

Originally Posted by dobyblue

OLED is definitely king of picture quality, QLED is still an LCD set which means it is backlit unlike OLED. Black level performance in a dark room is key and you don't need 1000 nits blinding you in the room. Installing a TV outside to watch on the patio or from the pool during the big game? LCD all the way! For critical viewing, in my experience LCD-tech doesn't hold a candle to OLED. It truly is a completely different ball game, and with the exception of pure motion resolution my Panasonic OLED absolutely smokes my stunning Panasonic VT60 plasma in every regard.

Can you (or anyone else) comment on Dolby Atmos? I am contemplating the LG OLED65C8PUA. I know it features Atmos support; my Yamaha receiver, however, doesn't. Is it worth upgrading the receiver?

[dinkyvision]

Originally Posted by Cscottrun

Can you (or anyone else) comment on Dolby Atmos? I am contemplating the LG OLED65C8PUA. I know it features Atmos support; my Yamaha receiver, however, doesn't. Is it worth upgrading the receiver?

I’m not sure why a monitor would support Atmos unless you are routing everything through it first... but Atmos does really create an immersive sound field. I will only go to the theater near us with Atmos as it’s so much more dynamic. If you’ve been using 5 or 7.1 or more and want a bit more then it’s worth the investment. It also really depends on the room & how/where you can place all the speakers.

[dobyblue]

Love Atmos and dts:X

Watching Backdraft tonight for the first time via the new Ultra 4K disc, the dts:X track is awesome! Was just intending to watch the opening few mins but made it through the first hour!

Atmos upmixing is terrific also, especially for 5.1 material. Busted out Love DVD-Audio by The Beatles yesterday, Eleanor Rigby sounds huge upmixed to 5.2.4

Definitely upgrade!

[Benny003]

Originally Posted by Cscottrun

Can you (or anyone else) comment on Dolby Atmos? I am contemplating the LG OLED65C8PUA. I know it features Atmos support; my Yamaha receiver, however, doesn't. Is it worth upgrading the receiver?

Regarding Atmos coming from the TV, I think it's a little bit complicated. These two articles should cover it. Basically, it involves HDMI ARC and HDMI ARC is kind of a pain in the ass for a lot of people. I haven't even bothered trying it because of how many people complain about how it doesn't work.

https://www.tomsguide.com/us/hdmi-ar...ews-26262.html

https://hdguru.com/understanding-dol...porting-lg-tv/

[Dave&Tim41]

Definitely buying a TV this weekend, but can't make a decision. I've narrowed it down to the below, and certainly appreciate any input! (No pun intended.) Also, my budget is $400 max (I am moving soon and have related expenses).

Samsung RU7100 https://www.bestbuy.com/site/samsung...?skuId=6323733
LG UK6090PUA https://www.bestbuy.com/site/lg-50-c...?skuId=6290166
TCL 5 Series https://www.bestbuy.com/site/tcl-55-...?skuId=6202783

Wary about TCL because apparently it isn't "true" 4k until you hit the 6 series, and its not a brand I would typically buy. Leaning Samsung but honestly have no clue.

[dmbetc]

We have the Samsung 8 series (65” and 82”). I’ve been happy with it thus far, only been in the house a few weeks. Haven’t watched any 4K movies on it yet, but gaming has been great.

Also have the TCL 43” but I’ve been more happy with the Samsung, personally.

[smokew11]

any thoughts on this tv? https://www.bestbuy.com/site/samsung...?skuId=6325561

it will be connected to my ps4 and onkyo 5.1 system

only play video games once in a while. It'll mostly be used for casual watching, sports, movies here and there

[prdstmnky36]

Originally Posted by smokew11

any thoughts on this tv? https://www.bestbuy.com/site/samsung...?skuId=6325561

it will be connected to my ps4 and onkyo 5.1 system

only play video games once in a while. It'll mostly be used for casual watching, sports, movies here and there

I bought a 55” 8 series last year that I really like...no complaints!

[GSUdawg521]

I'm still in the market soon for a new setup. One thing I really don't know crap about is receivers. I'll still be looking to go budget (number of highly rated ones under $300). But is Dolby Atmos important to set myself up with?

[Benny003]

Originally Posted by GSUdawg521

I'm still in the market soon for a new setup. One thing I really don't know crap about is receivers. I'll still be looking to go budget (number of highly rated ones under $300). But is Dolby Atmos important to set myself up with?

It's basically the new audio standard for movies. It's good, but I would say it's mostly only beneficial if you have the speaker setup to take advantage of it.

[GSUdawg521]

^ Thanks that's what it sounded like. "Good to have" but not a priority.

I just pulled the trigger on the TCL 6 Series 65". $700 on Amazon with 15% back (~$100+) on my Amazon card. Then it'll be a mount, receiver, and speakers. Oh boy

[dobyblue]

Sony doing something very cool, asking for your suggestions on future 4K Ultra HD titles.

https://secure.sonypictures.com/movi...sphe/polls/4k/

The last one is a write-in, here are some suggestions if you're not sure what's Sony and what isn't.

The Fan
Lawrence of Arabia
Panic Room
Legends of the Fall
A River Runs Through It
The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo
Taxi Driver
District 9
Arlington Road
Gattaca
The Quick and The Dead
The Patriot
The Taking of Pelham 123
Donnie Brasco
Dogma
The 6th Day
Blue Thunder

[Mickey Carson]

Originally Posted by dobyblue

Sony doing something very cool, asking for your suggestions on future 4K Ultra HD titles.

https://secure.sonypictures.com/movi...sphe/polls/4k/

My votes:

Awakenings

Drive, Looper, Whiplash

Write-in: Panic Room

[YouNeverKnow25]

apropos of nothing, every time I see this thread I pronounce it "home thee-ay-ter" like beanie in old school

[dinkyvision]

Originally Posted by dobyblue

Sony doing something very cool, asking for your suggestions on future 4K Ultra HD titles.

https://secure.sonypictures.com/movi...sphe/polls/4k/

The last one is a write-in, here are some suggestions if you're not sure what's Sony and what isn't.

The Fan
Lawrence of Arabia
Panic Room
Legends of the Fall
A River Runs Through It
The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo
Taxi Driver
District 9
Arlington Road
Gattaca
The Quick and The Dead
The Patriot
The Taking of Pelham 123
Donnie Brasco
Dogma
The 6th Day
Blue Thunder

Dogma has been out of print for years. Rights/ownership issues & I wouldn’t hold your breath for it any time soon. Used DVDs go for $50+ on eBay.

[dobyblue]

Originally Posted by dinkyvision

Dogma has been out of print for years. Rights/ownership issues & I wouldn’t hold your breath for it any time soon. Used DVDs go for $50+ on eBay.

Thanks for the heads up! Didn’t realize my Blu-ray was worth $90! Time to sell!

Shame tho, shot on 35mm this would make for a great 4K release.

[Benny003]

Originally Posted by Mickey Carson

My votes:

Awakenings

Drive, Looper, Whiplash

Write-in: Panic Room

Would love to have Looper and Whiplash in 4K.

[Dannyyankou]

Originally Posted by dobyblue

I would be very surprised if that's the case, I've driven 7+ hours down to the shootout on two separate years and the sets always represent the models for the consumer market and not industrial/business models. LG were there in 2013 for their 1080p set because they were just outside the launch window but Value Electronics wanted their OLED set there, so because their interface wasn't totally ready they made some techs available to assist the calibrators.

The shootout is for enthusiasts who will pay for calibrators, if there was no market for these sets outside calibrators they surely wouldn't manufacture them. The shootout gets lots of press. It's just about the same amount to have DeWayne calibrate your set if he's in your area as it is Best Buy's Geek Squad, DeWayne, Kevin and David are all super nice guys, very easy to talk do and won't screw you over with an outrageous bill.

They do give full reports on out of box measurements as well as post calibration.

Those TVs are of course not for the average consumer who doesn't even pay for HD and stretches their SD feed only horizontally...but it's certainly noted by many an enthusiast across the various AV forums.

In 2014 Samsung had a 21:9 100+" LED there, it was pretty awful. The calibrators want a good set just like you and I do. If you're ever in the area you'll find Robert Zohn is the consummate host, very enthusiastic and very easy to chat with, he and his wife Wendy always welcome newcomers to the shootout. I wish I could go every year but Scarsdale alone is a 7.25 hour drive from Niagara Falls land I believe they're further down into Manhattan now.

Wow, this is so funny. We’re redoing our home theater setup at our house, so I came to this thread for input. But it turns out, we had this exact Robert guy from Value Electronics come to our house to give his own input (he recommended a Sony OLED Master Series). So we must be in good hands I guess

I have a question though. What’s better for multi room audio, Sonos or HEOS?

[Benny003]

Originally Posted by Dannyyankou

Wow, this is so funny. We’re redoing our home theater setup at our house, so I came to this thread for input. But it turns out, we had this exact Robert guy from Value Electronics come to our house to give his own input (he recommended a Sony OLED Master Series). So we must be in good hands I guess

I have a question though. What’s better for multi room audio, Sonos or HEOS?

Though Sonos speakers are very good, it seems HEOS might be slightly better. However, it seems the HEOS software is pretty bad compared to Sonos.

https://justclickappliances.com/deno...ces-explained/

I have had Sonos stuff for about 5 years and I love it. I have their amps powering in-ceiling speakers in 4 rooms, plus about 6 of their standalone speakers spread around the house.

[dobyblue]

Originally Posted by Dannyyankou

Wow, this is so funny. We’re redoing our home theater setup at our house, so I came to this thread for input. But it turns out, we had this exact Robert guy from Value Electronics come to our house to give his own input (he recommended a Sony OLED Master Series). So we must be in good hands I guess

I have a question though. What’s better for multi room audio, Sonos or HEOS?

Robert is an excellent dude, he's very passionate about audio/video and knowledgeable as well...you cannot go wrong in his hands.

Please tell him I said hello, he'll know who "dobyblue" is. Yeah, Sony OLED will be amazing, I'd highly recommend a proper calibration on a set like that.

I am not aware of HEOS hardware, I only use their app as I use my Marantz AVR for controlling my Zone 2 and I have Paradigm floorstanding towers hardwired. That works well for me, I find the app on the iPad is super easy to use for streaming via DNLA from my PC (gigabit network landline to Marantz AVR)

[Dannyyankou]

Originally Posted by Benny003

Though Sonos speakers are very good, it seems HEOS might be slightly better. However, it seems the HEOS software is pretty bad compared to Sonos.

https://justclickappliances.com/deno...ces-explained/

I have had Sonos stuff for about 5 years and I love it. I have their amps powering in-ceiling speakers in 4 rooms, plus about 6 of their standalone speakers spread around the house.

Originally Posted by dobyblue

Robert is an excellent dude, he's very passionate about audio/video and knowledgeable as well...you cannot go wrong in his hands.

Please tell him I said hello, he'll know who "dobyblue" is. Yeah, Sony OLED will be amazing, I'd highly recommend a proper calibration on a set like that.

I am not aware of HEOS hardware, I only use their app as I use my Marantz AVR for controlling my Zone 2 and I have Paradigm floorstanding towers hardwired. That works well for me, I find the app on the iPad is super easy to use for streaming via DNLA from my PC (gigabit network landline to Marantz AVR)

Alright, sounds good. Conflicting information about the HEOS software though

I'm sure anything will be better than what we have now, we have a Niles system to control everything and it absolutely sucks. It's a touchscreen based system that's 10 years old, so there's no companion app to control everything with.

[Dannyyankou]

Alright it’s been finalized, we’re getting a 65 inch Sony AG9 installed tomorrow. Very much looking forward to this. Our 2008 Sony Bravia looks like a dinosaur compared to it.

[dobyblue]

Are you getting it from Robert and also...calibrated? I spent $350 getting mine done last year and that was a friends rate as I know the GTA main calibrator quite well from years ago on the NIN forums. It's so worth it when you get this level of TV, especially if you're watching any 4K material and/or have a Blu-ray collection.

[Dannyyankou]

Originally Posted by dobyblue

Are you getting it from Robert and also...calibrated? I spent $350 getting mine done last year and that was a friends rate as I know the GTA main calibrator quite well from years ago on the NIN forums. It's so worth it when you get this level of TV, especially if you're watching any 4K material and/or have a Blu-ray collection.

Yep, well not from Robert directly but from one of the technicians from his shop. Unfortunately the tv didn’t get delivered today though, so we now have to wait until tomorrow lol. But we’re getting some outdoor speakers installed today so I’m looking forward to that at least.

[Benny003]

Originally Posted by dobyblue

Are you getting it from Robert and also...calibrated? I spent $350 getting mine done last year and that was a friends rate as I know the GTA main calibrator quite well from years ago on the NIN forums. It's so worth it when you get this level of TV, especially if you're watching any 4K material and/or have a Blu-ray collection.

I got my LG 77C8 calibrated by ChadB a couple weeks ago (spent 8 months on his waiting list). I think it helped improve SDR skin tones as the most noticeable change, but honestly I couldn't really say that HDR and Dolby Vision improved that much. Based on what I could interpret from the results he gave me, it seemed that while he definitely got things more accurate a lot of my initial readings were already within "acceptable" limits. I'm glad I got it done because I was wondering how much more could be squeezed out of the picture on it, but I wouldn't say it was a significant improvement. As Chad told me, today's uncalibrated TV's (with proper general settings selected) are better than a lot of calibrated TV's from years ago. That's good though. It shows how well TV manufacturers have improved their image quality from the factory and how well they have implemented "calibrated" settings out of the box.

A big part of it though it finding good baseline settings for the particular TV, which can generally be found in good TV review write-ups online. If you don't do anything out of the box or are using "Vibrant" mode or something, then yes, a proper calibration will make a huge difference.