Home Theater | CX Gang

REALLY good video on the future of TV tech



Some notes I took

Sharp now has 8k tv/monitor on the market (world's first)
8k like imax at home
8k full channel in japan this year
70'' starting size for 8k (4k 40'')
8k mainstream is far out admittedly
8k momentum 2025 onward

tcl has qled tv in pipeline (quantum led)
qled (quantum dot on glass) -> later this year. cost prohibitive.

microLED "the wall" not viable. ways off from consumer adoption.

oled issues
- manufacturing. any emmissive display by definiton has issues with burn in because different parts of the display will blare out in different rates
- main goal in oled - hot process. want to change it to a printing like process for manufacturing.
- Smaller sizes
-55'' TVs outsell 30'' TVs

FALD LED done well, really thoroughly executed is as competitive as OLED

Recommend watching the full video if you're interested in TV tech at all

That was a good video, thanks for the link!

What if you want to get rid of your TV?

By Apollo Go To PostWhat if you want to get rid of your TV?

Family or Craigslist. About it really. I'm not sure if Best Buy will take your old TV off your hands if you have the new one delivered from them.

Nah I’m talking of just getting rid of a tv and not having one

Donate it to Goodwill.

By reilo Go To PostDonate it to Goodwill.

Is Psy asking for A TV?

By Smokey Go To PostREALLY good video on the future of TV tech

https://youtu.be/Fdj3rwP7fN8

Some notes I took


Recommend watching the full video if you're interested in TV tech at all

Good stuff. I was hoping they'd go more into detail about the near future of OLED. Like what improvements can we expect over the next 2-3 years.

Guess it's going to be OLED vs. (high-end) LCD for the foreseeable future, which is both expected and kind of disappointing.

By Zabojnik Go To PostGood stuff. I was hoping they'd go more into detail about the near future of OLED. Like what improvements can we expect over the next 2-3 years.

Guess it's going to be OLED vs. (high-end) LCD for the foreseeable future, which is both expected and kind of disappointing.

They did. The improved manufactering should bring prices down and widen available screen sizes. RGB OLED could be the next evolution, but the yields are not good at big sizes. LG was able to get the wOLED recipe from Kodak, and that's why they're the main supplier. Other than that, I expect them to continue to work on brightness, which isn't bad at all. It's just that compared to the high end FALD LEDs, they have a large advantage.

It's a shame that the manufacturing of MicroLED involves so much fuckery, that it sounds like it's at least 10 years away from being ready.

That video basically affirmed my purchase of my current PC monitor as a good decision as it seems it will be forever until a PC-ready monitor that can produce black blacks will be ready. I'll probably purchase a FALD LED with HDR when they become affordable.

Samsung Q9FN

https://www.avforums.com/threads/samsung-q9fn-qled-owners-and-discussion-thread.2164685/page-4





Buy LED brehs

Buy Samsung brehs

rtings.com has updated their recommendations



LG B7A OLED (2017 model) is still listed as best HDR Gaming TV.

The best HDR gaming TV we've tested is the LG B7 4k OLED TV. OLED TVs like the B7 are able to turn individual pixels off, creating infinite contrast and true blacks. They also have very good viewing angles and are among the brightest TVs on the market.

The B7A has consistent low input lag across all input modes while in game mode, so even if your favorite game hasn't been updated with HDR support, you will be able to fully enjoy the game. OLED TVs also have a near-instantaneous response time, and therefore, there is almost no visible blur, which is great for helping games look exceptionally smooth.

Followed by Sony x930e

If image retention and burn-in concern you, or if you want a brighter alternative, the Sony X930E 4k LED TV is an excellent choice. It is one of the brightest TVs we have reviewed and has low input lag and very good motion handling.

Other categories on their site, but note these are 2017 models. 2018 models are starting to roll out, but rtings takes into account pricing when making recommendations as well.

TCL 2018 sets are up for preorder and look to be a really nice improvement over the 2017 models

Impressions from one of the professional reviewers over at AVS

This looked really good. As in, scary good. Should I get more explicit? I have to come up with a good way to describe what's going on here because that Netflix stream didn't just look good, it was free of artifacts and looked incredible. If I were to base it just on what I saw last night, I don't see why most people would bother buying an OLED or ultra-premium LCD at more that triple the price. As for "more money buys you more performance" that remains true. It's just that the law of diminishing returns kicks in extremely hard right here at 999 bucks.

55'' $599 @ best buy https://www.bestbuy.com/site/tcl-55-class-54-6-diag--led-2160p-smart-4k-ultra-hd-tv-with-high-dynamic-range-roku-tv/6204548.p?skuId=6204548

65'' $999 @ best buy https://www.bestbuy.com/site/tcl-65-class-64-5-diag--led-2160p-smart-4k-ultra-hd-tv-with-high-dynamic-range-roku-tv/6204551.p?skuId=6204551

They're also on Amazon

TCL is one of the few budget brands that are actually good buys.

By Kibner Go To PostTCL is one of the few budget brands that are actually good buys.

I don’t keep up with TVSs but I’m loving my P605. PS4 games look gorgeous on it and it’s great for streaming too. Have had zero issues with it.

By Kibner Go To PostTCL is one of the few budget brands that are actually good buys.

Yeah, really solid TVs. At least their upper models in the US.

I'm not buying a new TV for at least another year, but if I had access to deals such as the above 65" TLC, I'd be installing said TV tomorrow.

Disgusting US prices, disrespecting the world we live in.

Dell must have had some pricing mistake on their 2017 65'' Vizio E-Series and i got a quote at work for $380, been ordering a bunch for new conference rooms. Not that relevant just an anecdote.

By Zabojnik Go To PostI'm not buying a new TV for at least another year, but if I had access to deals such as the above 65" TLC, I'd be installing said TV tomorrow.

Disgusting US prices, disrespecting the world we live in.

I always see these posts and wonder how the rest of the world buys things sometimes.

By diehard Go To PostI always see these posts and wonder how the rest of the world buys things sometimes.

It ain't easy.

Pretty objective review. The TV does look nice, but most Samsung products look nice. Reiterates that this is a top tier gaming TV. I think that will probably remain the case for the 2018 model year.

Wrong thread.

And again.

still can't order the 75-inch Q9FN anywhere. those smokey hype videos aren't helping :/

By Mariosalic Go To Poststill can't order the 75-inch Q9FN anywhere. those smokey hype videos aren't helping :/

Looks like a really solid tv. Dolby Vision being absent is a huge thing though (imo).

how long until smokey looks for a part time job in the TV section at bestbuy simply for the joy of it?

By Dark PhaZe Go To Posthow long until smokey looks for a part time job in the TV section at bestbuy simply for the joy of it?

I already did months ago. Couldn't get schedule lined up with my day job for hours they were looking for.

Smokey updated the thread title to extend the content of this thread to all of Home Theater. So, feel free to post about audio stuff in here, too!

Updated thread title -- would like to start getting some audio talk in there too.

I need to really step up my research in that area.

I just know that when the time comes, I'm outfitting my room for Dolby Atmos

By Smokey Go To PostUpdated thread title – would like to start getting some audio talk in there too.

I need to really step up my research in that area.

I just know that when the time comes, I'm outfitting my room for Dolby Atmos

Let me talk you into spending more on audio gear than your child's college fund.

i should do up an addition to the OP to explain some of the audio basics and terminology. Like, what does 2.1 mean? What makes Dolby Atmos special?

Probably not worth getting into the weeds about crossovers and room treatment, though, unless those topics become popular.

If there is something any of you want me to cover in the OP, let me know.

By Kibner Go To Posti should do up an addition to the OP to explain some of the audio basics and terminology. Like, what does 2.1 mean? What makes Dolby Atmos special?

Probably not worth getting into the weeds about crossovers and room treatment, though, unless those topics become popular.

If there is something any of you want me to cover in the OP, let me know.

Receivers would be a good place to start. Then from there Atmos etc as not all receivers support the same audio formats.

Q9FN Rtings.com review

https://www.rtings.com/tv/reviews/samsung/q9fn

8.5 overall rating

The Samsung Q9F is the brand's highest-end QLED LCD TV and offers excellent performance for mixed usage. In dark rooms, the high native contrast ratio and great local dimming result in deep dark scenes, and in bright rooms, the excellent anti-reflective coating and high peak brightness help to overcome glare. Unfortunately, when watching sports, some dirty screen effect is noticeable due to nonuniform areas of the screen and the image loses accuracy when viewed at an angle.

Some quality budget speakers on sale: https://emotiva.com/collections/speaker-closeout

You will definitely want a sub to back them up because they only go down to 80 hz.

Onkyo TX-NR787 Offers 9-Channel Atmos & DTS:X for $799 MSRP

Onkyo is here to shake things up with the THX-certified TX-NR787. As with all modern AVRs, it’s got a long feature list and a ton of capabilities. But what makes this particular model outstanding and noteworthy is its $799 MSRP, which drastically reduces the cost of entry for an AVR that has 9-channel 3D immersive audio for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.

Despite the attractive pricing, this new Onkyo is packed with features and capabilities that are sure to appeal to home theater enthusiasts. For example, it outputs 100 watts per channel into 8 ohms and has seven HDMI inputs as well as two HDMI outputs that can handle all the latest video formats. From 4K 60p 4:4:4 to Dolby Vision and HDR10 plus HLG (hybrid-log gamma) HDR, this Onkyo is ready to deliver state-of-the-art video as well as audio.

THX Select certification, 5.2.4 (or 7.2.2) 3D immersive audio processing, advanced room correction, Chromecast built-in, DTS-Play-Fi, AirPlay, Spotify, Tidal, Deezer, Amazon Music etc. built-in… the list goes on. You can even put together a 5.2.2 configuration and use the remaining two channels for second zone.

http://www.avsforum.com/onkyo-tx-nr787-offers-9-channel-atmos-dtsx-for-799-msrp/

This is great. Onkyo has always given a great product at a good price. Handling every HDR format on multiple HDMI ports is huge for me as well.

This is me starting to brain storm a proper Atmos setup. In due time .

Or just buy a failing local cinema.

that 77''

I hope to soon visit this thread. I used to have a fairly decent 7.1 setup but when I moved to my current house I had nowhere for surround speakers. I've been missing good surround sound for 3 years now or so. My next house I will not allow this to happen. I would like my next set up to run a second zone so that Onkyo receiver posted will fit the bill. Now I just need to talk my wife in letting me move my def tech speakers into the bedroom with my current dennon receiver so I can buy all new speakers for the hypothetical front room I'm imagining.

Oh hey, a modular receiver: https://emotiva.com/collections/processors/products/xmc-1

It's built such that you can replace different boards as new tech/standards come out and have it always able to support them. Or not, if you don't use that tech. It also supports the best room correction software (which I find invaluable for balancing the subs with the rest of the system without taking a butt load of time and expertise).

Super expensive, though, and you'll still need an amp!

By Fenderputty Go To PostI hope to soon visit this thread. I used to have a fairly decent 7.1 setup but when I moved to my current house I had nowhere for surround speakers. I've been missing good surround sound for 3 years now or so. My next house I will not allow this to happen. I would like my next set up to run a second zone so that Onkyo receiver posted will fit the bill. Now I just need to talk my wife in letting me move my def tech speakers into the bedroom with my current dennon receiver so I can buy all new speakers for the hypothetical front room I'm imagining.

you wanting to go to atmos or stick with your 7.1 type setup you had before?

For more realistic purchases, Marantz also makes great receivers:

http://us.marantz.com/us/Products/Pages/ProductDetails.aspx?CatId=avreceivers&ProductId=NR1608

It should be comparable to that Onkyo, but costs $50 less.

e: nvm, it only supports Atmos up to 5.1.2

By Smokey Go To Postyou wanting to go to atmos or stick with your 7.1 type setup you had before?

ATMOS came out a little after I bought my old set up and then I lost my surround in my current house, so I'm not fully up to speed on what ATMOS offers.

By Fenderputty Go To PostATMOS came out a little after I bought my old set up and then I lost my surround in my current house, so I'm not fully up to speed on what ATMOS offers.

Atmos adds verticality to sound. So you can distinguish between sounds above and below your ears.

By Kibner Go To PostAtmos adds verticality to sound. So you can distinguish between sounds above and below your ears.

Does the speaker quantity and location matter? Do you stack bookshelf / surrounds?

By Fenderputty Go To PostDoes the speaker quantity and location matter? Do you stack bookshelf / surrounds?

Ideally , that's how it should be set up. There are some (expensive) ATMOS sound bars that have speakers pointing towards the ceiling that do a good job of simulating the effect. The Sony ht-st5000 is one that I've heard personally, and the one I want. But it's $1,200. Although it's more of a ATMOS sound bar receiver. Has multiple HDMI ports and can pass HDR through it.

In addition to what Smokey was saying, they added a new "dot" to describe atmos setups. A surround setup labeled as 7.1 means seven satellite speakers and one sub. 7.1.2 means the same, but also two atmos speakers.

The picture Smokey posted is a 7.1.4 setup.

My last set up had the surrounds on the ceiling. I think getting the surrounds at ear level is the chellenge. The ceiling speakers you can add crown molding and hide the wires in there. Which is what I did. Unless the room is perfectly set up so that you can hide speakers on tables near couches or something, you’re using wall speakers for those ear level speakers, which means tearing up drywall.

By Fenderputty Go To PostMy last set up had the surrounds on the ceiling. I think getting the surrounds at ear level is the chellenge. The ceiling speakers you can add crown molding and hide the wires in there. Which is what I did. Unless the room is perfectly set up so that you can hide speakers on tables near couches or something, you’re using wall speakers for those ear level speakers, which means tearing up drywall.

Guessing speaker stands are out of the question, then? I over-paid for these, but I'm happy with them.


Important features, matte wood-like appearance (matches my other furniture), adjustable feet with rubber bottoms so that it can have a solid footing on the floor, rubber bumps up top to rest a speaker on and minimize vibrations, a hole in the back to thread wires through and out the bottom for better management of them. I'm sure you could find or make better yourself, but those are the important things to have, imo. Oh, they are also relatively heavy in order to help with stability.

I do not know how often you get earthquakes/strong tremors in your area, but you may want to also consider using earthquake/museum putty to help prevent speakers from shaking off the stands. Or maybe some strong 3M adhesive that removes cleanly? You would know better than me.

Could also use that same putty or adhesive to keep the stands attached to the floor since I imagine drilling or otherwise 'permanently' attaching the stands to the floors is not an option.

There is also this DIY option I just read. lol

Cement cinder blocks to the right height, wood on the outside to hold it all together, Sand in the middle for earthquake proof and a wooden top. Should not be too expensive and it can be taken apart if you need to move. Best of luck!

Yeah the space still needs to be wife approved. A 5.1.2 with a second zone would reduce the amount of stands I need. I might be able to get away with (2). Help keep the price down that way too lol.

($300 for a decent in wall / ceiling speaker) x 7 + sub + front x 2 + receiver + drywall patching isn't gonna be cheap as is.

To be honest, If I'm doing drywall patching already I might as well go with a multiplier of 9 for the surrounds.