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We all know that traditional radio and CDs are in decline. Even digital downloads are waning in popularity, giving way to music streaming options from an ever-growing roster of online services. All of which makes us wonder if on-demand music streaming is the Next Big Thing in music listening.
Cast your vote in this week’s HT Poll, and if you don’t see your favorite music service in the list below (we were shocked by how many we found) tell us about the one you like most in the Comments section.
Does video streaming play a role in how you experience TV and movies at home? If so, take part in this week's Home Theater Poll and let us know which service you use most.
- Samsung spotlighted 85-, 95- and 110-inch 4K Ultra HDTVs in open tripod-like frames and said the 85-inch model will hit stores in March/April. Also see this report.
- LG showcased the 84-inch 4K Ultra HD TV that went on sale in late 2012 and revealed plans for 55- and 65-inch screen sizes later this year. OLED was also front and center in the form of a 55-inch set the company plans to deliver in March for $12,000; LG also demonstrated a curved OLED panel that’s said to deliver a more accurate image. Also see this report.
- Panasonic and Sony teamed up to produce OLED panels using a new printing technology. Both companies showed the only 4K OLED panels at the show.
- Sony announced plans to expand its 4K Ultra HD line this spring with 55- and 65-inch screen sizes that will join the 84-inch model announced last year and showed a 4K Ultra HD video player.
- Value-leader Vizio highlighted a 70-inch 4K Ultra HDTV that will be joined by 55- and 65-inch sets later in the year.
- Toshiba showed 58-, 65-, and 84-inch 4K Ultra HD TVs; all feature the proprietary Cevo upscaling engine and are slated for release this summer.
- Sharp unveiled two 4K Ultra HD TVs, featuring a proprietary ICC processor that is said to add depth to upconverted 1080p content; the sets are due out in later this year.
- Chinese TV maker Hisense announced five Ultra HD TVs with screen sizes ranging from 50 to 110 inches but didn’t reveal when the sets will be available or how much they will cost.
Today's poll question, then, is this: how many active remotes do you currently have on your coffee table that you end up having to pick up at least once a week?
If you use a power conditioner, have you noticed an improvement in the audio and/or video performance of your system that you can reasonably attribute to that device? Inquiring minds want to know!
Vote to see the results and leave a comment about your choice.
How about you? Have you installed a voltage regulator, surge suppressor (other than a cheap power strip), lightning rod, uninterruptible power supply (UPS), or other power protection? What have you done in this regard and why—or why not?
Note: This poll question is not about power optimization—I'll ask about that next week.
Vote to see the results and leave a comment about your choice.
I'll be watching the 3D coverage—will you? If not, is it because you choose not to or that you don't have a 3D display or broadcast source?
Vote to see the results and leave a comment about your choice.
Streaming services provide content using one of two business models—a flat subscription fee for unlimited access to their entire library (e.g., Netflix and Hulu Plus) or paying for each title you watch (e.g., Vudu and iTunes). Which approach do you prefer, and why?
Vote to see the results and leave a comment about your choice.
How many separate subs do you have in your system? Or do you use full-range main speakers without a sub? What led you to your decision in this regard?
Vote to see the results and leave a comment about your choice.
This typically gets you relatively close to the display's best performance, but to get even closer, you must calibrate the display's grayscale and color gamut if the necessary controls are available in the menu system. You can hire a professional to perform the calibration at a cost of several hundred dollars, or you can do it yourself if you have the required equipment, software, and training, which can cost thousands of dollars. But for those of us who want to wring every last drop of performance from our displays, it's money well spent.
Have you had your display's grayscale and color gamut fully calibrated? If so, did you hire a pro to do it, or did you do it yourself? If not, why not?
Vote to see the results and leave a comment about your choice.
With any new technology, the only way to gauge its importance is to experience it for yourself. On the other hand, new technologies are often not widely available at first—Atmos has been installed in only 14 theaters around the country—making it difficult for most moviegoers to hear it firsthand. But for those who live near one of these theaters, this is an opportunity to hear what could be the next generation in movie sound.
Do you live near an Atmos theater? (Click here for a list of theaters and locations.) If so, will you make an effort to see Brave there? How far are you willing to go? HT reader Jarod and his wife are driving four hours! Or do you plan to skip the movie altogether? If you do see it in an Atmos theater, let us know your impressions of the system in the comments.
Vote to see the results and leave a comment about your choice.
Last week, I asked how much you have invested in your home theater. Among the many interesting comments was one from willieconway, who proposed a related question: How much do you plan to invest over the next few years?
I realize that, in an uncertain economy, it's difficult to predict how much you might spend on your home theater. But assuming your circumstances remain as they are now, do you plan to upgrade your system in the next, say, two years? If so, how much do you think you might spend? Will you concentrate more on the video, audio, or environment?
Vote to see the results and leave a comment about your choice.
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