home theater, cord cutting, video streaming, a/v tech, and more!

[NTP66]

Just got an e-mail from Verizon telling me that my $5 AutoPay discount is ending unless I change it to a debit/bank transfer. Get ****.

[Viva la Ben]

[Lemon Berry Lobster]

GTFO.

[skullman80]

It's obviously not legit, but funny none the less.

[tifosi77]

This home theater recreates the multiplex with a level of detail you won't believe
(CNet article about a DIY HT setup that's fairly elaborate.)

[mac5155]

Not sure where to put this so here it goes.

Anyone have robot vacuum recommendations? Would like to stay under $300 if possible. Needs to mainly do porcelain tile.

[NTP66]

No, but if you wind up looking for an alternative, I highly recommend the Dyson stick vacuums. Target's going to have the V6 for $190ish on Black Friday.

[mac5155]

Trying to take the human element out of the picture though..

[nocera]

This home theater recreates the multiplex with a level of detail you won't believe
(CNet article about a DIY HT setup that's fairly elaborate.)

I've seen a few setups similar to this and I have to be honest, I really don't like them. It's a personal preference, but I can't stand LED backlighting on screens (and the LED lighting on the riser for the back row). It comes off as super tacky. Same goes with the fiberoptic star field. The Epson is nice but then he mounts it with some cheap homemade "contraption?" I don't understand the corner sofa in the middle of the room, either. So the only seat that's actually head on with the screen is the corner nook. I'm also surprised there's no media equipment rack. And a clock under the screen? Come on, man. It's a fine theater but has a number of questionable choices.

[tifosi77]

Oh, I certainly agree; I wouldn't actually want that theater myself. But there were questions earlier about how to DIY a room like that, so I thought I'd share for spitballing purposes.

[eddy]

This home theater recreates the multiplex with a level of detail you won't believe
(CNet article about a DIY HT setup that's fairly elaborate.)

I've seen a few setups similar to this and I have to be honest, I really don't like them. It's a personal preference, but I can't stand LED backlighting on screens (and the LED lighting on the riser for the back row). It comes off as super tacky. Same goes with the fiberoptic star field. The Epson is nice but then he mounts it with some cheap homemade "contraption?" I don't understand the corner sofa in the middle of the room, either. So the only seat that's actually head on with the screen is the corner nook. I'm also surprised there's no media equipment rack. And a clock under the screen? Come on, man. It's a fine theater but has a number of questionable choices.

I prefer watching in complete darkness, but do use this (https://www.cinemaquestinc.com/Ideal-Lume.htm#standard) for bias lighting and I will say, it does make a big difference with blooming. I also painted the wall behind my TV a neutral gray. I remember thinking 10 years ago how awesome it's going to be to make my own theater and while I have the gear, kids and time have severely limited my construction plans so now I just hang movie artwork on the walls! The main thing that drove me bonkers with those pictures was the giant clock sitting up front with the screen.

[NTP66]

Hilarious. I bought one of those over a decade ago, eddy. Highly recommend them.

[eddy]

Hilarious. I bought one of those over a decade ago, eddy. Highly recommend them.

same here. It's about 11 years old now and the original bulb is still kicking. I still have the backup bulb ready to go in the box, I should be covered until 2030

[NTP66]

same here. You’re literally the only other person I know who has one. My wife thinks it’s dumb.

[eddy]

Hahaha. Exact same here!

[eddy]

Anyone know anything about this? It's on sale today and sounds interesting. Does it use data from your phone? I don't have wifi or Bluetooth in the car.

Roav VIVA with Car Mount, by Anker, Alexa-Enabled 2-Port USB Car Charger for In-Car Navigation, Hands-Free Calling and Music Streaming https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CGDJJCM/re ... 6BbB1C2E05

Nevermind, uses data.

[dodint]

A note from SiriusXM:

Effective as of February 15, 2018, the U.S. Music Royalty Fee will increase from 13.9% to 19.1% of the price of all audio packages which include music channels.

The U.S. Music Royalty Fee applies to most audio packages* and offsets the royalties payable by SiriusXM to composers, publishers, recording artists, musicians and record labels that hold copyrights to musical works and recordings. The increase is a result of the recent decision by the Copyright Royalty Board of the Library of Congress.

This might be my jumping off point as it has been creeping up every year. How about you, tifosi77?

I bailed on Stern four or five years ago, so I've been getting my money's worth from POTUS and the music channels. I don't think I'll get out of Dodge just yet.

Got my annual note from SXM:

To Our Valued Customers:
Effective as of January 15, 2019, the U.S. Music Royalty Fee will increase by 2.3 percentage points of the price of most of our audio packages* which include music channels.

Checked in my e-mail archive and this is the third or fourth year in a row.

Do they have talk only subs? I use Google Play Music for music now, I haven't listened to anything but Stern and Comedy on SXM in a long time.

[tifosi77]

Interesting, I haven't gotten the sub increase notice yet.

[Viva la Ben]

My lifetime sub becomes an even better deal!

[tifosi77]

Considering I've listened to Stern all of like eight minutes in the last year, I might pare back from All Access.

(Also, just checked and my bill date is in March. So I'm guessing I'll get the notice then.)

[willeyeam]

Bought the 4K Fire Stick and DirecTV Now app isn't on it? Wtf?

[NTP66]

Bought the 4K Fire Stick and DirecTV Now app isn't on it? Wtf?

Are you not seeing it when you search the App Store? If not, logon to Amazon on your computer, search for it, then send it to your device.

[willeyeam]

Bought the 4K Fire Stick and DirecTV Now app isn't on it? Wtf?

Are you not seeing it when you search the App Store? If not, logon to Amazon on your computer, search for it, then send it to your device.

Yeah. I'll try that.. thanks

[willeyeam]

This dumb **** thing thought I was in Australia because I ordered something when I was there. Problem solved

[Viva la Ben]