This week we help a listener future proof his new AVR purchase and we answer the question, “Where can you watch ATSC 3.0 Content?” We wrap up with the best Non-OLED TV available. We also read your emails and look at the week’s news.
Future Proofing your new Receiver InstallWe received an email from Brian who has recently moved and has an opportunity to setup a Home Theater System from scratch. He is in the market for a new receiver and wants to know what are the must have requirements for a receiver so that the receiver does not become obsolete in a year or two. Also, what is not important.
Must Have:
HDMI 2.1 Support Includes HDCP - This gives you the most options in the future. While 8K may not be a big deal, there may be some new tech that transmits additional data through the HDMI cable and having the increased bandwidth (48 vs 18 Gbps) may come in handy. 4K HDR Support - This is pretty much a given now and standard on most receivers eARC support - We see a day when TVs will be able to support the set top box format of your choice with a USB style stick. eARC will be required to get the full audio capability ATMOS, Airplay 2, Chromcast, Network Connectivity, Auto Calibration, Plenty of HDMI Inputs, Two Subwoofer outputs, Network/App Interface - These are all pretty much table stakes now but some budget AVRs may not support some of these features.Not Required:
8K - while this seems like it should be twice as good as 4K you won’t be able to see the difference on a screen less than 120 inches. 200W - More power is not required for most people. Going from 100W to 200W increases max volume by 3dB. 75w to 100W per channel is fine for the typical family/living room. ATSC 3.0 DeploymentsATSC expects 60 markets to launch NextGen TV by mid-2021. Full list here...
Best 4K TV that isn’t an OLEDSo you want the best 75 inch TV that money can buy? You check online and see that the LG CX OLED (RTINGS Review) is more or less the consensus choice for best TV available today. Then you realize the best TV that money can buy at $3,300 is $1,500 more than what you have available to spend. Now you’re thinking, I want the best TV that $1,900 can buy.
Fortunately, we know of such a TV. It's the new Vizio P-Series Quantum X- H1. They even have an 85” model if you can spare a few hundred dollars more (RTINGS Review 2020 Model). RTINGS.com scores the Quantum X pretty high:
From RTINGS.com
The Vizio P Series Quantum X 2020 is great for most uses. It gets very bright and handles reflections well, making it a good choice for watching TV shows or sports during the day. It performs incredibly well in dark rooms, as it can produce deep and inky blacks for watching movies or playing video games. It has low input lag, a fast response time, and a high refresh rate to deliver an extremely responsive gaming and desktop experience. Unfortunately, its VA panel has narrow viewing angles, so it isn't the best option for wide seating areas.
8.3 Mixed Usage
8.5 Movies
8.0 TV Shows
7.9 Sports
8.5 Video Games
8.6 HDR Movies
8.5 HDR Gaming
7.9 PC Monitor
For comparison RTINGS.com rates the OLED:
8.8 Mixed Usage
9.3 Movies
8.2 TV Shows
8.6 Sports
9.1 Video Games
8.7 HDR Movies
8.8 HDR Gaming
8.6 PC Monitor
