Author Topic: 21st century media environment questions and reviews (Read 3844 times)

Kat Kid · « **on:** June 10, 2014, 01:07:22 AM »

current setup

hd tv
basic cable (hd over air) / internet 10-12Mbps
2 ipads
2 iphones

netflix
amazon prime
mlb.tv
watch ESPN
spotify
itunes

run on ipad/laptop/iphones

Problems

1) streaming video stuff on tv
2) car with 6 CD changer and no ability to play my itunes
3) want to be able to watch tv/listen to tunes when kids are in bed without waking them (wireless headphones?)
4) want a speaker/needs to be mobile (wireless speakers worth it or just get a cheap station/plug speakers?)

others:
will be buying a new macbook air or whatever in the next 12 months
possibly be upgrading TV in 12-24 months

21st century media environment

TV Streaming: What do I need to do here? AirPlay? Bluetooth?

Car: Rip out the 6 CD changer and put in some new thing? Bluetooth? Radio FM thing?

Audio: Spotify?

What do I need to do here to make myself a part of this 21st century media environment

ksupamplemousse · « **Reply #1 on:** June 10, 2014, 02:16:31 AM »

4) I was skeptical of the new Bose due to the relative cost to other alternatives, but a friend picked one up...wow. I personally don't have $300 to spend on a bluetooth speaker, but if I did then I wouldn't hesitate. The Jawbone Jambox is a more budget friendly alternative, and packs plenty of punch for such a small device.

http://www.cnet.com/products/bose-soundlink-bluetooth-speaker-iii/

http://www.cnet.com/products/jawbone-jambox/

CNS · « **Reply #2 on:** June 10, 2014, 06:36:04 AM »

I bought the JBL marine grade version of the jambox in woot for $40 and it is fantastic. Great sound, charge lasts forever, and it is shock and water resistant as it was made to be on a boat. It is used basically every second we aren't asleep whilr at home.

As for streaming vid, I put a bluray, that can wirelessly stream, on every tv in the house. You can mm pick up factory refurbs on woot for $30-$40 bucks without beimg overly patient.

CNS · « **Reply #3 on:** June 10, 2014, 06:39:27 AM »

Also, I have abandoned Itunes for Amazon.

I have an android phone, a kindle, a pc laptop at home, and a pc at work. Amazon is much easier to manage over all those devices, imo. Also, driving along, if a song comes on I like, I Soundhound it, then soundhound prompts me with the option to directly purchase the song from amazon, then I get home and boom, its immediately on my bluetooth speaker.

Saulbadguy · « **Reply #4 on:** June 10, 2014, 06:46:10 AM »

1. Google Chromecast or Roku or something similar
2. Get a car stereo. Many aftermarket stereos have iPhone/Spotify integration directly via USB. Pioneer does a pretty job w/ this.
3. Yes, wireless headphones
4. Cheaper the better, will break/get lost imo

steve dave · « **Reply #5 on:** June 10, 2014, 06:55:45 AM »

Living Room Setup:
Cox (HD DVR box is either a Motorola DCH3200 or DCH3416)
HD TV
Sonos Soundbar and sub

Problem:
Cox cable box DVR thing is now behind build in cabinets and I can't change the channel without the cabinet door open. WHAT NOW?

Saulbadguy · « **Reply #6 on:** June 10, 2014, 06:57:51 AM »

Quote from: steve dave on June 10, 2014, 06:55:45 AM

Living Room Setup:
Cox TV (HD DVR box is either a Motorola DCH3200 or DCH3416)
HD TV
Sonos Soundbar and sub

Problem:
Cox cable box DVR thing is now behind build in cabinets and I can't change the channel without the cabinet door open. WHAT NOW?

The fact that you have a HDTV and Sonos Soundbar (with sub) is totally irrelevant to the conversation.

HOWEVER - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infrared_blaster

Emo EMAW · « **Reply #7 on:** June 10, 2014, 07:24:56 AM »

Quote from: Saulbadguy on June 10, 2014, 06:57:51 AM

Quote from: steve dave on June 10, 2014, 06:55:45 AM
Living Room Setup:
Cox TV (HD DVR box is either a Motorola DCH3200 or DCH3416)
HD TV
Sonos Soundbar and sub

Problem:
Cox cable box DVR thing is now behind build in cabinets and I can't change the channel without the cabinet door open. WHAT NOW?

The fact that you have a HDTV and Sonos Soundbar (with sub) is totally irrelevant to the conversation.

HOWEVER - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infrared_blaster

The new Blumoo would also solve this issue.

Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk

CNS · « **Reply #8 on:** June 10, 2014, 07:25:23 AM »

Quote from: steve dave on June 10, 2014, 06:55:45 AM

Living Room Setup:
Cox (HD DVR box is either a Motorola DCH3200 or DCH3416)
HD TV
Sonos Soundbar and sub

Problem:
Cox cable box DVR thing is now behind build in cabinets and I can't change the channel without the cabinet door open. WHAT NOW?

Many A/V components have a remote sensor extension thingy that plugs into the back of whatevs unit and has a wire that runs to a satellite sensor that you can move into view. If compatible, you should be able to get this at radio shack for like $6 and install in much less time that it takes to check out at radio shack. The plug will look like a headphone jack and say something about IR or Remote or something on the back of your component.

CNS · « **Reply #9 on:** June 10, 2014, 07:26:20 AM »

Edit: didn't click sauls link, but yeah, that is what I was talking about.

The Tonya Harding of Twitter Users Creep · « **Reply #10 on:** June 10, 2014, 09:13:19 AM »

pretty great steve dave humble brag right there

Skipper44 · « **Reply #11 on:** June 10, 2014, 09:49:34 AM »

Quote from: steve dave on June 10, 2014, 06:55:45 AM

Living Room Setup:
Cox (HD DVR box is either a Motorola DCH3200 or DCH3416)
HD TV
Sonos Soundbar and sub

Problem:
Cox cable box DVR thing is now behind build in cabinets and I can't change the channel without the cabinet door open. WHAT NOW?

i would guess this thing will let you control the dvr over wifi https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/cox-tv-connect-for-iphone/id576960168?mt=8

SdK · « **Reply #12 on:** June 10, 2014, 11:21:28 AM »

Whatever you do, if you buy from Best Buy, get accidental coverage on your electronic purchase with Geek Squad. Near the end of your term, break it, get new device.

Open box items are great for this as well. Can end up getting new for price of the open box when it breaks.

Samsung and Sharp for any tvs over 40 inches.

Chromecasts were returned a lot when I worked there. Not sure why. Roku never was.

Don't ever buy a smart tv. Buy a smart blu ray player. Much cheaper and same features.

You have 15 days to return anything you buy. So if you're having a hard time deciding. Try it out.

Rocker fish and insignia are very close to on par with Monster. Though monster does give you upgrades for life. Dynex is crap. Stay away.

SdK · « **Reply #13 on:** June 10, 2014, 11:23:48 AM »

Installation of bigger tvs is 100 dollars but comes with a wall mount so basically free mount or installation. Bigger tvs are also eligible for free delivery.

SdK · « **Reply #14 on:** June 10, 2014, 11:25:37 AM »

Testing out speakers/soundbars/etc can be very tough considering a lot of sound is lost upwards with the large ceiling.

Sony makes some pretty good bluetooth speakers in the home theatre section.

SdK · « **Reply #15 on:** June 10, 2014, 11:28:52 AM »

Also KK, if you get a new car stereo and are unsure how to install it. I'll do it for free. #1cat

michigancat · « **Reply #16 on:** June 10, 2014, 11:29:03 AM »

Controlling youtube on your roku from your phone is kind of nice, although still a little bit clunky.

pissclams · « **Reply #17 on:** June 10, 2014, 11:50:04 AM »

xbox one voice control is great, but if i get tired of it then i can use my xbox smart glass app, or if i get tired of that i can use my TWC TV app, or if i get tired of that i can use my xbox one controller, or if i get tired of that i can use my twc remote, ps3 controller, or xbox 360 controller. i like to have my options.

Kat Kid · « **Reply #18 on:** June 10, 2014, 11:53:52 AM »

Quote from: pissclams on June 10, 2014, 11:50:04 AM

xbox one voice control is great, but if i get tired of it then i can use my xbox smart glass app, or if i get tired of that i can use my TWC TV app, or if i get tired of that i can use my xbox one controller, or if i get tired of that i can use my twc remote, ps3 controller, or xbox 360 controller. i like to have my options.

This is the kind of crap I'm trying to avoid.

pissclams · « **Reply #19 on:** June 10, 2014, 12:19:21 PM »

you seem like you're an option-less type of guy kat kid. how about you just don't use any type of remote at all. buttons on the box, old school- let's do this.

star seed 7 · « **Reply #20 on:** June 10, 2014, 12:27:02 PM »

Roku /Xbox for streaming (guess they got rid of making you buy gold to get Netflix etc)

Use plex over Roku to watch torrented stuff in bedroom TV, living room TV is hooked up to my gaming computer and use my phone as remote/mouse

Have a harmony 1 universal remote that works with everything and is probably the best purchase ever (fully programmable on your computer. <---- read this Kat Kid

star seed 7 · « **Reply #21 on:** June 10, 2014, 12:35:54 PM »

For your car, just get a fm thingie. Amazon has a bunch for cheap. Read reviews and get one that is strong

Funny story, my sat. radio is on a weak fm thingie and sometimes I hear people's hands free phone conversations. One time it was these two asians just screaming back and forth to each other

Kat Kid · « **Reply #22 on:** June 10, 2014, 12:58:03 PM »

Quote from: seven on June 10, 2014, 12:35:54 PM

For your car, just get a fm thingie. Amazon has a bunch for cheap. Read reviews and get one that is strong

Funny story, my sat. radio is on a weak fm thingie and sometimes I hear people's hands free phone conversations. One time it was these two asians just screaming back and forth to each other

Do those work well? Is sound quality/volume better or worse than Bluetooth?

Benja · « **Reply #23 on:** June 10, 2014, 07:17:15 PM »

I want to be able to walk into rooms and have lights turn on/ turn off when I leave. I also want to be able to talk to my house. "Hey house, its a tad bit cold in here." House turns down AC. Maybe even apologizes.

SdK · « **Reply #24 on:** June 10, 2014, 07:38:53 PM »

Buy Bill Gates' house.