Apple Vision Pro the Future of Home Theater? Dolby Atmos in TV Speakers? | You Asked Ep. 24

Summary

This video features a TV tech expert answering audience questions about home entertainment. Topics include checking display resolution, the complications of accessing Dolby Atmos music streaming, evaluating Apple Vision AR glasses as an alternative to home theaters, the decline of universal remotes, and misleading Dolby Atmos branding on TV speakers. The host shares tips, critiques industry practices, and aims to help viewers get the most out of their home theater setups.

Takeaways

• 😕 It's frustrating that many TVs no longer have an easy way to see the resolution and format of the video input signal.
• 😃 You can force YouTube to play at a specific resolution and see nerdy codec details.
• 🎧 Dolby Atmos music is needlessly difficult to get working across platforms.
• 👍 Apple TV continues to be the most reliable streamer for accessing premium features.
• ☹️ Universal remotes are basically extinct after Logitech stopped making Harmony devices.
• 😠 Putting 'Dolby Atmos' badges on TVs with weak built-in speakers waters down the brand.
• 📺 An Apple Vision Pro could provide an incredible personal viewing experience.
• 🤝 It can't replicate the shared experience of watching with others.
• 💡 Questions from viewers drive the topics covered on this YouTube series.
• 👐 More viewer questions are always welcome!

Q & A

What are some ways to check the resolution and format of the video signal on a modern TV?

Some ways are: using an AV receiver that can read EDID data, looking for on-screen indicators like HDR badges, checking settings in streaming apps like YouTube and Netflix, and using display tools like the 'stats for nerds' section on YouTube.

Why is it difficult to get Dolby Atmos music working, even when the devices claim to support it?

Compatibility issues between devices and services lead to problems getting Dolby Atmos music working properly. For example, the Tidal app may support Atmos music but not on all platforms like Roku. This forces consumers to buy certain hardware like Apple TV to ensure Atmos music works.

Could Apple Vision Pro replace a traditional home theater setup?

No, Apple Vision Pro cannot fully replace a traditional home theater. While it may provide amazing visual and audio quality for a single user, it lacks the shared experience of watching movies together that many consumers value.

Are there any good universal TV remotes left after Logitech stopped making Harmony remotes?

Not really. Logitech's Harmony remotes were the leader in universal remotes, and no major consumer electronics company has stepped in to fill their void. New startups are trying but unproven.

Do TVs actually have Dolby Atmos built-in speakers?

No, most TVs do not have true Dolby Atmos speaker systems built-in. Dolby has licensed the Atmos name to TVs with better-than-average sound, but tiny TV speakers cannot deliver a real Atmos experience.

How can HDMI-CEC allow controlling multiple devices with one remote?

HDMI-CEC enables connected devices to communicate and be controlled over HDMI. So a TV remote can control a Blu-ray player, cable box, etc. connected via HDMI without needing multiple remotes.

What are some reasons universal remotes declined in popularity?

Improvements in HDMI-CEC allowing device control from one TV remote reduced the need for separate universal remotes. Also, remotes for integrated home automation systems serve advanced users.

Why did the host recommend Apple TV for easiest media streaming?

The host said Apple TV consistently has the fewest compatibility issues and need for workarounds. So it supports Dolby Atmos music and other features out-of-box better than other platforms.

How can you force higher streaming resolutions on services like YouTube and Netflix?

On YouTube, you can select video resolution under Settings > Quality. For Netflix, you can set Playback Settings on the account to always stream at High quality.

What are some of the host's criticisms regarding Dolby Atmos branding?

The host felt Dolby Atmos was watered down by being applied to TV speakers that don't deliver a real Atmos experience. He thinks it may hurt the brand long-term.