Here are some audio and video trends for 2018.
Buying headphones in 2018 is going to be a fragmented mess because of a silent goodbye to the 3.5mm audio plug, Majority of new headphones introduced at CES were wireless and there are several different wireless systems. Bluetooth audio has historically sacrificed sound quality for convenience relative to a wired connection. However, there are a couple of standards now that promise “better-than-CD” audio quality. For wired connections where we once had the solid reliability of a 3.5mm analog connector working with any jack shaped to receive it, there’s now a divergence of digital alternatives:Lightning, USB-C, and Sony’s 4.4mm Pentaconn connector.
Voice, connectivity and AI took center stage at the Consumer Electronics Show. Alexa Skills and the Voice Experience is really getting off. With over 15 million Amazon Echo devices shipped and 244 million projected by 2022 it is expected to take lead with Google Home Assistant and Apple Homepod with Siri following. Also Google Assistant was mentioned a lot in CES. Google Sold 6.75 Million ‘Google Home’ Devices In the Last 80 Days. ‘Language assistants were a big topic at this year’s CES. More and more manufacturers like JBL and Creative are integrating smart helpers into their WLAN speakers. Alexa support comes to 2018 TVs from Sony, Hisense and LG. Google launches smart displays with JBL, Lenovo, LG and Sony. There will be also other competitors aiming to this market, for example “China’s Google,” shouted out most loudly for voice. Microsoft’s Cortana had a crappy CES so it seems that Amazon Alexa will soon arrive on Windows PCs (HP, ASUS, Acer and others). Introducing Single-Chip Solutions for Building Alexa-Enabled Products.Sony launches a bunch of new headphones and adds Google Assistant functionality to the line.
Binaural, ambisonic, spatial, surround, 3D will be talked about. The most accessible exhibitions of this technology are in Youtube VR and Facebook 360, where users can interact with 360º videos that contain spatial audio. AR/VR was hot topic at CES 2018.
Sound bars are popular for compact home theater setups. Traditional home cinema systems with AV receivers and large speaker arsenals are only used by film and sound enthusiasts who sacrifice space in the living room for this purpose.
People listen to four hours of audio content every day. Streaming platforms like Spotify take a big bit of that. Streaming accounts for 41% of music consumption was the 2017’s most jaw dropping statistic. People will also listen a lot of music from YouTube.
Acoustics-based NFC is being pushed to market as it requires only a microphone and speaker, eliminating tags and chips. Chirp and LISNR are two emerging companies facilitating soundwave communication.
Wireless headphones and speakers become more common. Portable loudspeakers without cables are more popular than ever with music listeners. Most popular connection technology is Bluetooth.More and more manufacturers are breaking away from the cable and are showing new models and updates of completely wireless in-ear headphones at the CES 2018.
There is a bit of nostalgia involved: Several traditional technology tries to make come-back in 2018. The traditionalists among the music lovers continue to use records, so new record players keep coming. Cassette tapes making a comeback thanks to young, independent artists. Artists like Justin Bieber, Eminem and Metallica have all put out material on tape recently as a recent blockbuster film “Guardians of the Galaxy” put a hero center stage with a Sony Walkman. Tube amplifiers are back for traditionalist audiophiles that think that tubes can make your music to sound better.
4K video resolution is hot and 8K going to be pushed to market. TV has progressed to the 4K ultra-high-definition stage with its 3,840 × 2,160 pixel resolution. LG Display has made a 65-inch rollable 4K OLED TV. LG displayed 8K OLED TV at CES. Samsung has technology scales the image resolution to a 8K with AI. LG, Panasonic, and TCL put the spotlight on the chips that do the video processing: For the foreseeable future, any advances in image quality will be coming from these chips, not from the displays themselves.
Welcome ATSC 3.0 in USA: In November, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued new rules that will let TV broadcasters adopt the next-generation wireless TV standard designated ATSC 3.0. This new standard defines the specifications for ultra-high-definition (UHD) or 4K over-the-air (OTA) digital TV. But over-the-air is minority in USA as roughly 75% of households pay for their TV reception for cable or satellite distribution.
Home theater headsets have come a long way. AR/VR is hot. Oculus partners with Xiaomi to launch the Oculus Go and Mi VR Standalone.
Wired peripherals and electronics are still a major part of the market. Cabling for AV systems will have new features: a new HDMI standard and how active cables will provide both power and video to consumer devices.
3D cameras are hot. HP’s Z 3D Camera puts Sprout’s scanning power on your PC. Intel’s new cameras add human-like 3D vision to any machine.
When almost all AV products are pushing more and more features, it seems that almost Everything is too complicated for an average Joe.
Sources:
https://www.smartbrief.com/original/2018/01/10-audio-marketing-trends-2018
http://www.computerbild.de/artikel/avf-News-Audio-Trends-CES-2018-11264743.html
https://www.marketplace.org/2017/11/22/business/cassette-tapes-make-comeback
http://aeaaudio.com/why-tubes-are-back-and-how-to-get-in-on-it/
https://www.digitaltrends.com/home-theater/coolest-best-audio-gadgets-ces-2018/
https://www.theverge.com/2018/1/18/16903516/headphones-wireless-analog-jack-future-ces-2018
https://techcrunch.com/2018/01/08/alexa-support-comes-to-2018-tvs-from-sony-and-hisense/
https://www.eetimes.com/document.asp?doc_id=1332845
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYhgJlEn880
http://www.etn.fi/index.php/13-news/7368-tekoaly-skaalaa-televisiokuvan-8k-tarkkuuteen
https://www.theverge.com/2018/1/6/16859102/lg-display-rollable-oled-65-inch-ces-2018
https://www.engadget.com/2018/01/08/eagle-wearable-home-theater/
http://www.electronicdesign.com/community-home/free-tv-keeps-getting-better-welcome-atsc-30
https://www.engadget.com/2018/01/18/intel-realsense-ready-to-use-depth-cameras/
https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2018/01/hps-z-3d-camera-puts-sprouts-scanning-power-on-your-pc/
841 Comments
Tomi Engdahl says:
Why Do YouTube Channels Die?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nePbzg0XXq0
Many big-time YouTubers have discovered that one day they’re hot, and the next they’re not – but why does this happen?
Tomi Engdahl says:
HDR Standards Explained – HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzm2XjcyKDQ
What’s the difference between the different HDR standards for TVs today?
Tomi Engdahl says:
Video File Formats – MP4, MOV, MKV
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvgxn8v–8Q
Today, we demystify the alphabet soup of video file formats and explain the crucial difference between a codec and a container.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Audio File Formats – MP3, AAC, WAV, FLAC
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIIKXOrt3bk
What’s the difference between common audio file formats like MP3, AAC, WAV, and FLAC?
Tomi Engdahl says:
Synopsys’ Snigdha Dua argues that scrambling is one of the most important features introduced in HDMI 2.0 and takes a look at how it works to reduce electromagnetic and RF interference.
HDMI: How Scrambling Enables Higher Data Rates
https://blogs.synopsys.com/vip-central/2018/11/01/hdmi-how-scrambling-enables-higher-data-rates/
HDMI 2.1/2.0 bring significant improvements over previous versions in terms of speed, data integrity, and mode of data transmission. For more details on how HDMI has evolved, read our previous blog – HDMI 1.4 to 2.1: How it Became the Most Popular Display Interface.
Scrambling is one of the most important features introduced in HDMI 2.0. It is used to reduce Electro-Magnetic Interference (EMI) and Radio Frequency Interference (RFI). In this blog we will have a look at the scrambling feature introduced in HDMI 2.0.
HDMI 2.0 increases the transition-minimized differential signaling (TMDS) character rate from 340 to 600 Mega characters per second (Mcsc) over previous versions, and also adds scrambling for EMI/RFI for different rates.
A Source does not transmit at TMDS character rates higher than the maximum rate supported by a Sink device.
Scrambling for EMI/RFI Reduction
Scrambling is done in all the three data channels - TMDS channels 0, 1, and 2. EMI/RFI reduction in the TMDS clock channel is achieved by reducing clock frequency to one-fourth and reducing the clock amplitude. By default, the scrambling is enabled in HDMI 2.0 at TMDS bit rates above 3.4 Gbps to 6.0 Gbps. The Source enables scrambling for TMDS rates below 3.4 Gbps if both the Source and the Sink support scrambling at that TMDS character rate. Scrambling is applied to Active Video, Data Islands, Guard Bands, and most Control Periods. If a portion of the control period, an 8-character period, is transmitted unscrambled, it is referred to as an Unscrambled Control Period (UCP)
Linear-Feedback Shift Register (LFSR) is used for encoding each data channel on the Source side and for decoding each data channel on the Sink side.
Synopsys VIP for HDMI supports all HDMI specifications up to 2.1.
Tomi Engdahl says:
How Loud Should Your Headphones Be?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRbpSGLdMEc
How loud is too loud when it comes to headphones?
Tomi Engdahl says:
AT&T steps up copyright enforcement, kicks customers off network
https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2018/11/att-boots-customers-off-broadband-network-to-fight-piracy/
AT&T’s action against alleged pirates comes after purchase of Time Warner.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Next-gen ATSC confronts market reality
https://www.edn.com/electronics-blogs/brians-brain/4461233/Next-gen-ATSC-confronts-market-reality?utm_source=Aspencore&utm_medium=EDN&utm_campaign=social
Technology doesn’t tend to stand still, however, which is why the standards committee is now pushing ATSC 3.0 at us (with specs finalized in time for announcement at the 2018 CES, subsequent to formal approval by the U.S. FCC (Federal Communications Committee) the prior November). The obvious upfront question that many of you are likely thinking right now is, what happened to ATSC 2.0? Within that answer is the core of my skepticism as to whether ATSC 3.0 will ever amount to much, either ..
Tomi Engdahl says:
Top Loudest Sounds Ever
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UDosHUqPTM
Tomi Engdahl says:
MQA-CD : New Hi-Res CDs from Japan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m31r1GHPPdA
MQA-CD is a physical Hi-res music format, but while the discs are relatively affordable, playing them back can be anything but.
MQA existed before MQA-CDs in the form of Downloadable Files & Streaming. That’s what all those USB decoders (including mine) are designed to decode. MQA-CDs are new(ish) and only available in JAPAN- however MQA downloadable Files & Streaming have been around for a while. These MQA-CDs are an adaption of the MQA format into a physical version that can be sold in Japanese stores.
MQA decoded CD and the standard CD audio is because rather than the CD being 16bit (as normal) – it’s 13 bit with 3 bits used for the MQA data. This gets ignored as noise by a standard CD player. .
Tomi Engdahl says:
Cassettes – better than you don’t remember
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVoSQP2yUYA
In this *Beginners Introduction to Compact Cassette* – I’m using Metal Tapes and Dolby S for the first time to see if a cassette tape really can sound ‘almost as good as a CD’.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Sarah E. Needleman / Wall Street Journal:
A look at nascent efforts to stream video games, as latency seems set to drop even lower with the proliferation of data centers and 5G rolling out
The Tricky—but Potentially Lucrative—Task of Streaming Videogames
https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-trickybut-potentially-lucrativetask-of-streaming-videogames-1541673000
By making game consoles unnecessary, streaming could dramatically broaden the videogame market
Technology giants are trying to bring to videogames the same streaming capabilities that gave rise to Netflix and Spotify, a transformational leap that could usher in a new wave of growth for an industry bigger than Hollywood.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Stephen Shankland / CNET:
Don MacAskill, CEO of Flickr-owner SmugMug, on why the service will end Flickr’s free 1TB storage and delete all but the last 1,000 photos from free accounts
Flickr’s new limit on free photo sharing is helpful, not hurtful, CEO says (Q&A)
https://www.cnet.com/news/flickrs-new-limit-on-free-photo-sharing-is-helpful-not-hurtful-ceo-says-q-a/
Deleting photos of some members who don’t pay for pro accounts will help build Flickr into a photography service that’ll last decades, Don MacAskill says.
The criticisms started piling up as soon as Flickr said it would end its free terabyte of photo storage and delete all but a member’s 1,000 most recent photos unless the member upgraded to a $50 annual pro subscription.
“Internet say goodbye” to “11,000 photos that were hosted on #flickr,” said one tweet. “I’m sad to lose all the comments and memories.” Another tweet said, “Deleting photos is deleting history,” and another said, “I’m out of this sinking ship.” Disgruntled Flickr users are taking their photos to Facebook or to Google Photos.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Darker Than Vantablack—Absorbs 99.9923% of Light
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JoLEIiza9Bc
I made something blacker than Vantablack! I show you what it looks like when you shine the world’s brightest flashlight on it and also a super-bright blue laser! Then I talk about blackbody radiation and how perfect blackbodies are perfect absorbers and perfect emitters.
Tomi Engdahl says:
China’s State-Run Media Has A Virtual News Anchor That Looks Terrifyingly Real
https://www.iflscience.com/technology/chinas-staterun-media-has-a-virtual-news-anchor-that-looks-terrifyingly-real/
Xinhua, China’s state news agency, has just revealed new additions to its team: digitally reconstructed television news anchors powered by artificial intelligence (AI) technology.
Dressed in crisp suits with distinctly sleek news anchor haircuts, the two new hosts were unveiled this week
Journalists simply have to type the script into a computer and the AI anchor will read out the text in a synthesized voice, complete with all the subtle gestures and expressions you’d expect to see with a real human.
“The development of the media industry calls for continuous innovation and deep integration with the international advanced technologies… I look forward to bringing you brand-new news experiences.”
The virtual puppets, which appear to be very similar to the technology used to make “DeepFake” videos, was developed by Xinhua and the Chinese search engine, Sogou.com. Xinhua says that the anchors “can work 24 hours a day on its official website and various social media platforms, reducing news production costs and improving efficiency.”
Tomi Engdahl says:
How Have Smartphone Cameras Gotten So Good?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gd9rovdMNNo
Smartphone cameras have improved dramatically over the last few years. How are these tiny cameras suddenly capable of so much?
Tomi Engdahl says:
What Is FranLab to YouTube??
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffYBTHatcdY
I look at the data to try to ascertain what is in the mind of YouTube and why it promotes my videos so unevenly. Is it all about an upset voice coming out of a human face? You be the judge!
Tomi Engdahl says:
Next-gen ATSC confronts market reality
https://www.edn.com/electronics-blogs/brians-brain/4461233/Next-gen-ATSC-confronts-market-reality?utm_source=newsletter&utm_campaign=link&utm_medium=EDNFunFriday-20181109
Common to both ATSC 2.0 and 3.0, to quote Wikipedia, are the following attributes:
The standard will allow interactive and hybrid television technologies by connecting the TV with the Internet services and allowing interactive elements into the broadcast stream. Other features include advanced video compression, audience measurement, targeted advertising, enhanced programming guides, video on demand services, and the ability to store information on new receivers, including Non-realtime (NRT) content.
ATSC 2.0 was also intended to have more robust mobile reception support, thereby folding into the spec key learnings from the industry’s past ATSC-M/H experiment. However, Wikipedia also accurately noted that ATSC 2.0 was intended to be “backward compatible with ATSC 1.0.” This meant that it still used MPEG-2 as its video codec, for example, just with more sophisticated encoding (“advanced video compression”) to make more efficient use of the available bitrate, along with sticking with Dolby Digital as the audio codec. And it also meant that ATSC 2.0 retained 8VSB (8-level vestigial sideband) modulation
Sounds pretty good, right? Only one problem: the television manufacturers (and Blu-ray player manufacturers, and … ) were evolving their technologies at the same time. Work on ATSC 2.0 began around the turn of the decade, but by the time spec finalization drew near, “4K” televisions and UHD (ultra-high definition) blue-laser optical media (along with a few satellite and streaming services) were becoming increasingly commonplace. Unfortunately, the combination of MPEG-2 and 8VSB, along with the constrained bitrate of ATSC broadcast, didn’t allow for UHD presentations with the necessary frame rates and image quality that discerning consumers would demand … especially with all-important fast-action sports and other similar programming.
Enter ATSC 3.0, which dispenses with transmitter and receiver backwards compatibility in exchange for a switch to more bitrate-efficient OFDM (orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing) modulation in combination with variable-rate LDPC (low-density parity-check code) FEC (forward-error correction). ATSC 3.0 also embraces more modern codecs: H.265 aka HEVC for video, along with Dolby AC-4 and MPEG-H 3D as options for audio. The result? To quote Wikipedia, “Video channels of up to 2160p 4K resolution at 120 frames per second,” along with support for “wide color gamut.”
Tomi Engdahl says:
Automotive transceivers enable HD video via basic UTP cabling
https://www.cablinginstall.com/articles/pt/2018/11/automotive-transceivers-enable-hd-video-via-basic-utp-cabling.html?cmpid=enl_cim_cim_data_center_newsletter_2018-11-12&pwhid=6b9badc08db25d04d04ee00b499089ffc280910702f8ef99951bdbdad3175f54dcae8b7ad9fa2c1f5697ffa19d05535df56b8dc1e6f75b7b6f6f8c7461ce0b24&eid=289644432&bid=2297054
ElectronicDesign’s Bill Schweber reports on how new transmitters and complementary receivers developed by ADI now provide a transceiver link for automotive and other high-definition cameras, using low-cost unshielded-twisted-pair (UTP) interconnections:
new transceivers (ADV7990 and ADV7991 transmitters; ADV7380 and ADV7381 receivers) developed by Analog Devices. The company’s proprietary Car Camera Bus (C2B) technology is embedded in the complementary transmitters and receivers, and allows use of low-cost, low-bulk, highly flexible unshielded-twisted-pair (UTP) cabling for high-definition video. Using a unique cable-compensation design allows 30-meter cable runs with multiple in-line connections for resolution up to 2 Mpixels at 30 Hz, or 1 Mpixel at 60 Hz.
Auto Transceivers Enable High-Definition Video via Basic UTP Cabling
https://www.electronicdesign.com/automotive/auto-transceivers-enable-high-definition-video-basic-utp-cabling
New transmitters and complementary receivers developed by ADI provide a transceiver link for automotive and other high-definition cameras, using low-cost unshielded-twisted-pair interconnections.
In just a few years, the market and demand for real-time video streams in cars has gone from a single standard-definition (SD) image to multiple high-definition cameras. However, a challenging technical problem and practical production issue crops up when deploying multiple (or even one) HD sources: Each camera stream needs cabling, and this usually means coaxial cable or other shielded medium. What results are cabling and connector cost, bulk, weight, bend-radius and routing restrictions, and other issues in the already-cramped vehicle.
Tomi Engdahl says:
http://www.etn.fi/index.php/13-news/8708-mems-tuo-hifiaanen-korvanappeihin
Fraunhofer ISIT:n tutkijat esittelevät tänään alkavilla Electronica-messuilla Münchenissä MEMS-pohjaisia korvanappeja, jotka yltävät hifitasoiseen äänentoistoon. Tähän asti MEMS-minikaiuttimissa on ollut ongelmana signaalinmuunnos ja huono toisto sekä korkeilla että alhaisilla taajuuksilla.
Fraunhoferin tutkijat ovat kuitenkin onnistuneet valmistamaan kaiuttimen, joka on kooltaan vain 4×4 milliä, ja joka toistaa ääniä 20 hertsistä yli 20 kilohertsiin. Lisäksi niillä voidaan tuottaa 110 desibelin äänenpaine. Kun tähän yhdistetään MEMS-kojeen halvemmat valmistuskustannukset, pienempi koko ja selvästi pienempi energiankulutus, voidaan jo puhua läpimurrosta akkukäyttöisissä mobiililaitteissa.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Huawei Mate 20 Pro vs RED Cinema Camera
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NtCn1v7trSU
Tomi Engdahl says:
Are Gimbals the death of Sliders?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s37OKxVedz0
How These Make your Camera look Cinematic | Circular Polarizers & ND Filters
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AbuynZ_BhUI
Tomi Engdahl says:
WHAT’S INSIDE A $6,000.00 CAMERA?!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVWr5g-rlFc
Tomi Engdahl says:
LOW LIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY – Taking BETTER shots in BAD conditions.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=paG6a6wlwto
Tomi Engdahl says:
LCOS Microdisplay Fits AR Designs
https://www.eeweb.com/profile/eeweb/news/lcos-microdisplay-fits-ar-designs
A 1080p liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) microdisplay, the OP02220 from OmniVision integrates a driver and memory buffer for use in augmented reality (AR) applications like AR glasses, head-mounted displays, and pico projectors. By combining the microdisplay and driver function into a compact 25.7 × 12.6 × 3.33-mm package, the OP0220 not only conserves board space, but also extends battery life by lowering power consumption.
The OP02220 provides a native resolution of 1,920 × 1,080 pixels and a pixel pitch of 4.5 µm. Its 0.39-in. diagonal LCOS panel
Power consumption for the OP02220 is 300 mW,
Tomi Engdahl says:
Suunnan tunnistava valopikseli
https://www.nanobitteja.fi/uutiset.html?145098
Stanfordin insinöörit kehittävät pieniä valonilmaisimia, jotka toimivat kuten gekkon korvat
Rakentamalla nanolangoista valopikselin tavalla, joka jäljittelee gekkojen korvia, tutkijat ovat löytäneet keinon tunnistaa tulevan valon suunnan. Tälle tekniikalle voisi olla sovelluksia robotiikassa, valokuvauksessa ja lisätyssä todellisuudessa.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Music: Not Impossible prototype + finished product!
This incredible uses vibration technology to create a more inclusive and enhanced live music experience for the deaf and hearing.
http://musicnotimpossible.com
Tomi Engdahl says:
Gift Guide: The best gear for that friend who wants to start a podcast
https://techcrunch.com/2018/11/16/gift-guide-the-best-gear-for-that-friend-who-wants-to-start-a-podcast/?sr_share=facebook&utm_source=tcfbpage
Welcome to TechCrunch’s 2018 Holiday Gift Guide! Need more gift ideas? Check out our Gift Guide Hub.
“How do I start a podcast?”
Tomi Engdahl says:
The Top 10 Podcasting Microphones for 2018
https://www.omnicoreagency.com/best-podcasting-microphones/
Podcasting is quickly becoming a popular marketing tactic in a variety of industries. After all, what could be better content than the opportunity to share your knowledge through conversations, interviews, and interaction?
While you should be putting most of the focus on having great content for your cast, it’s also key to have the right equipment.
A professional-sounding production can sometimes mean greater success or greater reach. Think of it this way: what would you think if you were listening to a show that had a lot of pops and crackles?
Dynamic or condenser?
Dynamic sound can be more focused, but it usually has a warmer quality. Condenser mics are bright and clear, but they can also pick up more ambient noise. It’s all about finding the tone that you want.
XLR or USB?
Most USB mics are condenser mics, so keep that in mind. XLR will require additional power sources, but you can find both condenser and dynamic mics suited to it.
What’s your price range?
For most podcasters, this is what makes or breaks a decision.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Selecting a Podcasting Mic: USB or XLR?
https://incomeschool.com/podcasting-mic-usb-xlr/
Like many podcast listeners, I listen to podcasts at 1.5x speed. This helps me to get through a lot more podcasts each week, and it’s actually very easy to understand what people are saying as long as their audio quality is clear.
If the audio quality is poor, it is nearly impossible to listen at 1.5x speed, and it is equally difficult to understand when competing with the noise of a car while commuting.
Fortunately, there are some really good mic choices available for podcasters.
But when people read that I recommend the Rode Procaster, it immediately brings up a question: Why choose an analog XLR mic when some mics (such as the Rode Podcaster) mic is USB, allowing you to record straight into the computer?
There is good reason for podcasters to choose a professional XLR analog microphone and record into a digital recorder, rather than recording straight into the computer.
The two main reasons for podcasting this way are (1) Audio Quality. There is no USB mic on the planet that I have heard compare to a quality analog mic. (2) Computers crash. It may be rare, but it happens.
If your budget for your podcast is only $50 and all you can do is buy a headset mic, then USB is going to be your only choice. Don’t let that discourage you. You can still produce a good podcast, but when your income is up enough to reinvest in the business–I highly recommend getting a professional mic with XLR connections.
The Zoom H6 is a recorder with SIX analog inputs of XLR, 1/4″ and 3.5mm inputs. All inputs can be recorded simultaneously on different tracks. It has a built-in compressor and gain settings, and the price is very reasonable.
So far, I have loved my new podcasting setup. It’s lightweight, simple, inexpensive, and I am less prone to making mistakes with fewer moving parts.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Garett Sloane / Ad Age:
YouTube quietly began showing ad-supported free feature-length movies in October, giving users access to around 100 titles including “The Terminator”
YouTube is now showing ad-supported Hollywood movies
Streaming on a small screen near you: blockbuster fare like ‘Rocky’ and ‘Terminator’
https://adage.com/article/digital/youtube-starts-showing-free-hollywood-movies-ad-breaks/315631/
The platform started promoting the free feature-length films in the movie section of the site in October, where it has sold movies and shows for years. Consumers could buy the latest blockbusters and prime-time TV programs through YouTube as they might on Apple iTunes and Amazon Prime, but there was never a free option to watch the movies in exchange for commercial interruptions.
By Garett Sloane. Published on November 16, 2018.
Credit: Illustration by Tam Nguyen/ Ad Age
Last month, YouTube quietly began showing ad-supported movies for the first time, giving viewers access to Hollywood titles including “The Terminator” and “Legally Blonde” for free.
The platform started promoting the free feature-length films in the movie section of the site in October, where it has sold movies and shows for years. Consumers could buy the latest blockbusters and prime-time TV programs through YouTube as they might on Apple iTunes and Amazon Prime, but there was never a free option to watch the movies in exchange for commercial interruptions.
ADVERTISING
“We saw this opportunity based on user demand, beyond just offering paid movies. Can we do ad-supported movies, free to the user?” says Rohit Dhawan, director of product management at YouTube. “It also presents a nice opportunity for advertisers.”
Tomi Engdahl says:
Is LG Ditching OLED??
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZmWhaxeYiA
The newest and best TVs for 2018 are rolling out, and as usual there’s a ton of marketing malarkey to cut through: OLED vs QLED, quantum dot vs nano cell, SUHD vs…Super UHD? More like ‘Super UGH’…
Tomi Engdahl says:
LG OLED vs Samsung QLED – TV Technology Shootout
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VxjbIK8zCZQ
The names may look almost identical, but OLED and QLED are two entirely different beasts. In our QLED vs. OLED battle, we dissect the differences between these dueling TV technologies and help determine which might be best for you.
Samsung’s QLED line of TVs is a series coined by the company that means “quantum light emitting diode”. The branding is an attempt to distinguish this TV as Samsung’s most premium television and has the capacity to produce an image that’s brighter than an OLED TV.
With LG’s OLED TV, the image is produced by starting with perfect black. With true blacks being produced, it’s hard to beat the OLED in terms of picture quality. The color is spot on straight out of the box, and its motion is smoother than the QLED.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Audio Craft Cassette Cartridge: More music per pocket.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RtYmaKsWwrU
In the days before music compression if you wanted to carry more music in less space you had to shrink the cassette itself.
A look at the rare Audio Craft CC-1 cassette. Released only in Japan.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Teardown Tuesday: A Powered Ultra-High-Definition HDMI Splitter
https://www.allaboutcircuits.com/news/teardown-tuesday-ultra-high-definition-hdmi-splitter-amuoc/
In this teardown, we disassemble a powered 1×2 HDMI splitter (one input to two outputs) that supports a multitude of data transfer resolutions, including 1080P, UHD/4K, and 3D.
HDMI splitters are used to allow, for example, allow a single HDMI output to connect to multiple displays.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Is Blue Light Actually Bad For You?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TX7VFG524ZA
Does blue light from your phone or computer negatively affect your ability to sleep?
Tomi Engdahl says:
Cassettes: Lenticular Classics & Endless Loops
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xU1aYAHmaJI
A look at some cassette related things
Tomi Engdahl says:
15 Cool VLC Features You’ll Wish You Knew Earlier!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHprwDJ0-fU
These are tips, tricks and features for use with VLC media player. VLC is one of the best media players that will play just about any video or audio file that you have on your computer. If that’s all that you use it for, then you’re missing out on the other cool features that are included with the VLC media player. In this video, I will show you 15 tips, tricks, and features for use with VLC.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Eyemore S1 – a Better Camera Option for Your iPhone?
https://www.cinema5d.com/eyemore-s1-a-better-camera-option-for-your-iphone/
the Eyemore S1 crowdfunding campaign over at indiegogo.com. This device acts as an outboard camera system for your iPhone.
The Worst Camera We’ve Ever Tested Is Hilariously Bad
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9S7Qw-gLro
In this video Lee Morris reviews the Eyemore S1 video camera. It’s very very bad. In fact, it’s the worst camera we have ever tested.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Another crowdfunded failure: Eyemore S1 video camera
https://photorumors.com/2018/11/19/another-crowdfunded-failure-eyemore-s1-video-camera/
After the Meyer Optik Görlitz and Yashica fiascos, we now have another crowdfunding horror story with the Eyemore S1 video camera. Watch the video “The Worst Camera We’ve Ever Tested Is Hilariously Bad”
Read more: https://photorumors.com/2018/11/19/another-crowdfunded-failure-eyemore-s1-video-camera/#ixzz5XP007FjN
Tomi Engdahl says:
Why Audiophiles Hate Bose | TDNC Podcast #93
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQ6RM3XMfKg
Bose is a household name when it comes to speakers and headphones — so just why do audiophiles hate it so much?
Comment:
We don’t hate bose….we just know better
Why don’t musicians use audiophile speakers?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2iAqepNnow
Musicians are hoping for a specific kind of sound when they use speakers to play their instruments through and audiophiles are looking for something very different. Paul gets into a rant about musicians not paying respect to their own music. Explicit language and high emotion alert.
Tomi Engdahl says:
On Black Friday, you’ll be able to watch the entire ‘Lego Movie’ in a YouTube ad
https://techcrunch.com/2018/11/20/on-black-friday-youll-be-able-watch-the-entire-lego-movie-in-a-youtube-ad/?sr_share=facebook&utm_source=tcfbpage
On Black Friday, YouTube says it’s teaming up with Warner Bros. Pictures to allow viewers to watch “The Lego Movie” for free as part of a promotion for the upcoming sequel.
So if you search for “Brick Friday” or “LEGO Movie 2” on YouTube, you’ll see a promoted video from Warner Bros. with the new trailer for “The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part.” If you click on the video, you’ll also have the option to watch “The Lego Movie” in its entirety, ad-free (as the movie itself is the ad).
Tomi Engdahl says:
FLIR boosts high-resolution thermal security cameras
https://www.cablinginstall.com/articles/2018/11/flir-hi-res-cameras.html?cmpid=enl_cim_cim_data_center_newsletter_2018-11-19&pwhid=6b9badc08db25d04d04ee00b499089ffc280910702f8ef99951bdbdad3175f54dcae8b7ad9fa2c1f5697ffa19d05535df56b8dc1e6f75b7b6f6f8c7461ce0b24&eid=289644432&bid=2303764
FLIR has expanded its award-winning line of FLIR FB-Series thermal security cameras to include the first models with 640 x 480 resolutions. Originally launched in early 2018 with a resolution of 320 x 240, the FB-Series now has a broader range of resolution and lens options to suit any application.
https://www.flir.com/browse/security/thermal-security-cameras/
Tomi Engdahl says:
Choosing the correct coaxial cable for CCTV applications
https://www.cablinginstall.com/articles/pt/2018/11/choosing-the-correct-coaxial-cable-for-cctv-applications-pacific-cable-ltd.html?cmpid=enl_cim_cim_data_center_newsletter_2018-11-19&pwhid=6b9badc08db25d04d04ee00b499089ffc280910702f8ef99951bdbdad3175f54dcae8b7ad9fa2c1f5697ffa19d05535df56b8dc1e6f75b7b6f6f8c7461ce0b24&eid=289644432&bid=2303764
A CCTV system consists of many components and each is critical to the quality of the video picture that is reproduced. Many system designers specify very specific criteria for the hardware; however, when it comes to the transmission media, only general information is given.
CCTV video signals are commonly transmitted using coaxial cable. Coaxial cable is designed to transmit the complete video frequency range with minimum distortion or attenuation, making it an excellent choice for CCTV. However, choosing the incorrect coaxial cable can degrade the overall signal transmission and/or allow outside EMI/RFI interference to be introduced into the signal causing high noise levels. This in turn can result in poor picture quality.
There are various construction types for coaxial cable.
Center Conductor
Center Conductor material made of bare cooper is recommended for optimum performance in CCTV signal transmission. Because a CCTV video signal is a baseband composite video with fairly low frequency components compared to a CATV video signal, the low D.C. resistance that copper provides will greatly improve the video signal transmission. if the cable is going to be used on a CCTV camera that will be in a fixed position, then a solid conductor is acceptable. However, if the cable will be used in a pan and tilt application, then you should choose a stranded conductor because a solid conductor construction will break with continuous flexing.
Coaxial cable is also available with a copper-covered steel center conductor. The steel core of a copper covered steel center conductor provides extra cable strength, while its copper coating provides a path for RF signal.
Although it may be less expensive than pure copper, it is not suitable for CCTV and is not recommended. Coaxial cable that utilizes a copper-covered steel center conductor is usually designed for, and more suitable for use in CATV and other RF applications
Notice the big difference in attenuation between the two materials. If a cable is chosen with copper covered steel the sync pulse information will be attenuated causing distortion in the video signal.
Dielectric Material of a coax cable is also another key area that should be addressed.
It is recommended to choose a dielectric with excellent electrical properties such as polyethylene or FEP. Such material will give you lower capacitance and a higher velocity of propagation. This results in a cable with low-loss characteristics and reduced attenuation of the signal.
A braided shield is the proper type of shield for CCTV and has two key purposes. One is to provide a low D.C. resistance ground path and the second is to provide shielding of outside interference from distorting the video signal. The shielding should be constructed of bare copper to provide a low D.C.R. return path. It should have a 95% or better braid coverage
A cable with a combination aluminum foil shield and low coverage aluminum braid (see diagram) commonly used for CATV is not acceptable! Because aluminum shields have a much higher D.C. resistance return path and the braided portion of these type of cables provide only a low percentage of coverage, they do not provide the type of shielding required for CCTV video transmission.
Jacket choice is mainly determined by the environment where the cable will be installed.
The impedance of CCTV equipment is 75 ohms; therefore in order to have minimum losses, it is important to choose a cable with a matching impedance of 75 ohms. If a cable of another impedance (50 ohm or 93 ohm) is chosen, then you will experience signal loss and reflection resulting in short distance transmission and poor picture quality.
Typically, the cable transmission limitations for CCTV will be as follows:
The RG59 has the highest attenuation of the three types and you can expect to get a distance of about 750 ft. (225m) – 1,000 ft. (305m)
The RG6 has lower attenuation characteristics than RG59 and you can expect distances of about 1,000 ft. (305m) – 1,500 ft. (457m)
The RG11 type has the lowest attenuation characteristics and you can expect distances of up to 2,000 ft. (610m)
Termination Techniques
The solder method offers several advantages for connectorization.
The disadvantage is that it takes more time to terminate than other methods
The Crimp Method is probably the most popular method for terminating BNC connectors on coax cable.
Some important points to remember when using the crimp method is to use the proper size connector for the size coax you are using. A tight fit on the cable is important When crimping the connector, use the proper tool!
The twist-on method is the quickest way of terminating a coaxial cable; however, it does have some drawbacks.
Because there is no mechanical or electrical crimp or solder connection, this connector is not as reliable as the other methods.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Should we have pure multi-channel audio?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EV6KuQNKDn8
Does pure multi-channel audio have a place in the broader world of high-performance audio or should it stay as a home theater format?
Tomi Engdahl says:
A 3D Printed Kinematic Camera Mount
https://hackaday.com/2018/11/19/a-3d-printed-kinematic-camera-mount/
[Enginoor] is on a quest. He wants to get into the world of 3D printing, but isn’t content to run off little toys and trinkets. If he’s going to print something, he wants it to be something practical and ideally be something he couldn’t have made quickly and easily with more traditional methods. Accordingly, he’s come out the gate with a fairly strong showing: a magnetic Maxwell kinematic coupling camera mount.
Magnetic Camera Mount
https://www.enginoor.com/magnetic-camera-mount/
Tomi Engdahl says:
Gift Guide: The best gear for that friend who wants to start a podcast
https://techcrunch.com/2018/11/16/gift-guide-the-best-gear-for-that-friend-who-wants-to-start-a-podcast/?sr_share=facebook&utm_source=tcfbpage
Tomi Engdahl says:
Science says holiday music is bad for your mental health
https://www.businessinsider.com/science-says-holiday-music-is-bad-for-your-mental-health-2017-12?utm_content=bufferfcfdc&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer-ti&r=US&IR=T&IR=T
Incessant repetition of holiday music can have a psychological impact.
At first, holiday music can be uplifting, but after a certain period of time, it can cause boredom — and even distress.
It can remind listeners of the other stressors of the holidays — like finances and family.
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://www.uusiteknologia.fi/2018/11/22/testi-osoitti-nykimatonta-videokuvaa-mobiiliverkkoon/
Tomi Engdahl says:
Should we say goodbye to linear amplifiers?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hG3ShA417Kw
Now that Class D amplifiers seem to be taking over even the high-performance area of musical amplification is the day of the linear amplifier over? What’s the future of linear amplification?
Comments:
Long live linear amplifiers and analog potentiometer volume control.
I have yet to come across a Class D amplifier that was devoid of the somewhat sterile characteristic consistent with the topology. Have auditioned expensive class D amps from NAD Master Series to Devialet mono blocks, and have owned quite a few mid range ones from Primare etc… Imo Class D still cannot compare with A/B and is still a million miles away from the naturalness of Class A.
I have a. Class a kt88 tube amp I want to be buried with it plus whilst ime alive it keeps me warm
It comes down to both economics and personal listening preferences. Some people stick to opinions as a matter of sometimes pride . . . like the difference between wearing the very same garment with a label intact as opposed to the same garment without the label. Some people would spend thousands of dollar for bragging rights — even though the exact garment off an outlet rack provies the same look and at a cheaper price. It isn’t all smoke and mirrors . . . but it is about each person’s persuasion, bias, honest information and mental approach to the final outcome. Are you satisfied or not . . . do you have money to burn or not . . . do you possess a mind that thinks for itself or not.