Home Theater System Contest (Ep. 9)

[henri]

So I just got done watching Episode 9 of InDigital (which was great, by the way) and I went to <http://revision3.com/dolby/> to vote and enter the contest discussed in the show.
But when I go to the site it tells me that I can only vote once. But I haven't even voted yet!
Is anyone else having the same problem?
Or am I just too stupid to follow simple instructions and enter a contest?
If it's the second reason, please help a poor soul, and point me in the right direction.

[kingkilr]

Yeah I'm getting the same error

[lazyb0y]

yeah im getting the same message :(

[astronut71589]

Yep, same thing here. Guess we'll just have to wait until its fixed.

[punchnclown]

Yup it appears that Alex and Kevin have rigged the contest so only they can win.

[sidtoner]

same thing... no voting for me... i was already making space for a new tv too...

[tomwynne]

Doesn't work for me neither, even the link on the page isn't a link to the dolby page, shows <a href...> so some html problems there.
Hope it is fixed soon, want to get that 52" tv :)

[edmondsonj]

Yep same thing with me

[awbgeek10]

It doesn't work for me either.

[larmac1]

same error here. On a diffrent note, this was a really great episode.

[derickam]

Same here...... Blast!

[blinne]

hm... i hope its fixed soon.

[hibachipenguins]

Same error, I work for a webhosting company too and i have tried it sourced from about 150 differnt IPs too so it's definatly something on their side

[whoisscott]

I had the same problem with the contest voting.

I'm sure it will be fixed, But anyway, I have to say I was extreamly impressed with this ep. I learned so much, Jack from dolby really knew his stuff. And I want to say thanks to the indigital crew for such a great ep.

[crumbles]

Same thing. Although, I'm not sure if that's an error, or it's just saying you can only vote once, and they just left the voting link off the page by mistake.

Anyway, great show guys, that was fun to watch! It was nice to have a long show about a single topic for a change. (although I still love the ones where you show multiple topics as well!)

[rowlodge]

....I WON!!!!!.....



just kidding.

[kingkilr]

Clearly it isn't working for any of us, is there anyone who it is working for?

[wallym]

Jessica u rock! HD downloads! cheap hd-dvd and spend it on the projection! way to go...
so anyway this is my official vote.
done!
IV'E BEEN LISTENING TO PODCASTs FOR AWHILE NOW. TODAY IS MY FIRST REVISION3 DAY. i AM NOWSTUCK ON VIDCASTS!

Though i would have voted for the seimens monitor. I have no shame.

Wally

[locke42069]

i guess you could say i'm a long time listener but first time caller. that show absolutely rocked. wil, you make an excellent co-host on the show. that being said i'd have to say that wil's is much better. i'm a huge fan of open source projects, and the tv would actually fit in my dorm room. i hope the link gets working soon.

[rzornow]

The same with me.

[kowgod]

The error has been reported to the proper authorities!

[kddpop]

i hope they fix this. id digg me a big ol tv. great episode.

kddpop

[bjtitus]

So I'm wondering if we'll have a chance to win ALL 3 if we vote or just the 1 that we voted on. This might indeed change my vote. I think some of the systems are better buys than others, but there's one clear victor on which one I would want.

Anybody know?

----EDIT----
Just kidding I'm an idiot :(

Missed Wil's explanation. BTW. Voting not working here either.

[haanzz]

Hi All,

The voting system seemed to work on our test site, but clearly it ain't working live. Working on it...please come back and vote! Mind you...if you don't vote, I might just be able to keep the stuff for myself...hmmmm....

Seriously....keep checking back so you can vote and win and all that stuff...

Hahn

[xxvtcxx]

Will's TV isn't shown on the "Jessica, Wil, and Hahn's Home Theater Component Lists" page link (http://revision3.com/dolby/bguide.php)

just pointing it out.

the aquos tvs are AMAZING!! I wish I had one...

p.s. the contest link doesn't work for me either

[wolf68k]

Well I'm glad I'm not the only one getting this no voting problem

[xxvtcxx]

Patrick's reaction of the contest was beyond funny!

just wanted to mention that!

[jeffchan]

Definitely by far the best episode for me.

Jessica's setup is very tempting for me. I love projectors and in fact I have one myself.

[shadowbird712]

*is waiting for the vote linky to work*

Hmm, decisions, decisions...I like Jessica's setup, but I'm also big on open-source...then again, Hahn's got that kick-ass 52" TV...

Oh, wait. Hahn's has BluRay. That scratches out that one for me.

Wil's or Jessica's...Jessica's or Wil's...

[tamoneya]

It seems to me that the problem is that the site does not think that i am logged in to revision3. No matter how many times i log into the site it always stays as the login link not account preferences and such.

[haanzz]

I've been told that it's fixed (aside from the link from the show). By the way...you get entered to win one of the three systems. Originally, I wanted you to only be able to win the system you vote for, but we decided that by going for the one you thought would lose, you'd increase your odds and that's not fair either...so now if you vote you can win one of the three...sorry...you don't have a choice.

Hahn

[ryudo]

Woo! I entered..I such a tech geek as anyone here and my tv and stuff is breaking down (Sony tv that is 4 years old has gone crazy) and also know my mother in cal can't afford a new tv and has had the same 13" rca for years and she wants a new tv but can't afford anything..I wish I could afford something for both of us or even one of us but right now no budget....be awesome to win this:) ...sadly I never won those Tech TV ones and they always went to wealthy people who could afford it -__-(ok I was glad for that one guy who had a 200 something Mhz PC and won a Alienware and other stuff) ..be nice for any of us poorer folk to win something nice:D

[kingkilr]

Just entered, god I would love to win one of these. SO badly, no one tell anyone about this conest, lets limit the conestants.

[henri]

Well, I just entered, and I can't wait to see who wins. I also want to thank the Rev3 crew for fixing the problem so quickly. So you guys really do care :)

Anyways, now that the voting is taken care of, I just want to add that I really enjoyed this episode. I know that many people on these forums may already know most of what was discussed, but I have been stuck in this maze of too many options, afraid of even starting to look at putting together a home entertainment center. So this show helped me with understanding the basics.

The dolby guys were (not surprisingly) very knowledgeable, and relayed the most important information in the time they had.
I thought the challenge was a great idea and it really showcased how different and varied home theater systems can be, and how they largely depend on an individual’s personality/preferences.

I also think that it is ridiculous that $5000 is not enough to build a compromise-free home theater system. I mean, for most people (or at least for me) spending $5000 for entertainment is absolutely out of the question. But to think that, even if I had those $5000, I wouldn't even be able to get the best of everything ... It boggles the mind.
Having said that, I hope I win it.

henri

[lazyb0y]

I voted for wils

[lurkervan]

Voted. It was another great episode. I also thought that THX was a competing brand to Dolby but now I know.

[kickarse]

The sound was really much better than the last episode. All mic's at same level, right on! Also great segments... keep it up!

BUT, I knew THX was a certification and not a technology.

[shadowbird712]

I ended up voting for Wil's. Hard choice between his and Jessica's system, but I like the TV, and it's got an open-source, DRM-free DVR (which is great, because I have a DVD recorder that gets a fair amount of use). I wish I could have the speakers from Jessica's, though...those things are sweet.

[sinodux]

I voted for Wil's as well. I have a DVR I built and love it. I recomend it for everyone. If you can't build it yourself do what Wil did. The DVR coupled with the DVD player for all the file formats I actually use sold me :)

[tokenuser]

Everyone should vote for Wil's or Jessica's setup ... 'cos my vote is for the Amp and TV on Hahn's list.

[jeffchan]

Everyone should vote for Wil's or Jessica's setup ... 'cos my vote is for the Amp and TV on Hahn's list.

Lol, unfortunately, that doesn't work.

"I've been told that it's fixed (aside from the link from the show). By the way...you get entered to win one of the three systems. Originally, I wanted you to only be able to win the system you vote for, but we decided that by going for the one you thought would lose, you'd increase your odds and that's not fair either...so now if you vote you can win one of the three...sorry...you don't have a choice.

Hahn"

[kickliquid]

I know everyone is gonna go crazy over the contest, discussing it through and through to no end completely skiping over the fact that this episode was definately a winner. I definately think the show is getting better with each episode and I hope that Hahn, Jessica, and Wil continue to pump out more shows like this in the future. Im definately hooked. keep up the good work guys.

[tokenuser]

I know everyone is gonna go crazy over the contest, discussing it through and through to no end completely skiping over the fact that this episode was definately a winner. I definately think the show is getting better with each episode and I hope that Hahn, Jessica, and Wil continue to pump out more shows like this in the future. Im definately hooked. keep up the good work guys.I completely agree. This is the type of content from the old TechTV days we are all craving - and I particularly enjoyed the "cross" to DL.TV.

InDigital has really come along nicely. The content is right on the money, and the reviews are at the right level.

BUT - I still want the TV and Amp from Hahn's list :)

[optinyc]

I've just signed up as a member of Revision3 - what a cool site! I also loved the ep of InDigital. Also interested in learning more about Home Theater tech. Want to enter the contest as well, but I also get the error that I've already entered.

Thought I've checked through the thread here and it's worked for some persons, any chance it may have gone offline? :(

Let me know. I just LOVE Jessica's selections, but I also like Wil's. Hahn's TV is hard to beat, tho, as those Aquos look pretty amazing. Will have to check those out in the store, cause something tells me that even if I get the chance to enter, I probably won't win. :o

[ryudo]

I always say and now it's more apparent than ever Indigital is like Fresh Gear from tech tv days and they are now hitting their stride last few eps and I hope to see it continue like this and faith it will and IMO best show on REV3.


I am so Excited for CES show ...another thing from Tech TV days I miss is CES coverage and thanks to Hahn and co we get it back.:D

[cyrinix]

Will's TV isn't shown on the "Jessica, Wil, and Hahn's Home Theater Component Lists" page link (http://revision3.com/dolby/bguide.php)

just pointing it out.

the aquos tvs are AMAZING!! I wish I had one...

p.s. the contest link doesn't work for me either

yea, Wil's TV isn't showing up as of today either in the short or long list provided on the site...

Is this an error or is the TV not being included in the package anymore? I hope it is, cause that would have changed my decision on which I would have voted for to win.

[haanzz]

yea, Wil's TV isn't showing up as of today either in the short or long list provided on the site...

Is this an error or is the TV not being included in the package anymore? I hope it is, cause that would have changed my decision on which I would have voted for to win.

It's an error that's being addressed...what you see in the show is what you get.

Hahn

[inim]

The show is awsome, and these kinds of contests arnt too bad either ;) ...

however its too bad that revision3 arnt allowing non-us residents to enter.
hopefully this will change in the future.

keep it up ...

[greggh]

I voted for Wil's system. It's great that he went the MythTV route. Too bad he wasted $200 on that Yamaha DVD player. It's apparent from the episode that Wil had no idea that the Monolith Mtyh box he got included a fully capable DVD player/burner. That $200 could have been used to beef up the audio part of the system a tiny bit more.

[sniperxtreme]

Went to vote, realised it was U.S only... cried.

:p

[nimrod]

Great Show! Voted!! :)

[rinkleroot]

I think Jessica's system was the best all around set-up so that's how I voted, I just found the show yesterday and love it!!

[mcsurvey]

Does anybody else find it a bit odd that they spent a long time talking about Dolby Digital, TrueHD, Headphone, THX, etc but because they were in the building totally forgot to mention DTS, which is encoded at a significantly higher bitrate than Dolby AC-3 and sounds a lot better?

The amount of talk about Dolby Digital being the industry standard made it sound like there were no alternatives. For the significant majority of recievers currently available, there is really only a choice of DTS, Dolby Digital (AC3) and PCM (stereo), and out of the three for 5.1 DTS is the far superior sounding codec.

[xelloss]

Ya great show, keep up the good work!

[jaysix]

I thought Wil's system with the MythTV box and format-supportive player was the best, but I thought they all kicked ass.

I think this episode was great! That's the kind of stuff that I miss from TechTV is good, honest reviews that are actually useful to the show's demographic, and so far DL.TV was the only place really delivering it. But this episode was great!

Also, I think a contest is a great idea to get attention. I got my dad to enter his name for the prize because I'm under 18. :P

InDigital has been getting better every episode lately, can't wait to see more!

[rvissers]

I agree this show keeps getting better and better. I love the interaction between the three hosts and the meter of the show. Hahn, keep up the good work, you really have been taking this to a whole new level.

[jukey]

I don't know if anybody realized this but there's a problem on http://revision3.com/dolby/bguide.php other than the fact that wil's TV is missing.

The show and the site say the Yamaha DVD player model is DV-C6760 but when you click on the link it takes you to a wite that has model number DV-C6860. If you look at the comparison page Here (http://www.yamaha.com/yec/compare/Detail.html?compitem1=&compitem2=200515&compitem3=200084&CTID=5001700&VNM=LIVE&B_compare.x=13&B_compare.y=12&comp_items=200515&comp_items=200084) then you see that he was clearly talking about DV-C6760 so the link should be changed.


I didn't vote but i'd want Wil's Myth TV box, Hahn's amp, and Jessica's speakers...that's why i didn't vote

[ryudo]

^picky


must be rich

[foofighter]

Jessica's system was the worst of the three. The idea was okay but it ended up being pretty bad.

First is the noise that the system will be putting out. The Xbox 360 is loud at the best of the times but add the HD player and it's pretty awful. Front projectors are quite loud too. I worry that all the fans in the room will be much too loud.

She wrong about starting with the receiver first, then speakers. Start with the speakers first, then the receiver. The Denon, while a good receiver, is over kill for those speakers. Spend more on the speakers and less on the receiver. I would go with the Outlaw Audio 1070 receiver (Which may still be over kill). Pioneer makes some good receivers too.

Apersion speakers are okay but I would want to hear them before I buy them. It looks like Apersion is on-line only. If you are okay shopping for speakers online, check out "Home Theater Direct" If you are shopping in store check out Paradigm Speakers and Axiom Speakers. Both are very good speaker makers. And for a system that's about the "audio" there is no CD player, (besides the Xbox but again, that's loud)

The projector is good but although she has a "80 inch screen!" it's only in 720p. Optoma is makes some great projectors for a good price and you can even buy them at Costco and Costco has a great return policy. As the DL.TV people said front projectors don't work in every or even most rooms.

I know this is getting picky but her cabling choice is wrong. The cables she put up there are only 8 feet long. You need much more cable then that if you are hanging a projector from the ceiling.

Wil's set up is good. The myth box was a neat idea plus he can throw in a HD or Blue Ray drive in the future. His cabling is good. People get ripped off on cabling.

Hahn's set up is good too. But the speakers kind of sucked. But that's what you get when you buy a 52" LCD although the Sharp is a mind blowing TV. He would have been better going with a rear projector.

[lisaj]

I'm really liking how the show is coming along. The three are great together, and it doesn't hurt that they throw in 3 cool home theater systems ;)

Keep up the great work!

[recklessftw]

awwwwwwwwwwwwww, why can't Canadians apply? I like to watch inDigital and would like to enter the contest.... sigh.

[perfecto]

canada will get you for this, hahn. :) our border guards are on the lookout! seriously though - sucks that we can't enter, but it's understandable. great show!

[recklessftw]

canada will get you for this, hahn. :) our border guards are on the lookout! seriously though - sucks that we can't enter, but it's understandable. great show!

yes, they will politly ask once and thank you when you say no.

oh well.... still a great show.

[haanzz]

canada will get you for this, hahn. :) our border guards are on the lookout! seriously though - sucks that we can't enter, but it's understandable. great show!

I know...I'm a disgrace to my country! I would love to include Canada in this, but last time I shipped my sister a $500 PDA, the duties were close to $100. For $5000...ouch!

Forgive me...

Hahn

[haanzz]

Hahn's set up is good too. But the speakers kind of sucked. But that's what you get when you buy a 52" LCD although the Sharp is a mind blowing TV. He would have been better going with a rear projector.

I don't like rear projections cause the viewing angles are terrible. And the cabinets are too big for me. That's why I went flat panel. I have to say that TV looks amazing compared to my Emprex...I was happy with the deal I got on it until I saw it next to the Sharp. I need a new TV now!

Hahn

[buddyjr7]

I've been told that it's fixed (aside from the link from the show). By the way...you get entered to win one of the three systems. Originally, I wanted you to only be able to win the system you vote for, but we decided that by going for the one you thought would lose, you'd increase your odds and that's not fair either...so now if you vote you can win one of the three...sorry...you don't have a choice.

Hahn
That sounds great to me, because I really couldn't decide on which one to vote for. It was pretty much, "Enie meanie minie mo". They all had their strengths.

[alexsk8ca]

awwwwwwwwwwwwww, why can't Canadians apply? I like to watch inDigital and would like to enter the contest.... sigh.

Yeah that made me really upset, I was hyped!

[wilw]

I had the same problem with the contest voting.

I'm sure it will be fixed, But anyway, I have to say I was extreamly impressed with this ep. I learned so much, Jack from dolby really knew his stuff. And I want to say thanks to the indigital crew for such a great ep.Yeah, Jack was just incredible. You only saw what we could put into the show, but we got to spend and entire day with him. I learned so much about audio and video (and DOLBY HEADPHONE!) while we were with him, I wish we'd talked to him before we chose our systems; I would have made an even better system.

[darklighter]

Yeah, Jack was just incredible. You only saw what we could put into the show, but we got to spend and entire day with him. I learned so much about audio and video (and DOLBY HEADPHONE!) while we were with him, I wish we'd talked to him before we chose our systems; I would have made an even better system.

I heard a while back about Dolby Headphone taking advantage of the multi-speaker in-ear headphones like the Shure's etc. but I didn't know until your episode that you could use regular headphones to produce the surround effect. So unreal that Dolby knows how we comprehend sound to replicate it into a couple of ear buds. Was the experience pretty accurate? I want to demo this, it sounds so cool!

Also Wil, I voted for Hahn's system but really really wanted to vote for yours because it's probably what I would have done if I had known about Monolith. Thanks for the info on Monolith and Hahn for the Oppo upconverting DVD player. Lots of other cool stuff too!

Fantastic work, all of you, for all that you do!

[wilw]

So unreal that Dolby knows how we comprehend sound to replicate it into a couple of ear buds. Was the experience pretty accurate? I want to demo this, it sounds so cool!They wouldn't get into the specifics of the math (I think it's trade secrets) but it was clear that they spent a lot of time and money on getting it just right. It's hard to describe the experience of listening to it, but I'll try: it's the difference between seeing a movie in black and white, and seeing it in color.

[axisds]

Patrick's reaction of the contest was beyond funny!

just wanted to mention that!


Absolutely the greatest! "Why the F#@! didn't we get $5000!"

BTW: Voting worked for me

[axisds]

I don't like rear projections cause the viewing angles are terrible. And the cabinets are too big for me. That's why I went flat panel. I have to say that TV looks amazing compared to my Emprex...I was happy with the deal I got on it until I saw it next to the Sharp. I need a new TV now!

Hahn

Yeah dude when you talk amazing flat panels nothing beats the aquos in image quality. The price of a lower end 720p model is equivilent to some of the 1080i(p) tv's if you hunt around and I would still go with an aquos giving the option. My Uncle has one and I was speechless when I first saw it.

[tokenuser]

They wouldn't get into the specifics of the math (I think it's trade secrets) but it was clear that they spent a lot of time and money on getting it just right. It's hard to describe the experience of listening to it, but I'll try: it's the difference between seeing a movie in black and white, and seeing it in color.There was a Diggnation Episode taped several months ago that hinted at where Dolby Headphone was going, where Kevin and Alex (with Jack's help and equipment) played around with audio fields. It was amazing to listen to - even if only on a pair of crappy iPod earbuds on non Dolby Headphone certified gear.

[masherscf]

They wouldn't get into the specifics of the math (I think it's trade secrets)

It's probably not a secret. A friend of mine did his physics degree working on sound and the theories are well documented. However, there's a big difference between knowing how a bomb works and actually building one. The engineering that applies the theory is probably top-secret.

[jukey]

The projector is good but although she has a "80 inch screen!" it's only in 720p.

Well, if you listened carefully she said its "not quite HD". If you look up the specs the resolution is 1024x576. even less than 720p. It accepts the resolutions but it is incapable of displaying them. I personally wouldn't settle for anything less than 720p

[axisds]

Well, if you listened carefully she said its "not quite HD". If you look up the specs the resolution is 1024x576. even less than 720p. It accepts the resolutions but it is incapable of displaying them. I personally wouldn't settle for anything less than 720p

The reasons I didn't like her set up was because of what you said and because when you take into account the installation of the screen in your sealing I am no longer interested. I mean thats a 80"+ long whole in your sealing you have to cut.

[forensic6]

Anyone there able to tell us the number of entries into the contest as of yet?

[klitzy]

Anyone there able to tell us the number of entries into the contest as of yet?

So far 19.4 million people have entered....You guys might as well not enter.

[rumblestrip]

I don't like rear projections cause the viewing angles are terrible. And the cabinets are too big for me. That's why I went flat panel. I have to say that TV looks amazing compared to my Emprex...I was happy with the deal I got on it until I saw it next to the Sharp. I need a new TV now!

Hahn

Comming soon to http://sfbay.craigslist.org/ele/ :)

[slickricks]

I am so amped up about the contest!

WOOOOOOOOOOOWHHHHHHHHHHHHHHWOWWOOOO!!

I am really thinking that this could be it for me. I really need this stuff... I have had some really bad luck with displays.

Please for me. I will now refresh the InDigital eight million times. TechTV-4-ev-R.

Jessica? I am pretty sure I saw you in a Radio Shack commercial... didn't I? Well, it looked like you... and that is good enough for me.

Cya - Pimps.

www.myspace.com/davebode

[pokerdude755]

I just hope no one voted for Hahn setup. because i'll take that system in no time. :D I do need a new t.v.:D

[slickricks]

Verse - Please baby, please - post that show so I can see.

Am I sleeping am I deaming or is the big winner Davey.

I need to know, I need to know if my name is in the show.

Can you see - the suprise, and that look up in my eyes?

I go home tonight, thinking that I just might be alright,

with knowing outside it's snowin' but inside my heart is glowin'.

Chorus - Baby, oh baby! I need a big big screen,

all my CRTs and LCDs gave out on me, don't ya see?

I need to be the one, this guy right here, gotato get me some,

mega-pixels, HDTV, Jessica? It's you and me!

[troysykes]

yeah for real, at my house we are still using a 21-25 year old GE tube tv. (my parents got it before my brother was born he's 21) and we have a dvd vcr combo that is as loud as a vacuum :-p. All I can do is hope.

[gevmage]

I couldn't find a discussion thread just to comment on episode 9, so I'm creating one.

I think the concept of this episode is pretty cool. You obviously had a lot of fun and learned stuff at Dolby Labs (we're all jealous of being able to go on such field trips).

I like the advice given about shopping for home theater stuff, that was very useful. However, I think any discussion like that should be prefaced by a brief overview of the basic terms and vocabulary. If nothing else, put a subtitle link to a web site that explains things. For example, you talked about 1080i, 1080p, 720p without defining those terms or what they mean. Same with ATSC. This means that if you don't know what those terms are, those discussions fall totally flat. Also, you talk about component video and different audio format without defining them.

Thank you, however, for the discussion about what HDMI was. I did NOT know that it incorporated audio as well. More information would have been good, like what devices were likely to use it, and what resolutions are available.

Yes, THX is a certification standard rather than a format. Up side: products and theaters with that label tend to be very high quality. Down side: it's a huge cash cow for Lucasfilm, so it's hard to verify its objectivity.

Having the host each spec home theaters: Awsome idea. It's a very neat thing to contrast their specific tastes. This is what makes this show unique and interesting.

Jessica: Yes, using a projector as a display is awesome. We have one at home, and it's a very good way to get a really nice, large display without breaking the bank.

Wil: awesome with the MythTV box for the PVR. That's pretty cool. And the play-it-all player is pretty cool too.

My opinion is that any THX certified system made by Onkyo should be fine for any normal person that just like their movies to sound good. No, it won't satisfy the people that put their aplifiers on sand bags and "break
in" their speaker wires.

Your transition to yourself in the studio--funny.

Wil--you need a hand director. Someone off camera who can zap you
when you start doing weird things with your hands. It's a common
thing; in speech class in high school, we would make people who
shuffled their feet stand in a box to keep them still. Handcuffing
you would look wierd, but just to make sure you're aware of it.

"It's going to come with a hooker". :-)

Hahn: Very nice TV. You made the point very well that sometimes your choices back you into a corner.

Very fun--keep up the good work!