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After a break of almost 3 1/2 months, HomeTech Weekly is back! In this episode we talk about why there was a 3 1/2 month gap since the last show and give everyone the tip to understand that it takes more time than you think to recover from surgery!  Yes, I had foot surgery (a nerve release in the inside of my right ankle, and removal of a nerve branch between my middle toes on my right foot - hurts just to type it).  I have had four foot surgeries in the last 2 years and for some reason I still think that I will be back up and running a few days after surgery. During my recovery time I spent alot of time thinking about ways to improve HomeTech Weekly and if it was truely serving the purpose that I had intended.  To that end I have decided to launch a new show with a broader topic area of anything related to technology, not just specific to home technology.  The new show has a name but there are a few "official" things that are not finished yet, so I can't revel the show name just yet.  Hoping to launch the new show in the next 4-6 weeks. HomeTech Weekly will not be coming to an end, however it will no longer be a weekly show and instead be a once or twice a month show. We will no longer be doing the News Edition of HomeTech Weekly.  While this show was fun to do, it took a lot of time to put together and research.  If there is anyone that would like to do the research and put together the show notes (possibly an Intern), I would be willing to continue to host & produce the show.  If you are interested email podcast@hometechweekly.com. Until next time...      - Dave

On this episode of HomeTech Weekly, News Edition, we talk about two new streaming media players, changes to Amazon's Trade-In program, and a new Dolby format, all that an more coming up next...   INTRO Welcome back to another episode of HomeTech Weekly, my name is Dave Kirn, and this is episode number 28 - recorded Tuesday April 17th, 2012. NEWS D-Link Debuts MovieNite Streaming Player Stripped down version of its Boxee Box Streaming only device Vudu Netflix Pandora YouTube Ability to view live mydlink-enabled network cameras Online photo streaming via the Picasa app Free apps for iOS & Android devices Single HDMI connection Wireless N & Ethernet network connection Available now - $60 SunBrite Debuts New TV New more affordable Signature Series outdoor TVs 4 new models 32" SB-3260HD $1495 46" SB-4660HD $2795 55" SB-5560HD $3995 65" SB-6560HD $5995 32 & 55 shipping now, 65 later this month Amazon Trade-In CDs have been added to the Amazon trade-in program In addition the the current program accepting old electronics, textbooks, DVDs and video games in return for a Amazon Gift Card New Roku HD Entry level Roku streaming media player 720p HDMI output, composite audio & video connections Available now - $60 Dolby launches new Dolby 3D Developed by Dolby Labs & Royal Philips Electronics Works on any 3D TV, tablet, laptop, or smartphone Automatically optimizes 3D content for the specific device & screen size Upgrades half-resolution to full-resolution 3D for both traditional glasses-based 3D as well as glasses-free 3D Lets viewer sit anywhere in the room for great 3D, rather than in one small area DirecTV gets streaming rights to Starz Allows DirecTV to stream Starz movies and original series through the DirecTV Everywhere platform for Starz Super Pack subscribers. The DirecTV Everywhere is currently in Beta and scheduled to launch later this year LG launches 3D content service New application called 3D World allows users to search for 3D content via the TVs home dashboard screen Search across content categories coving entertainment, sports, documentary, kids, and lifestyle Application will be available on 2011 and 2012 Cinema 3D models MGM delivers 600 movies to YouTube and Google Play Available for rent or purchase More titles will be added in the coming months Ikea furniture with integrated TVs and sound systems 3 different designs All incorporate a LED TV 2.1 sound system with wireless subwoofers Wi-Fi for smart TV features DVD/Blu-ray players Worldwide rollout in spring 2012 DirecTV blocking HBO on old non-HDCP HDMI connections Old TVs that lack HDCP (High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protection) DirecTV has provided some customers component video cables so they can continue to watch HBO ON THIS WEEK'S MAIN SHOW On this week's main show we are going to talk about my project from this last weekend.  As I have said on previous episodes I moved into a new house in September last year and there were many other priorities that came before I could focus on the control system and automation. OUTRO This has been another episode of HomeTech Weekly.  Make sure you check out our website at hometechweekly.com.  You can find the show notes for this episode by going to the Episode Guide section of our website and searching for Episode #028.  If you have a question on anything that we covered in this show or comments in general, please post a message in the comments section for this episode or you can also email us at podcast@hometechweekly.com. You can find us on FaceBook, Google+, Twitter, and now Pinterest by clicking on the links on our website at hometechweekly.com To stay updated with the latest shows make sure that you click subscribe in your favorite podcast software or app. Also, Feedback, Feedback,

On this episode of HomeTech Weekly, we talk about three different tricks to optimize your viewing on that new 3D TV, all that and more coming up next... INTRO Welcome back to another episode of HomeTech Weekly, my name is Dave Kirn, and this is episode number 27 - recorded Thursday April 12th, 2012. On today's show we are talking about that new 3D TV that you purchased and how to get the most out of your new 3D viewing experience - whether you want to watch the latest 3D Blu-ray movie or play 3D games, you can perform a few simple tricks to optimize your 3D viewing experience. Just like when HDTV first came out, 3D content is still very limited, however it is growing daily and when it comes to gaming, a lot of the biggest games from last year came with support for 3D displays.  The challenge is getting the 3D content to display properly - however with a little bit of time and trial and error along with the tips we are going to discuss today you are going to be well on your way to really enjoying all that 3D content has to offer. Getting the Most From That New 3D HDTV Calibration Most people believe that displays are calibrated correctly when they come from the factory - they are definitely not! Even two identical displays (even from the same production run) will not be exactly the same Manufacturers tend to calibrate one display within a certain model, then use those settings for the rest of the units that are produced for that model. Manufacturers have a designated "range" for specifications that provided that the new display falls in that range no corrections are made New displays are coming to market that are THX-certified 3D HDTV displays, and even though they are better than non-certified, they still need to be calibrated. What is calibration? Using measurement tools, display settings like brightness, sharpness, color, contrast and more are set to a specified industry standard This standard is what is used by film and game studios when they create the content Without the proper calibration you will not be seeing the video in the way that it was intended Directors and Producers are now using different visual effects to better communicate the environment of the film Eye strain and eye fatigue can result in watching an un-calibrated display Calibration seems hard to explain but it is something that once you have a display calibrated, you will wonder how you watched a non-calibrated display Professional or DIY? Professional Requires special equipment that costs between $10,000 and $25,000 Requires special training and certification by the ISF (Imaging & Science Foundation) Many professional A/V companies will either offer the services themselves or contract with a calibration only company Generally costs between $250 and $500 per display (video only) DIY DVD or Blu-ray calibration disc Digital Video Essentials DVD (Standard Definition) - List Price $24.95  Amazon $9.45 Digital Video Essentials Blu-ray (High Definition) - List Price $29.95  Amazon $17.75 Spears & Munsil High-Definition Benchmark Blu-ray (High Definition) - List Price $25  Amazon $25 Disney WOW (World of Wonder) Blu-ray (High Definition) - List Price $35.99  Amazon $25.99 Spyder Kit Combo of software and a color sensor that connects to your computer Datacolor Spyder4 Express - List Price $119.00  Amazon $114.00 Datacolor Spyder4 Pro - List Price $169.99  Amazon $169.99 Datacolor Spyder4 Elite - List Price $249.00  Amazon $249.00 Backlighting Most people tend to watch Blu-ray movies in a darker than usual environment in order to replicate that immersive theater experience and hardcore gamers are adopting the same concept When watching 3D content, most 3D displays will run brighter to compensate for the tinted glasses that are required to make the 3D effect possible

On this episode of HomeTech Weekly, News Edition, we talk about updates to a few different streaming media apps, some more new AV receivers, and a software update for the Nest thermostat, all that an more coming up next...   INTRO Welcome back to ...

On this episode of HomeTech Weekly, we talk about buying that new TV at your local retailer, what to look for, how to compare different models, how to level the playing field

On this episode of HomeTech Weekly, we talk about surround sound encoding and decoding formats, all the info that you need to understand all those letters on the back of a Blu-ray case

On this episode of HomeTech Weekly, News Edition, we talk about TiVo price reductions, new apps launching on Xbox Live, and some more new AV receivers, all that an more coming up next...   INTRO Welcome back to another episode of HomeTech Weekly, ...

On this episode of HomeTech Weekly, we talk about surround sound and break down the differences between all the various formats, and discuss which format would work best for your home

On this episode of HomeTech Weekly, News Edition, we talk about some new AV receivers, new apps from Sonos, reaction to the new iPad, and some strange news you may want to know before getting that new tattoo

On this episode of HomeTech Weekly, we talk about apps you can use to convert your smartphone or tablet into a remote control for your home entertainment system

On this episode of HomeTech Weekly, News Edition, we launch a new show format and bring you all the exciting technology news from the week

On this episode of HomeTech Weekly, we talk about the Apple Event yesterday and discuss the new Apple TV, the "new" iPad and some really cool new software from Apple

On this episode of HomeTech Weekly, we talk Media Servers and break down the different types of media servers, as well as discuss streaming media devices, all that and news from the week

On this episode of HomeTech Weekly, Home Control & Home Automation Systems - Professional Install or can it be DIY, plus an update on a listener's plans for systems in his new house with a slightly abbreviated interview

On this episode of HomeTech Weekly: Two new technologies for TVs - OLED & 4K. What are they and do you really need it? We will explain both technologies, discuss their features & benefits and determine if you should consider either of these technologies if you are purchasing a TV later this year.