Roku is dead ... long live LG

I just recently upgraded our video entertainment platform from a 2011 42 inch LG to a 55 inch Sony. This was also because of a Roku device, their new sound bar, which needed HDMI with ARC (audio return channel) that the LG didn't support. The sound bar came with a work-around in the form of an optical cable, but the interface was still limited. So I finally made the leap to 4K, and I'm rather pleased with the Android OS. The steady march of programmed obsolesce continues...

 

We "upgraded" to a LG 55" CX OLED this summer for our new house -- well -- actually, wifey did. I was looking at a $400 Samsung.

But, she insisted. We bought it from a Washington/Oregon video store chain for $250 less than last year's model that was still being sold at Costco. No two-year warranty, but figured the savings were worth.

I have to admit, it is a wonder. We only have it hooked up to a Mohu blade amplified antenna and it gets 48 OTA stations plus the whole slate of "free" LG channels pulled from the internet. Who needs NetFlix or satellite or cable.

Everytime I look at the picture, it is almost as if I am actually "there."

 

I hate to bring this up, there's another issue that we all will have to deal with in a few years. ATSC 3.0 rollout. See here.

ATSC 3.0 is 4K and 7.1.4 sound capable.

If you get your TV signals OTA (over the air) your tuner is almost certainly a pre ATSC 3.0 device whether it's the built in tuner, or a Silicone Dust device, etc. The old ATSC signals will continue to be broadcast for up to 5 years and then shut off. If you don't have an ATSC 3.0 adapter or tuner, you will not be able to get OTA TV.

I get 99% of our content OTA and I have 8 tuners in a PVR that will have to be upgraded at some point. ATSC 3.0 has already been rolled out here in OKC. The problem is there are few adapters in existence yet. Samsung say the only TV that will have ATSC 3.0 is the 82" size. Silicone Dust has a quad tuner but only 2 are ATSC 3.0. Junk.

Just file this away and keep it in mind. You will hear about it again later.

 

You can check out Locast.org for local channels in your area.
All you need is internet and the app.
Free to try and donations are welcomed to help keep things running.

 

WHAT!!!!

aLL i GET IS THE ota CHANNELS. i HAVE AN not sure but around 2007 Panasonic plasma....It works fine on some 16 channels.. EEK.

 

The Sony I got (XBR-55X900H) promises a firmware update to ATSC 3.0 when available. That was the other deal clincher. Trying to stay ahead of programmed obsolescence this time.

 

Sorry guys, I've not had electricity for 9 days now. We had a major ice storm with 500,000 out and it's now down to 105,000 with now power. I'm still off.

There will be adapters coming out at some point. Darn few right now. The key is your own area. Once they start broadcasting ATSC 3.0 in your market, you'll have 3 - 5 years to convert or get an adapter before the shut off the original signal. You will need to re-scan channels once the start broadcasting ATSC 3.0 since allocations will change.

 

Largest outage in state history.

it's been 12 days and we still have over 40,000 right in the city that have no power. My power came back on Tuesday after 9 days.

I had a 2004 Generac 3,250 watt portable generator that threw a rod after 6 days. I was fortunate to find a close Home Depot that just got in a shipment of Ryobi 6,500 watt monsters (ry906500s) @ 195 lbs. Dayum heavy especially just 3 weeks after my hip replacement. Since it was the only generator in 200 miles, I bought it and was glad I had the 4Runner to haul it. It worked great on the refrigerator and a lot of small stuff. I had 6 AWG extension cords all over the house. The weather warmed into the 70's so heat wasn't an issue after two days.

We had a big power bump yesterday so I still have not drained the gas from it yet. Six houses right next to us lost a pad mount transformer and are back off again.

We have almost 4,000 linemen in from 20 states working on the restoration. Ice storms are terrible for damage and restoration when all the leaves are still on the trees. Most of ours had not even turned colors yet.


ATSC 3.0 is sort of sneaking in. We have it live on all but one station and there's been nothing said about it locally.

 

We have a LOT of neighbors talking about whole house natural gas generators this week. They were balking at the price. I also reminded them that I could count on one hand the number of times we've lost power for more than an hour since 2004 and only one of those was overnight until this week. Whole house would be nice, but I'll keep the Ryobi and its 20a plugs for now.

 

True, your situation is different and a perfect fit. I haven't measured our potential whole house requirement. With gas heat the summer A/C is the biggie except for my computer room. When you're limited on watts, it's amazing to see what everything uses especially at startup.

I considered adding whole house when we built in 2004 but the infant HOA was not sure hows the decibel levels would fit in. As it turns out I'm certain a big Generac would be quieter than the Ryobi 6500 I have. It's rated 72.3 dB but sounds a lot louder. Loud enough that you don't want to spend any longer close to it than it takes to put 6 gallons in it when it's running.