Podcast #1061: Braden's New Speakers

This week we discuss Bluetooth getting it's biggest upgrade in years, NFL+ launching it's own streaming service and Braden tells us if his new speakers were worth the wait. Plus we read your emails and news of the week.

News:

• It looks like the next Apple TV 4K might be ready to go 8K
• LG And Samsung's Next-Gen OLED TV Price War Is On, And We're All Winners
• Comcast may buy set-makers to boost smart TV efforts
• 'Stranger Things' Keeps Top Spot on Parrot Analytics Demand Chart

Bluetooth is getting the biggest upgrade in years

This latest evolution to the Bluetooth specification known as Auracast enables Bluetooth streaming "to an unlimited number of nearby audio devices." - This has so many cool uses. Imagine being at an airport gate and being able to connect your headphones to your particular gate announcements. That way you never have to wonder if the last call to board that you just heard was for your flight or for the gate across the way. But more traditionally you can share your music with friends headphones or you can listen to the audio of a TV in a sports bar.

There is also the new LC3 codec, which is designed to be a much more efficient way to transmit audio. That either means much higher audio quality at the same bit rate than the current baseline SBC codec, or even slightly better audio quality at less than half the bit rate. A lower bit rate means lower power consumption, which should translate to longer battery life. This would be nice if you can decide which way to go. If you were going for a long bike ride you may forgo the highest quality for longer battery life.

Other features include better support for true wireless earbuds, since Bluetooth LE Audio allows each individual earbud to maintain its own separate connection with the source device. And it's also hoped that, combined, all LE Audio's features will serve as a massive benefit for future hearing aids.

The last thing that is left is whether or not it will be integrated into existing devices. While it may be possible to add support for Bluetooth LE Audio through updates in the present devices, most people might have to purchase better hardware.

NFL+

The National Football League (NFL) has launched its own streaming service called NFL+. Beginning with the 2022 season. There are two subscription options for NFL+. The basic plan costs $4.99 per month or $29.99 per year.

• Live out-of-market Preseason games across devices
• Live local and primetime Regular Season & Postseason games on your phone or tablet
• Live game audio for every game (Home, Away, and national Calls)
• NFL Library programming on-demand, ad-free

For $9.99 per month or $79.99 per year, the NFL+ Premium gives you all the features of the basic tier plus some extras.

• Condensed game replays across devices (ad-free)
• Coaches Film (which lets fans study the game in-depth)

Braden's New Speakers

Braden took delivery of his new speakers (CSS Criton 2TD-X Tower Kit MSRP $1074) this week and we get his thoughts on hs Historic Speakers.

Specifications:

• Crossover Point: 1800 Hz
• Recommended Power: 20-100 watts
• Nominal Impedance: 6 Ohm
• Frequency Response:
• +/- 1.5 dB from 35 Hz to 17 kHz anechoic
• +/- 3 dB from 30 Hz to 20 kHz anechoic
• 20 Hz to 20 kHz in room
• Sensitivity: 90 dB
• External Dimensions: 44"H x 8.5"W x 10.5"D (111cm H x 21.5cm W x 26.6cm D)
• Weight 36 lbs (16.3Kgs) each