Canceling internet and cable subscriptions has long been a test of patience. While signing up for service often involves just a few clicks, trying to cancel requires a phone call with retention specialists, and sometimes a lot of negotiation.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently introduced a “click-to-cancel” rule to address this issue, mandating that companies must offer an online cancellation option if they accept online sign-ups. This rule is set to take effect in about 180 days, but the industry is pushing back. The Electronic Security Association (ESA), the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB), and the National Internet and Television Association (NCTA) are collectively suing the FTC, aiming to block the rule.
We take a look at their reasons for opposing the rule in my latest video.
The industry associations filing the lawsuit represent companies that would be directly impacted by the new regulation. ESA represents companies that provide home security services, IAB represents a broad range of advertising and subscription-driven businesses, and NCTA advocates for cable giants like Comcast, Cox, and Charter along with a number of cable networks. Their stance is that click-to-cancel is overly broad and doesn’t consider consumer interests or industry realities. They argue the current system benefits consumers, though evidence suggests otherwise.
For consumers, canceling a subscription can be a headache. For instance, Comcast requires either a phone call with a “retention specialist”, a trip to a local store, or even a letter in the mail to cancel. But they offer quick and easy online options for initial orders, upgrades and add-ons.
While the industry maintains that this process is straightforward, consumers tell a different story. Many consumers, like the ones who documented their difficulties on the FTC’s docket, report lengthy hold times and repeated offers instead of straightforward cancellations. Complaints and frustrations are also quite prevelant across Reddit and other social media platforms. This difficulty isn’t exclusive to Comcast; providers like Frontier follow a similar model, offering one-click purchases and upgrades but requiring a call to cancel.
There are notable exceptions, however. YouTube TV and Starlink both allow easy online cancellation, demonstrating that such policies are indeed feasible.
The real reason they are likely opposing these measures is that it makes it easier for consumers to exercise their market power. It’s a question of competition and convenience, both of which would likely improve under the click-to-cancel model.
While I don’t consider myself a retro video game collector, I have held onto most of the games I played as a kid and acquired a few of the consoles that I didn’t have over the years. Nothing beats the experience of playing games on real hardware on an old CRT television.
But managing all of these devices and games can make it difficult to just “pick up and play.” But there are some solutions that add convenience while maintaining accuracy – both on that old TV with the MiSTer project and on-the-go with my Steam Deck.
The MiSTer has become my go-to for a true-to-life retro experience. It relies on an FPGA chip to “replicate”—rather than emulate—classic hardware, and its accuracy is impressive.
An FPGA, or Field Programmable Gate Array, is a type of chip that can be configured to mimic the behavior of other hardware circuits. Unlike traditional processors, which follow predefined instruction sets, an FPGA can be “programmed” to act as a custom-built circuit by arranging its internal logic gates and connections to mirror the specific functions of the hardware it’s replicating. In retro gaming, an FPGA can be used to replicate the precise electrical behaviors of vintage gaming consoles, accurately recreating the way those systems processed inputs and displayed outputs without traditional emulation.
My MiSTer configuration
This allows for near-perfect replication of classic hardware with minimal latency, making it ideal for users who want the authentic experience of older technology. It also allows for these old games to output video to a CRT television in a similar manner to the consoles being replicated without any input lag or video processing.
The MiSTer can recreate the experience of different gaming systems, whether it’s the Sega Genesis, NES, or even more complex systems like the Sega Saturn and Nintendo 64. My MiSTer is connected to an old JVC television my father gave me when he was renovating his house. To my luck and surprise that TV has RGB inputs on board that can connect directly to my MiSTer for pristine analog output.
The setup not only delivers minimal lag but also lets me switch seamlessly and quickly between systems. In my video we explore various ports of After Burner, jumping quickly between the NES, Sega Master System, Sega Genesis/Mega Drive, Sega 32x, and finally the Sega Saturn – all pixel perfect on that JVC television.
Afterburner Running on the Sega Saturn Core
But the MiSTer doesn’t just limit itself to game consoles. There are hundreds of arcade game cores with many, many more in development. Usually you’ll see a new core released every couple of weeks if not more frequently depending on what hardware platform has been completed. Playing arcade games like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Street Fighter 2 on my CRT is amazing; it fulfills my childhood dream of having the actual arcade game at home!
And when you’re done with games you’ll also find an extensive list of retro computing cores. I can seamlessly jump from one machine to another, like from an Apple II to a Commodore 64, exploring software I missed out on in the past. On a CRT display, these systems look and feel close to how they did decades ago, giving me an authentic retro computing experience without the need for multiple pieces of old hardware.
More advanced systems are also represented like classic DOS PCs thanks to the ao486 core and even more obscure offerings like the Sharp x68000. One of my favorites is the ao486 core, which emulates an old-school 486 PC, complete with support for classic operating systems like DOS and Windows 3.1. Old PC games run pretty nicely on this core.
Windows 3.1 Booting on the MiSTer
Many MiSTer cores lack modern features like save states or rewind functions, but I find this aligns it closer to the spirit of the original gameplay. Most cores do support whatever save-game features the original games supported, however.
There are new MiSTer cores being added all the time thanks to a very active development community. The best way to keep up with these developments is to follow this tag on RetroRGB’s excellent website. Bob from RetroRGB also maintains an excellent guide on how to get started.
When it comes to controllers, the MiSTer is versatile, working with a range of USB controllers and adapters, even supporting original controllers through a device called the SNAC. Using these connections, I can get as close as possible to the feel of the old systems, and on some games, I can even use original light guns on the CRT. The accuracy and responsiveness have made the MiSTer a reliable setup for these gaming sessions.
For other controllers I like to use 8bitdo’s offerings. In addition to modern-styled offerings like the Pro 2 and Ultimate Controller they also have some specialty controllers that replicate the feel and button layout of the originals. Some examples are the M30 that have a classic Sega feel and their Turbografx 16 styled controllers.
The 8bitdo M30
The Steam Deck, meanwhile, has brought retro gaming to the palm of my hand. With a tool called EmuDeck, it transforms into an emulation powerhouse, running everything from the Nintendo Switch backward in time. EmuDeck integrates games directly into the Steam interface, allowing me to jump into a title without navigating multiple menus and emulators. It’s convenient, especially for moments when I only have a few minutes here and there. With games loaded and readily accessible, it’s easy to squeeze in gaming time between other daily tasks.
The Steam Deck does an exceptional job of emulating the Dreamcast, PS2, Gamecube, Wii, PS3, Xbox 360 and many others that the MiSTer currently can’t replicate. You can see an example of some of those games running in the video linked above.
The Steamdeck running the Xbox 360 version of Afterburner Climax
I also enjoy a really fun project called Retro Achievements, a feature that brings the accomplishment-tracking aspect of modern gaming into classic games. It’s an engaging way to breathe new life into older titles, and tracking my progress in real time gives me a fresh incentive to push a bit further in each game. You can check out my profile here to see how I’m doing!
For larger screen gaming, I’ve set up a docking station for the Steam Deck to connect to my TV. It’s a quick way to enjoy those handheld games on a big screen, especially with friends. Despite some minor adjustments required for resolution changes, the Steam Deck’s versatility really shines through – offering just enough processing power to run the games at full speed on a larger display.
Both the MiSTer and the Steam Deck offer different strengths for retro gaming, and each has become an integral part of my setup. With more tools and utilities emerging, like RetroBat and Batocera for PC gamers, retro gaming has never been easier to dive into. There’s an endless amount to explore, and I’m looking forward to discovering new ways to keep these classics alive.
The Minix Z300 is a fanless mini PC featuring a metal-block case that acts as its own heat sink. It’s almost identical to the Z100-0db I looked at a few months ago but with a more powerful i3-N300 processor that has 8 cores vs. 4 on the Z100 model. You can see the Z300 in action in my latest review.
Priced around $324 with a coupon, this unit provides more processing power for tasks that need it, such as desktop multitasking and server operations in Linux. But its graphical performance, while improved over the N100, is not enough to make the difference for gamers.
In terms of configuration, my review unit has 16 GB of single channel RAM (all of these N100/N300 machines run single channel) and 512 GB of NVMe storage. While the storage, RAM, and Wi-Fi card and be swapped out, the lack of additional storage slots limits expandability compared to other mini PCs. But Z300 offers a solid port selection, with USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (two USB-A and one data only USB-C), a MicroSD card slot, dual HDMI outputs that support 4K at 60 frames per second, and 2.5 Gbit Ethernet.
One of the most noticeable features is the large, highly visible antennas, which help improve Wi-Fi reception, particularly useful in digital signage setups where the device may be tucked away behind monitors or displays. The Z300 also includes a licensed version of Windows 11 Pro, and its fanless design ensures that it runs silently, although users should be prepared for the device to get quite hot during under load.
Performance-wise, basic office tasks and web browsing are fast and responsive, even at 4K 60Hz resolution, and the system handled 4K video playback without dropped frames.
However, in gaming benchmarks, such as GTA V at 720p on low settings, the system struggled to push past 25 frames per second, similar to its N100 counterpart. Classic PC gaming and retro console emulation, however, ran smoothly. For those seeking a mini PC for gaming, a Ryzen-based option may offer better graphical capabilities for around the same price.
The Z300-0db is particularly suited for those looking to use it as a server, where the extra cores offer a tangible benefit, or for users seeking a quiet, low-power device for general computing tasks. But for many the lower cost N100 based Z100-0b from Minix is a good choice.
We are now about a year and a half in on the encryption of the ATSC 3.0 broadcast television standard. It’s becoming clear now how DRM is significantly limiting consumer choice and adoption of the new format. In my latest video I’ll demo how well an unencrypted channel works across a number of platforms that are currently restricted from viewing encrypted content.
This video was inspired by a recent press release pushed out by broadcast TV association Pearl TV touting a new USB dongle from ADTH that can tune into ATSC 3.0 content. They cite this as a step towards speeding up adoption of the new standard. BUT – the dongle will require an Internet connection to tune into protected channels.
What’s frustrating is that a similar device has been around for nearly a year, made by a company called GT Media. In fact I reviewed it when it came out. It’s a $60 USB stick that can pick up unencrypted ATSC 3.0 and 1.0 signals and an example of how robust the ATSC 3.0 tuner marketplace could have been by now.
What is clear is that we’d have many more affordable options like this one if broadcasters didn’t choose to encrypt and lock down their signals. I’m very interested to see what the ADTH dongle will cost vs. the GTMedia device given what the added expense of meeting those DRM requirements requires.
To show how frustrating this can be, I’ve got an HDHomeRun Flex 4K plugged into my antenna upstairs, and I can tune in non-encrypted ATSC 3.0 signals across multiple platforms: my Windows PC, iPhone, Roku TV, and even my Apple TV. Basically anything in my home with a screen can tune in. It all works perfectly without having to jump through hoops. But as soon as encryption gets involved, most of these options vanish, leaving me with only a few Android-based tuners to choose from that have to be directly connected to a television.
Earlier this year, broadcasters promised that we’d see more device compatibility beyond Android platforms, but here we are months later and we’re still waiting. Devices like Apple TV, Windows PCs, and others are still locked out because the encryption standard the broadcasters chose is a Google-based system.
It’s a real shame because ATSC 3.0 is such a leap forward in terms of video quality and efficiency. When it’s not locked down, it’s a game changer. I’ve been able to receive channels in my area that I never could before, but now two of my local networks have encrypted their signals, locking me out.
There’s still time to make our voices heard. The FCC is accepting comments on this, and it’s one of the most commented issues on their docket right now. If you feel the same way I do about the impact of encryption on the future of over-the-air TV, you can add your thoughts to the official file. I have instructions here on how to submit a comment to the FCC here on my site.
For now, I’m keeping an eye on how this develops, but it’s frustrating to think about how much potential this technology has and how much it’s being restricted by unnecessary barriers. If the encryption stays, I fear this could be the future of broadcast television—locked down and limiting what consumers can do with their own devices.
The Quest 3s is fully self-contained, meaning it doesn’t require any external hardware to run its software. Like its more expensive sibling, it supports mixed reality, blending virtual elements with the real world using an impressive pass-through feature.
At $299 for 128GB of storage (compensated affiliate link), it’s $200 cheaper than the regular Quest 3. But the 3S shares the same Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor and 8GB of RAM, making it capable of running the same software at the same level of detail. It even comes with the same controllers, which are comfortable and run on AA batteries. Meta has also made sure that accessories, such as the Elite strap from the Quest 3, are compatible with this model.
However, the key difference is in the display. The Quest 3s has a lower resolution than the regular Quest 3, similar to what we saw with the Quest 2. Specifically, it has an 1823 x 1920 resolution per eye, while the Quest 3 has a higher 2064 x 2208 resolution.
The Quest 3s uses Fresnel lenses vs. the pancake lens on the 3, and the field of view is slightly narrower. While the 3s offers a 96-degree horizontal and 90-degree vertical view, the Quest 3 goes wider at 110 degrees horizontally and 96 degrees vertically. But when you’re in the middle of a VR game, it’s not something you’ll constantly notice.
For those who haven’t used VR before, this probably won’t be a big issue. But if you’re a more experienced user, the difference in image quality might stand out. That said, the experience is still solid, especially considering the price.
For those who wear glasses, Meta includes a spacer to make the fit more comfortable. Meta also offers prescription lenses that screw into the headset, which could be worth considering if you need correction.
The Meta Quest 3s has a fixed interpupillary distance (IPD) adjustment system, offering three preset positions for users to align the lenses with their eyes. The IPD range on the 3s is 58mm to 68mm, which covers most people. However, the regular Quest 3 features a dial that allows for more fine-tuned control over the lens spacing, extending the IPD range to 71mm. If your eyes fall outside the typical range, the adjustable IPD on the Quest 3 might offer a more comfortable experience.
The 3S has a similar onboard stereo speaker system as the Quest 3 – but the 3S lacks a headphone jack for attaching higher quality audio options.
Setting up the headset is straightforward. As soon as you put it on, you’re immersed in mixed reality, where the real world is visible through the headset. I ran a free game called “First Encounters,” which showcases the mixed reality capabilities by mapping out the space you’re in and integrating objects like furniture and walls into the gameplay. It’s an easy way to get acquainted with what mixed reality can do.
On the performance side, I tested several games, and they all ran smoothly, whether they were built for the Quest 1, Quest 2, or Quest 3. Titles that benefit from higher graphical fidelity of the Quest 3 platform will look better on the regular Quest 3 due to its sharper display, but the 3s still holds its own. Like the Quest 3 the 3S also works with PC VR using Meta’s Airlink for wireless connections, via a direct cable connection, or using apps like Steam Link and Virtual Desktop.
Meta says battery life averages around two and a half hours, which feels accurate based on my experience. If you need more battery life, there are add-ons like straps with built-in batteries. You can also connect the headset to your PC for gaming, either via USB-C or wirelessly through options like AirLink or Steam Link. However, if PC gaming is your main focus, you might lean toward the regular Quest 3 for better visual clarity.
The Meta Quest 3s offers a solid entry into VR and mixed reality at an affordable price point. While it might not have the premium display quality of the Quest 3, it’s an excellent choice for casual users or anyone new to VR. With a growing library of games and experiences in the Meta app store in addition to PC VR titles, there’s plenty to explore.
Google lent me a Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus to review the other day. It’s an extremely lightweight 15.6-inch laptop that weighs in at just 2.5 pounds (1.17 kg). You can see it in action in my latest review.
The Galaxy Chromebook Plus sells for $699 (compensated affiliate link), positioning it above the budget Chromebook range but below many higher-end Windows based alternatives. Samsung’s approach here seems aimed at users looking for a bit more power and a few extra features, without diving into ultra-premium territory.
The standout feature of this Chromebook is its OLED display. The 15.6-inch screen delivers deep blacks, a high contrast ratio, and vibrant colors. It meets professional-grade DCI P3 color standards and reaches 400 nits of brightness, making it a solid option for users who need accurate colors but don’t want to spend a fortune. It’s worth noting that the resolution maxes out at 1080p, and despite the high-quality screen, there is no touch functionality here. As a Mac user touch capability isn’t that important to me in a laptop but many of my viewers disagree!
Under the hood, the Chromebook Plus is powered by an Intel Core 3-100U processor (Raptor Lake), paired with 8GB of DDR5 RAM and 256GB of non-upgradable storage. While the performance is snappy for typical web browsing and multimedia tasks, this hardware isn’t meant for heavy multitasking or gaming. It can handle light games and Android apps well enough, but more demanding games or applications like Minecraft or Roblox are going to push its limits. The ability to use Steam for PC gaming is a nice touch, but the performance there is modest at best.
Google has also packed in some useful AI features under the Chromebook Plus branding, including a year’s subscription to Gemini Advanced, Google’s ChatGPT competitor, along with 2TB of cloud storage. You can see more about what Chromebook Plus is all about here.
Support only lasts eight years for this model, two years less than the standard 10-year support offered for most new Chromebooks.
The build quality is impressive. It has an all-metal design that feels sturdy and well-balanced – the lid can be opened without pulling the keyboard deck up with it. The keyboard is backlit and comfortable to type on, although the key travel might take a bit of adjustment due to the device’s slim profile. The keyboard also includes a smart “Caps” key that offers contextual suggestions, depending on what you’re doing. This feature integrates nicely with the Chromebook Plus experience and makes navigating certain tasks quicker.
There’s a decent range of ports available, including two USB-C ports that support charging, data transfer, and display output. Thanks to a full size HDMI port, the Galaxy Chromebook allows for up to three external 4K displays while still using the internal one, which is a useful addition for those who might want to expand their workspace. Other ports include a USB-A for accessories, a microSD card slot for extra storage, and a headphone jack. The 1080p webcam performs well, with AI enhancements available to improve image quality, but the lack of biometric security options, like a fingerprint scanner or facial recognition, feels like a miss.
Battery life is competitive with other PCs in the space, offering around 10 hours of use, depending on your workload and brightness settings. However, gaming or intensive tasks will drain the battery faster. While it holds up for most workdays, users relying heavily on more demanding tasks might need to charge more frequently.
All in all, the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus delivers a solid combination of portability, display quality, and unique features at a fair price. It’s a reliable option for those needing an efficient Chromebook for work or casual use without going overboard on cost.
Disclosure: This PC was provided on loan from Google and is not a sponsored video. All opinions are my own and the brand did not review this post or my video before publishing.
According to the Wall Street Journal, there are about 24,000 abandoned Redbox kiosks many still containing movies. The company, burdened with significant debt, has found that selling off the movies and scrapping the machines might actually be more expensive than doing nothing at all.
What does this mean for the future of physical media? I explore this in my latest video.
Not all of the machines are collecting dust – some individuals have been able to acquire them, mostly through deals with local junk haulers. There’s even a former Redbox software engineer who has shared backups of the vending machines’ operating systems on a subreddit, allowing people to potentially repurpose the kiosks for their own use.
Interestingly, some kiosks are still powered on and occasionally dispensing movies without charge. One individual documented this phenomenon, walking away with free movies after his credit card wasn’t charged but movies were spit out nonetheless.
Redbox’s financial troubles have also affected businesses that hosted the machines, including Walgreens, which is owed millions in unpaid commissions and operational costs. Despite these machines costing Walgreens about $184,000 a month to keep powered, many haven’t been turned off, potentially in an effort to boost their bankruptcy claim. Other chains face similar issues, as the removal of these kiosks comes with the added cost of safely disposing of their coolant systems.
The broader context here reveals that physical media sales have been in steady decline. According to the Digital Entertainment Group’s market data, sales of DVDs and Blu-rays have dropped by 25% from 2022 to 2023, and the first half of 2024 shows a continuing downward trend. Despite these numbers, there is still a glimmer of hope for physical media fans: sales of 4K Ultra HD Blu-rays have grown by 15%, driven by releases like Oppenheimer and collectible formats such as steelbooks.
This enthusiasm mirrors the rise of LaserDisc in the 1990s. While most consumers opted for the lower-quality VHS format, serious collectors flocked to LaserDisc for its superior video and audio.
The niche market for physical media may shrink, but it’s far from disappearing entirely. Even Nintendo has committed to continuing physical game releases for its new consoles, recognizing that many consumers still prefer tangible products that can be resold.
As Redbox fades, the niche market for physical media soldiers on. There’s still demand, especially from collectors and enthusiasts who value the quality and collectability that digital media just can’t offer. While the era of mass-market DVDs and Blu-rays might be ending, the story of physical media isn’t quite over yet.
In this month’s sponsored Plex video, the spotlight is on a new feature that allows users to write reviews for TV shows and movies and have them viewable by friends on the Plex platform. The reviews show up ahead of the critic reviews that Plex sources from Rotten Tomatoes.
For TV shows you can rate and review entire series, individual seasons, or specific episodes. Currently reviewers have the option to make the reviews visible only to yourself, only to friends, or expand things a bit by allowing friends of friends to see them. For more information on how social features work on Plex, check out my Discover Together video from a little while back.
Plex also allows for spoiler-tagged reviews. When marked, the spoilers are blurred out, protecting other viewers who haven’t seen the content yet. It’s a useful addition for those who want to discuss plot twists or endings without ruining the experience for others.
The new feature should now be enabled across most of the platforms Plex supports. This includes Android mobile and TV, Apple TV and iOS, Roku and Fire TV. If you’re not seeing it enabled be sure to make sure your app version is up to date. More information can be found on this Plex support page.
For those budding reviewers who want a wider audience, Plex is beta-testing a feature that allows select users’ reviews to be seen by the entire Plex community. If you’re interested in contributing as a critic, Plex has an application form up where you can submit your information.
Disclosure: This video was sponsored by Plex, however they did not review or approve it before it was uploaded.
My latest Chromebook review is of the new Lenovo Duet 11, the latest iteration of Lenovo’s detachable tablet. Very shortly a package including the tablet, keyboard and pen will sell for $349 at Best Buy. Check this compensated affiliate link to see if it has dropped.
The device itself is lightweight, clocking in at about 2.41 pounds with everything attached and 1.2 pounds as a standalone tablet. The screen is a 10.95-inch display with a 2K resolution, offering a sharp image for a device at this price point. It’s also powered by a MediaTek Kompanio 838 processor and comes with 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage in my review loaner configuration. However, one downside is the lack of an SD card slot, so any storage expansion would need to happen through USB drives.
One thing that stands out is its versatility. The kickstand works in both portrait and landscape orientations, and the pen attaches magnetically to the back of the device. The keyboard, while small, is decent in terms of tactile response, although it does lack backlighting, which could be an issue in low-light settings. Similarly, the device has no biometric login options, so you’ll be typing in a PIN each time you want to unlock it.
Battery life is around 10 hours, which should be enough for most casual use cases, and the performance holds up for general tasks like web browsing and video playback. In terms of connectivity, the Duet 11 includes two full-service USB-C ports, which is a nice feature for a device in this price range. These ports support video, power, and data, but unfortunately, it can only output to one external monitor at a time.
For casual gaming, I tested out Roblox and Minecraft, and both performed surprisingly well, even with a Bluetooth controller connected. The Wi-Fi 6 support ensures stable cloud gaming via Xbox Cloud Gaming, and I didn’t notice any significant issues while streaming games.
On the creative side, the pen input works smoothly, with minimal latency, making it a solid option for note-taking. However, the screen’s slick surface might not provide the best drawing experience for artists. Still, Chrome OS’s built-in handwriting recognition is a nice touch.
The device also runs Android apps through the Google Play Store, allowing users to load up mobile apps alongside Chrome OS applications. This flexibility is a major selling point for anyone looking for a multipurpose device. For productivity, the Chromebook also supports Linux applications, making it capable of running software like LibreOffice for offline use. This versatility is enhanced by the Chrome OS support window, which extends to 2034, giving buyers a full decade of software updates.
Overall, the Lenovo Chromebook Duet 11 is an affordable, flexible device that offers a lot of functionality for the price. It’s not going to compete with higher-end machines, but for casual users, students, or those who want a lightweight, multipurpose device, it’s worth considering
My TV streaming setup is always in a state of continued evolution, but I thought I’d share with you what I’m using now day-to-day. I’m currently using two devices—the Nvidia Shield TV, which I’ve relied on for nearly a decade, and the Apple TV 4K. They both serve different purposes in my home, and I’ve found them indispensable for various reasons. You can see more in my latest video.
Many people ask why one would need a separate streaming box if their smart TV already has built-in apps. In my case, I have an LG OLED C7 from 2017, which, while offering incredible picture quality, has become unreliable for streaming from its built-in apps. Over time, the apps either crash or are no longer supported, making it necessary to add external hardware. That’s where the Nvidia Shield and Apple TV come into play.
For the hardcore media enthusiast in me, the Nvidia Shield TV remains essential. I run a Plex Media Server with high-end media ripped from Blu-ray discs, and the Nvidia Shield is the best device for preserving that same high-quality playback experience. It supports Dolby Vision HDR and lossless audio modes that are crucial for home theater setups, and despite being old hardware, it’s still the only reliable option for this purpose.
But I use the Apple TV 4K for everything else. I opted for the 128GB version with an Ethernet port because I prefer a wired connection for reliability over Wi-Fi. An additional feature of this model is its ability to act as a hub with devices that support Matter standard for home automation.
What really sets Apple TV apart for me is the user interface. Unlike other platforms that bombard you with ads and trailers, Apple has a welcome uncluttered interface. When it loads up you get your apps and that’s it.
I positioned the Apple Photos app in the first app position, and my home screen welcomes me with an automatically rotating selection of family photos from my iCloud Photo library when I turn it on.
The Apple TV 4K’s integration with the broader Apple ecosystem is one of the key reasons it stands out as my daily driver. If you’re already using Apple products, the experience becomes seamless and incredibly intuitive. For instance, when I put in my AirPods, the Apple TV immediately recognizes them and prompts me to connect for private listening.
The integration also extends to my iPhone and iPad. I can use my phone as a remote, which is particularly useful when entering passwords or searching for content. Instead of laboriously typing using the on-screen keyboard and remote, a notification pops up on my phone, allowing me to type quickly and efficiently. This extends to password management as well – when prompted for a password Bitwarden comes up as an option on the phone just like it does in other apps. I can autofill them when required, saving me the trouble of manually entering long, complicated passwords.
Apple TV is about the only streaming box on the market that properly handles 24p content, which is crucial for anyone who wants their movies and shows to play back as the creators intended. Most films and many TV shows are shot at 24 frames per second, and enabling the “match frame rate” setting on the Apple TV ensures that your television switches to this 24p mode whenever you’re watching such content. Apple TV handles this frame rate switching across nearly all apps, making it one of the most reliable streaming devices for those looking to preserve the original look and feel of their media. Compared to other devices, like the Nvidia Shield, which only supports 24p in select apps, Apple TV’s near-universal support is a major advantage for enthusiasts.
While the Apple TV excels in many areas, gaming isn’t one of them. Despite having the hardware capability with its A15 chip, there isn’t a robust selection of console-like games, although limited emulation support for retro games have started to appear. Apple TV’s restrictions on file management also make it less ideal for storing and running these emulators long-term.
All in all, the Apple TV has become my go-to for streaming, particularly because of its reliable 24p support, clean interface, and seamless integration with my Apple devices. While it may not replace the Nvidia Shield for Plex enthusiasts, it’s an excellent choice for anyone looking for a powerful and user-friendly streaming box for everything else.
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One of the most significant advancements of the 21st century is how easy it has become for us to communicate with each other. With widespread wireless 5G broadband Internet and smartphones, even remote areas have access to video calls and more.
But this communication infrastructure can quickly break down during natural disasters or power outages that go beyond a few hours. In such cases, it becomes challenging to inform loved ones or seek help when necessary. My local area has an inept local electric utility that has been unable to keep the power on even after minor storms.
In my latest video, we take a look at some ways you can communicate with the outside world when all else fails.
One of the most notable developments is in satellite communication, especially with Apple’s implementation of emergency SOS on their iPhone 14 and later models.
Initially, this allowed users to send emergency messages via satellite without any specialized equipment. With recent updates, Apple has expanded this feature to allow users to communicate with others, even when conventional methods are unavailable. Google’s Pixel 9 phone has similar functionality, and T-Mobile has partnered with Starlink to bring direct communication over satellites, an encouraging move for those in remote areas.
Another notable innovation is the Starlink mini (compensated affiliate link), an all-in-one satellite dish and router setup, offering reliable internet access even when other services are down. With up to 200 Mbps download speeds, it’s fast enough for most communication needs. Service can be purchased on a month-to-month basis, so you only have to pay for it when you need it.
Amateur radio also remains a valuable tool when all else fails. Recently, I earned my amateur radio license, allowing me to help organize communications in case of emergency. During natural disasters, amateur radio operators can play a critical role in providing food, water, and checking in on people when other communication lines are down. It’s a proven system that doesn’t rely on external infrastructure and has been successfully used in regions hit by storms.
Amateur operators in North Carolina are working around the clock to help coordinate aid to residents in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. You can listen in on their communications by clicking here.
One interesting aspect of amateur radio is its ability to send digital messages across vast distances, even without the internet. Using applications like Winlink, licensed operators can send emails to the Internet over radio frequencies, bypassing traditional communication lines. It may not be as fast as modern email, but in emergencies, it can be a lifeline. Regular practice, like “Winlink Wednesdays,” ensures that operators maintain their skills and are ready to help when the need arises.
These innovations—whether through satellite technology or tried-and-true amateur radio—are important pieces of tech to be aware of should disaster strike.
Friends and viewers have asked me to check out Unraid, a home server operating system, for quite awhile now, and in my latest video we take it out for a spin!
Unraid allows users to flexibly combine different types and sizes of storage drives into a single system while protecting data with a parity drive, making it resilient to drive failures. Unraid supports Docker containers and virtual machines, enabling users to host applications, media servers, and other services on their system. It runs on just about any x64 based system like the Healuck NAS I reviewed a few weeks ago. After spending a few hours with Unraid, I’m beginning to appreciate its flexibility.
Setting up Unraid requires a reliable USB drive to serve as the boot device, as the external drive is primary boot drive and will also store your configuration. While this might feel like an unusual approach, it offers a form of physical failover—if your computer hardware dies, you can simply transfer your hard drives to another PC and boot from the USB to get yourself back up and running.
Unraid operates differently than a traditional RAID array. Instead of mirroring data across multiple drives, it uses a parity drive to protect against data loss. I found it relatively simple to configure; the array allows you to add drives (and capacity) gradually without the need to rebuild everything from scratch each time. As long as your parity drive is as large or larger than your largest data drive, you’re covered for potential drive failures.
Like other network attached storage solutions, the system also provides the option to create shares that can be accessed over a network. These shares can be configured with the usual security settings, such as read-only access for guests or hidden shares for more privacy. If you want to speed up access, Unraid supports setting up a cache drive to handle faster writes before moving the data to slower protected volumes.
For those looking to run self-hosted applications, Unraid’s support for Docker containers along with their “Community Applications” plugin make it a very easy solution for deploying docker-based server apps.
During my testing, I installed FreshRSS, an open-source RSS reader, and had it up and running quickly. Unraid’s ability to update Docker containers with a single click was a pleasant surprise, saving me the hassle of manual updates.
While my experience with Unraid is still in its early stages, it’s already clear how powerful and versatile the platform can be, especially for self-hosted solutions. There’s much more to explore, including using Unraid for media servers like Plex, which I plan to dive into soon. This first impression, though, leaves me optimistic that Unraid might become a staple in my home server setup.
Disclosure : The Healuck NAS was provided to the channel free of charge but they did not review or approve this content before it was uploaded.
I’ve been a fan of Apple’s AirPods for years. Next to my phone these are probably my post used gadget. I recently picked up the new AirPods 4 that include active noise cancellation.
The price point for these is $179 (compensated affiliate link), with active noise cancellation, or $129 for the non-noise-canceling version. The charging case for the noise-canceling version also includes a speaker that can help you locate the AirPods if misplaced. Both versions support Apple’s “Find My” feature, but only the pricier model can emit a sound to help you track down the case. Additionally, the noise-canceling model allows wireless charging and can even charge magnetically on an Apple Watch charger.
I do not like in-ear headphones, so the earbud design of the AirPods 4 is much more comfortable for me. In terms of comfort, I found that these AirPods fit well and stay in place when I walk around. They even worked well while watching TV on the Apple TV in bed. Compared to version 3, the design has been slightly tweaked, but I didn’t notice much of a difference in how they fit.
Sound quality is another area where I noticed a big improvement. The bass is deeper and richer compared to previous versions, but without losing clarity in the higher tones. I mostly listen to podcasts, but I tested these with music, and the range of sound (especially bass) is much improved over the prior version.
The active noise cancellation was more effective than I expected. I tested it by running a vacuum cleaner and found that most of the noise was filtered out, though there was still a slight hiss breaking through. It isn’t as effective as over-ear headphones, but it’s impressive for this style of earbud. I’m looking forward to testing it on a plane soon to see how it handles more sustained noise.
Battery life is decent, offering about five hours of playback without noise cancellation and around four hours with it on. The case extends that to about 20 hours with noise cancellation and 30 hours without, which is consistent with previous versions.
Switching between devices, such as my iPhone and Apple TV, is seamless, as expected from Apple’s ecosystem.
For customization, the AirPods offer several options, including turning on noise cancellation or transparency mode, depending on your preferences. I found transparency mode less useful for these earbuds, as they don’t fully isolate outside sounds. There’s also a feature that lets you use head gestures to interact with Siri, though I didn’t find much use for that myself.
For those using non-Apple devices, these work like any other Bluetooth headphones, but pairing is a bit different. Instead of a physical button on the case, you double-tap the front, which puts the AirPods into pairing mode.
In terms of audio quality, these AirPods support lossless audio with Apple’s H2 chipset. Right now the only host device Apple sells with the H2 chipset is the Vision Pro headset, so at the moment no lossless audio will be transmitted from iPhones.
Overall, I’m impressed with the AirPods 4. They offer noticeable improvements in sound quality and noise cancellation, and the added features like wireless charging and the “Find My” speaker in the case are nice perks. If you’re considering an upgrade or a first pair of AirPods, these are definitely worth checking out.
