Podcast #903: Are AVRs too complicated? And the Best Smart Plugs for 2019

Are AVRs too complicated? And the Best Smart Plugs for 2019 On this week's show we discuss whether the new Ultra Short Throw projectors that Hisense is making are a viable replacement for large format LCD/OLED display. And are AVRs too complicated which accounts for the rise in sound bar sales. Finally we go through a list of the best Smart Plugs for 2019 as decided by CNET. Weighing Ultra Short Throw (UST) Projection Versus Flat-Panels Longer life, larger screens and the ability to overcome challenging lighting conditions make UST projectors from companies like Hisense a viable solution versus flat-panel TV displays. Are complicated AV receivers responsible for sound bars' booming popularity? Consumers are finding out that after they set up their AVR they find it hard to play music or movies and then when they do figure it out the sound is out of whack. The subwoofer can be too loud, or even stop working. As a result they are turing to sound bars for their easy setup and use. But are they really easier or are people just using them as fancy external speakers? We discuss. Best smart plugs for 2019 Plenty of products for our homes have gotten smart makeovers in recent years. But what about the ones that haven't? That's where smart plugs come in. These nifty gadgets connect your regular old coffee maker, lamp, fan or nearly anything else to your smart home for voice control and automation.