Podcast #1255: Tips to Get the Most Out of Your GoogleTV and Scientific Proof Expensive Cables are a Waste

On today's show we look at an article published at Slashgear.comthe scientifically proves that expensive cables are a waste of money. We also look at five Google TV features that you are probably not using. And of course we read your emails and take a look at the week's news.

News:

• Yamaha Introduces Two New AV Receivers
• Apple TV to broadcast first major professional live sporting event shot entirely on iPhone 17 Pro
• Price of lifetime Plex Pass jumping by $500

Other:

• Costco's Cheap Acoustic Panels Are Amazing
• Netflix is sharing your watch history — take 60 seconds to stop it

Scientific Proof That Expensive Cables Are a Waste of Money

Long time listener Scott sent us an email pointing us to an article at Slashgear.com titled WE NOW HAVE SCIENTIFIC PROOF THAT EXPENSIVE AUDIO CABLES ARE A WASTE OF MONEY. Today we share three key takeaways from that article. The entire article is linked and you can check it out for the full details.

Here are the three key takeaways from the article:

1. Expensive audio cables perform no better than cheap ones In rigorous scientific testing by Audio Science Review, $7 Amazon Basics RCA cables performed identically to $4,000+ Kimber Kable premium cables across key metrics like frequency response, total harmonic distortion + noise (THD+N), and signal-to-noise ratio. The expensive cables even showed slightly more interference in some tests.
2. Claims about premium cables are mostly marketing hype. High-end cables often boast exotic materials (solid silver, special dielectrics, etc.), but these make no measurable or audible difference in real-world performance for human hearing. The article highlights that this is a common area where audiophiles get overcharged.
3. Spend your money on what actually matters. Instead of expensive cables, invest in better speakers, amplifiers, DACs, source quality, or room acoustic treatment. These components make a far bigger difference in sound quality than cables ever will.

Bottom line: The article concludes that for most people (even serious audiophiles), cheap, well-made cables are perfectly fine.

5 Google TV features you're probably not using but definitely should

Today's show is completely fueled by our listeners. Mark fromFloriday sent us a link to Tom's Guide that lists 5 Google TV features you're probably not using but definitely should. We will go through those bow but the full details can be found at the linked article. 

Here's a summary of the five Google TV features:

1. Apps-Only Mode: Turn your cluttered home screen into a simple app launcher by enabling Apps Only mode. This removes most recommendations and shows just your installed apps (with one banner ad remaining).
2. Personalize Recommendations: Customize your home screen suggestions by selecting which streaming services you want included. This reduces unwanted content while keeping helpful recommendations from your preferred apps.
3. Ambient Mode: Transform your TV into a digital picture frame or art gallery. You can display beautiful artwork or your own personal photos when the TV is not in use.
4. Find My Remote: Quickly locate a lost Google TV remote by making it play a loud sound. Accessible through Settings > Remotes & Accessories > Find my remote.
5. Basic Mode: Strip Google TV down to a "dumb TV" experience. It disables apps and ads, showing only live TV and connected external devices (requires a factory reset to activate).