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Movie SQ - Apple tv+ vs Smart TV (lg) Aps. Preference?

Have a smart tv and wondered about connection sound quality.
Seems LG smart tv aps for HBO Max and Netflix sounds differnet and may be better vs what comes out of apple tv box when connected to ethernet and fed to a processor.

why are there sound differences?  Hate using smart tv aps as connectivity via CEC is horrible.  Once connected its fine but switching back to tv channels is a challenge.


jumia
auxinput
2,920 posts
 
Generally speaking, bluray discs will have better audio and video than streaming because streaming is usually somewhat compressed video and is limited to Dolby Digital audio.  Bluray has better video resolution on the disc and also provides hi-res bluray audio formats (DTS-HD MA and Dolby TrueHD).

That being said, I think you may be able to get better audio/video from a Roku streamer if you use a linear power supply on the Roku.  This is because pretty much 99.9% of bluray players out there will actually have a switching power supply.  Some may have linear power supply for analog audio output (i.e. oppo 105/205), however they still use switching power supply for digital/HDMI.

Here's an old thread that I wrote up:

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/musings-on-switching-power-supplies-lps-for-oppo-directv-radi...

If you get a Oppo or Panasonic bluray player and then upgrade it to linear power supply (i.e. Oppomod website or others), then it is likely to meet or beat a Roku with linear power.

A power conditioner may help a little bit on the streaming box, but you are still using a tiny switching power supply.  A "Linear power supply + Roku" would be highly superior to "Power Conditioner + Roku".

In all my testing, R&D, modifications and experience, the power supply is the single most important factor in most audio electronics.
jumia OP
528 posts
 
Bluray player is tough due to viewing limits.

so linear power is path to get better sq.

seems easy.  
auxinput
2,920 posts
 
A Roku Ultra is the best choice if you want a streamer that you can upgrade with linear power supply.  It uses a decent size DC plug (it's a 4.75mm x 1.7mm).

The AppleTV cannot be upgraded because the power supply is internal to the box.

Amazon FireTV Cube uses an even smaller DC plug (4mm x1.3mm) and it's a pain it the butt to wire.  This is not recommended.

The Tivo Edge DVR can also be used to stream (Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, HBO, etc.).  I think it uses the larger standard size 5.5mm x 2.1mm DC plug, but you would have to make sure.
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