Are HomePods the best TV audio for an Apple smart home?

Sdílet
Vložit
  • čas přidán 3. 02. 2023
  • Apple is really promoting the ability to use HomePods as speakers for your TV with an Apple TV 4K. But how does it work and is it something that's actually a good idea for your smart home?
    Apple Support Article on HDMI eARC: support.apple.com/en-us/HT207117
    ➕ FOLLOW ME:
    Mastodon: mas.to/@ericwelander
    CZcams: www.youtube.com/@EricWelander...
    Instagram: / ericwelander
    Thanks to Apple for loaning me these HomePods and an Apple TV 4K for content like this on my CZcams channel.
    CHAPTERS:
    00:24 Why Apple emphasizes this feature
    00:47 What I've tested
    01:47 New HomePod features for TV
    04:51 New HomePod downsides
    06:04 New HomePod physical advantages
    07:51 Where HomePod could work in your home
    09:32 A great, cheaper alternative
    10:27 Where HomePod isn't a great fit
    13:02 Closing thoughts
    🛋️ IN MY STUDIO:
    - Black lamp geni.us/BIM84AO [Amazon]
    - Brown leather chair geni.us/WtudM [Amazon]
    - Kiwi Birds geni.us/LOfHY [Crate&Barrel]
    - Faux ZZ Plant geni.us/0rmMi2 [Crate&Barrel]
    - C Table from TJ Maxx
    💼 DETAILS:
    - Some links in this description are affiliate links and might support the channel at no additional cost to you
    - I might link to items at Crate&Barrel, which is my current employer apart from this channel, but I get no additional compensation for doing so
    - This video and all of Eric Welander's channel is a production of E. Welander, LLC
  • Věda a technologie

Komentáře • 242

  • @LenBanks
    @LenBanks Před rokem +176

    I hope Apple listened to you about upgrade options for adding minis for rear channel! That would be great!

    • @TomTheAustrian
      @TomTheAustrian Před rokem +1

      Why? They support Atmos already anyway.

    • @MrCodykuczenski
      @MrCodykuczenski Před rokem +4

      @@TomTheAustrianto have 4.0 channel vs 2.0, you can have all 4 play at one but not cohesively in a surround sound format

    • @LenBanks
      @LenBanks Před rokem

      @@TomTheAustrian well he said they still don’t actually sound the same as having rear speakers. He suggested it. I think that sounds cool.

    • @Esignn
      @Esignn Před rokem +1

      That would be insane

    • @Esignn
      @Esignn Před rokem +3

      Two HomePods are amazing if you know what you are getting. If you want surround then get a surround system, why is this so hard to understand…..

  • @Polkster13
    @Polkster13 Před rokem +63

    I totally agree with you on the surround setup. I really wish Apple would allow you to use HomePods for Left/Center/Right front speakers, HomePod minis for surround speakers, and come out with an Apple subwoofer. That would be an incredible experience and might make me replace my Polk Audio 5.1 speaker system. But until they do, I am sticking with my Polk speakers and Denon A/V receiver.

    • @calebstewart8419
      @calebstewart8419 Před rokem +1

      Use an Airplay enabled subwoofer.

    • @JC-ts7tc
      @JC-ts7tc Před 11 měsíci

      Can you send what set up you’re using, Frederick?

    • @Polkster13
      @Polkster13 Před 11 měsíci +1

      @@JC-ts7tc My set is no long available. What I have is the RT800 x 2, CS400, FX250 x2, and PSW350 and a Denon AVR-3311CI A/V Receiver.

  • @Nick19837
    @Nick19837 Před rokem +8

    HomePod surround sound would be a dream come true, as well as an official Apple subwoofer option.

  • @Poindexter03
    @Poindexter03 Před rokem +3

    A dedicated HomePod OG fan since day one, as well as a home theater fanatic, all Apple has to do is make it so that I can add minis for my surround sound channels and maybe add a subwoofer down the road, and I would be the happiest guy in the world. Not for every room as you stated, but for my usage, it would be perfect!

  • @uniqueflh2941
    @uniqueflh2941 Před rokem +2

    Great video Eric. I’ve watched a TON of he HP2 reviews, and yours offered a bit more insight than many of the others.
    I’m still on the fence as to whether I want to grab a pair the new HP2s.
    My current ecosystem includes 8 HPMs around the Rooms of my house…as well as a Stereo Pair of OG HPs in a Basement Family Room (13’x24’) used as Default Audio on an AppleTV4K.
    - The room is used primarily for TV viewing, and also has a receiver-based 7.1 ‘full surround’ system.
    I’ve used the OG HPs for 2-years as my main listening devices…and they get 99% of the task. The 7.1 system only gets action when I’m watching a ‘spectacle’ type film/movie.
    I really doubt the computational improvements made in the HP2 would enhance my viewing experience over the OG HPs…but I’m still considering them. You know. Because tech stuff. 😊
    Dunno.
    Anyway. Great video. And totally agree that a pair of the full-sized HPs is an overall great solve for TV audio.

  • @angfam7729
    @angfam7729 Před rokem

    Thanks for your very informative video.
    I'm curious to know though, whether a Sonos Beam 2 can be connected to an Apple TV 4K in the same way that the HomePods can - i.e. using AirPlay 2.
    I have an older TV that does not allow Dolby Atmos to pass through from a HDMI input to my HDMI ARC port.
    Therefore I need my Apple TV 4K to connect directly to my speakers using either AirPlay 2 or HDMI input (which the Sonos does not have).
    I'd prefer to use Sonos if possible, so I can extend the system in the future by adding a sub and the new Era 300 rear Atmos speakers.
    If this is possible, would latency be an issue? Or would it be just as good as using HomePods with the Apple TV 4K?

  • @nigelstockley7011
    @nigelstockley7011 Před rokem +5

    Interesting video.
    I purchased 2 of the new HomePods that arrived yesterday - already having a home full of minis.... and was very intrigued given the general gushing comments people have to try them temporarily in the living room on my appleTV just to see....
    But, as you said, they simply cannot compete with a system that has discrete rear speakers. There is a decent sense of audio but it simply isn't as "good" as some are saying. Sure, for more casual TV watching they make a fine pair of very expensive TV speaker substitutes.... but they are NOT "home theatre" level at all. I have a Sonos Arc, Sub, and 2 ones.... so perhaps my bar is a little too high for comparison.
    You are quite right in that IF apple can tweak the software and allow a pair of minis to be used as discrete rear speakers thus creating a 4.0 system it would be significantly better and then a contender for a home theatre system but you are already hitting £800 for all 4 devices.... and a Sonos Beam (with very acceptable bass on its own) with 2x Sonos 1SLs would be much cheaper.
    On another subject ive also found the multi room music performance to be shockingly bad - I have fantastic wifi with Eero pro 6Es and yet asking Siri to play music everywhere, often just fails, or some speakers get left out etc.... it needs a lot of nursing to get it to work and thats something apple STILL really needs to work on if they are serious about whole home audio - I assumed 16.0 would fix it.. then 16.1. then 16.2, then new architecture and 16.3.... but no, its as ropey today as ever.

  • @frugalfilmmakers
    @frugalfilmmakers Před rokem +8

    I have been using 2 of the original full size HomePods with my Apple TV for years. Magical! I was using Bluetooth sound bars before as we use a projector and a blank wall for our TV. All the AV equipment(DVD,Laserdisc,HDDVD players) are by the projector and wiring speakers was a no go. The problem with Bluetooth is that is drops out now and then and has to be re-paired. There were times we had to move the sound bar to repair it. With Wifi and HomePods, problem gone. Having our Apple TV control everything is great. One volume control. With eARC the DVD automatically plays and then goes back to the Apple TV screen. Simple.

    • @rickysekhon5706
      @rickysekhon5706 Před 5 měsíci

      By original means first version ? If yes I don’t know does the og pair as stero. I already have one so I’ll buy another if it sounds great.🥰

  • @diegocastilloho
    @diegocastilloho Před rokem +1

    I have the Sony HT-Z9F with their rear speakers and it sounds great with the Apple TV 4K, the inconvennient that i have is a wireless soundbar and sometimes i have innestability connection between the sound bar, the subwoofer and the rear speakers. And i am seriously thinking change that sound bar for the HomePods. What is your recommendation? Thanks.

  • @MatthiasBuesing
    @MatthiasBuesing Před rokem

    Very helpful video, thank you very much! What do you think - can 2 paired HomePod substitute your soundbar (w/ subwoofer) for TV and music all in all?
    Currently I have a Yamaha YSP-2700 soundbar with subwoofer (no Rears) and I'm considering selling it for a second HomePod....🤔

  • @AliMoeeny
    @AliMoeeny Před rokem

    that last few seconds of the video is gold,

  • @KeepItRealEstateSG
    @KeepItRealEstateSG Před 4 měsíci

    Thanks for the super detailed explaination. I’ve a large living room and will be sitting 7 meters away from the projector screen. Will placing the HomePods 4 meters away from the apply tv cause any latency?

  • @antoniocuevap
    @antoniocuevap Před rokem +1

    Hi Eric! Thanks for the video! I have an apple TV 4k with a stereo pair of homepods mini and the experience is really awesome, the only annoying thing, for example, is if I'm watching a movie and I put the volume to 40% and I ask Siri for something, Siri answers me in that volume and sometimes I don't even hear it, I would like to know if there is a way that responds to me in high volume whatever it is that I am watching on apple tv at another volume

  • @rahulchawla20
    @rahulchawla20 Před rokem +6

    I have watched so many reviews of HP and this is the best one so far. Nobody spoke about eARC, nor our common wish of further updates to add more HPs for better surround sound. Thank you. 😊
    I would love Apple even more if they come up with an update to pair up 2 more HPs for a full actual surround sound. I will love them further more if they update further and bring up a Sub-Woofer! 🤩

  • @MichaelRedman
    @MichaelRedman Před rokem +13

    I already use 2 of the original Homepods as my TV source and they are fantastic but miss the true surround sound experience that a 4 speaker set up could give me. 2 Apple minis in the rear would be a fantastic additional capability (as would a subwoofer) - hope Apple are listening to you!

    • @amoore2165
      @amoore2165 Před rokem

      I can’t believe they don’t have a subwoofer. That is essential to great sound.
      Fwiw I do have a subwoofer hooked up wirelessly to two HomePods. It’s plugged in to an AirPort Express 2 (it requires the 2…won’t work with the original express). It works and makes a huge difference but it is slightly clunky. Eventually it disconnects or the volume level gets out of sync with the HomePods but it’s manageable. If they lost the connection and you’re listening to something that could really benefit from a subwoofer it’s just one button and a check mark to reconnect it….it’ll stay connected for whatever you’re using it for. Same for the audio level sync…one button and you can manually adjust the sound level to be the same level as the homepods and it’ll stick for a good while and as long as you need it for. The volume on the Apple Remote does control the setup as one whole unit.

    • @mikelbrett1
      @mikelbrett1 Před 11 měsíci

      I am also using 2 of the original HomePods for my TV source. I have added two minis to serve as “rear” speakers by connecting them through Airplay. I frequently have to reconnect the Airplay connection but it only takes seconds. So far pleased with the results.

  • @waylinnelson
    @waylinnelson Před rokem

    Thanks for the review. I was waiting for this video! Have a great day!

  • @DragonTalkShow
    @DragonTalkShow Před rokem +5

    Wow, so glad you brought up adding more HomePods as surround channels. Apple could absolutely compete with something like the Sony HT-A9 at like, half the cost if they expanded it out to let you add more speakers.

    • @Art-is-craft
      @Art-is-craft Před 4 měsíci

      4 mini HomePods and it could be a good wireless surround.

  • @DanielJohnTobin
    @DanielJohnTobin Před rokem +1

    I have two original HomePods and four minis. I use the minis as mics for Siri... and I use the two original HomePods as a stereo pair in my kitchen/dining area. For my home theatre, I keep it traditional... two Bose for the front, and old Cambridge Soundworks for the center, backs, and sub. The sound is too good to change that! On my home office computer... two more Bose and a Polk sub. I honestly don't know if I would ever change those two setups.

  • @morells09
    @morells09 Před rokem +2

    2:03 it’s actually very rarely the first input, I think older Vizio TVs were the only ones to use HDMI 1. Most these days use HDMI 2, but it will always be labeled on the physical port itself.

  • @jedwardoo
    @jedwardoo Před rokem

    I hope you try moving your 2nd gen HomePods from the front to the side of the room. One on the left and one on the right if that makes a difference, Eric. Keep your videos coming

  • @sonictonic_
    @sonictonic_ Před rokem +3

    I would LOVE if Apple let us use HomePod minis as rear surrounds… That would bring this to the next level.

  • @anthonystebbins6289
    @anthonystebbins6289 Před rokem +1

    Sooo with Arc can you watch like standard TV and have the audio coming off the homepods?

  • @HumbertoCristobal
    @HumbertoCristobal Před 9 měsíci

    Damn I think I may have to go with this setup I bought a Epson portable projector for my room and have been looking for a wireless setup with my Apple TV.

  • @JeffHeon
    @JeffHeon Před rokem +1

    I used to have a 2.0 system for my tv. It was great for me, but for everyone not sitting in the sweet
    spot, not so much. “Center channel” sound would appear to come from the left or right speaker instead of from the tv. I bought a sound bar and yes, I lost some stereo effects, but the “center channel” was fixed for everyone. So what about a pair of HomePods? Great for the person in the middle only? Or great for the rest of the family/friends also? I cannot find a single review addressing the sweet spot issue for a stereo pair of HomePods.

  • @EltlatoaniX
    @EltlatoaniX Před rokem

    I use my 2 HomePods mini for rear speakers and tv speakers when I watch movies in my room and the sound it’s really good!

  • @heelbeavans01
    @heelbeavans01 Před 7 měsíci

    I have 2 HomePods and 2 HomePod mini’s in my living room! Sounds great

  • @mrodz65
    @mrodz65 Před rokem

    Do you have another apple tv 4k connected to the smaller tv with the HP mini's in order for the minis to work with the Nintendo switch?

  • @jackolantern7342
    @jackolantern7342 Před 7 měsíci

    Just info I was looking for. BTW, where did you get your standing lamp?

  • @mattcalifornia7318
    @mattcalifornia7318 Před rokem +2

    Thanks for the review. I've watched a few reviews, and nobody has commented about how clear the dialogue is. My hearing has gotten worse, and I'm more interested in that than in surround sound effects at this point in my life. I downsized my fairly high-end home theater system to a Bang & Olufsen soundbar last year. It has good dynamic range and bass and is very musical (considering it's just a nice looking soundbar), but I still have trouble hearing the dialogue sometimes, and the stereo separation is not great. Most of the time, I just use my Airpod Pro 2's through the Apple TV, which works fantastically well. However, if the HomePods have really clear dialogue, I might give them a shot. I'd be interested to hear some comments on this.

    • @SusanRLin
      @SusanRLin Před rokem +1

      I've found speaking/dialogue to be incredibly clear with the HomePods. Whether it's podcasts, videos, or speaking in music recordings (live or studio), it's been clear in the kitchen with multiple items on the stove and even through in-person chatter. I hope you get the HomePods a try! I love them for all my audio needs, because the quality is excellent.

  • @jhk88rph
    @jhk88rph Před rokem +1

    Excellent video, Eric! You’re right - Apple get your minis for rear speakers !

  • @MHuxel45
    @MHuxel45 Před rokem

    I’ve had a stereo pair of HomePod mini for around 15 months and sometimes one might drop off. Is there any concern about bandwidth when using one or more wireless solutions? HomePod or sonos or anything else?

  • @Barcodeali
    @Barcodeali Před rokem

    WHen using the home pods as your tv speaker via apple tv, would it also work while watching regular cable, ie not from a streaming app off the apple tv?

  • @joeyabanks
    @joeyabanks Před rokem

    Great to see you making videos again!

  • @cesaraviat
    @cesaraviat Před rokem

    Does the applet tv still push sound through the hdmi port when connected to the HomePod? Thanks

  • @christopheranderson5803

    it connects to the minis just fine perfectly. you just have to add them manually with the Airplay group

  • @michaelbakhtiar9256
    @michaelbakhtiar9256 Před rokem +1

    How did you find HomePods handle a phantom center channel?

  • @rolandoinzunza2099
    @rolandoinzunza2099 Před rokem

    What about sources that are not the Apple TV 4K, like cable or your Nintendo Switch. Do the stereo HP2s allow you to use sound through those sources too?

  • @melosborne
    @melosborne Před rokem +1

    Knowing what you know now - and focusing on audio quality rather than cost - Would you choose a set of Home Pods, or a Sonos Arc set with Subwoofer and 2 Sonos One's for rear channels? The space is a 12x12 carpeted room that has been converted to a theater/game room.

  • @donzpressplay
    @donzpressplay Před rokem

    Thanks to your video I now know that with the Apple TV you can earc to the HomePods. Shoutout to you! I have to say that even with that, it’s really hard to justify this when a Sonos Beam is $400. I think had Apple priced these just $50 cheaper, they would be a no brainer to most.

  • @mractucker
    @mractucker Před rokem

    Great video as always Eric! Where is that lamp from behind you, looks great!

  • @rdboston7866
    @rdboston7866 Před 2 měsíci

    I have Sonos Arc with Era 100 in the rear and sub mini. Best sound ever. Even the sub mini is way more than you need. In what Era 300 in the rear but the 100 are doing a great job

  • @jason8anthony
    @jason8anthony Před rokem

    I have toyed with switching from my amp and speakers to HomePods. The think I get stuck with is watching free to air tv so not streaming through the Apple TV. Can you still use the HomePod for watching just tv?

  • @yervandpapazyan4473
    @yervandpapazyan4473 Před 5 měsíci

    ok what if you buy 4 homepods speakers and two of them set behind you as a rear speakers? will this help to create surround sound effect as a complite home teater system

  • @temp903
    @temp903 Před 6 měsíci

    I have a Sonos Arc, and it does have AirPlay 2 but there are certain scenarios where it is not as "first party" as say a HomePod or HomePod mini. An example would be setting the audio output on an Apple TV, you might not see the Sonos Arc but you would automatically be able to use HomePod mini.

  • @joshuaychung
    @joshuaychung Před rokem +4

    The intercom feature on our homepods is always a hit or miss. We used to have dedicated intercoms in our rooms (a house built in the 80s) that we ripped out during a renovation. We replaced them with homepod minis with questionable success.

  • @cmacmenow
    @cmacmenow Před rokem

    In depth and informative review.
    They are super cool but about £50 too expensive.
    Just a thought.
    Apple should buy Sonos.

  • @kevinblah6877
    @kevinblah6877 Před 5 měsíci +1

    I have 2 HomePod 2’s paired in living room and then paired 2 HomePod minis and labeled them “Living Room Rear”. And when you tap the power button on the remote once a menu appears that will let you select audio menu. From there I checkmark both pairs of HomePods (2 and minis) Andjust the core volume I want them to be separate from each other then back out of that menu. TIP - set the minis volume a little higher to better match the larger HomePods. From there the regular volume control adjusts like normal for both sets. Then boom I have 4 speakers booming Apple Music in my living room space. Be sure to reverse the left and right rear speakers though to match the front speakers so the left and right audio matches. Of course, this isn’t true surround sound from Apple, but it is the best option to fill a room with music or movie audio until Apple gives us an update to allow 4 speakers for a real surround sound experience.

  • @driver288
    @driver288 Před rokem

    I’m keeping my Sonos gear. Beam gen2, Sonos one rears with Sub gen2.

  • @trentburns1753
    @trentburns1753 Před rokem +1

    I wish they would make a home pod mini caddy to go under a hanging tv in a bedroom so you could make a stereo pair part of the mount.

  • @mcody671
    @mcody671 Před 11 měsíci

    Can u hook up 2 HomePods and 2 HomePods mini all together to your Apple TV for a surround sound experience?

  • @NomeIndeciso
    @NomeIndeciso Před rokem +10

    This is prob the third video I've watched on new HomePods for TV audio and you're the first to talk about eARC HDMI support. I really thought these were limited to just the Apple TV device but it's cool to hear they maybe could be used for a game console / blu-ray player as well. I like my Apple TV a lot but I also collect and watch movies on blu-ray and 4K and obviously can;t leave those cut off from a speaker setup.

    • @donzpressplay
      @donzpressplay Před rokem

      Same here! Such a valuable video. Earned my sub for sure.

    • @LenBanks
      @LenBanks Před rokem +1

      The eARC support is through the Apple TV not the speakers alone.

    • @ShanPrez
      @ShanPrez Před rokem

      You can’t connect the HomePods directly to eARC they don’t have an HDMI port. The eARC support is through the AppleTV

  • @Azn_Bran
    @Azn_Bran Před rokem +1

    I'd love to see a pair of these vs a Sonos Arc as I am in the market for one of those but the option of a pair of HomePods as me intrigued.

    • @weirdo1060
      @weirdo1060 Před 11 měsíci

      If you have Apple TV 4K, Homepod would be best anyway based on established integration. Sonos would be better if you have Roku, Amazon Fire or another competitor.

  • @peterbenard9894
    @peterbenard9894 Před rokem

    What I really like about the Sonos (One) is that it has ethernet. I really miss this on HomePods.

  • @milnez
    @milnez Před rokem

    Waiting for mine to turn up, but I doubt it can outrun my Samsung 990B 11.1.4 foot movie ;)

  • @tomnoble27
    @tomnoble27 Před rokem +2

    Interesting take vs the Sonos setup. You’re the first I’ve seen mention this (thank you…!) and I’d love to hear more.
    I have a Beam (Gen 1) also - nothing else. I’m not sure the two HPs are better for any content. Kinda disappointed. Did you find they performed better for any particular test Eric? Obviously the HPs have Atmos which the Beam doesn’t but I’m really not sure it makes that much of a difference in this comparison.

    • @syesepoh
      @syesepoh Před rokem

      I have the Beam 2 and two Play One speakers (£364 for both) and they sound great. Would love to hear both set ups as a vs sometime.

  • @gustavopontello3431
    @gustavopontello3431 Před 3 měsíci

    Is it possible to get the audio from my TV to HomePods? I got the idea that the HomePods only works with Apple TV and apple devices. So I can use the Apple TV with my tv provider but not get the audio of my tv provider from my tv except if the TV has the HDMI earc. Am I correct?

  • @lulisonru4062
    @lulisonru4062 Před rokem

    Wait. You can use the homepods as the speakers for the switch???

  • @RogerWilsonTodd
    @RogerWilsonTodd Před rokem +1

    I’ll be interested when four Apple HomePods can work together along with an Apple subwoofer to create a 5.1 configuration.

  • @TinRapper
    @TinRapper Před rokem

    Wow I didn't know I'm supposed to NOT have it right next to the wall to get better surround sound. I'll try that, thanks.

  • @1110111011101110
    @1110111011101110 Před rokem +1

    Very good review! I love all the details and thought process explanations. I decided to subscribe halfway through and will watch more as long as the interesting details continue. I've been watching a lot of reviews and your's is the best one.
    I think for sure Apple will introduce rear speakers. I think they will crush the competition when they do. I have no doubt Apple is watching all these reviews and that is a comment every reviewer is making. Plus lots of comments. I'd imagine they even have their AI parsing all the comments everywhere and it will no doubt pick up on these overwhelmingly hopeful comments regarding it. Too bad our future can't be an AI Assisted Direct Democracy.

    • @EricWelander
      @EricWelander  Před rokem

      Welcome and I’m glad you found my channel and enjoy it. I agree I think Apple doing more surround could be great. We’ll see…

  • @barsan31
    @barsan31 Před rokem

    Will these work if you don’t have Apple TV

  • @jefferyjones8399
    @jefferyjones8399 Před rokem

    It's so odd that I don't notice any latency or connectivity issues on my Apple TV but when I've used HomePods on my Mac...it's just a mess. The lag and dropped connections are terrible. Apple must prioritize using them as TV speakers instead of computer speakers.

  • @polyrytm
    @polyrytm Před rokem

    I think your videos are great. Is it possible to use Home pod mini as your surround speakers, together with home pods up front, as a stereo pair? E.a. a total of 4 pods... What do you say, Eric?

    • @apexerman1
      @apexerman1 Před rokem

      Not to answer for Eric, but I've got this setup. It works well: Two HomePods up front, two Minis in the rear. Minis don't support Dolby Atmos, but the surround effect works pretty well. I've even tried one Mini in the center front and one Mini in back with the HomePods front left and right. Presumably the front Mini acts as a center channel while the rear provides some background sound. It's not a perfect center channel and Apple would need to write some software to fully realize, but it simulates the effect well enough. Just gotta bump the front Mini volume a little higher than the rear.

    • @JGI43
      @JGI43 Před rokem

      Dolby atmos has now been added in latest updates

  • @tonyward9554
    @tonyward9554 Před rokem +6

    Hi Eric - Two HomePod 2’s are definitely better than 1. Just imagine how good 4 would be - one in each corner of the room all supporting Dolby ATMOS! It is rumored SONOS is going to bring out a new SL speaker to support ATMOS so you will get better surround sound (spatial audio). Come on Apple - How about a Quad setup with audio tuning? Just one more thing….

    • @EricWelander
      @EricWelander  Před rokem +1

      I agree on 4 HomePods would have an amazing sound! I would be surprised if Sonos doesn’t keep doing things like a new SL etc in the future for better sound too. Competition is great for us as consumers!

    • @samjam6989
      @samjam6989 Před rokem

      @@EricWelander sonos would probably be cheaper than 4 homepods and have the Dolby Atmos sound profile to boot

  • @willy1957
    @willy1957 Před 2 měsíci

    You use black and white combination?

  • @BFG-rr9cv
    @BFG-rr9cv Před 11 měsíci

    Why not just put two mini homepods behind you in addition to the 2 big ones, does that not work for surround?

  • @Beansrdone
    @Beansrdone Před rokem

    How has your connection reliability been with these? My minis have to be reconnected every other day. Any reason the would drop off my Apple TV?

    • @EricWelander
      @EricWelander  Před rokem

      My connection is fine, including my HomePod minis with my office Apple TV. It could be an issue with your Wi-Fi network or the location of the speakers getting interference. It's hard to say.

  • @damfino
    @damfino Před rokem +2

    Little known fact. You can add a subwoofer by using an Apple AirPort Express and a RCA to 3.5mm cable. Enable it in "Temporary Audi Output". I have mine hooked up to a Klipsch R-12SW and it sounds fantastic!

  • @Sinthasized
    @Sinthasized Před rokem

    Thanks for this. I’m not big on TVs blowing me out of the living room but I’m looking for something with more punch than my current Mini Pair on my TV. Which isn’t great but better than the flat speakers on every TV in the last 15 years. Apple needs to let us add as many Pods to a TV as we want. Like anything you assign to TV plays in unison. Should be easy half or more of the backend is live already.

    • @apexerman1
      @apexerman1 Před rokem

      I'm not into getting blown away by sound myself, but I'm currently using two HomePods (and two Minis) for home theater and they're strikingly good using Apple TV 4K. Honestly, in your instance, you could supplement your Minis with one HomePod and see amazing results. Even low to mid volume bass depth is remarkable.

  • @doubleNprime
    @doubleNprime Před rokem

    Very informative video Eric! Do you know if the eARC pass through functionality works with only one HomePod? Or does it only work in a stereo pair setup?

  • @rmkilgorejr
    @rmkilgorejr Před rokem

    I use a HomePod stereo pair with a HomePod mini stereo pair as rear speakers. I just select both sets of speakers and voila!

  • @JuanCruz-et8so
    @JuanCruz-et8so Před rokem +1

    The advantage is that I don’t place them by the tv I put them by my sofa next to my ear level so I feel fuller effect 😊

  • @user-hi7xf7eg1t
    @user-hi7xf7eg1t Před 5 měsíci

    How do you get Apple to send you products

  • @bjornterhorst6897
    @bjornterhorst6897 Před 2 měsíci

    One year later and Dolby announcing the new Dolby flex connect they could really make a nice move in the home cinema world with the home pods

  • @Kung_Fu_Kenny
    @Kung_Fu_Kenny Před rokem +1

    Small bedroom with a 42” LG C2. Beam gen 2, HomePods, or HomePod minis? Thanks.

    • @EricWelander
      @EricWelander  Před rokem

      I would go Beam Gen 2 with a HomePod mini in the room for smart home control

  • @thomastevis8655
    @thomastevis8655 Před rokem +1

    Awesome videos sorry I’m so late

  • @RichardHench
    @RichardHench Před rokem

    Eric, did I understand you to recommend plugging the HDMI cable from the Apple 4K TV to the EARC port on the tv? I’ve tried to learn if going from the Apple TV to my Sony tv EARC port was a good idea, but I’ve gotten nowhere trying to find an answer to that specific question. Richard Hench

    • @EricWelander
      @EricWelander  Před rokem

      Yes although you have to turn on eARC in Apple TV settings. I linked Apple’s support article about doing this in the description

  • @ShockerTopper
    @ShockerTopper Před 11 dny

    It's unfortunate you can't at least have 4 channel support by being able to use home pod mini's as your rear speakers. You could in theory have "3 channels" out of your two full sized homepods for the front. They almost should add a tweeter to the next Apple TV so that you can have the full 5.1 that way, but I doubt Apple would do that.

  • @tai86hk
    @tai86hk Před rokem

    Does anyone have “configuring issue”? when setting up a new HomePod 😢

  • @ShanPrez
    @ShanPrez Před rokem

    How’s the bass? I need my thump when watching movies

  • @joeguillory9269
    @joeguillory9269 Před rokem

    So I have the OG HomePods and the minis and I use the minis on the side of my couch but pairing them to the tv along side the OGs for surround sound

    • @rahulchawla20
      @rahulchawla20 Před rokem

      Do you mean you have paired 2 OGs and 2 Minis to your TV, all at the same time? 😮

  • @wickedfairy2370
    @wickedfairy2370 Před rokem +1

    Good video

  • @R1MikeGoatStatus
    @R1MikeGoatStatus Před rokem

    I thought the stomping was the bass from the home pod 😂 wow

  • @samjam6989
    @samjam6989 Před rokem +1

    Can you put one speaker in front and one at the rear behind you to get surround sound ??

    • @omgomgponies
      @omgomgponies Před rokem

      That's what I did! (Well not truly surround sound, but certainly better than just playing from the front) Front left corner, Back right corner.

    • @samjam6989
      @samjam6989 Před rokem

      @@omgomgponies problem is if stereo the back speaker would play similar sound to front speaker. Not sure if homepods have Dolby Atmos or adjust so that back speaker would replicate sound coming from behind like true surround sound system.

  • @ajschot
    @ajschot Před 10 měsíci

    i really hate the homekit, i bought a new appletv, and however the old one is still in use it looses almost all connections, only Hue is working fine. I think Alexa and Google Home are doing much better, and are more compatible then HomeKit. I would love to try them out, but as a tv set, to replace my beloved 5.1 set (which my wife would love to see it go) but it is a bit expensive to just try...
    for smart home i will be using Google Home because it is just better.

  • @Giga1023
    @Giga1023 Před rokem +7

    I feel like it could be possible for them to add another HDMI port onto the apple tv that can serve as a passthrough for other devices so that way you could just select the source on the apple tv itself and it will pass the audio through to the homepods instead of your tv speakers. That would be awesome

    • @EricWelander
      @EricWelander  Před rokem +2

      That would be cool, but it would also probably make this expensive box even more expensive.

    • @1126-CD
      @1126-CD Před 11 měsíci +1

      @@EricWelander did I hear you correctly. Did you say that you can use your home pod to play your Apple Music in your library and then send that music that is playing on your home pod to sonos speakers in other rooms? If you can do this. Will the music still play on the home pod and other speakers?
      If all this is correct. How do you accomplish this?

  • @ericcarlton87
    @ericcarlton87 Před rokem +1

    Get an LG OLED and you have a few extra HDMI 2.1 ports after eARC is taken up 😉

  • @lonelycake4114
    @lonelycake4114 Před rokem

    Nice video

  • @prvinsharma
    @prvinsharma Před 9 měsíci

    I have decided to not go for super expensive Sony A7000 but bought these instead. The sound quality is good but the bass seems to be over-bumped. Also, being a smart speaker it goes completely offline when there is no internet :( and that's the catch here. Wifi internet should always be available else it's goes DUMB. Am surprised that no youtube channels mentions this and stresses the core requirement for this system.

  • @definitely-not-daniel
    @definitely-not-daniel Před rokem +1

    I love the combination of the HomePods with Apple TV but it absolutely enrages me that if they are set up as default you can’t send audio back to the tv. And if the tv is set as default then the demo only controls tv audio but not the airplay devices. What is makes it even worse is that it was possible before they just felt like removing that feature. Oh and of course if the HomePods are the default and they are receiving audio through hdmi the you can’t airplay to any other speakers like 😫💀

  • @hadrianspeight290
    @hadrianspeight290 Před 3 měsíci

    How do you play music through Homepods without the TV bring on?

  • @travismcleod5078
    @travismcleod5078 Před rokem

    The issue with these are the amount of extra tech inside of them to be smart. Having 4 becomes overkill because all of them are originally made to be single use hubs. That leaves us to pay a premium for 3 additional speakers because they include all the additional tech and display. The best option is to enable the minis to serve as rear left_right channels. That still leaves the center for some surround set ups and even a rear center. So then you'd have a room full of smart speakers which would be ridiculous. The safest thing for apple to do is keep it minimal as a pair or allow cross use with sonos since they've updated their speakers to support airplay2.

  • @josevilla7777
    @josevilla7777 Před 4 měsíci

    I’m watching this video with my AirPods on and I could’ve sworn it was my kids stomping hahahahah

  • @FNGyoutuber
    @FNGyoutuber Před 4 měsíci

    If Apple produce some soundbar for us to watch movie, that would be fantastic

  • @cue03
    @cue03 Před rokem

    So if you Apple TV is hooked up to eArc hdmi1 and the HomePods are setup in the Apple TV to be the speakers… does that mean that any Television audio (ie apps on the LG TV or digital channels on LG TV) will play through the speakers? Or my Nintendo switch on a different input will that play though these homepods?? Thx

    • @aliciab4098
      @aliciab4098 Před rokem

      Yes

    • @aliciab4098
      @aliciab4098 Před rokem +1

      You just have to get in the settings on Apple TV and select play television sound

  • @Snackdance
    @Snackdance Před rokem

    I wonder if these devices are connected to a 2021 Apple TV 4K, they use thread instead of wifi? If so, maybe that connection decreases the latency, and wifi would be less of an issue which is why it only comes with wifi 4. My OG HomePods sometimes had latency issues when connected to AppleTV-you needed a pretty fast, strong wifi signal. Maybe thread solves that?

    • @JimVajda82
      @JimVajda82 Před rokem

      Thread doesn’t support streaming audio, they probably use Bluetooth.

  • @runforrestrun1965
    @runforrestrun1965 Před rokem

    Only trouble is we want our actual TVs speakers to have sound out as well as having the pods sound. Seems you can’t as hp takes over completely, sigh.

  • @EGOTube-fe5kj
    @EGOTube-fe5kj Před rokem +2

    How did you use your HomePods mini’s for audio on the Nintendo switch?!

  • @SideOfHustle
    @SideOfHustle Před 5 měsíci +1

    how did you have the black macbook pro back at this time?

    • @EricWelander
      @EricWelander  Před 5 měsíci

      Hah! That’s the midnight MacBook Air

  • @jeffreyallanrich
    @jeffreyallanrich Před rokem

    In your HomePod mini setup, how are you using them with your Nintendo switch? Don’t they only work with the appletv - as opposed to the television itself? I feel like I’m missing a killer feature for years now.

    • @Jeremyisthings
      @Jeremyisthings Před rokem

      You can use an arc hdmi cable to plug your tv to Apple TV. Then your HomePods will plant anything coming out of your tv