HDMI eARC Explained: Getting Lossless Audio From Your TV
HDMI eARC promises lossless surround from your TV, if everything cooperates. Learn what eARC does, what it needs, and how to troubleshoot it.
Theo Nakamura
Home Theater & AV Editor
Theo Nakamura
Theo has calibrated home theaters in apartments and dedicated rooms alike, and has run enough cable to wire a small cinema. He explains receivers, soundbars and surround formats plainly, with the trade-offs left in, because most people just want great sound without a weekend of frustration. He reviews every setup in a normal living room, not a lab.
Articles
9 articles by Theo
Theo Nakamura
What to Look for in a Home Theater Receiver in 2026
Shopping for an AV receiver in 2026 means decoding HDMI specs, channels, and audio formats. Here's what actually matters for your next setup.
Theo Nakamura
Wiring a 5.1 Surround System Without the Cable Mess
Wiring a 5.1 surround system is easier than it looks. Learn cable types, gauge, in-wall runs, and tidy routing that keeps your whole setup clean.
Theo Nakamura
Dolby Atmos at Home: What You Need and What You Don't
Dolby Atmos adds height and immersion, but the requirements confuse many buyers. Learn what gear, speakers, and content you truly need at home.
Theo Nakamura
Choosing Your First Soundbar: A Buyer's Checklist
Choosing a soundbar means sorting through formats, channels, and connections. This checklist helps you match features to your TV, room, and budget.
Theo Nakamura
Nine Common Home Theater Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Great gear can still sound bad with the wrong setup. Avoid nine common home theater mistakes, from speaker placement to skipping calibration.
Theo Nakamura
Calibrating Your AV Receiver with Room Correction, Step by Step
Room correction can make or break surround sound. Follow this step-by-step guide to mic placement, levels, and getting the calibration right.
Theo Nakamura
Positioning Surround Speakers for Movies That Actually Envelop You
Surround speakers placed wrong collapse the effect. Learn the angles, heights, and distances that make movies wrap fully around your seating.
Theo Nakamura
Soundbar vs AV Receiver: Which Home Theater Path Fits You
Soundbars win on simplicity; AV receivers win on power and flexibility. We compare both paths so you can pick the right home theater core setup.
Theo Nakamura