Jay Franze is my guest this week. We talk about smart home technology and the benefits of energy-efficient gadgets, particularly in air conditioning. We share personal experiences with DIY home wiring, weighing the pros and cons of tackling electrical projects. We dive into the latest trends in streaming services, discussing the recent StreamYard acquisition and comparing alternatives like Riverside and Zoom. Our conversation also touches on the evolution of content consumption, highlighting our preferences for engaging with media. We wrap the show with some updates on cryptocurrency, including insights on NiceHash’s new fee structure. Thanks for listening!

Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg621

Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #621 of Home Gadget Geeks, brought to you by the Average Guy Network.

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Links

Catch more of Jay – https://jayfranze.com/

Canva – https://www.canva.com/

Goodman air conditioning unit – https://amzn.to/47paaBB

Digital Smart thermostat – https://amzn.to/47iM4Zh

OneDrive – https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/onedrive/online-cloud-storage

Local Send – https://localsend.org/

Apple iCloud/Photos – https://www.icloud.com/photos

Dropbox – https://www.dropbox.com/

Show Segments

[0:00] Welcome to Home Gadget Geeks

[9:51] DIY Wiring Insights

[16:56] Photo Backup Solutions

[24:11] StreamYard Ownership Changes

[30:09] Exploring Alternative Streaming Services

[40:37] The Future of Podcasting Technology

[41:36] Streaming Technology Evolution

[44:12] NFL Season Kickoff

[46:26] Changing Content Consumption Habits

[50:16] The Rise of YouTube

[52:15] The Streaming Experience

[55:39] Evaluating Streaming Costs

[1:00:15] Exploring Plex and Channels

[1:04:29] Choosing the Right Computer Setup

[1:09:51] Upgrading Tech and Software

[1:13:24] Crypto Mining Updates

[1:23:11] Closing Remarks and Future Plans

• Air Conditioning Upgrades and Cost Savings[0:00]
  • Jim Collison discusses the installation of a new three-ton SEER air conditioner, which significantly reduced his electricity bill by a third.
  • Jay Franze shares his experience of getting a good deal on a new air conditioner, paying $7,000 instead of $15,000.
  • Jim mentions John Biggs’s cost comparison between a heat pump water heater and a traditional water heater, noting a $36 monthly savings.
  • Jim and Jay discuss the potential for tax credits on new AC units, with John suggesting that part of the cost might be deductible.
• Patreon Support and Affiliate Links[3:09]
  • Jim Collison thanks Patreon subscribers for their monthly support and encourages new subscribers to join.
  • Jim explains the benefits of using affiliate links, including increased commission rates due to increased usage.
  • Jay Franze and Jim discuss the peculiarities of using affiliate links, including the inability to mention the company’s name directly.
  • Jim thanks TJ Huddleston for his recent appearance on the show and encourages listeners to check out the episode.
• Home Improvement Projects and Wiring Issues[5:24]
  • Jay Franze shares his experience with a new air conditioner and the subsequent loss of his fire pit project.
  • Jay mentions the installation of a digital thermostat with his new air conditioner, which maintains temperature better than the old one.
  • Jim and Jay discuss the efficiency of new air conditioners and the cost differences between replacing both indoor and outdoor units.
  • Jay shares his wiring experiences, including a recent project involving a subpanel and the importance of GFCI outlets.
• Photo Backup and Storage Solutions[15:20]
  • Neil shares his experience with using OneDrive for photo backups and the challenges of managing large photo collections.
  • Jim and Jay discuss their photo storage and backup methods, with Jay mentioning his use of Apple products and a personal server for backups.
  • Jay explains his use of local send for archiving photos and the need to open a port on his server for the feature to work.
  • Jim and Jay discuss the pros and cons of different photo storage solutions, including the ease of use and the importance of having a backup plan.
• Streamyard and Alternative Streaming Solutions[23:39]
  • Jim and Jay discuss the recent acquisition of Streamyard by Bending Spoons and the resulting price increase from $10 to $45 per month.
  • Jay shares his experience with the new ownership and the challenges of switching to a lower plan, including issues with billing and support.
  • Jim mentions the potential for a business plan to last a year at the previous price due to his work’s subscription.
  • Jay and Jim discuss alternative streaming solutions, including Riverside, Zoom, and Ecamm, and the pros and cons of each.
• Streaming Services and Content Consumption[43:27]
  • Jim and Jay discuss their preferences for streaming services, with Jay favoring YouTube and Jim using a mix of services like Paramount+ and Channels.
  • Jay mentions his family’s use of Samsung TVs with built-in live TV features and their reliance on YouTube for content.
  • Jim and Jay discuss the portability and convenience of streaming services compared to traditional cable TV.
  • Jay shares his experience with using YouTube for educational content and the benefits of the premium plan for ad-free viewing.
• Live Sports and Streaming Technology[56:36]
  • Jim and Jay discuss their preferences for watching live sports, with Jim preferring to avoid live viewing due to stress and instead watching summaries on YouTube.
  • Jay mentions his preference for watching live sports in person and his use of Instagram for highlights.
  • Jim and Jay discuss the benefits of live streaming for podcasts and the importance of engaging with the chat room.
  • Jay shares his experience with using YouTube for educational content and the convenience of voice commands for music and podcasts.
• Car Technology and Software Updates[56:49]
  • Jim and Jay discuss their experiences with car entertainment systems, including updates and connectivity issues.
  • Jim shares his positive experience with Subaru’s car entertainment updates and the ease of updating software via Wi-Fi.
  • Jay mentions his issues with CarPlay and the need for updates to resolve volume control problems.
  • Jim and Jay discuss the importance of keeping car entertainment systems updated and the challenges of dealing with software bugs.
• Mac vs. PC for Production and Personal Use[1:00:10]
  • Jay considers upgrading his current Mac Mini and MacBook Pro setup, weighing the benefits of a dedicated production computer versus a versatile laptop.
  • Jim shares his preference for using a dedicated Windows PC for podcasting and the convenience of a MacBook Pro for personal use.
  • Jay mentions the finicky nature of Pro Tools and the need for a dedicated system for audio production.
  • Jim and Jay discuss the pros and cons of using multiple monitors and the differences in handling multiple displays between Mac and Windows systems.

—
More from Chat GPT

In this episode, I sit down with Jay Franze to discuss a variety of topics, from home technology and gadgets to the intricacies of streaming platforms. We kick off by diving into the world of smart home gadgets, reflecting on our own experiences with air conditioning upgrades and the impact of new technology on energy efficiency. Jay shares insights into his recent air conditioning service—how he scored a good deal on his unit and how new tech has made it both quieter and more efficient, resulting in a noticeable drop in his electricity bill.

As we transition from HVAC talk, we explore listener emails that dig into DIY home wiring, discussing the challenges and triumphs of home repairs. Jay and I weigh the merits of doing your own electrical work versus hiring a professional, with Jay recounting his own DIY experiences and me sharing my mixed feelings about tackling wiring projects myself. This leads to a conversation about safety and local codes, emphasizing the importance of understanding the electrical systems in your home.

Shifting gears, we discuss the latest developments in streaming services. After the recent acquisition of StreamYard and the subsequent increase in subscription prices, we weigh the options of alternative platforms like Riverside, EVMUX, and Zoom. We delve into the pros and cons of each, reflecting on our own experiences with feature sets, pricing, and overall usability. It’s a whirlwind discussion about finding the best tools for live streaming and podcasting, with plenty of insights for those navigating this competitive landscape.

We also touch on the evolving landscape of TV and film consumption, exploring how traditional cable has given way to streaming services and how viewers are adapting their habits. Jay describes his family’s experiences with various platforms, including YouTube and traditional streaming services like Netflix and Hulu, while I reflect on my own preference for simpler, more efficient ways to consume content—often opting for quick highlights over the full viewing experience.

On the tech side, we discuss recent experiences with USB connections and the struggle to keep up with ever-evolving technology standards. From monitors to docking stations, I share my setup, which allows for expansive screen real estate while Jay explains the challenges he faces with his dual computer setup.

Finally, in a nostalgic pivot, we touch on the crypto world, reconnecting over our shared history of mining and trading. I share recent developments with NiceHash, particularly their new fee structure for inactive accounts. This sparks a broader conversation about the current state of cryptocurrency and the lessons learned over the years, a reflection on our early ventures into this revolutionary space.

Throughout the episode, the combination of laughter, technical discussions, and personal anecdotes makes for a compelling listen—perfect for both tech enthusiasts and casual listeners alike. Join us as we explore the latest trends in home gadgets, streaming technology, and everything in between, while drawing on our personal experiences to provide insights and a good dose of humor.

Key Topics Discussed:

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Popular Tags: Podcast, Home Gadget Geeks, Jim Collison, Jay Franze, DIY home wiring, NiceHash, Riverside, StreamYard, Zoom, air conditioning, cryptocurrency, electrical projects, energy-efficient gadgets, smart home technology, streaming services