HDTV Rewind Episode #8: What is Quartics?
HDTV and Home Theater Podcast
On this episode of the Rewind show we go back to June 25th 2010 where we read your emails, look at a news story or two, and look at a company called Quartics and what they are up to today.
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Podcast #1206: Streaming Services Ranked
HDTV and Home Theater Podcast
On this week’s show we rank our favorite Streaming Services. We also read your emails and take a look at the week’s news. News: Other: " The Definitive Streaming Service Ranking We received an email from a listener named Scott that pointed us to an article titled ”” written by Josh Rosenberg and published in Esquire magazine. In the article he ranks the top seven streaming services. We’ll go through his picks from seven to one. And then we’ll give our rankings. 7 Amazon Prime Video - The main criterion for ranking streaming services is whether...
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Podcast #1205: Betamax Turns Fifty
HDTV and Home Theater Podcast
Can you believe Betamax turns 50 this month? On this week’s show we look at how the VCR changed the entertainment industry and gave us a reason to build our home theaters. We also read emails and take a look at the week’s news. News: Other: The Betamax Turns 50 this Month In the late 1970s, the arrival of the Video Cassette Recorder (VCR) sparked a seismic shift in entertainment, as detailed in a recent . Initially met with skepticism by studios fearing piracy, the VCR became a cultural juggernaut, reshaping how audiences consumed media and how Hollywood operated. By 1987, home...
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HDTV Rewind Episode #7: TV Specifications
HDTV and Home Theater Podcast
On this episode of the Rewind show we go back to June 11th 2010 where we read your emails, look at a news story or two, and look at TV Specifications.
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Podcast #1204: Can Future OLED Screens Become Multi Channel Speakers
HDTV and Home Theater Podcast
On this week’s show our listeners have provided the topics. We discuss a $30 hack to improve your TV as well as a new OLED technology that may turn your screen into a multi channel speaker. Plus we read your emails and take a look at the week’s news. News: $30 Dollar Hack to Improve Your TV One of our listeners, Scott, sent us a link to an article suggesting that a $30 LED strip can significantly enhance your TV viewing experience. . We’ll summarize here but check out the article for more detail. The author of the PCWorld article shares his positive experience with a $30...
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HDTV Rewind Episode #6: What Were Integrators Using in 2010
HDTV and Home Theater Podcast
On this episode of the Rewind show we go back to June 4tht 2010 where we read your emails look at a news story or two and look at a CE Pro article from 2010
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Podcast #1203: Top Series Finales of Network/Cable TV Shows
HDTV and Home Theater Podcast
On this week’s show we look at our favorite TV Series Finales from Network and Cable TV. We also read your emails and take a look at the week’s news. News: Top Series Finales of Network/Cable TV Shows Here is a rundown of our favorite TV Series Finales. What are your favorites? – "Goodbye, Farewell and Amen" (CBS, February 28, 1983) This 2.5-hour finale remains the highest-rated scripted TV episode in U.S. history, with a 72% audience share. It masterfully blended comedy and drama, reflecting the show’s tone. The Korean War ends, and the 4077th unit disbands, with...
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Podcast #1202: Home Theater System for under $2000
HDTV and Home Theater Podcast
On this week’s show we look at how the strategies keep changing in the streaming wars. We spend your money and design a home theater system for less than $2000. And as usual we read your email and take a look at the week’s news. News: Top Streaming Services Change Up Strategies A Business Insider article suggests the streaming wars have shifted from competition to strategic alliances and distinct priorities. Netflix now prioritizes engagement over subscriber numbers, revamping its homepage with vertical video to rival YouTube and TikTok. Disney focuses on subscriber growth through...
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HDTV Rewind Episode #5: 2009-2010 TV Season By the Numbers
HDTV and Home Theater Podcast
On this episode of the Rewind show we go back to May 21st 2010 where we read your emails look at a news story or two and wrap up the 2009 - 2010 TV Season
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Podcast #1201: The Best Movie Plot Twists
HDTV and Home Theater Podcast
On this week’s show we shop the Internet and find you three incredible deals on UHD TVs. We also discuss some of the best plot twists in movies that we have seen. Be forewarned, there will be spoilers. We also read your emails and take a look at the week’s news. News: Three Incredible Deals on a UHD TV As a public service the HT Guys have scoured the internet and found you three incredible deals on UHD TVs. These are not refurbished units and were available at the time of this writing. Samsung 70" Crystal UHD 4K HDR TV (DU7200) Price: $ Retailer: Amazon Details: This is noted as...
info_outlineOn this week’s show we rank our favorite Streaming Services. We also read your emails and take a look at the week’s news.
News:
- More than 25% of viewers aren’t watching live TV anymore
- Tubi breaks the 100 million monthly active user mark
- Netflix to Introduce Live TV Channels in France
- NCIS: Tony & Ziva Sets September Premiere Date on Paramount+
Other:
- Panasonic DVD Recorders on ebay
- Panasonic DMR-EH75VS DVD recorder with 80GB hard drive and HiFi VCR, plus DVD video upconversion at Crutchfield
- The 10 Best DVD Recorders of 2025 (Reviews) - FindThisBest
- "It's Official: Streaming Is Now the King of TV
The Definitive Streaming Service Ranking
We received an email from a listener named Scott that pointed us to an article titled ”The Definitive Streaming Service Ranking” written by Josh Rosenberg and published in Esquire magazine. In the article he ranks the top seven streaming services. We’ll go through his picks from seven to one. And then we’ll give our rankings.
7 Amazon Prime Video - The main criterion for ranking streaming services is whether they offer at least one new, worthwhile show each month. Prime Video falls short, as it doesn't consistently deliver high-quality new TV content. Instead, it focuses on being a hub for accessing other subscriptions, with shows like Reacher, Fallout, and The Boys feeling like bonuses for Amazon Prime's free shipping rather than a compelling reason to subscribe for streaming alone.
6 Peacock - Peacock is a top choice for reality-TV fans, offering Bravo’s full lineup, including Real Housewives, Love Island USA, Below Deck, Top Chef, and Watch What Happens Live. It also hosts NBC’s library with classics like The Office, Parks & Recreation, New Girl, Scrubs, and Law & Order, plus Yellowstone due to an exclusive deal. Its appeal lies in its sitcom and reality-TV vault, and it’s the streaming home for the Olympics, though that’s only every two years. Fans might find it worth a high price, though it’s currently much less than $100 a month.
5 Disney/Hulu/ESPN+ - The Disney/Hulu/ESPN+ bundle is perceived as a single streaming service due to its long-standing integration, with Disney enhancing this by adding Hulu and ESPN+ tiles to the Disney+ home screen for seamless access. Each service offers unique strengths: Disney+ excels in Marvel, Star Wars, and children’s content; Hulu features FX shows like The Bear and Shōgun, plus ABC’s lineup, including Abbott Elementary; and ESPN+ remains a leader in live sports despite growing competition. Their combined appeal keeps them competitive, as they are stronger together than individually.
4 Netflix - Netflix benefits from long-term subscriber relationships, with users browsing its platform like they once did with cable TV. However, its content quality is declining, with more misses than hits. The upcoming conclusion of major shows like Squid Game and Stranger Things in 2025 could further challenge its ability to retain subscribers.
3 Paramount+ - Paramount+ benefits from Taylor Sheridan's popular shows like Yellowstone, Landman, and 1923, and its merger with Showtime has brought quality series such as MobLand and Yellowjackets. However, the streaming service struggles to justify its subscription cost as essential, with its success hinging on the delivery of Sheridan's planned spin-off universe.
2 Apple TV+ - Apple TV+ has significantly improved its content in 2025, with successful shows like Severance season 2, The Studio (Seth Rogen), Your Friends and Neighbors (Jon Hamm), and Stick (Owen Wilson). Previously, subscribing only for specific shows was advisable, but now, due to consistent high-quality releases with A-list talent, keeping the subscription active is recommended. If this trend continues, Apple TV+ will remain a strong competitor in the streaming market.
1 HBO Max - HBO tops the power ranking due to its consistent delivery of high-quality TV shows that justify the subscription cost. With a business model focused on quality since its launch over 50 years ago, HBO has aired acclaimed series like The Pitt, The White Lotus, The Last of Us, The Rehearsal, and Hacks in the first half of 2025. Its extensive library includes some of the greatest shows and movies, such as Goodfellas. While Netflix prioritizes quantity, HBO Max excels in quality.