Podcast #1207: Most Popular HDTV and Home Theater and Automation Products
Release Date: 06/27/2025
HDTV and Home Theater Podcast
On this week’s show we look at the CDEDIA Best of show winners for this years event. We also read your emails and take a look at the week’s news. News: Other: TWICE Best of Show Awards Winners for CEDIA 2025 - is an innovative, modular linear lighting solution designed for high-end architectural applications in both commercial and residential spaces. VENTRIX provides a scalable, customizable framework for illumination challenges, such as recessed grid ceiling installations or linear layouts in retail, restaurants, offices, or upscale homes. No pricing available. - Is a...
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On this week’s show we run down the US network premier dates and shows for the 2025-2026 TV season. We also read your emails and take a look at the week’s news. News: 2025/2026 US Network TV Fall Premiers ABC Mon, Sept 8 8:00 PM: (Vikings-Bears) Tue, Sept 16 8:00 PM: Season 34 10:00 PM: Season 2 Wed, Sept 24 8:00 PM: Season 2 (two hours) 10:00 PM: Season 17 Fri, Sept 26 8 pm Season 6 (ABC) 9 pm Season 48 (ABC) Sun, Sept 28 7:00 PM: Season 36 8:00 PM: (Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3) Wed, Oct 1 8:00 PM: Season 2 8:30 PM: Season 5 ...
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On this week’s show we take some time off but still give you a great show. In addition to reading your emails and the news, we do a post mortem on the DVR. News: Other: The DVR is Dead We did a show back in 2009 where we highlighted an article that discussed the end of the DVR era. We added our thoughts on the subject and I did an analysis of what it would cost to just buy the shows I watched vs recording them on the DVR. Streaming services were just coming on the scene and we had no idea what was coming down the road. In this episode I go back and discuss what we...
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On this week’s show we look at an article from What Hi-Fi titled “I just tested one of 2025's best small OLEDs – and it proves most companies are focusing on the wrong thing”. And that thing is brightness. We look at what would make a perfect TV. We also read your emails and take a look at the week’s news. News: Brightness Isn't Everything We saw an article over at titled “” and thought there is a lot of truth to what the author is saying. So today will expand on this article with the HT Guys take. The author argues that TV manufacturers like LG, Samsung, and Sony...
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On this week’s show ask the question: “What Happened to DLNA Technology” We also read your emails and the week’s news. Also, say hi to Evelyne, our virtual news reader. News: What Happened to DLNA Technology? DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) technology, once a popular standard for sharing media like photos, videos, and music between devices on a home network, has largely faded from prominence. Here's a concise overview of what happened: Peak Popularity (2000s–Early 2010s): DLNA, introduced in 2003, enabled seamless media streaming between certified devices...
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On this week’s show we take a look at the pros and cons of Low Earth Orbiting Satellites and ask if competition from them could lower your Internet bills. One of our listeners does a good analysis of what it would cost cordcutters to watch every NFL and most College football games. We also read your emails and take a look at the week’s news. News: Other: LEO (Low Earth Orbit) Satellite Internet On a recent show we talked about High Speed internet eliminating the need for over the air broadcasting. However we understand that not everyone has access to high speed internet. We...
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On this episode of the Rewind show we go back to August 13 2010 where we read your emails, look at a news story or two, discuss DVRs and the Netflix/Epix deal.
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On this episode of the Rewind show we go back to August 13 2010 where we read your emails, look at a news story or two, discuss DVRs and the Netflix/Epix deal.
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On this week’s show we discuss the 2025 Value Electronics TV Shootout. We also read your emails and take a look at the week’s news. News: Other: Sony Crowned King of TVs for the Seventh Year Running at the 2025 Value Electronics TV Shootout For the seventh consecutive year, Sony has claimed the title of “King of TVs” at the , held at their Scarsdale, New York showroom. The winning model, the $3000, emerged victorious in a fiercely competitive field of flagship OLED TVs from LG, Samsung, and Panasonic. This annual event, now in its 21st year, is a benchmark for videophiles,...
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On this week’s show we ask what ever happened to the Ring Indoor Security Drone and we take a look at the Top Ten Streaming shows for the first half of 2025. We also read your emails and take a look at the week’s news. News: What Ever Happened to the Ring Indoor Security Drone? I was thinking about all the cool stuff that had been introduced at CES over the years and remembered one that I really wanted to use, the Ring Indoor Security Drone. It's perfect for those who own a home and may want to check in on parts of it without placing cameras everywhere. So what happened to it?...
info_outlineOn this week’s show we take a look at some of the most popular products in our homes. And we read your emails and take a look at the week's news.
News:
- iOS 26 Brings Video Streaming to CarPlay, But There's a Catch
- Don’t Expect Netflix to Save U.S. Broadcast Networks
- HDMI Forum To Reveal New HDMI 2.2 Details At Press Briefing
Other:
Most Popular HDTV and Home Theater and Automation Products
On this week’s show we take a look at some of the most popular products in our homes.
What is the most popular TV size in the USA
The most popular TV size in the USA is currently around 65 inches, with recent trends showing it overtaking the previously dominant 55-inch size. Data from 2021 indicates the average LCD TV screen size in North America reached approximately 55.5 inches, with expectations of further increases as larger TVs become more affordable and accessible. Consumer purchasing trends and retailer insights suggest 65-inch TVs are now the most commonly bought due to their balance of immersive viewing and suitability for typical living room spaces, with viewing distances of around 5.4 to 8.1 feet for 4K resolution.
What is the most popular TV brand in the USA
Samsung is the most popular TV brand in the USA, holding a market share of around 28-30% based on 2020-2023 data. It has been the top-selling brand for 18 consecutive years, with 30.1% of the market in 2023, driven by brand recognition, diverse price points, and dominance in both standard and premium TV segments, including a 22% share in OLED TVs. LG follows closely, with the two Korean brands combining for about 52% of the market. Vizio, TCL, and Sony also rank highly, with Sony noted for strong consumer trust and picture quality.
What is the most popular home cinema projector in the USA
The most popular home cinema projector in the USA in 2025, based on expert reviews and consumer interest, is the Epson Home Cinema 3800. It’s widely praised for its excellent balance of image quality, brightness, and value, making it a top choice for home theater enthusiasts. With strong contrast, vibrant colors, and the ability to project a sharp 4K image, it performs well in both dark and moderately lit rooms. Its affordability compared to high-end models like the Epson Home Cinema 5050UB, combined with features like two HDMI ports and easy setup, contributes to its popularity.
What is the most popular AVR
The most popular AV receiver brand in the USA is Denon, with models like the Denon AVR-X3800H and Denon AVR-X4800H frequently cited as top performers in 2024-2025 reviews. Denon’s popularity stems from its optimal price-to-quality ratio, reliable performance, and advanced features like Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and 8K HDMI support. Market data is scarce, but Denon’s dominance is evident in consumer reviews, sales rankings on sites like Best Buy, and industry reports, with Marantz (its sister brand) and Yamaha as close competitors. Denon’s models are praised for versatility, supporting setups with more than three speakers (e.g., 9.4 or 7.2.2 configurations), aligning with the 10-15% of households estimated to have such systems.
What is the most popular voice assistant product in the USA
Amazon's Alexa is the most popular voice assistant product in the USA, primarily due to its widespread integration into Amazon Echo devices and its compatibility with over 60,000 smart home devices. In 2025, Alexa has an estimated 77.6 million users in the US, trailing Google Assistant (92.4 million) and Apple's Siri (87.0 million) in total users but leading in smart home ecosystem adoption and versatility. Its popularity is driven by features like hands-free control, extensive third-party app integration, and the ability to perform tasks such as controlling smart home devices, streaming music, and shopping online. The Amazon Echo (4th Gen) is particularly noted for its sound quality and built-in Zigbee radio, enhancing its smart home capabilities.
What is the most popular video doorbell in the USA
While exact sales data is unavailable, the Ring Battery Doorbell and Ring Video Doorbell (2nd generation) are likely the most popular video doorbells in the USA in 2025.
What is the most popular smart switch in the USA
The Lutron Caséta is the most popular for its balance of advanced features, no-neutral-wire flexibility, and rock-solid performance across smart home platforms. Its hub requirement adds cost (around $60-$100 per switch plus $80-$100 for the hub), but users value its dependability and customization options. If you’re on a budget or prefer Wi-Fi-based switches, the TP-Link Kasa models are nearly as popular due to their lower price (around $20-$40) and hub-free setup.
What is the most popular smart plug in the USA
TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Slim (EP25) frequently comes up as a top contender for indoor use due to its affordability, feature set, and wide compatibility.