Podcast #1207: Most Popular HDTV and Home Theater and Automation Products
Release Date: 06/27/2025
Podcast #1228: Black Friday 2025
HDTV and Home Theater Podcast
On this week’s show we find you the best Black Friday deals for your home theater, well at least at the time of recording. We also read your emails and take a look at the week’s news. News: Other: Bright Side Home Theater MOVEMBER MEGA RAFFLE 2025 Black Friday 2025 Each year we go through the Black Friday ads from various stores and list items. It's a long list and can be tedious to listen to. So this year we decided to search out what we thought were the best deals on various items for your Home Theater and Smart Home. This year many retailers are not releasing their sales until...
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Podcast #1227: Best AV Receivers for Newbies, Enthusiasts, and Fanatics
HDTV and Home Theater Podcast
On this week’s show we look at alternatives to YouTube TV for sports fans. We also look at AV Receivers for Home Theater Newbies, Enthusiasts, and Fanatics. And like always, we start with your emails and take a look at the week’s news. News; Other: Please support Movember and enter to win great prizes from Bright Side Home Theater Best AV Receivers for Newbies, Enthusiasts, and Fanatics It's getting close to Black Friday and you may want to upgrade your home theater system for the Holidays and you are wondering what AVR should I consider. Well the HT Guys have done the...
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HDTV Rewind Episode #15: Your email and News
HDTV and Home Theater Podcast
On this episode of the Rewind show we go back to November 12, 2010 where we read your emails, look at a news story or two.
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Podcast #1226: What is Automatic Content Recognition (ACR)?
HDTV and Home Theater Podcast
On this week’s show we have an essay from one of our listeners on why he wants to stick with his DVR over streaming. We also take a deep dive into Automatic Content Recognition and how to turn it off on your smart TVs. As usual we also read your emails and take a look at the week’s news. News: Please support Movember and enter to win great prizes from Bright Side Home Theater Swimming against the Stream - An essay from Jorge Beltran I know I will sound old and swimming against current, but I would like to go back to my world where we had our cable subscriptions, DVR and...
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Podcast #1225: Top User Rated Original Movies per Streamer
HDTV and Home Theater Podcast
On this week’s show we identify the top IMDB user rated original movies per streamer. We also read your emails and take a look at the week’s news. News: Other: Top User Rated Original Movies per Streamer Last week we ran down the top streamer’s price histories and at one point I (Ara), said that Amazon really didn’t have many movies worth watching but since it came included with Prime shipping who cares. So this week I wanted to see what Amazon Original Movies were available and how they rated on IMDB. This did not include TV series like Reacher, Terminalist, etc. I just...
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Podcast #1224: Streaming Price Hikes: A Historical Look
HDTV and Home Theater Podcast
On this week’s show we look at the streamers and their pricing history. Are they keeping up with inflation or are they seeing how far they can keep raising prices. We also read your emails and take a look at the week’s news. News: Other: Streaming Price Hikes: A Historical Look Netflix Netflix has raised prices multiple times since launching its streaming service in 2007, with increases tied to content investments and competition. The service now offers four tiers: ad-supported Standard with Ads, Basic (ad-free, one screen), Standard (ad-free, two screens), and Premium (ad-free,...
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HDTV Rewind Episode #14: 5G Broadcast
HDTV and Home Theater Podcast
On this episode of the Rewind show we go back to October 21st 2023 where we read your emails, look at a news story or two, and discus 5G broadcast on how it can change how we interact with your media devices.
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Podcast #1223: Lost TV Series Finales and Five Smart Home Trends
HDTV and Home Theater Podcast
On this week’s show we look at some 1960s and 1970s TV shows that received their series finally in a movie at least ten years after going off the air. We also take a look at five home automation trends for this year and beyond. We also read your emails and take a look at the week’s news. News: 47 Years Ago: Rescue from Gilligan's Island Makes TV History On October 14, 1978, television history was made with the premiere of Rescue from Gilligan's Island, the first-ever TV series adapted into a made-for-TV movie. Airing 47 years ago today, this film brought back the beloved cast of the...
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Podcast #1222: Five Highly Rated 55 Inch TVs Under $500
HDTV and Home Theater Podcast
On this week’s show we recommend five 55” TVs for less than $500 that will give you the best bang for your buck! We also read your emails and take a look at some of the week’s news. News: Other: Highly Rated 55 Inch TVs Under $500 This week we scoured the Internet for best bang for the buck TVs that would work in a typical family room. For this criteria we landed on 55” as it is, in our opinion, the Goldilocks size. We read reviews from sites like RTINGS, CNET, Tom's Guide, and What Hi-Fi? To select five models that have something for everyone. All the TVs are 4K smart...
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Podcast #1221: RTINGS Longevity Burn-In Test Updates
HDTV and Home Theater Podcast
On this week’s show we take a look at the Longevity Burn-In Test Results From 100 TVs that has been tracking for the last two years. We also read your emails and take a look at the week’s news. News: Other: Longevity Burn-In Test Updates And Results From 100 TVs has been conducting an for over two years. We've covered it periodically but haven't provided an update recently. In today's show, we'll summarize the key findings and discuss their implications for consumers. 1. Introduction to the Test Methodology and Purpose RTINGS.com conducts an extensive longevity and burn-in...
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.