Podcast #1220: Products that Sparked the Home Automation Revolution and Dolby Vision 2
Release Date: 09/26/2025
Podcast #1250: Smart TVs Spy on What You Watch and Profit From Your Data
HDTV and Home Theater Podcast
On this week’s show we look into how your TV may be spying on you so that manufacturers can profit off of what you watch. We also read your emails and take a look at the week’s news. News: Smart TVs Spy on What You Watch and Profit From Your Data Last week we read a news story about how some Smart TVs install apps that use your IP address and bandwidth to scrape the Internet to feed AI models. And if that isn’t enough to make you want to disconnect your TV from the Internet, smart TVs from nearly every major brand are actively spying on exactly what you watch—whether it's cable,...
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Podcast #1249:Five Underrated Home Theater Gear Picks Under $500
HDTV and Home Theater Podcast
On this week’s show we take look at five underrated home theater picks that will set you back less than $500. We also read your emails and take a look at the week’s news. News: Other: a novel by Tyler Richardson Five Underrated Home Theater Gear Picks Under $500 In the world of home theater, the big brands usually grab all the attention. But some of the best-performing gear doesn’t have to break the bank while still delivering impressive sound, clear dialogue, and deep, immersive bass. If you're building or upgrading a home theater system on a budget, say less than...
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Podcast #1248: Why does anyone still need a physical satellite TV service?
HDTV and Home Theater Podcast
On this week’s show we ask the question: Why does anyone still need a physical satellite TV service?. We also read your emails and take a look at the news. There is also a standup comic bonus during the email segment. News: Other: Why does anyone still need a physical satellite TV service? After reading John’s email, I thought: why does anyone still need a physical satellite TV service? So today, we’re comparing traditional satellite TV like DirecTV and DISH Network versus modern IPTV and live TV streaming services such as YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, and DirecTV’s own...
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Podcast #1247: What Specs Matter and What Don’t When Buying a New HDTV
HDTV and Home Theater Podcast
On this week’s show we go beyond the hype to tell you what specs matter most, what specs are mere marketing hype, and we give you some tips for buying your next HDTV. We also read your emails and take a look at the week’s news. News: Other: What Specs Matter and What Don’t When Buying a New HDTV Last week the Brightside Home Theater Podcast did a panel discussion on the real factors that shape picture quality. Check it out when you have a chance, it's very informative (). So this week we are piggybacking on their discussion to tell you what specs matter most, what specs are mere...
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Podcast #1246: The Next Big Thing In Home Automation
HDTV and Home Theater Podcast
On this week’s show we countdown from an article at . and we do a deep dive into the Next Big Thing in Home Automation. Plus we read your emails and take a look at the week’s news. News: Other: The Next Big Thing In Home Automation We have had a running gag that whatever the year, it was the “Year” of Home Automation. Today, we can say confidently that home automation is mainstream and with Matter hitting it's stride, it's easier than ever to automate your house regardless of which ecosystem you prefer. That got us wondering, what is the next big thing in...
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Podcast #1245: Set Top Boxes - From Niche Devices to Major Ecosystems
HDTV and Home Theater Podcast
On this week’s show we take a walk down memory lane and look at how the Set Top Boxes we all take for granted evolved from niche Netflix-focused or iTunes-centric devices to broad ecosystems. We also read your emails and take a look at the week’s news. News: Other: Set Top Boxes - From Niche Devices to Major Ecosystems Here's a chronological timeline of major set-top streaming boxes: Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Google (Chromecast, Android TV/Google TV devices). These devices evolved from basic media extenders to full smart platforms with app stores, 4K/HDR support,...
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Podcast #1244: Why are Radio Stations Disappearing?
HDTV and Home Theater Podcast
On this week’s show we look into why terrestrial radio stations are disappearing. We also read your emails and take a look at the news. News: Other: Why are Radio Stations Disappearing? A growing number of commercial AM and FM radio stations in the US are shutting down or surrendering their licenses. Over the past decade through late 2025, about 342 AM stations disappeared—a 7% drop—while commercial FM stations fell by 112, or roughly 2%. This decline stems from shrinking ad revenue, fierce competition from streaming services and podcasts, and changing listener habits, especially...
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Podcast #1243: Set Top Box Shootout
HDTV and Home Theater Podcast
On this week’s show we have a shootout between four set top boxes and we try to determine which one is best for you. We also read your email and take a look at the week’s email. News: Set Top Box Shootout On last week’s show, in response to a news story, Ara asked why would someone use a FireTV set top box over ones from Apple, Google, or Roku. So for this week we decided to do a comparison of them all and try to identify who each product would benefit the most. For this comparison we looked at the (latest 3rd-gen model from 2022, still current), Google TV...
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Podcast #1242: A New Standard for HDTV
HDTV and Home Theater Podcast
On this week’s show Braden is on vacation but don’t worry! We still have a show for you. Ara reads your emails and takes a look at the week’s news. He also takes a look at an article in CNET that claims: The LG Evo AI G5 OLED is the new standard for TVs. News: Others: The LG Evo AI G5 OLED the New Standard for TV OLED TVs have consistently delivered the best picture quality in our head-to-head tests -- with the best shadow detail, contrast, color and black levels. Yet, there is one thing LCD-based TVs have always done better: sheer brightness. That is, until the 2025 LG...
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Podcast #1241: Expensive Audio Wires are Bananas!
HDTV and Home Theater Podcast
On this week’s show we review the Aqara FP2 Presence Sensor and ask are expensive audio wires bananas? We also read your emails and take a look at the week’s news. News: Other: Aqara FP2 Presence Sensor Review The () is a game-changer for smart home enthusiasts. Its standout feature is the ability to divide a room of 40㎡ or ~430 sq ft into multiple (up to 30) distinct zones using advanced mmWave radar technology. This allows for some really cool home automations like triggering kitchen lights when someone enters the boundary. This effectively allows one sensor to act like...
info_outlineOn this week’s show we look at three gadgets that we think are responsible for the year of home automation. We also discuss Dolby Vision 2. All that plus your emails and the week’s news on episode 1220 of the HDTV and Home Theater Podcast!
News:
- Live TV streamers leave viewers more satisfied than cable
- ‘The Paper’ to premiere on NBC after Peacock success
- Samsung’s $2,000 Smart Fridges Now Serve Ads, Owners Are Furious
Other:
These Gadgets Are Responsible for the Year of Home Automation
We have been involved with home automation for a long time and have seen a lot of gadgets come and go. The category was mostly for DIYers or for people with deep pockets. It wasn’t until these three products came out that the year/decade/century of automation was officially upon us.
Philips Hue Smart Bulb - Philips essentially defined smart lighting and is used in 50M+ homes for ambiance/security the world over. Many have copied Philips but for us nothing beats these lights.
Nest Learning Thermostat - The Nest Learning Thermostat revolutionized home climate control as the first smart thermostat, pioneering the category with its innovative self-learning technology and sleek design in 2011. Although we use the ecobee and recommend it, the category would not be where it is without the Nest Thermostat.
Ring Video Doorbell - The Ring Video Doorbell revolutionized home security by pioneering the smart doorbell category, introducing remote video monitoring and two-way communication in 2014.
What is Dolby Vision 2
Dolby Vision 2 is a next-generation HDR format announced by Dolby Laboratories on September 2, 2025, at IFA 2025. It builds on the original Dolby Vision by introducing AI-driven tools, enhanced creator controls, and features that extend beyond traditional HDR, such as improved motion handling. The format is designed to deliver more accurate, director-intended visuals across a range of TVs, adapting to content, viewing environments, and display capabilities. It comes in two tiers:
| Tier | Target TVs | Key Focus |
| Dolby Vision 2 | Mainstream TVs | Core upgrades via new image engine and Content Intelligence for improved picture quality. |
| Dolby Vision 2 Max | High-performance TVs (e.g., premium Mini-LED) | All core features plus premium extras like Authentic Motion for maximum brightness, contrast, and cinematic fidelity. |
Main Features
Here are the primary features of Dolby Vision 2:
1. Dolby Image Engine
- A more powerful processing engine that enhances overall image rendering, enabling higher brightness, sharper contrast, and more saturated colors while preserving artistic intent.
- Supports bi-directional tone mapping, allowing creators to optimize content for specific TV capabilities (e.g., brighter displays) without losing fidelity.
2. Content Intelligence (AI-Powered Optimization)
- An AI suite that automatically adjusts picture settings based on content type, viewing environment (e.g., room lighting), and device.
- Light Sense: Upgraded ambient light detection combined with reference data from the source material to dynamically tweak brightness and visibility.
- Precision Black: Improves shadow detail and clarity in dark scenes, addressing complaints about HDR appearing too dark; creators can embed room/bias lighting info and black-level sliders for precise control.
3. Authentic Motion (Premium Motion Handling)
- Available only in Dolby Vision 2 Max: The world's first creator-driven motion control tool, enabling shot-by-shot adjustments to reduce judder (stutter) while avoiding the "soap opera effect."
- Makes 24fps cinematic content feel more fluid and authentic, ideal for movies, sports, and fast-action scenes.
These features aim to make Dolby Vision 2 backward-compatible with existing Dolby Vision content (with some improvements), but full benefits require new TVs and mastered content.
Industry Adoption:
Hisense will be the first TV brand to introduce Dolby Vision 2 to its lineup. These TVs will be powered by MediaTek Pentonic 800 with “MiraVision™ Pro” PQ Engine, the first silicon chip to integrate Dolby Vision 2. Timing and availability will be announced at a later date.
Joining Hisense, CANAL+ is the first media and entertainment group to commit to enhance its lineup – from movies and TV shows to live sport – in Dolby Vision, leveraging the latest innovation to enrich the viewing experience for its subscribers.