Podcast #1224: Streaming Price Hikes: A Historical Look
Release Date: 10/24/2025
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 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:
- Apple TV Revs Up to Compete, For Real, In Streaming
- 86 Years Ago NBC Made History with First Televised Pro Football Game in 1939
- HBO Max raises prices on all plans while WBD reevaluates future
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, four screens, 4K). Below is a summary of U.S. monthly prices for the most popular tiers (Standard and Premium) over time.
| Year | Date | Standard Plan | Premium Plan | Notes |
| 2010 | Launch (streaming-only) | $7.99 | N/A | Basic streaming plan introduced. |
| 2011 | Feb | $7.99 | N/A | No change. |
| 2014 | May | $8.99 | N/A | First major streaming hike. |
| 2015 | N/A | $9.99 | $11.99 | Introduction of HD tier. |
| 2017 | Oct | $10.99 | $13.99 | Subtle rollout. |
| 2019 | Jan | $12.99 | $15.99 | Basic introduced at $8.99 (discontinued 2023). |
| 2020 | Oct | $13.99 | $17.99 | Response to content costs. |
| 2022 | Jan | $15.49 | $19.99 | Largest hike at the time. |
| 2023 | Oct | N/A | N/A | Ads tier launched at $6.99. |
| 2024 | Jan | $15.49 | $22.99 | Basic discontinued. |
| 2025 | Jan | $18.00 | $25.00 | All plans increased; ads tier to $8.00. |
Prices are monthly in USD; annual options offer ~17% savings. Current as of October 2025. Note - $8 in 2010 is worth approximately $11.57 in October 2025
Disney+
Launched in 2019 at a competitive $6.99/month, Disney+ has seen nearly annual increases, often bundled with Hulu/ESPN+. It now has two main tiers: ad-supported Basic and ad-free Premium. Prices reflect U.S. monthly rates for standalone Premium (most common).
| Year | Date | Basic (Ads) | Premium (Ad-Free) | Notes |
| 2019 | Nov (Launch) | N/A | $6.99 | Single ad-free tier. |
| 2020 | N/A | N/A | $6.99 | No change. |
| 2021 | Jan | N/A | $7.99 | First hike. |
| 2022 | Dec | $7.99 | $10.99 | Ads tier introduced. |
| 2023 | Oct | $7.99 | $13.99 | Bundle prices also rose. |
| 2024 | Oct | $9.99 | $15.99 | Ads tier up $2. |
| 2025 | Oct | $12.99 | $17.99 | All plans up $2–$3; annual Premium $169.99. |
Annual billing saves ~16% (e.g., Premium $139.99/year in 2024). Bundles start at $9.99/month with Hulu/ESPN+. Note - $7 in 2019 is worth approximately $9 in October 2025 dollars
Hulu
Hulu, launched in 2007, has fluctuated prices but stabilized post-Disney acquisition (2019). It offers ad-supported, ad-free, and Live TV tiers. Focus here on on-demand plans (most subscribed).
| Year | Date | Ad-Supported | Ad-Free | Notes |
| 2007 | Launch | $9.99 | N/A | Early ad-free only. |
| 2010 | N/A | $7.99 | $7.99 | Ads tier introduced. |
| 2014 | N/A | $7.99 | $11.99 | Ad-free split. Sept 2015 |
| 2018 | N/A | $7.99 | $15.99 | Live TV at $39.99. |
| 2019 | Jan | $5.99 | $11.99 | Promo drop to $5.99 ads. |
| 2021 | Oct | $6.99 | $12.99 | $1 increase both. |
| 2022 | Oct | $7.99 | $14.99 | $1 hike. |
| 2023 | Oct | $7.99 | $17.99 | Ad-free up $3. |
| 2024 | N/A | $9.99 | $18.99 | Further increases. |
| 2025 | Oct | $11.99 | $18.99 | Ads up $2; bundles up $2–$7. |
Annual ad-supported: $79.99 (2023) to $119.99 (2025). Live TV starts at $82.99/month. Note - $10 in 2007 is worth approximately $15.19 in October 2025 dollars.
Amazon Prime Video
Prime Video is bundled with Amazon Prime (shipping/music perks), launched 2006. Standalone option added in 2016. Prices reflect full Prime membership (includes Video); standalone is $8.99/month ad-supported.
| Year | Date | Monthly Prime | Annual Prime | Notes |
| 2005 | Launch | N/A | $79 | Video added later. |
| 2007 | N/A | N/A | $79 | No change. |
| 2011 | N/A | N/A | $79 | Video streaming begins. |
| 2014 | N/A | N/A | $99 | First major hike. |
| 2018 | N/A | $12.99 | $119 | Monthly option emphasized. |
| 2022 | Feb | $14.99 | $139 | Post-pandemic increase. |
| 2024 | Jan | $14.99 | $139 | Ads introduced; ad-free +$2.99. |
| 2025 | N/A | $14.99 | $139 | No change; standalone $8.99. |
Prime Video alone: $8.99/month (ads) or $10.99 (ad-free). 200M+ Prime members globally.
HBO Max (formerly Max (formerly HBO Max))
Launched 2020 as HBO Max ($14.99 ad-free), rebranded Max in 2023. Frequent hikes focus on premium content. Tiers: Basic (ads), Standard (ad-free, 1080p), Premium (4K).
| Year | Date | Basic (Ads) | Standard (Ad-Free) | Premium (4K Ad-Free) | Notes |
| 2020 | May (Launch) | N/A | N/A | $14.99 | Single ad-free tier. |
| 2021 | Jun | $9.99 | N/A | $14.99 | Ads tier added. |
| 2023 | Jan | $9.99 | $15.99 | $19.99 | First hike post-rebrand. |
| 2024 | Jun | $9.99 | $16.99 | $20.99 | $1 increases. |
| 2025 | Oct | $10.99 | $18.49 | $22.99 | $1–$2 hikes; annual Premium $229.99. |
Annual saves ~17% (e.g., Premium $199.99 in 2024). Bundles with Disney+/Hulu at $16.99/month. Note - $15 in 2020 is worth $18.72 in 2025 dollars
Paramount+
Evolved from CBS All Access (2014). Rebranded 2021 with tiers: Essential (ads) and Premium (ad-free + Showtime). Sports/live TV drive hikes.
| Year | Date | Essential (Ads) | Premium (Ad-Free + Showtime) | Notes |
| 2014 | Oct (CBS All Access) | $5.99 | $9.99 | Launch. |
| 2017 | N/A | $5.99 | $9.99 | No major change. |
| 2018 | N/A | $5.99 | $9.99 | Stable. |
| 2021 | Mar (Rebrand) | $4.99 | $9.99 | Promo Essential. |
| 2023 | Aug | $5.99 | $11.99 | $2 Premium hike. |
| 2024 | Jun | $7.99 | $12.99 | Essential up $2 for new subs. |
| 2025 | N/A | $7.99 | $12.99 | Annual Essential $59.99. |
Annual saves ~17–20%. Sports bundles (e.g., NFL) add value. Note - $10 in October 2014 is equivalent to approximately $12.65 in October 2025 dollars.
Peacock
NBCUniversal's Peacock launched in 2020 with a free tier (phased out 2023). Tiers: Premium (ads), Premium Plus (ad-free). Olympics/sports fuel rapid increases.
| Year | Date | Premium (Ads) | Premium Plus (Ad-Free) | Notes |
| 2020 | Apr (Launch) | $4.99 | $9.99 | Free tier available. |
| 2021 | N/A | $4.99 | $9.99 | No change. |
| 2023 | Jul | $5.99 | $11.99 | First hike; free tier ends. |
| 2024 | Jul | $7.99 | $13.99 | $2 increases. |
| 2025 | Jul | $10.99 | $16.99 | $3 hikes; "Select" tier test at $7.99 (limited content). |
Annual Premium $109.99 (2025). Discounts for students/military (~$2–$5.99/month). Live sports (NFL/Olympics) key draw. Note - $10 in 2020 is worth $12.48 in today's dollars (October 2025)