Podcast #1245: Set Top Boxes - From Niche Devices to Major Ecosystems
Release Date: 03/20/2026
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 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:
- Hisense TVs Force Owners to Watch Intrusive Ads
- TCL now can't call some of its TVs 'QLED'
- TCL launches two new 163-inch 4K microLED TVs in China, starting at $36,000
- Short-form video dominates Gen Z digital consumption
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, voice remotes, and integration with services like Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, and more.
2007–2008: Early Pioneers
- 2007 (January announcement, March release): Apple TV (1st generation) — Apple's first set-top box, initially focused on syncing content from iTunes (40GB/160GB HDD models), supporting up to 720p. It was more of a media extender than a pure streamer at launch.
- <2007 The original Vudu Box (BX100) was released in the fall of 2007, serving as an early internet video-on-demand set-top box for purchasing and renting movies. It was known for its 250 GB hard drive and unique scroll-wheel remote. Vudu discontinued this hardware in 2010 to focus on apps for smart TVs and other devices.>
- 2008 (May): Roku (1st generation, originally "Roku Netflix Player" or DVP N1000) — The first dedicated streaming box, launched in partnership with Netflix for its "Watch Instantly" service. It marked the start of affordable, channel-based streaming.
2010–2012: Maturing Platforms
- 2010 (September): Apple TV (2nd generation) — Major shift to a smaller, puck-like design running a variant of iOS, focused on streaming from iTunes and rentals (no HDD, app-like interface).
- 2012 (March): Apple TV (3rd generation) — Updated model with 1080p support; a minor refresh (Rev A) came in 2013.
2013–2014: Dongle Era and Amazon Enters
- 2013 (July): Google Chromecast (1st generation) — Revolutionary low-cost HDMI dongle ($35) for casting from phones/tablets/browsers; simple, no full interface or remote.
- 2014 (April): Amazon Fire TV (1st generation) — Amazon's entry as a set-top box with voice remote, Alexa integration potential, and app ecosystem (initially focused on Prime Video).
2015–2016: Upgrades and 4K
- 2015 (September): Google Chromecast (2nd generation) — Improved design and performance; also launched Chromecast Audio (audio-only variant, later discontinued).
- 2015 (October): Apple TV (4th generation, later called Apple TV HD) — Big leap to tvOS with App Store, Siri Remote, games, and third-party apps.
- 2016 (November): Google Chromecast Ultra — First 4K/HDR-capable Chromecast.
2017–2018: 4K Becomes Standard
- 2017 (September): Apple TV 4K (1st generation) — Added 4K, HDR10, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos.
- 2017 (October): Amazon Fire TV (3rd generation set-top box) — 4K model with Alexa Voice Remote.
- 2018 (June): Amazon Fire TV Cube (1st generation) — Hands-free Alexa speaker-integrated set-top box.
- 2018 (October): Google Chromecast (3rd generation) — Updated HD model.
2019–2020: Android TV/Google TV Shift
- 2019–2020: Various Amazon Fire TV Stick iterations (4K models in 2018/2019/2020) dominate budget streaming.
- 2020 (September): Chromecast with Google TV (4K) — Major change: full Google TV interface (based on Android TV), voice remote, app store; moved away from pure casting dongle.
2021–2022: Refinements
- 2021 (May): Apple TV 4K (2nd generation) — A15 Bionic chip, improved remote (no clickpad issues), more storage options.
- 2022 (September): Chromecast with Google TV (HD) — Budget 1080p version of the 2020 model.
- 2022 (November): Apple TV 4K (3rd generation) — HDMI 2.1, Thread support, faster performance.
2023–2024/2025: Current Era and Google Rebrand
- 2023–2024: Ongoing Amazon Fire TV updates (e.g., Fire TV Cube 3rd gen in 2022/2023, new Sticks).
- 2024: Roku Ultra (2024 model) — Latest high-end Roku with improved processing.
- 2024: Google TV Streamer (4K) — Replaced the Chromecast name; full set-top box form factor with Google TV, Ethernet, more storage, and smart home hub features (ending the classic Chromecast dongle line after 11 years and 100M+ units sold).
This timeline shows the progression from niche (Netflix-focused or iTunes-centric) to broad ecosystems competing on apps, performance, voice control, and integration. Roku emphasized neutral channel access, Apple focused on the premium ecosystem, Amazon on Prime/Alexa, and Google on casting then full smart TV interface. By 2025–2026, most support 4K/HDR, Dolby Atmos, and thousands of apps.