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: YouTube TV and Disney reach agreement to restore channels Disney+ and Hulu near 200 million combined subscribers New Study Finds 38% Of Respondents View TV With Speaker Sound Off Content Discovery Still a Challenge for Streamers Other: ONKYO - Adding Internet Radio Stations Bright Side Home Theater MOVEMBER MEGA RAFFLE 2025 Movember Raffle — Bright Side Home Theater 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 the last minute and since we are recording one week before Black Friday our list may be missing a few items that pop up later. But here is our early list of things we think you will be interested in: The standout deal for the largest screen size at the lowest price is the 98-inch TCL Q Series 4K QLED Google TV at Walmart for $998 (down from $1,798, saving $800). This is a 2025 model with premium features like 144Hz refresh rate, Dolby Vision HDR, Dolby Atmos audio, and Google TV smart platform—making it ideal for movies, gaming, and streaming without breaking the bank under $1,000. Hisense has a slightly more expensive model that hits that magic 100" mark.  The 100-inch Hisense QLEDs (priced between $1,000–$1,200) delivers the biggest diagonal size for the cheapest absolute dollar amount right now. Deals can fluctuate or sell out quickly, so check often and lock in your price. The Best soundbar deal with dolby ATMOS we have seen so far is the Samsung HW-Q990D 11.1.4-Channel Soundbar System at $1,000 (save $1,000 off $2,000 MSRP) at Best Buy. It's praised as the "best Dolby Atmos soundbar system" for its massive scale, precise 3D sound, and gaming features (4K/120Hz HDMI). At 50% off, it outperforms pricier competitors in value and power (656W total). If you want something more compact, the JBL Bar 1300X ($1200) edges it for portability. The Govee Holiday sale starts November 20th at Amazon. We don't know what the savings will be but Ara owns some Govee light strips and is very pleased with them. They support Matter and can be installed permanently outdoors.  The best deal on a Samsung high end TV is the Samsung S95F OLED for 2025, known for being bright, vivid colors, deep blacks, and excellent motion handling, this TV is ideal for bright rooms or mixed use. It includes the NQ4 AI Gen2 processor for 4K upscaling, four HDMI 2.1 ports, and Tizen OS with free channels and cloud gaming.  Current Black Friday deal: 65" for  $2,298 at Amazon (save $700 from $2,998)—matches the all-time low. There are 77 and 83 inch models for $3500 and $5000 respectively. The Best Deal on high end wireless speakers the Kef LS50 Wireless II ($2000) is more than a high-performance loudspeaker; it's the perfect all-in-one speaker system, streaming from any source thanks to wireless compatibility with AirPlay 2, Google Cast and more, plus wired connections for your TV, games console and turntable. Great sound, no strings attached. If you are looking for a gift for the Home Theater enthusiast in your life, and that may mean you buy it for yourself. Check out The Home Theater Store. They are running a black friday sale on seating, decor, and accessories. Some examples include popcorn machines starting at $40 and going all the way up to $2000. With savings up to $600. They also have sound panels normally priced at $750 on sale for $500.  The Best deal on the Ring Battery Doorbell is $50 at Amazon. And as long as we are here. THis deal is crazy! Two Blink Mini 2 Home Security & Pet Cameras with HD video, color night view, motion detection, two-way audio, and built-in spotlight for $28! The best overall deal on an OLED TV is the LG 77" C5 Series OLED evo AI 4K UHD Smart webOS TV (2025 model) at $1,999.99 at Bestbuy (down from $3,699.99—a $1,700 savings, or 46% off). The LG OLED evo C5 is powered by the next-gen Alpha 9 Gen8 AI Processor —exclusively made for LG OLED—for ultra-realistic picture and sound along with boosted brightness for luminosity and high contrast, even in well-lit rooms. Dolby Vision for extraordinary color, contrast and brightness, plus Dolby Atmos for immersive sound you can feel all around you. FILMMAKER MODE allows you to see films just as the director intended. Packed with gaming features, the LG OLED evo C-Series comes with everything you need to win like a 0.1ms response time, native 120Hz refresh rate, with VRR for PC gaming and four HDMI 2.1 inputs. AWOL Vision LTV-3000 Pro 4K Laser Projector, (I found a better deal at Amazon after we recorded. $2300!!) has a compact ultra-short-throw (UST) model that transforms any wall or table into a massive, vibrant cinema screen without the bulk of a traditional TV setup. Unlike standard projectors that require dark rooms and precise mounting, this one projects up to 150 inches from just inches away, with built-in speakers delivering Dolby Audio and a sleek, furniture-like design that blends into your space. Priced at $2,999 (down from $3,999—a $1,000 savings with discount code obtained at the AWOL site) A killer deal on an AVR is the Denon AVR-X2700H for $680. At this price it would have made our list of best AV receivers for enthusiasts. It has 95W per channel, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X audio formats for up to 5.1.2 setups, Audyssey room calibration. It features 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz video passthrough with Dolby Vision and HDR10+ HDR, and HDMI 2.1 connectivity, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and voice control via Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri.  The best deal on a no-frills subwoofer that packs a punch is the Klipsch Reference R-121SW ($350 at Walmart regular price $650). 400W peak power, 29-120Hz response, front-firing port for room-filling punch; ideal for movies/gaming. Compact at 16"H x 14"W. Known for it's "chest-thumping" bass without the boominess. Perfect starter upgrade for under $350. The craziest 50-Inch TV Deal we have seen is the Insignia 50" Class F50 Series LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV at $169.99 at Best Buy. Is this a great TV? No but it's shockingly good value with Alexa voice control, built-in Fire TV streaming, and DTS Virtual:X audio for immersive sound without extra speakers. Picture quality is decent for bright rooms. Home Depot has great deals on Nest Thermostats. Some deals are active now and others on Black Friday. We are reading that Home Depot will have the Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen) available for $199. It's regularly priced at $279. Check out their site for more BLACK FRIDAY DEALS FROM GOOGLE SMART HOME.

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; Ikea's new low-cost line is a huge win for Matter and your smart home Middle-Aged Viewers Power YouTube Long-Form Content Paramount+ announces next round of price increases YouTube TV Subscribers Increasingly Irate Over Disney Blackout Other: LINOVISION POE Over Coax EOC Converter LINOVISION EOC Transmitter and Camera Outdoor Universal Mount Box NCIS promo Brady Darvin's first tattoo in honor of Morton Darvin to raise money for Veterans Legal Institute Please support Movember and enter to win great prizes from Bright Side Home Theater Movember Raffle — 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 homework for you.  We breakout our picks in the following three categories: Home Theater Newbie (entry-level, under $600—simple setup, basic features), Home Theater Enthusiast (mid-range, $800–$2,000—balanced performance and expandability), and Home Theater Fanatic (high-end, $3,000+—audiophile-grade power and advanced processing). To simplify we stuck with Denon. Although we have used AVRs from Onkyo, Sony, Marantz, Pioneer, and Yamaha in our theaters, we chose Denon because of their reliability, relative price/performance ratio, and excellent room calibration features.  Category Pick Price Channels Power (W/ch)   Home Theater Newbie Denon AVR-S570BT $449 5.2 70   Home Theater Enthusiast Denon AVR-X3800H $1799 9.4 105   Home Theater Fanatic Denon AVR-A1H $7199 15.4 150   Home Theater Newbie: Denon AVR-S570BT If you're new to home theater or upgrading from a soundbar, this AVR keeps things simple but includes the key features. It supports 5.2 channels for basic surround sound and passes 4K video from your set top box or game consoles. Audyssey auto-calibration checks your room and adjusts the sound for you with minimal intervention by you. Users like its clear, balanced audio in small to medium rooms, so movie soundtracks are improved without complicated setup. The Denon AVR-S570BT has an Amazon rating of 4.3 stars out of 5 by over 1600 users. Home Theater Enthusiast: Denon AVR-X3800H Enthusiasts get a great mix of power and features with the X3800H's 9 amplified channels that include support for 5.2.4 Dolby Atmos. The upgraded Audyssey MultEQ XT32 fine-tunes the sound for your room, making bass and dialogue clearer and more powerful. You will notice an improvement over the Newbie System system in clarity and and it has more features including six HDMI 2.1 ports that support 8K and 4K at 120Hz gaming with VRR and ALLM. HEOS lets you stream music wirelessly from services like Spotify. It's also good for music, with support for high-resolution audio. One small downside: it's bulkier than slimmer models. It's ideal for expanding your system without breaking the bank. The Denon AVR-X3800H has an Amazon rating of 4.4 stars out of 5 by almost a 1000 users. Home Theater Fanatic: Denon AVR-A1H Audiophiles and home theater fans will love this top-of-the-line receiver. It handles up to 15.4 channels (powers 15 at once) for big setups like 9.1.6 Dolby Atmos or Auro-3D. It puts out 150 watts per channel with clean, powerful sound, using high-current amps and ESS Sabre DACs for high-res audio up to 24-bit/192kHz. It includes advanced room calibration with optional Dirac Live or Audyssey, plus IMAX Enhanced for movie-theater quality. All seven HDMI inputs support 8K at 60Hz or 4K at 120Hz, and there are analog inputs for turntables. It's overkill for small rooms but will shine in a dedicated theater delivering realistic, immersive sound. Downsides: expensive and uses a lot of power. The Denon AVR-A1H has an Amazon rating of 5 stars out of 5 by 5 users.

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.  

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: Disney pulls channels from YouTube TV as carriage deal expires DIRECTV now offering the Disney Bundle free to select customers TV Set-Top Box Losing Market Dominance Please support Movember and enter to win great prizes from Bright Side Home Theater Movember Raffle — 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 Netflix.  Simple, vs having to manage 5-7 subscriptions to watch what we want at a cost we can pay. The proliferation of streaming services is turning out to be a way for content owners to extract more value from customers and significantly increase the amount of work customers have to do to find and track the content we want to watch.  Even sports.  Furthermore, it has backfired to content producers, with less opportunity to monetize content, driving them to look for economies of scale again.  I follow or used to follow La Liga, Premier League Soccer, ski, college football, and formula 1 racing. Back in the day I knew what channel carried all of these sports on my cable line up, would set it to record on my DVR and done.  I could watch it when I wanted and where I wanted since I could access my DVR from anywhere but the plane.  Netflix was just growing and buying "older" content from the major networks and allowed us to binge watch old series we had missed.  Some new exclusive content was coming out and that made paying the 10 - 12 $/mo a good value. Fast forward to today: The best games of Premier League have been taken off the over the air or regular cable channels are now behind a Paramount or someone else's paywall.  Why am I going to pay for access to content that is mostly CBS that I can get over the air?.  Worst of all, you can not skip commercials when you stream this content nowadays.  You can't DVR the content and skip the commercials. I have lost track of who is now airing La Liga, but last time I checked was behind some other streamer.  Fubo has a lot of soccer but is now super expensive too.   Conclusion:  I have stopped following La Liga and Premier League.  My enthusiasm for good Futbol has gone down tremendously.  I turned my eyes to college football and Formula 1.  The worst part is that now I fear the same is going to happen with College Football, moving from free over the air or in basic cable channels to some exclusive need-to-pay streaming service.  You guys praised Formula 1 going to Apple.  I dread it!!! I do not pay for Apple TV(plus or not plus) and I catch Formula 1 over ESPN.   Does it mean I will have to drop ESPN, that gives me other content and add AppleTV?  If I were an NFL fan I would have lost it. Some content is on Amazon, other in the different networks or streamers.  I do not know how much you have to pay to be able to watch the NFL consistently.  Call me old school.  I still have a cable service that gives me the right to HBO, ESPN, Fox, and the likes.  I can watch and record all the related content in Hulu from the major networks. I only keep paying for Netflix that I see as a premium channel (like paying for HBO back in the day).  Rationale - we get a lot of exclusive content there.  I only keep the Disney/Hulu bundle cause it comes free with my wireless bill. And Amazon Prime (now with commercials) free for the shipping.  But I barely watch Primer or Hulu cause I can't stand the commercials! In a world with many streamers, the economies of scale enjoyed by bundling content in cable packages have been lost and thus it costs more per viewer for content owners to create and distribute given the less # of eyeballs.  Yes, it sounds counter intuitive, but that translates into higher bills for consumers, through different bills but when you add it all up, it has to be more expensive, no way around it.  The positive is more content and innovation for sure.  You can definitely find more quality content.  But I foresee more partnerships coming to allow the industry to benefit from economies of scale and be able to distribute the cost of expensive content through more subscribers / viewers.  Or they will have to continue to increase our subscription bills.  I listened to an interview recently with a Hollywood producer detailing how cost efficient they have to be nowadays to be able to turn a profit on content produced given the lower number of ultimate viewers. This is a good thing, do not get me wrong.  But my point is we are coming full circle and a lot of inefficiencies have been introduced in the content value chain and made the experience more time consuming and difficult for viewers in the process.  I think the industry has shot itself on the foot.  Content that used to be free over the air is now behind a paywall and ALSO with commercials.   Apologies from my broken record Long live my DVR! Jorge What is Automatic Content Recognition (ACR)? Automatic Content Recognition (ACR) is built into most smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Vizio, Roku, Fire TV) and silently identifies everything you watch via your smart TV or any attached device via HDMI. It monitors your streaming, cable, and physical media.  It will even identify any ads you watch. It grabs screen samples, sends them online, and feeds data to manufacturers, streamers, and advertisers for recommendations, targeted ads, and ratings.  Usually on by default, it needs the internet to work. Privacy groups like the EFF warn it tracks your habits without clear ongoing notice. How Does ACR Collect Data from Your TV Viewing? ACR operates passively and continuously (or at set intervals) while the TV is on and tuned to a channel or app.  Here's a step-by-step breakdown of the process: Content Sampling: The TV's built-in software periodically "grabs" a short clip or snapshot of the audio, video, or both from what's currently displayed on the screen. This could be every few seconds or minutes, creating a digital "fingerprint" rather than storing full video. For example: Video fingerprinting: Analyzes pixels, colors, or scene changes (similar to how Shazam identifies songs). Audio fingerprinting: Listens for sound patterns in the broadcast. Watermarking: Detects invisible digital markers embedded in content by broadcasters or studios. This sampling works even for non-smart inputs, like cable or gaming consoles, because it captures whatever is output to the screen. Local Processing: The TV processes the sample on-device to generate a compact fingerprint. Raw clips aren't stored long-term on the TV itself—the data is anonymized to protect bandwidth and privacy (though critics argue these can still be re-identified when combined with other data like your location or device ID). Database Matching: The fingerprint is sent to the manufacturer's cloud servers where it's compared against a massive reference database. This database is built by: Monitoring live TV broadcasts in real-time via data centers. Cataloging known content like shows, movies, ads, and even timestamps for commercials. Matches reveal details such as the program title, channel, duration watched, and ad exposures. Data Aggregation and Transmission: Matched data is aggregated with metadata like your TV's IP address, viewing time, and household size. It's then used or shared: Internally for features like "fewer repetitive ads" or recommendations. With third parties like advertisers and Nielsen for ratings and for cross-device targeting which means you'll see the same ad on your phone after TV exposure. The entire process is designed to be invisible and efficient, running without impacting TV performance noticeably. Why Is This Data Collected? Personalization: To suggest shows/movies based on what you've watched. Advertising: Measures ad views for pricing, retargets viewers across devices, and optimizes campaigns. Measurement: Provides device-specific viewership stats, replacing outdated panel-based surveys. TV Manufacturers Using Automatic Content Recognition (ACR) for Data Collection Manufacturer ACR Usage Details How to Disable (General Steps) Samsung Uses built-in ACR on Tizen OS smart TVs to track viewing behavior, including programs, ads, OTT apps, and gaming. Data supports ad retargeting and is used internally for recommendations. Go to Settings > General > System Manager > Samsung Account > Privacy > Viewing Information Services > Toggle off. (10-37 clicks; also opt out via Samsung account online.) LG Integrates ACR on webOS TVs to fingerprint video/audio for viewing history and ad targeting. Captures screenshots every 10 milliseconds in some models. Settings > All Settings > General > System > Additional Settings > Live Plus > Toggle off. (Buried in menus; check privacy controls.) Vizio Owns Inscape, which licenses ACR data from its SmartCast TVs. Historically sold data to third parties; now requires opt-in after 2017 FTC settlement. Settings > Privacy & Security > Smart Home > Viewing Data > Limit Ad Track > Toggle off. (Opt out during setup or later.) Sony Employs ACR on Google TV/Android TV models to collect viewing data for personalization and ads, often via third-party integrations like Samba TV. Settings > Privacy > Automatic Content Recognition > Toggle off. (Varies by model; check Google account privacy if linked.) Roku (powers TVs from TCL, Hisense, Philips, Sharp) "Smart TV Experience" feature uses ACR on Roku OS to track content across linear TV, streaming, and devices. Data shared for ads and measurement. Settings > Privacy > Advertising > Smart TV Experience > Toggle off. (11-24 clicks; not on Roku sticks, only TVs.)  

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: Classic TV props fetch $3.17M Netflix feature lets you decide what happens next, live 'High Potential' Is First 10 p.m. Drama to Hit No. 1 For the Fall Since 'ER' in 1999 Other: Explaining the magic yellow first-down line · The 42 Frndly TV Your Smart TV's HDMI Port Is Spying On You! The Last Frontier 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 wanted to see if there was something I was missing. Then I expanded it to all the streamers we talked about last week and thus we created a list of the highest rated original movies from each streamer as rated by viewers on IMDB. Note the list goes from lowest to highest. Paramount+ Hunger Ward (2020) with a rating of 7.1/10. This short documentary, directed by Skye Fitzgerald, explores the Yemeni Civil War's famine through the work of two female health workers at therapeutic feeding centers for malnourished children. It premiered on Paramount+ in 2021 and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Short Subject. Hulu Good Luck to You, Leo Grande (2022) with a rating of 7.2/10 based on over 34,000 user votes. Directed by Sophie Hyde and starring Emma Thompson as a widowed retiree exploring her sexuality with a young sex worker (Daryl McCormack), it's a witty and intimate comedy-drama praised for its honest take on aging, desire, and vulnerability. Peacock Psych 3: This Is Gus (2021) with a rating of 7.5/10 based on over 5,500 user votes. This comedy-mystery TV movie, directed by Steve Franks, serves as the third installment in the Psych film series and follows fake psychic detective Shawn Spencer (James Roday Rodriguez) and his best friend Burton "Gus" Guster (Dulé Hill) as they investigate Gus's bride-to-be's past amid wedding chaos, all while Lassiter (Timothy Omundson) faces career uncertainty. It's praised for its sharp humor, heartfelt moments, and nostalgic callbacks to the original USA Network series. Netflix Marriage Story (2019) with a rating of 7.9/10 (from over 380,000 votes).  Directed by Noah Baumbach, this poignant drama follows a stage director (Adam Driver) and his actress wife (Scarlett Johansson) as they navigate a grueling divorce, exploring the emotional toll on their family and creative lives. It received critical acclaim for its sharp screenplay, authentic performances, and raw depiction of marital breakdown, earning six Oscar nominations including Best Picture. Apple TV+ Wolfwalkers (2020) with a rating of 8.0/10 based on over 43,000 user ratings. This animated fantasy adventure, directed by Tomm Moore and Ross Stewart, follows a young hunter's daughter who befriends a girl from a wolf-shifting tribe in 17th-century Ireland. It stands out for its hand-drawn animation, themes of friendship and freedom, and cultural folklore elements, earning an Oscar nomination for Best Animated Feature. Amazon Prime The Handmaiden (2016) with a rating of 8.1/10 from nearly 195,000 votes. Directed by Park Chan-wook and adapted from Sarah Waters' novel Fingersmith, this erotic psychological thriller is set in 1930s Japanese-occupied Korea. It follows a con artist, a pickpocket disguised as a handmaiden, and a wealthy heiress in a tale of seduction, betrayal, and revenge told across three perspectives. Amazon Studios acquired U.S. distribution rights after its 2016 Cannes premiere, making it an exclusive Prime Video original. Its high rating comes from praise for its intricate plot, stunning visuals, and strong performances by Kim Min-hee, Kim Tae-ri, and Ha Jung-woo. For comparison, other top Amazon originals include Manchester by the Sea (7.8/10), Sound of Metal (7.7/10), and The Big Sick (7.5/10).  

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: 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: Roomie Remote 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)

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.  

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: MTV is Shutting Down Its Last Music Channels, Marking the End of an Era Taylor Swift Eras Tour docuseries, concert film head to Disney+ Apple TV+ Is Getting Rid Of The Plus 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 iconic 1960s sitcom Gilligan's Island, reuniting fans with the stranded castaways for a nostalgic adventure. The movie picked up where the series left off, following the bumbling Gilligan and his fellow survivors as they finally escaped their tropical island—only to face new comedic challenges adjusting to modern life. Starring the original cast, including Bob Denver as Gilligan and Alan Hale Jr. as the Skipper, the film captured the charm and humor that made the show a cultural staple. This groundbreaking adaptation paved the way for future TV-to-movie transitions, proving that beloved series could find new life on the small screen. Rescue from Gilligan's Island remains a milestone in TV history, reminding us of the enduring appeal of these lovable castaways. Here are a few other series that got a series finale years after it's TV run ended: Star Trek (ended in 1969) - Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979) – Relaunched the crew on a new mission, effectively serving as a big-screen continuation and soft finale to the original era's story. Get Smart (ended 1970) -  The Nude Bomb (1980) – Maxwell Smart returns for a solo mission against a mad bomber, providing a comedic capstone to his career. The Munsters (ended 1966) - Munsters' Revenge (1981 TV movie) – The family thwarts a crime ring, reuniting the original cast for a proper send-off. The Adams Family (ended 1966) - Halloween with the New Addams Family (1977 TV movie) – A reunion special where Gomez and Morticia host a haunted party, offering light-hearted closure. Five Smart Home Trends for 2025 and Beyond According to the National Association of Home Builders, two-thirds of consumers desire a connected home. Smart home technology is increasingly impacting property value while homes without such features may soon be worth less. At the annual CEDIA smart home technology expo in Denver, professionals like Kyle Steele, president of Global Wave Integration, and interior designer Toni Sabatino emphasized the importance of staying updated on smart home innovations. They both highlight insights from CEDIA and recent research, offering ideas for your smart home. Today we take a look at the five trends they see for 2025 and beyond. Increasing Seamless IntegrationFor the aesthetics committee, Smart home tech is evolving to blend invisibly into home aesthetics, with slimmer designs, refined finishes, and hidden features in shading, lighting, audio, and furnishings. This shift turns gadgets into design elements, like concealed speakers or artful LED walls, prioritizing user experience over visibility. But underneath it all, seamless integration will enable devices from various brands, such as lights, thermostats, cameras, and voice assistants, to work together as a unified system. This allows unified control via a single app or voice command, intuitive automation based on triggers and a smooth user experience with minimal setup, no delays, and reliable performance. New devices will integrate easily, and a robust network like Wi-Fi 6 supports the ecosystem, enabling complex routines regardless of device brands. Partnering ExpandsCollaborations between tech integrators and designers are growing to make solutions more accessible, especially for non-tech-savvy users like older homeowners. Designers act as bridges, explaining privacy-focused systems, while expos highlight products for storage, entertainment, and monitoring to enhance client value. Wellness TrendingHealth and wellness features are becoming mainstream, including circadian lighting, air/water purification, biophilic elements, and acoustic treatments. These systems promote energy-efficient, livable spaces aligned with natural rhythms, which may be a selling point for those focused on healthier home environments. Products such as smart scales, sleep analyzers, and blood pressure monitors will seamlessly integrate with home automation platforms enabling automations like adjusting room lighting based on sleep patterns detected by sleep sensors or dimming lights if weight trends indicate fatigue. Similarly,  on-demand ECG readings through their mobile app can connect to the automation system to send notifications to family members, doctors and in extreme cases to first responders creating a proactive smart home that responds to vital health data in real time. SecuritySecurity remains a top priority, driving demand for video doorbells, whole-house systems, and cybersecurity measures amid hacking risks. Industry reports project strong growth in global smart home security, urging professionals to educate homeowners on secure setups like strong passwords. Multi-TaskingProducts now multitask across needs like security, comfort, entertainment, and energy savings like smart shading for automated vacation modes or TVs that double as art displays like Samsung's The Frame. Emerging "smart surfaces," such as charging countertops, reflect this versatile, lifestyle-fitting approach.

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: Anker opens pre-orders for its Nebula X1 Pro projector system Amazon unveils a new Fire TV lineup, including the $40 Fire TV Stick 4K Select TiVo Exiting Legacy DVR Business Walmart's Onn 4K Pro Google TV Streaming Device is On Sale At Its Lowest Price Ever Other: DIY Surround Sound... USING LASERS! Signal GH 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 TVs with good picture quality, HDR support, and gaming features.  All Models Available at Amazon Here's a comparison of the top-rated options: TCL QM6K (QLED Mini-LED)  55-inch ~$445 at Amazon   CNET: 8.6 out of 10 RTINGS: 7.1 out of 10 overall  Tom's Guide: 4 out 5 144Hz refresh rate, local dimming for deep blacks, Google TV OS, VRR/AMD FreeSync for gaming, Dolby Vision HDR. Best all-around budget TV; excels in brightness, color vibrancy, and motion handling for movies/gaming—rivals pricier models without blooming issues. Hisense QD7QF (QLED)  55-inch ~$350 at Amazon   CNET: 8 out of 10  RTINGS: 6.8/10 Full-array local dimming, 144Hz VRR, Dolby Vision/Atmos, Google TV, twice the brightness of most budget rivals. Unmatched contrast and immersion for the price; ideal for dark-room viewing and gaming, with solid upscaling for streaming. Roku Plus Series (QLED Mini-LED) 55-inch $400 at Amazon Tom's Guide: 4 out of 5 WIRED: Best Smart TV  Mini-LED backlight, quantum dots for color pop, Roku OS (simple streaming), HDR10+, 60Hz with low lag.  Easiest interface for casual users; great value for vibrant colors and decent blacks—perfect for bright rooms and Roku fans. Hisense U6K (Mini-LED) 55-inch ~450 at Amazon  RTINGS: 7.4 out of 10|  Tom's Guide: 4.5 out of 5 Quantum dots, local dimming, 60Hz Game Mode, VIDAA OS, Dolby Vision, Affordable entry to Mini-LED tech; strong HDR performance and shadow detail—beats basic LEDs in contrast without extras. Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED 55-inch $410 at Amazon What Hi-Fi?: 4 out of 5;  RTINGS: 7.6 out of 10  Local dimming, Alexa voice control, Fire TV OS, Dolby Vision, wide color gamut | Balanced for smart home integration; solid contrast and app ecosystem—best for Amazon Prime users wanting a compact, feature-rich set.

On this week's show we take a look at the Longevity Burn-In Test Results From 100 TVs that RTINGS.com has been tracking for the last two years. We also read your emails and take a look at the week's news. News: I spent three months with Telly, the free TV that's always showing ads Ring announces 4K doorbell with Alexa+ AI greetings and new Search Party feature for pets 33 Years Ago Today Cartoon Network Premieres: A Milestone in Animation History NBCUniversal Shuts Down Its Cable Network Apps on Roku TVs & Roku Players To Promote Peacock Other: Is Google TV's New Interface Better? Full Redesign Review Sports on TV Today: Where to Watch or Stream Games - Sports Media Watch Longevity Burn-In Test Updates And Results From 100 TVs RTINGS.com has been conducting an accelerated longevity test 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 test on over 100 TVs to assess their durability under real-world usage conditions. The purpose is to evaluate how modern displays, particularly OLED and LED models, hold up over time, focusing on issues like image retention and permanent burn-in that can degrade picture quality. The methodology involves running TVs for thousands of hours in a simulated accelerated aging scenario, including static content like CNN tickers, sports scores, and video games to mimic common usage patterns that risk burn-in. Tests are performed in a controlled environment at 50% brightness (except for high-end OLEDs at 100% for stress testing), with periodic photo documentation and measurements of uniformity, color accuracy, and brightness retention. This ongoing project, started in 2019, aims to provide data-driven insights into TV lifespan beyond short-term reviews. 2. Key Results and Findings The test has yielded detailed observations on burn-in susceptibility across various TV brands and panel types, with over 18,000 hours of cumulative runtime as of the latest update. Here's an expanded breakdown: OLED Performance and Burn-In Incidence: OLED TVs, known for perfect blacks but vulnerable to burn-in from static elements, showed mixed results. The LG C8 (2018 model) exhibited permanent burn-in after just 8,850 hours, with visible CNN ticker ghosts in dark scenes, marking it as one of the earliest failures. In contrast, the LG G4 (2024) and Sony A95L (2023) QD-OLEDs remained burn-in free after 5,000+ hours, though minor temporary image retention appeared in high-stress tests. The Samsung S95B QD-OLED burned in after 9,000 hours, displaying HUD elements from racing games, while the LG G2 showed no permanent damage after 14,000 hours but had noticeable retention. LED and Mini-LED Durability: LED TVs generally fared better against burn-in. The TCL QM8 QLED (2023) and Hisense U8/U8N (2024) showed no burn-in after 5,000–7,000 hours, with only temporary retention in extreme cases. However, the Samsung QN90A (2021) developed subtle uniformity issues after 10,000 hours, but no true burn-in. Budget LEDs like the Hisense A6G lasted without issues up to 12,000 hours. Brightness and Color Degradation: Across all panels, brightness dropped by 20–50% over 10,000+ hours; for example, the LG CX lost 40% peak brightness. Color accuracy shifted slightly, with OLEDs maintaining better DeltaE scores (<3) than LEDs. Uniformity worsened in 30% of samples, often due to banding rather than burn-in. Comparisons and Trends: Newer panels (2023–2024) with features like pixel shifting and logo dimming delayed burn-in significantly compared to 2018–2020 models. QD-OLEDs outperformed traditional WOLED in color retention but were equally prone to gaming HUD burn-in. Data suggests burn-in is rare under 5,000 hours of mixed use but accelerates with 8+ hours daily of static content. Full dataset includes 42 models, with photos of affected screens available for visual evidence. These findings highlight that while burn-in is a real risk for OLEDs in heavy static-use scenarios, modern mitigations make it less common, and LEDs offer superior longevity for budget-conscious users. 3. Implications for Users and Recommendations The results underscore that burn-in risk is manageable with mindful usage, particularly for OLED owners who should enable features like screen savers and vary content. For gamers or news watchers, LEDs or Mini-LEDs are safer long-term choices, potentially lasting 5–7 years without degradation. RTINGS recommends against leaving static images on for extended periods and suggests annual uniformity checks. Overall, the test empowers buyers to weigh picture quality against durability, noting that most TVs retain 80%+ performance after 3 years of average use. 4. Updates or Ongoing Aspects of the Test As of September 2024, the test continues with new 2024 models like the Samsung S90D and LG C4 added to the lineup, now totaling 108 TVs. RTINGS plans quarterly photo updates and full reports every six months, with runtime projected to hit 30,000 hours by 2026. Community input on real-world failures is encouraged, and the raw data spreadsheet is publicly available for deeper analysis. Future expansions may include 8K TVs and accelerated heat/humidity simulations.  

On this episode of the Rewind show we go back to September 30th 2011 where we read your emails, look at a news story or two, and review an HDMI over ethernet extender.  

On 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: Panasonic Blu-ray & DVD John's Streaming Cost Spreadsheet 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.  

On this episode of the Rewind show we go back to September 22nd 2017 where we read your emails, look at a news story or two, and discuss what was going on at CEDIA 2017

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: Google's Home app just got a huge upgrade that makes automations even smarter Paramount to launch new Sports Entertainment division The first Roku-powered smart projector is here Other: The Streaming War Is Over. Piracy Won. TWICE Best of Show Awards Winners for CEDIA 2025 AiSPIRE/WAC Group VENTRIX Lighting, Power and Control System - 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. BZBGEAR BG-AIR4KAST-MKX | 4K@60Hz Wireless HDMI Extender with Multi-Receiver Support - Is a professional-grade wireless HDMI extender kit designed for transmitting uncompressed 4K video signals over the air without the need for long cables. The system uses BZBGEAR's proprietary ipcolor STREAM technology to ensure high-definition video with low latency, operating on the 5GHz wireless frequency band for stable, interference-resistant transmission. Up to 164 feet (50 meters) line-of-sight for 4K@60Hz; extends to about 230 feet for 1080p@60Hz. Available for Pre-order $450 Crestron Home OS - Since 1972, Crestron has been the leader in creating innovative technologies that remove barriers to connection, collaboration, communication, comfort, and control in just about every meaningful aspect of our professional and personal lives. Engineered to be simple, reliable, secure, and easy to use, Crestron sets the standard for intelligent video conferencing, digital content distribution, smart home systems, as well as control and management technology. Solutions that empower people around the world to do more, learn more, enjoy more, and achieve more. Furrion Aurora Partial-Sun 2 4K LED Outdoor Smart TV - is a weatherproof outdoor television designed specifically for partially sunny environments, such as patios, decks, or yards where sunlight is present but not direct or prolonged on the screen. It is part of Furrion's Aurora series, engineered for backyard entertainment with rugged construction to withstand rain, humidity, dust, and temperature fluctuations while delivering high-quality 4K viewing. 55" is going for $1700 HangSmart TV DIY TV wall mount system -  designed for easy installation without the need for wall studs, making it ideal for renters, homeowners, or anyone avoiding complex drilling or hiring professionals. It supports TVs from 19 to 100 inches and holds up to 150 pounds, compatible with most flat-screen LED, LCD, or curved models (including brands like Samsung, LG, and Sony) via standard VESA patterns. Kaleidescape Strato M Movie Player - an entry-level movie player it serves as a standalone device or part of a larger Kaleidescape ecosystem, designed for residential, marine, and commercial theater setups. Priced at around $1,995–$2,000, it offers about half the cost of Kaleidescape's previous lowest-entry system (the Strato V at $4,000) while delivering premium audio and video quality without relying on streaming services. madVR Envy Core MK2 - is a high-end video processor developed by madVR Labs, designed specifically for premium home theaters and media rooms. It represents an upgraded iteration in the company's Envy lineup, building on the original Envy Core (introduced in 2024) by incorporating 48 Gbps HDMI 2.1 support for 8K input and output, enhanced gaming capabilities, and improved overall performance. Announced on September 2, 2025, alongside the Envy Extreme MK3 and Pro MK3 models, it aims to deliver advanced video processing at a more accessible price point compared to flagship models like the Extreme series, while maintaining near-identical image quality for many core functions. $5995 Nice ELAN OS 9.0 - is the latest software platform for the Nice Home Management system, a customizable smart home automation solution developed by Nice North America (formerly Core Brands). Released around mid-2025, OS 9.0 focuses on enhanced personalization, seamless integration with Nice's broader ecosystem (including shading, audio, gate motors, access control, and security), and intuitive user experiences for whole-home control. Samsung OLED TV (S95F) - The Samsung S95F is Samsung's flagship 4K OLED TV series for 2025, succeeding the popular S95D model and positioning itself as a premium smart TV with advanced QD-OLED panel technology. It combines vibrant quantum dot colors with OLED's self-emissive pixels for superior contrast, deep blacks, and lifelike visuals, making it ideal for home theater enthusiasts, gamers, and streaming users. Available in sizes including 55-inch, 65-inch, 77-inch, and 83-inch, it runs on Samsung's Tizen OS with integrated Vision AI for enhanced personalization and upscaling. 55" $2200 - 83" $5800 Samsung HW-QS700F Soundbar - is a premium Q-series 3.1.2-channel soundbar system featuring a dedicated wireless subwoofer. It supports Wireless Dolby Atmos and True 3.1.2ch sound, with Q-Symphony technology that synchronizes seamlessly with compatible Samsung TVs for amplified audio output. The innovative Convertible Fit design allows flexible placement—either as a standalone bar or mounted with rear speakers for expanded surround sound. Priced at $599.99. SimpliSafe Outdoor Security Camera Series 2 with Active Guard Outdoor Protection - is a wireless, AI-powered outdoor camera designed for integration with the SimpliSafe home security system. Released in late 2024, it's an upgrade over the original model, focusing on proactive threat detection and deterrence. It requires a SimpliSafe base station to operate and is available for $199.99 directly from SimpliSafe or major retailers like Amazon and Best Buy. Battery-powered for flexibility, it can also be wired for continuous operation, which is essential for unlocking advanced features like Active Guard Outdoor Protection. Skyworth Canvas Elite Art TV - is a premium lifestyle television series launched by Skyworth USA in August 2025, designed to blend high-performance entertainment with gallery-quality art display. It features the world's largest art TV at 100 inches, alongside an 86-inch model, making it ideal for custom home integration where aesthetics meet advanced technology.  Starting at $4000 Sony BRAVIA Projector 7 4K HDR Laser Home Theater Projector with Native 4K SXRD Panel - is a premium native 4K HDR laser home theater projector that features Sony's advanced SXRD (Silicon X-tal Reflective Display) technology with a compact 0.61-inch native 4K panel (3,840 x 2,160 pixels), delivering over 8 million pixels for sharp, detailed images with inky blacks, vibrant colors, and rich textures. Powered by a long-lasting laser light source providing up to 2,200 lumens of brightness, it excels in rendering high dynamic range (HDR) content like Dolby Vision and IMAX Enhanced, ensuring vivid highlights and deep shadows even on screens up to 120 inches in moderately lit environments. $10,000 Sony BRAVIA Theater System 6 - is a 5.1-channel home theater system featuring a soundbar, wireless rear speakers, and a dedicated subwoofer for immersive surround sound. Delivering 1,000W of total output, it supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X for dynamic, three-dimensional audio with precise dialogue via Voice Zoom 3. Easy to set up and compatible with select BRAVIA TVs for seamless control, it includes HDMI eARC, Bluetooth, and the BRAVIA Connect App for enhanced connectivity and customization. $800 What Hi-Fi? Best of Show Awards Winners Bluesound PULSE CINEMA - is a premium wireless streaming soundbar that is an all-in-one solution that delivers immersive Dolby Atmos audio without requiring a separate AV receiver, making it ideal for users who want cinematic sound for movies, music, gaming, and TV in a clutter-free design. Positioned as a competitor to brands like Sonos, it emphasizes high-resolution multi-room streaming via Bluesound's BluOS platform, high-fidelity performance, and easy expandability to a full surround system. The PULSE CINEMA is designed for larger spaces, pairing best with 55-inch TVs and above, and measures 47 inches wide for a low-profile fit under or mounted below your screen. $1500 Coastal Source 1000 Series Bollards - are a premium line of modular outdoor speakers. Designed for high-end landscape audio installations, they build on the success of the earlier 10.0 Bollard Series, offering enhanced performance while maintaining a sleek, weather-resistant design that blends into outdoor environments like patios, pools, or gardens. These bollards are engineered to "Defy the Elements," with sealed enclosures that provide superior durability against rain, sun, salt air, and extreme temperatures, making them ideal for coastal or harsh climates. No Pricing Kaleidescape Strato M Movie Player - See above L-Acoustics HYRISS - (Hyperreal Immersive Sound Space) is an audio solution launched by the French audio company L-Acoustics in September 2024. HYRISS transforms everyday environments into dynamic, immersive auditory experiences. It's particularly aimed at high-end residential, hospitality, corporate, retail, and even yacht settings, where it integrates seamlessly with architecture to create customizable soundscapes. Unlike traditional home audio systems, HYRISS isn't just about speakers—it's a complete ecosystem combining hardware, software, advanced processing, and professional installation to deliver concert-quality sound while preserving visual aesthetics. Ara's note on pricing - I didn't bother looking it up. It's French and it's designed for high end. I think that sums it up! Magnetar UDP900MKII - is a high-end universal disc player designed for audiophiles and cinephiles who prioritize re

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: Dolby Atmos FlexConnect Lets You Place Speakers Anywhere The FCC Will Allow ABC, CBS, FOX, & NBC TV Stations to Shutdown Free ATSC 1.0 & Switch to ATSC 3.0 Only Samsung Adding Free Year of ESPN Unlimited Streaming With Select 2025 TV Purchases 2025/2026 US Network TV Fall Premiers ABC Mon, Sept 8 8:00 PM: Monday Night Football (Vikings-Bears) Tue, Sept 16 8:00 PM: Dancing With the Stars Season 34  10:00 PM: High Potential Season 2 Wed, Sept 24 8:00 PM: The Golden Bachelor Season 2 (two hours)  10:00 PM: Shark Tank Season 17 Fri, Sept 26 8 pm Celebrity Wheel of Fortune Season 6 (ABC) 9 pm 20/20 Season 48 (ABC) Sun, Sept 28 7:00 PM: America's Funniest Home Videos Season 36  8:00 PM: The Wonderful World of Disney (Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3) Wed, Oct 1 8:00 PM: Shifting Gears Season 2  8:30 PM: Abbott Elementary Season 5  9:00 PM: The Golden Bachelor (regular time slot premiere) Thu, Oct 9 8:00 PM: 9-1-1 Season 9  9:00 PM: 9-1-1: Nashville - In Tennessee, dedicated emergency responders balance their high-stakes careers with the drama of a powerful local dynasty, where personal lives and professional duties collide. 10:00 PM: Grey's Anatomy Season 22 CBS Wed, Sept 24 8:00 PM: Survivor Season 49 (two hours) Thu, Sept 25 9:00 PM: The Amazing Race Season 38 (90 minutes) Sun, Sept 28 7:30 PM: 60 Minutes Season 58  8:30 PM: Big Brother Season 27 finale (two hours) Wed, Oct 1 9:30 PM: The Amazing Race (regular time slot premiere) Sun, Oct 12 8:30 PM: Matlock Season 2 (special night)  9:30 PM: Elsbeth Season 3 (special night) Mon, Oct 13 8:00 PM: The Neighborhood final season  8:30 PM: DMV -  Follows a workplace comedy set in the dreaded DMV office, following quirky minimum-wage employees who make the best of dealing with annoyed customers, finding solace in each other's company. 9:00 PM: FBI Season 8  10:00 PM: Watson Season 2 Tue, Oct 14 8:00 PM: NCIS Season 23  9:00 PM: NCIS: Origins Season 2  10:00 PM: NCIS: Sydney Season 3 Thu, Oct 16 8:00 PM: Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage Season 2  8:30 PM: Ghosts Season 5  9:00 PM: Matlock (regular time slot premiere)  10:00 PM: Elsbeth (regular time slot premiere) Fri, Oct 17 8:00 PM: Fire Country Season 4 (special time)  9:00 PM: Sheriff Country (special time) - Mickey Fox investigates criminal activity and patrols the streets of small-town Edgewater while contending with her ex-con father and a mysterious incident involving her wayward daughter. 10:00 PM: Boston Blue - Danny Reagan joins Boston PD from NYPD and partners with Detective Lena Peters, the oldest daughter of a notable Boston law enforcement family. Sun, Oct 19 8:00 PM: Tracker Season 3  9:00 PM: The Road - In a dangerous post-apocalyptic world, an ailing father defends his son as they slowly travel to the sea. Fri, Oct 24 8:00 PM: Sheriff Country (regular time slot premiere)  9:00 PM: Fire Country (regular time slot premiere) Fox Mon, Sept 15 8:00 PM: Celebrity Name That Tune Season 5  9:00 PM: Celebrity Weakest Link Tue, Sept 23 8:00 PM: Murder in a Small Town Season 2  9:00 PM: Doc Season 2 Wed, Sept 24 8:00 PM: The Floor Season 4  9:00 PM: 99 to Beat - 100 players compete in unique, funny games. Last-place finishers get eliminated each round. Don't finish last to stay in. Last contestant standing wins $100,000. Thu, Sept 25 8:00 PM: Hell's Kitchen Season 24  9:00 PM: Special Forces: World's Toughest Test Season 4 Sun, Sept 28 8:00 PM: The Simpsons Season 37  8:30 PM: Universal Basic Guys Season 2  9:00 PM: Krapopolis Season 3  9:30 PM: Bob's Burgers Season 16 NBC Sun, Sept 7 7:00 PM: Football Night in America 8:20 PM: Sunday Night Football Mon, Sept 22 8:00 PM: The Voice Season 28  10:00 PM: Brilliant Minds Season 2 Tue, Sept 23 8:00 PM: The Voice (Tuesday edition) Thu, Sept 25 8:00 PM: Law & Order Season 25  9:00 PM: Law & Order: SVU Season 27  10:00 PM: Law & Order: Organized Crime Season 5 Fri, Sept 26 9:00 PM: Dateline NBC Season 35 Wed, Oct 1 8:00 PM: Chicago Med Season 11  9:00 PM: Chicago Fire Season 14  10:00 PM: Chicago P.D. Season 13 Sat, Oct 4 11:30 PM: Saturday Night Live Season 51 Mon, Nov 3 8:00 PM: St. Denis Medical Season 2  8:30 PM: St. Denis Medical Fri, Nov 7 8:00 PM: Happy's Place Season 2  8:30 PM: Happy's Place The CW Wed, Sept 24 8:00 PM: Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent (Stateside premiere) HELD FOR MIDSEASON ABC - American Idol, The Bachelor, Celebrity Jeopardy!, The Rookie, Scrubs, Will Trent CBS - AMERICA'S CULINARY CUP, CIA, HARLAN COBEN'S FINAL TWIST, Hollywood Squares, Y: MARSHALS, The Price Is Right at Night FOX - American Dad!, Animal Control, Beat Shazam, BEST MEDICINE, Don't Forget the Lyrics!, Extracted, THE FAITHFUL, Family Guy, FEAR FACTOR: THE NEXT CHAPTER, Going Dutch, Grimsburg, Kitchen Nightmares, The Masked Singer, MEMORY OF A KILLER, NEXT LEVEL BAKER (4-episode holiday spinoff), Next Level Chef NBC - THE FALL AND RISE OF REGGIE DINKINS, The Hunting Party, STUMBLE, SURVIVING EARTH (eight-episode event series), The Wall THE CW - TBA 

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:  Netflix unveils the future of streaming with a massive new approach Dolby Vision 2 Is Coming Netflix launches new feature letting customers clip top scenes Other: Bendable Screens TV Tracker: Renewed and Canceled Shows 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 said back then and how it actually turned out. As always thanks for listening to and supporting our podcast.

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: Major TV streaming service abruptly hikes prices 33% Everything you need to know about new ESPN streamer You Don't Actually Own That Movie You Just "Bought." Brightness Isn't Everything We saw an article over at 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 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 focus too much on making OLED TVs brighter to compete with Mini LED sets. After testing 2025's top small OLED TVs, he believes brightness isn't the key to a great viewing experience. Instead, authenticity, color accuracy, and balanced performance are more important for delivering a cinematic experience true to the director's vision. Here are six takeaways from the article: The Brightness Obsession: A Misguided Priority? The What Hi-Fi? article criticizes the TV industry's focus on maximizing brightness, which can harm picture quality. In tests comparing 48-inch OLEDs (LG C5, Samsung S90F, Panasonic Z90B), brighter screens often lost subtle details and immersion. For instance, in Dune: Part Two's desert scene, an overly bright TV turned nuanced red and orange dune shades into stark white, flattening the image. OLED TVs were historically dimmer than LED TVs, but new tech like Micro Lens Array and QD-OLED has boosted their brightness to 2000-3000 nits, closing the gap. However, the focus on brightness often overshadows OLED's strengths—precise light control, deep blacks, and vibrant colors. The What Hi-Fi? review notes that manufacturers prioritize specs over overall picture quality, while the Panasonic Z90B shows a better balance. The Panasonic Z90B: A Lesson in Balance The 48-inch Panasonic Z90B excels in cinematic authenticity, prioritizing accurate colors and contrast over exaggerated brightness. In Civil War, it delivers precise highlights in dark scenes, and in Oppenheimer, it maintains natural skin tones and subtle details in low light, outperforming competitors that lose color depth. Panasonic's approach aligns with what serious movie fans crave: a picture that immerses you in the story, not one that distracts with exaggerated brightness. The Z90B's ability to retain detail in both bright and dark scenes, like the sparkling desert dunes or the intricate chandelier in a White House scene, shows that controlled brightness—used only where needed—creates a more three-dimensional, authentic image. This echoes sentiments from TechRadar, which praises Panasonic's focus on "filmmaker-approved" accuracy over flashy specs, a philosophy rooted in the brand's collaboration with Hollywood colorists to tune its TVs for true-to-life visuals. The Small OLED Advantage: Why Size Matters Small OLEDs, like the 48-inch models tested, are often overlooked in a market obsessed with supersized screens. Yet, as What Hi-Fi? notes, these TVs are "severely underrated" for their versatility. They're ideal for space-constrained homes, secondary rooms like bedrooms, or even as high-end gaming monitors thanks to their dense pixel structure, which delivers sharper images. The LG C5, for instance, boasts four HDMI 2.1 ports supporting 4K/144Hz gaming, making it a powerhouse for both movies and interactive entertainment. However, small OLEDs face unique challenges. Their denser pixel layouts generate more heat, which can limit brightness and risk burn-in if not managed properly. What Hi-Fi? suggests that adding heatsinks, as seen in some larger models, could unlock more brightness headroom for 42- and 48-inch sets without sacrificing quality. This could make small OLEDs even more competitive, offering flagship-level performance in compact packages. The Audio Achilles' Heel One glaring flaw across all tested OLEDs—LG C5, Samsung S90F, and even the Z90B—is their underwhelming built-in audio. The LG C5's 2.2-channel 40W speakers sounded flat and centralized, while the Samsung S90F's 2.1.2 60W system lacked power, allowing testers to hold conversations at max volume. What Hi-Fi? is blunt: for a true home cinema experience, a separate soundsystem is non-negotiable. We have been saying this for a number of years now, TVs, especially smaller ones, prioritize aesthetics over speaker space. What Manufacturers Should Learn The author tested 2025 OLED TVs and found that brightness isn't everything. LG and Samsung make great TVs like the C5 and S90F, but Panasonic's Z90B stands out by using brightness carefully to improve contrast and depth. Panasonic's Z95B flagship prioritizes performance over a super-slim design, a choice the author supports.  Afterall, a three-inch-thick TV is still about 90% thinner than our first rear projection HDTVs of the same screen size. What Hi-Fi? emphasizes that 48-inch models like the Z90B and C5 are "Goldilocks" options—cinematic yet practical for most homes. Manufacturers should invest in optimizing these sizes, incorporating technologies like heatsinks to boost performance and addressing audio shortcomings with better built-in solutions or seamless soundbar integration. The Future of OLED: A Balanced Approach Looking ahead, the TV landscape is evolving. Emerging technologies like PHOLED and "true" QLED promise even brighter, more vibrant displays without the burn-in risks of traditional OLEDs. But brightness alone won't win over cinephiles. The future of TVs lies in balancing these advancements with authenticity, ensuring that MicroLED or next-gen OLED panels prioritize cinematic immersion over raw specs. For now, the Panasonic Z90B sets a high bar. Its "as the director intended" philosophy proves that a TV doesn't need to be the brightest to be the best. If manufacturers shift their focus to color accuracy, controlled contrast, and practical features like better audio and small-screen optimization, they'll deliver what viewers truly want: a window into the filmmaker's vision, not a spotlight that blinds it.

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: Plex warns users to update systems immediately after detecting worrying security issue Samsung's $30K Micro RGB TV Is Here Sling TV launches single day, weekend, week-long pass options Apple's new 'Charismatic' smart home OS is getting set to take on Alexa and Google 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 like TVs, computers, smartphones, and gaming consoles. It was widely adopted by manufacturers (e.g., Sony, Samsung, LG) and supported by software like Windows Media Player. By 2010, millions of devices were DLNA-certified, with a focus on interoperability and ease of use. Decline in Relevance: Rise of Proprietary Ecosystems: By the mid-2010s, companies like Apple (AirPlay), Google (Chromecast), and Amazon (Fire devices) pushed proprietary streaming protocols that integrated tightly with their ecosystems, offering smoother user experiences and cloud-based features DLNA lacked. Complexity and Inconsistency: DLNA's interoperability was hampered by inconsistent implementation across devices. Some devices supported only specific file formats or had clunky interfaces, frustrating users. Shift to Cloud and Apps: The rise of streaming services like Netflix, Spotify, and YouTube shifted media consumption to app-based, cloud-driven platforms. DLNA's focus on local network sharing became less relevant as users prioritized internet-based content. Emerging Standards: Technologies like Miracast, Wi-Fi Direct, and Bluetooth offered simpler or more versatile alternatives for device-to-device connectivity, further eroding DLNA's niche. DLNA's End (2017): The DLNA organization officially dissolved in 2017, ending certification and development. While some devices and software (e.g., Plex, VLC) still support DLNA for backward compatibility, it's no longer a focal point for manufacturers or consumers. Current Status: DLNA remains functional on older devices, but it's largely been supplanted by modern protocols and platforms. For example, smart TVs now rely on app ecosystems or protocols like Google Cast. Some enthusiasts still use DLNA for local media servers, but it's a niche use case. From our archives (June 2012) What's missing? So if you've tried any of the DLNA servers out there, you've probably seen how bare they are.  With so many consumer electronics devices supporting DLNA playback, it seems a really good DLNA server would sell like hotcakes.  Here's what we think the perfect DLNA server would do. Support Transcoding.  Some DLNA Servers support transcoding, but not all of them.  Transcoding allows the server to change the format of the video your watching or song you're listening to to something that the player can actually play back.  Otherwise you'll get a bunch of failures trying to play back stuff like DivX and Xvid. Support Cover Art.  Most DLNA servers will just grab a video frame out of a movie file and display it as a thumbnail.  Why not replace that with the actual cover of the movie?  They're easy to find online.  It might take a little more setup up front to get all the covers downloaded and in the right place, but it would be worth it. Categorize videos.  A few of the servers support a limited amount of categorization for video files, but what you'd really like to do is tag a movie with a genre, a year, rating, actors, director, producer, etc. and use any of those pieces of information to find the right movie. Built-in DVD backup.  Consumers want a way to backup their movies.  DVDs don't last forever.  Allow a user to create a backup copy of their DVD on a hard drive.  Of course they'll also be able to watch it from any network connected DLNA player, but that's just a slight benefit of the nifty backup feature.  Of course, if you could then provide the built-in... Connection to IMDB.  Allow users to automatically populate cover art and meta data info by selecting the correct movie from an online database like IMDB.  This would greatly simplify the chore of adding movies to a video library.  While this tends to be a one-time event (once per movie at least), it can be painful and tends to wear on you after a while. Support online sources.  Right now PlayOn is the only server we've found that supports online video sources.  It, however, doesn't support local sources.  It looks like that functionality will be coming soon, but the two ideas need to merge for a really great product.  

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: Hulu App to Be Phased Out as Disney Is 'Fully Integrating' Service Into Disney+ Fubo drops 100,000 subscribers in Q2 HBO Max to enforce password-sharing crackdown in Sept.  Fubo readying sports-only plan for 2025 season Amazon Launches 24 Satellites Aboard SpaceX Rocket to Build Its Home Internet Service Other: dbx 510 Subharmonic Synthesizer for Creating Amazing Deep Bass in Your Home Theater 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 mentioned Low Earth Obiting (LEO) satellites as an option. With the news that Amazon has begun putting it's network together, we decided to look at the pros and cons of this type of Internet delivery. LEO satellite internet, like Starlink and the upcoming Amazon Project Kuiper, offers several advantages over traditional satellite based internet. Here's a comparison of the benefits: Benefits of LEO-Based Internet Lower Latency: LEO satellites orbit at 200-2,000 km, much closer than geostationary satellites (35,786 km). This reduces round-trip data travel time, resulting in latency of 20-50 ms compared to 600+ ms for geostationary systems. Benefit: Faster response times for gaming, video calls, and real-time applications, closer to terrestrial fiber (10-30 ms). Global Coverage: LEO constellations, with thousands of satellites, provide internet to remote and rural areas where terrestrial infrastructure (fiber, DSL) is unavailable or costly to deploy. Benefit: Connects underserved regions, ships, planes, and isolated locations. Higher Speeds: LEO systems can deliver download speeds of 100-400 Mbps (with potential for more as technology improves) and upload speeds of 10-40 Mbps, rivaling or exceeding many terrestrial broadband connections. Benefit: Supports streaming, large downloads, and multiple users simultaneously. Scalability: LEO constellations can add more satellites to increase capacity and coverage, adapting to demand more flexibly than laying new cables or building cell towers. Benefit: Easier to expand and improve network performance over time. Resilience: Distributed satellite networks are less vulnerable to single points of failure (e.g., damaged cables or local outages) compared to terrestrial infrastructure. Benefit: More reliable in disaster-prone areas or during natural events. Portability: LEO user terminals (e.g., Starlink dishes) are compact and can be set up anywhere with a clear sky view, enabling mobile or temporary use. Benefit: Ideal for travelers, RVs, or temporary sites like construction zones. Limitations of LEO Internet Compared to Traditional Internet: Cost: LEO internet often requires expensive user equipment (e.g., $300-$600 for a Starlink dish) and monthly subscriptions ($50-$150, depending on region/plan). Traditional internet typically has lower upfront costs (e.g., modem/router) and competitive pricing in urban areas. Weather Sensitivity: LEO signals can be affected by heavy rain, snow, or dense cloud cover, though less severely than geostationary systems. Traditional fiber or cable is generally immune to weather-related disruptions. Network Congestion:  In high-density areas, LEO systems may experience reduced speeds if too many users connect to the same satellite or ground station. Traditional broadband, especially fiber, often handles high user density better in urban settings. Line-of-Sight Requirement: LEO terminals need a clear view of the sky, which can be challenging in dense urban areas or locations with tall trees/buildings. Traditional internet (e.g., cable, fiber) doesn't require line-of-sight. Data Caps and Throttling: Some LEO providers impose data caps or throttle speeds during peak usage, whereas many traditional ISPs offer unlimited plans in urban areas. Benefit to traditional: More predictable performance for heavy users. Summary LEO-based internet excels in global reach, low latency, and flexibility, making it a game-changer for remote areas, mobility, and disaster resilience. However, traditional internet (fiber, cable, DSL) often provides lower costs, higher reliability, and better performance in urban areas with established infrastructure. The choice depends on location, use case, and budget, at least for now.

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.