On this week’s show we rundown the “Best of CES” as reported by the tech sites. We also read your emails and take a look at the week’s news.

News:

• Disney, Fox, Warner Bros. Discovery say Venu Sports won’t launch
• DirecTV Launches ‘MySports’ Streaming Package

Other:

• Samsung Display CES 2025 showcase: All the cool tech we saw - SamMobile
• Star Wars Kid
• Star Wars kid Drunken Jedi

On this week’s show we rundown the “Best of CES” as reported by the tech sites.

Engadget

LG OLED evo M5 - the company managed to further improve its most premium displays, adding the latest α (Alpha) 11 AI processor Gen2 to improve the look of lower-resolution content and power advanced features.

Technics EAH-AZ100 earbuds ($300) - Technics’ new Magnetic Fluid drivers have garnered a lot of headlines this week, but all you really need to know about the EAH-AZ100 earbuds is that the sound quality is massively improved. Powered by those new components, there’s more clarity, detail and bass, all of which are upgrades from the already impressive AZ80

CNET

LG G5 OLED TV - After seeing the picture quality, TV expert David Katzmaier singled this out as one of his favorite TVs of the show; he traditionally finds LG's OLED quality best-in-class (as do I for its monitors), and this year's is brighter with better contrast in ambient light.

Xgimi Ascend - It's not the LG OLED rollable screen of your dreams, but the Ascend may be more within your grasp. It's a retractable, ambient light-rejecting screen with built-in speakers and an ultra short-throw projector that looks like a piece of furniture when the screen withdraws. TV tech guru Geoffrey Morrison has been an ultrashort throw skeptic, but thinks this pair may solve some of the issues he's had with them. There's no pricing yet for the screen (the projector is $2,700), but it's  bound to be less than models like the LG. 

The Verge Awards at CES (Full List)

Best TV Panasonic Z95B OLED - At CES 2025, it’s the Panasonic Z95B OLED that I keep circling back to as my favorite. After a long hiatus from the US TV market, Panasonic is coming back for its crown. Like the G5, it features a new four-layer tandem OLED display that boosts brightness to new highs — this time without the micro-lens array technology that LG Display spent the last two years hyping. It also includes an impressive Dolby Atmos speaker array (tuned by Technics) that will rule out any need for a soundbar for many buyers. That audio hardware results in this being a thick TV by today’s standards: Panasonic obviously favored nailing the picture and sound aspects over a thin design. And you know what? I’m here for it.

Most no one asked for this, AI in TVs - AI is worming its way into everything, and at CES this year, it crawled into TVs and remotes. Naturally, that includes new sets from LG and Samsung, which are deploying AI to futz with your picture and sound settings and let you talk to a chatbot or analyze what’s on your screen. Over at Hisense’s “AI Your Life” booth, the company touted its AI Engine X that “optimizes every frame” with adjustments to color, brightness, and audio.

Best smart home device Switchbot K20 Plus Pro - Switchbot’s K20 Plus Pro is a robot vacuum that can have different devices strapped to its head using the company’s modular “FusionPlatform.” As well as being able to deliver items around your home, it can have various SwitchBot products attached to it to perform tasks autonomously: purify your air, be a mobile home security camera, and carry your tablet around for you. They’ve even made an attachment to put a mini fridge on top. (So, yes, it can bring you a beer.)

What intrigues me the most here is that its FusionPlatform is completely open; you can plug any device into its various power ports and customize this robot to do what you need. That’s smart.

Gizmodo’s Best of CES 2025 Awards (Full List)

Aurzen Zip Projector - The Aurzen Zip is the tiniest 720p projector I’ve ever seen. When folded, the $200 Zip is about the size of half an iPhone, making it the perfect on-the-go projector. The trifold projector can wirelessly mirror whatever is on your phone without a wifi connection. Two of the best features: it’s MagSafe-compatible and has a 90-minute battery life.

TCL QM6K TV - When it comes to TVs, bigger is always better—and it always comes with a higher price. But that’s not the case with the TCL QM6K TV, with the 55-inch model costing $749 and the 98-inch version topping out at $3,499. Before you write the QM6K off as a no-frills budget brand, check out some of the specs. As a QD mini-LED device, the QM6K can give some of the pricier heavy hitters a run for their money in the color and brightness categories. In fact, the QM6K is 53% brighter than previous models and 10% more light efficient. Plus, it has a host of powerful tech onboard to make its case, including HDR10, HDR+, and Dolby Vision. You get integrated Onkyo speakers, which should produce solid audio. However, the screen’s the star here, serving up captivating colors with deep blacks and sharp details. It’s an absolute beauty of a TV that brings all the bells and whistles you’d expect from a premium television at a fraction of the price.

Technics EAH-AZ100 Earbuds - It takes a lot to stand out in the crowded field of wireless earbuds, but Panasonic’s new flagship Technics EAH-AZ100 manage to do just that. Panasonic claims its $300 earbuds, available now, can offer reference class HiFi audio without needing large wired cans, thanks to “magnetic fluid drivers.” The buds’ sound quality was impressive, especially with the world snuffed-out with ANC mode turned on. The sound resolution and bass were especially surprising, even while surrounded by noisy throngs of CES goers.The brushed steel case design makes the buds feel as premium as their $300 price tag.

XGIMI Ascend - The Xgimi Ascend is a gorgeous 2-in-1 prototype ALR (Ambient Light Rejection) projector screen with a powerful soundbar. The Ascend houses a 100-inch motorized floor-rising screen for an immersive home theater experience. We’ve seen rollup displays before, but none of them match the style of the Ascend. The screen is adjustable, allowing it to be partially lowered for ambient modes, like a cozy fireplace display or a music visualization. Though still a prototype, the Ascend has the potential to attract anyone who wants a pop-up movie theater without spending tens of thousands of dollars.

AVS Forum Best of CES 2025 (Full List)

Valerion VisonMaster Max Lifestyle Projector - This was easily one of the most anticipated booth visits for both us and our readers. When we tested the Valerion Pro2, we were impressed by its performance, but it lacked some key features you’d want for a fully dedicated home theater system. Enter the Valerion Max, the flagship model that was teased during the brand’s Kickstarter campaign. It promised to deliver everything the Pro2 was missing, including a dynamic iris, and we finally got to see it in action.

LG G5 OLED - It’s easily one of the most impressive TVs we’ve seen at the show. Available in sizes ranging from 48 inches all the way up to 97 inches, the G5 is packed with features. All sizes (except the 48- and 97-inch models) include LG’s Brightness Booster Ultimate. LG also gave the remote a much-needed makeover. it’s now slimmer with fewer buttons, which is a welcome change.

TCL QM6K Mini LED TV - TCL is taking a different approach this year with a phased rollout of their TV lineup, starting with the QM6K, the first model in their new Precise Dimming series. As an entry-level option, the QM6K brings a surprising amount to the table. It features 500 dimming zones, a 144Hz refresh rate (boosted to 288Hz with Game Accelerator), and TCL’s AiPQ Pro Processor, carried over from last year’s QM8 series.

TCL 115QM7K - This one’s a bit tricky. TCL is keeping most of the details about the QM7K under wraps for now, but from what we saw, it’s shaping up to be a strong addition to their lineup. What we did find out is that the 115” model will have 25,000 dimming zones and 3000 nits of brightness. It’s available in sizes up to 115 inches, this model expands on what was previously only offered in the QM8 series. The move could mean more affordable options for larger screens, which is always exciting.

Onkyo Icon Series - The P-80 which is priced at $1,999, is a two-channel network preamplifier. It includes HDMI ARC, Dirac Live Room Correction, a phono output, and a fanless design to keep noise levels down. The build quality is sturdy as well, with a 5mm aluminum front panel and three-piece housing. The M-80 is also priced at $1,999, and is a two-channel power amplifier delivering 150 watts into 8 ohms or 200 watts into 4 ohms. It uses a Class AB 3-stage Inverted Darlington design, offering high current drive and low distortion.

Focal DIVA Wireless Active Loudspeakers - The Focal DIVA speakers were announced about a month ago, and seeing them at CES 2025 confirmed they’re as impressive as they sound on paper. These wireless active loudspeakers feature a 3-way bass reflex design and are surprisingly easy to set up. They support Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Google Cast, and work with the Focal Naim app.

Each speaker is equipped with its own DAC and DSP, delivering 75 watts to the midrange, 75 watts to the tweeter, and 125 watts to each bass driver. That’s a total of 400 watts RMS powered by four Class AB amplifiers. At $39,999 a pair, the Divas aren’t for everyone, but they began shipping during the show for those ready to invest in high-performance audio.

LG CineBeam S Ultra Short Throw Projector - LG revealed their solution: the CineBeam S, an ultra short throw version of the projector. It retains all the features we liked from the CineBeam Q, including an RGB laser with native 4K resolution, 500 ANSI lumens of brightness, and auto screen adjustment. But the big update here is the ultra short throw design, making it much easier to fit into a variety of setups.

Nexigo Aurora Pro MKII Ultra Short Throw Projector

XGIMI Ascend 100-Inch ALR Motorized Screen

Honorable Mentions

Samsung Premiere 8K Ultra Short Throw Projector

TCL’s X11K Premium QD-OLED Mini LED TV

On this week’s show we cover the Home Theater announcements that we found interesting. It's not an exhaustive list of what was shown but things we wanted to share with you. We also read your email and take a look at the week’s news.

News:

• Disney to Merge Hulu + Live TV With Fubo, Taking on YouTube TV and Ending Venu Lawsuit
• RadioShack Returns To U.S. As Product Brand
• Roku tallies 90 million streaming households at start of 2025

Other:

• Samsung and Google's Eclipsa Audio is here to take on Dolby Atmos

Up until now, CES has primarily showcased laptops, gaming, TVs, and smart home technology, excelling in these traditional areas. However, this year's event has shifted its focus to include some emerging, trendier categories. We are seeing AI announcements across the board and numerous innovative concepts aimed at making augmented reality more accessible.

On this week’s show we cover the Home Theater announcements that we found interesting. It's not an exhaustive list of what was shown but things we wanted to share with you. Next week, since we record before CES closes, we’ll look at products that won awards as well as any announcements you may have found interesting as shared with us.

RCA introduces two new NEXTGEN TV models in 55" and 65" sizes - 

• The 65” RCA NEXTGEN TV up to 1500 nits of peak brightness, 664-zone Mini-LED QLED, suggested retail price of $949.99. 
• The 55” RCA NEXTGEN TV up to 1500 nits of peak brightness, 240-zone Mini-LED QLED suggested retail price of $699.99. 

New for 2025 is the attractive RCA ANTD8E, an amplified, multi-directional indoor antenna covered in a high-tech fabric with a diamond shape design. Equipped with SMARTBOOST advanced technology and dual-stage amplification and built-in 4G/LTE/5G filter to improve reception, the ANTD8E can be positioned on its included stand or mounted on a wall and includes nine feet of coaxial cable to connect to the TV at a suggested retail price of $59.99.

A full line-up of RCA Outdoor Televisions is also planned in a range of screen sizes and price points, with a “spirit of wilderness” and Mossy Oak camouflage design. Built with a sleek, modern design in a weatherproof and durable dust-free case, RCA Outdoor TVs are designed to work in extreme temperatures – from minus 22 degrees to 122 degrees Fahrenheit. Our Outdoor RCA line includes an exceptionally bright 2000 nit display for crystal-clear viewing even in bright sunlight. Full Press Release

RCA Outdoor TV 

• 43-inch ($3,999, suggested retail price),
• 55-inch ($4,999, suggested retail price) 
• 65-inch ($5,999, suggested retail price)
• 75-inch ($7,999, suggested retail price).

Google Home hubs now work locally with Matter

This week, Google announced the integration of Home Runtime into its Google Home hubs, allowing for full local control of Matter devices. With this update, Google Nest hubs, speakers, Chromecasts, Google TV devices running Android 14, and certain LG TVs can now connect to and manage Matter devices locally. This change enhances reliability, privacy, and reduces latency for users controlling their devices at home. Notably, even without internet access, Google Assistant will still be able to operate functions like turning on lights, marking a significant shift from the platform's previous reliance on cloud connectivity. Google Blog Post

TCL's 2025 mini-LED TVs for 2025

• The Super High Energy mini-LED chip may increase brightness by 53%
• TCL has made enhancements to its mini-LED backlight design that will result in less blooming or “halo” artifacts where light areas seep into dark areas – a 67% reduction, according to the company.
• 50- to 98-inch screen sizes, coming to the US in early 2025
• Pricing for TCL’s QM6K Series is as follows:
• 50-inch: $749.99 
• 55-inch: $799.99 
• 65-inch $999.99
• 75-inch: $1,299.99 
• 85-inch: $1,999.99
• 98-inch: $3,499.99

The 65, 75 and 85-inch QM6K models are available now for preorder at TCL's website. More information from TCL

LG G5, C5 and M5 OLED TV

LG also announced AI-based features that seek to improve picture, audio and the overall user experience. LG is officially unveiling the LG G5 OLED, the C5 OLED and M5 OLED along with lots of AI upgrades, Here's what we know so far.

The G5 will be available in the following sizes: 48, 55, 65, 77, 83 and 97 inches. The M5 is essentially a G5 with wireless connectivity. All of the TV's inputs are located on a separate box (dubbed the Zero Connect Box on the LG M4) which then wirelessly transmits audio and video to the M5's OLED display.

The C4 will be available in 42-, 48-, 55-, 65-, 77- and 83-inch models. Full Press Release

HDMI 2.2 Announced

HDMI 2.2 has been announced at CES 2025. The new specification comes with 96Gbps bandwidth — double what you get with HDMI 2.1. It will be available in a new Ultra96 HDMI Cable. It features next-gen HDMI Fixed Rate Link tech to provide “optimal audio and video.” More impressively, it enables 4K resolution with up to 480 frames per second (fps), and up to 12K at 120 fps. Full Press Release

HISENSE MARKS NEW ERA OF DISPLAY INNOVATION WITH ITS FIRST CONSUMER MICROLED AT CES 2025

Hisense unveiled the 136MX MicroLED, the brand's first consumer-ready MicroLED display. This launch marks a pivotal milestone in making cutting-edge display technology more accessible to households, catering to the growing demand for larger, more immersive screens without compromising durability or long-term performance. By eliminating traditional backlight limitations, 136MX delivers precise contrast, lifelike colors, and a viewing experience that sets a new standard for the industry. By combining MicroLED display technology with its R&D expertise, Hisense is once again redefining the possibilities of home entertainment.

Powered by Hisense's flagship Hi-View AI Engine X chipset, the 136MX optimizes every frame with its AI-based algorithms, enabling precise color conversion, dynamic 3D color management, and rich display details. Black nanocrystals further enhance performance by reducing reflectivity to ensure exceptional clarity even in well-lit spaces. With brightness levels reaching up to 10,000 nits and a color gamut covering 95% of the BT.2020 color space, Hisense's 136MX delivers vivid, true-to-life colors, setting a new benchmark for home entertainment displays. Full Press Release

Technics launched the EAH-AZ100 Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds

Reference Class True Wireless Earbuds with Dolby Atmos and noise cancelling, The AZ100 earbuds feature, reference-quality high-resolution audio; advanced, industry-leading noise cancellation; and improved JustMyVoice™ technology to keep calls clear. Connects to 3 devices simultaneously.

Launching in sleek Silver and Black with its signature stylish ergonomic design, Technics EAH-AZ100 Earbuds will be available for purchase online at Technics.com and at trusted retailers starting today, January 7, with a suggested retail price of $299.99. More info

TiVo OS Will Be Launching in the U.S. Market With Sharp

TiVo announced that it will be entering the U.S. television market with Sharp Home Electronics Company of America. The Sharp Smart TV Powered by TiVo will be the first television in the series to be made available to American consumers, as soon as February 2025. Boasting a beautiful Ultra High Definition and High Dynamic Range 55” QLED screen, plus Dolby Atmos®, and 3 HDMI ports, it will be a smart TV that reinforces Sharp’s reputation for quality.

In Europe, TiVo last year launched a range of Sharp models in the UK starting at the equivalent of $372 USD. Sharp's consumer website currently lists four TiVo-powered TV models/screen sizes (43 inches, 50 inches, 55 inches and 70 inches). Sharp also offers TVs powered by other platforms, including operating systems from Roku and Google.

Nothing Earth Shattering in the way of Hardware from Sony

Sony's press conference did not showcase exciting new hardware announcements. Instead, the emphasis was primarily on the entertainment aspect of their business.

Valerion Unveils VisionMaster Max

Valerion debuted their VisionMaster MAX, a cinematic-grade home theater projector. Its Kickstarter project raised over $10.7 million and became the highest-funded projector in crowdfunding history. 

Featuring the OpticFlex Lens System for customizable viewing. The specifications include: 3000 ISO lumens, a 15,000:1 contrast ratio, and a 110% Rec. 2020 color gamut. The VisionMaster MAX promises stunning image quality and a theater-like experience, projecting up to 300 inches. Enhanced with Dolby Vision, IMAX Enhanced, and other advanced features, this flagship model sets a new standard for home entertainment technology. Additionally, its innovative external lens offers increased versatility, further enhancing the viewing experience.

The VisionMaster Series is now available for global pre-order on Valerion's website, with deliveries starting February 2025. VisionMaster Max $3,999 USD, VisionMaster Pro2 & Pro $2,499 USD, and VisionMaster Plus2 & Plus $1,499 USD

Samsung Brings Samsung Vision AI to Its Widest Lineup Yet

Samsung is ushering in a new era of AI-driven screen technology, with Samsung Vision AI features now integrated across its most comprehensive lineup ever — including Neo QLED, OLED and QLED, and The Frame models. This expansion underscores Samsung’s commitment to bringing intelligent, adaptive screens to more users, redefining what’s possible in home entertainment and smart living.

At the forefront of this innovation is the Neo QLED 8K QN990F, Samsung’s most advanced TV to date, designed to deliver unparalleled performance, sleek design and smarter AI-driven experiences. Powered by the latest NQ8 AI Gen3 Processor, the TV leverages a suite of on-device AI features to enhance picture quality, sound clarity and overall viewing experience:

• 8K AI Upscaling Pro: Elevates lower-resolution content up to stunning 8K quality, ensuring incredible detail and clarity in every frame.
• Auto HDR Remastering Pro: Analyzes content frame by frame, applying scene-adaptive color expansion for lifelike visuals and vibrant colors, even in dark scenes.
• Adaptive Sound Pro: Uses AI to separate and optimize sound components like speech, music and sound effects, delivering clear, balanced audio.
• Color Booster Pro: Enriches color expression with AI-driven scene analysis and enhanced  image processing for each frame.
• AI Mode: Adaptively optimizes picture and sound leveraging AI-based content recognition  and TV area analysis for an optimal viewing experience in any setting.

Samsung also unveiled The Premiere 5, the industry’s first interactive triple-laser ultra-short-throw (UST) projector. Designed to redefine home entertainment, The Premiere 5 introduces an interactive touch feature, allowing users to engage directly with the screen. This innovation seamlessly combines high-quality projection with versatile functionality, featuring Samsung LightWARP technology to project images onto everyday objects for creative and immersive experiences. No Specs are available as this may be one of those items that never sees the light of day. Full Press Release 

Displace TV: The World's First Truly Wireless 4K TVs with All-in-One Entertainment and Productivity Hubs

Displace is bringing all-in-one entertainment and productivity hubs that go beyond the traditional TV experience. Both models offer a sleek, cable-free design, and revolutionary new features powered by Displace OS, an all-new AI Agent-driven operating system that will redefine how Displace users interact with their TVs and perform tasks easier than ever before.

These next-generation 4K TVs are powered by two long-lasting, rechargeable Li-ion batteries, ensuring a truly wireless experience that eliminates the clutter of cords and cables. Consumers can either mount the TV on a wall in just 10 seconds without tools or drilling or place it on a table using the all-new concealed push-to-pop legs.

All the Displace TV screens are OLED. Displace Pro and Basic are both offered in 55-inch and 27-inch models. Exclusively during CES, all Displace models will be available for pre-order for $1,000 off the original price. During CES, Pro models can be ordered in 55-inch for $4,999 or 27-inch for $2,999, while the Basic models will be available in 55-inch for $2,499 or 27-inch for $1,499. All models are available for pre-order with shipping expected to begin March 28, 2025. Full Press Release 

On this week’s show we look at whether we have seen peak streaming and we take an analytical look at the movie box office. We may have hit peak Hollywood in the 1990s and early 2000s. We also read your emails and take a look at the week’s news.

News:

1. Netflix smashes records with NFL double-header and Beyoncé Bowl on Christmas Day
2. LG’s Transparent OLED TV Is Now On Sale

Other:

• HONEST REVIEW - FREE TELLY TV - UNBOX ASSEMBLE REVIEW
• Telly
• MCINTOSH FACTORY TOUR

An embarrassment of riches awaits television and film audiences in 2025, as projects that were delayed by a Hollywood strike in 2023 reach the small and big screens at last. New instalments of “Avatar”, “Mission: Impossible” and “Captain America” will jostle for attention at the cinema. At home, viewers will settle down for more of “The White Lotus” and the final chapter of “Stranger Things”. Full article here (Subscription Required)

You may have heard us say that the movie theater business is in decline. With streaming services and short theatrical release windows people are not going to movie theaters. Here’s a look at the Box Office Numbers and what has been driving them. These numbers and data were found on Box Office Mojo by IMDB and are for the original US release. For comparisons the dollars have been adjusted for inflation to 2024 dollars. 

Top 5 Box Office Receipts:

Year Box Office 2024 $ #1 Release

1. 2018 $11.8B $14.8 Black Panther
2. 2016 $11.4 $15.0 Finding Dory
3. 2019 $11.4 $14.1 Avengers:Endgame
4. 2015 $11.1 $14.8 Jurassic World
5. 2017 $11.0 $14.2 Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi

Last Five Years Box Office Receipts:

Year Box Office 2024 $ #1 Release

2024 $8.5 $8.5 Inside Out

2023 $8.9 $9.2 Barbie

2022 $7.4 $8.0 Top Gun: Maverick

2021 $4.5 $5.2 Spider-Man: No Way Home

2020 $2.1 $2.56 Bad Boys for Life

Highest Receipts when adjusted for Inflation: 

Year Box Office 2024 $ #1 Release

2010 $10.6 $15.4 Avatar (Number 1 Grossing movie of all time)

2009 $10.6 $15.4 Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

Original Star Wars:

1977 $443M $2.4B Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope

1980 $1,6 $6.1 Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back

1983 $2.7 $8.6 Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi

All Numbers below are for the original Release:

Avatar - (2010) $750M  (2024)  $1.1B 

Avatar (Worldwide) -  (2010) $2.7B (2024) $3.9B

Top Gun: Maverick - (2022) $719M (2024) $775M

Top Gun: Maverick (Worldwide) - (2022) $1.5B (2024) $1.6B

Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope - (1977) 307M (2024) $1.6B

Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (Worldwide) - (1977) 775M* (2024) $4.0B

• Box Office Mojo did not have worldwide numbers. We used the-numbers for this value.

Inflation Adjusted US Domestic Box Office for the last 25 years: 

Summary:

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, the box office experienced significant growth, with yearly receipts reaching new heights. For instance, in 2002, domestic box office revenues hit a peak of approximately $16 billion when adjusted for inflation. 

Since then, total box office receipts have fluctuated, especially reacting to global events, such as the 2008 financial crisis, which led to a decrease in consumer spending on entertainment.

The last two decades have seen a dominance of comic book adaptations and franchise films (e.g., Marvel Cinematic Universe, Star Wars, etc.) at the box office. These films often dominate annual box office charts, with some grossing over a billion dollars domestically.

Sequels, remakes, and adaptations became staples as studios sought safe investments. The trend has been reinforced by the success of properties with established fan bases.

The rise of streaming services (Netflix, Disney+, etc.) has changed how audiences consume films, often leading to decreased box office attendance for certain genres, particularly dramas and non-franchise films.

The pandemic and writers strike severely impacted the film industry, with theaters closing and productions halting. The domestic box office fell dramatically in 2020. This decline prompted many studios to rethink release strategies, leading to more simultaneous releases on streaming platforms.

Post-pandemic, there has been a gradual recovery, with some films performing exceptionally well, while smaller films continue to face challenges in recapturing pre-pandemic audience levels.

The HT Guys are taking a week off!  We’ll see you next week!

On this week’s show we discuss Braden’s YouTubeTV price increase as well as a discussion on how to reboot your internet modem when it locks up even if you aren’t home. One of our listeners, Josh in Huntsville AL, shares his experience dealing with warranty service on a large screen TV. We also read your emails and take a look at the week’s news.

News:

• LG stops making Blu-ray players, marking the end of an era
• Venu Sports backers lose motion to dismiss case
• Amazon’s 2nd & 3rd Gen Echo Buds Are Dirt Cheap
• Try this easy trick to delay your upcoming YouTube TV price increase

Other:

• Pioneer CS-707 | hifi-wiki.com
• Contact House of Sound NYC for Audio Tours, Events & Partnerships

Braden received the following email from YouTubeTV raising his TV service costs by $10:

YouTube TV has always worked hard to offer you the content you love, delivered the way you want, with features that make it easy to enjoy the best of live TV.

To keep up with the rising cost of content and the investments we make in the quality of our service, we’re updating our monthly price from $72.99/month to $82.99/month starting January 13, 2025.

We don’t make these decisions lightly, and we realize this has an impact on our members. We are committed to bringing you features that are changing the way we watch live TV, like unlimited DVR storage and multiview*, and supporting YouTube TV’s breadth of content and vast on-demand library of movies and shows.

The price of your YouTube TV Base Plan membership will change in your first billing cycle on or after January 13, 2025, and will be charged to your payment method on file going forward. To view your current plan, go to Settings > Membership for updated information. If you are currently on a trial or promotional price for the Base Plan, that promotion is still honored and unchanged.

We hope YouTube TV continues to be your service of choice, but we understand that some of our members may want to cancel their subscriptions. As always, family managers have the ability to pause or cancel anytime. You can find more information in our Help Center.

With lots of exciting shows and live events ahead in the new year, we’ll continue to strive to deliver the best of TV, all in one place. Thank you for being a loyal YouTube TV member.

Sincerely,

The YouTube TV team

On a recent trip Ara’s cable modem locked up and would not come back online until he returned home and cycled power. So how do you prevent this from happening again? Ara takes a look at a solution called Keep Connect, a $50 device that monitors your internet connection and reboots the system when connection to the internet is lost. 

Features:

• Automatic Router Rebooter / Reset - Stop manually restarting your router! Automate the process to ensure highly reliable internet connection uptime 
• Constantly Monitors Router and/or Modem Internet Health. Keep Connect provides 24/7/365 protection to ensure that your smart home and connected devices are always online and available. 
• Notifications - Free Texts or Emails from Keep Connect notifying you of detected eventsif you choose to enter your phone number/email. You may also choose No Notifications. 
• Perfect for Smart Home Reliability - Schedule Periodic Resets to keep your connection fresh and fast. 
• Premium Cloud Services App Available (iOS App Store and Google Play Store) - Our Premium Keep Connect Cloud Services platform allows using our Online/Mobile App to monitor many locations in one place as well. Cloud Services allows remote management of devices at all locations as well as heartbeat monitoring of your Keep Connects to notify you in the event of an ISP internet outage at one of your sites.

I’ve meant to write about my TCL TV experience for quite some time.  What can I say, life is just busy.  I have two more kids than Braden!

When I heard a couple of weeks ago a question about warranty experiences for large TVs, I thought I had put off writing this story long enough.

After listening to Braden hype up TCL TVs for at least a couple of years, as well as reading many reviews for TVs and watching the developing technology trends at the time, in September 2020 I ordered a TCL 75R635, a so-called 6-series Roku 4K QLED 75-inch TV with a respectable 240-zone backlight array.  The TV had been announced earlier in the year, perhaps at CEDIA or CES and I was ready to replace my 10-year old Panasonic plasma HD TV with this TCL model.  I watched over the next many months for the TV to become available.  While I hoped for a sale, I also knew from watching similar TVs that the stock tended to get bought out pretty quickly.  Amazon finally had the TV available to order in September 2020 and I ordered immediately for a retail price of $1399 plus tax.  I received it on October 3.

The TV worked great for about 6 months.  In late March 2021, the screen suddenly and mysteriously slowly faded to a sort of dark backlit state in the middle of whatever my wife was watching.  A backlight was on, but no picture elements were displayed.  You could still hear the TV making sounds associated with navigating the menu when pushing buttons on the remote.  I started a warranty claim March 31 nothing I was well within the 1-year warranty period.  I don’t recall exact timing, but a service tech was scheduled to attempt to repair the TV within 10 days.  The day he was supposed to come, he called me beforehand and said he’d already been trying to repair the same model TV for another purchaser.  He asked me a couple of questions about what the TV was doing.  His conclusion over the phone and based on trying to work on the same model of TV was that it was not repairable and he would elevate the case to sending a replacement.

Here is where the process got a little frustrating.  TCL honored the claim.  However, the process became surprisingly slow.  As I said, I don’t recall exactly when the service tech came, but if it was Day 10, that would have been April 9.  TCL told me on April 23 the TV was finally being shipped.  It was considered a freight shipment, so TCL handed me off to Pilot Deliveries from that point forward.  I had to contact Pilot to arrange delivery if you can believe that!  I also had to coordinate with Pilot to pick up the defective unit.  I did all of this.  By May 3, I still had not received the replacement.  It took another call to TCL at this point to investigate the problem because tracking showed it bouncing all over the map.  I think it came from China.  Landed in California, then I think it made it to Nashville, then Chattanooga, back to Nashville, and hopped over me in Huntsville to wind up in Mobile, Alabama.

By this point, Pilot seemed to finally acknowledge they weren’t handling this delivery well.  It did get flown one last time to Huntsville.  Then they sent the TV on an unmarked box truck (No "Pilot" markings) with a kid who was maybe 20 to deliver the TV to my home.  The TV was the only thing on the truck.  And, it had fallen over which I suspected when I came around to the back of the truck and saw the driver just finishing standing the box back up.  The driver admitted this was the case when I asked.  But, jumping to the end, the TV has always worked fine.  I had to help get the very large box in the house because they should have sent two people to handle this delivery.  This was May 6 when I finally took possession.  So, a little over 5-week process.  I never expected it to take that long.

The rumors amongst forums at the time were that because this was most likely a first production run model (remember, I bought it as soon as it was available), there were manufacturing defects.  And the failure itself was likely because TCL was wiring the backlight array in-series, so if one light goes out, they all stop working.  I think the “dark light” that we could see came from the edges, so maybe the light array was separated into zones somehow.  I guess I’ll never really know.

Finally, some anecdotes:

Anecdote #1:  I am a sentimental sort and I was a little sad to see the original go as me and my kids had broken in that first TV watching the then new Mandalorian series which we greatly enjoyed.

Anecdote #2:  My “finance committee” hates it when we spend “large” amounts of money all at once.  In all those years I was listening to you guys, doing research, and waiting for the TV to become available, I banked my Amazon credit card reward points just for a TV.  When the time came, I only paid $61.02 out of pocket for this TV.

We’ve greatly enjoyed the TV ever since.  I couldn’t swing $4000-$5000+ at the time for the 55-inch OLEDs that were out then.  But the TCL has always been enjoyable.  HDR and Dolby Vision content especially look great for deep dark blacks.  Would I buy one similar to this again?  Maybe—the technology continues to improve even in just the last 4 years and prices have also come down.  There are lots of options.  Honestly, I think more about a short throw projector for my next TV based on Ara's experiences.

Hope you and the listeners enjoy this story about my warranty experience.

Josh

Huntsville, AL

On this week’s show we give you ten Christmas Classics and where you can stream them. We also read your emails and take a look at the week’s news stories.

News:

• Netflix promises smooth, family-friendly streams of ‘WWE Raw’ are coming
• Sports Central is one of DIRECTV Stream’s hidden gems
• Walmart Completes $2.3 Billion VIZIO Acquisition
• Is Amazon preparing to buy Roku?

Other:

•  9.16.4 Channel Home Theater! McIntosh House Of Sound Tour
• House of Sound NYC

Each time this year our family loves to settle in and watch Christmas movies that are loaded on our Plex Server. This year one of my daughters decided to watch the 1994 version of Miracle on 34th Street when I said to her the quality of the movie was better than I remembered, our Plex Server has a DVD rip, she said that she was watching on Disney+. This got me thinking which of my favorite Christmas movies are available to stream and on what service.  So for this episode we give you ten Christmas Classics and where you can stream them.

1. Die Hard, 1988  IMDB Rating 8.2/10  — Peacock, Hulu
2. Elf, 2003 IMDB Rating 7.1/10— Max, Hulu
3. Home Alone, 1990 IMDB Rating 7.7/10— Disney+
4. How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, 1966 IMDB Rating 8.3/10 — Peacock, Fubo
5. It’s a Wonderful Life, 1946  IMDB Rating 8.6/10 — Prime
6. Miracle on 34th Street, 1947 IMDB Rating 7.9/10  — Paramount+
7. Miracle on 34th Street, 1994 IMDB Rating 6.6/10  — Peacock, Disney+
8. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, 1989 IMDB Rating 7.5/10  — Hulu, Max
9. The Santa Clause, 1994 IMDB Rating 6.6/10 — Disney+
10. White Christmas 1954 IMDB Rating 7.6/10 — Prime

On this week’s show we ask “Could Legacy Audio Brands Disappear Next Year?” We also read your emails and take a look at the week’s news.

News:

• Peacock to Stream First Ever Animated Madden NFL Cast During Texans vs. Chiefs
• AT&T Sets a Date to Shut Down DSL Internet & Traditional Phone Service in Most Areas
• Max password-sharing restrictions coming soon

Other:

• Hisense 85" Class R6 Series 4K UHD Roku Smart TV

Major audio brands, including Denon, Marantz, Klipsch, and Pioneer, are facing potential extinction as their parent companies, Masimo and Voxx International, struggle with significant financial difficulties. 

Masimo, having acquired Sound United's brands for $1.532 billion in 2022, reported a decline in consumer audio revenue from $171.5 million to $161.4 million, leading to a loss of $31.3 million, including $12.9 million in Q3 alone. Similarly, Voxx International witnessed a 35% drop in consumer electronics sales and a 15.4% overall revenue decline, exacerbated by a $40 million court judgment and halted production of key brands due to licensing issues.

The declines are attributed to a post-COVID market slump, where the surge in sales during the pandemic is now reversing, alongside structural corporate issues and shifting consumer preferences. 

The post-COVID slump

The pandemic created a surge in home audio sales as people built home offices and upgraded their living spaces. But those golden days are over. Since 2022, sales have crashed by up to 30% in some cases.

For example, Voxx International’s consumer electronics dropped by 35% partly because people aren’t spending like they used to. Even turntables, which were flying off the shelves during lockdown, are now collecting dust in warehouses.

The corporate structure problem

The problems run deeper than just sales.

Masimo, a medical tech company, lacks the expertise to run an audio business. They’re experts at hospital equipment, but high-end speakers are a different game entirely.

Voxx faces similar challenges. They can’t even make Pioneer products anymore because of licensing issues!

Perhaps because of these misalignments, both companies are trying to squeeze unrealistic profits out of these brands (around 300% to 500% margins).

That’s like trying to sell a $100 pair of headphones for $500.

Voxx did manage to cut costs by $5.3 million in Q2, but their operating losses continue to mount.

Basically, managing multiple classic brands under one corporate umbrella has only added to their struggles, spreading resources thin and diluting brand identities.

The changing consumer market

Consumer preferences have also changed dramatically:

• Young music fans prioritize convenience over traditional hi-fi setups. They’re not looking for massive speaker setups anymore. Instead, they look for portable, budget-friendly solutions that fit their lifestyle better.
• Serious audiophiles are turning to vintage equipment, which often matches or exceeds new products in quality and value.
• Some Chinese manufacturers have come in to offer the same things luxury audio brands do but at less cost. So, customers have been leaning towards them more in recent years.

On this week’s show The HT Guys are thankful for our family, friends and listeners! This is a shortened podcast with emails and the week’s news.

News:

• Amazon Unveils All-New Fire TV Products
• MLB Eyes Major Streaming Shift in 2028, Aiming for National Blackout-Free Packages | Cord Cutters News
• Bose Acquires High-End Audio Brand McIntosh
• Video Streaming Service American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) 

Other:

• Samsung QB85C 85" 4K (3840x2160) 75Hz LED FreeSync Monitor, Black - Newegg.com
• Samsung QN85QN85DBFXZA 85" Neo QLED 4K Smart TV with Dolby Atmos (2024) - Newegg.com

On this week’s show we take a look at some great Black Friday deals to set up a home theater. We also read your emails and take a look at the week’s news.

News:

• Netflix’s Tyson-Paul Boxing Bout Gets 65 Million Viewers at Peak
• Meet Wi-Fi 8, which will trade speed for a more reliable experience
• Smart TV ownership reaches 68% as prices fall

Other:

• Starling Home Hub

Best Buy Black Friday Deals

• Hisense - 85" Class QD6 Series QLED 4K UHD Smart Google TV (2024) $649.99 Save $450 Was $1,099.99
• Sony - 77" Class BRAVIA 8 OLED 4K UHD Smart Google TV (2024) $2599.99 Save $400 Was $2999.99 
• Insignia™ - 55" Class F30 Series LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV $229.99 Save $120 Was $349.99
• Pioneer Elite - VSX-LX105 7.2 Channel Network AV Receiver $499 Save $300 Was $799 

Costco Black Friday Deals

• Samsung 70" Class - DU6900D Series - 4K UHD LED Smart TV $479.99 Save $50 Was $529.99 (Includes 3 Year Warranty)
• LG 75" Class - QNED90 Series - 4K UHD MiniLED LCD TV $1599.99 Save $200 Was $1799.99 (5 year Total Coverage with Allstate 3-Year Protection Plan)

Other Deals

• Roku Smart TV – 65-Inch Select Series 4K HDR $378 Save $71.99 Was $449.99
• TCL 98-Inch Q65 QLED 4K UHD Smart TV with Google TV $1449.99 Save $1550 Was $2999.99
• Insignia™ - 32" Class F20 Series LED HD Smart Fire TV $74.99 Save $55 Was $129.99
• Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds $189 Save $60 Was $249
• Apple AirPods (3rd Generation) $94 Save $75 Was $169
• Blink Mini 1080p Security Camera $17.99 Save $12.00 Was $29.99
• Blink Outdoor 4 - Battery-Powered Smart Security 3-Camera System $99.99 Save $160 Was $259.99
• Roku Streaming Stick 4K Streaming Device 4K/HDR/Dolby Vision with Voice Remote with TV Controls $34.99 Save $15 Was $49.99
• Roku Premiere | 4K/HDR Streaming Media Player $18 Save $21.99 Was 39.99
• SVS Prime Wireless Pro SoundBase $499 Save $200 Was $699
• Amazon eero Pro 6E mesh wifi router (newest model) 3 Pack  $349.99 Save $200 Was $549.99
• CINEMA 1200 SOUND BAR 5.1.4 SYSTEM $799 Save $1100 Was $1899
• SVS and RSL speakers are running great sales on their speakers 

On this week’s show we take a look at a device that claims it will flatten your warped vinyl. Then we ask is there anything that can be done to prevent subscribers from pausing the streaming services. We also read your email and take a look at the week’s news.

News:

• Xumo expands retail scope with Target deal
• Matter 1.4 now supports more smart home devices and adds new capabilities
• TiVo to launch smart TVs in US by year-end
• Apple Set For Smart Home Revolution

Other:

• Cosm
• LG Display’s stretchable screen is now even stretchier - The Verge

A couple of episodes ago we talked about a turntable that uses suction to make warped records flat. Ara joked about taking a blow dryer and heating up the record and then just unwarping it. Well it turns out that there is a product that essentially does this. One of our listeners, Matthew Dropco, pointed us to a product that flattens your vinyl!

The Record Pi ($275) vinyl flattener is an innovative solution tailored for fixing warped vinyl records, featuring a patent-pending integrated system comprising three essential components: the Record Pi Device, Record Pi Temperature Controller, and Record Pi Heating Case. The Record Pi Device is engineered using premium steel alloy, ensuring an even distribution of heat while securely holding the record to apply uniform flattening pressure with heavy metal alloy plates and protective Groove Guards. The Temperature Controller offers precise temperature regulation within 1°F of the target range of 100 to 145°F, allowing users to remotely adjust settings via internet connectivity using either Google Android or Apple iOS devices, provided a compatible Wi-Fi router is available.

The Record Pi Heating Case not only warms the device during use but also serves as a practical storage solution when not in operation. The product comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee (with the buyer covering return shipping) and a two-year limited warranty, providing confidence in its durability and effectiveness. Weighing 16 lbs, the Record Pi is designed for US standard voltage of 110V but can also be used internationally with the appropriate voltage converter, ensuring its versatility for vinyl enthusiasts everywhere.

We found an article over at TheStreamable.com opining about “What can streaming services do to keep customers from pausing subscriptions”. We have some thoughts on this as well! 

As streaming services in the U.S. approach market saturation, the focus has shifted from acquiring new customers to retaining current ones. Recent data reveals a significant rise in viewers pausing their subscriptions, increasing from 29.8% in 2022 to 34.2% in early 2024. Many consumers are not dissatisfied with their services; rather, they find it hard to justify the cost until new desirable content is available.

To address this issue, streaming providers are exploring various strategies. Current efforts include enhancing bundling options, as surveys indicate that bundled services can significantly decrease cancellations. Recent bundles, such as the Disney+, Hulu, and Max combination, aim to encourage user loyalty.

Additional strategies could involve allowing customers to temporarily pause their subscriptions while keeping their accounts active. For example, Hulu could offer a one-time 30-day pause option at a lower rate, such as on an ad-supported plan, to keep users engaged without full financial commitment. Overall, creative retention strategies beyond simple discounts may be essential for preventing subscription pauses.