On this week’s show we look at where some Americans are spending nearly $100 a month on streaming services. We also look at some new tech from Sony that promises big improvements for LED TVs. All that plus your emails and the week’s news on this episode of the HDTV and Home Theater Podcast.

News:

• Apple TV+, Jason Sudeikis confirm fourth season of ‘Ted Lasso’
• Lawsuits Hit TCL & Hisense: Are Their QLED TVs A Total Scam?
• Sony Launches Its First New 4K Blu-ray Player In Over Five Years

Other:

• Spectrum is finally offering a streaming-only subscription for Dodgers

A recent survey by Bango reveals that nearly 25% of Americans spend over $100 per month on subscription services, including streaming platforms and retail memberships like Amazon Prime. This trend marks a shift from the perception of subscriptions as cost-effective alternatives to traditional cable and satellite services, as consumers face rising costs—streaming plans alone have increased by over 20% in the past two years.

To manage expenses, many consumers are turning to subscription bundles, with the average American holding 5.4 subscriptions, including 2 that come through bundled packages. A significant portion of these bundles is linked to mobile phone plans, with 55% of subscribers benefiting from such arrangements. Additionally, 44% of users report receiving services for free through bundles that they previously paid for.

Convenience is another critical factor driving consumers toward bundles, as 41% express frustration with managing multiple subscriptions across different apps. A strong demand exists for unified platforms, with 63% of subscribers seeking more options like Verizon's +play.

Full Press Release 

Sony has developed a next-generation display system featuring a high-density LED backlight with independent drive RGB (red, green, and blue) control, designed for large screens. This innovative technology allows each RGB color to emit light independently, resulting in high color purity and the ability to reproduce a vibrant, wide color gamut. 

Key features of this display system include:

1. Wide Color Gamut Performance: The system covers over 99% of the DCI-P3 color space and about 90% of the ITU-R BT.2020 standard, ensuring enhanced color reproduction.   
2. Advanced Backlight Control Technology: Sony's proprietary technology allows for precise control of light gradation, enabling subtle hues and detailed shading across the entire brightness range. This is particularly beneficial for cinematic productions, where accurate color representation is crucial for conveying narrative expression.

Accurate Color Reproduction by a Dedicated Control Processor

​By individually controlling the brightness of the densely packed RGB LEDs, it is possible to render bright areas vividly without white clipping and to delicately depict the nuances of light in dark areas without black crushing. Additionally, the display system is equipped with approximately twice the processing power and pixel correction technology compared to conventional local dimming processing, allowing the reproduction of subtle color differences and accurate colors without color shifts.

The display system aims to enhance film production and home viewing experiences, aligning with Sony's commitment to supporting creators through professional-grade monitors used for color grading and reference. Mass production of this new display system is set to begin in 2025, with plans for integration into consumer televisions and displays for content creation.

On this week’s show we asked three different AI LLMs “What is the best home theater projector for less than $5000?”. And we sort of got an answer.  We also read your emails and look at the week’s news.

News:

• Streamers doing a better job of winning back departed viewers
• Fox execs give new details regarding forthcoming streamer
• SiriusXM Slashes Jobs Again as Satellite Focus Sharpens Amid Subscriber Woes

Other:

• NAB Petitions FCC to Shut Down ATSC 1.0 - The End of OTA TV?
• JMGO
• JMGO N1S Ultimate

We asked three different AI LLMs “What is the best home theater projector for less than $5000?”. And we sort of got an answer. 

Chat GPT

When looking for the best home theater projector under $5,000, several factors come into play, such as picture quality, brightness, resolution, and features like smart capabilities. As of my last knowledge update in October 2023, here are some of the top options within this budget:

Epson Home Cinema 5050UB (MSRP $3000 Direct from Epson)

• Resolution: 4K PRO-UHD (upscaled)
• Brightness: 2,600 lumens
• Contrast Ratio: 1,000,000:1
• Features: HDR support, motorized lens settings, and a wide color gamut. It provides exceptional picture quality, especially for films in dark rooms.

Google Gemini

It's impossible to definitively say which is the "best" projector for you without knowing your specific needs and preferences. However, I can offer some great options in the $5,000 range.

To help me recommend the perfect projector for you, tell me:

• What size is your screen? 
• How far away will you be sitting from the screen?
• What resolution do you prefer (1080p, 4K)?
• Do you need 3D capability?
• What type of content will you be watching most often (movies, gaming, sports)?
• Do you have any specific features you are looking for (HDR, high refresh rate)?

Once I have this information, I can give you a more personalized recommendation. 

In the meantime, here are some popular projectors in the $5,000 range:

For 4K and high brightness:

• Sony VPL-VW270ES (this is a discontinued model): Offers excellent image quality, high brightness, and HDR capabilities. 
• JVC DLA-N5 ($6500!): Known for its black levels and contrast ratio, perfect for dark rooms.

For budget-friendly 4K:

• Epson Home Cinema 5050UB (MSRP $3000 Direct from Epson):  A great option for those looking for a solid 4K projector at a lower price point.

For bright rooms:

• BenQ TK850 (this is a discontinued model):  A powerful projector with high brightness and DLP technology, ideal for rooms with ambient light. 

I look forward to helping you find the perfect projector for your home theater! 

For fun I later updated my query with the following.

What is the best home theater projector for less than $5000? More parameters to consider:

• 100” Screen size
• Seating will be 15 feet away
• I need 4K with HDR.
• I do not need 3D Capability
• I watch an even mix of TV, Movies, and Sports

Gemini responded with a list of four projectors and a summary. The following is the summary:

Based on your requirements, the BenQ TK850 or the Optoma UHD380X (Also unavailable) are excellent options. They offer a balance of 4K resolution, HDR support, and good brightness levels within your budget. It's recommended to read reviews and compare them to see which aligns better with your specific needs. Good luck with your projector hunt!

Grok 3

Based on the available information and critical evaluation of projector options, the Epson Home Cinema LS11000 ($4000 from Projector People) stands out as the best home theater projector under $5,000. 

Here's why:

This projector offers a compelling combination of high-end performance and features, making it ideal for creating a cinematic experience at home. It uses a laser light source, which provides consistent brightness (rated at 2,500 lumens) and a long lifespan of up to 20,000 hours, eliminating the need for frequent lamp replacements. Its 4K resolution is achieved through pixel-shifting technology, delivering sharp, detailed images that rival more expensive native 4K projectors. The LS11000 also excels in color accuracy, with excellent out-of-the-box performance, and supports HDR10, HLG, and HDR10+ for vibrant, dynamic visuals. Its high contrast ratio (up to 1,200,000:1) ensures deep blacks and excellent shadow detail, crucial for movie watching in dark environments.

Additionally, the LS11000 is versatile, with features like motorized lens shift, zoom, and focus, making it easy to set up in various room configurations. It performs well in both dark home theaters and rooms with moderate ambient light, thanks to its brightness. While it lacks 3D support and built-in smart features like Wi-Fi or streaming apps, these are minor trade-offs for its price point, as you can easily add a streaming device.

Compared to alternatives like the LG GRU510N, which offers higher brightness (5,000 lumens) but lower contrast and less refined color accuracy, or the Epson Home Cinema 5050UB, which is dimmer and uses a lamp instead of a laser, the LS11000 strikes the best balance of performance, value, and longevity. High-end native 4K projectors from brands like Sony or JVC, while excellent, exceed the $5,000 budget, making the LS11000 a top choice for enthusiasts seeking premium quality without breaking the bank.

Keep in mind that to achieve the best results, you'll need a quality projector screen and a sound system, as the LS11000 lacks robust built-in speakers. Also, consider your room's lighting conditions—while it handles some ambient light, it performs best in a controlled, darker environment.

This was a fun exercise which had mixed results. In the end you have to do the work yourself and like Google Gemini says find one that fits your specific needs and preferences. In other words, AI is not taking over the world any time soon.

On this week’s show we review ten innovations we feel had the most impact on how we consume entertainment in our homes. We also read your emails and take a look at the week's news.

News:

• DIRECTV STREAM introduces new slimmed-down channel plans
• Sling TV loses 50,000 subscribers to close out 2024
• Amazon Announces Plans To Unveil New Alexa Devices in 2025
• Phillips expands its Roku TV range with a $1,300 65-inch OLED

Other:

• Friendly TV  
• 15" Pix-Star Digital Frame
• Skylight Digital Frame

Over the last decade, several innovations have significantly transformed the home theater experience. This week we will review ten innovations we feel had the most impact on how we consume entertainment in our homes.

1. 4K HDR and 8K Resolution - The proliferation of 4K UHD content, along with High Dynamic Range (HDR) technology, has improved visual quality significantly, providing more vivid colors and enhanced contrast.
2. Three-Dimensional Sound - Unlike traditional surround sound systems that rely on channels (e.g., 5.1 or 7.1 setups), object-based audio allows sound designers to place sounds as individual objects in a 3D space. This results in a more immersive audio experience, making viewers feel as if sound is coming from all around them, including overhead.
3. Streaming Devices and Services - The rise of smart TVs and streaming devices has made it easier to access a vast library of content without the need for physical media, further enhancing the home theater experience.
4. Flexible Speaker Configuration - Users are no longer limited to a fixed number of speakers. With object-based audio, systems can scale from simple soundbars to complex multi-speaker setups, adapting to the room's acoustics and the viewer's preferences.
5. Enhanced Content Availability - Many streaming services and Blu-ray discs now offer content mixed in Atmos or similar formats, increasing the accessibility of high-quality audio experiences.
6. Home Theater Integration - The growth of AV receivers and sound systems optimized for these formats has made it easier for consumers to integrate advanced audio technology into their home theater setups without needing extensive technical knowledge.
7. Smart Home Integration  - The integration of home theater systems with smart home devices (e.g., voice assistants, smart lighting) allows for a more personalized and convenient viewing experience.
8. Projection Technology  - Advancements in projector technology, including ultra-short throw projectors and improvements in brightness and contrast ratios, have made it possible to achieve a cinematic experience in various home sizes.
9. Advanced Room Correction - Room correction technologies have improved significantly, allowing for better sound calibration in different environments. This ensures that the audio performance is optimized for the specific acoustics of your room.
10. New Panel Technology - OLED, LED, Mini and Micro LED have not only improved the picture we look at but have brought down prices to the point where you can buy a 75” TV for a few hundred dollars. And the worst of these TVs are better than the best TVs that were available at the start of the HD revolution.

Of this list, which do you think had the biggest impact? Is there something else you felt should be on this list? Let us know.

On this week’s show we look at a Ford Motor patent that has potential implications for home entertainment. We preview a potential Homepod 3 and we finish off with a listener review of DirecTV MySports. We also read your emails and take a look at the week’s news

News:

• Bundle of Disney+, Hulu and Max Has a Strong Hold on Viewers
• NESN 360 slashing price by nearly $100 per year
• Roku Channel reveals MLB Sunday Leadoff schedule for 2025

Others:

• What Does Q Think? - YouTube

Big tech companies like Apple file patents all the time. Some of these, like Apple’s patent for an AirPods case with a built-in display, or the one for an iPhone that folds in half, could easily become products if Apple thinks they’ll make money. But sometimes, these patents outline technologies that seem impossible, or at least unlikely. Full Story … 

Apple is anticipated to launch the HomePod 3 later in 2025, marking a significant upgrade from its predecessors. Key rumored features include the introduction of a touchscreen, which could position it against competitors like Amazon and Google’s smart displays.  Full article here…

Rumored Release Date: Analysts speculate that the HomePod 3 could be unveiled in either spring or summer 2025. However, there are rumors of a possible delay to the third quarter, coinciding with Apple's WWDC.

Potential Price: No official pricing information has been released, but the current HomePod 2 retails for $299. Given the competitive landscape, analysts speculate the HomePod 3 might be priced around $249, but if bundled with accessories, the total could elevate to $499 or more.

Display and Design: The standout feature of the HomePod 3 is expected to be its 6 to 7-inch OLED display, which would function as a smart home control hub. The device is anticipated to be slightly smaller than an iPad mini and could include a FaceTime camera for video calls and possibly act as a home security camera. Additionally, the HomePod 3 may incorporate presence sensors for smart home automation and feature a new custom-made Bluetooth and Wi-Fi chip.

Interface:The Apple HomePod 3 is primarily designed as a smart home hub, with an interface focused on controlling HomeKit devices, possibly resembling the Apple TV's layout based on recent code findings. Reports suggest a strong emphasis on security, enabling users to view live feeds from compatible security cameras and interact with visitors, though compatibility with HomeKit remains limited compared to competitors. While the HomePod 3 will prioritize smart home functionality over audio, users will still be able to manage playlists. Interaction will occur through both touch and Siri voice commands for tasks like setting timers and family communication, and the integration of Apple Intelligence will enhance its smart capabilities, the specifics of which are yet to be clarified.

What We Want to See: For the HomePod 3, there are several desirable features that users would like to see, starting with a larger interface, as a 6-inch screen feels limited compared to similarly sized smart displays from Amazon that support a variety of streaming services. Users hope for an interface akin to the Echo Hub, which visually represents the layout of a home and displays smart devices in their respective rooms for easier interaction. Additionally, an ambient mode that showcases images from Apple Photos would allow the device to function as a digital photo frame when not in use for controlling smart home devices. If Apple Intelligence is a prominent feature, it is desired that users can create smart home routines effortlessly, such as setting commands to turn on lights and play music simultaneously upon unlocking the front door. Updates regarding the HomePod 3 will follow as more information arises.

Listener Quincy of, What Does Q Think? - YouTube Channel, tried the five day trial of DirecTV’s MySports and has written us a brief review.  

I tried the 5-day trial of DTV's MySports and it's not bad, but not good enough for me to switch from YouTube TV.  Although I'm paying $84 for YTTV against the 3-month promo price of $50 for DTV, I still love the convenience of YTTV.

I won't bore you with a long essay, but in a nutshell I'll list some of my pros/cons.

MySports Pros: 

• The Sports Central section gives you nothing but sports-related material.  
• You can set your favorite teams and easily follow/record their games as well as hide the scores to avoid spoilers.
• You also get all of the DTV free streaming channels, so there are over 100 channels available at sign-up (from what I've heard. I didn't count).  
• You can get 3 months at $49.99/mo. before it goes to the regular price.  Last day for the promo is 2/28.
• Unlimited DVR will keep your programming for up to 9 months.
• Two free 4K sports channels.

MySports Cons: 

• The two free 4K sports channels only offer a game or two per week.  Some of them require a subscription to another package.
• I was only offered two local stations (FOX and NBC), so I have to rely on other apps in order to get ABC and CBS programming.  
• The screen layout is not bad, but I still see a lot of non-sports stuff on the home page.  You have to go to the Sports Central section to get away from most of that.
• You can only do a Season Pass/Wishlist for teams in men's sports.  I tried to set a season pass for a women's college basketball team and a WNBA team and it forced me to record the entire league instead of just one specific team.
• It doesn't have Key Plays/Rapid Replay options to speed you through highlights to catch up to live TV for games.
• It would only allow me to fast-forward 15 seconds at a time instead of a continuous fast-forward other programs give you when you hold down the FF button.

I just felt like I was stepping back into the past by switching to MySports, so I decided against it.  Hopefully, they'll improve and modernize their features a bit.  Although YouTube TV has its faults and a high price, as a sports fan, I love the Key Plays and the ease in finding any sports team or event and setting a season pass/wishlist.

-Quincy

Ridgeland, Mississippi

On this week’s show we look at the Top 5 Home Theater Projectors in the $1K - $3K price range. This list is compiled by the Projector Central website. We also read your emails and take a look at the week’s news.

News:

• YouTube TV likely to lose Paramount-owned channels
• Netflix finally decides to play nice and support the Apple TV app
• MyFree DIRECTV adds 6 new channels with news and sports from Disney

The $1,000 to $2,999 price bracket is the sweet spot for home theater projectors, with high-value 4K UHD models featuring HDR playback starting at around $1,500. Projectors at the higher end of this range will add things like a longer zoom lens or greater lens shift capability for better placement flexibility, and sometimes improved contrast and black level. 

This list is taken from the Projector Central website. They have the top ten but we are only going through the top five. The Full List  is available on our website. 

How the list is generated:

This list is not curated by our editorial staff and is generated by constantly monitoring the web traffic to our comprehensive projector database, our price-quote engine, our widely-used projector throw calculator, and our editorial product coverage and reviews to gauge which projectors are generating the most buzz and sales activity.

#1 BenQ TK700STi 

• Resolution: 3840x2160 DLP
• Brightness: 3000 Lumens (ANSI)1
• Light Source: Lamp
• Throw Distance: 6'-6" — 7'-10" at Image Size:  100"
• $1,699
• May 2021 Model

 #2 BenQ TK710STi

• Resolution: 3840x2160 DLP
• Brightness: 3200 Lumens (ANSI)1
• Light Source: Laser
• Throw Distance: 5'-0" — 6'-0" at Image Size:  100"
• $1,999
• Jun 2024 Model

#3  BenQ TK710

• Resolution: 3840x2160 DLP
• Brightness: 3200 Lumens (ANSI)1
• Light Source: Laser
• Throw Distance: 8'-4" — 10'-11" at Image Size: 100"
• $1,799
• Jun 2024 Model

 #4 BenQ W2720i

• Resolution: 3840x2160 DLP
• Brightness: 2500 Lumens (ANSI)1
• Light Source: LED
• Throw Distance: 7'-3" — 9'-5" at Image Size: 100"
• $1,999
• Jan 2025 Model

#5  Optoma GT2000HDR

• Resolution: 1920x1080 DLP
• Brightness: 3500 Lumens (ANSI)1
• Light Source: Laser
• Throw Distance: 3'-7" at Image Size:  100" 
• $1,199
• Jun 2023 Model

On this week’s show we have a review of the Audioengine B1 Next Gen Bluetooth Music Receiver and we take a look at how Streaming impacts viewing on top network shows. We also read your emails and take a look at the week’s news.

News:

• Panasonic is ‘prepared to sell’ its TV business
• 56% of Super Bowl LIX Viewers Expected to Stream Event
• Tubi had the fastest Super Bowl streaming experience
• YouTube Viewership On TV Screens Exceeds Mobile For First Time In U.S.

I recently upgraded my audio setup with the new Audioengine B1 Next Gen Bluetooth Music Receiver ($189 direct from Audioengine), because I like buying stuff! The previous model served me well but has gotten a bit long in the… wait for it, Bluetooth. 

Like the previous version, the Next Gen turns any wired stereo receiver or powered speaker system into a wireless one. The high-fidelity audio is outstanding, there is support for 16, 24, or even 32-bit quality with the advanced Bluetooth 5.3 and aptX Adaptive support. One cool feature is that the indicator light on the front panel turns orange when you have an aptX connection, so you know at a glance that you are listening at the highest fidelity. I had to borrow my brother-in-law’s android phone to test this out. Apple, why won’t you give me aptX?? 

The music sounded excellent. I did my best to A/B with the original B1 using AAC vs the next gen B1 using aptX listening to music I am intimately familiar with. It was hard to hear any major improvement. I could convince myself there was an improvement only after listening to specific parts of a track multiple times. Practically speaking, it really won’t matter. If you currently own the previous B1 I would recommend skipping this upgrade unless you stream from long distances. More on that in a bit.  With that said, the high bitrate AAC files on the new B1 sounded excellent and I did not have too much aptX envy. 

Another impressive feature is the long-range connectivity. The specification says it will maintain a connection 100 feet away without any drop in sound quality. I walked to all corners of my house behind multiple doors, and could not break the connection. This is a big improvement over the original and is nice if you are responsible for the music at a get-together and you walk around the house chatting with your guests. 

The inclusion of both RCA and Optical output options means you can easily integrate it into any existing audio setup. The B1 has a sturdy aluminum housing and the fact that you don't need any special software makes setup a breeze! 

The Audioengine B1 is a recommended product for anyone looking to elevate their wired audio experience with wireless streaming. 

It’s a pretty well-established fact that streaming has a sizable effect on ratings for shows that originate on broadcast networks. A new batch of data from Nielsen for this season shows just how big that impact can be. Full article here…

On this week’s show we look at seven rules for your home security cameras and five TV innovations that will have the biggest effect on future TVs. We also read your emails and take a look at the week’s news.

News:

• ESPN just had its best ratings month in a decade
• DIRECTV STREAM’s MySports Package Expands to 187 Markets Ahead of Super Bowl LIX
• Disney+ sheds 700k subscribers, but still makes a profit

Whether you're installing a new camera or repositioning an existing one, these tips will help you optimize performance and prevent potential issues. Full Article Here…

1. Avoid obstructions (even future obstructions) 
2. Windows can also be an obstruction 
3. Try not to surveil the great blue yonder 
4. Cameras near vents or heaters are at risk 
5. Blind spots aren't the most vulnerable areas 
6. Privacy and surveillance can be tricky 
7. Don't (accidentally) spy on your neighbors 

These are five Innovations at CES 2025 that will have the biggest effect on the best OLED TVs and best mini-LED TVs in the future. According to Matt Bolton at TVTechnology.com

1. RGB Backlighting (Micro LED)
2. Four-Stack OLED
3. Wireless Connection Boxes
4. On-Device AI That’s Actually Useful
5. Ultra-Precise Backlight Lenses

On this week’s show we run down the Nielsen ARTEY Awards which measures and rams shows based on total viewing minutes. We also read your emails and take a look at the week’s news.

News:

• Matter will be better in 2025
• Apple's new HomePod with iPad-like display reportedly launching this year
• Netflix Ads To Hit $4B

Other:

• TCL 98" Class - Q672 Series - 4K UHD QLED LCD TV - Allstate 3-Year Protection Plan Bundle Included for 5 Years of Total Coverage*

For the 2024 ARTEYS, we focused solely on streaming programs, which are measured and ranked based on total viewing minutes. Within streaming, there are many different content types. We recognized the following:

• Top New Streaming Original Series
• Top Overall Streaming Programs
• Most Binged Streaming Title
• ARTEY Legacy Award

The ARTEY Awards for Top New Streaming Original Series recognize streaming titles in drama, comedy and unscripted genres that were introduced in 2024 and received the most viewing.

Top New Original Drama Series

ARTEY WINNER: Fallout, Prime Video, 11.95 billion minutes (8.3/10 IMDB)

Prime Video’s sci-fi-action-drama Fallout debuted on the platform in April and racked up 2.9 billion viewing minutes in its first few days of release. It accumulated nearly 12 billion total viewing minutes throughout the rest of the year, ultimately placing fifth among all streaming originals in 2024. Fallout, which only has eight episodes in its first season, was also the fifth most-watched streaming original among adults 18-34.

RUNNER-UP: Fool Me Once, Netflix, 10.89 billion minutes (6.8/10 IMDB)

Top New Original Comedy Series

ARTEY WINNER: Nobody Wants This, Netflix, 4.90 billion minutes (7.9/10 IMDB)

Netflix rom-com Nobody Wants This enjoyed three weeks atop Nielsen’s streaming charts following its release in late September, and went on to accumulate nearly 5 billion minutes through the end of year. While the show’s audience skewed toward women (69%), it was fairly balanced from an age perspective, coming in at 51% adults 18-49 and 43% adults 50+.

RUNNER UP: A Man on the Inside, Netflix, 2.94 billion minutes (7.9/10 IMDB)

ARTEY WINNER: American Nightmare, Netflix, 3.57 billion minutes (7.5/10 IMDB)

This Netflix true-crime docuseries premiered on the platform with three episodes in January 2024. American Nightmare drove more than 1 billion viewing minutes in its opening week, and its viewing total reached over 3.5 billion throughout the year. The docuseries resonated most with women who made up 62% of the audience, as well as younger adult viewers, as 56% of the audience fell into the 18-49 age range.

RUNNER UP: Unlocked: A Jail Experiment, Netflix, 2.50 billion minutes (7.1/10 IMDB)

2024 Top Overall Streaming Programs

These ARTEY Awards recognize the most-watched streaming titles of the year across original series, acquired series, movies and overall.

Top Overall Streaming Title & Top Acquired Series

ARTEY WINNER: Bluey, 55.62 billion viewing minutes on Disney+ (9.3/10 IMDB)

The ARTEY for Top Overall Streaming Title of 2024 goes to the Australian animated series Bluey, which put up over 55.6 billion minutes of watch time on Disney+, with 43% of its massive viewing total attributable to kids 2-11. 

RUNNER UP: Grey’s Anatomy, 47.85 billion viewing minutes on Hulu and Netflix (7.6/10 IMDB)

Top Streaming Original Series

ARTEY WINNER: Bridgerton, Netflix, 21.42 billion viewing minutes (7.6/10 IMDB)

The ARTEY for Top Streaming Original Series in 2024 goes to Netflix’s Bridgerton, which posted over 21 billion viewing minutes in 2024. Netflix released eight new episodes between May and June, which accounted for 56% of Bridgerton’s viewing total. In terms of its performance in Nielsen’s Streaming Top 10, Bridgerton has 11 appearances at No. 1 overall, tying fellow Netflix original series Ozark for the most first place weeks for any streaming original.

RUNNER UP: Love Is Blind, Netflix, 16.45 billion viewing minutes (6.2/10 IMDB)

Top Streaming Movie

ARTEY WINNER: Moana, 13.03 billion minutes viewed on Disney+ (7.6/10 IMDB)

With over 13 billion viewing minutes accumulated on Disney+ in 2024, Moana finished as the most-watched streaming movie for a second consecutive year. The Disney favorite exhibited a bump in viewership towards the end of the year that coincided with the theatrical release of its sequel, Moana 2. This marks Moana’s most-streamed year ever and solidifies it as the most-streamed movie since 2020.

RUNNER UP: The Super Mario Bros. Movie, 11.72 billion minutes viewed on Netflix (7.0/10 IMDB)

Most-Binged Title

For this category, we examined streaming titles with extensive libraries (50+ episodes) and limited the calculations to viewers who had spent at least one episode’s worth of time with the show (20 min. or longer). While half-hour programs tend to be more binge-able, the level of dedication from audiences in viewing to programs across the board was astonishing.

ARTEY WINNER: The Big Bang Theory, 265.5 episodes per viewer on Max (8.1/10 IMDB)

The Big Bang Theory has a total of 281 episodes available on Max, and dedicated viewers averaged just over 265 episodes each over the course of the year! (Note, this does not mean they watched 265 unique episodes, just that they spent the equivalent of 265 episodes worth of time). This put the show head and shoulders above the competition for the bingeing crown. Coming in at No. 7 overall among this year’s top streaming titles, Big Bang tallied 29.1 billion minutes in 2024, 58% of which were driven by adults 18-49.

RUNNER UP: American Dad!, 175.3 episodes per viewer on Hulu (7.4/10 IMDB)

Legacy Award

The ARTEY Legacy Award recognizes enduring, timeless programs that continue to entertain and captivate audiences today.

ARTEY WINNER: Little House on the Prairie, 13.25 billion minutes on Peacock (7.5/10 IMDB)

Little House on the Prairie celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2024, having aired on NBC from 1974 to 1983. Whether it was nostalgia surrounding the anniversary milestone or the appeal of westerns among TV viewers, the show earned 13.3 billion minutes of viewing time on Peacock across the year. Adults 35-64 accounted for 63% of Little House’s overall viewing total, and it over-indexed among Black viewers, which comprised over 17% of its total viewership.

ARTEY WINNER: Gunsmoke, 10.23 billion minutes on Peacock / Paramount+ (8.1/10 IMDB)

On this week’s show we talk about what we are watching, how we prefer to watch it and what we’d like to see developed for our home theaters. We also read your emails and take a look at the week’s news.

News:

• Prime Video has largest market share of U.S. streaming customers
• Netflix Projected To Top $3.2B In Ad Revenue This Year
• ‘Ted Lasso’ star drops tantilizing hint about the show’s return
• Netflix announces price hikes for all US streaming plans

Other:

• What Does Q Think?
• onn. 98” Class 4K UHD (2160P) LED Roku Smart Television

Braden

• Netflix - The Gentlemen, Lincoln Lawyer, American Primeval (Not yet watching: Squid Game, The Recruit, The Night Agent)
• Amazon - Cross, Hotel Cocaine (MGM+), 
• Peacock - The Day of the Jackal, Treadstone
• Paramount+ - The Agency, Tulsa King, Joe Picket, Lioness
• AppleTV+ - Silo, Bad Monkey, Slow Horses, Dark Matter, Black Bird, The Crowded Room (Not yet watching: Severance)
• Hulu - The Old Man

Ara

• Netflix - A Man Inside 
• Hulu -  Interior Chinatown, Only Murders in the Building 
• Paramount+ - NCIS Origins 
• ABC -  Shifting Gears 
• Peacock - The Way Home

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

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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