On this week’s show we take a look at why people are not upgrading their set top boxes and we read your emails and take a look at the week’s news.

News: 

• Samsung Develops Cheaper Method Of QLED Panel Production
• Netflix puts more ads on originals than licensed titles
• Vizio TVs will now be sold exclusively at Walmart
• Classic Looney Tunes Cartoons Will Move to Tubi After Leaving HBO Max

We are big fans of streaming devices for a bunch of reasons like; they have the latest hardware so streamers can take advantage and give you higher quality. Or apps are updated more frequently, Or even that you can have identical experience across different manufacturers. Regardless of why we love them, a recent report by Cord Cutters News, said that devices like Roku, Amazon’s Fire TV, Apple TV, and Google TV aren’t flying off the shelves this year. So, what’s behind this? 

Why Skip the Upgrade?

Well it may be that your 2022 Fire TV Stick is still streaming “Stranger Things” in glorious 4K, or maybe that your Roku Smart TV hasn’t missed a beat with the latest Disney+ releases. According to Cord Cutters News, the majority of Americans are saying, “Why fix what ain’t broke?” The survey reveals that many are perfectly happy with their current streaming devices, which continue to deliver Netflix, Hulu, and more without a hitch.

There is also an opportunity cost that spending $50–$150 streaming gadget means they may have to give up a streaming service. “Consumers are realizing last year’s Roku or Fire Stick still streams 4K just fine. Unless there’s a major leap in features, there’s little incentive to upgrade.” So, if your device is still slinging episodes of “The Bear” without buffering, why shell out for a new one?

What’s Holding People Back?

1. Device Longevity: Unlike some consumer electronics, which seem to demand upgrades every couple of years, streaming devices are built to last. Companies like Roku, Amazon, and Apple push regular software updates, keeping older models compatible with new apps and features. For example, a 2019 Roku Smart TV can still handle the latest streaming services like a champ. 
2. Market Saturation: The numbers don’t lie. Over 80% of U.S. households already own a smart TV or streaming media player, according to 2024 stats from Statista. For many, it’s not about “needing” a new device—it’s about whether they want the hassle of setting up another one. If your living room is already equipped with a streaming stick or smart TV, adding another gadget might feel like overkill.
3. Cost vs. Benefit: For some setting up a new streaming device means re-entering Wi-Fi passwords, logging into apps, and maybe even dealing with a new remote. For most folks, the minor perks of a newer model (slightly faster processor? Shinier interface?) don’t justify the cost or effort.

What’s Next for Streaming Devices?

If Americans aren’t rushing to buy new streaming devices, what’s the game plan for companies like Roku, Amazon, Apple, and Google? They’ll need to get creative to get us to upgrade. Here are a few possibilities:

• Software Innovations: Expect a bigger focus on user interfaces, Better more relevant content recommendations, or even augmented reality for interactive viewing. 
• Bundling Deals: To entice satisfied users, companies might offer sweeteners like a free Fire TV Stick with a new smart TV or a discounted Apple TV+ subscription with a new device. 
• Exclusive Content: “Roku and Amazon are likely to double down on exclusive content or partnerships to make their devices more appealing, even to satisfied users.” It’s all about giving us a reason to upgrade when we’re already content.

Takeaways

So, what’s the bottom line? If you’re one of the many Americans skipping the streaming device upgrade in 2025, you’re in good company. Your current Roku, Fire TV, or Apple TV is likely still performing well, thanks to solid hardware and regular updates. But keep an eye out for deals or game-changing features—like faster processors, better voice controls, or exclusive content—that might make an upgrade worth it.

On this episode of the Rewind show we go back to July 23rd 2010 where we read your emails,  look at a news story or two, discuss how to pick an AV Receiver and why Bluray was not selling like hotcakes.

On this week’s show we look at what the posters at AVS forum have spent on their home theaters and we look at the Roku Secret Menu options. We also read your emails and take a look at the week’s news.

News:

• Belkin plans to power down Wemo support in 2026 
• Netflix Sees Rapid Q2 Subscriber Gains
• Broadcast TV hits historical viewership low in June

Roku devices have hidden menus for advanced users, offering diagnostic tools, customization options, and more. Full article at ZD Net - Your Roku has secret menus and settings here's how to access them. Here's how to access them using your Roku remote:

1. Developer Settings

• How to Access: Home × 3 > Up × 2 > Right > Left > Right > Left > Right
• What It Does: For developers to test apps on Roku. Enables app installation, sideloading, and Roku account management.

2. Network Menu

• How to Access: Home × 5 > Right > Left > Right > Left > Right
• What It Does: View IP/MAC addresses, check internet connection, join networks, and toggle bandwidth-saver mode.

3. Wireless Secret Screen

• How to Access: Home × 5 > Up > Down > Up > Down > Up
• What It Does: Displays signal strength, antenna info, and error logs. Run AP speed tests or clear Wi-Fi settings.

4. Reset & Update

• How to Access: Home × 5 > Fast Forward × 3 > Rewind × 2
• What It Does: Factory reset, soft reset, search for updates, and USB port tests.

5. Ads & Screenshots

• How to Access: Home × 5 > Up > Right > Down > Left > Up
• What It Does: Control scrollable ads, disable screensaver ads, and adjust screenshot output formats.

6. HDMI Secret Screen

• How to Access: Home × 5 > Down > Left > Up × 3
• What It Does: View supported resolutions, refresh rates, HDR settings, switch inputs, and run input tests.

7. Platform Secret Screen

• How to Access: Home × 5 > Fast Forward > Play/Pause > Rewind > Play/Pause > Fast Forward
• What It Does: Displays CPU, memory usage, remote diagnostics, IPv6 settings, and remote logs.

8. Channel Info Menu

• How to Access: Home × 3 > Up × 2 > Left > Right > Left > Right > Left
• What It Does: View installed channel versions and build numbers. Uninstall apps directly from this screen.

9. Reboot Shortcut

• How to Access: Home × 5 > Up > Rewind × 2 > Fast Forward × 2
• What It Does: Quick reboot without accessing menus. Roku restarts immediately.

Tips and Warnings  

• Use these menus cautiously; some actions (e.g., factory reset) are irreversible.  
• Not all menus work on every Roku model (e.g., older devices or specific models like the Roku Smart Soundbar).  
• To exit, press the Home button.  
• For additional settings, explore the standard Settings menu or enable developer mode via Roku’s website for app sideloading.

Note: Always back up important settings before experimenting.

On this week’s show we design a high end home theater but one that is within reason because we are not going to spend your money just for the sake of spending money. We also read your emails and the week’s news.

News:

• Max Officially Changes Its Name Back to HBO Max
• Apple reportedly in pursuit of Formula 1 rights
• Streaming Subscriptions May Get Tougher to Cancel
• LG Debuts Wireless OLED Evo M5

Other:

• PWAYTEK Smart TV LED Backlight with HDMI
• New Balance - Saturday Night Live
• Nike Women's Ad - SNL

We have designed a budget based home theater system before so for this episode we decided to design a money is no object system. This high-end home theater system is centered around an 85" television and a 7.1.2 speaker configuration, optimized for premium performance since budget is not a constraint. We prioritize audio-visual quality, immersive surround sound, and aesthetic integration for a luxurious home theater experience. The room size for this theoretical theater is 15 X 20 feet or approximately 4.5 x 6 Meters. Note that some of these items are listed on our Amazon Influencer Store Front where we make a commission on the sales. 

Television Samsung QN90D 85" Neo QLED 4K TV

This 2025 model offers exceptional brightness (up to 2,000 nits), deep blacks with Mini LED technology, and a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth motion. Quantum HDR 64X enhances color and contrast, ideal for cinematic viewing. Its slim design and anti-glare coating suit various lighting conditions. Price: $2,300

Features:

•     4K Ultra HD with Quantum Dot technology
•     Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support
•     Built-in smart platform for streaming (Netflix, Disney+, etc.)
•     4 HDMI 2.1 ports for gaming and external devices

Edit - after this week’s announcement by LG we are changing this to the 83 inch LG OLED evo M5 series that costs about $8,750. 

AV Receiver  Marantz Cinema 30 

This 11.4 channel receiver delivers 140W per channel, supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Auro-3D, and handles 8K/60Hz passthrough. Sound Master Tuned & Calibrated For You.

Powerful calibration and tuning tools are included, enabling you to get the best performance from your system. Price: $4,475

Features:

• 11 amplified channels (7.1.2 natively)
• HDMI eARC for lossless audio
• Advanced room correction for optimal sound

Front Left/Right Speakers: Bowers & Wilkins 702 S3 (Pair)

These floor-standing speakers deliver crystal-clear highs and robust mids with 6" midrange drivers and carbon dome tweeters. Their 200W power handling ensures dynamic sound for movies and music. Price: $7,000/pair

Center Speaker: Bowers & Wilkins HTM71 S3

From the same family of the 702 S3. For clear dialogue and seamless soundstage integration. Its dual 6.5" woofers and carbon dome tweeter handle complex audio with precision. Price: $2,500

Surround Speakers (4): Bowers & Wilkins 705 S3 (2 pairs)

These bookshelf speakers provide immersive surround effects with compact footprints. Their 5" midrange and tweeter design ensures clarity for side and rear channels. Price: $3,000/pair (x2 = $6,000)

Height/Atmos Speakers (2): Bowers & Wilkins CCM7.3 S2 In-Ceiling Speakers

These in-ceiling speakers are designed for Dolby Atmos, delivering precise overhead effects with a 3-way design (tweeter, midrange, and dual woofers). They blend discreetly into the ceiling for a clean aesthetic. Price: $2,000/pair

Subwoofer: SVS SB-5000

This sealed subwoofer delivers deep, controlled bass down to 17Hz with a 2,000W RMS amplifier. Its DSP control and mobile app allow fine-tuning for room acoustics. Price: $2,000

Media Player - So this is where we get in trouble. Logic would say Kaleidescape since money is no object. But our recommendations Ara- Apple TV 4K $250  Braden - Roku Ultra $130 get you all you would need plus you can load your streamers, IPTV services, and automation controls. All with near perfect picture and sound quality.

Acoustic Treatments - GIK Acoustics Panels and Bass Traps

To optimize sound quality, acoustic panels reduce echo, and bass traps control low-frequency buildup. Custom designs can match room decor. Price: $2,000-$3,000 (depending on room size and coverage)

Seating: Salamander Designs Synergy Home Theater Seating (4 seats)

Premium leather recliners with motorized adjustments, built-in cup holders, and USB charging. Configurable for tiered rows in a dedicated theater room. Price: $8,000 for 4 seats

TV Stand/Mount: Salamander Designs Archetype System

Sleek, modular design supports an 85" TV with cable management and space for components. Wall-mount option available for a floating look. Price: $1,500-$2,000

Control System:

Here we are going with a Crestron System with installation. These systems can cost as much as $100K for a large home. But for our modest yet high end system we are allocating $10K for the theater area. 

Cabling and Power:

No need for super expensive cables even though money is no object. Afterall, we didn’t make all this money by throwing it away! We are allocating $1000 for monoprice cables and good power conditioners like  the Furman Elite-15 PF i

Total Estimated Cost:

• TV: $2,300 or $8,750 for the LG M5
• AV Receiver: $4,475
• Speakers: $17,500 ($7,000 + $2,500 + $6,000 + $2,000)
• Subwoofer: $2,000
• Media Player: $250
• Acoustic Treatments: $2,500
• Seating: $8,000
• TV Stand/Mount: $1,750
• Control System: 10,000
• Cabling/Power: $1,000

Total before installation: $49,775 or $56,225 for the LG

Total including Installation and calibration of $15,000: $64775 or $71,225 for the LG

On this week’s show we take a first look at the proposed HDMI 2.2 specification. We also read your emails and take a look at the week’s news.

News:

• YouTube Once Again Dominates TV Usage In May

• SunBrite Debuts Full Sun 4K Smart TV Series

• XGIMI Releases MoGo 4 Series Projectors

• Amazon to Shutter Freevee in September 2025, Merging Content into Prime Video

The HDMI 2.2 specification, announced by the HDMI Forum at CES 2025, introduces several advanced features to support higher resolutions, refresh rates, and enhanced audio-visual performance. Below is a summary of the key features included in the HDMI 2.2 specification based on the information we have today:

Increased Bandwidth (Up to 96 Gbps):

HDMI 2.2 doubles the bandwidth of HDMI 2.1 (from 48 Gbps to 96 Gbps), enabling support for higher resolution and refresh rate combinations, as well as data-intensive applications.  This increased bandwidth supports uncompressed and compressed video formats, making it suitable for advanced applications like AR/VR, spatial reality, light field displays, medical imaging, and machine vision.

Support for Higher Resolutions and Refresh Rates:

Uncompressed Formats

1. 4K at 240 Hz and 480 Hz (4:4:4 chroma sampling, 10-bit and 12-bit color).

2. 8K at 60 Hz and 240 Hz (4:4:4 chroma sampling, 8-bit and 10-bit color).

3. 10K at 120 Hz.

4. 12K at 120 Hz.

5. 16K at 60 Hz.

Compressed Formats (using Display Stream Compression or similar):

Supports higher refresh rates like 4K at 480 Hz, 8K at 240 Hz, and 10K at 120 Hz, which require compression to achieve these rates within the bandwidth constraints.

Next-Generation Fixed Rate Link (FRL) Technology:

HDMI 2.2 introduces an advanced version of Fixed Rate Link signaling technology, optimized for better support of uncompressed content at high resolutions and refresh rates, ensuring pristine image quality and low latency

Ultra96 HDMI Cable:

A new cable type, the Ultra96 HDMI Cable, is introduced to support the full 96 Gbps bandwidth and all HDMI 2.2 features. These cables are backward compatible with older HDMI devices but are required to fully utilize HDMI 2.2's capabilities.

The Ultra96 cables are part of the HDMI Cable Certification Program, requiring testing and certification with a visible Ultra96 certification label to ensure compliance. Features low electromagnetic interference (EMI) for stable and reliable data transmission.

Latency Indication Protocol (LIP):

A new feature designed to improve audio and video “‘video synchronization, particularly in multi-hop setups involving devices like AV receivers or soundbars. LIP enhances synchronization over existing methods, reducing issues like lip-sync lag, especially for fast-paced content or gaming.

Support for Advanced Color and Chroma Formats:

Supports high-quality color spaces like BT.2020 with 10-bit, 12-bit, and 16-bit color depth. Enables uncompressed full chroma formats (e.g., 4:4:4) at high resolutions, ensuring richer colors and pristine image quality.

Additional Notes

• Availability: The HDMI 2.2 specification was announced at CES 2025, with Ultra96 cables expected to be available in Q3/Q4 2025. HDMI 2.2-compliant devices (e.g., TVs, monitors, GPUs) are expected to appear in late 2025 or 2026

• Optional Features: Like previous HDMI versions, features such as Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), Quick Frame Transport (QFT), and Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) remain optional and depend on device manufacturer implementation.

• Consumer Guidance: The Ultra96 feature name helps consumers identify cables and devices capable of supporting 64 Gbps, 80 Gbps, or 96 Gbps bandwidth, ensuring optimal performance.

On this episode of the Rewind show we go back to July 2nd 2010 where we read your emails, look at a news story or two, and discuss room acoustic treatments.

On this week’s show we take a look at some of the most popular products in our homes. And we read your emails and take a look at the week's news.

News:

• iOS 26 Brings Video Streaming to CarPlay, But There's a Catch
• Don’t Expect Netflix to Save U.S. Broadcast Networks
• HDMI Forum To Reveal New HDMI 2.2 Details At Press Briefing

Other:

• Blockbuster Be Kind Rewind T-shirt - Blue

On this week’s show we take a look at some of the most popular products in our homes.

Most Popular Devices

What is the most popular TV size in the USA

The most popular TV size in the USA is currently around 65 inches, with recent trends showing it overtaking the previously dominant 55-inch size. Data from 2021 indicates the average LCD TV screen size in North America reached approximately 55.5 inches, with expectations of further increases as larger TVs become more affordable and accessible. Consumer purchasing trends and retailer insights suggest 65-inch TVs are now the most commonly bought due to their balance of immersive viewing and suitability for typical living room spaces, with viewing distances of around 5.4 to 8.1 feet for 4K resolution.

What is the most popular TV brand in the USA

Samsung is the most popular TV brand in the USA, holding a market share of around 28-30% based on 2020-2023 data. It has been the top-selling brand for 18 consecutive years, with 30.1% of the market in 2023, driven by brand recognition, diverse price points, and dominance in both standard and premium TV segments, including a 22% share in OLED TVs. LG follows closely, with the two Korean brands combining for about 52% of the market. Vizio, TCL, and Sony also rank highly, with Sony noted for strong consumer trust and picture quality.

What is the most popular home cinema projector in the USA

The most popular home cinema projector in the USA in 2025, based on expert reviews and consumer interest, is the Epson Home Cinema 3800. It’s widely praised for its excellent balance of image quality, brightness, and value, making it a top choice for home theater enthusiasts. With strong contrast, vibrant colors, and the ability to project a sharp 4K image, it performs well in both dark and moderately lit rooms. Its affordability compared to high-end models like the Epson Home Cinema 5050UB, combined with features like two HDMI ports and easy setup, contributes to its popularity.

What is the most popular AVR

The most popular AV receiver brand in the USA is Denon, with models like the Denon AVR-X3800H and Denon AVR-X4800H frequently cited as top performers in 2024-2025 reviews. Denon’s popularity stems from its optimal price-to-quality ratio, reliable performance, and advanced features like Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and 8K HDMI support. Market data is scarce, but Denon’s dominance is evident in consumer reviews, sales rankings on sites like Best Buy, and industry reports, with Marantz (its sister brand) and Yamaha as close competitors. Denon’s models are praised for versatility, supporting setups with more than three speakers (e.g., 9.4 or 7.2.2 configurations), aligning with the 10-15% of households estimated to have such systems.

What is the most popular voice assistant product in the USA

Amazon's Alexa is the most popular voice assistant product in the USA, primarily due to its widespread integration into Amazon Echo devices and its compatibility with over 60,000 smart home devices. In 2025, Alexa has an estimated 77.6 million users in the US, trailing Google Assistant (92.4 million) and Apple's Siri (87.0 million) in total users but leading in smart home ecosystem adoption and versatility. Its popularity is driven by features like hands-free control, extensive third-party app integration, and the ability to perform tasks such as controlling smart home devices, streaming music, and shopping online. The Amazon Echo (4th Gen) is particularly noted for its sound quality and built-in Zigbee radio, enhancing its smart home capabilities.

What is the most popular video doorbell in the USA

While exact sales data is unavailable, the Ring Battery Doorbell and Ring Video Doorbell (2nd generation) are likely the most popular video doorbells in the USA in 2025. 

What is the most popular smart switch in the USA

The Lutron Caséta is the most popular for its balance of advanced features, no-neutral-wire flexibility, and rock-solid performance across smart home platforms. Its hub requirement adds cost (around $60-$100 per switch plus $80-$100 for the hub), but users value its dependability and customization options. If you’re on a budget or prefer Wi-Fi-based switches, the TP-Link Kasa models are nearly as popular due to their lower price (around $20-$40) and hub-free setup.

What is the most popular smart plug in the USA

TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Slim (EP25) frequently comes up as a top contender for indoor use due to its affordability, feature set, and wide compatibility.

On this episode of the Rewind show we go back to June 25th 2010 where we read your emails, look at a news story or two, and look at a company called Quartics and what they are up to today. 

On this week’s show we rank our favorite Streaming Services. We also read your emails and take a look at the week’s news.

News:

• More than 25% of viewers aren’t watching live TV anymore
• Tubi breaks the 100 million monthly active user mark
• Netflix to Introduce Live TV Channels in France
• NCIS: Tony & Ziva Sets September Premiere Date on Paramount+

Other:

• Panasonic DVD Recorders on ebay
• Panasonic DMR-EH75VS DVD recorder with 80GB hard drive and HiFi VCR, plus DVD video upconversion at Crutchfield
• The 10 Best DVD Recorders of 2025 (Reviews) - FindThisBest
• "It's Official: Streaming Is Now the King of TV

We received an email from a listener named Scott that pointed us to an article titled ”The Definitive Streaming Service Ranking”  written by Josh Rosenberg and published in Esquire magazine. In the article he ranks the top seven streaming services. We’ll go through his picks from seven to one. And then we’ll give our rankings.   

7 Amazon Prime Video - The main criterion for ranking streaming services is whether they offer at least one new, worthwhile show each month. Prime Video falls short, as it doesn't consistently deliver high-quality new TV content. Instead, it focuses on being a hub for accessing other subscriptions, with shows like Reacher, Fallout, and The Boys feeling like bonuses for Amazon Prime's free shipping rather than a compelling reason to subscribe for streaming alone.

6 Peacock - Peacock is a top choice for reality-TV fans, offering Bravo’s full lineup, including Real Housewives, Love Island USA, Below Deck, Top Chef, and Watch What Happens Live. It also hosts NBC’s library with classics like The Office, Parks & Recreation, New Girl, Scrubs, and Law & Order, plus Yellowstone due to an exclusive deal. Its appeal lies in its sitcom and reality-TV vault, and it’s the streaming home for the Olympics, though that’s only every two years. Fans might find it worth a high price, though it’s currently much less than $100 a month.

5 Disney/Hulu/ESPN+ - The Disney/Hulu/ESPN+ bundle is perceived as a single streaming service due to its long-standing integration, with Disney enhancing this by adding Hulu and ESPN+ tiles to the Disney+ home screen for seamless access. Each service offers unique strengths: Disney+ excels in Marvel, Star Wars, and children’s content; Hulu features FX shows like The Bear and Shōgun, plus ABC’s lineup, including Abbott Elementary; and ESPN+ remains a leader in live sports despite growing competition. Their combined appeal keeps them competitive, as they are stronger together than individually.

4 Netflix - Netflix benefits from long-term subscriber relationships, with users browsing its platform like they once did with cable TV. However, its content quality is declining, with more misses than hits. The upcoming conclusion of major shows like Squid Game and Stranger Things in 2025 could further challenge its ability to retain subscribers.

3 Paramount+ - Paramount+ benefits from Taylor Sheridan's popular shows like Yellowstone, Landman, and 1923, and its merger with Showtime has brought quality series such as MobLand and Yellowjackets. However, the streaming service struggles to justify its subscription cost as essential, with its success hinging on the delivery of Sheridan's planned spin-off universe.

2 Apple TV+ - Apple TV+ has significantly improved its content in 2025, with successful shows like Severance season 2, The Studio (Seth Rogen), Your Friends and Neighbors (Jon Hamm), and Stick (Owen Wilson). Previously, subscribing only for specific shows was advisable, but now, due to consistent high-quality releases with A-list talent, keeping the subscription active is recommended. If this trend continues, Apple TV+ will remain a strong competitor in the streaming market.

1 HBO Max - HBO tops the power ranking due to its consistent delivery of high-quality TV shows that justify the subscription cost. With a business model focused on quality since its launch over 50 years ago, HBO has aired acclaimed series like The Pitt, The White Lotus, The Last of Us, The Rehearsal, and Hacks in the first half of 2025. Its extensive library includes some of the greatest shows and movies, such as Goodfellas. While Netflix prioritizes quantity, HBO Max excels in quality.

Can you believe Betamax turns 50 this month? On this week’s show we look at how the VCR changed the entertainment industry and gave us a reason to build our home theaters. We also read emails and take a look at the week’s news.

News:

• YouTube Is Swallowing TV Whole, and It’s Coming for the Sitcom
• Roku adds more premium features to its own line of midrange TVs

Other:

• Philips Hue Play HDMI sync box 8K
• Cosm

In the late 1970s, the arrival of the Video Cassette Recorder (VCR) sparked a seismic shift in entertainment, as detailed in a recent Hollywood Reporter feature. Initially met with skepticism by studios fearing piracy, the VCR became a cultural juggernaut, reshaping how audiences consumed media and how Hollywood operated. By 1987, home video revenue surpassed theatrical box office earnings, with VHS tapes turning movies like Top Gun into cultural touchstones that families could own and rewatch endlessly. 

The VCR democratized access to films, birthing the video rental industry—think Blockbuster’s neon-lit aisles—and empowering consumers to curate their viewing experiences. It also gave studios a lucrative new revenue stream, with tapes priced high for rentals before dropping for mass ownership. Yet, the technology wasn’t without flaws: tracking issues, bulky machines, and the dread of “Be Kind, Rewind” defined the era. 

Beyond movies, the VCR enabled niche content to thrive, from fitness tapes to obscure genres, while fueling Hollywood’s sequel-driven franchises. As The Hollywood Reporter notes, the VCR’s legacy endures in today’s streaming wars, where on-demand viewing owes its roots to those clunky cassettes. The VCR didn’t just change Hollywood—it rewired how we connect with stories.

Here are some fun facts about the VCR (Video Cassette Recorder):

• First Commercial VCR: The Ampex VRX-1000, introduced in 1956, was the first commercially available VCR. It cost around $50,000 (equivalent to over $500,000 today) and was primarily used by TV studios, not homes.
• Home VCRs Arrived Late: The first consumer VCR, the Philips N1500, hit the market in 1972 in the UK. It was pricey (around £400, or $4,000 today) and could only record for about an hour.
• Format Wars: The 1970s saw a fierce battle between Sony’s Betamax (1975) and JVC’s VHS (1976). VHS won due to longer recording times (up to 4 hours vs. Betamax’s 1 hour initially) and better marketing, despite Betamax’s slightly superior picture quality.
• Rental Boom: Video rental stores exploded in the 1980s because VCRs were affordable, but tapes were expensive ($50-$100 each). The first Blockbuster opened in 1985, capitalizing on this trend.
• Time-Shifting Revolution: VCRs introduced “time-shifting,” letting people record TV shows to watch later. This was groundbreaking, though networks initially feared it would kill live TV. A 1984 U.S. Supreme Court ruling upheld home recording as legal, boosting VCR popularity.
• Early Adopters’ Struggles: Early VCRs were clunky, with complex controls. The infamous “blinking 12:00” on VCR clocks became a cultural joke because many users couldn’t figure out how to set the time.
• Global Impact: By 1980, only about 1% of U.S. households had a VCR, but by 1990, over 70% did. Japan led early adoption, with companies like Sony and JVC driving innovation.
• Peak Sales Period (1977–2000): The VCR was a dominant consumer electronics product for about two decades. We can estimate U.S. sales alone at approximately 100–200 million units over this period.

• Market Decline: VCR sales peaked in the 1980s and 1990s but declined sharply in the early 2000s as DVDs overtook VHS. By 2003, DVD sales surpassed VCR sales, and the last VCRs were manufactured by Funai in 2016.