HDTV and Home Theater Podcast
Episodes
Podcast #1251: The Most Effective ways to Circumvent Smart TV Spying
01 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
On this week's show a listener asks for some help with keeping his audio in sync with his video. We also discuss how to turn off the ACR on your Smart...
Podcast #1250: Smart TVs Spy on What You Watch and Profit From Your Data
24 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
On this week's show we look into how your TV may be spying on you so that manufacturers can profit off of what you watch. We also read your emails and...
Podcast #1249:Five Underrated Home Theater Gear Picks Under $500
17 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
On this week's show we take look at five underrated home theater picks that will set you back less than $500. We also read your emails and take a look...
Podcast #1248: Why does anyone still need a physical satellite TV service?
10 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
On this week's show we ask the question: Why does anyone still need a physical satellite TV service?. We also read your emails and take a look at the ...
Podcast #1247: What Specs Matter and What Don't When Buying a New HDTV
03 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
On this week's show we go beyond the hype to tell you what specs matter most, what specs are mere marketing hype, and we give you some tips for buying...
Podcast #1246: The Next Big Thing In Home Automation
27 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
On this week's show we countdown 10 Underrated TV Shows You Should Be Watching from an article at Screen Rant. and we do a deep dive into the Next ...
Podcast #1245: Set Top Boxes - From Niche Devices to Major Ecosystems
20 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
On this week's show we take a walk down memory lane and look at how the Set Top Boxes we all take for granted evolved from niche Netflix-focused or iT...
Podcast #1244: Why are Radio Stations Disappearing?
13 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
On this week's show we look into why terrestrial radio stations are disappearing. We also read your emails and take a look at the news. News: LG rev...
Podcast #1243: Set Top Box Shootout
06 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
On this week's show we have a shootout between four set top boxes and we try to determine which one is best for you. We also read your email and take ...
Podcast #1242: A New Standard for HDTV
27 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
On this week's show Braden is on vacation but don't worry! We still have a show for you. Ara reads your emails and takes a look at the week's news. He...
Podcast #1241: Expensive Audio Wires are Bananas!
20 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
On this week's show we review the Aqara FP2 Presence Sensor and ask are expensive audio wires bananas? We also read your emails and take a look at the...
Podcast #1240: Ara's New Home Design (Network, Smart Home, and AV)
13 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
On this week's show we discuss the details of Ara's new home's layout offering his perspectives on his choices for network, home theater, whole home a...
Podcast #1239: HDTV Display Technologies That Are No Longer With Us
06 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
On today's show we look at HDTV Display Technologies that are no longer with us. Some had a short run and some never made it to the market. We also re...
Podcast #1238: Free Streaming Perks
30 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
On today's show we go through the top streamers and how you can get their services for free or reduced price. We also read your emails and take a look...
Podcast #1237: Ranking Smart TV OSes and There Will Never Be a New 'Seinfeld'
23 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
On this week's show we look at Smart TV OS rankings according to BGR.com and we ask the question if there will ever be a show like Seinfeld again. We ...
Podcast #1236: 2026 CES Award Winners
16 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
On this week's show we have compiled a list of home theater and home automation/smart home products that received notable awards or honors at CES 2026...
Podcast #1235: CES 2026
09 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
On this week's show we look at the annual Consumer Electronics Show inLas Vegas Nevada. In years past there was more for us home theater fans but we s...
Podcast #1234: Happy New Year!
01 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Happy New Year from the HT Guys!
Podcast #1233: The Streamable Awards
26 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On this week's show we look at the streamable awards and we read your emails and look at the week's news. News: Matter 1.5 is arriving in Samsung Sm...
Podcast #1232: Large Format TV vs Projector
19 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On this week's show DJ Briggs from Brightside Home Theater fills in for Braden who is away on business. We ask DJ to give us his opinion on using a la...
Podcast #1231: Mail Bag
12 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On this week's show we come back after taking a week off and read your emails and take a look at the week's news. News: Netflix Officially Announces...
Podcast #1230: Matter Update
05 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week Ara is on vacation and rather than skip a show we go back to May of 2022 where we looked at a panel discussion about teh then new automation...
Podcast #1229: Second Screen Viewing
28 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On this week's show we look at the phenomenon of watching a little screen while simultaneously watching a big screen. We also read your emails and t...
Podcast #1228: Black Friday 2025
21 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On this week's show we find you the best Black Friday deals for your home theater, well at least at the time of recording. We also read your emails an...
Podcast #1227: Best AV Receivers for Newbies, Enthusiasts, and Fanatics
14 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On this week's show we look at alternatives to YouTube TV for sports fans. We also look at AV Receivers for Home Theater Newbies, Enthusiasts, and Fan...
HDTV Rewind Episode #15: Your email and News
11 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of the Rewind show we go back to November 12, 2010 where we read your emails, look at a news story or two.
Podcast #1226: What is Automatic Content Recognition (ACR)?
07 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On this week's show we have an essay from one of our listeners on why he wants to stick with his DVR over streaming. We also take a deep dive into Aut...
Podcast #1225: Top User Rated Original Movies per Streamer
31 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On this week's show we identify the top IMDB user rated original movies per streamer. We also read your emails and take a look at the week's news. New...
Podcast #1224: Streaming Price Hikes: A Historical Look
24 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On this week's show we look at the streamers and their pricing history. Are they keeping up with inflation or are they seeing how far they can keep ra...
HDTV Rewind Episode #14: 5G Broadcast
21 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of the Rewind show we go back to October 21st 2023 where we read your emails, look at a news story or two, and discus 5G broadcast on ...
Podcast #1223: Lost TV Series Finales and Five Smart Home Trends
17 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On this week's show we look at some 1960s and 1970s TV shows that received their series finally in a movie at least ten years after going off the air....
Podcast #1222: Five Highly Rated 55 Inch TVs Under $500
10 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On this week's show we recommend five 55" TVs for less than $500 that will give you the best bang for your buck! We also read your emails and take a l...
Podcast #1221: RTINGS Longevity Burn-In Test Updates
03 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On this week's show we take a look at the Longevity Burn-In Test Results From 100 TVs that RTINGS.com has been tracking for the last two years. We als...
HDTV Rewind Episode #12: HDMI Over Ethernet
30 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of the Rewind show we go back to September 30th 2011 where we read your emails, look at a news story or two, and review an HDMI over e...
Podcast #1220: Products that Sparked the Home Automation Revolution and Dolby Vision 2
26 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On this week's show we look at three gadgets that we think are responsible for the year of home automation. We also discuss Dolby Vision 2. All that p...
HDTV Rewind Episode #12: CEDIA 2017
23 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of the Rewind show we go back to September 22nd 2017 where we read your emails, look at a news story or two, and discuss what was goin...
Podcast #1219: Best of CEDIA 2025
19 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On this week's show we look at the CDEDIA Best of show winners for this years event. We also read your emails and take a look at the week's news. News...
Podcast #1218: US Network TV Fall Premiers
12 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On this week's show we run down the US network premier dates and shows for the 2025-2026 TV season. We also read your emails and take a look at the we...
Podcast #1217: The DVR is Dead
05 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On this week's show we take some time off but still give you a great show. In addition to reading your emails and the news, we do a post mortem on the...
Podcast #1216: TV Brightness Isn't Everything
29 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On this week's show we look at an article from What Hi-Fi titled "I just tested one of 2025's best small OLEDs – and it proves most companies are fo...
Podcast #1215: What Happened to DLNA Technology?
22 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On this week's show ask the question: "What Happened to DLNA Technology" We also read your emails and the week's news. Also, say hi to Evelyne, our vi...
Podcast #1214: LEO (Low Earth Orbit) Satellite Internet
15 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On this week's show we take a look at the pros and cons of Low Earth Orbiting Satellites and ask if competition from them could lower your Internet bi...
HDTV Rewind Episode #11: DVRs and the Netflix/Epix Deal
13 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of the Rewind show we go back to August 13 2010 where we read your emails, look at a news story or two, discuss DVRs and the Netflix...
HDTV Rewind Episode #11: DVRs and the Netflix/Epix Deal
13 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of the Rewind show we go back to August 13 2010 where we read your emails, look at a news story or two, discuss DVRs and the Netflix...
Podcast #1213: 2025 Value Electronics TV Shootout
08 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On this week's show we discuss the 2025 Value Electronics TV Shootout. We also read your emails and take a look at the week's news. News: Nielsen: A...
Podcast # 1212: Where is the Ring Indoor Security Drone and Top 10 Streaming Shows of the First Half of 2025
01 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On this week's show we ask what ever happened to the Ring Indoor Security Drone and we take a look at the Top Ten Streaming shows for the first half o...
Podcast #1211: Why Are Consumers Skipping New Streaming Devices
25 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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. New...
HDTV Rewind Episode #10: Blu-ray VS DVD
22 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 Re...
Podcast #1210: Rokus Secret Menus
18 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 re...
Podcast #1209: Money is No Object Home Theater - Within Reason
11 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Podcast #1208: HDMI 2.2
04 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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: ...
HDTV Rewind Episode #9: Room Acoustics
01 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 treat...
Podcast #1207: Most Popular HDTV and Home Theater and Automation Products
27 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
HDTV Rewind Episode #8: What is Quartics?
24 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 Q...
Podcast #1206: Streaming Services Ranked
20 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 vie...
Podcast #1205: Betamax Turns Fifty
13 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 bui...
HDTV Rewind Episode #7: TV Specifications
10 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of the Rewind show we go back to June 11th 2010 where we read your emails, look at a news story or two, and look at TV Specifications....
Podcast #1204: Can Future OLED Screens Become Multi Channel Speakers
06 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On this week's show our listeners have provided the topics. We discuss a $30 hack to improve your TV as well as a new OLED technology that may turn yo...
HDTV Rewind Episode #6: What Were Integrators Using in 2010
03 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of the Rewind show we go back to June 4tht 2010 where we read your emails look at a news story or two and look at a CE Pro article fro...
Podcast #1203: Top Series Finales of Network/Cable TV Shows
30 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On this week's show we look at our favorite TV Series Finales from Network and Cable TV. We also read your emails and take a look at the week's news. ...
Podcast #1202: Home Theater System for under $2000
23 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On this week's show we look at how the strategies keep changing in the streaming wars. We spend your money and design a home theater system for less t...
HDTV Rewind Episode #5: 2009-2010 TV Season By the Numbers
20 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of the Rewind show we go back to May 21st 2010 where we read your emails look at a news story or two and wrap up the 2009 - 2010 TV Se...
Podcast #1201: The Best Movie Plot Twists
16 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On this week's show we shop the Internet and find you three incredible deals on UHD TVs. We also discuss some of the best plot twists in movies that w...
HDTV Rewind Episode #4: Tips for Buying Speakers and Wireless Surrounds
13 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On this week's show we go back to the second week of May 2007 where we look give you some tips on buying speakers that still hold true today. We also ...
Podcast #1200: The History of Color Television in the United States
09 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On this week's show we take a look back at the transition from black and white to color and compare it to the transition to HDTV. We also read your em...
HDTV Rewind Episode #3: 10 Things About Sound and Costco
06 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On this week's show we go back to May of 2007 where we look at an article titled: 10 things about sound but were afraid to ask as well as revisiting a...
Podcast #1199: TV Renewal Scorecard
02 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On this week's show We rundown the recently concluded TV season and which shows are coming back for another season. We also read your emails and take ...
HDTV Rewind Episode #2: Dolby Surround and More HD-DVD Fun
30 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we read some emails concerning mp3 bit rates and more on HDDVD. We also explain Dolby Surround. We finish with a TV Show Theme trivia ...
Podcast #1198: Are You Satisfied With Your Streaming Providers?
25 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On this week's show we ask, how satisfied are you with your streaming service providers? We also read your emails and take a look at the week's news. ...
HDTV Rewind April 22 2007 Episode #1
22 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I thought it would be fun to go back and listen to a few episodes from the "old" days. Thanks to Milton Scritsmier I now have access to our podcasts g...
Podcast #1197: Is GPMI the beginning of the end of HDMI?
18 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On this week's show we look at a technology that could end HDMI. We also read your emails and take a look at the week's news. News: Sony steps away ...
Podcast #1196: Will AI Drive Home Automation into the Next Decade?
11 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On this week's show look at five trends that are shaping home theaters in 2025 and we look at what will drive home automation into the next decade. Pu...
Podcast #1195: Could Tiled TVs Become the Future for Very Large Format Displays?
04 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On this week's show we discuss whether physical media is making a comeback and could a Bezel-less OLED be the future of large format TVs. We also read...
Podcast #1194: Twenty Years of the HDTV and Home Theater Podcast
31 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On this week's show we talk about 20 years of the HDTV and Home Theater Podcast! We also read your emails and take a look at the week's news. News: ...
Technical Issues - Please Stand By
28 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I had an issue with the creation of this week's show. I'll get it posted as soon as I can.
Podcast #1193: Sony Develops Next-Generation Display System
21 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 th...
Podcast #1192: Can AI Help Pick Your Next Projector?
14 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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. W...
Podcast #1191: Ten Innovations that have Transformed Our Home Theaters
07 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 t...
Podcast #1190: Ford Patent - Apple HomePod 3 - DirecTV MySports Review
28 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 fin...
Podcast #1189: Top 5 Home Theater Projectors less than $3K
21 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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....
Podcast #1188: Audioengine Next Gen B1 Wireless Adapter Review and How Streaming Impacts TV Ratings
14 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 to...
Podcast #1187: Five TV Innovations That Will Have Big Impact
07 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Podcast #1186: 2024 Nielsen ARTEY Awards
31 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ta...
Podcast #1185: What We are Watching
24 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 r...
Podcast #1184: Best of CES
17 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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: D...
Podcast #1183: CES 2025
10 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 wan...
Podcast #1182: The US Movie Box Office - An analysis
03 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 Hollyw...
Christmas Message
27 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The HT Guys are taking a week off! We'll see you next week!
Podcast #1181: YouTubeTV Price Increase and Keep Connect and TV Warranty Service
20 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Podcast #1180: Christmas Classics and where you can stream them
13 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 stor...
Podcast #1179: Could Legacy Audio Brands Disappear Next Year?
06 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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: Peaco...
Podcast #1178: Happy Thanksgiving
28 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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:...
Podcast #1177: Black Friday 2024
22 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 n...
Podcast #1176: Flatten Your Warped Vinyl and Pause Your Streaming Services
15 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 preven...
Podcast #1175: Tips for Buying your 4K TV on Black Friday
08 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On this week's show we take a quick look at a $20 set of earbuds, the Soundcore A30i. We also get you ready for your Black Friday TV shopping with 10 ...
Podcast #1174: Video Trends
01 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On this week's show we discuss the Tivo Video Trends Report and we read your emails and and take a look at the week's news. News: Streamers bet on f...
Podcast #1173: Halloween Movies
25 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On this week's show we take a look at the Pro-Ject 12.2 turntable and ask who is this for. And since it's Halloween we give you a list of five Hallowe...
Podcast #1172: Fall TV Line up and Braden is Back!
18 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On this week's show Braden is back!! We discuss if greed threatens to ruin the revival and go over the 2024/2025 TV season. We also read your emails a...
Podcast #1171" We Catch Up with Email and News
11 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On this week's show Ara catches up with email and news. Braden is back next week! Also, sorry for the aggressive noise gate. Trust me it's better than...
Podcast #1170: Ara (and Braden's) Origin Story
04 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I got home late last night and thought I could put a regular show together. Well I couldn't. So instead this is my (and Braden's) Origin story.