HDTV and Home Theater Podcast

On this week's show we take our first look at the new batch of Ikea smart home products that support matter. Are they worth the money? We also read your emails and take a look at the week's news.
News:
TCL RGB Mini-LED TV with up to 9,000 nits brightness now available
AMC Wants To Start Airing Sports Programming to Fight Cord Cutting
LG ELECTRONICS LAUNCHES 2026 QNED EVO MINI LED TV LINEUP
Will micro-LED ever really replace OLED?
Other:
NBC Releases First Look at David Boreanaz in The Rockford Files Reboot
Are the Low Cost Matter Compatible Devices From Ikea Worth It?
On this week's show we take our first look at the new batch of Ikea smart home products that support matter. If you are in the Amazon, Apple, Google, Homey or Samsung ecosystem you can connect these devices directly to your home via matter. 
These are some of the lowest cost devices we have seen and they come from a reputable vendor. So how do they work? To answer that, we put the Grillplats plug and two variations of the Bilresa Remote Control (Dual Button and Scroll Wheel) through a two week test. Here is what we found. 
GRILLPLATS Plug ($7.99 at Ikea)
What can we say? This is a solidly built matter plug for $8 that never misses. 
What we like:
Extremely affordable — one of the cheapest Matter-over-Thread smart plugs available.
Energy monitoring — tracks power usage, voltage, current, and accumulated energy (great for automations like "notify when washer finishes").
Acts as a Thread repeater — helps strengthen and extend your smart home mesh network.
Compact & sturdy design with manual on/off button.
Easy setup via QR code.
Fast, responsive control.
What you should consider:
Power limits — max 300W for motor loads (e.g., not ideal for fridges, dryers, or high-inductive appliances).
Energy reporting through matter is not fully supported by all automation ecosystems. .
Can be physically wide and block adjacent outlets on some power strips.
Excellent value if you already have a Thread network and mainly need basic on/off control. It's a strong budget pick, but not perfect for heavy appliances.
BILRESA remote control kit ($14.99 at Ikea)
These dual-button remotes make it much easier to control your smart products. You can use them to turn devices on and off, dim lights, change colors, or activate groups and preset scenes. And at about $5 a piece they are the best value remote out there!
What we like:
extremely cheap — one of the most affordable Matter-over-Thread smart remotes available.
Simple & intuitive — two clearly different buttons (with indentations) for quick on/off, scenes, dimming, or groups. Supports single press, double press, and long press (up to 6 actions total).
Battery powered (2x AAA) — long life and easy to replace. Can be placed anywhere (magnetic back + adhesive metal plate for wall mounting).
Compact and unobtrusive design — looks like a simple light switch on the wall.
Responsive! Almost no delay from button push to device/scene activation.
What you should consider:
Setup can be finicky — pairing takes too long and fails requiring multiple attempts.Once device in the tree pack would not pair and said it was already in a home. Even a factory reset (done multiple times) would not fix this issue. After a call with Ikea Tech Support. A new three pack was sent out. 
Limited feedback — a small status LED doesn't give much information.
Fantastic budget remote if you want simple physical control for lights and scenes in a Matter smart home. Just be aware that two button actions are required to turn a light on and off. So if you are using it to control lights you may make a single press on the larger button turn a lamp on and a single press on the smaller button turn the lamp off. Hitting the first button does not toggle the state of the controlled device.  
BILRESA remote control with Scroll Wheel ($9.99 at Ikea) 
Use to turn smart products on/off, dim and change the color of light sources, or operate a group or preset scenes. With this controller you get three sets of buttons which are indicated by a small LED. Each set has a single, double, and long press. In addition there is a scroll wheel that is supposed to dim lights.
The dimmer did not work with homekit over matter but even if it did the action is difficult to uses since the wheel is slick and slippery. Moving between groups is cumbersome as well. You have to wake up the device to see which group you are currently on. Or just dive in and see what happens!
What we like:
Cheap!
Versatile controls — Scroll wheel for dimming/brightness or color temp/RGB adjustments (if you can get the wheel to scroll). Up to 9 programmable inputs.
Compact and portable — Small (about 2.75" x 2" x 1"), easy to hold or mount on walls/fridges. 
What you should consider:
Scroll wheel feel and usability issues — Slippery, hard to rotate (especially on a table), wobbly, or lacking grip/texture. 
Ecosystem limitations — Wheel functionality is poorly supported in some platforms like Apple HomeKit and Google Home. 
Setup and documentation frustrations — Pairing can be tricky 
Great concept and price but we recommend waiting for firmware fixes and broader Matter support. Consider the simpler dual-button BILRESA version.

On this week's show we do our annual Broadcast Network TV Renewals and Cancellations and also read your emails and look at the week's news.
News:
Fubo Lost Over 500,000 Subscribers in North America In The 2nd Quarter of 2026
AMC Theatres Partners With Arena One For Live Music Concert Streaming
Other:
Amazon.com: Panasonic Z8 Series (2025) 77-inch OLED 4K Ultra HD Smart Fire TV, Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+ Adaptive, 144Hz Refresh Rate, Hands-Free Alexa 77Z8BAP
Broadcast Network Renewals and Cancellations for the Next TV Season
It's that time of year where we look at the fate of broadcast network TV Shows. The following list is based on the latest available info.  Note that The CW has largely shifted away from original scripted programming.
ABC
Strong stability for its drama and comedy slate.
Renewed: 9-1-1 (S10), 9-1-1: Nashville (S2), Abbott Elementary (S6), Grey's Anatomy (S23), High Potential (S3), The Rookie (S9), Scrubs (revival, S2/overall S11), Shifting Gears (S3), Will Trent (S5).
On the bubble: R.J. Decker (could go either way).
Canceled/ending: Limited recent cancellations reported; some unscripted like The Bachelorette faced issues.
CBS
Very proactive with early renewals for its procedural-heavy lineup. Several new or recent shows got quick pickups.
Renewed: Boston Blue (S2), CIA (S2), Elsbeth, FBI, Fire Country, Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage, Ghosts, Marshals (S2), Matlock, NCIS (S24), NCIS: Origins (S3), NCIS: Sydney, Sheriff Country (S2), Tracker  (S4), The Amazing Race, Survivor.
Canceled/ending: DMV (after S1), Watson (after S2), TThe Neighborhood (final season, ending after S8).
FOX
Focus on animated comedies and a few live-action holds; some cancellations in the animated space.
Renewed: American Dad! (through 2028-29), Animal Control (S5), Best Medicine  (S2), Bob's Burgers (through 2028-29), Doc (S3), Family Guy (through 2028-29), Krapopolis (through 2027-28), Memory of a Killer (S2), The Simpsons (through 2028-29), Universal Basic Guys, Grimsburg  (S3).
Canceled/ending: The Great North, Going Dutch.
On the bubble: Murder in a Small Town (safe bet).
NBC
The Chicago franchise remains rock-solid; some newer shows didn't make it.
Renewed: Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, Chicago P.D., Happy's Place (S3), St. Denis Medical (S3),  Law & Order: SVU (S28), The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins (S2).
Canceled/ending: Brilliant Minds, Stumble.
On the bubble: Law & Order (safe bet), The Hunting Party (long-shot).
The CW
Mostly wrapping up remaining originals.
Ending: All American (S8 is final season).
Canceled: Good Cop/Bad Cop (after S1).
The network has minimized homegrown scripted shows in recent years.

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 TV. But first we read your emails and take a look at the week's news.
News:
Here's What's Coming in the 2026 Apple TV
Roku's Howdy Streaming Service Reaches an Estimated 1 Million Users
Deal Alert! 65" TV for $238
Audio Sync in a Home Theater
Byron's request for answers to some specific questions on audio sync: I'd appreciate it if you guys could provide some "guiding principles" on syncing audio in a home theater setup. I have four questions:
1. Should the AVR be the ONLY place to mess with syncing settings (when everything runs through it, including ARC)?
Yes, in most cases—this is the recommended approach. Start with AVR settings at zero or Auto, enable Auto Lip Sync if available, and adjust the manual audio delay there. Avoid adjusting on the TV or sources unless you have a specific reason like a stubborn source that bypasses the AVR. Changing multiple devices creates conflicts and makes troubleshooting harder.
2. If AVR is the main adjustment point, do sources automatically stay in sync after setting it once?
 Often yes, especially with Auto Lip Sync enabled and consistent sources. The AVR's delay setting (or per-input memory) applies across similar content. However:
Different video formats, resolutions, SDR vs. HDR/Dolby Vision,  60Hz vs. 24p or processing modes can introduce varying delays.
Some AVRs store audio delay per input, so one good setting per source/input often suffices. 
3. For Fire TV Sticks, Apple TV, etc.: Do sync settings apply across all apps, or per-app?
Fire TV Stick: The AV Sync Tuning (under Settings > Display & Sounds > Audio) is generally a device-wide offset. It should hold across apps for the HDMI output. Individual apps might have minor internal variations, but a global tweak usually covers most cases. Reboot the stick if sync drifts.
Apple TV: No built-in manual per-app delay slider in standard settings. There's a Wireless Audio Sync calibration that uses the iPhone for measurement, which is more global. Different apps (e.g., Netflix vs. others) can sometimes show varying sync due to their decoding/processing—users often report needing AVR tweaks when switching apps. Match Frame Rate and consistent audio formats help stability.
 In both cases, rely on the AVR for the heavy lifting.
4. Do higher-end AVRs allow different sync settings per input?
Yes! Many mid-to-high-end models store audio delay/lip sync per input source. Examples include Denon models with "Master Audio Delay" or similar, where you can set and recall different ms offsets (often 0–500ms) for each HDMI input. This is a big convenience for multiple devices. Check your AVR manual for "Audio Delay," "Lip Sync," or "per input" settings.
Additional Best Practices
Minimize variables: Disable unnecessary video processing (motion smoothing, noise reduction) on the TV and AVR to reduce video latency. Use "Game" or "Pure Direct" modes where possible for lower lag.
HDMI/ARC specifics: Ensure high-quality HDMI cables. eARC is better than ARC for bandwidth and sync negotiation. Power cycle everything (unplug) after big changes.
Order of troubleshooting: AVR Auto Lip Sync → Manual AVR delay → Source device tweaks → TV audio delay (last).
Test tools: Use built-in sync tests on your devices or YouTube "lip sync test" videos.
The Most Effective ways to Circumvent Smart TV Spying
Last week we talked about how your TV was spying on what you are watching. This week we discuss how to prevent that from happening. The following are the most effective ways to circumvent smart TV spying and related data collection, ranked from easiest/quickest to most thorough. These also help limit proxy network enrollment in shady apps.
1. Disable ACR Directly in TV Settings (Quickest First Step)
Most brands let you turn off Automatic Content Recognition (and related ad/personalization features) without losing core picture quality. Do this on every TV:
Samsung: Home button → Sidebar menu → Privacy Choices → Terms & Conditions / Privacy Policy → Uncheck Viewing Information Services (and Interest-Based Ads if present).
LG: Settings → General → System → Additional Settings (or Advanced) → Turn Live Plus OFF → Also enable Limit Ad Tracking.
Sony: Settings → Initial Setup → Disable Samba Interactive TV.
Vizio: System → Reset & Admin → Turn Viewing Data OFF.
Roku TV / Roku-based: Settings → Privacy → Smart TV Experience → Uncheck Use Info from TV Inputs.
Hisense / TCL: Settings → System or Privacy → Disable Smart TV Experience or Use Info from TV Inputs.
Amazon Fire TV: Preferences → Privacy Settings → Turn off data tracking options.
After changing, restart the TV. Check the setting again after any software update, as it can reset. Also disable voice assistants, microphones, and cameras (cover them physically if needed).
2. Block Internet Access to the TV (Highly Effective)
The simplest long-term fix: Prevent the TV from phoning home at all.
Don't connect it to Wi-Fi or Ethernet in the first place.
Or, on your router: Create a guest Wi-Fi just for the TV, then use firewall rules, parental controls, or MAC address blocking to stop all outbound internet traffic (while allowing local network access if you stream from a NAS/Plex/Jellyfin).
Advanced: Use a tool like Pi-hole or AdGuard Home on your network to block known tracking domains.
Pro tip: Many people report the TV works fine (or even faster) for HDMI inputs and local streaming when fully offline. External streaming devices handle all internet needs.
3. Use the TV as a "Dumb" Display Only
Treat your smart TV like a big monitor:
Connect all content via HDMI from a more private device (never use the TV's built-in apps).
Recommended external boxes (in order of privacy-friendliness):
Apple TV — Clean interface, minimal tracking, no aggressive ads.
NVIDIA Shield or other local-media-focused devices. 
Raspberry Pi or HTPC running Kodi/Plex for full local control.
This bypasses the TV's OS almost entirely.
4. Go Fully "Dumb" (Most Private Long-Term Solution)
Buy a true dumb TV or large computer monitor (no smart features, no Wi-Fi, no ACR). Options exist in smaller sizes or from brands like Westinghouse for basic panels.
Pair it with an external streamer or your own computer/laptop via HDMI.
Many privacy-focused users prefer this setup over any "smart" panel.
Important reality check: Disabling ACR and blocking internet stops most viewing-data collection, but no method is 100% foolproof against every firmware trick or future update. The nuclear option—keeping the TV completely offline and HDMI-only—remains the gold standard for privacy.

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 take a look at the week's news.
News:
Roku eclipses 100 million streaming households
Paramount chief: We'll preserve 45-day theatrical window
Dolby ATMOS coming to OTA TV
Smart TVs Spy on What You Watch and Profit From Your Data
Last week we read a news story about how some Smart TVs install apps that use your IP address and bandwidth to scrape the Internet to feed AI models. And if that isn't enough to make you want to disconnect your TV from the Internet, smart TVs from nearly every major brand are actively spying on exactly what you watch—whether it's cable, streaming apps like Netflix, over-the-air broadcasts, Blu-ray discs, or even content from a laptop, game console, or phone connected via HDMI. They do this through a built-in technology called Automatic Content Recognition (ACR) that takes frequent screenshots and audio fingerprints of what you are watching. Then, using the data, the content is identified, and detailed viewing information is sent back to the manufacturer's servers. 
This isn't occasional tracking; studies show Samsung TVs send data roughly every minute and LG every 15 seconds, even when you're using the TV purely as a monitor for personal photos, videos, or work. The result is a highly detailed profile of your watching habits that gets turned into cash.
How ACR Spying Works
ACR software runs in the background on most smart TVs. Manufacturers then build individual or household viewer profiles. In addition to Samsung and LG, Sony, Vizio, TCL, Hisense, Roku TVs, and others also use ACR software to build user profiles. 
How They Make Revenue From Your Viewing Data
TV makers often sell hardware at razor-thin (or even negative) margins because the real money comes later from your data:
Selling or licensing data to advertisers, data brokers, and measurement companies. Advertisers get precise audience insights for targeting ads on TV, phones, and other devices.
Running their own ad platforms on the TV home screen and apps—personalized ads based on what you've watched.
Cross-device retargeting: Your TV habits influence ads you see on YouTube, social media, or elsewhere.
"Post-purchase monetization": Companies openly say they make more ongoing revenue from data and ads than from the initial TV sale. Some users even get "free" or ad-light apps in exchange for allowing extra tracking.
Your viewing habits are packaged and sold as valuable advertising intelligence—often without you realizing the full extent. 
Watchdog Groups Fight Back
2017 Vizio Case: Vizio secretly tracked 11 million TVs and sold the data without consent. The FTC fined them $2.2 million; the company admitted to collecting second-by-second viewing habits and linking it with demographics for advertisers who could then target you across phones and computers.
2024–2025 Research: University studies  confirmed TVs send massive amounts of viewing data regardless of source, creating "digital fingerprints" of users.
December 2025 Texas Lawsuits: Attorney General Ken Paxton sued Samsung, LG, Sony, Hisense, and TCL for using ACR to collect and monetize viewing data without clear informed consent. Temporary restraining orders were issued against some companies, and Samsung later agreed to get explicit consent in Texas.
The Proxy Network Angle
We briefly spoke about this on the last show. A separate but growing practice involves certain smart-TV apps quietly enrolling your device in massive residential proxy networks like Bright Data. In exchange for fewer ads or free access, the app turns your TV into a web-scraping bot that uses your IP address and bandwidth to crawl public websites, collect data (including audio/video), and feed AI training models. Major platforms like Amazon, Google, and Roku have started blocking some of these, but they still run on LG webOS and Samsung Tizen in many cases.
Bottom Line
Your smart TV is effectively a 24/7 surveillance device in your living room that turns your private viewing into a profitable data product. While some data collection is now supposed to require opt-in consent, most people never notice the setting. The industry's business model increasingly depends on this surveillance, which is why cheap TVs keep getting smarter—and more invasive.
Next Week - How to circumvent this!

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 at the week's news.
News:
YouTube Premium is getting a US price hike of up to $4/month
Prime Video Ultra officially replaces Prime Video ad-free; what's different in the plan, besides a higher price?
Your Smart TV might be crawling the web while you watch movies
Walmart is updating its 4K streaming box with Gemini and Matter support
Other:
 Category Five: A Cold Trail Thriller a novel by Tyler Richardson
Five Underrated Home Theater Gear Picks Under $500 
In the world of home theater, the big brands usually grab all the attention. But some of the best-performing gear doesn't have to break the bank while still delivering impressive sound, clear dialogue, and deep, immersive bass.
If you're building or upgrading a home theater system on a budget, say less than $500, these underrated products deliver a lot of bang for the buck. You won't see these on typical "best of" lists and the best part, they can all be had for under $500. Of course, prices can change, so be sure to check the latest deals online.
Here are the top five underrated home theater gems worth considering:
1. ELAC Debut Series Bookshelf Speakers 
ELAC's Debut line consistently earns rave reviews for neutral, detailed sound and surprising soundstage that we have loved for years. ELAC's strength is music, however, the Debuts are an excellent choice as front left/right or surround speakers. Pair them with a good center channel for dialogue and wide imaging. They will handle dynamic movie soundtracks without sounding harsh and sell for about $270 per pair. You will need a subwoofer and center channel if you plan on using these as part of a home theater setup. But don't worry, we have you covered for that as well!
2. Denon AVR-S570BT
While flagship Denon and Onkyo models get all the attention, this entry-level AVR quietly delivers solid 5.1-channel performance, HDMI support for 4K/8K passthrough, and easy setup — all without complicated features most beginners don't need. You can count on the 570 for reliable amplification, Bluetooth streaming, and basic room correction options. It powers speakers cleanly and supports modern video formats, making it a great foundation for a starter system. The AVR-570 goes for $375 at Amazon. Consider this model if you are new to home theater or upgrading from a soundbar. It pairs nicely with ELAC speakers previously mentioned.
3. Polk Audio Signature Elite Center Channel Speaker
Polk's center channels often get overlooked in favor of more "premium" options, but they excel at one critical job: making movie dialogue crystal clear even during explosive action scenes. Great for anchoring a 5.1 or 7.1 system without muddying voices. At 10.6"D x 20"W x 7.5"H it should be easy to find a place for it on a wall or TV stand. Coming in at $400 it's one of the more expensive items on the list. If you are frustrated with unclear dialogue in your current setup, match this with the ELAC speakers for clean dialog that you won't have to strain to hear.
4. RSL Speedwoofer 10S MKII 
We have been big fans of RSL ever since we interviewed Joe Rogers on our show. Every pair of RSL speakers we have listened to have performed well beyond their price tag. Their subwoofers are no different, the RSL Speedwoofer series is frequently rated as good or better than the bigger names in bass control, musicality, and value according to detailed tests. If you want tight, punchy bass with good extension for movies and games without needing to dedicate a good portion of your family room, the 10S MKII is something you should consider. Barely making our upper price limit boundary at $499 consider this as part of your ELAC, Polk Audio, and Denon system.
5. Klipsch Reference Cinema Dolby Atmos 5.1.4 System 
We used to design our own Home Theater in a Box systems when we first started doing this podcast. They always featured a Klipsch 5.1 speaker system because they were better than any any set of 5.1 speakers you could buy for the price. Back then it cost about $300. Today it will set you back $500 but you get a subwoofer and ATMOS. Klipsch designs efficient speakers that make any receiver perform to it's best. Their horn tweeters bright and lively. Coming in at $500 it would be hard to beat. Pair it with the Denon (note this model of Denon does not support ATMOS) and you have a HTIB for under $1000! Available from Amazon for $499. 
Final Thoughts: 
Focus on room acoustics, proper speaker placement, and gradual upgrades — a good subwoofer and clear center channel often make the biggest difference.
Shop sales and check for refurbished options from reputable retailers.
What's your favorite home theater find for less than $500?