Podcast 928: Prediction Review 2019

Predictions Review 2019

At the beginning of each year we make predictions as to what we think will happen in the area of HDTV, Home Theater, and Home Automation. We usually hit at about 40% correct. This year, thanks to some generous judging we only got to 33%. So let's see how close, or far, we came in our predictions.

MicroLEDs Make a Macro Splash

MicroLED are an emissive display technology similar to that of OLED. Likewise, they can, theoretically at least, produce perfect blacks, excellent color, and near-perfect off-angle viewing. But unlike OLEDs, they claim to be even brighter, thinner, immune to burn-in, and in time, less expensive to make than other technologies. Look for at least one MicroLED TV to come to market in 2019.

No Micro LEDs that we could find. However, TCL released a Mini LED product in their 8-Series line. Not quite the same thing but a step in the right direction. The TCL has 25,000 zones which should do better than the current LEDs with hundreds of zones. 0/1

Interactive TV comes to a Screen Near You

Thanks to companies like Roku, Apple, Amazon, and Google, many of us have a smart box connected to our sets. In fact, many TVs have the same smarts built into them. Look for at least one manufacturer incorporate interactive TV into the programs being watched through their devices. Participate in fan polls, voting for your favorite contestant, or just chatting with other viewers all from the comfort of your couch!

Disney Channel does make use of this during some programming. You can chime in on questions on screen and see what the rest of America feels about questions being asked. But this is done through their app. It's not built into the TV architecture. 0/2

LG Releases a Roll Up OLED

Last year at CES we talked about an OLED TV screen that was so thin that it could bend. This year we double down on this technology and bet that LG releases a rollable OLED TV. The screen itself will roll into a box that is about the size of a sound bar when not in use. In fact the same box can house the electronics as well as the speakers truly making it a Home Theater in a box.

We wanted this to be true and according to the LG website it ALMOST is. LG says this TV is coming soon. 0/3

Home Security Will Drive Home Automation Demand

Home security surveillance and monitoring will become the driving force behind home automation acceptance. Compelling ads similar to the ones run by Ring Doorbell will push many to dip their toes in the water surround home automation. Once you have your outside lights automated it's a simple step to automate your inside. And so it will begin for many.

We have seen Ring grow for a doorbell company to a security company and now they sell home automation products. Likewise SimpliSafe is doing similar things. People start here and then incorporate more automation into their lives. 1/4

Smart Mirrors

Look for a company to release a smart mirror that is affordable for "most" of us. Imagine getting ready in the morning and looking into your mirror to interact with your social media feeds, watch news and and get weather updates.You will even be able to control your home all from your bathroom!

Well we kind of have a winner here. There is a smart Mirror but it's for working out. It displays your vitals and you can look at yourself as you follow the instructor on the screen. No news or weather but that is just around the corner. So we are going to give ourselves partial credit of 25% correct. 1.25/5

Voice Control of our Home Theater Will Become a Reality

Whether it be the Echo, Siri, or Google Home you will be able to control your home theater with your voice. And not rudimentary control, we're talking Tell your TV exactly what you want to do and it will be done. Alexa, watch A&E Channel on SlingTV. Or Hey Siri watch the LA Dodgers on the MLB app.

This was our gimmie. But with that said it is still not 100% correct. You can do quite a bit with voice like launching apps. You can even tell siri to watch a specific channel on the ATT App and it goes there! We had no idea that would work but it does!! We'll take 75% correct. 2/6 for a grand total of 33%