Podcast #1207: Most Popular HDTV and Home Theater and Automation Products

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

Most Popular HDTV and Home Theater and Automation Products

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.