HDTV and Home Theater Podcast

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 read your emails and take a look at the week's news.
News:
LG pulls the plug on 8K OLED and 8K LCD TVs
Apple's home hub could finally arrive this spring with a rather unique design
Roku is Testing a New Home Screen With A New Look
Google Home update brings more automation controls
HDTV Display Technologies That Are No Longer With Us
Over the 21 years we have been doing the show we have seen numerous HDTV display technologies come and go. Some never made it to market and some had a good run but were eventually beat out by something better. These technologies competed during the transition from bulky CRTs to flat panels, but most lost out as LCD, later becoming LED-backlit LCD, then OLED, became dominant for reasons like cost, scalability, picture quality improvements, and manufacturing ease.
Technologies That Were Proposed/Demonstrated but Never Commercially Released to Consumers
SED (Surface-Conduction Electron-Emitter Display)
Developed primarily by a Canon and Toshiba joint venture starting in the late 1990s/early 2000s. It was essentially a flat-panel evolution of CRT technology using electron emitters for each pixel, promising CRT-like motion handling, deep blacks, high contrast, fast response times, and low power in a slim form factor. Prototypes were shown around 2005–2007 with impressive demos.
Why it didn't make it: Repeated delays due to manufacturing challenges (high production costs, difficulty scaling/vacuum sealing), patent disputes, and aggressive price drops in LCD/plasma panels. Then by 2009–2010, LCD had become too dominant and cheap; Canon officially froze consumer SED development in 2010, shifting any remaining efforts to niche professional uses.
FED (Field-Emission Display)
Similar to SED and sometimes grouped together or seen as a precursor/variant. FED used field-emission electron sources (like microtips) for CRT-style performance in a flat panel. Demonstrated in prototypes in the 2000s by companies like Sony and Motorola.
Why it didn't make it: Development took too long; manufacturing complexity and yield issues made it unviable. It was overtaken by faster-scaling plasma and then LCD/OLED technologies before reaching mass production.
Technologies That Reached the Market but Were Discontinued
DLP (Digital Light Processing) Rear-Projection TVs
Used Texas Instruments' DMD (digital micromirror device) chips to reflect light, often with a color wheel for sequential color (or pricier 3-chip versions). Popular in the mid-2000s for large-screen (50–70+ inch) HDTVs from brands like Samsung, Mitsubishi, RCA, and Toshiba, offering good brightness, no burn-in, and sharp images at competitive prices.
Why discontinued: Bulky depth (even if thinner than CRT rear-projection), lamp replacements needed, rainbow artifacts (on single-chip models), poor off-angle viewing, and vulnerability to ambient light. As flat-panel LCD and plasma prices fell dramatically in the late 2000s, consumers preferred slim, wall-mountable designs. Rear-projection DLP TVs largely vanished by around 2010.
LCOS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon) / Variants like D-ILA (JVC) and SXRD (Sony)
A reflective microdisplay tech using liquid crystals on a silicon backplane, often in rear-projection or some front-projection setups. Offered excellent contrast, deep blacks, and smooth motion (better than early LCDs). Available in HDTVs from JVC, Sony, and others in the mid-2000s.
Why largely discontinued for direct-view TVs: High cost, manufacturing complexity, and lower brightness compared to emerging flat panels. Rear-projection versions suffered the same bulkiness issues as DLP. While LCOS survives today in high-end projectors mostly in JVC and Sony home theater models, it never scaled to mainstream direct-view flat-panel HDTVs and was eclipsed by LCD advancements.
Plasma Display Panel (PDP / Plasma TVs)
Used ionized gas (plasma) cells to create light, excelling in black levels, contrast, color accuracy, wide viewing angles, and no motion blur. Very popular for HDTV in the 2000s from Panasonic, Pioneer, Samsung, and LG.
Why discontinued: High power consumption, heat generation, heavier panels, burn-in risk (though mitigated later), and difficulty scaling to 4K efficiently/cost-effectively. As LCD/LED prices dropped with better brightness, efficiency, and no burn-in, plasma couldn't compete economically. Production fully ended around 2014–2015.
Other Notable Mentions
LCD Rear-Projection TVs — Used transmissive LCD panels; suffered from similar bulk and light issues as DLP; discontinued early-mid 2000s.
Direct-view CRT HDTVs — The original standard; fully discontinued by the late 2000s/early 2010s due to size, weight, and inefficiency.
Key Reasons Technologies Fail in HDTV Market
Regardless of how good a display technology is, the following will keep it from the mass market:
Cost & Manufacturing Yield: Technologies requiring ultra-precise processes (SED, FED, LCoS) couldn't hit competitive prices. 
Competing Technologies Improve Fast: LCD and later LED/OLED got cheaper and better quicker than rivals could scale.
Form Factor Shift: Direct-view panels beat rear-projection (DLP, LCoS, laser) because consumers prefer thin TVs.
Performance Tradeoffs: Issues like power use, burn-in, brightness, viewing angles, or reliability hurt consumer uptake. 
In summary, the winners were technologies that scaled cheaply to larger sizes, became thinner/lighter, improved efficiency, and avoided major drawbacks like high costs or reliability issues. LCD/LED dominated the 2010s due to mass production advantages, while OLED took premium segments later for superior contrast/per-pixel lighting. Many promising "next-gen" ideas from the 2000s (like SED/FED) simply arrived too late or proved too hard to manufacture affordably.

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 at the week's news.
News:
YouTube TV launching new plans, better multiview in 2026
Free TV startup Telly only had 35,000 units in people's homes last fall
Netflix added nearly half a million subs thanks to NFL games
UFC Defends Ad-Heavy Paramount+ Debut
Free Streaming Perks
With the cost of streaming constantly going up the HT Guys are here to try and save you money. Almost all streamers offer some sort of discount via perks through Credit Cards, Cable and TV Providers, or Mobile Phone plans. On today's show we go through the top streamers and how you can get their services for free or reduced price. 
Neflix
T-Mobile: Netflix on Us is included with many of their higher-tier unlimited plans. It provides Netflix Standard with Ads for free.  Other carriers occasionally bundle it, but T-Mobile is currently the most consistent and prominent in the US.
Xfinity (Comcast): Adding their "StreamSaver" bundle ($15/mo) includes Netflix Standard with Ads alongside Peacock Premium with ads and Apple TV+.  
Similar occasional perks appear with Spectrum, Verizon Fios, or others during promotions, but they're not guaranteed long-term.
Peacock
Instacart+ If you subscribe to Instacart+ about $99/year, you can get Peacock Premium included at no extra cost.
Xfinity Internet customers on Gigabit or higher plans can get up to 2 years of Peacock Premium free. Xfinity NOW TV streaming service subscribers get Peacock Premium included. Xfinity Rewards members (especially higher tiers like Diamond/Platinum) can claim Peacock Premium as a perk at no extra cost.
Walmart+ membership often bundles Peacock Premium for free as part of the subscription benefits.
Promotional deals or bundles — These pop up from time to time, and can save money.
Student/Young Adult discounts — heavily reduced  about $5.99/month for students via verification or young adult offers.
AppleTV+
When you buy a new iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple TV 4K, you get 3 months of Apple TV+ free. 
Apple One bundle trial — Plans start around $19.95/month (Individual) after the trial, making Apple TV+ effectively part of a discounted bundle compared to subscribing separately.
T-Mobile (US) — With qualifying Magenta or Magenta MAX plans, you can get Apple TV+ included at no extra cost. Some carriers (like Verizon or others in the past) have occasionally bundled Apple TV+ free or discounted with phone plans, but T-Mobile is the most consistent. 
Peacock + Apple TV+ bundle — In some regions, you can bundle Apple TV+ with Peacock for around $14.99/month (saving over 30% compared to separate subscriptions). 
Paramount+
Walmart+ subscribers ($12.95/month or $98/year) get Paramount+ Essential (the ad-supported plan) included at no extra cost. You can choose between Paramount+ Essential or Peacock Premium (with ads) as a streaming benefit. 
DirecTV (top-tier/Ultimate packages) may offer complimentary Paramount+. Other providers like Hulu (as a Paramount+ with SHOWTIME add-on) sometimes have free trials or bundled access for eligible subscribers.
Verified U.S. military members get 50% off any plan for life (via SheerID verification). This is a permanent discount.
Teachers Discount — Teachers may get 50% off any plan.
Hulu
Eligible U.S. service members, veterans, and families can get 25% off Hulu (With Ads) through The Exchange (shopmyexchange.com). 
Select T-Mobile plans include ad-supported Hulu for free. Some plans also bundle Netflix or other services. This can make Hulu effectively $0 if you already have or switch to a qualifying plan.
Occasional promotions  from American Express Platinum and some other credit cards may offer free access to Hulu, Disney+, or HBO/Max bundles, but these are niche and time-limited.
Bundles for Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu start around $9.99–$12.99/mo  can save from $5 to $15 when compared to separate subscriptions. 
ESPN+
Verizon: Select Unlimited 5G plans include the Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN Bundle (often Disney+ Premium, Hulu with ads, and ESPN Select with ads) at no extra charge.
T-Mobile: Offers Hulu "ON US" with select plans, but ESPN+ inclusion is less direct—some bundles or promotions tie in Disney/Hulu/ESPN elements. It's more Hulu-focused, but check T-Mobile's streaming perks for any ESPN-related deals.
Other carriers like AT&T may have occasional streaming bundles—verify your plan.
Provider-included access: If you have cable/satellite/streaming TV services like DIRECTV, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, Spectrum, Verizon FiOS, Cox, etc., you may get ESPN Unlimited or Select access included.
Disney+ | Hulu Bundle - see above
Disney+
Verizon: Several eligible Unlimited mobile plans (or certain home internet plans) include the Disney Bundle for free or at no extra cost.
Disney+ | Hulu Bundle - see above
Some cards (e.g., American Express Blue Cash Everyday) offer statement credits toward Disney+/Hulu (up to $7/month or similar).
HBO Max
If you have HBO through a cable/satellite package like DirecTV, or select plans from providers like Spectrum, internet service, or a wireless plan, you may get Max access at no extra cost. Sign in via the Max app with your provider credentials. Some older AT&T Unlimited plans or specific bundles still include it.
Certain mobile carriers or services bundle Max for free or as part of a higher-tier plan. Examples include occasional Verizon or AT&T promotions (though many shifted to Disney bundles). Check your carrier's perks section—some offer limited-time free months.

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 also read your email and take a look at the week's news.
News:
Sony and TCL Are Teaming Up to Make TVs
Paramount+ - THE PRICE OF YOUR PLAN IS CHANGING
Broadcast Remains the Most Powerful Platform for Reaching NFL Audiences
SVS 3000 R|Evolution Series
Smart TV OS Rankings
The article Every Major Smart TV OS Ranked Worst To Best Based On User Reviews ranks eight major smart TV operating systems based on user reviews and comments from sources like Best Buy, Reddit, and cross-referenced with expert sites like RTINGS.
The focus is on real user experiences regarding performance, app availability, bugs, ads, usability, and overall satisfaction — emphasizing that the OS heavily impacts whether a TV feels premium or frustrating.
Ranking (from worst #8 to best #1):
8. VIDAA (used on Hisense TVs): Simple and snappy for basics like Netflix/YouTube, but severely limited app library (missing Stremio, Spotify, major music apps); no Android app support; frequent freezes especially on larger screens (>40 inches); users call it "horrible" and feel like a "dumb" TV.
7. VIZIO OS (formerly SmartCast): Great hardware/value (e.g., affordable 120Hz gaming TVs), but plagued by instability, bugs, frequent problematic updates, ad-pushing, and odd behaviors; many users recommend external streaming sticks over built-in OS.
6. Samsung Tizen: Fast and smooth on high-end models (e.g., S95D OLED), but laggy/slow on older/lower-end sets (button delays of seconds, freezes); heavy ads and unwanted TV Plus channels; users describe UI/Smart Hub as "extremely laggy" and "awful."
5. Fire OS (Amazon Fire TVs): Solid Alexa integration and budget appeal, but very ad-heavy (Prime Video promotions dominate); sluggish performance (1-2 second app launch delays); shifting toward new Vega OS (Linux-based, no sideloading).
4. Google TV: Strong content aggregation, smart home features (Google Gemini), intuitive when hardware is good (excellent on Sony models); can feel cluttered for casual users; performance varies greatly by TV brand/hardware (flawless on premium, weaker on budget).
3. Roku OS: Highly reliable, straightforward, and user-friendly (great for non-tech users); minimal ads/recommendations; rock-solid stability (compared to a "Toyota Camry"); dated/basic interface is the main downside.
2. LG webOS: Smooth, colorful, and easy navigation (Magic Remote point-and-click shines); supports Apple HomeKit/AirPlay 2/Chromecast; kind to non-tech-savvy users; praised for looking premium; downside is increasing home screen bloat/ads/full-screen menus (since 2024) plus screensaver ads.
1. Apple tvOS (via Apple TV device, not built into TVs): Near-perfect — zero lag, no ads, ultra-fluid 4K UI; standout features like InSight (real-time show info), automatic subtitles, Enhance Dialogue (AI vocal clarity); users rave about "super fast responsiveness" and call it underrated; main caveat is needing a separate (pricey) Apple TV box/streamer
There Will Never Be a New 'Seinfeld
We found a Wall Street Journal opinion piece titled "There Will Never Be a New 'Seinfeld'" which argues that a cultural phenomenon like Seinfeld cannot emerge again in the current media landscape. The show was massively popular and broadly talked about around the "water-cooler" the day after it aired nationally on NBC.
The author (Mary Julia Koch) opens with a personal anecdote about young women at a dinner party casually mentioning shows they've watched that others haven't heard of, highlighting how fragmented viewing habits have become due to the explosion of streaming platforms and content choices. The central thesis is that the conditions that made Seinfeld a universal hit in the 1990s are gone forever:
Media fragmentation — In the broadcast TV era, there were only a handful of channels, so millions watched the same shows at the same time, creating shared cultural references and conversations. Today, with countless streaming services (Netflix, Hulu, Max, etc.), on-demand viewing, and niche content, audiences are siloed and rarely overlap on the same program.
Shift from mass appointment viewing to individualized consumption — No single show can achieve the same cultural penetration or "event" status when people watch on their own schedules and devices.
Loss of common cultural touchstones — This makes it impossible for a new sitcom to become the kind of generational, quotable, everyone-knows-it phenomenon that Seinfeld was. Think about the movies and TV shows we watched in the 80s. We all watched the same stuff. It was either in the theater or on TV. So if I quoted Caddy Shack, all my friends knew what I was talking about and laughed.
The piece laments that while there are still great comedies and talented creators, none will replicate Seinfeld's unique role in society because the technological and viewing ecosystem has permanently changed.
This isn't about declining quality in comedy but about structural shifts in how media is produced, distributed, and consumed. Because of how we consume content, there simply won't be "a new Seinfeld"—the era of such singular, unifying pop-culture hits is over.

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. 
News:
Amazon has started automatically upgrading Prime members to Alexa Plus
Apple Reveals 'Record-Breaking' Year For Apple TV And Other Services
Bears vs. Packers on Prime Video sets streaming record
2026 CES Award Winners
Samsung S95H (OLED TV with enhanced brightness, anti-burn-in art display, wireless features) Awarded Best TV or Home Theater (CNET) and Winner in Home Theater category (ZDNET/CNET Group awards).
Samsung Music Studio 5 (Compact smart speaker with artistic design, Wi-Fi/Bluetooth connectivity for whole-home audio) Winner in Best Audio category (CNET) and Winner in Audio category (ZDNET/CNET Group awards).
Samsung 140" Micro LED - The Samsung 140" Micro LED TV creates a seamless, immersive 3D-like experience by using AI to extend on-screen content onto innovative Micro LED Mirror bezels that blend with the image. When not in use, it folds in half via a hidden hinge to function as an elegant art frame, eliminating the traditional "black box" appearance and blending beautifully into home décor. CES 2026 Best of Innovation in Video Displays
KLIPSCH THE 9S II -  The Klipsch The 9s II powered speakers feature Onkyo audio processing and an updated Tractrix horn for wide dispersion and precise clarity, while supporting both two-channel music and Dolby Atmos content with versatile connectivity including AirPlay 2, USB-C, HDMI, and XLR inputs.They include Dirac Live auto-room calibration and deliver exceptional sound quality, though the pair carries a premium price of $2,399. Tom's Guide Best Audio
LG H7 FlexConnect soundbar (Dolby Atmos soundbar with modular FlexConnect surround extension to any TV, part of LG Sound Suite) Best Audio category (CNET).
LG W6 (Ultra-thin "wallpaper" OLED TV, flush wall mount, bright display, supports Dolby Atmos FlexConnect) Best TV or Home Theater category (CNET).
LG CLOiD - The LG CLOiD is a wheeled household robot that connects to LG ThinQ smart appliances and uses its two arms, cameras, sensors, and voice recognition to autonomously handle tasks like loading laundry, folding clothes, organizing the fridge, tidying up, running errands, and assisting with cooking. By learning the user's routines, understanding context and emotions, and proactively acting with gestures, voice, and expressions, it reduces household labor and enhances quality of life and emotional well-being. 2026 Honoree in Smart Home
Hisense 116UXS (Massive 116-inch mini-LED TV with advanced RGB + cyan backlight for wide color gamut)
Highlighted in Best TV or Home Theater category (CNET) and CES 2026 Best of Innovation in Video Displays
Hisense 163MX The Hisense 163MX is the world's first 163-inch MicroLED TV to use a four-primary RGBY (QuadColor) pixel design, which adds a yellow subpixel to achieve 95% BT.2020 color coverage—a 5% improvement over traditional RGB MicroLED systems. This self-emissive technology delivers perfect blacks, infinite contrast, precise brightness control, and stunning visual quality in any lighting without a backlight. 2026 Best of Innovation in Video Displays.
Samsung EdgeAware AI Home - processing sounds, videos, and data from Samsung and third-party devices locally on your Samsung tech to generate detailed event summaries, contextual recommendations, and health insights displayed on your TV—all without sending private data to the cloud.  It detects 12 distinct sounds (like running water or breaking glass), provides actionable suggestions such as launching telemedicine for persistent coughing or triggering emergency services for intrusions/fires, and enables fast AI-driven searches for moments like "doorbell rang." 2026 Honoree in Smart Home
Doma Intelligent Door - Doma is pioneering secure home intelligence by integrating advanced technology directly into the front door, starting with keyless entry, intruder protection, and real-time awareness of activity inside and around the home. Founded by the team behind August and Yale smart locks, it delivers a holistic system that elevates the home experience, monitors health and safety, senses surroundings, and takes personalized actions to provide true peace of mind. 2026 Honoree in Smart Home
Roborock Saros Rover (Advanced two-legged/smart robot vacuum with stair-climbing, AI navigation for multi-level homes) Winner in Smart Home category (ZDNET/CNET Group awards).
AQARA U400 - Thanks to its use of Ultra Wide Band (UWB) technology, it can sense when you (and your iPhone or Apple Watch) are approaching your door, and will unlock it automatically. No fuss. And, the technology is good enough that it can recognize if you're merely walking past your door rather than to it, or if you're inside, rather than outside your house. Tom's Guide Best Smart Lock
JBL Tour One M3 Smart Tx JBL Tour One M3 Smart Tx delivers all the powerful features of the Tour One M3 headphones such as world class noise cancellation, crystal clear calls and legendary Hi-res certified JBL Pro Sound. The Smart Tx audio transmitter connects you to almost any audio source and elevates your wireless experience. Connect wirelessly to digital devices using the USB-C connection, or analog devices with a 3.5mm audio jack, such as in-flight entertainment systems. No need to pull out your phone and search for the app. Full access to all controls is right there on the touch screen of the transmitter. 2026 Honoree in Headphones & Personal Audio. $450
Timekettle W4 AI Interpreter Earbuds The Timekettle W4 AI Interpreter Earbuds are the world's first in-ear translation device to use Bone-Voiceprint Sensor technology combined with LLM-powered, context-aware AI, achieving 98% accurate, noise-immune speech recognition with just 0.2-second latency across 42 languages and 95 accents.Designed for all-day comfort with up to 18 hours of battery life, sleek styling, one-flip sharing, automatic mode switching, and audio/video translation capabilities, the W4 delivers natural, real-time multilingual conversations and is now available for purchase. 2026 Honoree in Artificial Intelligence, Headphones & Personal Audio, Mobile Devices, Accessories & Apps. $350

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 still find some cool products that will eventually find their way into our homes.
News:
More than 60% of audiences use TV as primary streaming device
Which sports will Netflix have in 2026?
LG
Key Highlights
Return of the Wallpaper OLED TV (LG OLED evo W6) — LG revived its iconic ultra-thin "Wallpaper" design after a multi-year hiatus. The W6 is just 9mm thick, fully wireless (with a separate connection box up to 10 meters away), uses Hyper Radiant Color Technology for improved brightness and colors, and supports features like art display via Gallery+ service. It's marketed as reflection-free and significantly brighter than average OLEDs.
New OLED Lineup — Including the brighter flagship G6 (up to 20% brighter than the G5 with Primary RGB Tandem 2.0 panels and reduced reflections), split C6 series (with varying tech tiers), and claims of the world's first TVs supporting 4K 120Hz cloud gaming with low-latency controllers.
Micro RGB evo TV — LG's first flagship Mini-LED TV with Micro RGB technology for vastly expanded color range and brightness, available in large sizes including the "world's largest" Micro RGB LCD TV, the 130-inch R95H.
Gallery TV — A direct competitor to Samsung's The Frame, with anti-glare screens and curated art modes (designed with museum input).
CLOiD Home Robot — A standout AI-powered housekeeper robot demoed on stage. It performs complex chores like folding laundry, loading/unloading dishwashers, preparing simple meals (baking croissants), and coordinating with connected appliances for a "Zero Labor Home" vision.
LG Sound Suite (with Dolby) - Includes the H7 soundbar, optional M7/M5 wireless surround speakers, and W7 subwoofer. Allows free placement of speakers; the system auto-configures channels for optimal immersion, solving a major pain point in traditional wired or rigidly positioned Atmos setups.Hands-on reports highlighted its ease for real-world living rooms, delivering expansive sound without cables or furniture rearrangement.
Samsung
Key Highlights
World's first 130-inch Micro RGB TV (): The largest in their Micro RGB lineup, featuring next-generation color accuracy (100% Rec.2020 coverage), bold new design, HDR10+ ADVANCED support, Eclipsa Audio, and AI enhancements like conversational search, proactive recommendations, AI Football (Soccer) Mode Pro, and integrations with Microsoft Copilot and Perplexity. AI Soccer Mode delivers a more exciting gameday experience through AI-driven picture and sound tuning to stadium-level quality. AI Sound Controller Pro lets you raise or lower the volume of the crowd, commentary, or background music, providing a personalized listening experience for TV shows and movies. Users can simply make verbal requests, and any TV equipped with VAC – which includes Micro LED, Micro RGB, OLED, Neo QLED, Mini LED and UHD TV – contextually carries out those requests.
Expanded Micro RGB TV lineup: New sizes including 55-, 65-, 75-, 85-, 100-, 115-inch models, alongside upgrades to Neo QLED and OLED TVs 
The Freestyle+ portable projector: An upgraded AI-powered version with improved brightness, support for projecting on uneven surfaces (walls, ceilings, corners, curtains), and smarter entertainment features.
New audio products: Music Studio 5 and 7 wireless speakers (Bluetooth/Wi-Fi, unique designs), and soundbars like the HW-QS90H (all-in-one 7.1.2 with Quad Bass Woofer system).
Broader AI focus: Enhanced experiences in home appliances (e.g., Bespoke AI), TVs, and ecosystem integration.
Press releases 
Sony
No major announcements were made regarding Sony's traditional consumer products, such as new Bravia TVs, headphones, cameras, or PlayStation hardware. Sony's focus shifted toward the future of mobility and software-defined vehicles.
TCL
Key Highlights
X11L SQD-Mini LED TV - as its 2026 flagship. It features new "SQD-Mini LED" technology (Super Quantum Dot Mini-LED), emphasizing superior color accuracy and performance. Features 10,000 Nits, 20,000 dimming zones, 100% coverage of BT.2020 color gamut. Available initially in 98-inch and 85-inch sizes (75-inch later), with launches starting as early as January 2026. Some who have seen it are saying it rivals Micro RGB TVs from competitors like Samsung and LG, potentially challenging OLED in brightness and contrast.
A65K Design Series soundbar — A compact 3.1.2-channel Dolby Atmos model with Bang & Olufsen tuning and wireless subwoofer.
Hisense
Key Highlights
RGB MiniLED evo Technology — Hisense introduced an evolved version of its RGB MiniLED backlight system, which adds a fourth primary color to improve accuracy and fill spectral gaps (especially in the 500-600nm range) for more natural and vibrant colors. This debuts in the flagship 116UXS large-screen TV, positioned for premium cinematic home viewing.
Expanded RGB MiniLED Lineup — The company is bringing RGB MiniLED to more accessible screen sizes and models, including new UR9 and UR8 series TVs, making the technology available beyond ultra-premium flagships.
Industry-First RGBY MicroLED Display — Hisense unveiled a new MicroLED prototype using four primary colors (Red, Green, Blue, Yellow), aimed at future ultra-large screens with enhanced color reproduction.
Laser Projection and Other Displays — Extensions of multi-primary color tech to laser projectors, emphasizing better color accuracy and flexible installations.
Additional Mentions — New projectors, smart home AI assistants, and support for advanced formats like Dolby Vision 2 on upcoming 2026 MiniLED models (via OTA updates).
Home Audio Announcements
Budget brand Ultimea surprised with the Skywave X100 Dual, a premium compact system boasting up to 9.2.6 channels across seven modular units.Focuses on high-channel-count immersion in a small footprint, positioning it as an affordable yet powerful alternative for space-constrained home theaters.
SVS R|Evolution SeriesAudio specialist SVS debuted the 3000 R|Evolution subwoofers and a new Dolby Atmos soundbar, demonstrated in a full 5.2.4-channel cabin setup for reference-level performance.
Klipsch Powered Speakers UpdateKlipsch refreshed its powered lineup with The Fives II, Sevens II, and Nines II, building on heritage horn-loaded designs with modern connectivity, plus concept teases for future innovations.Other mentions included Cambridge Audio's new active bookshelf speakers and various AI-enhanced EQ features across brands, but the Dolby Atmos FlexConnect implementations (especially LG's) stood out as the truly novel leap forward for effortless, high-quality home audio in 2026. The Fives II: $1,399.99/pair USD. The Sevens II: $1,999.99/pair USD. The Nines II: $2,399.99/pair USD
Home Automation Announcements
The standout trend was humanoid or multi-purpose home robots moving beyond single tasks (like vacuuming) to general household help, embodying a vision of embodied AI.
LG CLOiD: LG's flagship reveal was this wheeled, dual-armed AI home robot designed for a "Zero Labor Home." It autonomously handles diverse chores like retrieving items from the fridge, heating food in the oven, folding laundry, and coordinating with other smart appliances. Powered by advanced AI and sensors, it demonstrates real-world household automation in demo setups.
SwitchBot onero H1: SwitchBot introduced this accessible humanoid household robot as part of its "Smart Home 2.0" vision. It represents a shift to multi-task embodied AI, going beyond specialized devices to perform varied daily tasks. Accompanied by other AI robotics integrations for intuitive automation.
Other mentions included updates like Samsung's AI Jet Bot Steam Ultra (with AI object/liquid recognition for smarter cleaning) and emerging players like 1X NEO, signaling a wave of practical home robotics.
Devices are increasingly using on-device AI to automate routines without user programming.
Conversational AI and Butler-Style Control: Widespread demos of voice assistants that learn habits and respond to natural commands, turning smart homes into proactive "housekeepers."
Sorcerics Lens (CES Innovation Award honoree): An AI hub using on-device computer vision for fully contextual automation of housework, understanding environments to trigger actions intelligently. Lights turn on because the AI recognizes you're reading - not just because you moved. Lights turn off only when the AI understands you're about to sleep - not simply on a routineWhat motion and presence sensors fail to see, Sorcerics AI sees the difference.
Govee Smart Lighting Advancements: New lights (e.g., Ceiling Light Ultra) that proactively adjust based on time of day, mood, space usage, and user patterns—rethinking lighting as adaptive rather than reactive.
SwitchBot AI MindClip: AI MindClip continuously captures meetings, conversations, and everyday moments, transforming them into structured summaries, actionable to-dos, and a searchable personal knowledge base. Acting as a "second brain" fueled by subscribed cloud AI service, it allows users to retrieve past discussions, reminders, and learning materials on demand, ask questions when details are forgotten, and turn fragmented information into usable insight. Weighing just 18 grams and supporting over 100 languages, AI MindClip helps people organize and recall the growing volume of spoken information they encounter every day, enabling them to think more clearly, work more efficiently, and manage modern life with less cognitive load.
Innovative Access and Security
Aqara U400 Smart Deadbolt: Uses Ultra-Wideband (UWB) for precise, hands-free unlocking as you approach—more reliable than traditional geofencing/Bluetooth mixes.
Lockin V7 Max: Features wireless AuraCharge (recharges within 4 meters) and fast unlocking, earning a CES Innovation Award.
SwitchBot's biometric 3D locks with advanced vision.
Other Notable Smart Home Innovations
Expanded Matter ecosystem support across brands, enabling broader interoperability.
Smarter kitchen tech, like Govee's Smart Nugget Ice Maker Pro.
Enhanced security cameras with deeper AI context for automation triggers.