HDMI 2.2 finally makes its arrival, Google announces cuts to its Google TV development and streaming continues to topple cable and broadcast, all this and more as we round up some of the top news stories for AV and automation in this edition of the Weekly Rewind.
HDMI 2.2 Arrives
Earlier this week, CE Pro covered the release of Version 2.2 for the HDMI Forum’s HDMI specification after announcing it at CES 2025.
The new format follows the 2.1 format a full eight years after it was initially announced with 2.2 reportedly upping the bandwidth capabilities to 96Gbps.
The HDMI Forum also states that the new format will support higher resolutions and refresh rates, up to 12K at 120Hz and 16K at 60Hz.
A full breakdown on what the standard entails can be found here by regular CE Pro contributor and HDMI expert, Jeff Boccaccio.
Google Cuts TV Budget to Focus on YouTube
Seeking Alpha by way of The Information has reported that Google will be trimming the budget on its Google TV and Android TV team by 10%.
Google’s stated reasoning is that it wishes to focus more on YouTube for its core TV business as the platform was recently revealed to be the top streaming content provider in the U.S.
The end goal for Google is to be able to grow the revenue generated from the platform’s subscription services which include an ad-free version, cable-like TV and music streaming.
Company leaders, however, are still in the process of determining a replacement for its global head of TV, film and sports partnerships, who recently left the company for Netflix.
Streaming Viewership Outclasses Cable and Broadcast Combined
Yesterday, CE Pro was able to dig into the latest Nielsen The Gauge report on streaming and uncover some significant developments in the space.
According to the report, streaming accounted for 44.8% of all TV viewership in May, with Broadcast (20.1%) and Cable (24.1%) accounting for a combined 44.2%, marking the first time streaming viewership has eclipsed both channels combined.
Since Nielsen began tracking the metrics in 2021, streaming viewership has soared 71% with the biggest platform for streaming currently—YouTube—seeing a 120% rise in viewership.
Reportedly, YouTube accounted for 12.5% of all TV viewership in May with the next closest, Netflix, pulling in 7.5% of all TV viewership.
Electricity Bills Expected to Reach 12-Year High This Summer
CBS reported that a new analysis by the National Energy Assistance Directors Association (NEADA) finds higher predicted temperatures this summer could strain both grid loads and consumer wallets.
Home electricity bills are likely to rise 6% from 2024 according to the analysis, marking a 12-year record as electricity costs continue to outstrip inflation.
Higher usage rates are also expected to drive up bills as more extreme heat events like the recent heat dome are expected to continue throughout the summer.
Electricity prices have consistently outpacing inflation these past few years as both AI data center build-out and industrial onshoring continues to spike demand.
Coherent Source Service Acquired by Gary Dayton
A major player in the repair and maintenance of legacy audio systems was acquired earlier this week, as covered by CE Pro Senior Editor, Bob Archer.
Established following the closure of THIEL Audio, Coherent Source Service has been providing expert repair to nearly every speaker the company ever produced with Rob Gillum, the former service manager of THIEL, running the helm.
Gary Dayton, himself, was a former THIEL employee and trained under Gillum during his tenure at the company.
Dayton has assured customers that there will be no interruption to current operations during the transfer and that he aims to ensure that “THIEL owners can happily enjoy their wonderful loudspeakers well into the foreseeable future.”
CE Pro’s Women to Watch Submissions Close Soon
Following the success of the inaugural Women to Watch in 2024, CE Pro is once again accepting nominations to recognize women redefining the industry. The submission window is closing soon, however, with July 11, 2025 as the final deadline.
If you know someone breaking new ground, championing inclusion, or redefining excellence in this field, now is the time to recognize them. Nominate a colleague, partner, or mentor who deserves to be celebrated. Let’s continue building a more diverse, innovative, and inspiring industry—together.
Email either Nick Boever ([email protected]), Zachary Comeau ([email protected]) or Bob Archer ([email protected]) with your nominees by July 11, 2025.
