Deals: HomePod Returns to Lowest-Ever Price of $199.99 at Best Buy ($100 Off)

Still $50-$100 overvalued.

Musically, they sound better than most of the competition in this price range.
But, as a TV speaker - I think you are better off putting the money towards a soundbar. There is a reason why most home theater systems have an EQ that differs between music types, movie types, and vocals. This tries to be everything to everybody - and winds up superior at really nothing but a background music player.

Siri, is still inferior to the competition - even though Apple more or less created the intelligent voice assistant, and is a larger company; one would like to think that Siri would be the one to beat. Sadly, Siri ranks pretty much last place.

This is a great price for HomePod. I bought my first one at full retail when they launched ($349) then a second one when the price dropped to $299 and I picked up my last 2 on sale for $199 each. You can't beat them at this price range. I agree with the earlier post, this MIGHT be an indication of a new model launching soon (or it may just be a regular sale).

Musically, they sound better than most of the competition in this price range.
But, as a TV speaker - I think you are better off putting the money towards a soundbar. There is a reason why most home theater systems have an EQ that differs between music types, movie types, and vocals. This tries to be everything to everybody - and winds up superior at really nothing but a background music player.

Siri, is still inferior to the competition - even though Apple more or less created the intelligent voice assistant, and is a larger company; one would like to think that Siri would be the one to beat. Sadly, Siri ranks pretty much last place.

As a home theater component, I don't think you can blame the Homepod or Apple for that matter. I think that blame lies squarely with Homepod owners using the device in an unintended fashion. Even though you're right about sound bar set up probably being better, I think most of the people using Homepods as TV speakers probably don't know any better... or fall into that category of user who wants to make their environment as Apple as possible regardless of better options.

I am one of those people who use them for a home theater setup. It isn’t my primary home theater setup but the one in my bedroom. The reason I went with HomePods is that I wanted to use them for more than just sound when watching tv. They are also the stereo for the bedroom.

Your use case supports my main point perfectly. @Hodar1 said: "This tries to be everything to everybody - and winds up superior at really nothing but a background music player." But the Homepod doesn't try to be everything for everybody. Users are finding alternative uses for the Homepod. Those uses can't be viewed as Homepod trying to be everything. That's also not a criticism of users. Creatively using products beyond their primary purpose is totally okay in my book. I do it all the time. I mean, who hasn't used a butter knife to turn a screw when a screwdriver would be a better choice.

How do you get the sound out to your homepod? Via an AppleTV?

Yes. I only get the HomePod sound when using the AppleTV but that is how I watch movies so it works for me. I don’t have cable tv (internet only) so it is just what I watch on AppleTV and over the air stations on my tv.