The average user is worried about their laptop. The idea of their laptop being hacked is worrisome because they keep personal information on it and it's a somewhat personal possession. So anti-virus get some play.

The average user doesn't care about their VCR. The average user won't set the time on their VCR much less set a password. In fact, I don't care about my VCR or my light bulbs or whatever dumb thing someone decides should have the capacity to be on the Internet (except I care enough not to knowing buy such things but in the future may unknowingly buy the stuff). If someone manufactures Trojans to put in people's homes and it causes other people problems, it shouldn't be my problem.