Home Cinema Choice - Spring 2023

In this issue

Our cover star this month is the XR-75X95K, Sony’s first ever Mini LED 4K TV. This 75in set promises high-contrast, high-brightness bigscreen visuals from its advanced backlight engine and Sony’s proprietary processing – all at a tempting price. We give our verdict…

Also on the test bench this issue is Denon’s AVC-A1H, the Japanese marque’s most advanced AV amplifier yet. Does this 15-channel heavyweight live up to its reference-status billing? We also run the rule over Acoustic Energy’s reborn 100 Series in a 5.1 speaker system; JBL’s affordable, compact Bar 300 soundbar; Anthem’s range-topping MCA 525 Gen 2 multichannel power amplifier; the UDP800 universal 4K disc player from Magnetar; Philips 55OLED+907 4K TV; and more. Whatever your budget, we’ve got you covered!

On the software side, we check out new Blu-ray, 4K and streaming releases including Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Rocky: The Knockout Collection, Violent Night and The Mandalorian: S3. We also pick our thirty favourite horror-comedy movies, and turn the clock back to 1974 to celebrate Tobe Hooper’s terrifying classic The Texas Chain Saw Massacre.

Elsewhere, we report on the sonic highlights of this year’s Bristol Hi-Fi Show; head to Amsterdam for a sneak preview of Philips’ 2023 TV lineup; report on a custom install movie room with Steinway Lyngdorf sound and JVC 8K projection; and explain why the new 48fps, Dolby Atmos cinema release of Titanic floats our boat…

Plus all the usual opinions, news, disc reviews and competitions. Enjoy the show!

Dirac

This room correction system has been making (sound) waves over the last few years, but how does it work and is it really that good? Steve Withers investigates

3 mins

It's showtime!

Philips gets ahead of itself with a tantalising 2023 TV range preview. Steve May reports on things to come

4 mins

Bristol Hi-Fi Show returns for 2023

The long-running audio showcase was back in business after a two-year hiatus, and and were there

6 mins

YOU'LL DIE LAUGHING - 30 HILARIOUS HORROR COMEDIES

Anton van Beek and Mark Craven trawl through 90 years of cinema to celebrate the flicks that are guaranteed to raise a smile - even when they're loaded with ghosts, killers, monsters and more...

10 mins

Same again, please!

The owner of this basement cinema loved his old setup so much he wanted it replicated - but better. Daniel Sait reports

2 mins

Denon's blast from the past

Richard Stevenson salutes the no-stone-unturned approach of this monster 15.4-channel AV amplifier |

8 mins

Having it large!

This 75in Mini LED adds another useful dimension to Sony's already diverse range, writes John Archer

5 mins

Budget models made better

Does this upgraded entry-level speaker range still offer the best bang for your buck? Steve Withers finds out

5 mins

Premium deck is a universal soldier

The Magnetar brand may be largely unknown, but its first high-end disc spinner is hard to resist, says Steve May

5 mins

Don't cut out the middle man

Philios' new mid-range OLED TV might just be its best all-rounder yet, decides John Archer

4 mins

Anthem's amp of power and glory

This high-grade five-channel amplifier tops the Canadian maker's lineup, and shows Steve Withers the true meaning of dynamic range

4 mins

Sky Glass

WE'RE ALL USED to firmware updates that fix bugs and generally polish the usability of our connected AV kit, but rarely, if ever, has a product had quite such a postlaunch overhaul as Sky Glass.

4 mins

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Home Cinema Choice Magazine Description:

Since 1995 Home Cinema Choice has been the must-buy magazine for AV enthusiasts. Published thirteen times a year, each issue provides in-depth, detailed reviews of the hardware products on your shortlist – from hi-def/4K televisions and projectors to AV receivers, speakers, Blu-ray players, soundbars and more. We also travel the world seeking out the latest tech and trends, provide advice and inspiration for your own cinema project and reveal the Blu-rays and DVDs you'll want to add to your collection.