CATEGORIES
Strong Leap-S1
The first Android TV streamer from this new-to-the-UK brand is a good system fit, says Steve May, but there are some shortfalls that need fixing first
Philips rings the changes
Brighter OLED TVs, revamped image presets and a new home audio ecosystem are on the tech giant's 2022 agenda, reports Steve May
BluOS without some bells and whistles
NAD expands its lineup of hi-res streaming amplifi ers with the C 700, a more affordable – but still well-featured – alternative to its Masters Series hardware. Mark Craven investigates
Bustin' makes us feel good
Next-generation nostalgia-heavy sequel has plenty of spirit – and a spooktacular sound mix
BLU is the warmest colour
JVC upgrades its native 4K projectors by swapping lamps for lasers. Steve Withers trips the light fantastic
75in Pana has growing pains
John Archer salutes the ambition of this bigscreen TV, but reckons it takes edge LED lighting a step too far
Get connected
Denon's entry-level X Series AV receiver is also its most advanced in terms of HDMI connectivity. Go figure, says John Archer
'For our next trick...'
In a nutshell, if Monitor Audio keeps making loudspeakers as good as this, Mark Craven will keep raving about them
AND… CUT!
The home media boom means a film's theatrical version isn't necessarily its last. Anton van Beek takes a look at the intriguing, inspiring –and sometimes irritating – world of 'Director's Cuts'
Arch AV rivals prep for battle in 2022
LG's CES reveals included an Atmos soundbar innovation, a 97in OLED and a wire-free lifestyle TV. Samsung countered with Mini LED upgrades and a projector aimed at Gen Z music lovers, while Sony grabbed the limelight with its A95K Quantum Dot OLED. Steve May takes it all in
Procella pro cinema
This bigscreen home theatre has been designed for luxury comfort, striking good looks and extreme performance. Daniel Sait reports
OLED's feeling supersonic
Philips' new range-topping OLED TV introduces some much-needed class into John Archer's living room
Every day brilliance
Panasonic delivers a bright-room LED TV that sports fans and gamers are going to eat up, says Steve May
Sky through the looking glass
Sky reinvents premium pay TV with this dish-free proposition, but not without contention, reports Steve May
Sony PlayStation 5
THE PLAYSTATION 5, in case you've been living under a rock this past year, is Sony’s latest games console. It launched in the UK on November 19 2020, in two versions: a ‘Digital Edition’ without a disc drive, and a standard version with a disc drive. Given that the disc drive plays 4K Blu-rays as well as game discs, guess which one I went for…
Spot the projector
This technically accomplished project had to fit perfectly around the customer’s existing living space, says Daniel Sait
XTZ A2-300
Many AV receivers can now decode more channels than their onboard power amps can actually handle. Ed Selley auditions a stereo power pusher that's ready to help out
Top-flight home cinema
Of all the custom installs we featured this year, this loft conversion project with innovative partition wall and plenty of disc storage space was our favourite.
Reavon UBR-X200
Jon Thompson once wondered if he'd ever see a new universal disc-spinner, so this feels like a breath of fresh air...
Lumagen Radiance Pro 5348
Lumagen has given its reference-class Radiance Pro video processor an upgrade, which excites Jon Thompson
Film Fanatic
Anton van Beek looks back over some of the movie disc releases and TV shows of 2021 that we wouldn't let him write about...
Digital Copy
Mark Craven gets asked by a pal to help him streamline his CD listening, and ends up suggesting he buys a whole new amplifier instead
AV Avenger
If you thought 2021 was all about streaming platforms, think again says Steve May, as he puts his Blu-ray player in for its annual service
Apple TV 4K
John Archer is impressed by the new Apple TV – especially its remote – but questions how much of an upgrade it is from what’s gone before
In the Mix
The sale of MGM to Amazon isn't good news for disc collectors, warns Jon Thompson. He doesn't even think streaming services are good news for film fans in general
Digital Copy
WiSA (the Wireless Speaker and Audio Association) dreams of a world without cables, a notion that appeals to Mark Craven. But has it forgotten that active speakers need mains power?
Sing when you're dimming
Samsung's premium-priced 75in Neo QLED TV presents John Archer with an 8K showcase
Meet the new box, same as the old box?
John Archer is impressed by the new Apple TV – especially its remote – but questions how much of an upgrade it is from what’s gone before
Surround sound comeback king
Philips' transforming Fidelio soundbar offers old-school home cinema thrills, says Steve May
Astell&Kern KANN Alpha
Looking to drive a challenging pair of headphones with a portable player? Ed Selley thinks the chunky KANN Alpha might be what you need