Consumer Tech
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by John Foldi · Posted
Elevate the functionality of a boardroom and the appearance of public-facing spaces with Sony’s newly announced series of BRAVIA professional displays. Split into the core BZ30P, enhanced BZ35P, and flagship
by Richard Stevens · Posted
Reliable Wi-Fi is no longer a luxury—it’s essential. Most of our mobile devices require it; furthermore, scores of modern homes depend on it for basic (but smart) functionality, such as powering on lights, wirelessly controlling heating and cooling systems, A/V entertainment, security, and more. Add the pressure of working from home (as many people do) and it becomes even more vital that these systems work reliably and securely. Over the years, I’ve experimented with many different iterations of whole-home Wi-Fi (or “mesh systems” as they’re
by Richard Stevens · Posted
Leica’s Cine Play 1 is one of the most interesting laser projectors on the market. At first glance it looks like a stylish portable projector, but if you take a deeper look, there’s a lot more happening under the surface. All the typical specifications you’d expect to see in a portable system are present here—wireless connectivity, integrated
by Gabby Bloch · Posted
Sonos has reinvented its flagship Dolby Atmos soundbar with the release of the Arc Ultra. Promising enhanced dialogue clarity, improved tuning and a deeper and more powerful bass response, the brand touts unprecedented performance and an immersive sound experience that surpasses any of its previous designs. And to get a fuller picture of the Ultra’s potential, we paired it with Sonos’s latest
by Gabby Bloch · Posted
Dolby Atmos technology can be utilized in several ways with varying degrees of authenticity and sound resolution. This article will explore what it takes to get a bona fide Dolby Atmos home theater system and how you can set up a decent approximation without paying an arm and a leg.
AV Receiver and AV Processor-Based Dolby Atmos Systems
For purists, a true Dolby Atmos experience can only be achieved through an AV receiver (AVR) or AV processor (AVP) component-based system. This approach will give you the most control because it allows you to
by Gabby Bloch · Posted
For many of us, earbuds are an essential accessory, providing us with endless hours of audio entertainment and enjoyment. However, for some, the cost of prolonged use is a nagging itch. Why does this happen and what can you do about it? Let's talk about some of the potential causes of itchy ears and what you can do to stop it.
The Causes of Itchy Ears
Allergies
One of the most common reasons for itchy ears is allergies. That’s right. You may be allergic to silicone material, or at least the grade of silicone used by most earbud brands. This
by Gabby Bloch · Posted
Despite its decades-long dominance of the high-end wireless speaker market, Sonos has yet to enter the wireless headphone category—until now. Introducing the Sonos Ace, the legendary speaker-maker’s first-ever pair of wireless headphones. Designed to rival flagship offerings from heavy hitters like Sony, Bose, and now Apple, the Ace headphones offer great sound quality, a sleek build, and some of the latest
by Gabby Bloch · Posted
When Bluetooth headphone technology first arrived on the scene, wireless headphones couldn’t come close to offering the same resolution as a wired headphone. And in some respects, this unfortunate fact remains true.
However, Bluetooth technology has undoubtedly improved since its early days, now offering Hi-Res Bluetooth codecs like aptX HD, aptX lossless, and LDAC. In short, you can now play Hi-Res Bluetooth audio without compromising too much sound quality. As a result, many audiophiles have accepted Bluetooth headphones as a reasonable and
by Richard Stevens · Posted
When ELAC introduced its original Debut ConneX DCB41 powered speaker system, it was met with much of the same praise the brand has become accustomed to hearing. Terms like “expansive soundstage, detailed high frequencies,” and “value leader” have practically become synonymous with ELAC. As great as the original design was and is, it’s hard to stand out in a crowded speaker landscape that’s filled with similar innards and bland black boxes.
by Jill Waterman · Posted
Did you know that power cords and surge protectors have a limited lifespan? It’s true! With continuous use, these products gradually become less effective, so you should try to replace them every 3–5 years. If this is a shock (ha ha), you’re not alone. There are a lot of not-so-obvious dos and don’ts when it comes to electrical safety, so let’s review with a surge protector and power strip rundown.
Safety Basics
We’ll start with some basic information about power cords and work our way into the nitty gritty
Posted
Matt Zefi shares five ways to improve your home entertainment setup. His tips will help transform your movie nights and big game watch parties.
0:00 - Introduction
0:25 - Short Throw Projector
1:21 - Speakers
1:49 - Apple TV and Google Chromecast
2:10 - Lighting
3:04 - Final Thoughts
What sort of tech do you have in your home setup? Let us know in the Comments section, below.
Posted
Scott Owsley discusses the pros, cons, and in-and-outs of using the BenQ HT4550i UHD 4K Smart Projector in your home theater.
0:00 - Introduction
0:34 - Pros, Cons, and Advice
3:01 - LED & Laser
4:39 - Sensor
5:40 - Image Quality
8:22 - Connectivity & Accessories
11:48 - Why Projectors?
Will you be adding the BenQ HT4550i to your setup? Let us know in the Comments section, below.
Posted
Budget-friendly and featuring great audio quality, the Sonos Era 100 and 300 will be welcome additions to your home sound system. The Era 100 is perfect as a portable speaker or in a stationary setup in your home. Meanwhile, the Era 300 offers 360 surround sound and is compatible with Apple Spatial Audio. Watch to see which one is right for you.
0:00 - Introduction
0:50 - Physical Upgrades
1:42 - Set Up Process
2:34 - Playing Music, Podcasts, and More
3:00 - Audio
5
by Shawn C. Steiner · Posted
Setting up a functional home office space/guest bedroom has been a never-ending journey. I was sure I wanted to add a 42" OLED TV to sit beside my computer to serve as a second display (when needed) and as entertainment, but a big uncertainty was finding a sound system to work with it. The room is small, and I wasn’t going to build out a true sound system, so a soundbar became the go-to option. I eventually landed on the Sony HT-A5000, which is admittedly a bit large for the TV and desk it sits on. However, this was before the
Posted
The Hisense PX1 and PX1-PRO bring the latest advancements in projector technology, with stunning cinema-accurate images, tack-sharp 4K projection, 10-Bit, and more. Would you add either of these projectors to your home theater setup?
0:00 - Introduction
0:51 - Specs for Each Projector
2:02 - PX1-PRO
5:23 - More on Specs
7:11 - Final Thoughts