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Ian Collen
Ian Collen has been working as a journalist and writer for more than 20 years. After cutting his teeth in a radio station newsroom, he moved into print, working on a variety of magazines including Essential Home Cinema back when 5.1 was considered a luxury.
The majority of his magazine life was spent in videogames, writing for and editing a number of titles, primarily XBM, 360 GAMER, ONE GAMER, PLAY GAMER and the innovative custom-made digital title GAMER Interactive. Most recently he was editor of Drone Magazine - the clue is very much in the title on that one.
Now working as a freelance writer, Ian is still spending far too much time playing games and considering it 'research', while also trying to follow the latest developments in drone technology and regulation. He is not fun at parties.
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Home AV
Optoma launches UHZ35ST 4K UHD short throw projector
by Ian Collen
Adding a fresh DLP alternative to its extensive line-up, with up to 3500 lumens, this new arrival has an eye on home entertainment and gaming set-ups.
Storm Audio lays claim to the first model to offer 20 channels of processing along with 16 channels of amplification, delivering 150W apiece for up to 11.1.8 multi-format support.
Hi-Fi
Tangent launches DAC II and Ampster TV II amplifier
by Ian Collen
The two new additions to its Ampster range offer some more affordable audio solutions for those looking to give their streaming, CD or TV playback a cost-effective boost.
Existing UK and US members will be among those getting additional adverts in their future film and TV show viewing, with the option to upgrade to a costlier ad-free alternative.
Home AV
BenQ announces new trio of X Series gaming projectors
by Ian Collen
The headline act is the new X3100i flagship model, which will be joined by the X500i and X300G in offering 4K HDR gaming with up to 3300 ANSI lumens.
iFi Audio unveils its NEO iDSD 2 headphone DAC/amp
by Ian Collen
The new-and-improved model boasts a world-first inclusion of both Bluetooth 5.4 and aptX Lossless, along with a number of other refinements.
Hi-Fi
Musical Fidelity set to launch new premium M8xTT turntable
by Ian Collen
The new high-end player owes its heritage to the classic M1 player with this modern-day twist adding a new 10-inch tonearm in a stylish two-tiered design.
The S2 noise-cancelling headset gets upgraded with a new digital signal processing engine and optimised audio, plus a fresh selection of premium finishes to choose from.
What starts as a request for a possible speaker upgrade opens up a wealth of potential ideas that could help to fine-tune the optimum TV and audio set-up.
Forum member river123 was and, along with some great turntable options, this thread also offers up plenty of other ways to improve and build upon that classic vinyl experience.
Not every room needs a wall-filling 4K solution so, with one member looking to add a new 32-inch FHD TV for some bedtime viewing, what are some of the better smaller-screen options?
What were your first steps into digital projection?
by Ian Collen
Enjoy a nostalgic thread looking back at all manner of projectors from years gone by that first enticed some of our members into appreciating the potential for the ‘bigger picture’.
It’s not cheap and it does seem to divide opinion on the forums, so does the music platform offer real value for money, or could other cheaper/free alternatives be a better choice?
Between this thread and our announcement news article, the forum has had plenty to say on Apple's latest iPhone line-up, with the added benefits of the Plus, Pro, and Pro Max models all up for debate.
The new addition to the R-Series offers 100W of Class D amplification ready to deliver that richer bass performance that its speakers just can’t reach.
Philips set to launch its Fidelio L4 and T2 headphones
by Ian Collen
Pricing is also confirmed ahead of the impending release for the over-ear headset and TWS earbuds, both featuring improved noise cancelling tech and other performance upgrades.
Its new flagship record player is a direct drive design that supports MM and MC cartridges, with an adjustable S-shaped tonearm for improved tracking and smooth playback.
Hi-Fi
Lenco launches LS-600 record player and speaker system
by Ian Collen
The all-in-one turntable solution comes with a built-in amplifier, stereo speakers, and Bluetooth support for some easy listening.
With four 13-inch woofers offering a combined output of 2000W, could this latest high-end solution be worth a standing ovation? Or, perhaps more importantly, £50,000?
Hi-Fi
Lumin set to launch D3 network music player in the UK
by Ian Collen
Courtesy of Sound Design Distribution, its latest streaming solution will be shipping soon with an upgraded processing system and precision analogue output stage, plus a new compact aluminium chassis.
Designed for use on its own, with a stereo sibling, or as surround speakers in a wider system, the new compact arrival comes with an adaptable three-driver set-up.
Fyne Audio adds F1-8S loudspeaker to its flagship F1 Series
by Ian Collen
The new floorstander offers a slightly smaller and more affordable solution to its high-end audio line-up, with an upgraded 8-inch IsoFlare driver system.
The company's latest slimmed-down 2-channel solution delivers up to 75W per channel with 8K and HEOS support to help with your wider home entertainment needs.
Sharp announces new flagship 4K MiniLED and QLED TVs
by Ian Collen
Sharp has announced the expansion of its TV portfolio with three new MiniLED series, including a new flagship model, plus a fresh QLED range set to launch in the coming months.
The new compact bar offers a smaller and more affordable solution while still delivering up to 7.1.4 3D virtualisation with Dolby Atmos and 360 Reality Audio.
TCL reveals flagship X955 and C955 4K QD-MiniLED TVs
by Ian Collen
The new top-tier TV boasts a peak brightness of 5,000 nits and packs in a similar number of dimming zones and, along with the upgraded C95 Series, it will be joined by an entry-level C805 option – and some new NXTPAPER smartphones.
UPDATED 25-AUG-2023: While the majority of gamer-friendly TVs will suit all consoles, there are a few key features that new-generation Xbox gamers might want to be on the lookout for. See our recommended gaming TVs for Xbox Series X owners here.
The new ‘high-end at a lower-cost' line-up is made up of a 603 S3 floorstander, the 606 and 607 S3 bookshelf speakers, and an HTM6 S3 centre channel, all benefitting from a little 700 Series technology.
Can good speaker stands really improve audio performance?
by Ian Collen
In short, the most common answer to member James1822’s question was yes, but with plenty of good reasons (and a few tricks) for some ‘out-standing’ results.
What’s a good soundbar as an alternative to an AVR set-up
by Ian Collen
With AVForums member Andyfr looking for a simpler cable-free audio solution, the forum pointed towards a few prominent favourites, along with a wider array of issues (and solutions) that might also be considered.
Do you really need third-party antivirus software?
by Ian Collen
With the likes of Windows running its own security systems, member Steve N asked the question, with the thread throwing up plenty of options to consider about keeping your computer or other devices safe from harm.