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.

View:
Panels
Magazine
List
  • Home AV

    Optoma launches UHZ35ST 4K UHD short throw projector

    by Ian Collen
    Optoma launches UHZ35ST 4K UHD short throw projector
    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.  
  • Home AV

    15

    Storm Audio set to launch ISR Fusion 20 receiver

    by Ian Collen
    Storm Audio set to launch ISR Fusion 20 receiver
    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
    Tangent launches DAC II and Ampster TV II amplifier
    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.  
  • Movies & TV Shows

    57

    Amazon set to drop ads into Prime Video

    by Ian Collen
    Amazon set to drop ads into Prime Video
    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
    BenQ announces new trio of X Series gaming projectors
    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.  
  • Hi-Fi

    5

    iFi Audio unveils its NEO iDSD 2 headphone DAC/amp

    by Ian Collen
    iFi Audio unveils its NEO iDSD 2 headphone DAC/amp
    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
    Musical Fidelity set to launch new premium M8xTT turntable
    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.  
  • Hi-Fi

    2

    Bowers & Wilkins launches Px7 S2e wireless headphones

    by Ian Collen
    Bowers & Wilkins launches Px7 S2e wireless headphones
    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.  
  • Home AV

    160

    How to improve a home cinema audio system

    by Ian Collen
    How to improve a home cinema audio system
    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.  
  • Hi-Fi

    167

    Looking to get back into vinyl?

    by Ian Collen
    Looking to get back into vinyl?
    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.  
  • TV

    28

    What are the best smaller sized TVs?

    by Ian Collen
    What are the best smaller sized TVs?
    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?  
  • Home AV

    75

    What were your first steps into digital projection?

    by Ian Collen
    What were your first steps into digital projection?
    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’.  
  • Hi-Fi

    60

    Is a Roon subscription worth the money?

    by Ian Collen
    Is a Roon subscription worth the money?
    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?  
  • Tech

    842

    Is it worth upgrading to the new iPhone 15?

    by Ian Collen
    Is it worth upgrading to the new iPhone 15?
    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.  
  • Home AV

    4

    Ruark enters the subwoofer market with the RS1

    by Ian Collen
    Ruark enters the subwoofer market with the RS1
    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.  
  • Hi-Fi

    6

    Audiolab introduces new flagship 9000N network player

    by Ian Collen
    Audiolab introduces new flagship 9000N network player
    Audiolab's high-end addition to its 9000 Series has been built from the ground up, with a new Arm processor and Sabre DAC ready to play.  
  • Hi-Fi

    1

    Philips set to launch its Fidelio L4 and T2 headphones

    by Ian Collen
    Philips set to launch its Fidelio L4 and T2 headphones
    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.  
  • TV

    11

    Philips confirms OLED+908 Ambilight TV launch details

    by Ian Collen
    Philips confirms OLED+908 Ambilight TV launch details
    Its flagship 4K OLED TV with a Micro Lens Array (MLA) layer and META brightness boosting algorithm is ready to roll out next month  
  • Hi-Fi

    8

    Denon unveils new premium DP-3000NE turntable

    by Ian Collen
    Denon unveils new premium DP-3000NE turntable
    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
    Lenco launches LS-600 record player and speaker system
    The all-in-one turntable solution comes with a built-in amplifier, stereo speakers, and Bluetooth support for some easy listening.  
  • Home AV

    21

    McIntosh unveils the PS2K powered subwoofer

    by Ian Collen
    McIntosh unveils the PS2K powered subwoofer
    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
    Lumin set to launch D3 network music player in the UK
    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.  
  • Hi-Fi

    31

    Technics unveils new-generation SL-1200GR2 and SL-1210GR2 turntables

    by Ian Collen
    Technics unveils new-generation SL-1200GR2 and SL-1210GR2 turntables
    The upgraded models feature a new motor drive control system, an improved power supply, and greater precision with reduced vibrations.  
  • Hi-Fi

    8

    Bang & Olufsen reveals Beolab 8 speaker

    by Ian Collen
    Bang & Olufsen reveals Beolab 8 speaker
    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.  
  • Home AV

    37

    Lyngdorf Audio announces the MXA-8400 8-channel power amplifier

    by Ian Collen
    Lyngdorf Audio announces the MXA-8400 8-channel power amplifier
    Billed as its most powerful yet, the new amp integrates Purifi technology to deliver up to 400W per channel.  
  • Hi-Fi

    3

    Fyne Audio adds F1-8S loudspeaker to its flagship F1 Series

    by Ian Collen
    Fyne Audio adds F1-8S loudspeaker to its flagship F1 Series
    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.  
  • Home AV

    3

    Rotel set to launch RMB-1585MKII and RMB-1587MKII amplifiers

    by Ian Collen
    Rotel set to launch RMB-1585MKII and RMB-1587MKII amplifiers
    The new-and-improved Home Theatre Multi-Channel models bring upgraded Class AB amplification with the choice of a five or a seven-channel solution.  
  • Home AV

    15

    Marantz prepares to launch Stereo 70s receiver

    by Ian Collen
    Marantz prepares to launch Stereo 70s receiver
    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.  
  • Home AV

    1

    Epson unveils EpiqVision EH-LS650 UST laser projector

    by Ian Collen
    Epson unveils EpiqVision EH-LS650 UST laser projector
    The new 4K Pro UHD ultra short throw model features 3LCD technology, with an integrated Yamaha sound system and Android TV set-up.  
  • TV

    3

    TCL 2023 TV line-up: MiniLED, QLED and more – all you need to know

    by Ian Collen
    TCL 2023 TV line-up: MiniLED, QLED and more – all you need to know
    A detailed round-up of all of the major models in the company’s 2023 portfolio, from the new X955 QD-MiniLED to its more affordable QLEDs and LCDs.  
  • Home AV

    8

    Xgimi launches Horizon Ultra 4K long throw projector

    by Ian Collen
    Xgimi launches Horizon Ultra 4K long throw projector
    It combines the company’s Dual Light LED/laser hybrid technology with a Harman Kardon audio system and Dolby Vision support.  
  • TV

    8

    Sharp announces new flagship 4K MiniLED and QLED TVs

    by Ian Collen
    Sharp announces new flagship 4K MiniLED and QLED TVs
    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.  
  • Home AV

    2

    Sennheiser launches the Ambeo Mini soundbar

    by Ian Collen
    Sennheiser launches the Ambeo Mini soundbar
    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.  
  • TV

    41

    TCL reveals flagship X955 and C955 4K QD-MiniLED TVs

    by Ian Collen
    TCL reveals flagship X955 and C955 4K QD-MiniLED TVs
    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.  
  • TV

    14

    The Best Gaming TVs for the Xbox Series X

    by Ian Collen
    The Best Gaming TVs for the Xbox Series X
    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.  
  • Hi-Fi

    5

    Bowers & Wilkins launches 600 Series S3 speakers

    by Ian Collen
    Bowers & Wilkins launches 600 Series S3 speakers
    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.  
  • Home AV

    8

    Denon set to launch its first 8K stereo network receiver

    by Ian Collen
    Denon set to launch its first 8K stereo network receiver
    The DRA-900H also features HEOS Built-in, and will be followed by a new AVR-X1800H upgrade to the company’s AV receiver line-up.  
  • Hi-Fi

    61

    Can good speaker stands really improve audio performance?

    by Ian Collen
    Can good speaker stands really improve audio performance?
    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.  
  • Home AV

    67

    What’s a good soundbar as an alternative to an AVR set-up

    by Ian Collen
    What’s a good soundbar as an alternative to an AVR set-up
    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.  
  • Tech

    76

    Do you really need third-party antivirus software?

    by Ian Collen
    Do you really need third-party antivirus software?
    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.  

Filter Content

Content type
Minimum score

The latest video from AVForums

🎬 The Creator & Reptile, Guardians 3, The Others & Cutthroat Island 4K & Best/Worst Renny Harlin
Subscribe to our YouTube channel
Support AVForums with Patreon
Back
Top Bottom