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Steve Withers

Steve Withers (Twitter, Google+) is a professional calibrator and freelance journalist who regularly contributes to AVForums, reviewing audio and video products, writing articles, appearing on our podcast and presenting numerous videos.

Steve has been writing about audio and video products for nearly ten years and, along with AVForums, he also contributes to Tech Radar, Trusted Reviews, Pocket-lint, Home Cinema Choice, Stuff, and Wired.

Steve is a professional audio and video calibrator who is Level 2 certified with THX, the Imaging Science Foundation (ISF) and the Home Acoustics Alliance (HAA). As such he remains abreast of all AV technology developments and the latest industry standards as we transition into a new era in home video and audio.

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  • Home AV Review

    21

    Sony VPL-VW790ES 4K Laser Projector Review

    by Steve Withers
    Sony VPL-VW790ES 4K Laser Projector Review
    The Sony VPL-VW790ES 4K HDR SXRD projector keeps the same laser light source as the previous model, but adds a new X1 processor, and a Dynamic HDR Enhancer. It also drops the price, which is sure to please.  
    9
  • Home AV Review

    19

    Humax Aura Freeview Play PVR Review

    by Steve Withers
    Humax Aura Freeview Play PVR Review
    The new Humax Aura isn't just a Freeview Play PVR, but a fully functioning Android TV device with support for 4K and HDR, numerous apps, Chromecast, and a built-in Google Assistant.  
    9
  • TV News

    160

    Samsung announces Micro LED and Neo QLED TVs for 2021

    by Steve Withers
    Samsung announces Micro LED and Neo QLED TVs for 2021
    Samsung announces its latest TV tech for 2021, which includes Micro LED and Neo QLED with its new ultra-thin backlight.  
  • Home AV Article

    75

    What is Bias Lighting for TVs?

    by Steve Withers
    What is Bias Lighting for TVs?
    Professional content creators use it in the studio, Philips has TVs with it built-in and it’s one of the most affordable upgrades for getting more out of your TV watching experience - so what exactly is bias lighting and why is everyone talking about it?  
  • Home AV Article

    110

    Soundbar or AV Receiver – which one should you choose?

    by Steve Withers
    Soundbar or AV Receiver – which one should you choose?
    It's the age-old question: soundbar or AV receiver? We list the pros and cons, and find out if you really can put together a separates system for less than a 'bar and sub combo.  
  • Home AV Article

    87

    What is Lyngdorf RoomPerfect Room Correction?

    by Steve Withers
    What is Lyngdorf RoomPerfect Room Correction?
    The biggest influence on sound quality is the room itself, and while you can physically mitigate the negative aspects with acoustic treatments, a software solution is easier. Lyngdorf's RoomPerfect room correction software claims to do exactly what it says on the tin.  
  • Home AV Review

    16

    Roku Streambar Soundbar Review

    by Steve Withers
    Roku Streambar Soundbar Review
    The Roku Streambar is a clever two-in-one solution that combines a soundbar with the company's streaming platform. It's a quick, easy and affordable way to upgrade smaller or older TVs.  
    9
  • Home AV Review

    20

    Bowers & Wilkins 600 S2 5.1 Speaker Package Review

    by Steve Withers
    Bowers & Wilkins 600 S2 5.1 Speaker Package Review
    The Bowers & Wilkins 600 S2 series of entry-level speakers is an Anniversary Edition of the previous version, celebrating 25 years of the range and incorporating upgraded components and crossovers.  
    9
  • Home AV Review

    27

    Polk Signa S3 Soundbar Review

    by Steve Withers
    Polk Signa S3 Soundbar Review
    Polk Audio offers yet another cracking affordable soundbar and subwoofer combo, delivering a performance that's punchy and musical.  
    8
  • Home AV Review

    33

    Focal Chora 5.1.2 Speaker Package Review

    by Steve Withers
    Focal Chora 5.1.2 Speaker Package Review
    Focal's new Chora range of more affordable speakers will literally elevate the audio in your home cinema with the addition of the 826-D floorstander and its built-in Dolby Atmos driver.  
    9
  • Home AV Review

    571

    JVC DLA-N7 4K D-ILA Projector Review

    by Steve Withers
    JVC DLA-N7 4K D-ILA Projector Review
    UPDATED: Thanks to another major firmware release, we have revised our review of the JVC DLA-N7B, the mid-range model in the company's N Series of 4K HDR D-ILA projectors.  
    10
  • Home AV News

    73

    Best Home AV Products 2020 - Editor's Choice Awards

    by Steve Withers
    Best Home AV Products 2020 - Editor's Choice Awards
    AV receivers, processors, soundbars, speaker packages, and subwoofers are amongst our chosen home AV products of 2020. We round-up the best of the best in our latest annual Editor's Choice Awards.  
  • Home AV Review

    46

    Samsung LSP9T The Premiere 4K Laser Projector Review

    by Steve Withers
    Samsung LSP9T The Premiere 4K Laser Projector Review
    Samsung enters the projector market with The Premiere (LSP9T), its new ultra-short-throw 4K DLP laser projector. Is this a genuine big-screen alternative to a TV?  
    9
  • Hi-Fi Review

    10

    LG PN7 XBOOM Go Wireless Speaker Review

    by Steve Withers
    LG PN7 XBOOM Go Wireless Speaker Review
    The LG PN7 XBOOM Go is the latest addition to the company's line-up of portable Bluetooth speakers and, while still aimed at the party crowd, there's more emphasis on sound quality.  
    8
  • Hi-Fi Review

    8

    LG PL7 XBOOM Go Wireless Speaker Review

    by Steve Withers
    LG PL7 XBOOM Go Wireless Speaker Review
    LG launches a new range of Bluetooth portable speakers, and the PL7 XBOOM Go is clearly aimed at the pool party crowd with its water resistance and dynamic lighting.  
    8
  • Home AV Review

    3

    LG HU70LS CineBeam LED 4K Projector Review

    by Steve Withers
    LG HU70LS CineBeam LED 4K Projector Review
    LG expands its range of 4K CineBeam projectors with the LED HU70LS. The price looks good, but what about the picture?  
    8
  • Home AV Review

    58

    Denon AVC-A110 AV Amplifier Review

    by Steve Withers
    Denon AVC-A110 AV Amplifier Review
    Denon celebrates its 110th anniversary with a special edition AV amplifier that looks to the past while embracing the future.  
    9
  • Home AV Review

    58

    Sony HT-G700 Soundbar Review

    by Steve Withers
    Sony HT-G700 Soundbar Review
    Sony's new HT-G700 soundbar attempts to deliver an immersive Dolby Atmos and DTS:X experience using a 3.1-channel speaker layout, but does it succeed?  
    8
  • Home AV Review

    109

    Marantz SR7015 AV Amplifier Review

    by Steve Withers
    Marantz SR7015 AV Amplifier Review
    Marantz's new SR7015 9-channel AV amplifier boasts every feature imaginable, including support for 8K. But do all these new bells and whistles justify an upgrade?  
    9
  • Home AV Review

    246

    MediaLight Mk2 Flex TV Bias Lighting Review

    by Steve Withers
    MediaLight Mk2 Flex TV Bias Lighting Review
    MediaLight brings its professional products to the UK, with the Mk2 Flex offering a quick and easy way of adding TV bias lighting that hits the industry standard of D65.  
    10
  • Hi-Fi Review

    51

    Denon Home 350 Wireless Speaker Review

    by Steve Withers
    Denon Home 350 Wireless Speaker Review
    The Denon Home 350 is the company's latest flagship wireless speaker, with support for Hi-Res audio, AirPlay 2, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and the HEOS multi-room system.  
    9
  • Hi-Fi Review

    23

    Huawei Sound X Wireless Speaker Review

    by Steve Withers
    Huawei Sound X Wireless Speaker Review
    Huawei teams up with French audio specialists Devialet to produce its first Bluetooth speaker the Sound X. But are six tweeters and two woofers in a symmetrical push-push structure enough to stand out from the competition?  
    7
  • Home AV Review

    158

    Arcam AVR30 AV Receiver Review

    by Steve Withers
    Arcam AVR30 AV Receiver Review
    The Arcam AVR30 AV receiver finally arrives for review with seven channels of built-in Class G amplification and 9.1.6-channel processing. There's Dolby Atmos, DTS:X IMAX Enhanced and Auro-3D decoding, along with eARC, built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and support for Apple AirPlay 2 and Google Chromecast. But was it worth the wait?  
    9
  • Home AV Review

    619

    Samsung HW-Q950T Soundbar Review

    by Steve Withers
    Samsung HW-Q950T Soundbar Review
    Samsung's new flagship soundbar the HW-Q950T applies 9.1.4 channels to Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoding, plus it adds eARC, and built-in Amazon Alexa; but is it enough to beat the competition?  
    10
  • Home AV Review

    22

    Samsung HW-S60T Soundbar Review

    by Steve Withers
    Samsung HW-S60T Soundbar Review
    Samsung's new HW-S60T all-in-one 4.0 soundbar attempts to combine the company's acoustic know-how with a more 'lifestyle' friendly design and Amazon Alexa smarts.  
    8
  • Home AV Review

    46

    Power Sound Audio S1512 Subwoofer Review

    by Steve Withers
    Power Sound Audio S1512 Subwoofer Review
    The Power Sound Audio S1512 is a sealed subwoofer where the emphasis is on performance rather than looks and features. Let's see if this particular PSA finds its audience.  
    9
  • Home AV Review

    60

    Manhattan T3-R Freeview Play PVR Review

    by Steve Withers
    Manhattan T3-R Freeview Play PVR Review
    The Manhattan T3-R is a well-designed, slick and effective Freeview Play PVR with 4K and HDR; offering a genuine alternative to subscription premium boxes.  
    9
  • Home AV Review

    85

    LG SN11RG Soundbar Review

    by Steve Withers
    LG SN11RG Soundbar Review
    The LG SN11RG is the company's latest flagship soundbar, and goes head-to-head with Samsung by sporting fully immersive Dolby Atmos and DTS:X thanks to a 7.1.4-channel speaker layout.  
    9
  • Home AV Review

    63

    LG HU85LS CineBeam Laser 4K Projector Review

    by Steve Withers
    LG HU85LS CineBeam Laser 4K Projector Review
    The LG HU85LS ultra short-throw 4K laser projector offers a cost-effective and lounge-friendly alternative to a big-screen TV.  
    8
  • Home AV Review

    53

    LG SN7CY Soundbar Review

    by Steve Withers
    LG SN7CY Soundbar Review
    The LG SN7CY is a single-unit soundbar that produces a 3.0.2-channel system for delivering Dolby Atmos and DTS:X object-based audio. But is the lack of a separate subwoofer a mistake?  
    7
  • Home AV Review

    181

    Samsung HW-Q800T Soundbar Review

    by Steve Withers
    Samsung HW-Q800T Soundbar Review
    The Samsung HW-Q800T is the company's latest mid-range soundbar that not only supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, but now adds eARC and Amazon Alexa.  
    9
  • Home AV Review

    172

    SVS PC-2000 Pro Subwoofer Review

    by Steve Withers
    SVS PC-2000 Pro Subwoofer Review
    The SVS PC-2000 Pro is the latest iteration of this popular cylindrical ported subwoofer – promising deep bass from a limited footprint and at a competitive price.  
    9
  • Home AV Review

    287

    JBL BAR 9.1 Soundbar Review

    by Steve Withers
    JBL BAR 9.1 Soundbar Review
    The JBL BAR 9.1 promises to deliver the complete object-based audio experience thanks to a 5.1.4-channel layout, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support, wireless subwoofer, and detachable wireless rear speakers.  
    9
  • Home AV Review

    133

    REL S/510 Subwoofer Review

    by Steve Withers
    REL S/510 Subwoofer Review
    The REL S/510 is the smaller entry in the company's Serie S range, and like the other models it boasts increased power and a redesigned driver for an improved performance.  
    9
  • Home AV Review

    142

    Vizio SB36512-F6 Soundbar Review

    by Steve Withers
    Vizio SB36512-F6 Soundbar Review
    The Vizio SB36512-F6 Dolby Atmos soundbar delivers a genuinely immersive audio experience without breaking the bank thanks to a simple setup that includes a separate subwoofer and rear speakers.  
    9
  • Home AV Review

    11

    Sharp HT-SBW800 Soundbar Review

    by Steve Withers
    Sharp HT-SBW800 Soundbar Review
    The Sharp HT-SBW800 delivers affordable 5.1.2-channel Dolby Atmos thanks to upwards- and sideways-firing drivers combined with a wireless subwoofer.  
    8
  • Home AV Review

    114

    Emotiva XPA-11 Gen3 11-Channel Power Amplifier Review

    by Steve Withers
    Emotiva XPA-11 Gen3 11-Channel Power Amplifier Review
    The Emotiva XPA-11 Gen3 11-channel power amplifier brings plenty of American muscle to your system thanks to the company's modular design and SMPS technology.  
    9
  • Home AV Review

    15

    Denon DHT-S516H Soundbar Review

    by Steve Withers
    Denon DHT-S516H Soundbar Review
    The Denon DHT-S516H 2.1-channel soundbar expands the company's line-up, not only incorporating the HEOS multi-room system, but adding the ability to work with smart assistants.  
    8
  • TV Review

    389

    Samsung Q95T Review

    by Steve Withers
    Samsung Q95T Review
    The Samsung Q95T is the company's flagship QLED 4K TV for 2020. It includes the majority of new features, and offers a high-end alternative for those not interested in 8K.  
    9
  • TV Review

    228

    LG GX (OLED65GX) 4K OLED TV Review

    by Steve Withers
    LG GX (OLED65GX) 4K OLED TV Review
    The new LG GX OLED 4K TV not only boasts almost every feature imaginable, including Dolby Vision IQ and Filmmaker Mode, but also manages to cram everything into a panel that's less than 20mm deep.  
    9
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