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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.
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.
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.
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?
Soundbar or AV Receiver – which one should you choose?
by Steve Withers
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Best Home AV Products 2020 - Editor's Choice Awards
by Steve Withers
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.
Samsung LSP9T The Premiere 4K Laser Projector Review
by Steve Withers
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?
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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?
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?
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
Emotiva XPA-11 Gen3 11-Channel Power Amplifier Review
by Steve Withers
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.
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.
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.
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.