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

38

Sony HT-A7000 Soundbar Review

by Steve Withers

The Sony HT-A7000 soundbar promises an immersive experience with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X thanks to no less than 11 built-in drivers and advanced spatial processing. Throw in HDMI 2.1, Hi-Res Audio, 360 Reality Audio, Sound Field Optimisation, AirPlay 2, Chromecast, and the ability to work with smart assistants, and you've got a seriously specified soundbar.

Jan 11, 2022

9
Home AV Review

12

JBL Bar 5.0 Soundbar Review

by Steve Withers

The JBL Bar 5.0 soundbar promises a big and immersive delivery from a single unit thanks to MultiBeam technology and Dolby Atmos support. The inclusion of Chromecast, AirPlay, and Alexa Multi-Room Music rounds out a competitively priced package.

Jan 3, 2022

9
Home AV Review

Panasonic SC-HTB490 Soundbar Review

by Steve Withers

The Panasonic SC-HTB490 2.1-channel soundbar offers a simple and cost-effective method of boosting your TV's sound quality, especially when it comes to bass.

Dec 20, 2021

8
Home AV Review

30

XGIMI Aura UST 4K Laser Projector Review

by Steve Withers

The XGIMI Aura 4K HDR ultra-short-throw DLP laser projector promises big screen images, a Harman Kardon sound system and the Android TV smart platform, and all for a very attractive price. So are big screen TVs a thing of the past?

Dec 14, 2021

9
Home AV Review

235

Trinnov Audio Altitude16 AV Processor Review

by Steve Withers

Updated 13th December 2021: The already impressive Trinnov Altitude16 AV processor has now been updated to add IMAX Enhanced and four additional channels of processing that allows for a full 9.4.6 immersive audio system.

Dec 13, 2021

10
Home AV News

55

Best Projectors of 2021 - Editor's Choice Awards

by Steve Withers

We round-up the best projectors of 2021 in our Editor's Choice Awards.

Nov 29, 2021
Home AV News

37

Best Home AV Products of 2021 - Editor's Choice Awards

by Steve Withers

AV receivers, processors, soundbars, speaker packages, and subwoofers are amongst our chosen home AV products of 2021. We round-up the best of the best in our latest annual Editor's Choice Awards.

Nov 14, 2021
Home AV Review

5

Paradigm Founder Speaker Package Review

by Steve Withers

The Paradigm Founder Series of speakers are the first new speakers released since the company was reacquired by its original founder (hence the name). While the entire range is impressive, the new 70LCR is of particular interest to home cinema fans.

Nov 12, 2021

9
Home AV Review

207

Denon AVC-X4700H AV Receiver Review

by Steve Withers

The Denon AVC-X4700H is an AV receiver with nine built-in channels of amplification, and the ability to process 11.2 channels. It also offers Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Auro-3D and IMAX Enhanced, along with HDMI 2.1 and HEOS multi-room. So, is this the manufacturer's AVR sweet spot?

Nov 11, 2021

9
Home AV Review

2

Denon Home 550 Soundbar Review

by Steve Withers

The Denon Home 550 Soundbar is the latest addition to the company's growing range of HEOS multi-room products. It promises Dolby Atmos and DTS:X without upfirers, but does it do enough to justify its price tag?

Nov 3, 2021

8
Home AV Review

89

Anthem AVM 70 AV Processor Review

by Steve Withers

The Anthem AVM 70 sports a sexy new design and includes all the latest features, plus it promises a genuinely immersive 15.2-channel experience with Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and IMAX Enhanced decoding, and ARC Genesis room correction.

Oct 20, 2021

9
Home AV Review

15

Hisense HS214 Soundbar Review

by Steve Withers

Hisense enters the UK soundbar market with its new HS214 all-in-one soundbar. The pricing is attractive, but will it perform as well?

Oct 14, 2021

8
Home AV Review

9

BenQ V7000i UST 4K Laser Projector Review

by Steve Withers

The new BenQ V7000i ultra-short-throw 4K HDR DLP projector not only delivers gorgeous big-screen laser images but adds Filmmaker Mode and Android TV.

Oct 12, 2021

9
Home AV Review

4

Yamaha SR-C20A Soundbar Review

by Steve Withers

The Yamaha SR-C20A is a compact 2.1-channel soundbar that delivers a surprisingly big sound thanks to a built-in subwoofer, making it a great choice for smaller lounges, bedrooms and desktop gaming.

Oct 9, 2021

8
Home AV Review

189

Reavon UBR-X100 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Player Review

by Steve Withers

Newcomer Reavon hopes its high-end UBR-X100 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray player can fill the gap left by the departure of Oppo. Those are some big shoes to fill, let's see if it's up to the task.

Oct 7, 2021

9
Home AV Review

131

Yamaha Aventage RX-A2A AV Receiver Review

by Steve Withers

The Yamaha RX-A2A is the entry-point into the manufacturer's new line-up of Aventage AV receivers, but aside from the cosmetics, does it do enough to differentiate itself from the range below?

Sep 21, 2021

8
Home AV Review

1

Klipsch Cinema 600 Soundbar Review

by Steve Withers

The Klipsch Cinema 600 soundbar delivers high quality 3.1-channel sound with Tractrix horn tweeters, a powerful subwoofer with a 10" driver, HDMI-ARC, remote app and expansion options.

Sep 8, 2021

8
Home AV Review

21

Creative SXFI Carrier Soundbar Review

by Steve Withers

Creative might not be the first name that springs to mind when choosing a soundbar, but the Carrier SXFI with Dolby Atmos shows the company is serious in its ambitions.

Aug 31, 2021

8
Home AV Review

92

Anthem MRX 740 AV Receiver Review

by Steve Withers

The Anthem MRX 740 AV Receiver might sport a snazzy new design, but is the latest line-up that much different from the previous generation?

Aug 24, 2021

9
Tech Review

128

Oculus Quest 2 VR Headset Review

by Steve Withers

The Oculus Quest 2 delivers an awesome VR experience with no wires or even the need for a PC or games console. Facebook may be mining your personal data, but at this price who cares?

Aug 11, 2021

9
Home AV Review

21

Samsung HW-S60A Soundbar Review

by Steve Withers

The Samsung HW-S60A is an all-in-one 5.0 soundbar that combines acoustic prowess with lifestyle-friendly looks and Amazon Alexa smarts.

Aug 3, 2021

8
Home AV Review

36

LG SP8YA Soundbar Review

by Steve Withers

The LG SP8YA soundbar promises to deliver a 3.1.2-channel system with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X content. It also includes Meridian acoustic know-how, Amazon Alexa built-in and AirPlay 2. But how does it perform?

Jul 27, 2021

8
Home AV Review

25

LG SP11RA Soundbar Review

by Steve Withers

The LG SP11RA is the company's latest flagship soundbar, and delivers fully immersive Dolby Atmos and DTS:X thanks to a 7.1.4-channel speaker layout. But does it offer enough to compete with Samsung?

Jul 7, 2021

8
Home AV Review

591

Samsung HW-Q950A Soundbar Review

by Steve Withers

The Samsung HW-Q950A applies 11.1.4 channels to Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoding, and delivers staggering levels of immersion from object-based audio. Is this the best soundbar ever?

Jun 29, 2021

10
Home AV Review

222

madVR Envy Extreme Video Processor Review

by Steve Withers

The madVR Envy Extreme offers cutting-edge image processing, combined with HDR dynamic tone mapping, auto aspect ratio control and 3D LUT calibrations. It's not cheap, but the performance is exceptional.

Jun 27, 2021

10
Home AV Review

42

JBL Synthesis SDR-35 AV Receiver Review

by Steve Withers

JBL Synthesis joins the AV receiver market by taking the Arcam AVR30 and adding its own unique cinema heritage to create the SDR-35.

Jun 22, 2021

9
Home AV Review

670

Zidoo Z1000 Pro Android TV Box Review

by Steve Withers

The Zidoo Z1000 Pro takes all the excellent features found on the company's cheaper Android TV media boxes and adds a high-end chassis, built-in HDD bay and antennas, and a full-sized Bluetooth remote control. Nice!

Jun 11, 2021

9
TV Review

88

Samsung QN900 (QE75QN900A) Neo QLED 8K TV Review

by Steve Withers

The Samsung QN900A is the company's flagship Neo QLED 8K TV, and while it includes every technology the Korean giant has to offer, it also comes with a decidedly premium price.

Jun 1, 2021

8
Home AV Review

74

BenQ V6050 UST 4K Laser Projector Review

by Steve Withers

The BenQ V6050 ultra-short-throw 4K HDR DLP projector promises to make your large-panel TV redundant with its gorgeous big-screen laser images.

May 25, 2021

9
Home AV Review

21

VAVA VA-LT002 UST 4K Laser Projector Review

by Steve Withers

The VAVA VA-LT002 4K HDR ultra-short-throw laser projector promises big-screen images from limited space, along with a sound system and smart platform. Is this new beamer a bargain?

May 12, 2021

8
Home AV Review

222

REL T/9x Subwoofer Review

by Steve Withers

REL gives its Serie Tx subwoofer range an overhaul, with the flagship T/9x offering a redesigned and more discreet cabinet, inside which you'll find a new 10-inch driver and beefed-up amplification.

May 7, 2021

9
Home AV Review

2

Polk React Soundbar and Subwoofer Review

by Steve Withers

The Polk React Soundbar offers two-channel audio and Amazon Alexa built-in, plus affordable upgrade options with the wireless React Subwoofer and SR2 surrounds.

Apr 30, 2021

8
Home AV Review

155

Samsung HW-Q800A Soundbar Review

by Steve Withers

The Samsung HW-Q800A is the company's latest mid-range soundbar, with support for eARC, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Amazon Alexa built-in.

Apr 21, 2021

9
Home AV Review

92

SVS SB-1000 Pro Subwoofer Review

by Steve Withers

The upgraded entry-level SVS SB-1000 Pro combines an enhanced driver, beefed-up amplifier and new features, with a Bluetooth remote app and competitive pricing.

Apr 9, 2021

9
Home AV Review

20

Storm Audio PA 16 MK2 16-Channel Power Amplifier Review

by Steve Withers

The Storm Audio PA 16 MK2 power amplifier promises 16 channels of Pascal Audio Class D grunt in a single convenient box.

Mar 31, 2021

10
TV Article

56

What is Samsung EzCal?

by Steve Withers

Samsung's latest potential TV feature is an app that allows users to automatically calibrate the screen using their mobile phone.

Mar 19, 2021
Home AV Article

13

What is Trinnov Optimizer Room Correction?

by Steve Withers

The biggest influence on sound quality is the room itself, and while you can physically mitigate some of the negative aspects with acoustic treatments, a software solution is easier. The Trinnov Optimizer is the most flexible, customisable and sophisticated software available, making it the choice of the professionals.

Mar 8, 2021
Home AV Article

18

What is Dirac Live Room Correction?

by Steve Withers

The biggest influence on sound quality is the room itself, and while you can physically mitigate some of the negative aspects with acoustic treatments, a software solution is easier. Dirac Live room correction is a sophisticated solution, and the dominant software in higher-end processors and receivers.

Mar 7, 2021
Home AV Review

89

SVS PB-2000 Pro Subwoofer Review

by Steve Withers

The SVS PB-2000 Pro is the third model in this updated range, complementing the sealed and cylindrical units and bringing deeper bass along with a remote app.

Mar 4, 2021

9
Home AV Article

172

What is Audyssey Room Correction?

by Steve Withers

The biggest influence on sound quality is the room itself, and while you can physically mitigate some of the negative aspects with acoustic treatments, a software solution is easier. Audyssey Room Correction was one of the first, and remains hugely popular in affordable receivers and processors.

Feb 23, 2021