Top Picks

2019 Top Picks of the Year

Al Griffin  |  Jan 3, 2020

Now that 2019 is done, it's time to take stock of the year by reviewing the list of products that received Sound & Vision Top Pick awards. It's also time to single out some trends.

A key trend is that OLED and LCD TVs have become available in substantially larger screen sizes—the 70-plus-inch category is where the action is at for set makers. Not surprisingly, high-end models in general are also getting less pricey. While at $3,800 our 2019 TV Top Pick of the Year at isn't any cheaper than last year's winner, it's notable that the list includes a full-featured $1,000 LCD Ultra HDTV with a full-array LED backlight. Projectors, too, are part of the downward pricing spiral, with good-quality 4K-capable models now selling for under $1,500, and great ones selling for under $3,000.

Another trend is that we're finally starting to see is HDMI 2.1 connections and related features provided on select TVs. This development makes them 8K future-proof and allows for improved gaming features such as variable refresh rates and low-latency, along with audio features like eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) for delivery of uncompressed soundtracks from smart TVs to audio systems over HDMI.

There was plenty to appreciate on the audio front in 2019. Affordable, full-featured A/V receivers with features like Dolby Atmos/DTS:X processing, IMAX Enhanced certification, and multiroom audio streaming are now commonplace. The stereo receiver, a popular item in the 1970s and 80s, has made a comeback, and there are now numerous stereo-only products that feature HDMI switching. Streaming continues to supplant music disc playback, with sophisticated preamp/processors, network player/preamplifiers, integrated amplifier/DACs, and wireless powered speakers able to directly stream music and act as a hub for a whole-house music system. Soundbars are suddenly becoming interesting, with Atmos-capable models that deliver substantial bass from a single box now available along with affordable 5.1.4 soundbar systems. The year 2019 will also go down in the books as the one where Qobuz hit U.S. shores to give Tidal high-res streaming competition, while Amazon got into the same game with its Amazon HD Music service.

What does 2020 hold? We expect to see even more TV excitement through the arrival of 8K sets that aren't astronomically priced, along with models sporting the first tuners capable of receiving ATSC 3.0 broadcasts. Hey, there may even be a new high-performance Ultra HD Blu-ray player to satisfy the existing legion of hardcore disc fans. (We know you're out there because you write us letters!)

While the list that follows represents Sound & Vision's Top Picks for 2019, it also includes products reviewed in our December 2019/January 2020 and February/March 2020 print issues (watch for these reviews in the coming weeks). Prices are subject to change from the MSRP listed when the review was originally printed, so check online to see the latest deals.—Al Griffin

COMMENTS
James Core's picture
Submitted by James Core on March 20, 2023 - 9:49pm

Wordle Nytimes is a popular word-guessing game that has taken the internet by storm. Created by Jonathan Feinberg, the Wordle NY Times game is available on the New York Times website. Wordle challenges players to guess a hidden five-letter word within six guesses. Each guess provides feedback on the letters that are correct and in the correct position or correct but in the wrong position. Wordle can be played for free online at the official website, and can be accessed on any device with internet access and a web browser.
https://wordlenytimes.net/

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James Core's picture
Submitted by James Core on July 29, 2023 - 12:08am

Free Wordle is a game where you try to guess a secret five-letter word within a limited number of attempts. In the traditional version of the game, you have six attempts to guess the word correctly.
https://freewordle.net/

Wordle Game is a popular online word puzzle game. The objective of the game is to guess a five-letter word within six attempts.
https://wordle-game.us/

nytwordle's picture
Submitted by nytwordle on July 29, 2023 - 4:59am

One such captivating word puzzle that has taken the world by storm is New York Times Wordle. This simple yet addictive game has garnered a massive following, becoming a cultural sensation in recent times. Let's explore the intriguing world of NYT Wordle, from its origins and gameplay to tips for mastering this challenging puzzle.

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James Core's picture
Submitted by James Core on September 1, 2023 - 2:52am

Wordle Game is a popular word puzzle game where players try to guess a hidden five-letter word within a certain number of attempts. The game provides feedback on the accuracy of each guess, helping players refine their guesses and ultimately deduce the correct word.

wordle2's picture
Submitted by wordle2 on September 15, 2023 - 3:45am

Wordle 2 is an updated version of the popular word puzzle game called "Wordle." The word-guessing game challenges players to guess a hidden five-letter word within six attempts. Here's how to play Wordle 2

nyt wordle's picture
Submitted by nyt wordle on September 16, 2023 - 4:43am

nyt wordle

In a world flooded with digital distractions, word puzzles have resurfaced as a source of both entertainment and intellectual stimulation. One particular word puzzle that has taken the internet by storm is the "NYT Wordle." In this article, we'll dive into the phenomenon that is NYT Wordle, explore its appeal, and unravel the secrets behind its addictive nature.

The Rise of NYT Wordle
NYT Wordle, short for New York Times Wordle, is an online word puzzle game that has gained immense popularity in recent times. It was first introduced by Jonathan Feinberg in 2008, but it experienced a resurgence in 2021, becoming a household name among word puzzle enthusiasts.

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