Audio Video News

Optoma ML750ST Mini DLP LED Projector: $549

We reviewed four micro projectors but the ML750ST was the only one that made the cut. We were wowed by its performance, portability, and low cost. As reviewer Rob Sabin put it: “At the beginning of my survey, I knew I’d have to lower my enthusiast expectations and account for the engineering trade-offs required to achieve compact size and affordability. What I didn’t expect was to find even one projector among four that I could comfortably recommend for even quasi-serious movie watching.”

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Convenient short-throw setup
Bright, big, contrasty pictures
Excellent focus and detail
Great out-of-box color
Minus
So-so blacks
Noticeable fan whine
Wireless dongle not included

Full Review Here

 

TiO Home Automation System: $2,979 (as reviewed)

Short for “Turn it On,” TiO offers a unique approach to home automation with a system that’s a breeze to install, quick to configure, and intuitively natural to use—with the bonus of being highly configurable without a service call. “Other automation systems, such as those from Control4, will provide more extensive options for many homeowners,” wrote reviewer Darryl Wilkinson. “On the other hand, there are quite a few situations in which a modest TiO system will do more and do it for less money—both up front and in the future.”

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Easy retrofit replacement of wired volume controls
Dedicated router creates private TiO Wi-Fi network
Exceptional level of user customization
Minus
Limited direct IP control of third-party components
Few streaming services supported—but more coming

Full Review Here

 

Mass Fidelity Core Multiroom Bluetooth Speaker: $599

The Core is a remarkable wireless speaker. It’s stylish, unobtrusive, versatile, and delivers excellent sound quality for its size. “I listened to a broad range of music and had fun moving the speakers around—from the living room to the dining room, from the kitchen to the foyer, from my basement office up to a second-story bedroom and, yes, even to the laundry room,” wrote reviewer Bob Ankosko. “The sound was shockingly good for such a small speaker.”

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Stylish, sturdy design
Compact and battery powered
Easy setup, no apps required
Remote control included
Spacious, full-bodied sound
Digital audio input
Minus
Pricey
Not ideal for heavy pop/rock

Full Review Here