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Blu-ray Movie ReviewsUltra HD Blu-ray Movie Reviews
The Shining
Chris Chiarella  |  Nov 01, 2019
Picture
Sound
Extras
In some dialect, perhaps the language of cinema itself, the name Kubrick must mean "atmosphere." That's abundantly evident in his chilling film adaptation of Stephen King's haunted hotel opus, The Shining. Jack Torrance (Jack Nicholson), an aspiring novelist with a dark past, takes the challenging job of caretaker for a remote luxury resort during the off-season, meaning that his incredibly indulgent wife (Shelly Duvall) and young son with a mysterious gift will be the only living souls for miles around until the spring thaw. Life there is pleasant enough at first, if a bit dull, until curious events begin to unfold.
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Audio Video News
LG OLED TVs Get Nvidia G-Sync Gaming Update
SV Staff  |  Nov 01, 2019
LG today started rolling out a firmware update that enables Nvidia G-Sync technology for enhanced gameplay on 2019 model-year OLED TVs.
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Audio Video News
Best Gear of October 2019
SV Staff  |  Oct 31, 2019
In the spirit of Halloween, we’re excited to share the scary good lineup of AV gear we reviewed in October. Whether you’re looking to squeeze every last drop of performance out of a hi-res-streaming setup, find wireless headphones that don’t need to be recharged every few hours, or on the hunt for speakers that will make the hair on your neck stand up, we’ve got you covered.
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Audio Video News
Yamaha MusicCast Products Get Amazon Music, Enhanced Alexa Voice Control
SV Staff  |  Oct 31, 2019
Starting today, Yamaha is rolling out a firmware update that brings Amazon Music and enhanced Alexa voice control to more than 15 of its MusicCast-enabled products.
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Audio Video News
Samsung Adds CBS News to TV Plus Service
SV Staff  |  Oct 31, 2019
Samsung today announced the addition of CBS News (CBSN) to its free, ad-supported video service, Samsung TV Plus.
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Soundbar ReviewsWireless Multiroom Speaker Reviews
Bowers & Wilkins Formation Wireless Surround Speaker System Review
Thomas J. Norton  |  Oct 30, 2019
Speakers
Performance
Build Quality
Ergonomics
Value
Subwoofer
Performance
Features
Build Quality
Value
PRICE $3,100

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Open, detailed sound
Excellent dialogue intelligibility
Flex can be configured as wireless surround speaker
Minus
Some ergonomics issues
Inconsistent system stability

THE VERDICT
The B&W Formation system performs admirably in a number of respects. But unreliable stability, limited processing features, and no HDMI input make it a less-than-ideal option for 5.1 surround sound.

Blame it on Sonos. In the early 2000s, at what was then the Los Angeles headquarters of the Stereophile Guide to Home Theater, we were visited by a gentleman from that then largely unknown company who had a product he was eager to promote: a wireless speaker in a single, relatively compact box. I politely declined. It wasn't a good fit for our publication at the time, but I should have at least asked him about stock options!

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Audio Video News
WarnerMedia Joins the Streaming Fray with HBO Max
SV Staff  |  Oct 30, 2019
The streaming wars are heating up. Again. WarnerMedia has announced that it plans to launch a new streaming service called HBO Max next May.
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The Connected Life
System Building Advice, Part 2
John Sciacca  |  Oct 30, 2019
After 20-plus years in the custom installation business, I’ve learned the value of making a project as future-proof as possible. In System Building Advice, Part 1, I discussed the importance of prewiring, installing conduits for future access, covering large areas with multiple speakers, and buying the best subwoofer possible. I have some more bits of advice to share.
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Audio Video News
Apple Issues HomePod Updates, Then Pulls Back
SV Staff  |  Oct 30, 2019
Apple started rolling out a series of software updates for its HomePod smart speaker that adds cool features and capabilities but put a hold on them yesterday because speakers running the new iOS 13.2 operating system stopped working.
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Bluetooth Speaker ReviewsSmart Speaker ReviewsWireless Multiroom Speaker Reviews
Sonos Move Portable Wireless Speaker Review
Leslie Shapiro  |  Oct 29, 2019

Performance
Features
Ergonomics
Value
PRICE $399

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Fabulous sound quality
Replaceable battery
Supports Alexa and Google Assistant
Convenient charging base
Minus
Mono playback
Audio input limited to wireless
No phone capability

THE VERDICT
The waterproof/dustproof Move is one of the best-sounding and full-featured portables available. It may just be my new favorite speaker.

Sonos is no stranger to compact speakers that play without wires, but the new Move ($399) is the first truly portable, battery powered model to come from the company. The Move's connectivity options let you tote it around the house and even outside when using Wi-Fi; beyond that, as long as it's charged up, you can take it anywhere and stream music via Bluetooth. The Move comes with a dedicated (and dare we say, stylish) charging base that eliminates fumbling around with connecting cables, and it can also be charged via USB-C (cable not included).

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