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Audio Video News
MQA Goes Wireless
Bob Ankosko  |  Nov 09, 2022
MQA, the high-resolution audio technology developed by Meridian Audio co-founder Bob Stuart, announced today that the prestigious Japan Audio Society (JAS) has certified the new MQAir codec for its ability to transmit high-resolution audio wirelessly.
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Director's Intent: Kaleidescape 4K
‘Saving Private Ryan’ Review
David Vaughn  |  Nov 07, 2022

Picture
Sound
Kaleidescape Scenes
Extras
After surviving the near suicidal assault on Omaha beach, Captain Miller (Tom Hanks) and his band of brothers receive orders from the desk of General Marshal to find and bring home Private James Francis Ryan, a paratrooper lost in action behind enemy lines. Sadly, Ryan’s three older brothers lost their lives in the war effort so Miller and his team of eight men must risk their lives to save the Ryan family from further heartache.
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Audio Video News
Capital Audiofest 2022 Kicks Off Friday
Bob Ankosko  |  Nov 07, 2022
Capital Audiofest 2022 returns to the metro Washington, D.C. this Friday and runs through Sunday, November 13, offering enthusiasts the chance see and hear the latest audio gear. Sound & Vision will be there to cover the event.
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4K TV Reviews
Odyssey Ark 55" 4K Neo QLED Gaming Monitor Review
Mark Henninger  |  Nov 06, 2022  |  First Published: Nov 07, 2022

Performance
Features
Ergonomics
Value
PRICE $3500

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Peerless sense of immersion in video games
Like having your own private IMAX theater
One Connect box eliminates cable clutter
Matte screen coating eradicates reflections

Minus
Expensive for a 55" display
Might be too large or heavy to place on some desks
Need to sit in sweet spot for full visual benefit
Requires two people to assemble and to move

THE VERDICT
Samsung's over-the-top gaming monitor is beyond compare. It puts you in the action with a huge curved screen and pumps out some of the most jaw-dropping visuals I've seen, thanks to the optimal close-range viewing experience. It is the most badass gaming monitor I have ever used.

When it comes to 4K gaming displays, the Samsung Odyssey ARK monitor doesn't just push the envelope, it bursts right out of it. The massive 55" curved, rotatable screen is unique among displays of its type. If you enjoy total visual immersion, this outrageous gaming monitor offers next-level performance.

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Projector Setup
Audio Advice Projector Throw Distance Calculator
Mark Henninger  |  Nov 06, 2022
Whether you are into DIY or you are a custom installer, one of the tricky parts of putting together a projection-based system is figuring out where to put the projector, what size and gain of screen to match it with, and whether a particular projector will work in a given situation.
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New Products
SVS Releases Prime Wireless Pro SoundBase
Mark Henninger  |  Nov 05, 2022
The new SVS Prime Wireless Pro SoundBase ($699) is a compact streaming integrated amplifier equipped with 2-channel class D amplification and a 24-bit/192kHz DAC. It connects via Wi-Fi, offering wireless connectivity via Play-Fi, AirPlay 2, Chromecast, plus it has Bluetooth 5.0 with AAC and aptX support. For wired connections, it has HDMI ARC/eARC, analog RCA, 3.5mm aux, optical-digital, and Ethernet. For simple 2-channel systems where you don't need a surround-sound AV receiver, it is an easy way to get great stereo sound using the speakers of your choice.
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Blu-ray Movie ReviewsUltra HD Blu-ray Movie Reviews
Elvis
Mike Mettler  |  Nov 04, 2022
Picture
Sound
Extras
What becomes an iconoclast the most? Some pop culture icons stand the test of time (The Beatles, The Godfather), while others only capture the zeitgeist of the era/movement they oh-so perfectly served (Strawberry Alarm Clock, we hardly knew ye!).

And then there are those larger-than-lifers who ride the sine wave of the popularity index, depending on which way the cultural-acceptance winds are a-blowing at any given moment.

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Audio Video News
Best Gear of September-October 2022
Bob Ankosko  |  Nov 03, 2022
Ready for the hands-down best all-in-one soundbar you’ve ever heard? Or how about a light cannon that will project a massive image on your wall without you having to climb up on a ladder to install it on the ceiling? These are just two of the remarkable products that made our Top Picks list in recent weeks along with an alluring set of noise-canceling wireless earbuds and an exceptional sounding wireless speaker system. Read on as we celebrate the latest round of A/V riches.
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Streaming Device Reviews
Apple TV 4K 3rd Generation Review: Smaller, Faster, Cheaper
Barb Gonzalez  |  Nov 03, 2022

Performance
Features
Ergonomics
Value
PRICE $129 (64GB) / $149 (128GB)

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Lower price than any recent Apple TVs
Excellent sound and picture quality
Now supports HDR10+
Agnostic "Watch Next" suggestions
Supports Dolby Atmos for movies and music
Minus
Scrub fast-forward and rewind can be squirrelly
Limited Siri Commands
Netflix integration remains minimal

THE VERDICT
The Apple TV 4K 3rd generation is a must-have for anyone with an iPhone or other Apple device. It still has great sound and picture quality, but the processor is faster and it supports HDR 10+. If you are invested in the Apple ecosystem, the Apple TV 4K should be the streamer you use. Also, if you have a Samsung TV that supports HDR10+, you might want to think about getting the new model.

The latest Apple TV 4K is the company's most compelling and feature-rich streaming box yet. It performs better and has more features than its predecessors while costing less...

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Bookshelf Speaker ReviewsSmart Speaker ReviewsStreaming Device ReviewsWireless Multiroom Speaker Reviews
SVS Prime Wireless Pro Powered Speakers Review
Daniel Kumin  |  Nov 02, 2022

Performance
Features
Ergonomics
Value
PRICE $900/pair

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Impressive low-end extension and dynamics
Good array of inputs including HDMI/eARC for TV sound
Subwoofer output lends expandability
Minus
The active speaker must be the right channel
Low-end balance may prove a bit strong for near-wall placement in some rooms
No systemic EQ
No file format data display

THE VERDICT
Outstanding sound quality in a compact, wireless-streaming speaker pair.

I haven't yet decided what to call the new genus of streaming-on-board powered stereo speakers. Streakers? Speamers? Whatever you call them, active DSP speakers, with amps, digital converters and crossovers, and of course, streaming capabilities built right in, are officially now a thing.

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