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Samsung QN65QN90A NEO QLED LCD Ultra HDTV Review
Thomas J. Norton  |  Sep 08, 2021

Performance
Features
Ergonomics
Value
PRICE $2,600

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Standard-setting HDR performance
Wide viewing angle for LCD
Deep blacks and strong shadow detail
Minus
Lacks Dolby Vision
Occasional blooming artifacts

THE VERDICT
The price for Samsung's latest sets may be up from last year's equivalent models, but if you're in the market for a new TV, the improvements to be found in the new QN90A series make it worth serious consideration.

In 2020, Sound & Vision tested Samsung's 65-inch Q90T series TV, an LCD model that lacked some of the features and refinements found in the company's flagship sets from the previous year. But at $1,900, it also struck us as a solid deal given the overall price-performance ratio and received a Top Pick. Samsung's new Neo QLED QN90A series LCDs, available in 55-, 65-, 75-, and 85-inch screen sizes, are pricier than the Q90T models they replace, though the higher prices in this case come with marked performance upgrades.

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SmartStream
Clearing Up the Confusion Around DirecTV Stream
Barb Gonzalez  |  Sep 08, 2021
DirecTV Stream launched recently as the newest DIRECTV incarnation. There are a few changes, but for those who subscribe to AT&T TV, the only difference will be the onscreen logo and mobile app name. There has been much confusion about DirecTV Stream, from the name change, to how to stream it and the differences between it and the DIRECTV satellite service.
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Signals
Hasta la Vista, Baby
Ken C. Pohlmann  |  Sep 06, 2021
I've watched all the Terminator movies. Thirty-two times. Each. I know all about Skynet and how it will exterminate the human species. And I know that science fiction can become science FACT. But you future robot rulers of the planet, your name isn't Skynet. It's Alexa.

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Blu-ray Movie Reviews
Judas and the Black Messiah
Josef Krebs  |  Sep 03, 2021
Picture
Sound
Extras
The messiah here is Fred Hampton, chairman of the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party (BPP), preaching and gathering disciples to join him in his efforts to help feed and free the people. Judas is Bill O'Neal, the follower who's secretly working for the oppressive force—the Chicago PD and the FBI circa 1968, who see the BPP as more of a threat than the Russians or the Chinese.
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Audio Video NewsNew Products
CEDIA Expo 2021: The Show Must Go On
Bob Ankosko  |  Sep 02, 2021
Concern over the rapidly spreading Covid-19 Delta variant has wreaked havoc on CEDIA Expo 2021 but the show is soldiering on. Here’s some of the CEDIA-related news that has crossed our desk.
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New Products
JVC Launches New 8K Projector Lineup
Al Griffin  |  Sep 02, 2021
JVC’s projector line is getting a refresh, with three new models ranging in price from $9,999.95 to $24,999.95. All models employ the company's BLU-Escent laser diode light source—a feature previously available only in the flagship DLA-RS4500—along with its proprietary 8K/e-shift technology. They are also outfitted with 8K60p/4K120p-capable HDMI inputs (48Gbps)—a first for a home theater projector, according to JVC.
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Soundbar Reviews
Vizio V21d-J8 Soundbar Review
Leslie Shapiro  |  Sep 01, 2021

Performance
Features
Ergonomics
Value
PRICE $100

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Great value
Impressive dialogue clarity
Voice Assistant input
Minus
Lacks bass impact
Complicated LED display
Narrow soundstage

THE VERDICT
With its strikingly clear dialogue delivery, Vizio's V21d-J8 might just be the best $100 soundbar you can buy.

Whoever complained that you get what you pay for never listened to Vizio's V21d-J8. The company's latest 2.1-channel soundbar is a $100 entry-level model offering strikingly clear sound. Although the V21d-J8 lacks a dedicated subwoofer, it delivers a fair amount of upper-bass impact. For the price, it can't be beat.

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A/V Veteran
Dreaming of Cinerama
Thomas J. Norton  |  Aug 31, 2021
A strangely vivid dream reminds Tom Norton of another time, long ago, when movie theaters were in trouble.
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Audio Video NewsNew Products
B&W Refines its Vaunted 800 Speaker Series
Bob Ankosko  |  Aug 30, 2021
In its first major move since being acquired by home-audio powerhouse Sound United last October, Bowers & Wilkins (a.k.a. B&W) has introduced “evolved” versions of its iconic 800 Series Diamond speakers.
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Editor's Eye
CEDIA 2021: The Incredible Shrinking Expo
Al Griffin  |  Aug 30, 2021
The highly-anticipated 2021 “reunion” edition of CEDIA Expo has been hit hard by worries over the rapid-rise of the Covid-19 Delta variant.
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