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Disc aficionados like us are stalwarts in the face of continued seismic shifts in the physical media landscape, so perhaps the greatest gift the studios can give us is another season filled with their finest offerings. The past few months have brought us some of the most enjoyable releases of the entire year, from back-breaking boxes and single-movie deep-dives to multimedia indulgences that defy simple explanation. So read on, dear collector/gift-giver, and be inspired.

Alright, folks, gather around because TCL just dropped something interesting into the already crowded portable projector market: the TCL Projector A1. If you’ve been waiting for TCL to step up its game beyond gigantic TVs (because who needs a 100-inch screen in every room, right?), with this baby step from the Chinese TV giant your wait is over.

PRICE
$549

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Pixel perfect color accuracy
Easy setup and Ssamless interaction with Calman
Supports SDR, HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision
Field upgradable

Minus
Works only with Calman
Pricey compared to DIY options

THE VERDICT
A compact, portable device designed for high-precision display calibration, offering seamless integration with Calman software.

My first foray into calibrating displays came about 20 years ago when I purchased a Hitachi RPTV (remember those?) and discovered various online forums that talked about getting the most out of your display through calibration. In those days, the controls needed to perform a full calibration required one to enter the factory service menu, which at that time intimidated me enough to hire a professional calibrator to do the job.

PRICE $79

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Flawless performance
Affordable
Tiny
Includes USB and lightning adapters
Minus
Cord is slightly too short for use with iPad on stand

THE VERDICT
The iFi Go Link Max delivers impressive performance for its size and price, offering hi-res audio compatibility, powerful amplification, and excellent sound quality. A standout choice for audiophiles on the go.

You know, I've grown to really appreciate high-quality corded passive headphones. They're like the enlightened path to audio nirvana. Sure, wireless is convenient, and I do appreciate noise canceling and DSP processing. But there's something about a great pair of passive cans that gets you where you want to be with zero fuss, 100% reliability, and often at levels of fidelity that remain elusive for wireless models.