Thomas J. Norton

4K TV ReviewsOLED TV ReviewsTV Reviews
Sony Bravia XBR-65A9G OLED Ultra HDTV Review
Thomas J. Norton  |  Aug 14, 2019  |  2 comments

Performance
Features
Ergonomics
Value
PRICE $3,800

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Unsurpassed contrast
Superb color and resolution
Viewable from any angle
Minus
Complicated picture adjustments
Pricey

THE VERDICT
Sony's new XBR-65A9G OLED TV is undoubtedly pricey, but we'd be hard-pressed to name a flat-panel Ultra HD TV that provides better overall performance.

Sony's XBR-A9G, the latest OLED entry in the company's Master Series TV lineup, follows fast on the heels of its previous A9F. While the differences from that model are minor, the A9G's list of upgrades include a different (and arguably improved) stand, a better remote control, and a few performance tweaks. The A9G lineup also includes a 77-inch model, but the 65-inch XBR-65A9G is the featured attraction here.

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HDTV TechA/V Veteran
TV Tech Explained: Mind Your Gamma
Thomas J. Norton  |  Jul 30, 2019  |  3 comments
Unless you're accustomed to turning on your new set and never touching any of the controls beyond volume (and if you're reading this that's probably not you) Gamma is a control and a subject worth knowing more about.
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A/V Veteran
Choice Films for Choice Guests: Guaranteed to Wow 'Em
Thomas J. Norton  |  Jul 16, 2019  |  2 comments
We've all encountered the problem: Guests who haven't yet seen or heard your home theater setup are coming over for a movie night. But which movie to choose? If you know the guests' tastes the choice should be easy. But that isn't always the case.
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Blu-ray Movie ReviewsUltra HD Blu-ray Movie Reviews
How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World
Thomas J. Norton  |  Jul 12, 2019  |  0 comments
Picture
Sound
Extras
The village of Berk is now the overcrowded home not only of our favorite Viking clan, now led by a grown-up Hiccup, but also a huge and motley assortment of friendly dragons. After they encounter a revived gang of dragon-hunters led by the ruthless Grimmel, Hiccup decides that their only solution is to evacuate Berk, where they're an obvious target, and search for a new home where they'll be safe.
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A/V Veteran
Exceptional War-Themed Movies for Summer Viewing
Thomas J. Norton  |  Jul 02, 2019  |  3 comments
A selection of discs and streaming content to watch during those lazy days of summer.
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4K TV ReviewsOLED TV ReviewsTV Reviews
LG OLED65E9PUA OLED Ultra HDTV Review
Thomas J. Norton  |  Jun 26, 2019  |  3 comments

Performance
Features
Ergonomics
Value
PRICE $4,299

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Powerful contrast with inky blacks
Wide viewing angle
HDR format support includes Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG
Minus
Pricey
So-so built-in audio
No HDR10+ support

THE VERDICT
LG's stunning E9 continues OLED's long streak in providing the highest-performance Ultra HDTV display option available.

Set makers may argue otherwise, but improvements to the two dominant TV technologies—OLED and LCD—come gradually. Each year, the new sets that get rolled out incorporate wrinkles that will result (it's hoped!) in a better picture and more advanced features. Following that pattern, LG for 2019 continues to build on its already impressive OLED TV credentials with the OLED65E9PUA.

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4K TV ReviewsLCD TV ReviewsTV Reviews
Samsung QN65Q80R LCD Ultra HDTV Review
Thomas J. Norton  |  Jun 19, 2019  |  0 comments

Performance
Features
Ergonomics
Value
PRICE $2,800

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Brightness to spare
Good off-center viewing
Superb HDR
Minus
Blooming
No Dolby Vision
Small, non-backlit remote

THE VERDICT
Samsung's new QN65Q80R may not be the company's flagship TV, but it offers an ample helping of that model's features, design, and performance.

It wasn't long ago that a buying a premium UHDTV demanded your first-born in exchange, or at least a sizeable portion of his or her college tuition. At $2,800 (and widely available for less), Samsung's new QN65Q80R "QLED" TV isn't exactly the lowest-priced entry in the growing category of affordable UHDTVs, but it's certainly a welcome one. Samsung also sells 55-, 75-, and 82-inch versions of the Q80R, the latter priced under $5,000.

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A/V Veteran
Tech Update: Quantum Dots, Micro LEDs & Self-Emissive Displays
Thomas J. Norton  |  Jun 18, 2019  |  10 comments
The Society for Information Display (SID) presents an update on the many faces of next-gen TV technology.
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A/V Veteran
Audio Powerhouse Sound United Previews Future Plans
Thomas J. Norton  |  Jun 04, 2019  |  2 comments
We go behind the scenes at Sound United's annual dealer/rep get-together in New Orleans.
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Surround Processor Reviews
NAD M17 V2 Surround Preamp/Processor Review
Thomas J. Norton  |  May 15, 2019  |  1 comments

Performance
Features
Ergonomics
Value
PRICE $6,000

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Exceptional flexibility
First-rate build quality
Superb sound
Minus
Complex ergonomics
Inadequate owner's manual

THE VERDICT
This NAD preamp-processor can accommodate nearly every system requirement and then some. While pricey, it's hard to imagine a better-sounding hub for your home theater.

NAD (New Acoustic Dimensions) gained considerable attention soon after its founding in 1972 by offering impressive sound quality at fair prices. Today, most of NAD's more affordable products still proudly bear the unique, workpants cosmetics of its early days. But that definitely doesn't apply to the upscale Masters series, which includes the M17 V2 surround preamp-processor. As with all current NAD products, the M17 V2 is manufactured in China but designed in Canada, where the company is headquartered.

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