Articles by Al Griffin, Senior Editor Home Entertainment, US

Al Griffin is Senior Editor - Home Entertainment, US at TechRadar. Previously the editor of Sound & Vision magazine, he brings nearly three decades of journalism experience to the position, and has contributed to a wide range of print and online outlets including Wirecutter, ProjectorCentral, The SoundStage! Network, Popular Science, and HD Guru. An ISF-trained video calibrator, Al specializes in TV and projector testing and has also written countless audio equipment reviews ranging from speakers and subwoofers to integrated amps. An avowed movie fanatic, he spends his free time holed up in his home theater, and is also an avid cyclist.

Articles by: Al Griffin

I listened to Dolby Atmos music in a Mercedes-Benz – and music on the road never sounded so good

By Al Griffin published 10 January 24

CES 2024 Dolby had a Mercedes-Benz S580 with a 31-speaker Dolby Atmos audio system parked at CES, and I got to take it for a ride.

Hisense 110UX TV on display at CES showing image of mountains

Hisense’s massive 110-inch TV tops a mostly mini-LED lineup for 2024

By Al Griffin published 10 January 24

CES 2024 Hisense's new TVs for 2024 include 110- and 98-inch additions to its flagship ULED X series, plus a budget 100-inch QLED model.

LG G4 OLED TV showing Foundation on Apple TV plus

LG OLED TVs are getting a Dolby Vision Filmmaker Mode – here’s why it’s a big deal

By Al Griffin published 9 January 24

CES 2024 A Dolby Vision Filmmaker Mode has been in the works for some time, but new LG OLED TVs for 2024 will be the first to offer it.

Samsung The Premiere 8K projecting soccer image

Samsung introduces the world’s first wireless 8K projector

By Al Griffin published 8 January 24

CES 2024 The company's projector introductions at CES 2024 range from a super-bright 8K model to a compact, portable ultra short throw

Samsung QN900D being watched by man holding remote control

Samsung unveils 2024 mini-LED TV range, including a ‘floating’ 8K gaming TV

By Al Griffin published 8 January 24

CES 2024 Samsung's 2024 Neo QLED TV lineup features 8K and 4K models with screen sizes up to 98 inches.

Kaleidescape interface on projection screen in dark home theater room

I tried the world’s most expensive movie player – here’s how it beats 4K Blu-ray

By Al Griffin published 2 January 24

The Kaleidescape systems bring 4K Blu-ray video and audio quality to movie downloads, and that's just one of the things they can do...

Samsung-QN900C TV on table with smart hub interface on screen

8K TVs were supposed to be the next big thing – what happened?

By Al Griffin published 30 December 23

With few new TVs coming out in 2023 and prices remaining stubbornly high, does the 8K format have a future?

I updated my Apple TV 4K to tvOS 17.2 – and smart TV makers should take note of what Apple is doing

By Al Griffin published 17 December 23

Apple's new tvOS update reduces screen clutter and adds features that make it easier to access shows you want.

Home theater with beige furniture and large screen

I switched from a 65-inch TV to a 4K projector – and the results surprised me

By Al Griffin published 10 December 23

Thinking of upgrading to a projector? Watching on a 100-inch screen can bring out details in movies you're likely to miss on a typical TV.

Two OnePlus 12 phones and a laptop running Google Gemini on a blue background

ICYMI: the week's 7 biggest tech stories, from Google Gemini to Windows 12

By Mark Wilson published 9 December 23

2023 might nearly be over, but that doesn't mean the tech news has run dry. Here are biggest stories of the week.

LG C3 OLED TV showing orange butterfly onscreen

Bought a new 4K TV on Black Friday? Here’s how to adjust it for the best picture

By Al Griffin published 3 December 23

With these simple setup steps, you can make your new TV’s picture go from good to great

Netflix quietly rolled out an HDR upgrade for 4K TVs – here are the details

By Al Griffin published 1 December 23

Pricing for Netflix's 4K Premium tier has gone up, but so has the HDR video quality according to a Netflix tech blog post.

Sony HT-S2000 soundbar review: a Sonos Beam alternative with surprisingly big sound

By Al Griffin published 12 November 23

Recommended

Sony's affordable Dolby Atmos soundbar is a compact, all-in-one design with surprisingly big and well-balanced sound.

Sony XR-X90L TV on stand with red car on screen

Sony X90L review: a mid-range 4K TV that performs like a mini-LED

By Al Griffin last updated 6 November 23

Recommended

The Sony's X90L's great all-around picture quality lets it compete effectively with higher-priced TVs.

LG S80QY soundbar with TV image of woman

4 soundbar upgrades that are worth the money

By Al Griffin published 5 November 23

You don't need to spend large sums on a soundbar, but these 4 upgrades will have an impact and are worth the extra money.

Hegel Viking CD player on shelf with CDs and LPs

Forget vinyl LPs – the Hegel Viking will take your CD collection to Valhalla

By Al Griffin published 29 October 23

CDs are far from dead, with the arrival of new dedicated CD players confirming the format’s ongoing viability.

Halloween house exterior with scary images projected on window

How to use a projector to turn a window into a Halloween horrorshow

By Al Griffin last updated 26 October 23

Transforming a window into a spooky cinema is easy, but you'll need a projector and scream, I mean screen.

How Max became our Streaming Service of the Year and beat Netflix

By Al Griffin published 25 October 23

In a year that saw streaming services consolidate and raise prices across the board, Max stands out as the best option for most people.

I tested Sony’s X90L, and this 4K LED TV matches its mini-LED competition in 3 surprising ways

By Al Griffin published 21 October 23

Our initial testing of Sony's new mid-range LED TV reveals multiple improvements over last year's X90K, with no change in price.

Samsung QN90C vs Samsung QN85C: which 4K mini-LED TV should you buy?

By Al Griffin published 14 October 23

We compare Samsung's 2023 mini-LED TVs on performance, value and specs to help you decide which one to buy.

Samsunng QN85C showing abstract image on screen

Samsung QN85C review: a less pricey mini-LED TV that's great for gaming

By Al Griffin published 30 September 23

Samsung's entry-level mini-LED offers many of the same features as its Neo QLED siblings, but at a lower cost.

Samsung QN85C TV showing colorful abstract pattern

I tested Samsung’s ‘cheap’ mini-LED – here’s what it does as well as expensive TVs

By Al Griffin published 17 September 23

Our initial test of Samsung's entry-level mini-LED reveals a 4K TV with strong features, but also a few compromises.

The PS5 finally got its Dolby Atmos update, but it’s still lacking without Dolby Vision

By Al Griffin published 13 September 23

The PS5 just got an update that adds Dolby Atmos support, but what I really want is a next-gen console with Dolby Vision HDR.

15 things we learned at Apple's September 2023 event

By Marc McLaren published 12 September 23

Apple's iPhone 15 event introduced us to four new phones, two new Apple Watches and a lot more. Here are the highlights.

Showgoers in the Sony booth at CEDIA 2023

From MicroLED walls to subwoofer towers – the coolest tech shown at CEDIA 2023

By Al Griffin published 10 September 23

CEDIA Expo is a playground for home theater fans, and we’ve rounded up the best new tech on display at this year’s show.

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