LATEST ADDITIONS

PRICE $3,999

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Bright picture with powerful contrast
Detailed Ultra HD image
Maintenance-free laser light engine
Minus
Some loss of highlight detail with HDR
Requires calibration for best performance
Limited wide color gamut display

THE VERDICT
The Acer VL7860’s detailed picture and impressive contrast elevate it above the entry-level 4K DLP projector pack. In this case, 4K for 4K is a good deal.

With DLP projectors capable of displaying 4K Ultra HD signals now selling for $1,500 or even less, they present an affordable alternative to higher-cost 4K LCOS models from Sony and JVC. Even longtime LCOS stalwart JVC has jumped in on the game, with the company recently announcing its first DLP projector, a $2,500 4K-capable model.

With almost half of 2018 behind us, now is the perfect time to reflect on the good AV fortune that has come our way over the past 147 days. We’ve reviewed dozens of products so far this year, including six shining examples of what a speaker system can and should be. Whether you’re just starting out or in the market for an upgrade, each of these systems — presented from least to most expensive — deserves serious consideration.

Over the weekend, I attended the Maker Faire Kansas City. I'd never been to a Maker Faire before, although I've wanted to attend one for quite a while. A couple members of my family asked me to explain what a Maker Faire is; and, even after spending two incredibly interesting days wandering the halls and grounds of Kansas City, Missouri's beautiful and historic Union Station, I'm still trying to figure out how to describe it...

House of Marley, the company co-founded by the son of the late reggae icon Bob Marley, has introduced a new “earth-friendly” set of Bluetooth earbuds designed with vacation travel and outdoor workouts in mind.