Mark Henninger

4K TV ReviewsOLED TV ReviewsTV Reviews
Samsung 32" Odyssey OLED G80SD Monitor Review: Picture Perfect
Mark Henninger  |  Jun 04, 2024

Performance
Features
Ergonomics
Value
PRICE $1,299

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Superb SDR and HDR picture quality
Low input lag and Game Bar
Attractive design, easy assembly
Extensive and responsive smart TV features
Minus
Peak brightness could be higher
A bit pricey for a 32" display

THE VERDICT
The Samsung Odyssey OLED G80SD is a premium, 32-inch 4K smart monitor that is a feature-packed, state-of-the-art visual powerhouse with a slick, modern design. It looks fantastic, supports a variety of sources, and delivers exceptional picture quality.

Simply calling the G80SD a monitor doesn't do it justice because it offers so much functionality, it is very TV-like. It is also a gamer's dream machine thanks to its support for up to 240Hz refresh rates and VRR (variable refresh rate). It comes with a convenient remote as well as support for Alexa and Bixby voice assistants.

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Editor's Eye
The Even Bigger Picture
Mark Henninger  |  Jun 04, 2024
Back in February, in a blog I titled "The Big Picture", I discussed the expansion of large TV screens and how CES hinted at future trends. Now, with summer just around the corner, “100-inch-class” TVs are being shipped by all major brands, while 85-inch TVs have become surprisingly affordable and are selling rapidly.
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New Products
BenQ Unveils New 4K Gaming Projectors: TK710 and TK710STi
Mark Henninger  |  Jun 03, 2024
BenQ has announced the release of its latest 4K casual gaming projectors, the TK710 and TK710STi. These new models feature high brightness (3200 ANSI lumens) and contrast, 95% Rec.709 color accuracy, and HDR compatibility, making them suitable for both movies and gaming in various lighting conditions.
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Audio Video News
Bowers & Wilkins and David Beckham Partner for Style and Sound Excellence
Mark Henninger  |  May 31, 2024
British audio brand Bowers & Wilkins has announced a partnership with global sports icon David Beckham, merging two symbols of style and performance. This collaboration signifies the beginning of a long-term alliance that highlights Beckham’s deep connection with music, aligning with Bowers & Wilkins’ reputation for audio excellence and premium design.
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Projector ReviewsProjection Screen Reviews
Quick Take: Elite ezCinema Tab-Tension CineGrey 4D Screen & Anker Nebula Mars 3 Projector
Mark Henninger  |  Apr 03, 2024

Home theater comes in many shapes and sizes, but one constant is that it could be a more portable experience. But it’s not impossible! Elite recently sent an ezCinema Tab-Tension CineGrey 4D screen to evaluate, which is an excellent match for an Anker Nebula Mars 3 projector ($1,099) that I have on hand. The Mars 3 has a built-in battery with up to five hours of playtime, although using the projector at its full light output lowers that to around two hours.
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Editor's Eye
Visions of the Future
Mark Henninger  |  Apr 02, 2024
When Apple first announced the Vision Pro mixed reality headset, it set off a chain reaction of responses and predictions. Its extremely high-resolution OLED display holds promise for entertainment experiences like movie watching, but can a personal device visually surpass what’s achievable with a traditional TV screen or projection system?
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Tower Speaker Reviews
GoldenEar T66 Tower Speaker Review: Performance Evolved
Mark Henninger  |  Mar 20, 2024

Performance
Build Quality
Value
PRICE $3,600/each

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Exquisite detail rendering
Cohesive soundstage projection
Deep bass extension
Elegant aesthetic design
Minus
Pricey investment
Grille not removable
Requires power cord and speaker cable connection

THE VERDICT
The T66 offers audiophile-grade soundstage and aesthetics. With exceptional detail, powerful bass, and sleek design, these GoldenEar speakers are an outstanding investment in high fidelity.

GoldenEar’s new T66 tower speaker offers audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts high performance in a slender and stylish design. It is a speaker that takes what is already great about the brand and elevates it to a higher level of fit and finish.

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Subwoofer Reviews
Bowers & Wilkins DB3D Subwoofer Review
Mark Henninger  |  Feb 14, 2024

Performance
Features
Build Quality
Value
PRICE $3499

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Compact size
Deep, clean bass
Easy to set up and adjust
Available in three finishes

Minus
High price
One sub might not be powerful enough for large rooms

THE VERDICT
The Bowers & Wilkins DB3D is an excellent choice for those who want a compact subwoofer with powerful performance. Its high price may be a deterrent for some, but its features and performance make it worth the investment.

In the realm of high-fidelity audio, the Bowers & Wilkins DB3D subwoofer offers a fusion of compact design and powerful performance. Priced at a premium $3,499, this subwoofer is a statement piece that offers performance to match Bowers and Wilkins speakers like the 700 Series S3 models used in this review.

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Editor's Eye
The Big Picture
Mark Henninger  |  Feb 06, 2024
What a difference a year makes. In early 2023, I was thinking about ultra-short-throw (UST) projectors in the living room, but saw evidence that TVs would compete in the 100-inch size category. Now it’s a year later, and 100-inch TVs are multiplying like rabbits while prices continue to drop.
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Surround Processor Reviews
Marantz AV10 15.4-Channel AV Preamp/Processor Review
Mark Henninger  |  Jan 31, 2024

Performance
Features
Ergonomics
Value
PRICE $7,000

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Balanced outputs for all channels
Supports four subwoofers
Audyssey MultEQ XT32 with Directional Bass
Dirac Live Bass Control
Easy on-screen setup
Minus
Antiquated front panel interface
Dirac features cost extra

THE VERDICT
An engineering marvel from Marantz with just about everything you could ask for in an AV processor. Just add an amp and speakers for total immersion.

The AV preamp and surround processor is the less well-known sibling of the AV receiver. The main difference being that processors don’t have built-in amplification. This is a reasonable approach because as a rule amplifiers last a rather long time, and don’t come obsoleted by things like new immersive sound formats or updates to HDMI standards. Going the AV separate route also lets you tailor the amplification to the speaker system whereas AV receivers are forced to split the difference between whatever speakers are connected to it and hope for the best.

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