Articles by Al Griffin, Senior Editor Home Entertainment, US

TechRadar The source for Tech Buying Advice

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 The 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 turntables. 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

Airpods tinted purple on black background

Apple planned to add color to AirPods –and I wish it had

By Al Griffin published 30 May 23

Apple's AirPods apparently had 5 additional hue options, but the company backed out of the scheme at the last minute.

4k Blu-ray players on colored background

5 reasons why you need a 4K Blu-ray player

By Al Griffin published 29 May 23

Ultra HD Blu-ray provides superior video and audio quality to streaming services – so why don’t you own a 4K Blu-ray player?

Apple TV 4K with TV showing Apple TV Plus interface

5 (more) upgrades we want to see from the Apple TV 4K

By Al Griffin published 27 May 23

With WWDC 2023 around the bend, we have further thoughts about Apple TV 4K upgrades we'd like to see.

TCL 6-Series TV on pink background with deal tag

The TCL 6-Series is the affordable 4K TV you should buy on Memorial Day – here’s why

By Al Griffin published 26 May 23

Deals TCL's 6-Series (2022) is one of the best under-$1,000 TVs you can buy, and it's now even less during Memorial Day sales

Beats Studio Buds Plus case held in palm of hand

I tried Beats Studio Buds Plus and they confirmed my love for AirPods Pro 2

By Al Griffin published 24 May 23

A hands-on with the new Beats reveals great design and good noise cancellation, but they lag behind the latest-gen AirPods.

Skullcandy Smokin' Buds against green background

Skullcandy’s $20 wireless earbuds have a low carbon footprint and high battery life

By Al Griffin published 23 May 23

Skullcandy's cheap new Smokin' Buds aim to deliver good sound and battery life while at the same time being eco-friendly

Spears & Munsil test Blu-ray on yellow background

The Blu-ray test disc I use to fix the picture on 4K TVs just got bigger and better

By Al Griffin published 22 May 23

A new version of the highly regarded Spears & Munsil UHD HDR Benchmark Blu-ray video test disc is available, and this time audio gets equal treatment.

Apple TV 4K 2022 and Siri remote on white background

tvOS 17: 6 upgrades for Apple TV 4K we need to see at WWDC 2023

By Al Griffin published 20 May 23

With WWDC just around the corner, here are the Apple TV 4K improvements we want to hear about.

6 reasons to upgrade your soundbar - and Dolby Atmos is just one of them

By Al Griffin published 19 May 23

Next-gen gaming, Dolby Atmos, high-res audio – if your soundbar can't handle these, it may need a refresh.

TCL Q7 TV showing colorful landscape onscreen

I tested TCL's affordable Q7 4K TV, and it's a great deal – but with a catch

By Al Griffin published 17 May 23

Not yet rated

TCL’s next-best TVs for 2023 offer the same high value as last year’s 6-Series, but they’re not as bright despite being similarly priced

Get $500 off a gamer-friendly 65-inch QLED TV with this Samsung Discover deal

By Al Griffin published 16 May 23

Get your game on with this 4K 120Hz-capable TV, now $500 off during the Samsung Discover sales event

TCL QM8 TV showing abstract image onscreen

I tested TCL's QM8 4K TV, and it's the brightest TCL mini-LED set yet

By Al Griffin last updated 16 May 23

Not yet rated

TCL is only making mini-LED tech available in its flagship Q class TVs for 2023, but this year they’re making that feature count.

Samsung The Freestyle projector on blu background

Don’t wait – this Discover Samsung deal shaves $200 off The Freestyle projector

By Al Griffin published 15 May 23

Just in time for summer, Samsung's top-rated portable projector can be had for its near-lowest ever price

TCL announces US prices for 2023 QLED and mini-LED TVs – and Samsung should worry

By Al Griffin published 15 May 23

TCL's new TV lineup for 2023 introduces cutting-edge tech at affordable prices.

Woman's hand cleaning TV screen with pink microfiber cloth

How to clean a TV screen

By Al Griffin published 13 May 23

Here’s our guide to cleaning your TV’s screen safely and effectively, along with tips on how to clean a TV remote control.

NAD C 3050 amp on console with speaker and plant

NAD’s new amp is a retro wonder with wireless high-res audio streaming and HDMI

By Al Griffin published 12 May 23

The design of NAD's C 3050 looks back to hi-fi's glory days, but inside is a thoroughly modern steaming amplifier

ADTH NextGen TV receiver on orange background

Cheap ATSC 3.0 4K receivers are coming to upgrade your TV - you can pre-order now for $80

By Al Griffin published 11 May 23

The promise of low-cost ATSC 3.0 TV upgrades is finally being fulfilled, with receivers now available for pre-order

BenQ V5000i UST projector on blue background

BenQ’s new low input lag laser projector is primed for PS5 gaming

By Al Griffin published 9 May 23

With advanced HDR and low input lag for gaming, BenQ's new UST projector could be a perfect big-screen TV replacement.

Sony SRS-XB100 Bluetooth speaker on sand at beach with water in background

Sony’s new portable Bluetooth speaker is ready to get wet

By Al Griffin published 8 May 23

Sony’s new Bluetooth speaker is waterproof and has extended battery life, but the best thing about it may be its price.

Computer speakers on a desk with laptop computer and monitor

4 ways to improve music quality from your computer speakers

By Al Griffin published 6 May 23

Computer speakers aren't necessarily designed for music listening, but with a few simple tweaks you can be in hi-fi heaven.

ATSC 3.0 TV stations now reach 60% of the US – so why can’t I watch CBS in 4K?

By Al Griffin published 5 May 23

ATSC 3.0 was meant to transform broadcast TV, but stations have been slow to implement the new standard, and few sets support it.

BenQ W4000i projector on purple background

BenQ’s new 4K projectors bring impressive brightness and better HDR

By Al Griffin published 2 May 23

BenQ's new projector trio is packed with powerful brightness specs and HDR features, and there's also Android TV for streaming.

How to use Netflix’s ‘secret’ video test patterns to improve your 4K TV’s picture

By Al Griffin published 29 April 23

Here’s our guide to finding hidden video test patterns on Netflix and using them to adjust your 4K TV's picture settings.

Home theater system showing projection screen and home theater seating

I traded my projector for an OLED TV – and now I’m ready to trade back

By Al Griffin published 28 April 23

OLED TV picture quality can make movies look stunningly good, but the visual immersion projectors bring is arguably the most important factor.

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
View Archive

Other versions of this page are available with specific content for the following regions: