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

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.

I test TVs, and these 3 OLED TV deals are the best I’ve seen on Prime Day

By Al Griffin published 10 October 23

The discounts are in, and these deals are among the best available for three of 2023's top OLED TVs.

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.

A foldable phone, Sonos speaker, headphones and GoPro on a green background

ICYMI: the 7 biggest tech stories of the week, from the Sonos Move 2 to GoPro

By Mark Wilson published 9 September 23

If you missed the week's biggest tech news, fear not – we've picked out all the best stories so you can catch up at your leisure.

Cooper house home theater installation showing seats and screen

7 home theaters to die for – the most incredible movie setups

By Al Griffin, Amelia Schwanke published 8 September 23

From high-spec palaces to pop-up party entertainment rooms, these are some of the best home theaters we've come across.

Samsung QN990C 8K TV on purple background

Samsung’s new 98-inch 8K mini-LED makes 8K TVs finally make sense

By Al Griffin published 7 September 23

Samsung has announced pricing and availability for its new 98-inch mini-LED TV, the company's largest 8K model yet.

Projection screen showing man walking through canyon

Here are the five things to consider when shopping for a projector screen

By Al Griffin published 5 September 23

There's lots of jargon you'll encounter when buying a screen for your projector, but this basic guide will explain key terms.

Forget 4K Blu-ray, this pricey media server is the ultimate movie player

By Al Griffin published 4 September 23

Kaleidescape's server and player system brings magic to the experience of watching movies at home.

Samsung MicroLED TV in living room with couch

Man cave to media room: the evolution of home theater, from CRT to MicroLED

By Al Griffin published 4 September 23

The evolution of home theaters has largely been driven by projectors, but it's now coming full-circle with the arrival of giant TVs.

Epson LS650 projector on gray background

Epson’s new 4K projector is the bright streaming machine your living room needs

By Al Griffin published 1 September 23

Epson announced the latest addition to its ultra short throw projector lineup, and it's looking very bright for the price.

Samsung Terrace outdoor TV mounted on white wall outdoors

Samsung’s 85-inch outdoor 4K TV is its largest yet – and its first with mini-LED

By Al Griffin published 29 August 23

Samsung has announced its largest outdoor TV yet, which is its first model to feature a display panel with a mini-LED backlight.

LG C3 OLED TV showing orange butterfly onscreen

How bright does your 4K TV need to be? We explain how OLED and mini-LED compare

By Al Griffin published 26 August 23

New TVs for 2023 are brighter than ever, but brightness is just one consideration when it comes to TV picture quality.

Gamers playing using the Samsung The Freestyle projectors

Samsung’s Freestyle portable projector got a gaming upgrade, and now you can buy it

By Al Griffin published 17 August 23

Samsung's new The Freestyle Gen 2 projector adds cloud gaming features to the company's popular portable.

Magnetar makes the world’s priciest 4K Blu-ray player – here’s why you need it

By Al Griffin published 12 August 23

The UDP900 costs 20 times as much as a budget player, but there's plenty going on behind its aluminum casing to justify the price.

ICYMI: the week's biggest tech news, from iPhone launch date to Disney price hikes

By Marc McLaren published 12 August 23

If you missed the week's biggest tech news, fear not – we've picked out all the best stories from the past seven days so you can catch up at your leisure.

Samsung The Frame TV showing Dali's The Persistence of Memory

Samsung Frame 4K TVs are the first ever digital art displays to get Dalí paintings – and I can’t stop looking

By Al Griffin published 9 August 23

Samsung's Art Store has acquired the rights to a dozen Dalí paintings, bringing a surreal dimension to Samsung's The Frame TVs.

Your Google TV has a secret ‘Roku’ mode – here’s how to turn it on

By Al Griffin published 5 August 23

This is how you turn on Google TV's Roku-style TV feature.

A Nokia phone, Sonos speaker and DJI action camera on a pink background

ICYMI: the week's biggest tech news, from Sonos Move 2 leaks to Nokia throwbacks

By Mark Wilson published 5 August 23

If you missed the week's biggest tech news, fear not – we've picked out all the best stories, including Sonos Move 2 leaks.

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