Articles by Dave Meikleham

Dave is a freelancer who's been writing about tech and video games since 2006, with bylines across GamesRadar+, Total Film, PC Gamer, and Edge. He's been obsessed with all manner of AV equipment ever since his parents first bought him a hideously garish 13-inch CRT TV (complete with built-in VCR, no less) back in 1998. Over the years he’s owned more plasma and OLED TVs than he can count. On an average day, he spends 30% of his waking existence having mild panic attacks about vertical banding and dead pixels.

Articles by: Dave Meikleham

Happy Plugs Play Pro over-ear headphones hanging on a stand, on a wooden table

I think these cheap, comfy headphones mostly overcome their flaws in testing... bar one key area

By Dave Meikleham published 18 July 25

Fairly stylish and incredibly comfortable, the budget-friendly Happy Plugs Play Pro headphones sound good but the noise cancellation isn’t great.

Earfun Wave Life over-ear noise-cancelling headphones on a wooden surface

Every time I put these over-ear noise-cancelling headphones on during testing, it felt like they were giving my lobes a big fuzzy hug

By Dave Meikleham published 14 June 25

Despite middling ANC, the Earfun Wave Life over-deliver considering just how cheaply you can pick them up, thanks to incredible comfort and solid build.

10 great Father’s Day gifts for movie-loving dads: from OLED TVs to Dolby Atmos soundbars

By Dave Meikleham published 5 June 25

On the hunt for the perfect present for your AV-loving pop this Father’s Day? We’ve got your gift needs covered.

Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box 8K with image from Andor onscreen

The Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box 8K is the best TV accessory I’ve ever owned

By Dave Meikleham published 5 May 25

The iconic AV company’s latest HDMI, color-recreating splitter is a glorious device that will admittedly dent your bank balance.

Panasonic SC-HTB100 on white table with remote control

The best cheap soundbars, all tested by our experts

By Matt Bolton last updated 29 April 25

We’ve reviewed the best budget soundbars, from affordable Dolby Atmos models to super-cheap and simple sound upgrades, and here are our top picks.

Apple AirPods Max with a French bulldog and a chicken

Sure, noise-cancelling headphones are great for work but they saved my sleep (and sanity) and several vacations too – here’s how

By Dave Meikleham published 8 March 25

The Apple AirPods Max’s noise-cancelling chops helped save my ultimate bucket list holiday in Hawaii.

The Sonos Arc Ultra in a living room, in front of plants and personal niknaks

Setting up the Sonos Arc Ultra soundbar was one of the worst tech experiences of my life, but damn it sounds incredible

By Dave Meikleham published 8 March 25

The Dolby Atmos soundbar sounds sensational, but pairing it with your existing speakers can be a nightmare due to the Sonos app.

Bose, JLab and Nothing earbuds, all held in someone's hand

Want noise-cancelling earbuds ready for 2025 travel? Here are the 4 best we’ve tested for all budgets

By Dave Meikleham published 22 February 25

Save your hearing and your sanity on planes, trains or automobiles with small buds that slip in your pocket.

Brian Tyree Henry and Wagner Moura walking together in Apple TV+'s Dope Thief

Apple TV+ releases a gritty new crime drama trailer for Dope Thief that looks like a stylish version of The Wire

By Dave Meikleham published 19 February 25

Apple TV+'s violent Philadelphia-set show has snagged the legendary Hollywood helmer and will start airing in March.

Grado Signature S950 headphones hanging on a headphones holder, in a gray room

Grado's elite new open-back headphones feature huge 52mm drivers, and a beautiful walnut wood finish

By Dave Meikleham published 19 February 25

The Brooklyn-based company’s latest flagship headphones look the part, and they should sound even better.

TEAC's new hi-fi amplifier is made to power hardcore audiophile systems, but in a super-compact size

By Dave Meikleham published 18 February 25

If you’re a serious audiophile who’s looking for a discrete but ultra-high end amplifier, the TEAC AP-507 could be worth throwing your life savings at.

Severance is officially Apple TV Plus' biggest hit for years – but it’s still miles behind Netflix’s Squid Game

By Dave Meikleham published 14 February 25

Apple's streaming service has a lot to celebrate after the latest Neilson viewing stats, with Severance posting the best numbers since a certain Ted Lasso.

Razer Hammerhead Pro HyperSpeed earbuds and case on table with pink and plant in background

Feel like the battery on your wireless earbuds degrades faster than other tech? You might not be wrong – scientists have dug into how device design may make the difference

By Dave Meikleham published 11 February 25

The battery life of earbuds seems to be depleting more and more, but researchers are working on finding the solution.

Ever wish you had a tube amp with you everywhere for your headphones? Now you can with this switchable USB-C DAC

By Dave Meikleham published 11 February 25

The iBasso Nunchaku USB DAC lets you switch between two different amp modes.

TV picture setting menu with Wallace from Wallace & Gromit in background

If you let me near your TV, I will immediately adjust these 5 settings

By Dave Meikleham published 3 February 25

Are you one of those folks who buy a TV then never change a single setting? Don’t be that person. Instead, make these picture tweaks right away.

Image of Jones the cat from the movie Aliens, shown on the LG G4 OLED TV. A floor lamp emitting blue light is to the right of the TV.

The TV tech to watch out for in 2025, from even brighter OLEDs to better LCDs

By Dave Meikleham published 30 December 24

TVs will get some serious upgrades in 2024, from super-bright ‘MAX OLEDs’ to LCD TVs with far better viewing angles. Here are our predictions for the best TV tech for the year ahead.

TV winners and losers of 2024: OLEDs got brighter and 8K strained for relevance

By Dave Meikleham published 29 December 24

Samsung OLEDs stole the show but 8K can’t catch a break

mini-LED and OLED TVs side by side showing image of sunset on lake

OLED vs Mini-LED: which TV type is best?

By Dave Meikleham published 8 November 24

OLED and mini-LED TVs are the best on the market, but which technology is better? Let’s find out.

The Little Mermaid is shown on two TVs in the same room

I swapped my LG C2 OLED TV for the LG G3, and it's the best upgrade I've ever made

By Dave Meikleham published 16 September 23

The brightest OLED TV the South Korean manufacturer has ever made is astonishing, and proves Micro Lens Array OLED tech fully justifies the hype.

I added a second subwoofer to my Sonos soundbar setup, and it took it to a new level

By Dave Meikleham published 12 September 23

I’m all in on my dual sub setup after experiencing the best night of home theater audio my ears have ever experienced

A woman sat in front of an LG C3 OLED TV in a blue living room

LG C3 vs LG C2: how do these OLED TVs compare?

By Dave Meikleham last updated 4 August 23

The LG C3 OLED has arrived, but how does it compare to its predecessor, the LG C2 OLED? We put the two LG OLED TVs head to head.

A 4K JVC projector with an external Panamorph anamorphic lens attached

Here’s one way to get rid of black bars in ultra-wide movies: use a projector

By Dave Meikleham published 2 April 23

Want a truly faithful film experience? You need a projector with anamorphic features.

Sony A95L TV next to a Samsung S95C TV, on blue and green two-tone background

Sony A95L vs Samsung S95C: which OLED TV is right for you?

By Dave Meikleham published 1 April 23

Which is better, the Sony A95L or Samsung S95C? The new QD-OLEDs fight it out in a battle to be the best 4K TV in 2023.

HDR10 vs Dolby Vision: which HDR format is better?

By Dave Meikleham last updated 31 March 23

Updated We dissect the two formats fighting for the chance to improve your TV-watching experience.

Samsung-QN95C TV showing canyon onscreen

The best QLED TVs are catching up to OLED TVs

By Dave Meikleham published 28 March 23

OLED is the TV technology to beat when it comes to perfect blacks, but the latest generation of mini-LED TVs are even getting that part right.

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