Articles by John Archer

AV Technology Contributor

John has been writing about home entertainment technology for more than two decades - an especially impressive feat considering he still claims to only be 35 years old (yeah, right). In that time he’s reviewed hundreds if not thousands of TVs, projectors and speakers, and spent frankly far too long sitting by himself in a dark room.

Articles by: John Archer

Why the Sony A80L OLED TV proves that brightness really isn't everything

By John Archer published 20 June 23

The world of OLED TVs' diversity is its strength, and the race to chase the highest brightness doesn't automatically mean far superior results.

The Samsung-QN95C with a mountain landscape screensaver

Samsung QN95C review: a super-bright mini-LED TV that thinks it's an OLED

By John Archer last updated 29 April 23

Editor's Choice

With far more local dimming zones than its predecessor and an improved processor, the Samsung QN95C is a good reminder that there's innovation in TVs outside of OLED.

The Samsung S95C displaying an abstract green design

Explained: the tech that makes Samsung's new QD-OLED TV such a huge leap forward

By John Archer published 16 April 23

The Samsung S95C is a blockbuster new OLED TV, and this technology is the reason why.

Samsung S95C TV showing butterfly on screen and also shown from angle

How to use the Samsung S95C OLED TV’s settings to get a perfect picture

By John Archer published 12 April 23

Samsung's S95C looks great in its default settings, but its pictures can’t still be made even better with a little effort.

Samsung Q60B on a table, showing the smart TV interface

Samsung Q60B review: a cheap QLED TV with great brightness, but compromises

By John Archer published 2 February 23

Samsung’s cheapest Quantum Dot TV series also boasts a comprehensive smart system and chic, ultra-thin design. But is it truly the bargain all-rounder it first appears?

Samsung HW-Q990B soundbar all units shown on the floor

Samsung HW-Q990B review

By John Archer last updated 5 December 22

Editor's Choice

Samsung's latest high-end Dolby Atmos soundbar proves definitively that 16 channels of sound somehow crammed into four compact speakers can sound absolutely fantastic.

Philips OLED807

By John Archer published 28 October 22

Editor's Choice

From its Ambilight-illuminated design to its dazzling picture quality and powerful sound, the Philips’ 55OLED807 easily has what it takes to stand out from the ever-growing OLED TV crowd.

How the Sony A95K OLED TV's settings can get you the best pictures on the planet

By John Archer published 7 October 22

The Sony A95K delivers the best picture quality of the year, and here are the settings that will help you make the most of it.

LG S95QR

By John Archer last updated 5 October 22

Recommended

Thanks to 810W of power and a 9.1.5 channel count that includes a unique up-firing centre channel, the LG S95QR really is a home theater in a box.

The Sony A95K QD-OLED TV as seen during a TV demo.

Even the awesome Sony A95K 4K TV can't escape QD-OLED's 'big' problem

By John Archer published 30 September 22

Opinion People are buying larger and larger premium TVs, and QD-OLED's sized are limited… so far.

Sony XR-A95K

By John Archer published 24 September 22

Editor's Choice

Thanks to the combination of a next-gen QD-OLED display and Sony's image processing, the Sony A95K might be the best TV ever.

Samsung HW-Q930B

By John Archer published 12 August 22

Recommended

With its included rear speakers and more integrated, balanced design the HW-Q930B marks a radical but very welcome departure from Samsung’s typical soundbar range formula.

Samsung S95B in wood-furnished living room, showing a green landscape on the TV

Samsung S95B settings tips: how to get the most from the QD-OLED 4K TV

By John Archer published 15 July 22

Our expert takes you through the settings changes that will ensure peak performance from your Samsung S95B.

I tested Samsung's next-gen OLED TV, and it highlights current OLED's big problem

By John Archer last updated 8 July 22

You think you've lived a colorful life? Not until you've seen what Samsung's QD-OLED TVs can do.

Samsung HW-Q950A complete with speakers, soundbar and subwoofer

Samsung HW-Q950A review

By John Archer last updated 5 July 22

Editor's Choice

Samsung’s HW-Q950A soundbar packs huge amounts of power, 16 channels of sound, and a feel for the movies.

Samsung S95B (65S95B) review

By John Archer published 1 July 22

Editor's Choice

The latest screen technology seeks to combine the contrast of OLED TVs with the brightness and color range of QLED, all at a price below that of Samsung’s flagship mini-LED TVs.

5 common soundbar errors, and how to fix them

By John Archer published 17 June 22

Don't suffer through audio sync issues or getting the worse kind of Dolby Atmos – we can help you get more from your soundbar.

Devialet Dione review

By John Archer published 7 June 22

Recommended

The Devialet Dione’s distinctive styling, uniquely practical design and outstanding sound quality make it an excellent addition to the single-unit Dolby Atmos soundbar world.

5 easy ways to give your Sony TV a picture quality upgrade

By John Archer published 5 June 22

Make sure your Sony TV is giving you the best image quality it can by changing just a few key settings.

Samsung QN95A Neo QLED TV showing picture settings

5 easy tips to improve your Samsung TV's picture quality

By John Archer published 2 June 22

In just a few minutes, you can tweak a few settings to make your Samsung TV is looking its best.

5 mistakes everyone makes with LG OLED TVs, and how to fix them

By John Archer last updated 20 May 22

Your LG OLED TV may not be giving you its best picture out of the box – but you can fix it in just a few minutes

a home theater setup with a tv, soundbar, and speakers

Soundbars vs surround sound speakers: which is best to boost your home theater?

By John Archer published 16 April 22

Versus Soundbars make it easier and cheaper to enjoy cinematic sound at home. But can they really replace traditional surround systems?

The LG G2 OLED shown off in a briefing to TechRadar.

LG G2 OLED (OLED65G2) review

By John Archer published 5 April 22

Best in Class

With a new picture processor, new design and, best of all, new heat sink-sporting OLED panel, LG’s new flagship 4K TV is much more than just a pretty face.

Samsung QN95B Neo QLED 4K TV review

By John Archer published 21 March 22

Editor's Choice

Samsung’s new 4K flagship TV pairs second-generation mini LED backlighting with improved processing and light management, advanced gaming support and an all-new Tizen smart system.

Samsung HW-Q950T soundbar review

By John Archer published 8 December 21

Best in Class

Samsung has a proud tradition of pushing the envelope when it comes to soundbars – and it's a tradition that’s continued in spectacular fashion by the HW-Q950T.

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