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Showing posts with the label space2occupy@gmail.com (James Holland)

I spent weeks reviewing the feature-filled TCL QM7K, and it’s a great TV that fixes a big problem with mini-LED

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TCL QM7K: Two-minute review The TCL QM7K is an impressive TV. Even though it’s a bit more expensive than the TCL QM6K I recently reviewed, it fixes the main issues I had with that model. Specifically, the audio quality is much improved. It also offers quite a bit more brightness, which particularly benefits high dynamic range content, and there are more local dimming zones in its mini-LED backlight. The question of whether the TCL QM7K is the best TV for you will depend on if you’re comfortable paying the extra cash for the improvements it brings. TCL’s Halo Control tech does a great job of keeping backlight blooming effects – an issue even with the best mini-LED TVs – at bay, and the TV’s fast, 144Hz refresh rate (with the potential to effectively double that rate) is a great feature, though both are also available on the cheaper QM6K. In fact, everything outside of the better audio and brightness is basically the same on the QM6K. The improvements the QM7K brings are ultimately...

I spent a month testing the affordable, feature-packed TCL QM6K mini-LED TV, and the picture is great for the price

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TCL QM6K: Two-minute review Affordable Premium is the modus operandi of the TCL QM6K TV, and it fits that bill quite well. It offers a handful of features that you won’t find on budget TVs like Dolby Vision IQ and Dolby Atmos support. And the company’s own Halo Control technology does a great job of minimizing backlight blooming in pictures. Combined with its affordable price, it should rank among the best TVs for those wanting to thread the needle between premium performance and value. This TCL does have some shortcomings that may paint other, slightly more expensive TVs as worth the extra cash. The speakers aren’t all that great, though very few TVs have mastered this and you should get one of the best soundbars regardless. More concerning is the fact that the screen has some minor vignetting in the corners. That said, those issues are very small ones that you probably won’t even notice if you’re not doing a head-to-head comparison. It mostly does everything right, especially ...

I loved the aspect ratio of the Lorex 4K Battery Video Doorbell but not so much the battery

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Lorex 4K Battery Video Doorbell: two-minute review The Lorex 4K Battery Video Doorbell is a very good video doorbell that’s held back a little by a limited battery life and one accessory omission. If you live alone and are willing to charge up the battery on a weekly basis or set it up in a wired configuration, its 9:16 aspect ratio, microSD reader (not to mention included 32GB SD card), and a host of features makes it among the best video doorbells for you to consider. The battery life is not what one would want in a device that should take the place of the best home security cameras for your front door. It’s also a little disconcerting that the doorbell chime is a separate purchase. The only way to get notifications outside of your phone then is through Alexa or Google Assistant, so there are at least options. At the very least, the 4K resolution extends to a 9:16 ratio so you can get a full view of whomever or whatever is at your front door. It also has color night vision as w...

I swapped my everyday display to the BenQ GW2486TC Eye-Care Monitor for a month, here's my verdict

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BenQ GW2486TC Eye-Care Monitor: Two-minute review The BenQ GW2486TC is a great monitor for those that just need more screen real estate. It helps that there are some included features to make hours of use a bit more palatable, such as the ones focused on minimizing eye strain. After all, not everyone needs an ultra widescreen 8K monitor with HDR and a super fast refresh rate. Most of us just want more space while working. This monitor does that. It also helps that it is very affordable for an external monitor. Sure, this is just a 24-inch model with quite a few limitations, like a 1080p resolution with a somewhat limited color coverage – you shouldn’t be using this for most types of color correction and editing. And there’s no KVM (keyboard, video, mouse) switching on hand, either. But, it’s got great ergonomics to help you get the most comfortable view of your work. So, if you’re okay with those compromises, meaning you’re not also a gamer or creative, and can skip out on the unfo...

I'm amazed by the Bose Smart Soundbar’s features for the money, and am also impressed with its Dolby Atmos sound

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Bose Smart Soundbar: Two minute review The Bose Smart Soundbar is a great way to elevate your TV experience in the bedroom or other small room. It’s not up to the task of a home theater setup, especially without a subwoofer, but that’s not its purpose. if you’re looking to bring Dolby Atmos sound to a smaller setup, it’s one of the best soundbars you can buy. The Bose Smart Soundbar’s lack of low-end will frustrate action and superhero movie fans and its narrow soundstage keeps it from truly elevating the audio experience, especially when listening to music. However, it still is one of the best Dolby Atmos soundbars , with two upward-firing speakers that provide a sense of space and immersion that somewhat offsets that narrow soundstage. In a smaller setup, it almost completely masks it. Just as important, this soundbar is stacked with features. There’s an A.I. dialogue mode, Alexa and Chromecast support, plus a whole lot more. My favorite feature lets you use specific Bose earbud...