Review

Samsung Shape M7 Score Details “Samsung’s first effort at a wireless audio ecosystem is a respectable one, but it is not a Sonos killer.” Clear, clean highs Good bass response Adds some intuitive features to Sonos-style ecosystem Multiple ways to play Sound lacks refined definition Weak midrange Wireless system can be choppy A few weeks ago we evaluated the Sonos Play:1 speaker system, the latest and most cost-effective member of the Sonos family. True to Sonos’ form, The Play:1 provided a worthy audio performance on top of what we called “a unique and immersive wireless experience.” Of course, nothing stays unique in the tech world for long. It seems the folks at Samsung felt like giving Sonos a run for its money, because it has developed a wireless audio ecosystem that is eerily similar to Sonos’ design. … includes virtually every feature of Sonos’ clever ecosystem, while … [Read more...] about Samsung Shape M7 review

TCL 6-Series 4K HDR TV Review: Heir to the value throne Score Details DT Recommended Product “The TCL 6-Series is one of the finest TVs you can buy on a budget.” Bright HDR highlights Deep blacks Excellent color when calibrated Good motion handling Quick backlight system Lack of shadow detail Out-of-box color is skewed Potential for dirty screen effect Of the 2018 TCL 6-Series (R617) TV I wrote, “If the unbelievably low price doesn’t convince you, the 6-Series’ picture quality will.” The 2018 TCL 6-Series was all the confirmation I needed that TCL was on track to become the highest value TV model you could buy in the U.S. The 2017 P-Series (not to be confused with Vizio’s P-Series) caught me off guard and its replacement, the 2018 6-Series (or R617), was groundbreaking. Naturally, the 2019 6-Series (R625) reviewed here has been highly anticipated. To be clear, TCL’s … [Read more...] about TCL 6-Series 4K HDR TV Review: Heir to the value throne

LG C8 Series OLED TV Score Details DT Editors' Choice “LG’s C8 OLED is the best TV you can buy in 2018” Perfect black levels Excellent HDR support and performance Interface is a pleasure to use Stunningly thin profile Excellent out-of-box picture performance Can’t get as bright as some LCD TVs I predicted early this year that the LG C8 OLED would wind up being my pick for TV of the year. LG’s E8 series OLED was the first TV to hit my test bench in 2018, and since I expected the C8 series would deliver similar picture quality and user experience for less money, it felt like a safe bet. Now that I’ve had a chance to test the best of the best from Sony, Samsung, TCL, and Vizio, I’m pleased to officially report that the LG C8 series OLED is Digital Trends’ pick for best TV of the year – and likely for at least the first half of 2019, too. LG C8 series models While we … [Read more...] about LG C8 Series OLED TV review

Vizio P-Series (P65-E1) Score Details DT Recommended Product “Vizio’s P-Series is where affordability and performance meet, delivering incredible value.” Excellent contrast Accurate, vivid colors Impressive black levels Sleek and sexy design Great use of HDR10 and Dolby Vision No TV tuner Mediocre off-angle picture SmartCast interface just OK Vizio P-Series Models While we reviewed the 65-inch P65-E1 model, our review applies to all P-Series TVs 55-inch (P55-E1) 65-inch (P65-E1) Ever since the holidays came and went – your living room still sadly bereft of a beautiful new big-screen — you’ve been jonesing for a spanking new, HDR-packing, 4K TV. But if you’re not interested in plunking down the kind of cash it takes to land the big kahunas from the likes of LG, Samsung, and Sony, your craving is going to drive you headlong into the value king that is Vizio. Vizio’s … [Read more...] about Vizio P-Series (P65-E1) review

2020 Mazda CX-30 first drive review: Right-sized “Mazda is bringing the right small SUV at the right time.” Spectacular looks Solid performance Whisper-quiet cabin Sports car handling Ample interior room Infotainment is hard to use Performance model missing from trim walk The 2020 Mazda CX-30 is a completely new small crossover SUV, designed to hit the sweet spot between the often-cramped subcompact crossovers (including Mazda’s own CX-3) and the larger compact class, where vehicles have grown along with their popularity. Mazda hope the CX-30 is a “right-sized” SUV for singles, couples, and families with small children. Mazda also aims for a more premium feel than the economy class competition, and a much better value than comparable premium SUVs. The 2020 Mazda CX-30 starts at $21,300, with a $1,045 destination and shipping fee – that’s $22,345 out the door for the base model. If you go all-in … [Read more...] about 2020 Mazda CX-30 first drive review: Right-sized