Home Cinema Choice Summer 2021

WWW.HOMECINEMACHOICE.COM 101

SELECT

Gear Guide ➜ TELEVISIONS From entry-level LEDs to flagship 8K monsters

BLU-RAY PLAYERS Which deck rules the roost? PROJECTORS It's time to blow up your video!
AV RECEIVERS 5.1, 7.1, 11.2 – we've got all the options covered SPEAKERS Killer surround sound setups

for all rooms and budgets PVRs Including super-slim Freeview boxes and Sky Q AND MORE!

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All prices quoted are approximate and may have changed RATINGS KEY…

Outstanding
Above average
Acceptable
Disappointing
Dire

SUMMER 2021 HOME CINEMA CHOICE

102 GEAR GUIDE

TOP 15 Televisions

01

Philips 65OLED935 ➜ £2,500

Premium Philips set uses its Atmos soundbar
(designed by B&W) as its desktop stand.
Impressively sonics, while 4K HDR images
benefit from the brand's processing expertise
– also reviewed at 48in. HCC #314/#318

TOP 5 Blu-ray movies

Let Him Go Monster Hunter Soul [UHD Blu-ray] The Eight Hundred Synchronic
[UHD Blu-ray]
An ex-sheri (Kevin Costner) and Animation house Pixar is on top Fact-based Chinese WW2 flick Gripping, well acted sci-fi mind-
his wife (Diane Lane) try to free Star Milla Jovovich and director form with this audacious and is thick with overt nationalism bender starring Anthony Mackie
their grandson from his step- Paul W. S. Anderson deliver the funny tale of life after death. and spectacular action and looks about a designer drug that can
dad’s dangerous family in this expected popcorn thrills in this Colour and HDR pop are the fabulous on Blu-ray, no doubt transport users through time.
gripping neo Western thriller. fun sci-fi actioner. Sony's US 4K standout traits of Disney's aided by its IMAX camera shoot. The Full HD encode is a bit
BD is light on extras but looks BD flaunts a monstrous Dolby good-looking UHD platter. Punishing DTS-HD MA 5.1 audio is gloomy, but DTS-HD MA 5.1
impressively sharp. HCC #321 Atmos soundtrack. HCC #320 HCC #320 equally enthralling. HCC #321 audio is boisterous. HCC #320

HOME CINEMA CHOICE SUMMER 2021

SELECT 103

02 03

Samsung QE65QN95A ➜ £3,000 Panasonic TX-55HZ2000 ➜ £2,300

Samsung's first Neo QLED (mini LED) TV makes a striking The HZ2000 'Professional Edition' OLED range commands a
impression. 792-zone local dimming combines with high price premium over rivals, but buyers won't be disappointed.
brightness and clever processing to deliver exquisite 4K HDR This 55-incher o ers best-of-breed imagery and immersive
images with deep blacks – but no Dolby Vision support. HCC #319 Dolby Atmos audio via upfiring drivers. HCC #315

04 05 06 07

LG OLED65G1 Panasonic TX-65HZ1000 LG OLED48CX ➜ £1,300 NEW
ENTRY
➜ £3,000 ➜ £1,900 Feature-rich 2020 model
with HDMI 2.1 connectivity LG OLED65C1
Primarily designed for wall- Universal HDR playback and 48in panel making ➜ £2,500
mounting (a desktop stand is only part of the appeal it an obvious fit for gamers. A better fit for most than the
is an optional extra), this here. Panasonic's mid-tier Note that the size commands 'Gallery' G1 Series, this more
'Gallery' model showcases the OLED set benefits from a premium, and is more a ordable C1 model ships
brand's OLED improvements exceptionally nuanced colour expensive than the 55in with a desktop mount. Misses
for 2021, including a punchier handling, impressive HDR iteration. HCC #315 out on the brighter-driven
Evo panel and new-look sparkle and discreet styling. Evo panel but still delivers
WebOS UI. HCC #320 10 an alluringly contrasty image.
HCC #315 No HDR10+ support. HCC #321

08 09 11

Panasonic TX-58HX800 Samsung QE65Q80T Sony KD-48A9 LG OLED55BX
➜ £700 ➜ £1,100 ➜ £1,400 ➜ £1,000
Mid-range LED TV combining The most a ordable This 48in OLED delivers artful Entry-level OLED packs a
lush colour with superb detail, Samsung QLED model with 4K HDR images, particularly lower-spec processor than its
and multi-HDR support. a full array local dimming regards motion handling, CX stablemates, but remains
If you can’t stretch to one backlight, and an excellent colour finesse and shadow an assured performer. Take
of Panasonic's OLED it’s all-rounder. Bright, with detailing. Not a premium the price into account, and
probably the next best thing... excellent contrast and gaming option though – VRR it's hard to see this as
rich colour, plus plenty and 4K/120 playback are anything other than a
HCC #312 of smarts. HCC #315 absent. HCC #320 brilliant bargain. HCC #319

12 13 14 15

Sony KD-75ZH8 Samsung UE43TU7100 Hisense 65AE7400FT LG 65NANO906
➜ £950
➜ £4,000 ➜ £360 ➜ £650 LG's now bargain-priced
65in Nano LCD set has a
Smaller and more a ordable If size is a limiting factor, this This 65in Dolby Vision 4K forward-facing spec (incl.
than 2019's 85in ZG9, this 8K 43in 4K smart set from LCD TV has some niggles dual 4K/120 HDMI inputs)
model is a superb performer, Samsung is worth a look. (limited viewing angle and and o ers above-average
courtesy of 320-zone dimming More HDR ready than HDR less-than-inky blacks), but HDR brightness. Some
and expressive colour. But capable due to limited still outperforms its price backlight inconsistency
the 8K spec doesn't include brightness, it still presents point. Great option for a counts against it. HCC #318
playback via USB or streaming crisp, colourful pictures and low-cost, largescale setup.
apps. HCC #315 solid smarts. HCC #319 SUMMER 2021 HOME CINEMA CHOICE
HCC #319

104 GEAR GUIDE

TOP 15 Speaker systems

01

Bowers & Wilkins 700 Series 5.1
➜ £7,350
This array finds the larger models in the 700
Series proving their mettle with formidable
power and precision, an expressive mid-band
and detailed highs. Excellent. HCC #285

TOP 5 On-demand

The Falcon and the Winter Tom Clancy's Without Greenland [Prime Video] News of the World [Netflix] Zack Snyder's Justice
Soldier [Disney+] Remorse [Prime Video] League [Sky Cinema]
Fast-paced and often Known for directing tense thriller
Disney keeps the MCU bubbling Michael B. Jordan brings star nerve-wracking disaster flick that fare, Paul Greengrass slows down Fans of Zack Snyder's earlier
with this superb six-part series. power to this fast-paced and pits Gerard Butler's family man the pace with this handsome, DCEU movies are brilliantly
Buddy movie vibes, gorgeous noisy actioner, but there's little against crashing comet debris inviting Western starring Tom served by this four-hour recut
4K HDR visuals and plenty of he can do about the convoluted and tra c jams. Mid-budget, Hanks. Also one of the of the original 2017 flick Justice
callbacks (and call-forwards...) plot. The inventive 5.1 surround high-energy fun with zingy best-looking films currently League. In Atmos and 4K HDR
to the film franchise. HCC #320 mix is a highlight. HCC #321 HDR10+ grading. HCC #319 available on Netflix. HCC #319 via Sky Cinema. HCC #320

HOME CINEMA CHOICE SUMMER 2021

SELECT 105

02 03

M&K Sound IW150 5.1 ➜ £8,550 Wharfedale DX-2 ➜ £450

The in-wall IW150 speakers o er the transparency and detail of The asking price of this 5.1 system will tell you it doesn't o er
a professional studio monitor in an enclosure that can vanish. the last word in surround sound fidelity, but Wharfedale's
This array adds driver-matched on-wall tripole surrounds and package is compact, well made and faultlessly delivers on
M&K's fearless X12 sub. The result is outstanding. HCC #289 its home-cinema-on-a-budget promise. HCC #283

04 05 06 07

KEF R Series 5.1.2 Fyne Audio F300 5.1 Elipson Prestige Facet 7.2.4 Klipsch Reference Premiere
➜ £6,250 ➜ £1,000 ➜ £3,500 5.1 ➜ £3,000
Put four floorstanders on Start-up Scot brand hits 13 cabinets come together Bipole surrounds, a wide,
front and rear duty for a the ground running with a to create a great-value and low-slung centre, full-range
wonderfully full-bodied floorstanding pack of great immersive Dolby Atmos array. floorstanders and a well-
surround experience, add value. Plenty of LF heft, detail Rich in fidelity and neutrality; integrated sub combine in
Atmos upfirers, and enjoy. delivery and soundstage modern styling is another this dynamic, easy-to-drive
scale. HCC #297 plus point. HCC #291 array. HCC #300
HCC #303
09 10 11
08

SVS Prime Tower 5.1.2 Monitor Audio Bronze AV Bowers & Wilkins 600 M&K Sound LCR750 5.1
➜ £2,900 5.1.2 ➜ £3,250 S2 5.1 ➜ £2,900 ➜ £3,700
The potent PB-2000 Pro sub The Brit brand's first Atmos Revised for its 25th Get M&K's signature sound
provides the bass backbone speakers top o this very anniversary, B&W's entry- for less with this (relatively)
to this value-for-money, smart-looking and sweet- level range once again compact sub/sat system
energetic Atmos set. sounding 5.1.2 system. delivers full-range, musical featuring the revamped
Compact surrounds/heights On-wall surrounds might and detailed sonics at LCR750 models. Detailed
are easy to install. HCC #318 not suit all setups. HCC #319 a keen price. HCC #316 and dynamic. HCC #310

12 13 14 15

Q Acoustics 3010i 5.1 Plus Focal Chora 5.1.2 Arendal 1961 5.1.2 Monitor Audio MASS 5.1

➜ £1050 ➜ £4,100 ➜ €4,300 ➜ £600

Q Acoustics pimps its sub/ The Chora range is updated Small and entry-level for Second-gen redesign of MA's
sat system with a new, bigger with floorstanders o ering Arendal, but the price tag sub/sat system refines the
woofer but doesn't upset integrated Atmos drivers. reflects the performance styling and colour options,
the exceptional balance Elegant-looking speakers prowess of this floorstanding while retaining the compact
and refinement across the o ering an elegant, balanced Atmos array. Attacking, dimensions and all-round
frequency range. HCC #309 sound. HCC #313 dynamic sonics. HCC #314 sound quality. HCC #298

SUMMER 2021 HOME CINEMA CHOICE

106 GEAR GUIDE 02

TOP 10 Projectors

01

Sony VPL-VW590ES ➜ £7,000 JVC DLA-N5 ➜ 6,500
Those priced out of the market for Sony's laser-based The entry-level native 4K beamer in JVC's current range is still
VW790ES (see below) should look here. This conventional a premium option, with motorized zoom/focus/shift controls,
lamp PJ is less inherently punchy, but ekes out better blacks extensive setup tools and an excellent performance with 4K
and still looks lush (and sharp) with 4K HDR. HCC #318 HDR and 1080p SDR. HCC #304

03 04 05 06

Samsung LSP9T Sony VPL-VW790ES JVC DLA-N7B Epson EH-TW9400
➜ £8,500 ➜ £2,550
➜ £7,000 ➜ £12,000 JVC revamps its home A boosted spec over the
cinema projector line with TW7400 without a huge
The top dog in Samsung's Yes, this 4K HDR laser-based native 4K optics, new HDR price leap. This model ups
new The Premiere range native 4K projector has a tone mapping skills and brightness and contrast,
of UST models has a day-dream price tag, but its revised styling. Quiet in and – with some user care
formidable spec, including design, setup flexibility and operation and an excellent – delivers exceptional 4K
HDR10+ playback, triple-laser picture performance merit it. 4K/HD/3D performer. HDR images. HCC #301
light illumination, 4.2-channel The way Sony's range-
audio and a slick smart hub. topping beamer tackles HDR HCC #298 10
Best in class. HCC #318 playback is magical. HCC #316
09
07 08

BenQ V6050 NEW Optoma UHD38 BenQ TK850
ENTRY
➜ £4,000 ➜ £1,000 ➜ £1,500
Hisense 100L5FTUK
Ultra-short-throw laser ➜ £3,000 An upgrade on the UHD30 Mediocre black level may
projector with a smart design (HCC #315), with higher limit appeal to cinephiles, but
(including automated Ultra-short-throw 'laser TV' brightness, reduced lag and a this 4K DLP beamer counters
lens cover) and impactful comes with a fixed-frame second HDMI 2.0 port. These with bright, colourful,
4K DLP images (including 100in screen, four HDMI ins, tweaks suit living room setups sharp-looking visuals. Strong
HLG HDR playback). Onboard Freeview tuner and Hisense's and bigscreen gaming; dark connectivity includes optical
audio is less exciting. HCC #319 Vidaa smart hub. Great value room viewing is hampered by output for external sound
for money; images are sharp shallow blacks. HCC #320 system. HCC #314
and bright, but lack cinematic
contrast. HCC #321

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SELECT 107

TOP 10 Blu-ray players 02

01

Pioneer UDP-LX800 ➜ £2,200 Panasonic DP-UB9000 ➜ £850

A phenomenal universal disc spinner, which adds audiophile- Supporting both HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, and incorporating
grade music playback to its 4K BD talents. Includes Dolby Vision useful image adjustments, this premium player is at the leading
support, with HDR10+ promised via future firmware. Build quality edge of UHD BD playback. The astonishing construction and
is staggering. HCC #293 provision of VOD apps heighten its appeal. HCC #292

03 04 05 06

Pioneer UDP-LX500 Sony UBP-X700 Panasonic DP-UB450 Panasonic DP-UB820
➜ £330
➜ £1,000 ➜ £200 ➜ £200 Panasonic's mid-ranger
delivers on both the HDR10+
Lacks the audiophile features A compact player updated Panasonic lowers the price and DV fronts, and introduces
(including XLR output) of the to Dolby Vision support, the for Dolby Vision and HDR10+ multichannel analogue
UDP-LX800 but still sounds UBP-X700 has a nondescript playback with this feature- outputs. As with the UB420,
sublime with CD and hi-res design, no analogue outs lite 4K deck – there's no the VOD portal could do with
audio. Dolby Vision playback, and a stubby remote. But Wi-Fi or VOD apps, or the a style makeover.
with HDR10+ due via it's well priced, and o ers brand's HCX processor to
firmware. No VOD apps. SACD support. fine-tune imagery. HCC #295

HCC #296 HCC #284 HCC #303 10

07 08 09

Sony UBP-X800M2 Cambridge Audio CXUHD Xbox One X Sony UBP-X1100ES

➜ £350 ➜ £800 ➜ £400 ➜ £750

DVD-A and SACD playback The lack of analogue outputs Microsoft's superior console This update on Sony's
join Dolby Vision 4K HDR and is a surprise considering CA's dazzles with its native 4K previous ES-level 4K spinner
Sony's typically excellent heritage, but this universal HDR gaming chops – and continues to dazzle with its
design and build quality (and DV-capable) deck doubles as a UHD disc build quality and audio
in this mid-range spinner. sounds sweet over its digital player. If you're short of shelf playback, but the lack of
Yet DV remains awkward outs. As with Oppo's UDP- space and like mixing movies HDR10+ and a clunky Dolby
to instigate, and HDR10+ 203, a MediaTek SoC is used. with joypad fun, it's a decent Vision implementation limits
is o the menu. HCC #304 option. HCC #280 its appeal. HCC #301
HCC #279

Award-winning home cinemas 3FADWBINORI-DFITHCFNHAOEEORTFUSUWIISOINLEGNLG!N

At Cyberhomes our home cinemas and smart home installations aren’t just
about the amazing 4K picture and immersive Dolby Atmos sound. We can also
implement the lighting, the seating, the room acoustic treatments, the intuitive
control system from Savant, Crestron or Control4, and so much more.
For more details call 0333 344 3718 or visit www.cyberhomes.co.uk/hcc

FINALIST

Best Home Cinema
under £40,000

Home cinema design and installation • Lighting control systems • Multi-room audio and video • Home automation

0333 344 3718 [email protected] www.cyberhomes.co.uk

108 GEAR GUIDE 02

TOP 10 AV Receivers/AV Processors

01

Denon AVR-X4700H ➜ £1,400 Arcam AVR30 ➜ £5,000
Denon's first AV amplifier to support 8K and 4K/120fps isn’t Arcam adds a new aesthetic, expanded features (including
just playing games. This nine-channel model sounds powerful Wi-Fi and Auro-3D) and 16-channel processing to the seven-
and entertaining, and drips with feature tricks (including IMAX channel Class G topology and Dirac EQ of the previous
Enhanced, HEOS and Bluetooth headphone support). HCC #314 AVR850 – the result is home cinema nirvana. HCC #313

03 04 05 06

NEW Emotiva XPA-11 Denon AVR-X2700H Lyngdorf MP-60
ENTRY ➜ £2,400 ➜ £630 ➜ £14,400
11-channel amplifier that Not quite a 'budget' AVR, Premium 16-channel home
Anthem MRX 740 o ers supreme bang-for- but still excellent value for cinema processor with slick
➜ £2,800 buck, delivering 300W to money. Seven-channel RoomPerfect calibration and
Premium price for a seven- your L/C/R speakers, and performance is detailed and an astonishingly detailed,
channel AVR, but the 65W for others. Choice of dynamic, and the feature set cohesive and immersive
MRX 740 adds 11-channel balanced/unbalanced includes HDMI 2.1, multiple performance. And looks too
processing, ARC Genesis connection. Dynamic sound. wireless options and a good to be hidden in a rack.
room EQ and HDMI 2.1 well-designed UI. HCC #320
upgrade path to a sound HCC #311 HCC #311
performance that mixes 09
power and delicacy. HCC #321 08 10

07

NAD M28 Marantz NR1711 NAD T 778 IOTAVX AVXP1
➜ £4,000
State-of-the-art Purifi ➜ £650 ➜ £2,500 ➜ £1,050
Eigentakt Class D
amplification combined The latest half-height model Touchscreen display/control, Brit brand power amplifier
with purposeful construction from Marantz adds HDMI 2.1 Dirac EQ and Class D power with plenty of Class AB grunt
make this flagship 7-channel features to the NR series' are the headline features of (rated at 7 x 110W into 8
power amp one to shortlist typical mix of streaming this innovative nine-channel ohms) and a rugged build
for a high-spec theatre. smarts and rich-sounding AVR. Purposeful sound, but quality – one to audition if
multichannel sonics. A HDMI spec is limited to only your cinema setup is in need
HCC #316 tempting price for sub/sat one v2.0 output (and no 2.1 of more channels.
system owners. HCC #318 support). HCC #315
TOP 5 Bonus features HCC #293

Making Perfection Looking at the World Twisted Tale: The Crimewave: Bruce Batman v Superman...
in a New Way... Unmaking of Spookies Campbell commentary director's commentary
On Tremors' 4K Blu-ray release,
Arrow Video has bundled this This 70-minute Making of... Excellent, candid Making of... doc Sam Raimi's 1980s crime/ Newly recorded for the
newly minted 30-minute documentary for Christopher charting the troubled production comedy is a disaster of a movie, 'remastered' release of Zack
documentary, which gathers Nolan's Tenet is a must-watch, of this 1980s cult horror. Also but this warts-and-all chat Snyder's 2016 superhero flick,
the cast and crew of the cult covering the blockbuster joined on 101 Films' BD by track on Indicator's BD from this informative chat track
comedy-horror, including star sci-fi movie's production in the VIPCO: The Untold Story actor and Raimi pal Campbell is is a must-watch for DCEU
Kevin Bacon. HCC #317 excellent detail. HCC #317 documentary. HCC #321 utterly fascinating. HCC #319 die-hards. HCC #321

HOME CINEMA CHOICE SUMMER 2021

SELECT 109

TOP 10 Subwoofers 02

01

REL S/812 ➜ £2,300 NEW
A fine update of REL's upper-tier Serie S, with a new driver ENTRY
design, punchier amp and revised signal filtering delivering a
powerful, poised performance from a glamourous cabinet SVS 3000 Micro ➜ £900
with stacking potential. HCC #305 The US brand cooks up its smallest sub yet, employing dual
8in woofers (and 800W Sledge DSP amp of its conventional
03 04 3000 Series) to deliver cinematic LF thrills from an oh-so-
discreet enclosure. EQ tools are part of the package. HCC #321

05 06

Bowers & Wilkins DB1D SVS SB-2000 Pro SVS SB16-Ultra KEF KC62

➜ £3,750 ➜ £900 ➜ £2,500 ➜ £1,400

This sequel to the DB1 moves Capable of delivering deep A 16in driver and 1,500W KEF's dual 6.5in sub delivers
EQ to an app and changes bass from its compact amp combine to give SVS's controlled, punchy and
driver/amp design. Beautifully cabinet and 12in driver, while flagship sealed sub real surprisingly weighty bass
controlled performance with sounding polished and appeal. Goes low but remains from an ultra-compact
depth and detail. Gorgeous musical. Compatible with tight and fast. App-assisted cabinet that's perfect for
bodywork. HCC #277 SVS's EQ app. HCC #309 EQ and operation. HCC #270 a stealth install. HCC #320

07 08 09 10

Arendal 1961 Subwoofer 1S REL T/9X Paradigm Defiance V12 Klipsch SPL-150
➜ €800
A bargain 12in bassmaker ➜ £1,300 ➜ £600 ➜ £850
from the direct sale brand
(hence the Euro price) with The new cabinet design of A 12in driver and modest Want a bass bargain?
plenty of EQ tools and REL's mid-range 10in sub 120W amp are joined by a Klipsch's sub goes big with
an assured, impactful suggests an upmarket remote app and useful room a 15in driver and 400W amp.
performance. HCC #306 performance, and that's correction in this well-priced Impressive LFE depth and
exactly what you get. Speed, sub. Nuanced, detailed energy, in favour of subtlety
TOP 5 Console games subtlety and slam. HCC #320 performer. HCC #314 and speed. HCC #315

The Nioh Collection Call of Duty: Black Ops Hitman 3 Star Wars: Squadrons Returnal
Cold War
Two PS4 games – Nioh and Nioh A tight story, clever episodic form With a story set after the This PS5-exclusive o ers much
2 – get reborn on the PS5 with The first COD game available on factor and the ability to import destruction of the second Death more than its third-person 3D
the option of 120Hz playback, the next-gen PS5 and Xbox X/S missions from its predecessors Star, this thrilling space-set shooter basis suggests: an
and the experience is exhilarating. consoles makes good use of their makes Hitman 3 a fitting end shoot-'em up lets you hop intelligent narrative, hard but
The games are fun too: graphical talents. Not the most to the World of Assassination between light and dark sides rewarding gameplay and lush
combat-led action/RPGs with original FPS game ever, but one trilogy. Native 4K HDR playout as you pilot X-Wings and TIE visuals. Play in 4K/60 HDR
challenging boss fights. HCC #319 of the best looking. HCC #317 on next-gen consoles. HCC #318 fighters. A real gem. HCC #316 and enjoy the show. HCC #321

SUMMER 2021 HOME CINEMA CHOICE

110 GEAR GUIDE 02

TOP 10 Accessories

01

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K ➜ £50 Bluesound Node 2i ➜ £500

This upgraded streaming dongle brings 4K HDR (HDR10+; Hi-res preamp/DAC to hook up to a stereo amp/AVR/active
Dolby Vision) and Dolby Atmos to your movie den. Voice control speakers. Integrates with the BluOS app for a wide range of
improves search, while a new quad-core processor yields quick streaming services and home media playback. Compact and
load times and stream optimisation. A little stunner. HCC #295 an excellent performer. HCC #296

03 04 05 06

Audio Technica AT-LP5x NAD Masters Series M10 Amazon Echo 4th Gen iFi Audio Zen Blue
➜ £350 ➜ £130
Our favourite a ordable ➜ £2,200 ➜ £90 Bluetooth receiver/DAC with
turntable. Easy to set up with support for AAC, aptX, aptX
in-built phono stage and Processor/amp with Dirac Amazon trades the familiar HD, LDAC and HVA codecs.
USB for PC hookup, plus Live and dual independent cylinder shape of its smart Useful for ensuring
33/45/78rpm speed control, subwoofer outputs wants to speaker stalwart for a new compatibility between
the LP5x has good pitch be the front-end of a high- spherical design toting a sources and your system.
stability and a rhythmic, spec 2.1 system. Gorgeous di erent driver config. Output Includes analogue and digital
energetic sound. HCC #318 design, BluOS integration and is big and punchy, ease-of- outputs. HCC #310
excellent performance. use is top of the class.
07 10
HCC #304 HCC #318

08 09

Lumagen Radiance Pro iFi Audio Zen DAC ➜ £130 Chromecast with Google TV Nanoleaf Canvas

5348 ➜ £8,700 USB DAC that outperforms ➜ £60 ➜ From £90
its budget price and packs
Premium, do-it-all video features including digital filter Google's updated streaming Easy-to-wall-mount, scalable
processor with HDR tone selection and balanced/ HDMI dongle debuts the smart lighting system
mapping, colour calibration, unbalanced headphone slick new Google TV with plenty of tricks and
HDMI switching and scaling output. This will bring a little interface, and the hardware customisation. Start with the
talents. Chiefly aimed at stereo joy to your cinema and remote are neatly styled £90 Smarter Kit, and add
those with projector systems system. HCC #313 too. Dolby Vision playback more panels – but the cost
seeking best-in-class wasn't fautless during our will add up if you go big.
performance. HCC #320 audition, though. HCC #320
HCC #309

TOP 5 Blu-ray/DVD boxsets

Karlo at Columbia The Terror: The Complete Lovecraft Country: The Straight Shooting & Demons I & II: Limited
First Season Complete First Season Hell Bent: Two Films by Edition [UHD Blu-ray]
Gorgeous restorations of six John Ford
movies made by horror icon Boris AMC's chilling 10-part historical HBO's excellent horror/drama A double-bill of 1980s Italian
Karlo at Columbia Pictures horror [2018] starring Jared series, which ri s on the themes Two early flicks [1917 and 1918] horror directed by Lamberto
between 1935 and 1942. Label Harris and Ciaran Hinds finally of pulp writer H. P. Lovecraft, from the Western pioneer hit Bava and produced by Dario
Eureka lays on a slate of bonus weighs anchor on UK Blu-ray. hits BD with spooktacular 1.78:1 Blu-ray, with the superior Straight Argento. Fans will lap up the
bits, including chat tracks and HD images impress, audio is encodes and atmospheric Shooting benefitting from a new 4K HDR masters and
radio plays. HCC #321 vanilla Dolby Digital 5.1. HCC #321 DTS-HD MA 5.1 mixes. HCC #319 4K restoration. HCC #321 wealth of extras. HCC #320

HOME CINEMA CHOICE SUMMER 2021

SELECT 111

TOP 10 Soundbars & Soundbases 02

01

Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar ➜ £2,200 Bang & Olufsen Beosound Stage ➜ £1,250
The audio specialist's debut soundbar makes a dramatic B&O's Dolby Atmos debut makes a dramatic entrance,
entrance. 13 drivers, including 4in woofers, create a cinematic conjuring an enlarged, gutsy and refined soundstage, with
soundstage, with impressive immersion via Atmos, DTS:X and impressive bass weight despite the lack of a sub, from a
Sennheiser's Ambeo processing. Big and bold. HCC #302 conventional form factor. Styling and build is first-rate. HCC #310

03 04 05 06

Samsung HW-Q950T Harman/Kardon Citation JBL Bar 2.0 All-In-One JBL Bar 5.0
➜ £150 ➜ £350
➜ £1,400 Multibeam 700 A ordable and stereo-only, One-box system that
this compact HDMI ARC- deploys slick DSP to
9.1.4-channel system with ➜ £450 equipped 'bar earns its keep engineer impressive virtual
wireless rears and sub delivers by sounding powerful and height/width immersion
precise soundstaging, detail, Google Assistant soundbar purposeful, and being from Atmos soundmixes
dynamism and full-range that's achingly stylish and blissfully simple to set up despite a forward-firing
impact as good as any at blessed with a brilliant and use. HCC #306 driver array. Compact design,
this price. Smart styling and touchscreen control/display. enticing price. HCC #320
good connectivity too. Not a bass beast, but musical 09
and involving. HCC #312 10
HCC #318

07 08

LG SN11RG Sony HT-X8500 Yamaha YAS-109 Panasonic SC-HTB01

➜ £1,500 ➜ £350 ➜ £220 ➜ £240

7.1.4 soundbar system Sony's Vertical Sound Engine This single-box soundbar AKA the Soundslayer, this
melding discrete rear works well to top o this with Alexa functionality kills slim stereo model is aimed
channels with side-firing 'bar's soundstage in place two birds with one stone, at gamers via its 'RPG' and
surrounds. A dynamic, of upfiring drivers. Solid and its audio performance is 'FPS' presets, but an overall
immersive and fun performer, bass despite the lack of expressive and energetic. solid performance, Atmos
but operation can be an external sub, and an DTS Virtual:X processing is decoding for virtual height,
confusing and the 'bar itself engaging, dynamic delivery. hit and miss, though. HCC #310 and ease-of-use make it
is a beast. HCC #313 suited to TV too. HCC #318
HCC #308

TOP 5 Back-catalogue Blu-rays

Godzilla [2014] Speed [Ultra HD Blu-ray] The Last Action Hero Battle Royale: Limited The Good, The Bad and
[UHD Blu-ray] [UHD Blu-ray] Edition [UHD Blu-ray] The Ugly [UHD Blu-ray]
The 1994 Keanu Reeves/Sandra
This monster reboot missed out Bullock action thriller has never Sony Pictures' 4K disc o ers a A bumper 4K outing for Kinji Surprisingly, this 4K debut
on an Atmos mix for its original looked better than it does here, huge step up over the previous Fukasaku's dystopian action flick. (US import) for Sergio Leone's
BD outing. Now it goes big on thanks to a new 4K scan and lacklustre Blu-ray release for Includes Theatrical and Director's Western classic doesn't feature
object audio fun and the HDR well-judged colour and contrast this hit-and-miss Arnold Cut versions, plus Requiem and HDR, but disappointment is
pass brings greater depth to the boost. Plenty of DVD-era extras Schwarzenegger action-comedy. Revenge edits of its inferior sequel short-lived as clarity and colour
night-time action. HCC #321 bundled. HCC #321 Includes Atmos audio. HCC #321 (on Full HD BD). HCC #320 balance are sublime. HCC #321

SUMMER 2021 HOME CINEMA CHOICE

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SELECT 113

TOP 5 PVRs

Manhattan T3 Freeview Sky Q, £subscription Humax Aura, £varies Humax DTR-T4000, Manhattan T3-R, £varies
Play 4K, £80 £subscription
Sky's new top-tier product The PVR honcho teams up with Available in 500GB (£170) or 1TB
Do you need an HDD PVR in the o ering dazzles with its Google for this Android-powered This YouView-based PVR is (£200) models, this twin-tuner
streaming era? This Freeview image-rich user interface, triple-tuner Freeview Play required to get BT Sport's new Freeview Play PVR provides
Play box loads up catchup via wireless multiroom skills and machine in 1TB (£250) and Ultra HD channel – available – like its non-HDD T3 stablemate
a responsive UI, o ers welcome recording flexibility delivered by 2TB (£280) flavours. 4K HDR to those with BT fast fibre – a slick user experience, with
Watchlist functionality, and is the PVR's 12 tuners. Now capable, it uses voice search and and a BT TV sub. Easy to use classy menus, a compact design
ready for 4K HLG HDR supports 4K content slick UI to make operation a joy. and with 1TB of storage and 4K HDR playback

TOP 5 Headphones

Focal Celestee, £1,000 Meze Audio 99 Classics, Audio Technica Bowers & Wilkins PX7, Sony WH-1000XM4, £330
£270 ATH-Mx50BT, £180 £360
Oh-so-high-quality wired The latest generation of Sony's
headphones. There's a level These wired cans look lovely and Cable-free Bluetooth update Plush noise-cancelling cans with noise-cancelling wired/wireless
of performance ability here – o er a level of audiophile fidelity of a wired design, with 45mm B&W's largest ever (43.6mm) 'phones retain the driver array
detailed and musical, spacious you might reasonably expect drivers and lengthy battery life driver design. A slick mix of and styling of their predecessor
yet thrillingly muscular – that from models costing twice as (claimed to hit 40 hours). Sturdy comfort, feature set (including but upgrade signal processing via
dovetails with the Celestee's much. Not a bass beast, but and comfortable, and a great aptX Adaptive) and immersive, Edge AI and load on some new
premium build and price that's kinda the point sound for the money full-range performance smart listening features

TOP 5 Wireless speakers

DALI Katch, £330 JBL Charge 5, £160 Denon Home 350, £600 Klipsch The Fives, £830 Libratone Zipp 2, £280

Portable Bluetooth speaker JBL's battery-powered, portable Denon's HEOS speaker range is Active stereo pair with Well-priced do-it-all portable
(aptX-capable) with stereo Bluetooth speaker stalwart reborn and this six-driver model horn-loaded tweeters, 4.5in speaker adds voice interaction,
driver array and gorgeous design. continues to impress in its fifth- is a fine flagship. Its sound is midbass drivers and a claimed Wi-Fi streaming, Spotify
Excellent blend of low-end gen iteration. IP67 waterproof expressive and dynamic, with 160W power plant. Dynamic Connect, 3.5mm hookup and
punch and mid-range/treble rated and built to last, it packs a real mid-range drive, and the performance is backed up by auto Room EQ to its Bluetooth
detail. Rechargeable battery life surprisingly potent performance HEOS streaming platform extensive connectivity including spec. Solid sound quality,
is rated at 24 hours from a small chassis remains super-slick HDMI ARC and USB. albeit monophonic

➜In the next issue #I3S2A2SOuUNgSEA5LE

Making movies Elysium director Neill Blomkamp ➜ Revie s
chats new flick Demonic, 4K Blu-ray and more!
Cable conundrum What you need to know about Philips OLED806 4K HDR TV BenQ V7000i UST
wiring your AV setup laser PJ Storm Audio PA-16 Mk2 power amp
Dream Theatre Media room with hidden secrets Denon Home Sound Bar 550 Velodyne DB-15 sub
PLUS News, software, opinion, installs & more

CONTENTS SUBJECT TO CHANGE – BUT ONLY FOR THE BETTER

SUMMER 2021 HOME CINEMA CHOICE

114 OPINION

In which Steve May complains about people who complain about long movies, by way
of Batman, Ben-Hur and ...erm, Peppa Pig

'HOW LONG IS it?' something we all watched at home slouched on Steve May adds
My wife asks me this a lot. In fact, it's usually our sofa, rather than ventured out to see. Just like an overture to his
TV shows.
the first question I get when I make a suggestion for home cinema
movie night. Not, 'Is it a comedy?' or even 'Who's Not that I'm fixated on length (unlike the missus). movie nights – a
in it?'. Just: 'How long is it?' I also totally appreciate the art and craft of a
well-told, tightly edited 90-minute movie. This two-minute
It's a question I really don't know how to answer. running time was popularised in the 1930s and '40s, a capella song
It's nonsensical. Does she want the running length and became a sweet spot dictated over decades by called Where is the
with credits or without? Because that can make the need to schedule as many theatrical screenings Remote Control?
a big difference on a VFX-heavy movie, and she never as possible. But longer movies are nothing new.
watches them anyway. And why should she care?
Is she going out somewhere later and not told me? In the mid-20th century there was a trend toward
two hours plus, driven by a boom in Biblical epics.
Movie times are strangely contentious. I routinely Cecil B. DeMille's Samson and Delilah (1949) was
see films lambasted purely because they dare exceed a box o ce sensation at 134 minutes, although
that did include an overture, a scene-setting
a two-hour running length. The Russo orchestra piece played before the movie begins
Brothers provoked outrage when they – a DVD bonus if you will.
revealed Avengers: Endgame had a
three-hour running time. Martin Scorsese By the end of the 1950s, William Wyler's Ben-Hur
clocked in at 212 minutes, although that came with
panicked Netflix subscribers when his crime drama an intermission. I always rather liked movies that
The Irishman added thirty minutes on top of that. played with intermissions back in
Then Zack Snyder took the entire barrel of biscuits the day, as it was an opportunity to queue up
with his four-hour cut of Justice League. for a choc ice.

Beyond the pale! Don't these self-indulgent Running time is largely irrelevant to the cinema
filmmakers know our time is valuable? experience. It's not the defining aspect of The Dark
Knight Rises (165 minutes) or Boyhood (165
Well, actually it's not. If Jeff Bezos can devour the minutes). The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the
entire third season of Stranger Things in one sitting King managed 201 minutes, and no one even noticed
(as he revealed on Instagram) while also running (okay, that may not be strictly true).
a multinational retail/media empire, then the rest
of us can find time for a sprawling movie or two. Running times are only worth complaining about
when they're too short. There's a good reason I
Stay at home entertainment didn't go to see Peppa Pig: Festival of Fun in 2019
and that's because it was lean and streaky at a
Indeed, a thin line separates movies and TV shows paltry 72 minutes.
these days. There's a commonality to creative vision,
production values, even stars. I might even argue that I might recommend it to the wife though ■
movies have just become short TV shows.
What's the most amount of movies you've watched in a day?
This perspective has really been brought home Let us know: email [email protected]
during the pandemic. Blame Trolls World Tour for
changing cinema. Suddenly new movies were

HOME CINEMA CHOICE SUMMER 2021

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