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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

JUNE 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

Possessor Monster Hunter Soul [UHD Blu-ray] Wonder Woman 1984 Synchronic
[UHD Blu-ray] [UHD Blu-ray]
Brandon 'son of David' Animation house Pixar is on top Gripping, well acted sci-fi mind-
Cronenberg's compelling, Star Milla Jovovich and director form with this audacious and Not a patch on Wonder Woman's bender starring Anthony Mackie
disturbing and extremely Paul W. S. Anderson deliver the funny tale of life after death. first standalone e ort, but this about a designer drug that can
violent sci-fi thriller cuts a fine expected popcorn thrills in this Colour and HDR pop are the 1980s-set sequel cuts a fine transport users through time.
figure on Blu-ray. No Atmos or fun sci-fi actioner. Sony's US 4K standout traits of Disney's figure in 4K HDR (and Warner The Full HD encode is a bit
DTS:X mix, but the 5.1 DTS-HD BD flaunts a monstrous Dolby good-looking UHD platter. o ers both HDR10+ and Dolby gloomy, but DTS-HD MA 5.1
MA track is up to snu . HCC #318 Atmos soundtrack. HCC #320 HCC #320 Vision grades). HCC #320 audio is boisterous. HCC #320

HOME CINEMA CHOICE JUNE 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

NEW Panasonic TX-65HZ1000 LG OLED48CX ➜ £1,300 Panasonic TX-58HX800
ENTRY ➜ £700
➜ £1,900 Feature-rich 2020 model Mid-range LED TV combining
LG OLED65G1 with HDMI 2.1 connectivity lush colour with superb detail,
➜ £3,000 Universal HDR playback and 48in panel making and multi-HDR support.
is only part of the appeal it an obvious fit for gamers. If you can’t stretch to one
Primarily designed for wall- here. Panasonic's mid-tier Note that the size commands of Panasonic's OLED it’s
mounting (a desktop stand OLED set benefits from a premium, and is more probably the next best thing...
is an optional extra), this exceptionally nuanced colour expensive than the 55in
'Gallery' model showcases the handling, impressive HDR iteration. HCC #315 HCC #312
brand's OLED improvements sparkle and discreet styling.
for 2021, including a punchier 10 11
Evo panel and new-look HCC #315
WebOS UI. HCC #320

08 09

Samsung QE65Q80T NEW LG OLED55BX Sony KD-65XH9505
➜ £1,100 ENTRY ➜ £1,000 ➜ £1,400
The most a ordable Entry-level OLED packs a Audio innovation (including
Samsung QLED model with Sony KD-48A9 lower-spec processor than its side-firing tweeters) rubs
a full array local dimming ➜ £1,400 CX stablemates, but remains shoulders with high-
backlight, and an excellent This 48in OLED delivers artful an assured performer. Take brightness HDR imagery
all-rounder. Bright, with 4K HDR images, particularly the price into account, and on Sony's 65-incher. Minor
excellent contrast and regards motion handling, it's hard to see this as LED backlight blooming,
rich colour, plus plenty colour finesse and shadow anything other than a but it's easy to forgive.
of smarts. HCC #315 detailing. Not a premium brilliant bargain. HCC #319
gaming option though – VRR HCC #312
12 and 4K/120 playback are 14
absent. HCC #320 15

13

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 JUNE 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 The Mandalorian Greenland [Prime Video] News of the World [Netflix] Zack Snyder's Justice
Soldier [Disney+] [Disney+] League [Sky Cinema]
Fast-paced and often Known for directing tense thriller
Disney keeps the MCU bubbling This Star Wars spin-off channels nerve-wracking disaster flick that fare, Paul Greengrass slows down Fans of Zack Snyder's earlier
with this superb six-part series. the aesthetic of the original pits Gerard Butler's family man the pace with this handsome, DCEU movies are brilliantly
Buddy movie vibes, gorgeous trilogy, and layers on lashings against crashing comet debris inviting Western starring Tom served by this four-hour recut
4K HDR visuals and plenty of of Spaghetti Western/Samurai and tra c jams. Mid-budget, Hanks. Also one of the of the original 2017 flick Justice
callbacks (and call-forwards...) movie vibes. Now up to Season high-energy fun with zingy best-looking films currently League. In Atmos and 4K HDR
to the film franchise. HCC #320 Two. HCC #311 HDR10+ grading. HCC #319 available on Netflix. HCC #319 via Sky Cinema. HCC #320

HOME CINEMA CHOICE JUNE 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
➜ £600
➜ £1050 ➜ £4,100 ➜ €4,300 Second-gen redesign of MA's
sub/sat system refines the
Q Acoustics pimps its sub/ The Chora range is updated Small and entry-level for styling and colour options,
sat system with a new, bigger with floorstanders o ering Arendal, but the price tag while retaining the compact
woofer but doesn't upset integrated Atmos drivers. reflects the performance dimensions and all-round
the exceptional balance Elegant-looking speakers prowess of this floorstanding sound quality. HCC #298
and refinement across the o ering an elegant, balanced Atmos array. Attacking,
frequency range. HCC #309 sound. HCC #313 dynamic sonics. HCC #314 JUNE 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 Cinemax P2 BenQ TK850
ENTRY
➜ £4,000 ➜ £3,000 ➜ £1,500
Optoma UHD38
Ultra-short-throw laser ➜ £1,000 For a follow-up to the Mediocre black level may
projector with a smart design Cinemax P1/UHZ65UST, limit appeal to cinephiles, but
(including automated An upgrade on the UHD30 Optoma has reduced this 4K DLP beamer counters
lens cover) and impactful (HCC #315), with higher brightness and contrast a with bright, colourful,
4K DLP images (including brightness, reduced lag and a touch, but lowered the price. sharp-looking visuals. Strong
HLG HDR playback). Onboard second HDMI 2.0 port. These Excellent design, easy to use connectivity includes optical
audio is less exciting. HCC #319 tweaks suit living room setups and cinematic enough for output for external sound
and bigscreen gaming; dark serious setups. HCC #316 system. HCC #314
room viewing is hampered by
shallow blacks. HCC #320

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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

Emotiva XPA-11 NEW Lyngdorf MP-60 NAD M28
➜ £2,400 ENTRY ➜ £14,400 ➜ £4,000
11-channel amplifier that Premium 16-channel home State-of-the-art Purifi
o ers supreme bang-for- Denon AVR-X2700H cinema processor with slick Eigentakt Class D
buck, delivering 300W to ➜ £630 RoomPerfect calibration and amplification combined
your L/C/R speakers, and Not quite a 'budget' AVR, an astonishingly detailed, with purposeful construction
65W for others. Choice of but still excellent value for cohesive and immersive make this flagship 7-channel
balanced/unbalanced money. Seven-channel performance. And looks too power amp one to shortlist
connection. Dynamic sound. performance is detailed and good to be hidden in a rack. for a high-spec theatre.
dynamic, and the feature set
HCC #311 includes HDMI 2.1, multiple HCC #311 HCC #316
wireless options and a
07 well-designed UI. HCC #320 09 10

08

Marantz SR6014 Marantz NR1711 NAD T 778 IOTAVX AVXP1
➜ £1,250
A cracking mid-range option ➜ £650 ➜ £2,500 ➜ £1,050
from Marantz. Nine-channel,
but able to process to 11 with The latest half-height model Touchscreen display/control, Brit brand power amplifier
an external amp, this sounds from Marantz adds HDMI 2.1 Dirac EQ and Class D power with plenty of Class AB grunt
both muscular and musical, features to the NR series' are the headline features of (rated at 7 x 110W into 8
and is class-leading when it typical mix of streaming this innovative nine-channel ohms) and a rugged build
comes to connectivity. 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 #304 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 A Complicated Man: Crimewave: Bruce The Invisible Man:
in a New Way... The Shaft Legacy Campbell commentary Director's Commentary
On Tremors' 4K Blu-ray release,
Arrow Video has bundled this This 70-minute Making of... Superb three-part documentary Sam Raimi's 1980s crime/ Leigh Whannell's solo track is
newly minted 30-minute documentary for Christopher (running to approx 45 minutes) comedy is a disaster of a movie, packed with fascinating info
documentary, which gathers Nolan's Tenet is a must-watch, accompanying the most recent but this warts-and-all chat about the film's production, and
the cast and crew of the cult covering the blockbuster Shaft movie, exploring the track on Indicator's BD from is essential listening for fans of
comedy-horror, including star sci-fi movie's production in character's origins and the actor and Raimi pal Campbell is Universal's low-budget 'classic
Kevin Bacon. HCC #317 excellent detail. HCC #317 franchise's history. HCC #314 utterly fascinating. HCC #319 monster' revamp. HCC #314

HOME CINEMA CHOICE JUNE 2021

SELECT 109

TOP 10 Subwoofers 02

01

REL S/812 ➜ £2,300 Bowers & Wilkins DB1D
A fine update of REL's upper-tier Serie S, with a new driver ➜ £3,750
design, punchier amp and revised signal filtering delivering a This sequel to the DB1 moves EQ to an app and changes driver/
powerful, poised performance from a glamourous cabinet amp design. Beautifully controlled performance with depth
with stacking potential. HCC #305 and detail. Gorgeous bodywork. HCC #277

03 04 05 06

SVS SB-2000 Pro SVS SB16-Ultra Arendal 1961 Subwoofer 1S NEW
➜ £900 ENTRY
Capable of delivering deep ➜ £2,500 ➜ €800
bass from its compact KEF KC62
cabinet and 12in driver, while A 16in driver and 1,500W A bargain 12in bassmaker ➜ £1,400
sounding polished and amp combine to give SVS's from the direct sale brand KEF's dual 6.5in sub delivers
musical. Most affordable flagship sealed sub real (hence the Euro price) with controlled, punchy and
SVS with app EQ. HCC #309 appeal. Goes low but remains plenty of EQ tools and surprisingly weighty bass
tight and fast. App-assisted an assured, impactful from an ultra-compact
07 EQ and operation. HCC #270 performance. HCC #306 cabinet that's perfect for
a stealth install. HCC #320
08 09
10

NEW Paradigm Defiance V12 REL HT/1508 Predator Klipsch SPL-150
ENTRY
➜ £600 ➜ £1,600 ➜ £850
REL T/9X
➜ £1,300 A 12in driver and modest The flagship of REL's Serie Want a bass bargain?
The new cabinet design of 120W amp are joined by a HT lineup uses a 15in woofer Klipsch's sub goes big with
REL's mid-range 10in sub remote app and useful room and claimed 800W power a 15in driver and 400W amp.
suggests an upmarket correction in this well-priced plant to hammer home its Impressive LFE depth and
performance, and that's sub. Nuanced, detailed home-cinema-centric ethos. energy, in favour of subtlety
exactly what you get. Speed, performer. HCC #314 Enormous fun. HCC #296 and speed. HCC #315
subtlety and slam. HCC #320

TOP 5 Console games

The Nioh Collection Call of Duty: Black Ops Hitman 3 Star Wars: Squadrons Ghost of Tsushima
Cold War
Two PS4 games – Nioh and Nioh A tight story, clever episodic form With a story set after the Taking visual inspiration from
2 – get reborn on the PS5 with The first COD game available on factor and the ability to import destruction of the second Death the films of Akira Kurosawa,
the option of 120Hz playback, the next-gen PS5 and Xbox X/S missions from its predecessors Star, this thrilling space-set this open-world samurai romp
and the experience is exhilarating. consoles makes good use of their makes Hitman 3 a fitting end shoot-'em up lets you hop is arguably the PS4's most
The games are fun too: graphical talents. Not the most to the World of Assassination between light and dark sides gorgeous-looking HDR game.
combat-led action/RPGs with original FPS game ever, but one trilogy. Native 4K HDR playout as you pilot X-Wings and TIE Not without its gameplay flaws,
challenging boss fights. HCC #319 of the best looking. HCC #317 on next-gen consoles. HCC #318 fighters. A real gem. HCC #316 but visually flawless. HCC #314

JUNE 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 NEW 10
ENTRY HCC #304 HCC #318

08 09

Lumagen Radiance Pro iFi Audio Zen DAC ➜ £130 NEW Nanoleaf Canvas
ENTRY
5348 ➜ £8,700 USB DAC that outperforms ➜ From £90
its budget price and packs Chromecast with Google TV
Premium, do-it-all video features including digital filter ➜ £60 Easy-to-wall-mount, scalable
processor with HDR tone selection and balanced/ smart lighting system
mapping, colour calibration, unbalanced headphone Google's updated streaming with plenty of tricks and
HDMI switching and scaling output. This will bring a little HDMI dongle debuts the customisation. Start with the
talents. Chiefly aimed at stereo joy to your cinema slick new Google TV £90 Smarter Kit, and add
those with projector systems system. HCC #313 interface, and the hardware more panels – but the cost
seeking best-in-class and remote are neatly styled will add up if you go big.
performance. HCC #320 too. Dolby Vision playback
wasn't fautless during our HCC #309
audition, though. HCC #320

TOP 5 Blu-ray/DVD boxsets

Inner Sanctum Mysteries: I Know What You Did Last Lovecraft Country: The Columbia Noir #2 Demons I & II: Limited
The Complete Movie Col. Summer Trilogy Complete First Season Edition [UHD Blu-ray]
Another six-pack of enjoyable
Eureka Classics has unearthed Two enjoyable slasher horrors HBO's excellent horror/drama crime-thrillers from the 1940s A double-bill of 1980s Italian
these six fun mystery flicks and one atrocious DTV sequel series, which ri s on the themes and 1950s in a comprehensive horror directed by Lamberto
produced between 1943 and (which gets its BD debut here). of pulp writer H. P. Lovecraft, Blu-ray boxset. All look nice in Bava and produced by Dario
1945, and all starring Lon Cheney Plenty of extras ported over from hits BD with spooktacular 1.78:1 their HD clothes; audio is less Argento. Fans will lap up the
Jr. Generous bonuses include previous releases, plus new fan encodes and atmospheric noteworthy, but there are plenty new 4K HDR masters and
three chat tracks. HCC #318 commentary tracks. HCC #318 DTS-HD MA 5.1 mixes. HCC #319 of extras to dig in to. HCC #319 wealth of extras. HCC #320

HOME CINEMA CHOICE JUNE 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 LG SN11RG
➜ £150 ➜ £1,500
➜ £1,400 Multibeam 700 A ordable and stereo-only, 7.1.4 soundbar system
this compact HDMI ARC- melding discrete rear
9.1.4-channel system with ➜ £450 equipped 'bar earns its keep channels with side-firing
wireless rears and sub delivers by sounding powerful and surrounds. A dynamic,
precise soundstaging, detail, Google Assistant soundbar purposeful, and being immersive and fun performer,
dynamism and full-range that's achingly stylish and blissfully simple to set up but operation can be
impact as good as any at blessed with a brilliant and use. HCC #306 confusing and the 'bar itself
this price. Smart styling and touchscreen control/display. is a beast. HCC #313
good connectivity too. Not a bass beast, but musical 09
and involving. HCC #312 10
HCC #318

07 08

Sony HT-X8500 JBL Bar 9.1 Yamaha YAS-109 Panasonic SC-HTB01

➜ £350 ➜ £900 ➜ £220 ➜ £240

Sony's Vertical Sound Engine The first Dolby Atmos model This single-box soundbar AKA the Soundslayer, this
works well to top o this from JBL is a multichannel with Alexa functionality kills slim stereo model is aimed
'bar's soundstage in place (5.1.4) system o ering a big, two birds with one stone, at gamers via its 'RPG' and
of upfiring drivers. Solid attacking sound from a and its audio performance is 'FPS' presets, but an overall
bass despite the lack of relatively small footprint. expressive and energetic. solid performance, Atmos
an external sub, and an HDMI connectivity limited to DTS Virtual:X processing is decoding for virtual height,
engaging, dynamic delivery. one input/output; requires hit and miss, though. HCC #310 and ease-of-use make it
some EQ fiddling. HCC #314 suited to TV too. HCC #318
HCC #308

TOP 5 Back-catalogue Blu-rays

2012 [UHD Blu-ray] The Young Master: The Ten Commandments Battle Royale: Limited Elysium [UHD Blu-ray]
Limited Edition [UHD Blu-ray] Edition [UHD Blu-ray]
Roland Emmerich's bonkers, Matt Damon leads this 2013
globe-trotting, explosive 2009 Jackie Chan's second movie as Paramount gives its 1956 biblical A bumper 4K outing for Kinji action/sci-fi from District 9
disaster movie now packs a director sets the template for epic a lush 4K HDR makeover (via Fukasaku's dystopian action flick. director Neill Blomkamp, which
Dolby Atmos soundmix that much of his future career – think a 6K scan). Still no sign of the Includes Theatrical and Director's gets a crisp, detailed and dynamic
hits like an earthquake. Sony's death-defying stunts and original audio (you get DTS-HD Cut versions, plus Requiem and 4K HDR image and well-done
release includes a second BD disc prop-filled fights. Three di erent MA 5.1 instead) and some earlier Revenge edits of its inferior sequel Atmos remix. Some good new
full of bonus material. HCC #319 cuts are included. HCC #319 extras are missing. HCC #320 (on Full HD BD). HCC #320 extras too. HCC #319

JUNE 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

AKG Y500 Wireless, £130 Meze Audio 99 Classics, Audio Technica Bowers & Wilkins PX7, Sony WH-1000XM4, £330
£270 ATH-Mx50BT, £180 £360
These noise cancelling The latest generation of Sony's
headphones with useful These wired cans look lovely and Cable-free Bluetooth update Plush noise-cancelling cans with noise-cancelling wired/wireless
Ambient Aware mode are fine 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
value for money. Bluetooth spec you might reasonably expect drivers and lengthy battery life driver design. A slick mix of and styling of their predecessor
may only be 4.0, but the Y500s from models costing twice as (claimed to hit 40 hours). Sturdy comfort, feature set (including but upgrade signal processing via
are musical and revealing with much. Not a bass beast, but and comfortable, and a great aptX Adaptive) and immersive, Edge AI and load on some new
both movies and music that's kinda the point sound for the money full-range performance smart listening features

TOP 5 Wireless speakers

DALI Katch, £330 JBL Charge 4, £100 Denon Home 350, £600 Klipsch The Fives, £830 Libratone Zipp 2, £280

Portable Bluetooth speaker This battery-powered wireless Denon's HEOS speaker range is Active stereo pair with Well-priced do-it-all portable
(aptX-capable) with stereo portable Bluetooth speaker is a reborn and this six-driver model horn-loaded tweeters, 4.5in speaker adds voice interaction,
driver array and gorgeous design. veritable bargain, especially once is a fine flagship. Its sound is midbass drivers and a claimed Wi-Fi streaming, Spotify
Excellent blend of low-end you factor in its rugged build and expressive and dynamic, with 160W power plant. Dynamic Connect, 3.5mm hookup and
punch and mid-range/treble IPX-7 waterproof rating. Loud real mid-range drive, and the performance is backed up by auto Room EQ to its Bluetooth
detail. Rechargeable battery life and punchy performance, but HEOS streaming platform extensive connectivity including spec. Solid sound quality,
is rated at 24 hours with musicality too remains super-slick HDMI ARC and USB. albeit monophonic

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What's next for 4K Blu? The cinema classics TCL C82 65in 4K Mini LED TV Philips Fidelio B97
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Dream Theatre Awesome 16-seat screening room SB-1000 Pro subwoofer XGIMI Horizon Pro 4K PJ
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JUNE 2021 HOME CINEMA CHOICE

114 OPINION

Some studio execs think the over-50s have been forgotten amid superhero franchise mania.
Steve May wonders if the BBFC could help out

APPARENTLY, IT’S TIME I retired my movie then famously dismissed superhero blockbusters, Steve May is old
collection. Not that I’ve lost interest in Jurassic Park, declaring them ‘not cinema’ and ‘theme park rides.’ enough to have
or no longer hanker to revisit Tim Burton’s Gotham His mate Francis Ford Coppola agreed, branding
City. It’s just that my film faves are not age them ‘despicable.’ I could never invite either around seen Superman IV
appropriate – or so I’m told. for tea. They’d be horrified by my disc library. in the cinema.

It’s time to grow up, to put away childish things. I’m conflating a couple of viewpoints here, Luckily he's also old
And once I’ve cleared the shelves and taken black bin of course, but the unifying assertion is that superhero enough to have
bags bulging with Kick-Ass and Transformers discs and VFX movies are somehow for youngsters, forgotten how
down to my local charity shop, I can start collecting and that over-50s should know better. bad it is
all over again.
As someone in said high-risk group, I respectfully
Although to be honest I’m not quite sure what I’m disagree. It’s a lazy conceit – and just like the similar
meant to watch. I need the BBFC to introduce a new shorthand that ‘video games are for kids’ (various
age category: perhaps ‘50’, signposting those films surveys from the last decade put the average age
containing themes suitable for old codgers. In the of a gamer at around 30-34, and over half of all
adults aged 36-50 playing games) – it doesn’t stand
meantime, as a sign of good faith, I’ll buy a copy up to much scrutiny.
of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and
plan a movie marathon of slow-paced The MCU may be crafted to ensnare young
dramas about divorce and senile dementia… film fans but it clearly has multi-generation appeal.
I started reading Marvel and DC comics in the late
Old age of Ultron 1960s, and I’m invested in the mythology. I’ve known
Peter Parker longer than I’ve known my wife.
Amy Baer is the latest Hollywood bigwig to age-
shame my movie habits. A former executive vice The real issue isn’t that superhero movies are
president of production at Sony Pictures, Baer is now immature, it’s that studios tend not to favour older
running Landline Pictures, an indie studio that plans characters. But could that be about to change?
to target a demographic she says has been forgotten
by major studios – the over 50s. Michael Keaton, who last time I checked was
older than I am, is reprising his 1989 iteration of
Speaking to the Los Angeles Times, she noted: Batman (pictured) in Andrés Muschietti’s upcoming
‘I’ve always had an affinity for, as I like to call them, DCEU project The Flash, donning the rubber suit
people movies as opposed to visual e ects or, again after a 30-year hiatus. And new on Netflix
you know, superhero movies... movies that speak is Mark Millar’s Jupiter's Legacy, which recounts the
to a more mature audience that [are] about a story of superheroes who became powered in the
phase of life that everybody reaches but that 1930s, but are now The Old Guard.
sometimes gets overlooked in the development
and production process.’ If it's okay with Baer and Scorsese and Coppola,
I quite fancy watching those. I just need to find some
Maybe I’m being overly sensitive (put it down Sanatogen-flavoured popcorn first ■
to my age), but I think she’s echoing a line taken by
Martin Scorsese back in 2019. The legendary director Do your cinema habits reflect your age?
Let us know: email [email protected]

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