Integrated Amplifiers: Simple vs Smart - Which is RIGHT For You?

We share our Blu-ray picks for September 2024 plus list our top 15 favourite horror 4K Blu-rays

In our September Movies and TV podcast, we offer a Top 10 list of must-watch picks for the month. Then, we dive into our featured topic: Workprints – the elusive Holy Grail for dedicated movie fans.

Once you've got your AV space correctly set up and your display calibrated for accuracy, there's still the question of making sure your video sources are up to the task. In this Home AV podcast, we look at how to get the best from the entire video chain. We also discuss the changing nature of accessing content. Plus, we find out more about industry body CEDIA.

We bust a few myths about TV calibration on this edition of the AVForums TV, Display and Calibration podcast. For example, what qualifies as calibration… and what doesn't? What is Filmmaker Mode and do you actually need your TV calibrated if it’s accurate out of the box? Is it always best to get a professional in or can you have a go yourself? What exactly are the standards that are used? We explain the answers to these questions and more.

We cut through the many confusing options for streaming music to help you decide which path to take. From choosing a streaming service on a mobile device to investing in a dedicated hardware module, we examine the advantages and disadvantages of the various approaches, suggest some options and also examine whether there's a quality trade off for the convenience of so much music.

The team members each pick their favourites of the year taking film quality, extras and packaging into account to come up with 15 best discs to add to your physical media collection. Plus the guys select their top recommended 4K & Blu-ray releases to help you with your purchasing choices for this month.

The Movies Team takes a deep dive into Furiosa, the latest entry in the Mad Max franchise and asks whether it misses the iconic central character, whether the 'A Mad Max Saga' subtitle is necessary, and where the film succeeds and fails. Plus the guys select their recommended TV shows and movies for the month so you know what to keep an eye out for.

We look at the differences between Screening Rooms, Home Cinemas and Media Rooms and discuss which you should go for when designing your project and how each might affect your video chain choices. Plus, now that huge TV screens are a viable alternative to a projector for your home cinema, which should you choose?

On this episode, we interview guest Rob Andrews, Head of Strategy and Go To Market from Hisense, who tells us about the company's TV line-up for 2024 and its overall plans for the TV market going forward. Plus, as prices edge further downwards and more models become available, we look into whether huge screens are driving the next TV growth area.

We look at integrated amplifiers and whether it's best to opt for a simple or smart model. We ask why they are so popular, what are the features you should be considering for your own Hi-Fi system? Plus, do you actually need one and what are the alternatives? We also have special guest Ashton Wagner from Rega, who designs some of the very best Hi-Fi amplifiers you can buy.