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Derek Malcolm

Derek Malcolm

Contributing Editor, A/V

Derek Malcolm is a Toronto-based technology journalist, editor, and content specialist whose work has appeared in publications such as Toronto Life, Canadian Business, The Globe and Mail, Business Insider, Today's Parent, and The Huffington Post. Derek has been covering the worlds of technology and entertainment for more than 20 years and is currently a Contributing Editor for the AV and Home Theater section at Digital Trends. When he's not obsessing over turntables, projectors, speakers, vintage audio gear, or what movies and shows to binge, Derek can be found at home spinning vinyl with his daughter.

A vinyl collection shelf with receiver and turntable.

How to build and preserve a vinyl record collection

Your father-in-law was right: Vinyl records sound amazing and super cool. If you're just starting your collection journey, here's everything you need to know.
A woman wearing headphones with her eyes closed.

How headphones are helping people with sensory needs live a calmer life

For people with sensory needs such as the neurodivergent or those with ADHD, the sounds of the world can be excruciating. Here's how headphones can help.
The Audio-Technica AT-LP70X turntable.

Audio-Technica AT-LP70X turntable review: The new entry-level champ

Audio-Technica's new LP70X takes all that's great about its popular LP60X turntable and amps it up, making it an even better entry-level deck for vinyl newbies.
[EMBARGOED IMAGE – 08/02] The Victrola Stream Sapphire wireless turntable.

Victrola’s new Stream Sapphire is the wireless turntable for audiophiles

Victrola has launched its flagship wireless turntable, the Stream Sapphire, that's capable of playing your vinyl wirelessly at high quality over Sonos and UPnP.
Audio-Technica AT-LP70X turntable.

Audio-Technica shores up its entry-level dominance with a new affordable turntable

Audio-Technica has just launched its affordable new AT-LP70X entry-level turntable that offers some key upgrades that vinyl newbs will love.
The Spotify app on an iPhone.

Spotify’s hi-fi tease is tearing my family apart

My family loves Spotify, but I'm dying for hi-res audio. Switching is not an option, but I don't know how much longer I can wait for Spotify to get it together.
Bowers & Wikins 607 S3 in black.

The best speakers for 2024: great hi-fi options for music and more

From critical music listening to furniture-shaking home theater, a great pair of speakers can make all the difference. We found the top picks on the market.
The Sonos Roam 2 laying horizontal on a table.

The Sonos Roam 2 is the sequel that doesn’t suck

With the excellent Sonos Roam 2, Sonos has managed to keep its hands to itself and leave one of its best and most affordable speakers alone.
Placing the needle over the record.

Drop the needle like a pro: how to play vinyl records

Playing records is fun, but some people are afraid to mess up the delicate gear. Never fear, we're here to show you how to properly play a vinyl record.
JBL MA/Stage 2 Series home theater products.

JBL wants you to ditch your soundbar for its affordable new home theater lineup

JBL's new MA Series AV receivers and Stage 2 Series home theater speakers are designed to be simple to operate and easy to set up, just like soundbars.
The lyrics to Smells Like Teen Spirit on the Spotify app on an iPhone.

How to see song lyrics on Spotify

Sing along or settle a bet — having the lyrics to your favorite songs handy can heighten any listening experience. Here's how to do it on Spotify.
The MoGo 2 Pro projector with the lamp shining from the land.

This Xgimi portable projector saved Christmas last year, and it’s on sale for Prime Day

The Xgimi MoGo 2 Pro is a portable smart projector that save Christmas for my family last year. It's on sale for Prime Day 2024, and you should totally buy one.
Hisense U8N

The 13 best TVs of 2024

Whether you’re a Samsung, Sony, or LG devotee, the best TVs of 2024 are available from all three companies, along with a few other brands.
The remote with the AWOL Vision LTV-3500 Pro projector.

The best UST projector I’ve ever reviewed is $900 off right now

It's one of the best and brightest UST projectors on the market. And one of the priciest. But it can be yours for $900 off for Prime Day 2024. Get after it.
A stereo pair of HomePods, a TV, and an Apple TV 4K.

How to connect a stereo pair of Apple HomePods to your Apple TV

Apple's latest HomePod sounds great. But as a stereo pair with an Apple TV 4K, the spatial audio sound can rival the best soundbars. Here's how to set it up.
Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Mini - right angle view.

How to choose a soundbar: size, subwoofers, surround sound, and more

Built-in TV speakers suck, so naturally, you want to get a soundbar. How do you choose one? We cover the features and jargon you should know before you buy.
The JBL Xtreme 4 Bluetooth speaker. [Embargoed image 06/03]

Best Bluetooth speakers for 2024: Beats, JBL, Soundcore, and more

Choosing a Bluetooth speaker can be a tough task, which is why we've put together this roundup to shine a light on all the best speakers for 2024.
Roku Weekly Trivia

Roku launches Weekly Trivia game to test your pop culture mettle

Roku Weekly Trivia launches today for U.S. users of it popular streaming devices, adding 10 questions per week. You can play with friends and family.
The Kanto Sub8 in Matte White set up next to a chair.

The 8 best subwoofers for 2024: add boom to your movie or music room

If you’re looking for some extra thump in your home theater system, we recommend investing in a subwoofer. Here are eight of our favorite models for 2024.
The AWOL Vision LTV-3500 Pro projector.

AWOL Vision LTV-3500 Pro review: dazzling brightness that’s worth every penny

The AWOL Vision LTV-3500 Pro UST is one of the brightest and best projectors we've ever reviewed, but does that justify its $6,000 price?
The Samsung Q-Series 11.1.4-channel surround sound system set up in a luxurious living room.

Best soundbars of 2024: a sound upgrade for your TV

Ready for the next level of movie and TV show audio? Investing in one of these soundbars will enhance your QLED or OLED TV sound in more ways than one.
Sonos Era 100, beside a turntable.

How to connect a turntable to a Sonos speaker

If you have a Sonos system that you want to start playing vinyl records through, we're going to show you how to connect a turntable to it.
A close-up of the Spotify app icon.

Spotify adds new, cheaper Basic plan without the audiobooks

After increasing its prices earlier this month, Spotify today announced a new $11-per-month Basic plan that saves a bit of money but removes access to audiobooks.
Sonos Ace inside travel case.

How to pair Sonos Ace headphones to a Bluetooth device

So you've just gotten a pair of shiny Sonos Ace headphones and and embarrassed because you don't know how to pair them to your device. Don't be. Here's how.
Spotify app library screen.

What is Spotify? Music, pricing, and features explained

Spotify is the most popular music and podcast streaming service today. Here's everything you need to know about it.
Spotify on an iPhone.

Spotify HiFi could finally be coming, but it’ll cost you

According to a new report from Bloomberg, Spotify's long-awaited HiFi option could finally be coming later this year.
AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro charging cases.

How to connect two pairs of AirPods to one phone for shared audio

AirPods users can easily share audio with their friends on one single iOS device in just a few steps. Here's how to connect two sets of AirPods to one phone.
Disney Plus logo on a TV screen.

How much does Disney+ cost? Plans, prices, and features explained

Disney's streaming service is one of today's most popular. But how much does Disney+ cost? We've got the answers, from pricing options to how you can save.
The Savoir KEF Seventy-Five luxury speaker bed.

KEF and Savoir want to help you sleep better with their $115K speaker bed

What happens when the world's best bed maker builds some of the world's best speakers into a bed? You get Savoir and KEF's $115,000 Seventy-Five speaker bed.
The JBL PartyBox Stage 320.

JBL PartyBox Stage 320 speaker review: power, clarity, and karaoke on wheels

If you're a DJ or just someone who wants clean, great-sounding volume and fun party features for your gatherings, the JBL PartyBox Stage 320 is a solid buy.
The Tribit StormBox 2 Bluetooth speaker in water.

Tribit’s new StormBox 2 speaker gets more power, multi-speaker connectivity

Speaker makers Tribit have launched the $70 StormBox 2, the upgraded model of its popular compact, rugged, and affordable Bluetooth speaker.
The JBL Xtreme 4 Bluetooth speaker. [Embargoed image 06/03]

JBL Xtreme 4 review: a sweet-sounding battery beast with AI smarts

The JBL Xtreme 3 is a tough act to follow, but the Xtreme 4's 30-hour battery, AI smarts, and gorgeous, clear sound make it 2024's Bluetooth speaker to beat.
An iPhone with the Home section of the Spotify app on it.

How to access your Spotify listening history

You're a devourer of music on Spotify, so much so that you can't remember it all. Here's how to check your Spotify listening history to keep it all straight.
The front grille of the BenQ V5000i UST projector.

The 9 best short throw and ultra short throw projectors

Ultra short throw projectors are great for getting a big image if you don’t have the space for a standard projector. Here are some of the best available.