With #CES2022 right around the corner, it's crunch time for anyone considering attending. And for some news organizations, including The Verge, Wirecutter, Consumer Reports, and even CNN, the benefit of going to Las Vegas to see and hear the latest electronic gear does not weigh the risk of participating in what's usually the world's largest trade show when the latest COVID variant, Omicron, is proving to be incredibly contagious.
It's axiomatic that once you start seeing people and key organizations pull out of a show like this, there's a domino effect. So far the major exhibitors have not announced any change in plan, but the less press that shows up in Vegas, the less reason there is for anyone to be there, and is possible that, like with CEDIA 2021, there's a breaking point. We'll be watching closely.
Update - Even more news organizations are pulling out of in-person coverage, including tech heavyweight CNET.
It's reasonable to ask why CES, a show that's all about tech, requires an annual pilgrimage to Las Vegas in order to spread its message. I suppose the one answer is many people liked the excuse to have an expense-account week in Vegas, even if the days are filled with work. Still, I have some ideas of how things could evolve for the better (IMO, of course).
This week we've got an awesome new review, it's the Monoprice Monolith THX Certified 5.1.4 system. I've reviewed the same gear during my time as Editor at AVS Forum and thought it to be an exceptional performer.
Now I see that Sean Killebrew felt much the same about what a kick-ass, take-no-prisoners system Monoprice has put together, and with the bonus of it being THX certified to meet stringent performance parameters, so you know it'll handle hardcore home theater tasks happily.
We're still running the SVS 2.1 Prime Wireless speaker & subwoofer system sweepstakes. Don't miss a chance to win this sweet stereo that's worth $1199.98 and is able to cover the full audible spectrum of sound from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, aka full-range high fidelity sound.
It is the holidays, sometimes it's nice to just do some window shopping, and who knows, maybe treat yourself to something you have been eyeing, even if buying yourself AV gear as a present is being a little bit naughty. Need some ideas? Browse our gift guide.
LG laptop engineers have been busy, and now the company has introduced its first-ever UltraGear laptop that's LG laptop engineers have been busy, and now the company has introduced its first-ever UltraGear laptop that's targeted directly at hard-core gamers. Inside the sleek chassis, you'll find a powerful machine that is centered around an RTX 3080 Max-Q graphics card. But the star of the show here is the screen, which prizes speed over resolution and delivers 300 Hz at 1080P with 1 ms of lag. With this laptop, there is no excuse that the hardware was not fast enough, it's on you to win.
Also, we're working furiously to bring you more updated buying guides, recommendation lists as well as hands-on reviews. And regardless of how things go down in Vegas, CES 2022 is the official start of a new year of AV tech, and we
Also, we're working furiously to bring you more updated buying guides, recommendation lists as well as hands-on reviews. And regardless of how things go down in Vegas, CES 2022 is the official start of a new year of AV tech, and we'll be following the news, virtually, just as numerous other outlets reporting on AV have now decided to do.
Oh, and who's watching The Matrix Resurrections on HBO Max tomorrow? W/o's waiting for Ultra HD Blu-ray? I know I'm excited to check it out, but also understand it's not gonna be everyone's cup of tea story-wise. It probably helps if you are "of a certain age" and grew up with it. But the story and older actors aside. what I'm looking for is a decent flick I can munch some popcorn to and fingers crossed that it looks and sounds great. Touching moments, or awesome sarcastic jokes, or whatever else may come, it's all bonus.
Anything else before we wrap this issue? For sure: We've got lots of new reviews coming up, including the new Monoprice Encore speakers, Focal Aria K2 speakers, Focal Clear Mg headphones, a Rotel Michi X5 integrated amp, a Classé Delta Stereo amplifier, KLH Model 5 speakers, a Klipsch Atmos soundbar, and Bowers & Wilkins 805 D4 speakers. And that's before we get into a new year's worth of gear, post-CES.
Until the next issue, be well and stay safe. Happy Holidays, everybody.
Best Regards,
Mark Henninger
Managing Editor, HTR
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