24 Jul
Blog

Training for Size, Training for Mass

Bryan Haycock is the creator of hypertrophy-specific training, HST for short. In this episode we delve deeply into:

  • Exactly what flows into HST, including what actually does muscle growth
  • The principles of programming for hypertrophy
  • The mistakes most athletes make when it comes to training for size
  • The misunderstood concept of strategic deconditioning and science prove it 20 years after the concepts behind HST were developed

If you liked this podcast and you cared about it, rate and rate it so that we can spread the word and motivate and inspire others to take their performance to the next level. More podcasts of this kind can be found on the Six Pack of Knowledge page.

Your host Tom MacCormick is a personal trainer and online coach whose goal is to be the curator of the world's greatest hypertrophy experts. If you are interested in working with Tom or learning more about him, follow him on Instagram @tommaccormick or visit his website www.tommaccormick.com.

24 Jul
Blog

LG SN7Y Soundbar Review: Affordable, Quality Dolby Atmos

LG SN7Y soundbar

"The LG SN7Y is nailing Dolby Atmos at an affordable price of $ 500."

  • Sleek design

  • Easy setup

  • Solid overall sound quality

  • Impressive Dolby Atmos

Of all the sound bars in LG's 2020 range, the SN7Y is possibly the most fascinating. It's a 3.1.2-channel soundbar system with support for a variety of audio formats – including Dolby Atmos and DTS: X Chief – that offers a much cheaper entry fee than the company's flagship models.

The system lacks the rear speakers for real surround sound and there is strong competition from Samsung, Vizio and Sony. After spending a lot of time with this bar, one thing is clear: without a doubt, the $ 500 SN7Y deserves a place at the table of the affordable Atmos soundbars.

design

After you've reviewed LG's premium SN11RG long before you received the SN7Y, the similarities between the two ends of the spectrum are hard to miss. One is of course much larger; The SN11RG is 57 inches wide compared to the 35-inch SN7Y, which closely matches competitors like the Sony HT-G700 (38.58-inch). Otherwise, the SN7Y is a miniature version of its relatively more expensive relative design with a sleek surface that resembles a much more expensive product.

LG SN7Y soundbarNick Woodard / Digital Trends

The bar itself contains drivers for the front left, middle and right channels as well as a pair of loudspeakers to provide the height channels of the 3.1.2 system. LG has gone into details about the actual drivers again, apart from the fact that they are each powered at 30 watts and the heights are 35 watts each. Unfortunately, that doesn't mean much.

The included wireless subwoofer has a rear opening and weighs around 17 pounds. Again, this is very close compared to Sony's 16-pound radio woofer. There are no rear speakers in this setup. This is a disappointment when you get a full 5.1.2 setup from Vizio for the same price. You can choose to purchase the LG rear speaker kit to complete the system. However, we are talking about another $ 180.

The remote control is almost identical to the accessories that come with the SN11RG, with the exception of a Google Assistant button, which is missing on the remote control for the SN7Y. That's because this bar doesn't have Wi-Fi, a sad fact we'll cover later.

configuration

Possibly the only advantage when there are no rear speakers or WiFi is the added simplicity of setting up this system. There are no cables to connect between rear speakers and subwoofers like a conventional Vizio system, and no app to download and configure the soundbar settings found in a product like the Sonos Beam. It's much slimmer with the SN7Y.

LG SN7Y soundbarNick Woodard / Digital Trends

The soundbar needs power, as does the subwoofer. Once powered on, they are paired wirelessly, as is standard with most wireless sub-setups. The soundbar must of course be connected to your display, and I will go into the various types of connections this bar offers in a moment. Once this connection is established, you can enjoy the system.

Since you don't have to worry about the rear speakers, you can place your subwoofer anywhere in your room. It's no secret that subwoofers have different reactions depending on where they're placed in a room. However, wired rear speaker setups always limit the position of your woofer. Without setbacks and even if you choose the wireless stern kit, LG puts you in the driver's seat to determine the best placement for your submarine.

links

The LG SN7Y has an HDMI HDCP 2.3 input and a corresponding HDMI output that supports 4K, Dolby Vision and HDR10 passages. The number of entries is limited, but not unexpected. The HT-G700 from Sony has the same setup, but supports eARC, while the LG is limited to ARC. The SN7Y also has an optical audio input and a USB input to round off an essentially uneventful series of physical connections. I can't knock LG for this, as many competitors have similar connection options at this price. I just wish we had more ways to connect for $ 500. But judging by general adversity that is changing in this regard (Polk Audio's new soundbar is one of the exceptions), my wishes may be in the minority here.

LG SN7Y soundbar remote controlNick Woodard / Digital Trends

Here's my legitimate concern about the SN7Y connection: Just like the Sony HT-G700, the SN7Y doesn't have Wi-Fi compatibility, which may have been a forgivable sin in the past few years. But it's 2020. It's problematic to bring out a $ 500 audio product that can't connect to Wi-Fi. This is illustrated by the fact that the Vizio and Samsung alternatives both support this.

A typical example: While you can stream to the SN7Y using Bluetooth 4.0 technology, you will inevitably find some connection problems. If you just chill on the couch and listen to music, you will probably be fine. For example, if you are having a dinner in the back yard and forget to leave your phone in the living room, the rest of the house has to endure noise that is constantly interrupted until you are within range. In comparison, Wi-Fi has long been the more reliable streaming option and should be included in all sound bars in this price range.

Sound quality

Like the SN11RG, LG has set up the SN7Y remarkably for most audio tasks. The bar supports high-resolution 24-bit / 192 kHz audio and a list of surround sound formats, including Dolby Atmos, DTS Digital Surround, DTS: X, Dolby Digital Plus, and more. The soundbar can also accept the formats FLAC, WAV and AAC via USB.

LG SN7Y soundbar subwooferNick Woodard / Digital Trends

There are also many preset sound modes to choose from, including AI Sound Pro, Standard, Music, Bass Blast, Bass Blast +, Film (Dolby Surround), DTS: X and Dolby Atmos. Simply put, there are a number of things this system supports and a number of ways to customize the sound of this system.

To be honest, none of this would matter if the bar didn't sound good. LG's partnership with Meridian Technology appears to have been fruitful as both music and movie content about both LG bars that I reviewed this year were exceptional. The SN11RG was far more comfortable, as the price would show, but the SN7Y has a lot to offer for the price.

Listening to music – with samples from Childish Gambinos Me and Your Mama to Midlands Burn Out – provided impressive clarity. Watching films effectively mixed lifelike action sequences and clear dialogues in films like Star Wars: Episode IX – Skywalker's Rise for a cinematic experience that I think most people would be fans of – even without rear speakers. I also appreciated the way different sound modes improved the audio rather than seemingly artificially increasing the frequencies. The film mode sounded better than the standard settings for films, and the same applies to music.

However, I am a little amazed by this LG subwoofer. The submarine for the SN7Y was generally not very convincing. Cult naval battles in the original Pirates of the Caribbean are said to have some weight behind these cannonball shots, and I missed that very much. For what it's worth, I thought the overall sound of the Sony HT-G700 and the LG SN7Y were equivalent, but the low-end detail in this Sony sub definitely outperformed the LG woofer.

Dolby Atmos

I had to assign Atmos a separate category in this test because LG's height channels in this system are more of a heading than a footnote in the audio area. I was already very impressed with the Dolby Atmos capabilities of the LG SN11RG, although it was entirely possible that the SN7Y could have been a completely different story. After all, we work with two channels with a lower height and overall less power.

LG SN7Y soundbarNick Woodard / Digital Trends

The rapid activation of the Dolby Atmos demo mode of the SN7Y, in which an Atmos demo is played by pressing the "F" key on the remote control for five seconds, eliminated all doubts, although I made some selections from our list of the best Have watched Dolby Atmos films for a good degree. The various effects of birds fluttering through the air, raindrops from above and thunder in the sky convinced me that this bar is following in the footsteps of its more expensive siblings in terms of Atmo's skill. Of course not to the same extent, since they are located at opposite ends of the Atmos spectrum. But what the SN7Y can do to add dimension to the sound at this price is impressive.

In this category, I preferred the SN7Y to the Sony HT-G700, which I honestly expected. The HT-G700 only has front-firing drivers and uses sound processing technology to achieve a sufficiently convincing virtual 7.1.2 effect. If you don't do anything unpredictable and have a product at a comparable price with drivers that fire noise towards the ceiling and then return to your listening position, virtual effects are almost certainly surpassed. The SN7Y worked as expected, just as a traditional home theater system with actual height or ceiling speakers would likely outperform the high-powered speakers in a sound bar. With a few exceptions (the Sennheiser Ambeo comes to mind) this is the general order of things.

Our opinion

The LG SN7Y has some flaws that its rivals don't have, but it is still a very good sounding sound bar that Dolby Atmos is nailing for $ 500. A balance between features and price is important, which is why I give this bar a slightly better score than the SN11RG at $ 1,600. The latter is undoubtedly the better system thanks to its superior sound and properties. But value is important, and I honestly believe that the SN7Y offers better value for money.

Is there a better alternative?

In a way yes. In another way, no. The $ 500 Vizio 5.1.2 system gives you Wi-Fi and two rear speakers at exactly the same price, and the $ 500 Sony HT-G700 has a more powerful subwoofer. But the LG has produced some of the best Atmos sounds in this price range. The $ 400 Sonos Beam also deserves to participate in this conversation due to all of its features. However, you'll have to pay significantly more to switch to a full surround setup with Sonos, or jump to $ 800 for the Arc to get Dolby Atmos support.

How long it will take?

The LG SN7Y has a typical one-year warranty, and while I don't necessarily want to drop this soundbar repeatedly or expose it to other forms of abuse, the build quality seems exceptional, and it has plenty of support for formats it should be kept in relevant years to come.

Should you buy it

Yes. Although I wasn't impressed with the subwoofer and I really wished this bar had Wi-Fi, the SN7Y is a bar that you should definitely consider if you want Atmos without breaking the bank.

Editor's recommendations




24 Jul
Blog

Netatmo Outdoor Camera With Siren Review: Bright, but flawed

Netatmo camera with siren on the wall.

Netatmo outdoor camera with siren

"Smart A.I. hindered by outdated hardware and software limitations is a difficult purchase."

  • Bright floodlights

  • Smart A.I. and app implementation

  • Loud siren

  • No recording packages, clips saved for free

  • Narrow field of vision

  • Difficult to install

  • No 24/7 recording

One of the great things about smart home technology is the ability to build your own systems. Companies like Netatmo allow you to choose your home security devices based on your needs. The Netatmo Smart Outdoor Camera with Siren ($ 350, available in Europe, coming to the US later this year), which was announced last fall, is one such device and connects the smart doorbell and the indoor camera to the Strengthen smart home product line from Netatmo.

We have to talk about the hardware straight away. The Netatmo outdoor surveillance camera looks like a device that someone thought in 1995 that surveillance cameras would look like in 2020. We saw this design for the first time in 2016 and it hasn't improved. It is large and rectangular and in no way subtle. While many surveillance cameras prefer the understated look these days, Netatmo is not worried that it is a camera and floodlight and you will love it or otherwise.

installation

The Netatmo Smart Outdoor Camera requires a hardwired connection to your home, similar to the Ring Spotlight Cam Wired. While this has the advantage that batteries never need to be charged or replaced, it also makes installation more difficult than other devices in its field. What makes digestion easier is the fact that you can use the camera's floodlight to replace another outside light like a veranda light.

As soon as you have removed the existing lamp (or installed a new electrical box – your call), the Netatmo Smart outdoor camera comes with almost everything you need to install it. There is a wiring harness, a bracket, screws and a cover box. The only thing missing is the recommended sealing or silicone to make the cover box waterproof on the wall. This is not surprising, but it is good to know beforehand. Once installed, use the app to connect the camera to your WiFi and you're ready to take part in the races.

The camera covers a disappointing 100-degree field of view, the smallest of all the cameras we tested, but can identify objects with a long field of view. In our tests, the range was limited to around 10 meters, which the camera covered admirably, and a total of 20 meters was advertised.

Light it up!

The built-in headlight can be switched on automatically when it detects motion, or it can be switched on and off via the app. It is also dimmable in the app. At full brightness, the floodlights are very bright and cover a wide area. It could easily replace an existing floodlight in your home. The built-in night vision is also quite good, but without the same range of 20 meters.

It could easily replace an existing floodlight in your home.

When the camera detects motion, the A.I. enter the game. The camera can distinguish between people, cars, animals and other movements. When an event occurs in the app, icons indicate what type of object has been detected. In addition, a thumbnail not only shows you the object in question, but the app cuts the object intelligently to give you a clear view of it before you even open the clip. For example, if a cat crosses the corner of the camera's alarm zone, the thumbnail will be trimmed to the cat even though it is not in the center of the frame. It would be easy to just crop in the middle of the frame or reduce the entire screen to a thumbnail – neither would be helpful. Netatmos A.I. With this function you can quickly see why the clip was recorded.

Go to the zone

Screenshot of the Netatmo app.

Speaking of the alarm zone: you can adjust where the camera tracks movements, but the implementation is not the best. You are limited to rectangles in the frame, but can have multiple rectangles. If you have a diagonal area that you don't want to recognize, you'll need to create multiple rectangles – that's a little annoying.

When motion is detected, the clip is saved on the included 8 GB memory card, which can be expanded to 32 GB. According to Netatmo, 8 GB cover about a hundred clips. That sounds like a lot, but in my back yard, where cats are everywhere, it's only three or four days. When the card is full, the oldest records are deleted. You can also add personal cloud storage for recordings. Options include Dropbox or a private FTP server. Other than that, the only way to gain space is to swap it for a larger microSD card. You can't decrease the resolution, and to be honest, you don't want to.

In addition, there is no way to record around the clock or search the footage one day. You can only view the recorded clips if something is recognized. You can also view the live view of the camera. Most of the time this is enough, but if you are someone who wants to return at a certain time, this camera is not for you.

The siren on the Netatmo is quite loud at 105 decibels.

The siren on the Netatmo is quite loud at 105 decibels. You can trigger the siren via the app. There is no automatic siren setting. That is probably the best. If you want to upset your neighbors, it is a good idea to make sure you have to.

The camera works with Google Assistant and Alexa. You can ask a wizard-operated smart screen to show you the camera and it shows the live feed, which is great.

A disadvantage is the resolution resolution and quality. While Netatmo promotes full HD recording, there is a fairly big problem with pixelation, even when playing back recorded clips. This could be a function of my home network setup, but cameras installed by Vivint on the same network do not have the same problems. The camera also has a problem with the sky. It is difficult to distinguish the outline of my shed from the bright sky, which is not the best experience.

Our opinion

The camera was attached to a cream-colored wall.

This is a good implementation of a three-in-one outdoor security solution, but there is still some work to be done. Even if you consider the depth, a narrow field of view is not particularly good for a camera. You don't worry about what someone is doing 20 meters away. You are worried about your house.

During the A.I. does some wise things with clips and thumbnails, the lack of a 24/7 recording is a failure. That way, Netatmo can say that the service is "free at any time," which is great, but I wouldn't mind paying something for 24/7 recording every month. The fact that it has to be firmly connected to the existing electrical system makes the installation almost so tedious that almost a specialist is required.

Is there a better alternative?

Yes. This camera has some good ideas, especially in the A.I. Implementation. With the Ring Smart Outdoor Cam or the Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight, you get similar features in a more attractive package for $ 100 less.

Will it take?

The structure of the Netatmo is solid and if everything is installed correctly, I can not imagine a reason to be concerned even in bad weather. The camera comes with a limited, multi-year warranty, depending on the region and location where you buy.

Should you buy it

No. Smart outdoor cameras are a crowded category, and there are too many other (and cheaper) options.

Editor's recommendations




23 Jul
Blog

How To Unclog Your Pores

When you think about blockages, your thoughts may go to drains and sinks, but – although faulty plumbing can be alarming – we think there's an even more troubling place for blockages: your pores. These tiny openings on your skin can attract all types of dirt and lead to clogged pores (Livestrong). If you're ready to tackle this common skin care problem and discover a really clean complexion, you'll find one here Eminence Organics Instructions for fighting your clogged pores:

What are clogged pores?

Pores are small spots that you see on your skin, which are actually the openings of the hair follicles. When impurities settle on the skin, an evil mixture of dead skin cells, dirt and oil can penetrate deep into these openings. Pores filled with dirt lead to blackheads – clogged channels that look dark on the surface. You can spot blackheads on the face – especially the nose – but they can also appear on the back, chest, neck, and arms (Healthline).

Do not use pore strips

Close-up of pores

If you suffer from clogged pores, it may be tempting to resort to options like pore strips, but many beauty experts don't recommend these products for blackheads (Self). These sticky strips can irritate your skin and lead to inflammation, especially for sensitive or rosacea-prone skin types. Although these strips may remove some surface debris, they can also make the problem worse by placing dirt and debris even deeper in the pores. The superficial effect of pore strips that remove skin cells also means that perfectly healthy skin cells are torn away along with dead skin cells.

This is how you clog your pores

If pore strips are not the right choice for you, we recommend three Eminence Organics peels instead:

Strawberry-Rhubarb-Dermafoliant

Our Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant is a favorite of stars like actress Thandie Newton and uses naturally occurring lactic acid and salicylic acid to cleanse your pores thoroughly and remove dead skin cells. Chickpea flour and rice powder gently polish the surface of your complexion and absorb excess oil. No wonder that the Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant was recognized as the best skin care product “Farm To Table” at the NewBeauty Beauty Choice Awards 2017.

Product selection

Eminence Organic Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant

Strawberry-Rhubarb-Dermafoliant

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Stone Crop Oxygenating Fizzofoliant

If you are preparing for a professional blackhead extraction from a spa authorized by Eminence Organics, our Stone Crop Oxygenating Fizzofoliant is the peel you can turn to. This powder foam product is enriched with stone harvest and formulated for de-encrustation, a treatment that softens sebum. Its light effervescent effect softens the skin and prepares the complexion for a pore-cleaning extraction.

For even more effectiveness, you can also mix Stone Crop Oxygenating Fizzofoliant with our Citrus Exfoliating Wash for the ultimate deep cleaning.

Product selection

Eminence-organic-stone-harvest-oxygenating-fizzofoliant

Stone Crop Oxygenating Fizzofoliant

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eminence-organics-citrus-exfoliating-wash
Citrus peeling wash

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Almond mineral treatment

If you are looking for a mask, try our pore-cleaning almond and mineral treatment. Finely chopped almonds exfoliate gently to reveal soft, fresh-looking skin, while peppers revitalize and revitalize the skin. Ground ivy constricts the pores and leaves the skin looking smooth and refined.

Product selection

eminence-organics-almond-mineral-treatment

Almond mineral treatment

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Are you ready to clog your pores and expose your most radiant skin? Contact your favorite Eminence Organics spa and learn more about our peels. Where can you find the worst clogged pores and blackheads? Let us know about your pore cleansing complaints in the comments below or join the conversation on social media.

This entry was originally published in October 2017 and has been updated for accuracy and completeness.

23 Jul
Blog

Grado Hemp Headphones Review: An Audio High You Won’t Forget

Grado Labs Hemp Headphones Rating 1

Hemp headphones from Grado Labs

"It's hard to imagine that headphones look better or sound better."

  • Amazingly detailed sound

  • Precise and clear compensation

  • Nice wood design

  • Comfortable for long listening sessions

  • Strong quality control

  • Some rough surfaces

  • Open design limits usability

  • Restrained bass reproduction

Grado Labs made headlines with its affordable hemp headphones for $ 420. When John Grado explained to me why hemp is an excellent material for making headphones, I was curious to hear the results for myself.

Now that I have done it, I am beginning to understand the complex tone of coziness and seriousness that I heard from Grado during this interview. Hemp may seem like a gimmick, but the performance of these cans is no joke.

No frills, classic design

There is not much to consider with the functions of the Grado Hemp headphones. They are refreshingly simple. Plug them in and they work. The hemp headphones come in a discreet white box with a letter from the Grado family.

These open-ended wired monitors consist of only two parts – the headphones themselves and a 3.5mm to 6.35mm adapter, which I immediately detached from the end of the cable and placed in a drawer because I didn't have any Playing the electric guitar or not recording in the studio.

After using over-ears with a single cable that ran from one side for years, it initially felt strange to put on the hemp headphones. They throw you back to a time when cables were king and every headset needed them.

Jaron Schneider / Digital Trends

Speaking of cables, the cables are particularly thick with the hemp headphones. Compared to my Sony MDR-7506 studio monitors, they are about twice the size and not wrapped. If I don't wind the cable, I won't get it nearly as much as my MDRs, but the cable is incredibly long.

I understand why Grado contains so much wire, but there is a lot of cable to find a place and it usually ends up in my lap. Plus, the added cable has a certain weight, and although it's not that much of a nuisance, I've definitely noticed it compared to other wired headphones.

The ear cups are simple. Nowadays, you generally see some kind of leather or leather-like material wrapped around memory foam, but Grado chooses a material that they have chosen specifically because it works with the drivers to produce sound. In this case it is a simple, classic foam. It feels a little rough, but the headphones breathe well and are good for long listening sessions, provided you don't move them a lot.

I do not recommend exchanging them, although you can. I switched it to the "more typical" leather foam as a test, and the audio quality dropped dramatically. Grado knows what it does when it selects materials.

The details

The outstanding feature of the hemp headphones is of course the hemp. Because of the way they had to mix it to make the material work like normal wood, the grain of each headset appears unique. The two-tone circular wooden swirls are beautiful from afar and up close. The ear cups attract your eyes and keep them there.

Jaron Schneider / Digital Trends

This is good because other parts of the headset are not quite as sophisticated. The joints that connect the hemp and maple earphones to the headband are made of plastic and are not completely smooth. If you've ever designed a model that requires you to pull the parts out of a plastic sheet, you know what I mean when I say that there are edges and slight bumps that you can feel when you run your finger over them .

Jaron Schneider / Digital Trends

In addition, the mesh that separates the driver from your ear is somewhat frayed and imperfect.

Jaron Schneider / Digital Trends

In short, it looks like this headset was assembled by hand. What it was. I can't blame them too much for that, but since the hemp headphones cost $ 420, I should mention that most of that cost doesn't apply to some of the non-audio parts.

That doesn't mean they're overpriced. No, they are worth every penny.

An incomparable listening experience

I've always been a headphone junkie, so I have a lot of experience of how music sounds from a variety of sources. Despite this experience, I wasn't prepared for what the hemp headphones sounded like.

I sat motionless for about 15 minutes when I let Tidal play a series of songs based on an artist I like (The Decemberists, for those who are wondering). While it was run by artists I didn't know and tracks I had never heard, it didn't matter. I feel with these Grado headphones.

I heard the nuances of the vocals, the melody, every single instrument and the nice mix of everyone who came together. The reproduction is both different and mixed. It's a beautiful audio paradox that I'm still trying to turn my head around.

But I can hear everything and it almost brought me to tears. I heard not only with my ears, but also with my heart.

I feel with these Grado headphones.

With the Grado I have the feeling that at a concert I pressed my ear to each Soundstage speaker at the same time, but without being limited to my unique physical existence (and blowing out my hearing). I played drums in a band and this music makes me feel like I'm back on the top of the stage.

Jaron Schneider / Digital Trends

Speaking of volume, these can be loud. Given the fact that the hemp headphones really produce excellent audio, it can be tempting to really increase this volume, which seems to improve in quality when I press it up. Keep in mind that if you press it too loudly for too long, you can really damage your hearing.

I think the best way to describe how the sound sounds is in one word: balance. I claim that music in highs, mids or lows shouldn't be too strong. Sure, booming bass may sound good, but too much bass overwhelms other frequencies and hides too much of the nuance of the music. These hemp headphones are like studio monitors on steroids because they are superbly balanced, offer neutral reproduction and at the same time offer a really outstanding clarity. My Sony MDR-7506 monitors are also balanced, but don't offer the level of detail that the hemp headphones offer.

If you turn my arm, I admit that the Grado's bass isn't quite as strong as I would like it to be, but it could also be because most people are used to overblowing the bass. To be completely honest, I prefer the detail and precision that can be found here.

I think the best way to describe how the sound sounds is in one word: balance.

The hemp headphones have an open style that is praised for their sound quality but not for their sound isolation. To enjoy them to the fullest, you need a quiet room in which you can be alone with your music. Open backs also tend to let out as much sound as they let in. Therefore, they are not suitable for an office environment (not that this will be a big problem in 2020).

Our opinion

The swirling hemp looks beautiful and its implementation in headphones from Grado sounds so good here that it makes your heart beat faster. This is a masterful combination of visual and auditory beauty. The details of the build are not perfect, but it doesn't matter. You will find it hard to find this type of music experience anywhere else, and almost certainly not at a lower price.

Is there a better alternative?

"Better" is subjective here, but there are alternatives. The V-Moda M200 Studio reference monitors are a little cheaper and offer a similar EQ experience, but they don't offer the same expansive sound that we praise Grado for. For much less, the Sony MDR-7506 studio monitors offer the same neutral sound, albeit an overall flatter audio expression in comparison. They honestly don't consider a candle to be audio for hemp headphones, but they are the industry standard, so this has some weight.

How long will they last?

Grado offers a one-year warranty on the hemp headphones, which is pretty standard. Open-back headphones are inherently more fragile than their closed-back brothers. Therefore, treat them with caution. If you do this, they should take a long time.

Should you buy them

Yes. The Grado hemp headphones are absolutely worth the price just for their sound reproduction, and you get the added benefit of a unique hemp wood pattern.

Editor's recommendations




23 Jul
Blog

Asus ROG Phone 3 Review: An Incredible Feat Of Mobile Gaming

Asus Rog Phone 3 review

"The Asus ROG Phone 3 is a powerful, focused gaming smartphone that makes you feel like a champion."

  • Incredibly powerful

  • Breathtaking sound

  • Focused, useful game features

  • Large, smooth screen

  • Great software

  • Camera could be better

  • Heavy

Asus has shown how serious mobile gaming is with the launch of Republic of Gamers' ROG Phone 2 last year, which is equipped with technologies and features specifically designed to improve gameplay. Now it's back with the ROG Phone 3. Not much has changed externally, and if anything, the design of the space age has become less noticeable – but the story is different inside.

The difference that the internals make is remarkable. It's so powerful that when he plays PUBG Mobile, Thanos would do it on a ROG Phone 3.

design

The ROG Phone 3 has a similar look and almost the same size as the ROG Phone 2, but the sci-fi madness is somewhat weakened. The glass back is glossy rather than matte, and the exposed vents on the back of the ROG Phone 2 have disappeared and have been replaced by a cool, transparent area that shows the new cooling system inside. I have never seen a glass transition between transparent and dark, and it looks great.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Despite its exterior, the ROG Phone 3 has not collected any fingerprints, and the ROG logo with RGB looks even brighter and more colorful than the matt glass of the ROG Phone 2. The camera module has been given another lens for a total of three. and it runs horizontally across the device. Asus has reduced the silver angled lines on the body, making the design more mature.

Nevertheless, the gaming focus remains. The USB Type-C connector on the bottom is arranged on the side so that the phone can be held more comfortably in landscape format when plugged in. There is another USB Type-C charging port behind a rubber plug on the opposite side. The phone also has shoulder-mounted "AirTrigger" on the side of the phone (we'll talk more about that later).

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Although it's comfortable to hold, this is a great smartphone. It is 9.8 mm thick, 171 mm long and 78 mm wide. For comparison: The OnePlus 8 Pro is 8.5 mm thick, 165 mm long and 74.5 mm wide.

At 240 grams, the ROG Phone 3 is also one of the heaviest phones ever. The orientation in landscape is well balanced, but in portrait I noticed that the weight was tilted towards the front of the phone. In combination with the slippery body, it often threatened to fall in the face when I lay it down.

One thing that ROG Phone 2 users may notice is the disappearance of the 3.5mm headphone jack. The integration of 5G antennas in the ROG Phone 3 is one of the reasons why the connection no longer fits into the phone. However, if you really want it, there is a dongle in the box. There is also an additional AeroActive Cooler 3 accessory that attaches to the case to assist cooling. You will also receive these accessories in the packaging.

It is a great accessory. Asus has added two very helpful features: a space to store the rubber connector cover that you remove from the phone to attach the AeroActive Cooler 3, and a stand.

The stand is great and puts the phone in the perfect angle for watching movies or playing with a controller. The AeroActive Cooler 2 developed for the ROG Phone 2 is not compatible with the new phone. However, if you bought other accessories, including the Twin View Dock or the Kunai controller, these will work because the two phones are almost identical in size.

I appreciate the new, more sophisticated design of the ROG Phone 3, but I miss the madness of the ROG Phone and ROG Phone 2. I think gaming phones need craziness. Nothing in their existence makes sense. So why not celebrate a little more?

Play

The ROG Phone 3 is the king of gaming smartphones.

I'm a casual gamer, which means I don't spend hours playing online every day, but the ROG Phone 3 still manages to make the games I play look better and smoother while providing useful tools, that improve the experience. When I feel that way, I have no doubt that people who are more interested in mobile games will see even greater benefits.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The shoulder-mounted AirTrigger are a good example of where the ROG Phone 3 is successful. You can easily map, tap, press, swipe, or even split controls on the screen to effectively create four buttons. They made the simple controls of Asphalt 9 Legends faster to use and prevented my fingers from covering the screen.

The function is activated in the game via the Game Genie menu on the slide-in screen. When you position the AirTrigger activation points on the screen, they vibrate when you get the correct placement. In Transformers: Forged to Fight, I used both the tap and swipe functions, and while typing worked well, it can be difficult to activate the swipe function at the right time.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Pressing the sides of the phone activates X mode, which increases phone performance and minimizes distractions while gaming. Use the "Advanced X mode" setting, where everything is set to maximum and the processor is not throttled at all. I haven't noticed any slowdown, dropouts, or other performance issues while playing on the ROG Phone 3.

The 6.59-inch AMOLED screen has a refresh rate of 144 Hz, 270 Hz touch sampling, 10-bit HDR, HDR 10 Plus support and a touch latency of 25 ms. It reacts incredibly quickly. Dariusburst is played in a small window in the center of the screen and requires skillful, careful controls to switch between the landscape and the onslaught of bullets. The ROG Phone 3 made this much easier thanks to its large, very responsive touchscreen.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Then there is the sound. Asus worked with an audio company called Dirac and skipped major brands like Dolby. The result is often exceptional. There is a level of detail, clarity and definition that you won't always find on phones, as well as a wide sound stage and really full sound through the two stereo speakers. The ROG Phone 3 sounds like no other smartphone.

Within a few hours I played Asphalt 9 Legends, 1945, Real Racing 3 and Dariusburst as well as a few other casual titles and it went perfectly. You can feel some heat coming from the phone, but it's in the landscape format at the middle bottom of the device, so you'll have to look around for it. My hands didn't get sweaty and I never felt the need to move my grip because the body of the phone was warm.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The ROG Phone 3 is also compatible with Google Stadia and offers three months of free Stadia Pro access, so it's not just about Google Play games. It is easy to pretend gaming phones as meaningless, but if done properly and thoughtfully, the benefits are obvious. The Asus ROG Phone 3 demonstrates this perfectly.

camera

Asus has worked hard to make the ROG Phone 3 a usable smartphone for everyday use whether you are dedicated to gaming or not. The camera is an integral part of it.

The rear-view camera with three lenses has a 64-megapixel IMX686 main sensor with an aperture of 1: 1.8, together with a 13-megapixel ultra-wide sensor and a 5-megapixel macro sensor. There is a 24 megapixel selfie camera in the bezel above the screen. The rear view camera has several modes, including a night mode, a portrait mode, a motion tracking video mode and a pro video mode. It records videos in 4K and in HDR with electronic stabilization.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

It's decent and more than powerful enough, provided it's your second priority on a smartphone. There is no zoom mode, but both wide-angle and macro modes offer creative fun, so it is not necessarily overlooked. It can be inconsistent, especially under cloudy conditions where it is quite underexposed, which leads to loss of detail. HDR shots on sunny days can look great, and the macro camera definitely surprises with its ability.

The selfie camera has a cumbersome beauty mode as standard, a portrait mode with only average edge detection, which can also wash out skin tones.

I found the ROG Phone 3's camera to be okay for general use. While there are more versatile camera phones, it's solid. For a gaming phone where the camera is always a secondary concern, it's much better than many expect.

Power and battery

Asus wants to "take the industry to the next level" with the ROG Phone 3. It has pioneered 120 Hz screens and high touch sampling rates and explains how best to use a high-end processor ROG Phone 2. For the ROG Phone 3, the 144 Hz screen wins 270 Hz touch sampling rate and the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 Plus processor with up to 16 GB RAM easily handle the current wars of smartphone data sheets.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The Snapdragon 865 Plus is a monster and the first mobile processor to exceed 3 GHz clock speed. In combination with 16 GB LPDDR5-RAM and 512 GB UFS 3.1 memory in my test phone, it is hard to imagine ever needing more power or capacity.

This is how it went in some benchmark tests:

3DMark Sling Shot Extreme: 6,601 volcano (Without X mode. App crashes with active X mode)

Geekbench 5: 970 single core / 3340 multi core

These values ​​exceed the ROG Phone 2, but are only slightly higher than the OnePlus 8 Pro. They are very similar to the Red Magic 5G, where the 3DMark test on the ROG Phone 3 was actually lower. However, this can be related to app problems as X mode is not active on the Asus phone.

The 6,000 mAh battery lasts two days, which seems somewhat disappointing given the total capacity. However, don't forget that it powers a lot of high-end hardware. According to Asus' own tests, 9.6 hours of Asphalt 9 Legends are played with a full charge compared to 5.7 hours with a OnePlus 8 Pro.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Asus has added a new PowerMaster app to extend the battery life. Interestingly, it has a slow charge mode, definable limits to make sure the battery doesn't stay 100% fit all night (not good for a long life, Asus says), and a choice of battery modes. Wired charging delivers 30 W of power, but there is no wireless charging.

If you take the phone apart, you'll find carefully placed WiFi antennas elsewhere to ensure the best possible portrait or landscape signal, four microphones positioned so that they won't be covered while playing in landscape mode, and 5G support. The cellular and WiFi reception was consistently excellent, and the call quality is also excellent. I don't have 5G reception in my region, so I couldn't test this aspect.

software

There are two main theme options on the ROG Phone 3: eye-catching, stylized themes and a classic theme so that the phone looks more like Android on a pixel. This is the same approach the company followed with the ROG Phone 2 and Asus Zenfone 6, and a very sensible decision. Both work identically, but the Classic theme undoubtedly makes the phone look more mature and may be a little faster for everyday use.

Apps are hidden in a drawer in both subject areas, while the notification shadow provides interactive notifications and there is a standard dark mode. Asus installs its own game app called Armory Crate, which stores all of your games together. You can define for each individual parameter, e.g. These include automatic activation of X mode, increasing the screen refresh rate and assigning macros. You can also change the system lighting here.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

I used swipe gesture controls that worked fine. Although there is an option that always appears on the screen, the notification options are limited, which reduces its usefulness.

Asus' software on the ROG Phone 3 was reliable and fast, and it's great to see the company continue the good work it started on the Zenfone 6. The built-in fingerprint sensor is fast and reliable and has a face unlock to secure it. I also had no problems with it.

Price, guarantee and availability

Asus did not announce the final price in US dollars for the ROG Phone 3 at the time of writing, but only the price in euros. The 16 GB / 512 GB version tested here costs 1,099 euros and a 12 GB / 512 GB version costs 999 euros. The phone will be available in Europe from the end of July, but will start with the basic version "Strix", which offers a Snapdragon 865, 8 GB RAM and 256 GB storage for 799 euros.

The ROG Phone 3 will be available in North America before September. We expect the euro prices to be converted directly to US dollars, which means that the 16 GB / 512 GB model should cost around $ 1,099. Asus will officially confirm prices when the U.S. launch date is announced. The cheapest Strix model is not sold in the United States.

Our opinion

The ROG Phone 3 is unrivaled among gaming phones. This should tell you everything you need to know if it's for you. It's a special monster that offers all the power everyone needs for just about any task they want to do on a phone. If a game doesn't run well on the ROG Phone 3, it won't run well on a phone.

What if you are not a big mobile player? The ROG Phone 3 is one of the best multimedia phones available. The video is outstanding due to the excellent screen and speakers of the phone. However, you won't be able to take advantage of the many game-centered features and may miss a better camera.

Is there a better alternative?

If you want a direct gaming smartphone, no. If you're looking for an all-round phone, the OnePlus 8 Pro for $ 900 offers good credentials and a lot of performance, while the Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus for $ 1,100 and the Oppo Find X2 Pro for $ 1,300 are flagship products that focus on the camera. Perhaps the best alternative to the ROG Phone 3 is the Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max, not only because of the performance of the phone, but also because of the games available on the App Store.

How long it will take?

Asus promises that Android 11 will be available for the ROG Phone 3 and will receive security updates for at least two years. However, no timeframe for the arrival of Android 11 has been set. The ROG Phone 3 is not waterproof. It is made of glass and is quite heavy, so it is advisable to buy one of the cool cases from Asus.

Aside from that, the massive specs keep the phone fresh to the touch in a few years, and Asus' efforts to help the battery perform better for longer should help add to the usefulness of the phone in recent years increase two years. If you want to hold onto your new phone, the ROG Phone 3 is a very safe purchase.

Should you buy one?

Yes. It is the mobile game champion who has the courage and the ability to make you a mobile game champion too.

Editor's recommendations




23 Jul
Blog

V-Moda M-200 Review: Studio Cans With Surgical Precision

V-Moda M-200 studio headphones

"The M-200 is able to reveal details that fewer headphones miss. It is a wired winner."

  • Very detailed and precise sound

  • Mids and highs are incredibly clear

  • First class materials

  • Very convenient

  • Balanced audio cable and input

  • Restrained bass reproduction

  • Flat EQ will not please everyone

  • Ear cups can fill up larger ears

-Moda M-200 It's been seven years since we got the hands and ears of V-Moda's $ 310 M-100 crossfade headphones. At that time we were impressed by the relatively new audio brand with the combination of the killer look and high-end audio chops of the M-100.

Now the company is back with its successor, the $ 350 million M-200. Can the new kid on the block still deserve our praise, although most of the new headphones at this price are now wireless and the original M-100 is only $ 250?

Time to find out.

design

Headphone design is a tricky business. You have to balance comfort, mobility, weight, ergonomics, style and, of course, audio performance. The V-Moda M-200 scores with only a few minor problems.

Material and workmanship are excellent. The M-200 combines robust metal ear cup pins and hinges with soft and supple synthetic leather.

The ear cushions are magnetically attached to the ear cup, making replacement a breeze when that day comes. Unlike many of the headphones I've tried, the pillows feel good whether you wear them with glasses or not.

Comfort, portability, weight, ergonomics, style and of course audio performance. Overall, the M-200 scores very well.

As the name suggests, the "FlexSteel" headband can be turned so far that you can use the headphones individually for quick monitoring or DJing. However, it maintains its shape when used normally.

I haven't used the M-200 for months, so I can't confirm how much abuse they will suffer, but their build quality creates a lot of confidence.

Although the M-200 is slightly heavier than some other high-end headphones at just over 10 ounces, it feels perfectly balanced once it is on your head. There is practically no movement between the firm but comfortable clamping force of the headband and the fit of the ear cups. I wouldn't hurry to jog with these puppies, but you definitely could.

For smaller heads, the minimum size of the headgear may be a little too large. I wore them like this and they were perfect for me – but just straight.

As comfortable as I found them, if your ears tend to stick out of your head, you may find that they touch the inner lining because the distance between the pillows and the inner surface is very small. Less than half an inch separates the sides of your head and the internal grille that protects the driver. Some headphones, like the WH-1000XM3 from Sony, are three-quarters of an inch or more, which gives a much more spacious feel.

My only small criticism of the design of the M-200 is the lack of a laterally rotatable hinge for the ear cups. Because of this, there is no way to lay them flat when worn around the neck, which leads to a somewhat uncomfortable experience. These impressively thin metal ear cup cones actually sat right on my collarbones and I couldn't leave them there for more than a few minutes.

Connections and cables

V-Moda M-200 studio headphonesSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

As wired headphones, you won't find any buttons, switches or touch controls on the M-200. Two 3.5mm connectors on the bottom of each ear cup are the only breaks for the otherwise very clean look.

The left connector is for a standard headphone jack (which is hard to find on smartphones these days), while the right connector is reserved for those who have access to a balanced stereo output.

Balanced outputs are even rarer in the personal audio world, but are common in audiophile devices and in professional studio environments. They are valued for their almost complete elimination of interference from one channel to another, which very demanding listeners claim to notice with unbalanced headphones.

The impressive design of the M-200 is that it not only uses a single cable, but also a single input. Most balanced headphones split their balanced cables into left and right connections.

V-Moda includes both a balanced cable and the more conventional unbalanced stereo cable, which is equipped with an inline microphone and a one-button remote control for handling phone calls and play / pause functions on most smartphones.

An individual look

V-Moda M-200 studio headphonesSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

After unpacking, the M-200 looks fantastic in my opinion. Designing headphones that don't look like they're trying to swallow your head is difficult – especially if it's an over-ear model.

This sweet aesthetic can be enhanced by choosing interchangeable metal shields.

And yet the M-200 is slim and unobtrusive thanks to the hexagonal shape of the outer shell of the ear cup and the metal cones that seamlessly continue the bow of the headband.

This sweet aesthetic can be enhanced by choosing interchangeable metal shields (the outermost plate of the ear cups). These increase the price of the M-200, but if you want your headphones to reflect your personal style, the $ 30 is well spent and the options are almost limitless.

V-Moda has kindly sent us a number of personalized Digital Trends shields for review – custom logos are another option.

portability

V-Moda M-200 studio headphones "class =" m-carousel - image dt-faul-no "src =" https://icdn8.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/v-moda-m-200-00010 -640x640.jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEASimon Cohen / Digital Trends

V-Moda M-200 studio headphones "class =" m-carousel - image dt-faul-no "src =" https://icdn9.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/v-moda-m-200-00009 -640x640.jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEASimon Cohen / Digital Trends

Since the M-200's ear cups cannot be rotated, the included hard-shell travel case has turtle-like proportions to allow for the additional height. The resulting bulbous shape will be difficult for most people to comfortably put in a backpack or laptop bag. Therefore, V-Moda contains a snap hook, with which you can attach the tote bag to the outside of your bag.

Despite the somewhat unfavorable shape, the housing is actually quite small, and the M-200 can be folded up admirably in a confined space, while still leaving space for both cables. An internal pouch for cable adapters would have been a nice touch – especially since you have to bring one unless your smartphone has a headphone jack – but unfortunately your adapters have to float freely in the main cavity.

Sound quality

The best way to describe the sound signature of the M-200 is "scalpel sharp". The sheer amount of detail they can render is amazing, especially in the mids and highs that usually compete with each other in smaller headphones.

This is not the case with the M-200, which creates a frequency separation that enables every instrument and every voice to be fully enjoyed.

As with the M-100, this precision can sometimes be painfully bright. The volume control on my smartphone was not nuanced enough when I tried to find the right balance of gain that allowed me to enjoy the excellent definition of the M-200 without causing pain.

Unfortunately for those hoping to repeat the impressive bass forward stance of the M-100, the M-200 has a reserved low end, resulting in the "flat" EQ so appreciated by audiophiles and professionals alike. But many people who don't fall into these categories may not be prepared for the M-200's smooth bass response.

The sheer amount of detail they can render is amazing, especially in the mids and highs.

Even on tracks that are very long to create a low-end that you can feel in your chest, like Boom Boom Pow from the Black Eyed Peas and Hans Zimmer Time, the M-200 is cautious about the bass and prefers him nuance over power.

It can be delicious: this balance brings out all the beauty of an acoustic guitar on a track like Road Trippin & # 39; by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and classic pieces with a full orchestra are a delight, especially if you don't like anything better than picking them out your favorite instrument.

But it can also be troubling: this level of purity has a degree of attack that those who are used to a customized EQ, like the type that tries to warm up the sound, sometimes find it uncomfortable.

When describing the sound stage of headphones – the imaginary space in which the music is played – we often use terms such as "broad" or "immersive". But here, too, the unique properties of the M-200 create a different set of adjectives. The placement of musical elements is remarkably precise. As I listened to tracks I'd heard dozens, if not hundreds, of times, I suddenly noticed subtleties – like a background voice or a light use of a tambourine – in a way I had never done before.

It is not clear that I did not know these elements. But with the M-200, they were able to occupy such a clearly defined space on the sound stage that it felt like I could turn around in my seat and actually see the instrument or vocals in question. If you've never heard this precision before, it's guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

Our opinion

Granted, $ 350 is a lot of money for headphones that aren't wireless and don't have active noise cancellation. But for those looking for tonal perfection, the V-Moda M-200 offers virtuoso performance for hundreds of dollars less than other audiophile options.

Is there a better alternative?

Finding an audiophile headphone with a balanced audio input can be shockingly expensive, making the M-200 an easily accessible model with this feature. As such, it is in a class of its own.

If you know everything about the M-200, but fear that its flat EQ doesn't suit your taste, then V-Moda's own M-100 Crossfade or M-100 Crossfade Master is the place for you. You lack the symmetrical input, but you'll find that the sound is warmer, the prices are cheaper, and the designs are practically identical, including the custom shield option.

How long will they last?

The V-Moda M-200 comes with a very generous two-year warranty. However, the company also offers the Immortal Life Replacement Program, which offers discounts on new V-Moda products if the M-200 loses its warranty after the failure.

This is a nice safety net, but given its excellent construction, I doubt you will need it.

Should you buy them

Yes. As long as you are looking for the highest audio precision in a comfortable and elegant set of wired sockets, the M-200 is guaranteed to be satisfactory.

Editor's recommendations




23 Jul
Blog

Acer ConceptD CM2 Review: Supreme Color Accuracy

acer conceptd cm2 review discarded dsc01031

"The Acer ConceptD CM2 balances its small stature with astonishing color accuracy."

  • Unsurpassed color accuracy

  • Unique design

  • Aspect ratio 16:10

  • Decent game screen

Creative people have to be choosy when choosing a monitor. The higher the resolution, the better and more accurate colors are a must.

But Acer believes there is a population out there that wants it in a smaller package. The new series of ConceptD monitors, which is primarily aimed at creative specialists, includes a 24-inch panel with a resolution of 1,920 x 1,200. The Acer ConceptD CM2 offers an aspect ratio of 16:10, which is refreshing in a world where monitors seem to be getting wider and wider.

Despite the likeable aspect ratio, it's far from the 4K 32-inch giants out there. The Acer ConceptD CM2 is priced at $ 400 and has to prove a lot if it wants to win over the creative professionals. Does the ConceptD CM2 do the trick?

design

When it comes to the design of the Acer ConceptD CM2, I really like what Acer did. When you take the display out of the packaging, you will immediately notice the weighty stand with an imitation wood base and an anodized neck. The neck of the display is simply screwed into the base from below. Then you can simply snap on the panel.

You will then be confronted with a display that has height adjustments and tilt functions, can be rotated in portrait mode and even rotated from side to side. Regardless of the arrangement of your desk, you can adapt the display to suit your ergonomic needs. A VESA mount is available for those who want to use their own monitor arms, but you will lose the charm of the ConceptD CM2.

Artists who prefer a tidy Zen workspace will appreciate the calm, natural design.

However, it is not perfect. The "ConceptD" text on the base and the grain in the wood effect do not perfectly match the plate. It is very close and it is just a small complaint that could be unique to our sample. Because the base rotates with the plate, we couldn't align the two even after the neck was reattached to the base.

Once you've ignored this bit, which isn't difficult, it's a nice monitor. The finish is beautiful and it comes with a slim bezel on three sides of the panel to complete the minimalist, almost Scandinavian look. Artists who prefer a tidy Zen workspace will appreciate the calm, natural design of the ConceptD CM2.

Connections and controls

When it comes to connectivity, Acer chose to keep things fairly simple. There is a main connector, two HDMI connections and a DisplayPort input on the rear I / O. Since these offer an entry into the audio channel, two two-watt speakers are also integrated on the display. You can also connect external speakers or headphones via the 3.5 mm audio jack.

As an ad for creative people, it is also nice to see an integrated USB 3.0 hub. A USB-B port handles the upstream connection, and then there is a USB 3.0 port on the bottom I / O and two more on the left side of the monitor.

However, there is a blatant gap: USB-C. I understand that many may not need it, but as a creative monitor, I really expected some kind of USB-C connectivity with power so that you could charge your laptop, power your display, play audio, and operate peripherals through one only cable. To be fair, it's a little more unusual for monitors under $ 500. Of course, if you are using this display with an older laptop or desktop, this is not a problem, but it must be considered in the interest of future security.

Take the LG UltraFine 4K display, for example. Though a few tiers higher for the price, it has a Thunderbolt 3 connection and can act as a docking station. It is child's play to ensure all connectivity to the USB-C ports of today's laptops with just a single cable.

The Acer monitor comes standard with factory calibrations for the sRGB, Adobe RGB and DCI-P3 color spaces, which can be easily selected via the OSD control panel (on-screen display) in the lower right corner on the back Monitor. Just click on it, click the top button to switch to color modes, and select the profile you want.

There are options for custom calibration profiles (for your own calibrations) in the OSD as well as the usual other options for changing brightness, contrast, gamma, black gain, blue light and more to perfect the image to your liking.

I like that the three most important options – color profiles, brightness and input selection – are available at the push of a button. You don't have to browse deep in the menus.

picture quality

The ConceptD CM2 has a 24-inch panel with a resolution of 1,920 x 1,200 pixels. That doesn't give you a lot of screen space to work with, but the CM2 deserves its brownie points elsewhere. The panel used is of the IPS type, which is still one of the most respected in terms of color rendering and viewing angle.

The monitor has a listed peak brightness of 350 nits and a static contrast ratio of 1000: 1.

The color accuracy of the ConceptD CM2 blew me away.

During testing, we found that the monitor can exceed its specified maximum brightness and reach up to 392 nits, and approached its specified contrast ratio at 970: 1. As promised, the display also covers 100% of the sRGB color space, 99% of AdobeRGB and 97% of the DCI-P3 space. All of this is very impressive.

The color accuracy of the display blew me away the most. Acer promises a Delta-E of <2, but delivers a lot more. Our tests showed an average Delta-E of 0.45 with a minimum deviation of 0.18 and a maximum of 1.0. These results are better than any monitor we have tested and will certainly make up for the high price of the display.

We calibrated the monitor ourselves to see if we could improve Acer's work, but as predicted, the results weren't much better – in fact, we found a decrease in contrast and slightly poorer color accuracy with a Delta-E of 0 , 62, which is still phenomenally good. Calibrating the display itself increased the AdobeRGB color space coverage by 1% and increased that number to 100%. All in all, however, we recommend using the factory calibration and a brightness suitable for you and leaving the rest untouched.

Gaming performance

Although it should be color accurate and nothing more, Acer has equipped the ConceptD CM2 with some extras that also make it good for games. In the OSD, you can jump to the "Performance" tab and find options for overdrive, adaptive synchronization, an FPS counter and a quick response.

So if for any reason you want to play on this display, you can turn on the overdrive for quick responses, as well as adaptive sync to sync your PC's frame rate with the monitor's refresh rate, resulting in smooth, jerky, and ripping results. free gameplay.

Of course, the refresh rate is limited to 75 Hz, but that's an increase over the standard 60 Hz that you'll find on most non-gaming monitors. If you only play casually, this is a nice experience.

For competitive games, of course, you should focus on a game-oriented display with a high refresh rate like the Razer Raptor 27. However, if you just start a casual title after a long day of work, the ConceptD CM2 can still do the job better than most 60 Hz monitors that don't have adaptive sync technology.

Our opinion

With the ConceptD CM2 from Acer, we scratched our heads at the first reception and wondered why someone would want to pay $ 400 for a 24-inch Full HD monitor. Promises of excellent color accuracy are often not kept, but Acer has proven that the stereotype is wrong. The 24-inch ConceptD CM2 immediately delivers extremely accurate colors, and our own attempt to calibrate the display has brought no improvements. This shows us that you are welcome to buy this display if you are looking for color rendering. Trust the factory calibration for years to come.

4K monitors lack the sharpness, but it's hard to find a $ 400 monitor with such good image quality.

Are there alternatives?

If the focus at this price is on color accuracy, the Acer CM2 is in a league of its own. Hardly any monitor at this price comes close to color accuracy and we don't see 99% of AdobeRGB at $ 400 every day, but the price you pay is in resolution.

The BenQ SW240 from two years ago is its closest competitor, but offers a less exciting design and lower refresh rate at the same price, and is becoming increasingly difficult to get.

However, when you're ready to swap part of the gamut and accuracy, the Dell UltraSharp 27 offers higher resolution, better finish, and more connectivity at a similar street price.

How long it will take?

Acer offers a three-year limited warranty on consumer and commercial monitors. This is a very appreciated fallback for an expensive purchase like this. With LED backlighting, the likelihood of failure is also low, and color rendering is likely to remain constant over the years, although you may want to recalibrate it after a few years.

The only big problems are the omission of USB-C and the low resolution. So think twice before you no longer want it.

Should I buy it?

Yes. If you're looking for an editing monitor and only care about color accuracy, the answer here is a resounding yes. However, if you want more screen space, more gaming performance, or more value, you may want to look elsewhere for a better balance between features and price.

Editor's recommendations




22 Jul
Blog

TCL 5-Series (S525) 4K HDR TV Review | Lots Of Work

TCL 5-Series (S525) 4K HDR TV test: A lot of work

"A good basic TV that's just not great."

  • Ideal for playing

  • Decent contrast

  • Attractive design

  • Roku app access

  • The out-of-box image needs to be edited

  • Frustrating image presets

  • Not particularly bright

My relationship with TCL TVs started two years ago when I checked the company's 6-TV for 2018. This model put TCL on the map among TV enthusiasts who had never considered the brand before.

Today TCL is the affordable brand to beat. Several models are just as powerful, if not better than the much more expensive competition. I think TCL can be thanked for a shift in the TV industry towards more powerful televisions with lower prices.

Where does the 5 Series 2019 stand in the TCL product range, and is it worth buying one with the 2020 product range from TCL, which is expected to hit the shelves in August? After all, a 65-inch model only costs $ 600, while the 55-inch variant only costs $ 400. These prices are hard to beat. But what can you expect from a TV at this price? Let's dive in.

Out of the box

The TCL 5 Series is a much better looking TV than I expected for the price. The top and side bezels are extremely thin, the profile of the TV is also quite thin, and the "feet" of the TV are also attractive, if not a little light and cheap.

I'm not a fan of the round button next to the TV's Roku logo, and the bottom is a bit big, but overall, the TV looks like it should cost more than it does.

TCL 5-Series Roku remote controlDigital trends Caleb Denison

The TV comes with an increasingly elusive composite video breakout cable, a set of AAA batteries, and a Roku remote control. This special Roku remote control has neither an integrated headphone jack nor a voice remote control, although private listening and voice control are available via the Roku app for iOS and Android. We'll be talking quite a bit about this app review in this article.

properties

TCL 5 seriesDan Baker / Digital Trends

The 5 Series is not a high-end television, at least not in the price. This TV does not offer local dimming zones for direct backlighting. This means that the TV on the screen has a much more uniform brightness than an edge-lit TV. However, since none of these backlights can dim, it can be difficult to offer deep black, especially in scenes with bright objects on a dark background.

Other than omitting local dimming, it is not apparent that corners have been cut. TCL does not speak often with its video processing, so there is no clear indication that the 5 Series is less powerful than its 6 or 8 Series cousins.

Like all TCL TVs, the 5 Series is a Roku TV. This means that you not only get a Roku home screen with customizable input names and apps, but also the interface through which you can make settings. I'm usually a fan of the Roku TV interface, but not so much with this TV.

configuration

TCL 5 seriesDan Baker / Digital Trends

Before I go on, I want to make it clear that I am not blaming TCL or Roku for the issues I want to highlight. I think it's a question of partnership and I hope that a firmware update will fix these problems in the future. That's the beauty of smart TVs: you can update them.

It is difficult to get the best picture quality because there is so much work to do.

In the past, my praise for the Roku TV operating system was due to the simplicity and ease of use of Roku. It is an accessible experience, even for people who are not technically inclined. Unfortunately, I lack the simplicity to get the best picture quality that concerns me.

The first thing to tell people when they get a new TV is to go into the picture settings and switch the TV to film mode (cinema, custom, etc.) and then adjust the backlight setting to match the to achieve the desired brightness. By default, the film preset (or an equivalent image) reliably takes on a warmer, more accurate color temperature and often eliminates motion smoothing, which can create the dreaded “soap opera effect”.

With the 5 series, the TV assumes a warm color temperature, but motion smoothing must still be switched off. No big deal, it happens.

This movie preset is now active for every input you have just been set to. Let's say you saw cable or satellite at that point. The movie preset is now activated and probably set up correctly. Now the user has to go to every other input he uses, e.g. B. HDMI 2 for a game console, HDMI 3 for a Blu-ray player, and select the film mode for each of them.

This also applies to streaming apps, which are not easily recognizable for most users. In addition, just opening an app like Netflix and choosing film mode is not enough. You need to start streaming a show to adjust the image settings. A bit of trouble, but forgivable.

But what if you accidentally chose a show or film to be presented in HDR (in the case of Netflix, this would actually be Dolby Vision)? You would now choose one of three Dolby Vision image modes: Dolby Vision Dark, Normal or Bright. OK, well, we can choose the Dolby Vision mode we like, but what about SDR content – what most people see most – on other apps like Amazon or Hulu? To customize film mode for SDR apps, you need to play some SDR content on one of these apps.

Sounds frustrating? I'm just getting started. We haven't talked about the regular HDR10 mode that you get with lots of YouTube content and lots of Amazon shows. There are also three modes for HDR10. If we add them all up, there are a total of seven different options between SDR, HDR and Dolby Vision that other image modes like game or standard do not include.

This is far too much work to find the right image preset. In addition, the backlight settings between the dark, normal, and light HDR modes (including Dolby Vision) are maximum, and yet something is happening in the background to brighten the screen.

There's also the question of whether the color temperature and amount of motion smoothing change between Dolby Vision modes, which doesn't make sense to me, and the anomalous "micro-contrast" setting that has something to do with contrast, but is unreliable and is puzzling. It also looks like the TV is dimmed locally if it isn't.

For any of you who is just lost, that's my point. The person who buys this TV will set it up, turn it on and may not touch any of the settings. This is a shame because the ready-to-use image preset with low power consumption is nowhere near the full performance of this TV and frankly doesn't look good.

And if the buyer dares to venture into the picture settings, it is difficult to get the best picture quality because so much work has to be done. I just don't see that in most people.

I suppose we should talk about this image quality now.

picture quality

TCL 5 seriesDan Baker / Digital Trends

As I just explained, the ready-to-use picture quality of the TCL 5 series TV is not particularly good. It's not poor, but a little overwhelming. This is particularly troublesome when this television can deliver fairly impressive images to the inexperienced eye.

It is an ace for games because of its low latency automatic mode, low input delay, and high refresh rate.

If you jump through the tires and optimize the settings for a better picture, you will be rewarded with seemingly very rich colors and impressive contrast. The last bit surprised me. The contrast of this TV is remarkably good considering that there is no local dimming. Since there are no dimming zones to be controlled, there are no annoying fluctuations in the backlight that have to be managed when viewing in a darkened room.

I was also pleasantly surprised at the diminution of halos around bright objects on a black background. Although the screen never turns pitch black, it gets dark enough to provide adequate contrast.

What does it all add up? An above average TV. It's good. Not very good. Definitely not great. But a solid good. It is an ace for games because of its low latency automatic mode, low input delay, and high refresh rate. The variable update rate is not supported, but this is not to be expected here. It's okay for general television. However, higher content like 4K HDR material deserves better.

Here's the thing: you can do better for not much more money, and I think you should. I'm a fan of TCL, but I can't recommend this TV if the company's 6 Series is so much better for a little bit more money. In addition, the Hisense H8G is a more impressive TV for just $ 100 more at 65 inches.

Do not get me wrong. A lot of people will bring this TV home and get along with it. There is nothing wrong with that. I just don't want people to bring this TV home and learn later that there is something much more pleasant that can be watched for just $ 100 more. Regret is an ugly thing.

Our opinion

At $ 600, the TCL 5 series offers great value for money with good picture performance and a mostly friendly Roku TV experience. Immediately ready-to-use image performance leaves something to be desired and it can be difficult to optimize the image settings for all content. Once adjusted, however, it can offer slightly above-average picture quality that most viewers will enjoy.

Is there a better alternative?

Yes. The TCL 6 series (R625) and Hisense H8G are both better televisions and cost only slightly more. In both cases, the upgrade is worthwhile. It is also worth noting that the Hisense is an Android TV. With this option, you lose Roku.

How long it will take?

So far I have had no problems with the longevity of TCL TVs. However, I only started testing it two years ago. Therefore, it is difficult to say that this TV should have a long lifespan in terms of hardware functionality. In terms of functions, it will lag behind very quickly.

warranty

TCL grants a one-year warranty on parts and labor when the TV is used for non-commercial purchases. More information about TCL's TV guarantees can be found here.

Should you buy it

It's okay to buy this TV if the value for money is appealing. Otherwise, you should spend a little more money to get a much better picture quality.

Editor's recommendations




22 Jul
Blog

Ring Video Doorbell 3 Review: Not a Proper Upgrade

Ring video doorbell 3 rating with silver front plate

"I wanted to be excited about the third generation Ring Video doorbell, but it wasn't as impressive as it should be."

  • Great two-way audio

  • Fantastic app

  • Easy to install

  • Alexa compatible

  • Fisheye distortion

  • Doesn't work with Google Assistant

The Ring Video Doorbell 2 was such a success that it reached our list of top video doorbells from 2020. So you can bet if the Bell video doorbell 3 came out, there were high expectations. Has the third generation model introduced some exciting new features? Here's what I found out when I tried it.

Ring video doorbell 3 with silver front plate

installation

As with most wireless video doorbells, installing the ring video doorbell is a breeze. All you have to do is screw the mounting bracket onto your door frame, insert the battery and attach the doorbell to the mounting bracket. The instructions in the app show you step by step how to set everything up, including connecting the new doorbell to your home's Wi-Fi network (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz).

After installation, you can use the doorbell to connect the doorbell to other ring products in your home, e.g. B. with other indoor / outdoor cameras from Ring, intelligent light bulbs, path and step lights and the Ring Solar Floodlight. After everything is connected, you can create tasks for the devices to work together. For example, if someone rings the doorbell, you can have your porch or other lights turn on automatically.

Ring video doorbell 3 batteryAlina Bradford / Digital Trends

If you want to hardwire the Ring Video doorbell 3, it's pretty easy too, as the app guides you through the app. Just make sure that you have a connection with a maximum of 8-24 VAC and 40VA and a doorbell transformer with 50/60 Hz. If you do not know this or do not know what it means, you may need to consult a professional installer.

design

When it comes to design, you will immediately find that the third generation device is a small piece in terms of video doorbells. The Ring Video Doorbell 3 is 5.1 inches tall and 2.4 inches wide and really sticks out of your door frame (or wherever you install it) and sticks out like an aching thumb. Choosing a slimmer doorbell such as the Nest Hello, the Arlo video doorbell or maybe even the older Ring Pro is sure to have a less visual impact. The front panel is available in two colors: silver and black. So you have a choice of how this affects the atheism of your front door.

Ring video doorbell 3 front panelsAlina Bradford / Digital Trends

A major design improvement over the last Ring Video doorbell is that the company made it easier to remove the front panel so you can access the battery. This may seem small, but nobody wants to struggle with their doorbell just so they can charge the battery. It simply clicks in and out with a small push. Once the cover is removed, pull out the battery and charge it with a USB cable that comes with the doorbell.

The carillon in the ring video doorbell 3 is not very loud. It sends notifications to your phone. However, if you don't carry your phone with you, you may not hear it. Couple the ring 3 with the RingAt just $ 30, this is a great way to fix the problem. The doorbell is a separate device that you plug into an outlet in your home. From there, pair it with the doorbell. When the button on the doorbell is pressed, the doorbell also sounds. It's loud and has a variety of chimes to choose from in the app, including special Christmas chimes.

Video and audio quality

In terms of video quality, nothing has improved since the second generation. This third generation model still has a 160 degree field of view at 1080p HD, which you would expect with video doorbells, so no complaints. The video is really clear when there are objects just a few meters away from the camera. further away it gets a little blurry. The colors are a bit subdued, but taking pictures is good. There are a few pixels when the object the camera is focusing on is moving quickly, but it tends to clear up quickly.

However, there is still a curvature around the edges of the video. I'm not sure why Ring didn't think it was important to fix this since other video doorbells like the Arlo have no problem with the fishbowl. The field of vision is also somewhat narrow vertically, so you cannot see the floor of the porch at the door where parcels can be placed by a delivery person.

Ring video doorbell 3 live video on app

The night vision is in black and white, which is not unusual for a wireless video doorbell. However, if you hard-wire the Ring Video doorbell 3, the video is colored. So you should take this into account.

Like its predecessor, the Ring Video Doorbell 3 does not have a local video memory. You must subscribe to Ring Protect. It starts at $ 3 a month or $ 30 a year for storing videos and photos. So it's not too expensive. Other video doorbell brands offer storage plans similar to Ring Protect for about the same cost, but August, for example, offers its users free video storage.

Clear audio is always a good thing, especially when there are strangers at the door.

The two-way audio of the Ring Video Doorbell 3 is really nice and clear. This is probably due to the noise cancellation technology. It is said to raise voices from outside noise and does a good job. Clear audio is always a good thing, especially when there are strangers at the door.

properties

Ring video doorbell 3 app

There is a new function which is an upgrade of the Ring Video doorbell 2. With the near zone function you can adjust how close or far the motion sensor detects motion. This prevents your notifications from being triggered all the time, for example if you have a sidewalk or a street near your front door. You can adjust the range from 5 to 15 feet to your needs.

It doesn't have box detection like some other video doorbells, including the Nest Hello.

The snooze and sensitivity functions also help reduce the number of warnings. The app lets you set notifications to sleep for 30 minutes to four hours. You can also reduce the sensitivity of the motion detector so that a notification is only sent when something big like a human is hanging around. Or you can simply set it to people-only mode so that only people are recognized. It doesn't have box detection like some other video doorbells, including the Nest Hello.

If you have no more notifications, you can activate Home mode even better. This function prevents the doorbell from detecting any movement at all. Note, however, that this mode also disables the live view feature.

Like the second generation device, this new one can be connected to Alexa. This way, you can see visitors on Alexa video devices like the Echo Show 8. You can also use any Alexa Echo device to speak to visitors who come to your door. An upgrade that would have made sense is adding Google Assistant features. However, this is unlikely.

Ring neighborhood warnings

In my opinion, the app is the best function of all ring video doorbells. It has so many features and so few glitches that it's a pleasure to use compared to other smart device apps. My favorite feature is the real-time crime and security alerts. You can also view current crime activity on a map of your neighborhood, weekly security reports, and more in the app. With these tools, you can always know what's going on in your neighborhood, which makes me feel safer.

Battery life

Ring the video doorbell 3 on the solar chargerring

Ring does not state exactly what the battery life is. However, I've found that you are more likely to charge it about every 3 months, depending on how often you use it. It seems to consume just over 1% of the battery life per day. If you don't like this idea, you can purchase a solar charger that is installed just behind the doorbell for $ 50. The solar connection is a new option that the second generation ring did not have.

privacy

The Ring Video doorbell 3 contains three remarkable data protection functions. After Ring was asked to hack several of his video cameras, he made two-factor authentication mandatory for his app and website. This is a great way to make sure your footage stays safe, and a feature that many smart devices overlook. Another smart privacy feature is the ability to turn off the camera's microphone if you don't want it to be recorded.

Ring Video Doorbell 3 privacy option

You can also prevent the camera from "seeing" certain parts of your garden by setting up data protection zones in the app. Wherever you set up a data protection zone, this area of ​​your garden is shown as a black box in the video.

Our opinion

While we love Ring Video Doorbells for its ease of use and great app, the third generation seems to be missing something – especially when you look at what else there is. While it's a great doorbell, it doesn't have any significant advantages over the Ring Video doorbell 2. If you already have a doorbell 2 and are thinking about upgrading, you might as well stick to what you have. Otherwise, the Arlo video doorbell is a better upgrade.

Is there a better option?

Yes. At $ 200, it's slightly more expensive than most other high-quality video doorbells on the market, such as Arlos' video doorbell ($ 149) with better video. Perhaps the only thing worth the extra cost would be that the ring app is the best, but if you go that route, you can also buy the ring bell 3 Plus for $ 230. The Plus has an additional feature called Pre-Roll that allows you to view an additional four seconds of video before a motion event is recognized by the doorbell.

How long it will take?

The ring video doorbell is made of thin plastic that doesn't last longer than a year or two. However, it is rainproof and the battery lasts at temperatures between -20 and 50 degrees Celsius. It also comes with a one-year limited warranty, and Ring will replace it for free if it is stolen.

Should you buy it

No. If you want a better ring experience, I would say spring for the 3 Plus ring doorbell. If you are on a budget, you can get the new bell (2020) for $ 100 less. If the ring app and ecosystem don't affect you, choose the Arlo video doorbell.

Editor's recommendations




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