The Best TVs Under $1,000

The TCL 6-Series is the best TV you can buy for under $ 1,000. Why? Because it's an excellent all-rounder that combines a full-color 4K Ultra HD screen with a fantastic range of essential functions, including impressive streaming options, intelligent design, Dolby Vision and HDR10.

However, if you are looking for something else in the market, there are many other TVs on our list that are worth your hard earned money. Whether you're looking for the biggest screen, the best picture, or the best gaming experience, we've got something great to decorate the TV console with. Follow below to find the perfect TV for your living room – and your budget.

(Don't see what you're looking for here? For more options, check out our lists of 2020's Best TVs and Best TVs Under $ 500.)

Best TVs under $ 1,000 at a glance

The best TV under $ 1,000: 65-inch TCL 6 series (2019)

tcl Roku 6 series (R625)

Why should you buy this: It has a fantastic 4K screen, versatile HDR performance and is equipped with Rocus's excellent intelligent software.

For whom it is: Anyone looking for great performance and intuitive usability at a great price.

Why we chose the 65-inch 4K TV of the TCL 6 series:

There are hundreds of televisions for less than $ 1,000, but none is as outstanding as TCL's 65-inch 6 series. TCL was once a brand that created a midrange slop. Today, TCL competes in the NFL of TVs, fights titans like LG and Samsung, and wins out in terms of value for money.

So what's so good about the TCL 6 series? Regarding the image, it advertises both Dolby Vision and HDR10 to extract additional details from an otherwise weak scene in low light conditions, such as: B. The inscriptions on a cave wall in an Indiana Jones movie. The localized dimming zones produce deep black and impressive contrast, and QLED display technology enables rich and vivid color reproduction to burst any scene.

In terms of software, it is controlled by Roku OS, which offers a ton of great features, from an intuitive user interface to thousands of streaming apps. Therefore, it should come as no surprise to hear that it is a one-stop shop for live and on-demand content that offers an instant portal for Amazon Prime Video, HBO Go, Hulu, Sling TV and Netflix a variety of lesser-known services so you can stream to your heart's content.

As a high-end 4K television, the TCL 6 series is also equipped with voice control. Simply press a button on the remote control and you can perform all kinds of voice prompts, from instructing you to search for a specific movie or viewing it at all preferred content providers, to adjusting the volume.

Here is a brief overview of some of the commands it understands:

  • "Find the Big Bang Theory."
  • "Switch to HDMI 3."
  • "Play Designated Survivor on Netflix."
  • "Turn off friends after this episode."

The best TV under $ 1,000 for movies and sports: 65-inch Quantum of the Vizio P series

Why should you buy this: There is no TV that is better suited for movies, sports, or most of the other things you see at this price.

For whom it is: Those who want to see movies, sports and other content with impressive brightness, beautiful black levels and rich colors.

Why we chose the 65-inch Quantum 4K TV of the Vizio P series:

While the 65-inch TCL 6-series is the best all-round value on our list, the 65-inch Quantum of the Vizio P-series is an absolute bargain at its new price. Yes, as you've probably noticed, this TV drives just over $ 1,000 in most stores, but it's worth adding to this list because it's just so good.

As the name suggests, the Quantum P-Series uses quantum dots to achieve incredible color rendering on its clear, vibrant screen. The full array backlight provides 200 local dimming zones for strong contrast when you watch your favorite films, and the impressive peak brightness really bursts out whatever you are viewing. This makes it great for movies (especially 4K HDR), but also for sports, TV shows, and almost anything else you want to see.

The television also has significant processing power to convert older content recorded in HD or Full HD to a higher 4K Ultra HD resolution. There are also HDR with multiple formats on board, including Dolby Vision, Hybrid Log-Gamma and HDR10. If you clump everything together, you get a spectacular contrast in the lightest and darkest moments, rich and natural colors and an impressively versatile, uniform screen.

In other words, you can spend your entire Saturday watching movies, and then switch to ESPN on Sunday for a full day of NFL, with the TV equally outstanding in both cases. No matter what type of content you are watching – whether old or new, a film or a sporting event – the Quantum of the Vizio P series will handle it with composure.

TCL's collaboration with Roku earned the 6s some brownie points in the software department to outperform them. However, the P-Series features Vizio's ever-improved SmartCast, which allows you to watch all of your favorite streaming videos in a variety of ways. In short, this is a fantastic TV and it can be worth increasing your budget to take it home.

The best TV under $ 1,000 for games: 55-inch Samsung Q60R

Why should you buy that?: It is a QLED that offers advanced gaming technology and at a great price for a Samsung screen.

For whom it is: Dedicated players who want to breathe new life into their gaming station.

Why we chose the Samsung Q60R 4K 55-inch TV:

Samsung's QLED TVs are the best in the industry (at least on paper) and use so-called quantum dots to provide a viewing experience that is far from that of conventional LED TVs such as the TCL 6 series and Vizio P series mentioned above is superior. Granted, it's not something the average consumer needs, but it will appeal to dedicated gamers.

In short, QLED TVs are LED TVs infused with quantum dots, a small semiconductor with nanometer dimensions, to improve performance. As a result, the processing unit on board the television can open up a much broader color spectrum and achieve a higher brightness, which leads to more vivid graphics.

Not only does the Samsung Q60R deliver a more impressive picture (Fortnite has never looked so good), it also has several features that dedicated gamers are sure to find useful, including an auto low latency mode that fires when a console is used Shutdown is detected Entry delay and FreeSync VRR for Xbox One X.

Let's not forget that the Samsung Q60R is a 4K TV rather than a dedicated gaming monitor. This is beneficial as it comes with all the intelligent features we expect from high definition TVs, including the company's UHD engine responsible for converting HD content to 4K Ultra HD.

It also ships with Tizen OS for TV. This is the component used by Samsung Wi-Fi TVs to get their “smart” status. Get instant access to all the leading live TV and on-demand streaming platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, CBS All Access, HBO Now, Hulu, and Netflix.

Research and buying tips

What TV size can I afford for $ 1,000?

You can find a 65-inch TV for less than $ 1,000.

Can I get an OLED for less than $ 1,000?

Unfortunately, not. OLED technology is only available on very high quality models and is not available for less than $ 1,000.

Can I use an HDTV or 4K TV with a PC?

Yes, as long as your computer has an HDMI output. Adapters can be used if this is not the case, although there is usually no audio.

Do TVs under $ 1,000 work with Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri?

Most modern TVs can be paired with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant via Amazon Echo, Fire TV or Google Home. Some televisions even have them installed, so that no separate device is required.

There are no TVs with Siri built in at the moment. However, those who support AirPlay 2 and HomeKit can be controlled with Siri on an iOS device such as an iPad, iPhone or iPod, and a Mac.

What outputs should TVs under $ 1,000 have?

HDMI is particularly important for the inputs and outputs. You want a TV with ARC that allows your audio to be streamed to a soundbar or an A / V receiver. All of the TVs we have highlighted have at least one of these connections and at least three HDMI connections, so that enough incoming video and audio channels are available in your setup for Blu-ray players, game consoles and set-top boxes.

Editor's recommendations




The Underpinning Reason That Stops You From Building Muscle

Luke Leaman is a trainer, fitness trainer and founder of Muscle Nerds, the company he founded after getting angry about the industry and the lack of empathy and science in it. He is also an acolyte of the great Charles Poliquin, who is unfortunately no longer with us, and a highly regarded pioneer in hypertrophy.

In this episode we discuss:

  • The reason that keeps people from building muscle
  • How to measure your overall health and stress status with three simple metrics
  • Why Leas mode is a secret to unlock your beast mode and much more

This is the latest in a series of interviews with some of the leading minds and pioneers in the industry today. A few things make these podcasts unique and I hope they are fun and inspiring: I try to curate the world's greatest hypertrophy experts.

Warcraft 3 Reforged Review: The RTS Classic Gets A Stale Update

Warcraft 3 reforged

Warcraft III Reforged Review: A mediocre remaster

"Warcraft III: Reforged is a much-needed remaster that is not entirely complete."

  • Preserve the best parts of the original game

  • Accessibility added in campaign

  • Custom cards are still glowing

  • Detailed new pictures

  • Missing key features

  • Frustrating mistakes

  • Outdated interface

Imagine a world without Warcraft III for a moment. In this reality, nobody uses the game's World Editor tool to create Defense of the Ancients. In return, Valve never acquired the rights to the mod and developed DOTA 2, a game that created the conditions for the modern esport boom. Similarly, the commercial success of Warcraft III World of Warcraft would not have given it an early dynamic. Without a leg up, will the latter become a massive mainstream success that will forever change the industry’s approach to games-as-a-service?

It's impossible to guess the storyline when it comes to hypotheses, but we rarely think about how very old favorites shaped the future of the gaming industry. With this in mind, Warcraft III: Reforged, Blizzard's new remaster of the 18-year-old strategy classic, comes at a fascinating time. Reforged lands in the modern landscape that accidentally shaped the original, giving us a rare moment to think about the legacy of Warcraft III.

While Warcraft III: Reforged isn't the full remake that some fans had hoped for, it's an effective, unfinished remaster that highlights the strengths of the original game with welcome graphical updates.

Relive a classic

Reforged doesn't change anything fundamentally about Warcraft III, and that's its greatest strength. If anything, the new version only reinforces what is so sustainable about the classic strategy. It's a fast paced game in which players have to beat their opponents in an arms race that rewards efficient multitasking and careful planning.

In the game, players collect resources to build structures, win new troops, and receive upgrades to help them fight. It's simple on the surface, but slowly getting more complex as players dive deeper into its hybrid strategy RPG systems.

Reforged doesn't change anything fundamentally about Warcraft III, and that's its greatest strength.

Mastering the game is a tripartite approach. It starts with the game's massive campaign, in which each mission is collected by both Reign of Chaos and the Frozen Throne expansion. The story still serves as an excellent fantasy adventure, but is also a useful tutorial in retrospect. The missions guide players through a number of different scenarios, from wave defense to targeted exploration, and introduce every playable race along the way.

Here you can slowly gather skills and see how the game can be played. Blizzard has skilfully strengthened this idea by making it more accessible in Reforged. Adding a story difficulty level helps shorten the game's learning curve and make it friendlier for new players.

Warcraft 3 reforged

Versus multiplayer remains the core of the game for seasoned fans, and Blizzard is careful not to rock the boat. While the mode offers a number of balance optimizations, the overall flow remains unchanged. It's easy to understand why people still play the game 18 years later. This is a well-matched competitive experience that can take a lifetime to master.

Finally, there's the custom element of the game that allows players to create their own maps and modes through an extremely powerful (and complicated) level editor tool. After almost two decades, custom content still remains the heart and soul of the game. The players pump out wildly different creations that are a joy. At some point, I opened a Star Wars mode and had to laugh when a huge Death Star swept across a chaotic battle scene.

Funnily enough, in addition to the tool, Blizzard has released a new policy for acceptable use that this card is now technically violating. Stricter politics has stirred up the game's community, worried about how this could limit the creative freedom that led to DOTA. It's too early to say whether Reforged has lost the 2002 freewheeling feel, but according to the list of currently available wild maps, it seems that the Blizzard community is not going to let their creativity stand in the way.

Warcraft III is still exactly what you make of it, and that's proof of the robust content suite of the original game, all of which are well preserved here.

A fresh coat of paint

The real selling point of Reforged is its aesthetic updates that modernize the outdated graphics of the original game. Gone are the days of flat textures, which are becoming increasingly difficult to recognize over time. Instead, Reforged's visual style brings the game closer to World of Warcraft and makes it more familiar to new players.

The characters are more detailed and expressive than ever, and even subtle changes bring new life to the game. The Warcraft series is full of personality, and the updated art style only underlines this strength. Falling back on one of the game's classic meta-easter eggs, the little animal explodes in a blood and bone well, leaving a big crack in the ground where it once stood.

Warcraft 3: New Forged

The point of a remaster is not to turn a game completely upside down. It is a matter of healthy game conservation. A good remaster makes players feel like they did when they first played the game, and the recent high-resolution upgrade from Shadow of the Colossus is a prime example of this. The original game was absolutely impressive in 2005, but will feel comparatively boring in 2020. The newer version communicates its early visualization excellently, without indulging in revisionist history to update the core experience.

Reforged takes a similarly effective approach, and it's a change that didn't feel very convincing at first until I switched the game to Classic View and found out how much detail my brain had filled in then.

The Warcraft series is full of personality, and the updated art style only underlines this strength.

The visual upgrade is effective, but it leads to another problem. The user interface feels prehistoric when placed next to the more modern look. So there is a strange tension between modern looks and modern looks.

In addition, story points feel flat due to the lack of dynamic camera work during the cut scenes in the game. Blizzard had originally planned to update them in Reforged, but that was scrapped somewhere along the way.

Warcraft III is fun, but cannot cross the line between a successful remaster and a full remake. The graphics are pimped, but the game's general approach may be too valuable in some places, causing some of the game's less flattering elements to surface.

The almost final edition

While Reforged forms the basis for the ultimate edition of Warcraft III, the current version of the game still feels like beta at times. With most new games, this wouldn't be a big problem. It has become the standard for service-style games to start with a reduced functionality and build slowly over time. Players spend their first months with a new game that learns its systems and finds the loops as improvements occur.

But reforged is a more difficult situation. Not only is it a remaster of an 18 year old game, it is also one that is built right into the 2002 release. This means that the classic edition inherits changes such as balance optimizations to enable cross-play between games, similar to what Blizzard does with Overwatch 2. It's an ambitious strategy that has given Blizzard a shorter grace period than the players you expect from modern games.

Clans, automated tournaments, custom campaigns, ladder functions and more are missing from the current build.

Unfortunately, the release on the first day doesn't quite stand the landing. Reforged has a fair share of errors that vary in size. The successful connection to custom games is a game in itself at the moment. There was an issue on several occasions when I loaded a campaign mission and was directed straight to a defeat screen, forcing me to restart the game.

Warcraft 3 forged again

The stranger thing about Reforged is Blizzard's decision to launch the game without certain features, some of which were available on the very first day of 2002. Clans, automated tournaments, custom campaigns, managerial functions and more are missing in the current build. The release feels particularly premature.

Missing features aren't a deal-breaker for the game in the long run, but they take some of the air out of a triumphant return to the past. A remaster should be an exclamation mark; a ceremonial punctuation mark for the performance of a game. Reforged is more of an ellipse where players have to ask: "and …?"

Instead of having a moment to think about Warcraft III, fans are now focusing on Reforged's shortcomings, which are more distracting than outdated graphics.

Our opinion

The highest praise I can give Reforged is that it is still Warcraft III. The outstanding single player campaign and the strategic multiplayer action are well preserved here. The updated graphics are a welcome addition, replacing the outdated graphics of the original game with an expressive new look.

Unfortunately, the launch version of the game is far from complete, as bugs and important missing features prevent the current build from being the final version of Warcraft III. It'll probably get there sometime, but it's strange that a remaster feels like it starts over and doesn't present an end point.

Is there a better alternative?

I would say classic Warcraft III, but this game has now inherited many of the problems that plague Reforged. At the moment, Starcraft II: Remastered is scratching a similar itch while Blizzard smoothes things out.

How long it will take?

Overall, the campaign will take 30 to 40 hours, but the Versus multiplayer and custom maps make it a truly endless experience spanning 18 years.

Should you buy it

Yes, if you liked the original. It's still one of the best strategy games of all time, though it's still a long way to go before it's a final version of Warcraft III.

Editor's recommendations




The Six Pack of Knowledge: Thought Leaders in Hypertrophy

Find our podcasts: iTunes, Google Play, Spotify, YouTube, Stitcher, PlayerFM, PodBean

This is a series of interviews with some of the leading minds and thought leaders working in the industry today. I am your host, Tom MacCormick, a personal trainer and online coach. A few things make these podcasts unique and I hope they are fun and inspiring: I try to curate the world's greatest hypertrophy experts. I think we got off to a good start with the experts listed below.

Second, I constantly work with clients in the gym and online, people who face challenges that are unique to them, but all have the common goal of being fit and healthy and showing these results in their bodies. So I have a lot of questions and experiences about the conversations in these podcasts.

All of these podcasts, individually or collectively, represent the latest in human performance and hypertrophy training. It is based on solid research, extensive expertise and knowledge gained through real training practices.

Nerding Out on Muscle Growth, Strength, and Repeat Schemes

The Six Pack of Knowledge: thought leaders in hypertrophy - fitness, bodybuilding, performance, elite, hypertrophy, elite programming, knowledge, growth hacking, podcast, training programming, sense of growth

Greg Nuckols is a record-breaking powerlifter, fitness author, podcaster and all-round training nerd owner of Stronger by Science. He wants to help lifters and trainers train smarter.

In this episode we discuss:

  • The predictors of muscle potential
  • Training guidelines for hypertrophy
  • The role of strength in hypertrophy
  • Why he doesn't drink the effective repetitions of Kool-Aid

Muscle dysmorphism and building a first-class leg set

The Six Pack of Knowledge: thought leaders in hypertrophy - fitness, bodybuilding, performance, elite, hypertrophy, elite programming, knowledge, growth hacking, podcast, training programming, sense of growth

Adam Bisek is a trainer who is at home both personally and online. He describes his job as an opportunity to change lives. To this end, he also believes that personal training should be exactly as described, personally.

In this episode we discuss:

  • How muscular dysmorphism shaped Adam's fitness trip
  • How he got perspective and realized that his struggles were indeed a blessing in disguise
  • The importance of intent if you want to succeed
  • How to build a premium leg set

The reason that keeps you from building muscle

The Six Pack of Knowledge: thought leaders in hypertrophy - fitness, bodybuilding, performance, elite, hypertrophy, elite programming, knowledge, growth hacking, podcast, training programming, sense of growth

Luke Leaman is a trainer, fitness trainer and founder of Muscle Nerds, the company he founded after getting angry about the industry and the lack of empathy and science in it.

In this episode we discuss:

  • The reason that keeps people from building muscle
  • How to measure your overall health and stress status with three simple metrics
  • Why Leas mode is a secret to unlock your beast mode and much more

Get bigger, get stronger, get smarter

The Six Pack of Knowledge: thought leaders in hypertrophy - fitness, bodybuilding, performance, elite, hypertrophy, elite programming, knowledge, growth hacking, podcast, training programming, sense of growth

Daniel DeBrocke is a strength and conditioning trainer who mainly works with power lifts and an educator who works hard to share his knowledge without asking for anything. As a competitive powerlifter, it holds a total of £ 1,700. DeBrocke also wrote: Is lifting heavy weight important for building muscle? among other great articles about Breaking Muscle.

In this episode we discuss:

  • How he took himself from 165 to 286 pounds
  • How beginners can build muscles most efficiently
  • How advanced lifters should sort their training for optimal progress
  • Pivot blocks, strategic variations, labor capacity development and more

Control the chaos of training in CrossFit

The Six Pack of Knowledge: thought leaders in hypertrophy - fitness, bodybuilding, performance, elite, hypertrophy, elite programming, knowledge, growth hacking, podcast, training programming, sense of growth

James Fitzgerald has more than 20 years of experience as a strength trainer. He was also the CrossFit game champion in 2007 and is the founder of OPEX, the educational provider for coaches looking for career success, longevity and fulfillment.

In this episode we discuss:

  • Control the training chaos for CrossFit
  • Why you shouldn't let energy systems work if you want to build muscle
  • The importance of the intestine for muscle and strength gains
  • Why a cyclical approach makes sense for your trade and diet

The role of cardio in hypertrophy and why CrossFitter are so jacked up

The Six Pack of Knowledge: thought leaders in hypertrophy - fitness, bodybuilding, performance, elite, hypertrophy, elite programming, knowledge, growth hacking, podcast, training programming, sense of growth

Kyle Hunt started his fitness journey as a £ 85 child who wanted to wrestle and is now running an online strength and fitness consultancy. He prides himself on helping people achieve their goals as time efficiently as possible.

In this episode we discuss:

  • The role of cardio in hypertrophy
  • Why CrossFitter are so jacked up
  • How to program cardio if you want muscle mass without getting out of breath and tying your shoelaces
  • How to periodize both your workout and your diet for maximum results
  • The forgotten training phase that so many people miss

Exercise frequency and stubborn muscle groups

The Six Pack of Knowledge: thought leaders in hypertrophy - fitness, bodybuilding, performance, elite, hypertrophy, elite programming, knowledge, growth hacking, podcast, training programming, sense of growth

Juma Iraki is the founder of Iraki Nutrition, a Norwegian company made up of sports scientists, athletes, nutritionists and researchers who provide training and nutrition, education and advice services to companies and athletes.

In this episode we discuss:

  • Training frequency for size and why it is a variable. Many people get wrong phases of specialization for stubborn muscle groups
  • How many calories do you need to build muscle?
  • How fast you should gain weight when bulking
  • The two additions that work and the other two that might work

Three simple changes for strength and growth

The Six Pack of Knowledge: thought leaders in hypertrophy - fitness, bodybuilding, performance, elite, hypertrophy, elite programming, knowledge, growth hacking, podcast, training programming, sense of growth

Wolfgang Unsoeld from Your Personal Strength Institute is a Stuttgart-based trainer who has worked with top athletes from 20 different sports. However, the vast majority of his business spends working with customers from the general population with whom he has built a reputation as the world's leading provider of body transformations.

In this episode we discuss:

  • The similarities and differences between gene pop and elite athletes
  • The most important measuring instruments with which he tracks progress
  • The three simple changes he makes to his clients' training, eating and living habits
  • And a popular new fashion trend that is little more than an illusion designed to sell programs

Keystone habits of a slim body

The Six Pack of Knowledge: thought leaders in hypertrophy - fitness, bodybuilding, performance, elite, hypertrophy, elite programming, knowledge, growth hacking, podcast, training programming, sense of growth

Our guest for this episode is Abel Csabai. Abel went into the nutrition and training game as part of his quest for personal growth. He started the podcast "Sustainable self-development". Hundreds of hours of podcasting and his own fitness journey gave Abel the opportunity to be looked after and educated by some of the best in the business, which allowed him to put all of these philosophies together to create his unique view of things.

In this episode we discuss:

  • The hard lessons he learned when trying to get big and torn
  • The basic habits for maintaining a slim body
  • The power of mindfulness
  • And realistic body fat proportions for cutting and bloating

Building muscle whether you have elite genetics or not

The Six Pack of Knowledge: thought leaders in hypertrophy - fitness, bodybuilding, performance, elite, hypertrophy, elite programming, knowledge, growth hacking, podcast, training programming, sense of growth

Our guest for this episode is Menno Henselmans. Menno is an online body trainer, scientific researcher and fitness educator who traded his company car for his passion for fitness.

In this episode, consider the following in detail:

  • When there are really tough winners
  • How to predict your genetic potential for muscle growth
  • Realistic muscle growth rates
  • How to determine your ideal training volumes and frequencies
  • The fact that Menno has stopped counting in how many countries he lived at 50! Yes, 50!

Put your head in the muscle building game

The Six Pack of Knowledge: thought leaders in hypertrophy - fitness, bodybuilding, performance, elite, hypertrophy, elite programming, knowledge, growth hacking, podcast, training programming, sense of growth

Our guest for this episode is Valentin Tambosi. Valentin is a Natural Pro bodybuilder, prep coach and educator as part of the Intelligent Strength Coach program.

His passion for training shows up in this episode and you can really feel that he enjoys helping people achieve their fitness goals.

In this episode, we delve into the following:

  • The mindset required to build muscle
  • The intensity of the effort required
  • Creation of the ideal training environment
  • The power of visualization
  • And we go into the basics of programming training in detail to maximize growth. In particular, the identification of the 3 most important pillars of muscle building

We round off the show with some important training strategies for chest, biceps and back.

Maximize your return on investment in the gym

The Six Pack of Knowledge: thought leaders in hypertrophy - fitness, bodybuilding, performance, elite, hypertrophy, elite programming, knowledge, growth hacking, podcast, training programming, sense of growth

Borge Fagerli's background as an engineer and later as an entrepreneur and CEO has enabled him to integrate his methods into a step-by-step system that can change your health, appearance and performance both mentally and physically.

Borge has been in the industry for over 20 years and develops “Myo-reps” – one of the most time-efficient and effective training strategies for building muscle.

As a 45-year-old father and business owner, Borge is an expert in how busy men can achieve exceptional results without having to give up their lifestyle.

In this episode, we delve into the following:

  • What causes muscles to grow?
  • Effective repetitions
  • Junk volume
  • Maximize your return on investment through training
  • Myo-reps

And a shocking revelation about him!

Stay open, but skeptical to achieve elite performance

The Six Pack of Knowledge: thought leaders in hypertrophy - fitness, bodybuilding, performance, elite, hypertrophy, elite programming, knowledge, growth hacking, podcast, training programming, sense of growth

Our guest for this episode is Dr. Andy Galpin. Andy is a professor at the Center for Sports Performance at CSU Fullerton. He is a pioneer in the field of human performance education and has his finger on the pulse of all innovative modalities with which you can improve your sporting activities.

In this episode we deal intensively with muscle building. Andy channels both his inner brother and inner nerd to give you a variety of golden nuggets to take and use to improve your results.

The number 1 factor that determines whether you build muscle, strength and strength

The Six Pack of Knowledge: thought leaders in hypertrophy - fitness, bodybuilding, performance, elite, hypertrophy, elite programming, knowledge, growth hacking, podcast, training programming, sense of growth

Dr. John Rusin is a leading expert in the fitness and sports performance industry for the painless performance training model that combines the world of strength and conditioning with clinical exercise-based diagnostic medicine to provide the ultimate result-based methods.

In this episode we discuss red flags that may be holding you back, the 6 basic movement patterns, and how to develop strength in them, how to make your body bulletproof, and why strength is never a weakness.

The difference between discipline and motivation at JC Deen

The Six Pack of Knowledge: thought leaders in hypertrophy - fitness, bodybuilding, performance, elite, hypertrophy, elite programming, knowledge, growth hacking, podcast, training programming, sense of growth

Our guest for this episode is JC Deen. JC has been in athletics for over a decade and is now working as a fitness consultant for fitness enthusiasts and athletes around the world.

It gets people in shape and helps them learn how fitness can complement their lives instead of governing them.

In this episode, we discuss the importance of having a mentor. The psychology to achieve your goals. The lessons he learned were torn apart for the first time. How to develop positive habits and rituals, a surprising fact about your past and much more.

Increase the ROI of your diet and training with Eric Bach

The Six Pack of Knowledge: thought leaders in hypertrophy - fitness, bodybuilding, performance, elite, hypertrophy, elite programming, knowledge, growth hacking, podcast, training programming, sense of growth

Eric Bach describes himself as a bacon, bourbon, coffee connoisseur and overly invested sports fan. He has been helping high school, college and professional athletes for a decade. Helps boys build confident, strong and athletic bodies. Works both in person and online.

Eric has tried all of the BS gimmicks in the industry. Discovered that they didn't work and reduced his training to the following motto: "Success lies in the tireless pursuit of the basics."

Below we discuss the basics of building an athletic and aesthetic body, the most important muscle building habits you need to know, common mistakes most lifters make, how fast you can build muscles realistically, and much more.

The thin advantage with Brad Borland

The Six Pack of Knowledge: thought leaders in hypertrophy - fitness, bodybuilding, performance, elite, hypertrophy, elite programming, knowledge, growth hacking, podcast, training programming, sense of growth

Brad Borland started out as a skinny 125-pound child weighing six feet and two inches. He started strength training at the tender age of fourteen, and a few years later became a competitive, drug-free, natural bodybuilder weighing 220 pounds. Now, armed with knowledge and muscles, he has helped countless people at home and abroad.

Brad is also a university lecturer with a master's degree in kinesiology and a certified strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS) from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).

We discuss a wide range of topics, including why people use genetics as an excuse, realistic win rates for a natural lifter, how to filter the information overload that bombarded the modern lifter, and Brad's preferred way of exercising when you want to build muscle as quickly as possible.

Strategies that can lead you from good to great in the gym

The Six Pack of Knowledge: thought leaders in hypertrophy - fitness, bodybuilding, performance, elite, hypertrophy, elite programming, knowledge, growth hacking, podcast, training programming, sense of growth

Our guest for this episode is Dr. Joel Seedman. With over 15 years of experience in personnel and team training, strength training and nutritional advice, Joel works with a large number of customers.

To maximize performance and health, Joel focuses on improving his clients' muscle function and movement mechanics. In this way, all characteristics of performance, fitness and health improve – regardless of the athlete or training goal.

In this episode, we delve into the causes of muscle growth, the role of genetics in muscle and strength gains, the benefits of eccentric isometry, factors that could hamper your progress, and Joel is the most interesting man on the planet.

Reignite the passion – lessons from a world champion

The Six Pack of Knowledge: thought leaders in hypertrophy - fitness, bodybuilding, performance, elite, hypertrophy, elite programming, knowledge, growth hacking, podcast, training programming, sense of growth

Our guest for this episode is Damian Lees. Damian is a personal trainer, online prep coach and WNBF Pro Natural Bodybuilder. At the World Championships, he took second place. In the interview we go into detail about how you can apply the principles and strategies he has learned from years as a competitive natural bodybuilder at the highest level to your own training. These tips will help you maximize your results.

We discuss the mistakes he has made in the past on how to reconcile family, work and social life with elite performance, which prevents people from making the progress they are capable of doing at home equip and much more!

How to be ruthlessly efficient in the gym

The Six Pack of Knowledge: thought leaders in hypertrophy - fitness, bodybuilding, performance, elite, hypertrophy, elite programming, knowledge, growth hacking, podcast, training programming, sense of growth

Our guest for this episode is Michael Goulden. Michael is a personal trainer and founded his training facility Integra in 1997. Since then, he has integrated movement mechanics into neuromuscular preparation to develop a uniquely sustainable approach to health, fitness and performance. He has also become one of the UK's leading fitness educators.

In this episode, we delve deeply into all aspects of exercise mechanics. In conversation we discuss:

  • The importance of exercise mechanics for training efficiency
  • Considerations for individualizing the process
  • Active V passive
  • Align exercises and programs with goals
  • And a complete challenge for the contractile reach of the muscles

Feedback welcome

If you liked these podcasts and you cared about them, rate and rate them so that we can spread the word and motivate and inspire others to take their performance to the next level.

If you are interested in working with me or learning more about my approach, follow me on Instagram @tommaccormick or visit my website tommaccormick.com.

Electrolux EFLS627UIW 4.4 Cubic Feet 600 Series Front Load Washer Review

electrolux efls627uiw press render

Electrolux EFLS627UIW 4.4 cubic feet 600 series front loading washing machine

"When used correctly, the stain-fighting power of this Electrolux machine is impressive."

  • Reversible door washing

  • Fit a lot in the machine

  • Better performance when using a POD

  • Steam option for deep cleaning

  • Long wash cycles overall

  • Bad stain remover if only detergent is used

  • No hand washing option

The Electrolux Perfect Steam ™ washing machine with front loader and LuxCare Wash and SmartBoost was developed to combat stains. When used correctly with the right stain control agents, it does a good job. However, these functions are a waste for people who only want to use detergent in their laundry and nothing else.

Big and brave

The white (also available in gray) washing machine is full of frills, and most of them have one goal: stain removal. In true Electrolux fashion, the front loader model is attractive – the type of machine that you would expect in a custom home. Perhaps our favorite design feature is the reversible door of the washing machine, so it can be used in almost any large room with installation restrictions.

In true Electrolux fashion, the front-loading washing machine is attractive – the type of machine that you would expect in a custom home.

The 4.4 cubic foot washer measures 38 x 27 x 32 inches (H x W x D) and is therefore not ideal for more compact washrooms. These dimensions are not far from the slightly larger 4.8 cubic foot Maytag MHW6630HC0. The Elektrolux accompanying dryer Electrolux EFME627UTT is similar in size. Like most washing machines these days, you can purchase an optional 15-inch pedestal on which you can place it so you don't have to bend down to use the machine.

Simple panel

The Electrolux Front Load Perfect Steam washing machine has a lot of settings and we found that navigating was a breeze. The cycle selector offers options for heavy duty, whitest whites, normal, active wear, color, 15-minute quick wash, delicate wash, rinse and spin and clean washing machine. Once you have selected a setting, you can adjust the temperature (disinfect, hot, warm, cold and tap color), the type of floor (solid floor, max, heavy, normal and light) and the spin speed (max, high), medium , low and no spin).

For additional stain control, you can also choose between StainSoak and Perfect Steam. When using the StainSoak feature, you can also choose the type of stain you want to remove (chocolate, blood, or a stain). There are also options for Extra Rinse, Wrinkle Release, Extended Refresh, Delay Rinse and Control Lock. As with most washing machines, there are restrictions on what options you can add to a wash.

On the far right of the control panel you will find the Start / Pause, Cancel and PODS buttons. On the far left of the machine is a pull-out drawer into which you can fill detergent, fabric softener, bleach and even the pods. If you choose to use a pod for your washing needs, also press the PODS button on the control panel. There is also a stain treatment liquid compartment that you want to fill when using the StainSoak function. This option extends a cycle by approximately 10 minutes.

The LED display also has a variety of instructions. In addition to the large digital timer (you can see how much time is left from a distance), you can choose the type of stain you want to treat, mute the sound, and check if your wash combination is environmentally friendly. The letters "close door" light up when the door is not locked.

Once you have loaded items into the device, press the power button to select your settings. The digital display shows relevant symbols and an estimated time how long the charging process will take. We should note that many of the cycles on this machine take well over an hour. However, if you're in a hurry and have a small load, you can use the 15-minute cycle to clean clothes that aren't stained.

A stain on performance

With all of the stain removal options available, we were keen to love the Electrolux 600 series washing machine. Unfortunately not so much. We can say that using a POD instead of a standard detergent made a significant difference. This is probably because a POD usually contains more than just laundry detergent. In our tests, however, as in our practice, we only used basic HE detergent and did not add any additional stain control or detergent.

Using a POD instead of a standard detergent makes a significant difference in performance.

We ran different loads over a few months and were satisfied with the results. When it was time to test the stain removal functions, the results were a bit mixed. We washed a basic load of minimal stain clothing on Delicates and selected Normal Soil, Cold, and Low Spin to remove almost all of the stains. To be fair: an item had a stain that we have been trying to remove for months.

To really put it to the test, we sprayed cooking oil, red wine and hot sauce over T-shirts, heavy cotton shorts, polos, khaki pants and a buttoned shirt. We leave these stains on for a few hours. We did not use a stain remover and washed these items with the "Normal" setting with warm temperature, normal bottom, medium spin and perfect steam. While these settings may not be optimal to combat stains in this machine, we usually test all washing machines. Sixty-eight minutes later, when the cycle was complete, we still saw the residue of some stains. When washing the items again in a longer cycle using some of the stain control settings specific to this model, the results were much better and almost all of the stains were gone.

warranty information

The Electrolux washing machine comes with a one-year guarantee that covers parts and labor. During the second year of operation, Electrolux pays for the replacement of defective parts. In addition, the manufacturer will cover the inner wash tub for the life of the product and the wash tub drive motor for ten years. Workers are no longer included after the first year.

Our opinion

In the end, the Electrolux Front Load Perfect steam scrubber with LuxCare Wash and SmartBoost can do a good job of fighting stains, but you need to make sure that you are using the right stain remover and settings. If you are someone who likes to use PODs, you will appreciate the space available in the dispenser and will likely get more stain control power from them. However, if you don't want to add extra detergents to your laundry load, this may not be the best solution.

Is there a better alternative?

We were more impressed with the Electrolux EFLS537UIW front loading washing machine with LuxCare washing system, which costs less and removes stains better when only detergent is used. However, the model is a bit smaller. That said, Electrolux models generally have deceptively large tubs, so you should be able to easily fit king-size duvets into them. It really depends on what you want, and our washer and dryer shopping guide can help you decide which features are most important to you.

How long it will take?

Front load washers typically do not last as long as top load machines. usually have a longer lifespan than front loading washing machines. The experts say a washing machine should last between 10 and 14 years, and is probably closer to 10 than 14.

Should you buy it

We weren't so impressed with the machine's stain-fighting abilities – although there were plenty of them. For a washing machine that costs over $ 1,200, it really should have been better to clean clothes. If you need a reversible door washing machine, we recommend that you check out other Electrolux models with some basic stain control features.

Editor's recommendations




Build Shoulder Strength to Avoid Injury

The shoulder. Maybe it's not the best design out there, but it does allow people to do some pretty amazing things. When you think about which joints in the human body are most susceptible to injury, there is healthy competition between the shoulder and knee for the top spot,

But it's not a fair fight. The knee is a highly complex hinge joint designed to deal with an insane force in the frontal and sagittal plane that is inherent to the flexion and extension of the joint. The knee contains a series of stabilizing ligaments (ACL, PCL, MCL, LCL) and menisci (medial and lateral) that offer additional stability and act as shock absorbers to deal with varus and valgus forces as well as internal and internal forces.

The shoulder joint and the surrounding muscles, on the other hand, are a kind of ball joint that was primarily developed to stabilize the glenohumeral joint. While this allows for amazing flexibility and freedom of movement (certainly much more freedom of movement than the knee), all of this flexibility and complexity can make the shoulder more susceptible to injury.

Build shoulder strength to avoid injury - fitness, injury prevention, pushups, shoulder, kettlebell, barbell, upper body exercises, stretcher, packed shoulder, shoulder health, whistle, shoulder strength, upper body workout

The shoulder is under pressure

Conclusion: The shoulder is not well designed to deal with the horizontal and vertical forces that we exert on it in strength and condition, But with intelligent programming and thoughtful extra work, you can train hard, push big weights, and avoid the kind of injuries that we've all probably had one or two times and get stronger in the process.

Because of the range of movement that the shoulder is capable of, it is important to train the surrounding muscles so that they are strong in as many of these ranges of movement as possible.

At Gym Jones, we use a series of isometric grips where we ask the shoulder muscles to do what they were designed to do – stabilize the glenohumeral joint. For example:

  1. Double kettlebell / barbell rack
  2. Overhead kettlebell / barbell wears
  3. Mixed kettlebell / dumbbell bears
  4. FLR planks
  5. ring boards
  6. Side boards
  7. Light weight presses with isometric overhead handles
  8. Squat overhead
  9. Slosh pipe carries and holds

Build shoulder strength to avoid injury - fitness, injury prevention, pushups, shoulder, kettlebell, barbell, upper body exercises, stretcher, packed shoulder, shoulder health, whistle, shoulder strength, upper body workout

We also use a number of additional shoulder exercises to get as strong as possible in different areas of movement, including:

  1. Dumbbell side elevations
  2. Leaning over rear delta flies
  3. Breast flies
  4. pushups
  5. Parallel pushups
  6. Ring pushups
  7. pull ups

Feel free to add these shoulder-specific movements and exercises to your existing programming if they are not already available, Remember to stay light enough to ensure perfect technique and only increase weight if you can do it perfectly. Technology is of paramount importance in shoulder work. Don't let your ego sneak in!

Increase your training and increase your strength

As with all other types of training Your sets and rep structures should be progressiveStart at the lowest volume that will adjust and work to the maximum that you can recover from. Go out there and build some bulletproof shoulders.

Electrolux EFME627UTT 8.0 Cubic Feet 600 Series Front Load Dryer Review

Electrolux washer and dryer side by side

Electrolux EFME627UTT 8.0 cubic feet 600 front loader electric dryer

"This top-of-the-range model offers a variety of functions that are ideal for a busy family or a household."

  • wrinkle control

  • Spacious

  • steam option

  • Fast drying cycle

  • Cycles can run longer than the assigned time

  • Short cycle works best with smaller loads

The electric Elektrolux front-loading steam dryer with PredictiveDry and immediate update is very spacious and can process several blankets. The best thing is that the internal LED lighting of this model can help you find the missing sock in the columns of the dryer.

Built for bulky items

The white dryer (also available in gray) offers all first-class functions, including steam with wrinkle removal. This Electrolux model in combination with the washing machine of the Electrolux 600 series gives even the most boring washrooms in the basement style. Like most dryers, the Electrolux has a reversible door. Perhaps our preferred design feature is the basket style lint filter, as it is easy to clean and has twice as much space to collect dryer waste.

The 8.0 cubic foot dryer measures 38 x 27 x 31.5 inches (H x W x D). Although you can get an accessory to stack it on the washing machine, you will probably enjoy it more if you place it side by side. Page. The accompanying disk of the Electrolux is similar in size. If you're looking for a more ergonomic setup, an optional 15-inch base is available, so you can use the machine without stooping.

The Electrolux Front Load Perfect Steam 600 dryer is equipped with user-friendly settings. You can select cycles for heavy / hand towels, allergen, normal, active wear, mixed load, 15-minute quick drying, delicates, time drying and instant updating. Once you have selected a cycle, you can adjust the temperature (disinfect, high, normal, low and air drying), the degree of dryness (max, high, normal, less and moist) and the drying time (auto, 75 minutes) 60 min, 45 min and 30 min). Additional options include Perfect Steam, Anti-Static, Eco, Wrinkle Release, Extended Tumble, Delay Time and Control Lock. The options you choose depend on which drying cycle you originally selected.

On the far right of the control panel are buttons for start / pause and cancel. The LED display has a large digital timer (you can see the remaining time some distance away) and information about the sound of the machine, the lock and whether it is an environmentally friendly charge. You do not have to ask yourself whether it is time to clean the fluff filter, because if so, the letters "Clean fluff" light up on the display. Once you've loaded items into the device, press the power button to select your settings and press Start. The timer on the digital display tells you how long the cycle should last.

drying Dynamo

We used the Electrolux dryer for a few months and were happy with the results. In general, the cycles ran slightly longer than indicated on the digital display. However, it usually didn't take more than ten minutes. You can also change the settings during a cycle by pressing the Start / Pause button, making the new selection, and then pressing Start.

The 15-minute drying cycle works excellently for small loads in an emergency.

During our tests, we made two loads of different items, including delicates, tablecloths and shirt blouses. We dried the clothes with Activewear, Normal Temperature and Normal Dry as well as the automatic time setting. After 35 minutes the rather heavy load came out dry. In addition, we put a dry, wrinkled shirt in the dryer and activated the instant update cycle with the "perfect steam" option. Although the top did not come out perfectly, most of the wrinkles were removed. We appreciated the 15-minute drying cycle, which works great with small loads.

warranty information

The Electrolux dryer has a one-year warranty on parts and labor. During the second year of operation, Electrolux pays to replace defective parts, but after the first year there are no more workers.

Our opinion

The Electrolux Front Load Perfect steam dryer is a solid machine. This top-of-the-range model offers a variety of functions that are ideal for a busy family or a household. However, if you only need a simple dryer, this model is more than you want.

Is there a better alternative?

We were impressed with this dryer and are comparable to other high-end models available. If you're looking for a solid, less frills model that costs less, check out the LG DLE7100W. The dryer is a bit smaller at 7.3 cubic feet and costs about half the price. When you buy a dryer, you should make a list of the main features. Read our washer and dryer shopping guide for an idea of ​​what's available.

How long it will take?

According to experts, this Electrolux front-loading dryer should have a lifespan of 10 to 13 years.

Should you buy it

The Electrolux Front Load Perfect steam dryer of the 600 series is impressive and equipped with functions that are extensive. You'll pay for it though – this dryer costs over $ 1,300. While this is expensive, you are unlikely to replace it until ten years from now.

Editor's recommendations




Are You Layering Your Skin Care Routine In The Right Order?

While it may seem complicated to figure out, layering skin care products in the right order is much easier than you might think, especially when you consider the different formulas in a routine. "Typically, the order in which you apply your skin care products should start with the lightest to richest consistency," Alicia explains.

In addition to the consistency rule, also consider the function of each product. Certain skin care products prepare the skin for a routine and help the subsequent steps to better absorb and balance the skin for a radiant, healthy complexion. You should use effective ingredients – such as those in serums – to penetrate the skin so that they have more time to absorb cells and go to cell repair. End with products that include all of these ingredients – after all, applying barrier products too early makes it difficult for ingredients to penetrate the skin.

How to layer your skin care products in the right order

Here is the recommended order that you can incorporate into your daily schedule:

1. Toner

One of the most frequently skipped steps Toner should be included in every skin care regimen! Often packed with antioxidants and moisture, a toner, moisturizing mist or tonic follows cleaning and nourishes the skin. Boldijarre Koronczay, President of Eminence Organic Skin Care, says it best. "Toners are important for maintaining fresh, revitalized skin all year round, putting on mineral make-up, balancing the skin's pH after cleansing, or soothing the skin after an invigorating workout."

Moisten a round of cotton with your favorite Eminence Organics toner and gently rub over the face and neck area.

Second being

Applying an essence is a must to add moisture and prepare the skin for the next steps in your routine, A light formula that increases the skin's ability to retain moisture. An essence improves the absorption of ingredients – perfect if you want to get the most out of your routine.

“As a rule of thumb, you have to apply an essence after cleansing and toning and before the serum. I recommend using it in the morning and evening as part of your daily skin care routine, and you can even spray it on throughout the day to refresh yourself, ”recommends Natalie Pergar, Eminence Organics Lead Skin Care Trainer

After toning, shake a few drops of essence in your palms, warm the product in your hands and gently press it into your skin.

Eminence Organics facial sera

3. Serum, concentrate, facial oil

After preparing your skin with toner and essence, apply effective and nutritious serums or concentrates. Serums are often rich in antioxidants, so it makes sense that they are completely absorbed. If you are addressing or want to address certain skin problems, it is recommended that a concentrate or serum be applied at this point in the routine for best results.

Apply your serum or concentrate to the palms of your hands and then gently dab it on your face and neck. You can also use a facial oil to include these ingredients and increase hydration before continuing with your skin care routine. Here is an important tip from Boldijarre when using a facial oil: "Put three to four drops of oil in the palm of your hand and gently rub your hands together to warm the oil without" squeezing "it. Then press the oil into your skin with an open palm."

4. Moisturizer

Even if your skin is oily, a moisturizing moisturizer is essential to trap moisture and protect it from the many conditions it is exposed to day and night! Moisturizers support the natural skin barrier and keep your complexion strong and healthy.

For best results, apply your favorite serum or facial oil moisturizer while the skin is still moist. This will help lock in moisture and the nutrient-rich ingredients you just applied to your skin.

5th Eye cream

This sensitive area is often left behind in skin care – but it is the area of ​​your face where signs of aging appear first! Apply a moisturizing Apply an eye cream to your moisturizer and gently dab it around the eye socket, targeting fine lines or crow's feet and the under-eye area.

6th SPF (daytime)

For a daily skin care routine, Sun protection should be the last step (don't forget!). Physical and mineral sunscreens prevent harmful UV rays from penetrating the skin and causing aging-accelerating damage. For daily use, it is a good idea to find a moisturizer that contains sunscreen.

7. Night cream (in the evening)

If you don't end your day with one Overnight face mask, a rich and moisturizing cream is the perfect last step for nighttime skin care. What is the difference between a moisturizer and a night cream? These specially formulated products are thicker and heavier than everyday moisturizers, so they really go to work, seal in serums, and protect the skin during sleep hours to prevent moisture loss. The skin works hardest at night while we sleep, rejuvenate and repair the cells. Therefore, the use of a night cream with vegetable oils and extracts is strongly recommended.

Applying products in the correct order for skin care is important but well known When to use them is also important. While many like to finish their skincare and go straight to bed, we recommend waiting around 20 to 30 minutes. The products can penetrate shortly before bedtime, so that you have no more night cream on your sheets than on your face!

Would like to Are you creating a skin care routine or do you need help fitting the right skin care products into your routine? Learn about the different types of skin care products available at the closest Eminence Organics partner spa.

Overhead Stability: A Strength Training Must

In this video tutorial, recorded with an active and loud Precision CrossFit, I will introduce a series of movements based on creating overhead stability. Overhead stability is really lost in many athletes, and I've seen that since I started strength conditioning. I want you to think about the muscles required to hold weights above your head or to stand on your head.

Increasing awareness of these muscles is essential for my strength training programs. I use it for everyone. The exercises in this video will really help you find the right way to maintain this solid hull, reduce the risk of injury, improve your shape, and ultimately lead to major increases in strength and overall performance.

video Index
00:50 Overhead walk with barbell
01:49 Overhead walking lunges
03:25 Snatch Grip Barbell Walk
04:23 Clean grip barbell walk
05:15 Snatch Grip Barbell Walking Lunges
05:50 Clean Grip Barbell Walking Lunges
06:12 Box Pike Handstand Push Up Hold
07:28 Hold handstand
08:33 Hold wall covering handstand
09:22 Bottom-up kettlebell press
09:52 recommendations

GoPro Media Mod Review: A Must-Have Accessory For Content Creators

Gopro Media Mod review presented cropped

GoPro Media Mod Test: Turn your action camera into a YouTuber dream

"With its latest accessories, GoPro goes beyond extreme athletes to celebrate the vlogger."

  • Integrated microphone

  • Adds HDMI 3.5mm microphone ports

  • Two normal cold shoes

  • Easy to use

  • Still no headphone jack

  • The audio quality is not always better

The GoPro Hero8 Black is already the best action camera you can buy, but it should never reach its full potential. One of the key features promised when it was introduced was to support Mods, a collection of three official GoPro accessories that connect to Hero8 and expand its functionality.

Of these, the $ 79 Media Mod is by far the most important. It not only extends the input / output functions of the GoPro and adds a miniature shotgun microphone, but is also the centerpiece to which the Display Mod and the Light Mod are attached. While we had previously tested the Light Mod alone for our Hero8 Black test, we couldn't use it until we later received a Media Mod attached to the camera.

GoPro's goal with the Media Mod is to consolidate Hero8's position as a capable vlogging camera and break the stereotype that GoPros are only used for extreme sports.

Of course, people have been attaching microphones and lights to their GoPros for years, but there has never been a solution as elegant as the Media Mod. It feels like the most thoughtful accessory that GoPro has made, and one that many vloggers and YouTubers have should find a home.

Set up and use

The Media Mod is a frame that completely encloses the Hero8. You must first remove the Hero8's battery compartment, then the camera is simply slid into the frame and connected to the USB-C port. This single connection powers the Mod's shotgun microphone as well as the USB-C, Micro-HDMI and 3.5mm ports on the back of the Mod.

These exposed connectors mean you won't get GoPro's legendary waterproofing, but it should be able to deal with bad weather. It rained during our test and we found no problems.

The Mod's built-in microphone consists of two, one in the front and one in the back. You can select which one you want to use in the camera settings.

You can connect an external audio source via the 3.5 mm socket. You can choose the type of input from the menu, including activated microphone, deactivated microphone or line-in, as well as the option to add 20 decibels of gain. Note that connecting an external microphone overrides the other audio options.

The Media Mod also adds two cold shoes, one on the top and one on the right. Fortunately, these are standard size shoes, which means that they also work with non-GoPro accessories. This makes it easy to attach an external microphone, monitor, or light – you don't have to buy GoPro's light and display mods if you already have other options.

Audio quality

If you consider the Media Mod just as a means to improve the audio quality with its built-in microphone, you may be disappointed.

Compared to a bare Hero8 Black, the sound quality of the built-in microphone in the Media Mod appears to be more accurate and less subdued. Objectively, it is better and power users will probably prefer it.

However, many people will find the warmer, better processed sound of the Hero8's built-in microphones desirable. The voices are a bit lower and the background noise is reduced compared to what you can hear with the Media Mod, even if it sounds less natural.

Part of the problem is that the Media Mod microphone is not very long. In comparison to an external Rode VideoMic, the difference in direction is clear. The VideoMic was less sensitive to off-axis noise, while the Media Mod microphone had a sensitivity of almost 360 degrees and was only slightly biased towards the front sources.

The option to add an external microphone is part of what makes the Media Mod a worthwhile accessory. However, some GoPro owners would probably prefer a cheaper option that doesn't have a built-in microphone.

Worth the investment?

The Media Mod lays the foundation for making your Hero8 Black a powerful production tool, but there are a few entry barriers.

First, it only works with the new Hero8 Black. Hero7 and older owners are out of luck.

Second is the cost. While $ 79 is barely exorbitant for the Media Mod, fully equipping your Hero8 with all three mods would add $ 210. That is more than half the cost of the camera.

While some Hero8 owners might be hesitant to drop this kind of money to modify a camera that will no doubt be replaced this year, GoPro CEO Nick Woodman Digital Trends has hinted that future hero cameras will have the latest mods would remain compatible.

This is by no means a guarantee, but GoPro at least recognizes that introducing a redesigned, incompatible camera for the next generation would rub customers in the wrong direction.

Our opinion

The Media Mod was designed for a small subset of GoPro Hero8 owners, but this group of people will find it a welcome addition. It solves many of the problems inherent in an action camera in a way that minimizes handling.

As such, the Media Mod may not offer the leap in audio quality that some customers would expect. For those who already have external microphones and want the simplest solution to connect them to their GoPros, this is an obvious choice.

Is there a better alternative?

No. The Media Mod may not be the all-end all-audio solution for you. However, since it makes connecting an external microphone almost effortless, you still need it.

How long it will take?

It's hard to say, but we don't expect the Media Mod to be out of date for at least the next generation or two GoPro cameras. In terms of durability, it feels very good and should withstand wear and tear.

Should you buy it

Yes, if you want to use your Hero8 Black in any situation outside of extreme sports.

Editor's recommendations