Articles by John Archer

AV Technology Contributor

John has been writing about home entertainment technology for more than two decades - an especially impressive feat considering he still claims to only be 35 years old (yeah, right). In that time he’s reviewed hundreds if not thousands of TVs, projectors and speakers, and spent frankly far too long sitting by himself in a dark room.

Articles by: John Archer

The Hisense 116UX on display at CES 2025

How RGB Mini-LED will transform the premium TV landscape in 2026

By John Archer published 26 December 25

Mini-LED TVs that use RGB backlighting tech will arrive in a wider range of screen sizes from a wide array of brands in 2026. Should OLED TVs be worried?

I tested Samsung’s unique ‘two-way’ Dolby Atmos soundbar, and it sounds great in both setups

By John Archer published 15 June 25

Recommended

Samsung’s most flexible soundbar ever proves that convenience doesn’t have to trump performance.

Samsung S90F showing colorful abstract image

Samsung S90F 65-inch review: more affordable QD-OLED TV image quality comes of age

By John Archer published 1 June 25

Editor's Choice

Samsung’s latest mid-range Quantum Dot OLED TV boldly takes on more established OLED rivals while costing hundreds less than the brand’s flagship S95F series.

Samsung QN900F showing image of cupcakes

Samsung QN900F review: an 8K TV good enough to sway 8K cynics

By John Archer published 5 April 25

Editor's Choice

Samsung’s QN900F expertly delivers the few bits of true 8K content now poking their head above the parapet, and is also a 4K video and gaming super star.

LG G4 OLED TV mounted on wall showing abstract image

LG G4 setup tips: how to get the best from 2024’s most popular OLED TV

By John Archer published 26 December 24

The LG G4 is one of 2024’s top TVs. Here’s our advice on how to expertly fine-tune this already great-looking OLED.

Samsung Q80D TV review: great QLED pictures at an attainable price

By John Archer published 3 July 24

Recommended

Samsung's top QLED TV offers much of what makes the company's Neo QLED mini-LED TVs great but at a more attainable price.

The Samsung S32G80SD sat on a table alongside an Xbox Series X.

Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 review: a supreme 4K gaming monitor

By John Archer last updated 3 July 24

Editor's Choice

It’s not cheap, but the new Samsung Odyssey S32G80SD is a 32-inch 4K gaming monitor that is definitely worth it.

LG Z3 OLED TV review: extraordinary 8K pictures at a hefty price

By John Archer published 18 June 24

Recommended

With 8K content still hard to find, is there any point in buying LG’s pricey flagship 8K OLED TV? Surprisingly, we think there is.

A range of Samsung TVs next to each other, in a long row

New OLED TVs are brighter than ever – here’s what that means for LCD's future

By John Archer published 14 April 24

Samsung, Sony, TCL and more are launching ultra bright LCD TVs in 2024 but next-gen OLED is increasingly catching up.

I lived with Samsung’s S95D QD-OLED TV for a week, and it’s a game changer

By John Archer published 29 March 24

Why Samsung’s S95D QD-OLED TV might have the final say in the LCD vs OLED debate.

The Panasonic MZ980 on a table with the remote to the side of it

Panasonic MZ980 review: a mid-range OLED TV that punches above its weight

By John Archer published 16 March 24

Recommended

An affordable Panasonic OLED mid-ranger

Sony A80L TV on a table showing a movie selection

Sony A80L review: a fantastic mid-range OLED TV for movie lovers

By John Archer last updated 15 March 24

Recommended

Can the mid-range Sony A80L OLED TV without brightness-boosting bells and whistles still compete with the latest OLED superstars? Yes, if you appreciate the finer things.

Samsung S95C OLED TV showing abstract image on wood table

Samsung S95C review: a brighter, better OLED TV that looks great from any angle

By John Archer last updated 15 March 24

Editor's Choice

Samsung says its sophomore Quantum Dot TV is brighter, cleverer and more colourful than its predecessor. But can it really deliver a big step forward just a year on from the technology’s debut?

Samsung S90C review: a brighter OLED TV for a lower price

By John Archer last updated 12 March 24

Editor's Choice

Second-tier quantum dot OLED puts on a first-class show

Why Sony’s X95L TV reveals a brand boldly determined to swim against the tide

By John Archer published 3 March 24

While other brands are all about OLED, Sony seems to be headed in the opposite direction.

Sony X95L review: A mini-LED TV marvel with boosted brightness and contrast

By John Archer published 18 February 24

Editor's Choice

A mini-LED masterpiece that feels like the shape of things to come

Samsung Premiere LSP9T projector review

By John Archer last updated 13 February 24

Best in Class

The Premiere LSP9T is the fanciest of two new ultra short throw DLP laser projectors Samsung first unveiled to an unsuspecting world in 2020.

Samsung Q80C showing colorful image onscreen

Samsung Q80C review: mid-range QLED marvel, and a great TV value

By John Archer published 22 November 23

Recommended

With Quantum Dot colours and excellent light control, Samsung’s mid-range Q80C QLED TV delivers the goods at an affordable price.

Should you buy an 8K TV in 2023? I just tested the best in the world – here are the pros and cons

By John Archer published 15 October 23

Offering four times as many pixels as 4K, 8K TVs have a lot of advantages but they are still up against some challenges.

Samsung-QN900C TV on table with smart hub interface on screen

8 pro tips to make the Samsung QN900C 8K TV's screen look mind-blowingly good

By John Archer published 12 October 23

Want the best from Samsung’s flagship QN900C mini-LED TV? We've put together a handy guide for all the settings worth changing.

Samsung QN900C review: this awesome TV keeps the 8K flag flying

By John Archer last updated 9 October 23

Editor's Choice

With native 8K content still stubbornly hard to find, Samsung is out to prove with the QN900C that mini-LED 8K TVs can still make a difference. Provided you can afford them...

Samsung HW-Q800C soundbar and subwoofer on a black table

Samsung HW-Q800C review: the best-value Dolby Atmos soundbar in town

By John Archer published 4 September 23

Recommended

Samsung's new mid-range soundbar is the best performer we've heard for this price so far, and really takes the fight to Sonos and Sony

The Samsung HW-Q990C soundbar system pictured in a living room on a wooden table

Samsung HW-Q990C review: the best Dolby Atmos soundbar experience on the planet

By John Archer published 7 July 23

Editor's Choice

Samsung’s soundbars have set the home theater audio pace, but with improvements thin on the ground, is the brand's progress grinding to a halt? Maybe, but it doesn't matter.

Why the Sony A80L OLED TV proves that brightness really isn't everything

By John Archer published 20 June 23

The world of OLED TVs' diversity is its strength, and the race to chase the highest brightness doesn't automatically mean far superior results.

The Samsung-QN95C with a mountain landscape screensaver

Samsung QN95C review: a super-bright mini-LED TV that thinks it's an OLED

By John Archer last updated 29 April 23

Editor's Choice

With far more local dimming zones than its predecessor and an improved processor, the Samsung QN95C is a good reminder that there's innovation in TVs outside of OLED.

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