Derek Malcolm
Contributing Editor – AV + Home Theater
Derek Malcolm is a Toronto-based technology journalist, editor, and content specialist whose work has appeared in publications such as Toronto Life, Canadian Business, The Globe and Mail, Business Insider, Today's Parent, The Huffington Post, and IT World Canada. Derek has been covering the worlds of technology and entertainment for more than 20 years and is currently a Contributing Editor and Writer for the AV and Home Theater section at Digital Trends. When he's not obsessing over turntables, vintage audio gear, streaming devices, or what movies and shows to binge, Derek can be found at home spinning vinyl with his daughter.
Marshall Middleton review: a road-worthy portable powerhouse
Marshall's Middleton Bluetooth speaker does its classic guitar amp lineage proud with a sound that's big and clear and a sturdy gig-worthy design.
Spotify gets first major redesign in 10 years with TikTok-like scroll
Spotify today announced its first major redesign in a decade, bringing a more discovery-focused UI reminiscent of social platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
How to connect a stereo pair of Apple HomePods to your Apple TV
How to connect a stereo pair of Apple HomePods to your Apple TV
Apple's latest HomePod sounds great. But as a stereo pair with an Apple TV 4K, the spatial audio sound can rival the best soundbars. Here's how to set it up.
The best TV brands of 2023: from LG to TCL, which should you buy?
The best TV brands of 2023: from LG to TCL, which should you buy?
Anytime is a good time for a new TV! We've broken down the best TV brands on the market to help you decide which model should land in your living room.
LG’s new XBoom XL7 and XL5 speakers offer a portable sound and light show
LG’s new XBoom XL7 and XL5 speakers offer a portable sound and light show
LG has announced two new party speakers in its XBoom lineup, the XL and XL7, each with big bass, karaoke features, and fun LED light show functions.
The best projectors you can buy in 2023
The best projectors you can buy in 2023
Home theater projectors can deliver an awesome big-screen experience, offering some of the most impressive visuals out there. Here, we've rounded up the best.
The best turntables for 2023: from U-Turn, Pro-Ject, Rega and more
The best turntables for 2023: from U-Turn, Pro-Ject, Rega and more
Vinyl records are everywhere, but they only sound as good as the turntable you play them on. From beginners to audiophiles, here are the best for every budget.
Best earbuds for making phone calls for 2023
Best earbuds for making phone calls for 2023
Want to quickly narrow down the best earbuds for making and taking phone calls? We've rounded up a list of the top picks, with pros and cons for each.
Definitive Technology’s new speakers bring the boom from another Dymension
Definitive Technology’s new speakers bring the boom from another Dymension
Definitive Technology's new Dymension Series speakers bring the boom with seriously powered subwoofers and its patented bipolar array for immersive sound.
Best Apple AirPods alternatives for 2023: from Bose, Sony, Marshall, and more
Best Apple AirPods alternatives for 2023: from Bose, Sony, Marshall, and more
Apple's AirPods may be iconic, but they're not alone. If you're looking for alternatives that compare in sound, features, and price, here are some of the best.
JBL Pulse 5 review: decent sound, trippy lava-lamp light show
The JBL Pulse 5 Bluetooth speaker isn't going to blow you away with its sound, but it might with its beautifully trippy lava-lamp lights and waterproof design.
The best 4K Blu-ray players for 2023
The best 4K Blu-ray players for 2023
A great 4K TV needs a capable Blu-ray player to match. Here's our list of the best players on the market, with options for both budget-shoppers and cinephiles.
How to set and change your Netflix primary location
How to set and change your Netflix primary location
Netflix's crackdown on password sharing will require users to set and even frequently update a primary location for their household. Here's how to do it.
The best Roku TVs of 2023: which should you buy?
The best Roku TVs of 2023: which should you buy?
Roku TVs take advantage of one of the best smart TV platforms to make a simple streaming experience. But not all Roku TVs are created equal. Here are the best.
Best wireless speakers for 2023: Apple, Sonos, KEF, and more
Best wireless speakers for 2023: Apple, Sonos, KEF, and more
How do you choose the wireless speaker that's best for you? Our picks offer great sound and flexible connectivity options, with each geared for different needs.
Best AirPods Max accessories for 2023: cases, stands, and more
Best AirPods Max accessories for 2023: cases, stands, and more
The AirPods Max are a beautiful pair of premium headphones, but for all that money you spent, you need to accessorize from our list of cases, stands, and more.
The best OTA DVRs for cord cutters in 2023
The best OTA DVRs for cord cutters in 2023
Why pay for cable or satellite when local broadcasts are free? These OTA DVRs pay for themselves, and some can get you ready for the next wave in TV tech.
KEF’s R Series Meta speakers absorb noise like an acoustic black hole
KEF’s R Series Meta speakers absorb noise like an acoustic black hole
KEF is adding the same high-end sound-absorbing technology found in its premium speakers to the more affordable new R Series Meta lineup.
The best Google TVs of 2023: from Sony, Hisense, and TCL
The best Google TVs of 2023: from Sony, Hisense, and TCL
A Google TV platform nets you many of the benefits of a Chromecast without the need to buy one. These are the latest and greatest TVs with Google's software!
U-Turn Orbit Theory review: nothing theoretical about this stellar turntable
With the Orbit Theory, scrappy turntable maker U-Turn makes the jump to premium territory and take on the big kids with an excellent record player for everyone.
McIntosh’s new $8,000 AVR: gigantic power, with a Dolby Atmos catch
McIntosh’s new $8,000 AVR: gigantic power, with a Dolby Atmos catch
U.S. audio brand McIntosh has launched a powerhouse of an AV receiver, the 7.2-channel MHT300 that promises a whopping 120 to 150 watts of power per channel.
The best Bluetooth speakers for 2023: Marshall, Sonos, JBL, and more
The best Bluetooth speakers for 2023: Marshall, Sonos, JBL, and more
Choosing a Bluetooth speaker can be a tough task, which is why we've put together this roundup to shine a light on all the best speakers for 2023.
NAD’s CS1 adds wireless streaming music to any audio system
NAD’s CS1 adds wireless streaming music to any audio system
Audiophile component makers NAD announce the CS1 Endpoint Network Streamer that can turn any legacy hi-fi system into a wireless music system.
The best subwoofers you can buy in 2023
The best subwoofers you can buy in 2023
The best subwoofers make sure you don't just hear your favorite movies — you feel them too. If you're looking to add more rumble, these are the best picks!
The best speakers for 2023: great hi-fi options for music and more
The best speakers for 2023: great hi-fi options for music and more
From critical music listening to furniture-shaking home theater, a great pair of speakers can make all the difference. We found the top picks on the market.
Q Acoustics M20 HD review: not just any old Bluetooth speakers
The Q Acoustics M20 HD Powered Wireless Music System punches well above its weight and shouldn't be dismissed as just another set of desktop Bluetooth speakers.
The best headphones for swimming in 2023
The best headphones for swimming in 2023
Music is a must for any workout, even swimming. Here, we've selected the best of the best watertight headphones.
The best audio gear from CES 2023
CES 2023 didn't disappoint when it comes to new audio tech in the form of speakers, headphones, and even hearables. Here are some of our favorites this year.
CES 2023: Audio-Technica adds a mic to its iconic M50x headphones to target creators
CES 2023: Audio-Technica adds a mic to its iconic M50x headphones to target creators
Audio-Technica has taken its iconic M50x headphones and upgraded them for live streamers and content creators by adding a mic and USB connectivity.
Victrola’s Stream Onyx turntable makes listening to vinyl over Sonos more affordable
Victrola’s Stream Onyx turntable makes listening to vinyl over Sonos more affordable
Pioneering audio maker Victrola unveils the Stream Onyx at CES 2023, the second Sonos-powered record player in its lineup of network-streaming turntables.
CES 2023: New Sennheiser wireless earbuds help you hear better in noisy places
CES 2023: New Sennheiser wireless earbuds help you hear better in noisy places
Sennheiser wants to help you better hear the conversation in noisy places with its Conversation Clear Plus earbuds, announced at CES 2023.
CES 2023: Dirac Live Active Room Treatment is ANC for your speakers
CES 2023: Dirac Live Active Room Treatment is ANC for your speakers
Swedish digital audio-processing master Dirac announced a new ANC-like room correction tech that uses your existing speakers to clean up your home audio.
CES 2023: Drop’s BMR1 Nearfield Monitors bring audiophile sound to your desktop
CES 2023: Drop’s BMR1 Nearfield Monitors bring audiophile sound to your desktop
At CES 2023 today, Audiophile equipment maker Drop announced its first pair of desktop speakers, the compact and versatile BMR1 Nearfield Monitors.
What is Amazon Music: everything you need to know
What is Amazon Music: everything you need to know
Don't overlook Amazon Music; it boasts a 100 million-song library, hi-resolution music, and plans to suit a wide range of users. Here's all you need to know.