Articles by Steve May

Home entertainment AV specialist

Steve has been writing about AV and home cinema since the dawn of time, or more accurately, since the glory days of VHS and Betamax. He has strong opinions on the latest TV technology, Hi-Fi and Blu-ray/media players, and likes nothing better than to crank up his ludicrously powerful home theatre system to binge-watch TV shows.

Articles by: Steve May

Audioengine A2+ speakers viewed from the front

I tested Audioengine's tiny wireless speakers with a beautiful design and surprisingly impressive audio performance

By Steve May published 4 March 25

Compact, with a premium finish, the A2+ are easy on the eye – but they have limitations.

The Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 in a living room

How to buy a soundbar

By Steve May published 25 September 23

Here's our take on how to buy a soundbar, from what to look for to what to pay.

Magnetar UDP800 on a white surface, with a blue background

Magnetar UDP800 review: a 4K Blu-ray player with astounding video and audio quality

By Steve May published 28 August 23

Recommended

Introducing the new hero of physical media: the Magnetar UDP800 picks up where previous premium 4K Blu-ray players left off, with a performance that befits its specification.

The Bang & Olufsen Beosound Theatre Dolby Atmos soundbar pictured on a yellow surface

Bang & Olufsen Beosound Theatre review: the Dolby Atmos soundbar goes deluxe

By Steve May published 24 January 23

It may be expensive, but Bang & Olufsen’s latest high-end soundbar doesn’t shortchange when it comes to performance or build quality.

I tried B&O's high-end Dolby Atmos soundbar, and it's got power to match real home theater systems

By Steve May published 16 January 23

It’s the ultimate high-end soundbar, but how does the pricey Bang & Olufsen Beosound Theatre compare to a traditional AV receiver setup? Glad you asked…

I visited Samsung's secretive OLED TV factory, and here's what I learned

By Steve May published 4 January 23

Exclusive Steve May is one of the first journalists in the world to tour Samsung’s QD-OLED factory.

Panasonic LZ2000 TV mounted on a white wall

Panasonic LZ2000 review: a flagship OLED TV that sounds as good as it looks

By Steve May published 31 December 22

The LZ2000 is the brightest Panasonic OLED yet, and it has one of the most impressive sound systems available in a TV today.

I tried Samsung's cheaper Dolby Atmos soundbar, and its best trick is with music, not movies

By Steve May published 31 December 22

Samsung's high-value Q700B soundbar was designed to match the company's TVs, but its also a perfect mate for Dolby Atmos music.

How to get the best from the Samsung Q700B budget Dolby Atmos soundbar

By Steve May published 22 December 22

Golden rules to getting cinema-style sound in your home.

The Samsung HW-Q700B Dolby Atmos soundbar

Samsung HW-Q700B review: the best budget Dolby Atmos soundbar

By Steve May published 3 December 22

Editor's Choice

Bang for your buck is high with the feature-rich Samsung HW-Q700B Dolby Atmos soundbar. Not only does it sound great with TV and movies, it’s high-res audio capable too.

Samsung-Q80B front view with Tizen smart TV interface

Samsung Q80B (65Q80B)

By Steve May published 9 November 22

Samsung gets nearly everything right with this well specified 4K QLED TV

The Sony A95K QD-OLED TV as seen during a TV demo.

Hands on: Sony A95K QD-OLED TV review

By Steve May last updated 21 October 22

Not yet rated

Sony’s A95K OLED is a stunner of a flagship 4K TV. Beautifully designed and offering high brightness HDR with extreme color depth, it makes full use of its innovative QD OLED panel.

PlayStation 5 with its controller next to a TV

Is the PlayStation 5 a good 4K Blu-ray player?

By Steve May published 3 August 22

The PlayStation 5's disc version can play 4K Blu-rays, but it has some important differences compared to a standard Blu-ray player.

Sony WF-1000XM3 Wireless Earbuds review

By Steve May last updated 19 July 22

Best in Class

Updated Top notch design, class-leading noise-cancelling and a decent battery life make Sony’s second-gen WF-1000XM3 a worthy purchase.

The Samsung Q80T QLED TV pictured in a grey room with a vibrant blue coastline displayed on the screen.

Samsung Q80T QLED TV review

By Steve May last updated 19 July 22

Editor's Choice

Samsung’s premium-priced mid-range Samsung Q80T QLED TV barely puts a pedestal wrong.

4k Blu-ray players on colored background

Is it still worth buying movies on 4K Blu-ray?

By Steve May published 21 June 22

With streaming and digital downloads the most popular way to watch movies, is there any point in buying films on 4K Blu-ray any more? Actually, yes.

20 years on: How Sonos invented the future of wireless audio

By Steve May published 9 April 22

In-depth Before streaming music services were even a thing, Sonos created the whole home music category. Now 20 years on, we consider its greatest hits by talking to the folks that made them.

the logos for apple airplay 2, google chromecast, and spotify connect

Apple Airplay 2 vs Chromecast vs Spotify Connect: which is best for you?

By Steve May published 3 February 22

Versus Three titans of music streaming collide - which one sounds best to you?

The Sony HT-X8500 soundbar pictured in a living room on a TV cabinet

Sony HT-X8500 Soundbar review

By Steve May published 6 December 21

Best in Class

Updated The Sony HT-X8500 may be a few years old, but it's still one of the best value soundbars you can buy.

Vava Chroma VA-SP003 4K UST projector review

By Steve May published 18 October 21

The Vava Chroma 4K Ultra Short Throw laser projector is what walls are made for, with cinematic punch and just a few issues.

Panasonic HX800 TV review

By Steve May last updated 11 October 21

Best in Class

Cinematic image quality and multi-HDR support make this 58-inch Panasonic HX800 an accomplished LED TV – and if gaming’s your thing, it’s lightning fast too.

Sony HT-Z9F soundbar review

By Steve May published 21 July 21

The Sony HT-Z9F proves just how versatile Dolby Atmos can be by packing the 3D tech into a 3.1 soundbar.

How to set up your TV for the perfect picture

By Steve May, Skye Walker published 29 June 21

Few TVs are perfect straight out of the box: here's how to set up your screen to get the most out of your new TV.

Samsung Q70T QLED TV review

By Steve May published 23 June 21

Great Value

The Samsung Q70T QLED TV is a tempting buy for next-gen gamers and bright-room viewers.

Sony A9G / AG9 Master Series OLED review

By Steve May published 23 June 21

Editor's Choice

With best-in-class upscaling, 4K picture processing and a respectable gaming performance, Sony’s A9G/AG9 is a screen to lust after.

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