Home Entertainment CHRISTMAS


The Debut PRO from Pro-Ject Audio Systems Expect to see major discounting among popular


audio brands, such as Sony and Bose. Big 2021 launches, the WH-1000XM4 and QuietComfort 45 models respectively, are likely to receive discounting to boost sales, along with their predecessor models. There are, of course, concerns about ongoing


supply chain and chip shortage issues, however, Mr Bassari says headphones have not been as badly impacted by parts shortages. “Brands that produce headphones and home audio products will likely lean on the former more to achieve their Q4 targets.” As for future trends in the sector, the researcher


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suggests retailers look out for Qualcomm’s aptX Lossless codec, which promises to deliver unrivalled CD-quality audio over Bluetooth. Futuresource expects this technology to begin to appear on new headphones models from 2022.


TV times


When it comes to TV, demand for OLED continues to broaden, with smaller 48-inch models like the LG OLED48C1 finding favour with gamers looking for a high performance near-field gaming screen. LG’s C1 is particularly appealing for console


owners. All four of its HDMIs are v2.1, capable of supporting 4K@120 fps with Dolby Vision HDR, when available. Additional gaming USPs include VRR (Variable


Refresh rate), NVIDIA G-Sync, and AMD Freesync, as well as ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode). Naturally, there’s eARC too, for connection to a soundbar. It’s worth pointing out that on this 48-inch


model, LG’s Game Optimiser seems particularly useful – allowing gamers to manage brightness and VRR settings, and easily swap presets for


game styles, so they can boost gamma to avoid being shot by snipers, or improve contrast to more comfortably read graphics and subtitles. When it comes to consoles themselves, Xbox,


Sony and Nintendo continue to struggle to meet demand. Expect to see minimal discounting, in the form of bundles across all of these platforms, but not on standalone consoles during the Christmas period as sales are already stronger than ever. Sony has reportedly secured components for 12


million units, split 75 to 25 per cent across PS5 Disk and Digital versions respectively. “This will see them through Q4 and into 2022, meaning


Top tech stocking fillers


consumers have a good chance of securing themselves a PS5 this Christmas,” says Futuresource’s Max Dmytriyev. One new SKU worth keeping an eye on is


Valve’s Steam Deck. Expected to hit the shelves just in time for Christmas, this handheld device promises a powerful and convenient form factor to play PC games on the go. Futuresource says it has the potential to open up the PC to more cross- platform style of play, as initiated by Xbox’s GamePass. Looking forward, it should also herald a proliferation of quality games made specifically for handheld PCs and mobile.


Sony SRS-XP700, £449 Offering big sound and party lighting, the SRS- XP700 is a Bluetooth speaker perfect for a festive knees-up. Features include 25 hours of battery life, MEGA BASS mode, plus karaoke via an app.


Marshall Emberton portable Bluetooth speaker, £130 This pocket rocket has proved a major hit with buyers looking for a premium Bluetooth speaker. The design, which reflects Marshall’s live music amplification, is a Red Dot Design winner, and an IPX7 means it’ll shrug off inclement weather. Battery life is generous at 20 hours.


Toshiba WK3C Alexa smart TV, £169 Small is beautiful with Toshiba’s WK3C small screen range. These good looking 24- and 32- inch flatscreens combine an impulse purchase priced with Amazon Alexa functionality, making them ideal for use in bedrooms or kitchens.


JBL Tune 225 True Wireless in-ear earphones, £99 Adopting the popular stick design, these wireless Bluetooth buds boast JBL Pure Bass sound, and a five hour battery life, with 20 more hours held in the charging case. They can also be used in stereo, or single bud mono mode to further extend playtimes.


November 2021 ertonline.co.uk


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