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TV antennas aren’t just for cord-cutters looking to cut back on the cost of TV entertainment. A good TV antenna will bring in anywhere from 20 to more than 100 channels, depending on where you live. The stations are free, don’t require a broadband connection (with the exception of some ATSC 3.0 channels using encryption), and boast higher resolution and picture quality than cable or streaming options like Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV. But not all antennas are created equal, and there are big differences between indoor and outdoor models. Indoor antennas are supremely convenient, if not always aesthetically pleasing, but a rooftop antenna is always better than one in your home’s attic, which is always better than one that’s installed indoors. Need more guidance on how to choose the right TV antenna for your needs? Follow the in-depth guide at the preceding link before you shop. Why you should trust us TechHive’s editors and writers have been using and testing TV antennas for decades. Martyn Williams has relied on broadcast TV since he cut pay TV more than 12 years ago. He is a licensed amateur radio operator and understands the principles of antenna design, reception, and interference. Our antenna evaluations are performed in a real-world location and rely on signal level and quality measurements across all TV stations. Each time we test a new antenna, we retest a competitor to ensure our comparison takes current reception conditions into consideration. #id67cb43695861c .jw-wrapper::before { content: `` !important; } What is the best TV antenna – Top picks in indoor and outdoor TV antennas Channel Master Flatenna 35 — Best budget-priced indoor TV antenna Pros Very low price Well made U.S.-based customer support Cons Won’t do much for your living-room décor Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Channel Master $20 View Deal $35 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $20 at Channel Master$35 at Amazon Why we like the Channel Master Flatenna 35 The Channel Master Flatenna 35 TV antenna delivers good performance at a low price, provided you live in an area with good local TV signals. It’s a simple matter to install and connect it, so the only thing you need to do is find a good location for it. Who should buy the Channel Master Flatenna 35 If you live close to TV broadcast towers, want to watch the major networks, and don’t want to spend a lot of money, the Channel Master Flatenna 35 TV antenna is a good choice. Read our full Channel Master Flatenna 35 (model No. CM-4001HDBW) review Winegard FlatWave Amped — Best flexible amplified indoor TV antenna Pros Strong reception, clear picture quality Amplifier contributes to good range Amplifier can be powered by a wall wart or your TV’s USB port Cons Not the best-looking thing to have on your wall or window Excess cable can get messy quick Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $59.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $59.99 at Amazon Why we like the Winegard FlatWave Amped Winegard’s FlatWave Amped delivers great performance for an indoor antenna. It’s small, lightweight, and includes an amplifier, so should work well in areas that enjoy good local TV signals. Who should buy the Winegard FlatWave Amped If you live in an urban area with TV broadcast towers nearby, the Winegard FlatWave Amped is a good choice for indoor TV reception. Read our full Winegard FlatWave Amplified (model FL-5500A) review Televes Bexia — Best rigid amplified indoor TV antenna Pros Internal amplifier boosts signal level Stable reception Amplifier can be powered from one of your TV’s USB ports Cons Lower performance with VHF frequencies Larger design could make it difficult to hide Why we like the Televes Bexia The Televes Bexia is one the best indoor TV antennas we’ve tested, capable of pulling in signals from medium-power broadcast towers whether resting on its fold-out stand on a piece of furniture or mounted to a wall. Its onboard antenna can be powered by one of the USB ports on your TV or with a USB wall wart if your TV doesn’t have a free port. Who should buy the Televes Bexia If you live in an apartment or just don’t want to install a TV antenna on your roof, the Televes Bexia will do an excellent job of pulling in live TV signals. You won’t even need to aim it as it will automatically adjust its level of amplification for each channel as needed. Read our full Televes Bexia review RCA Multi-Directional TV Antenna (model ANTD8E) — Best rigid indoor TV antenna, runner-up Pros Good reception of most local channels Inline amplifier to boost reception Attractive industrial design for indoor use Cons The antenna’s wide base gives it a large footprint (the stand can be removed if you prefer to hang the antenna) Poor reception of low-power and distant channels Best Prices Today: Retailer Price RCA $59.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $59.99 at RCA Why we like the RCA ANTD8E Multi-Directional TV Antenna Here’s more proof that indoor TV antennas don’t need to look hideous. The RCA ANTD8E features an inline amplifier that helps it pull in strong broadcast signals, and its cloth-covered form factor will help it blend with your home’s furniture. Who should buy the RCA ANTD8E Multi-Directional TV Antenna If you don’t like the plastic design of the Televes Bexia, RCA’ fabric-wrapped device is an excellent alternative. And it can be placed on an entertainment credenza or mounted to a wall. Read our full RCA Multi-Directional TV Antenna (model ANTD8E) review Ultra-Vizion Transparent — Least visually intrusive indoor antenna Pros Less-intrusive see-through design Reliable reception of local TV channels Long antenna cable Cons Not effective for weaker signals, even with its amplifier Older design could suffer interference from 5G signals Why we like the Ultra-Vizion Transparent Indoor Amplified antenna The Ultra-Vizion Transparent Indoor Amplified antenna works well for local TV reception in areas of strong signals, and its transparent design is much more pleasing to the eye than the competition. Who should buy the Ultra-Vizion Transparent Indoor Amplified antenna The Ultra-Vizion Transparent will work well in areas with strong signals, but it’s mostly for people who want to watch over-the-air broadcasts without don’t seeing a TV antenna taped to their wall or window. Read our full Ultra-Vizion Transparent Indoor Amplified TV Antenna review Televes Dat Boss Mix LR (model 149884) — Best roof-mount TV antenna Pros Strong, sensitive reception Built-in 5G filter Built-in amplifier and indoor distribution amp Cons Large physical size Assembly can be confusing Not designed to tune in low-VHF signals Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $179.95 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $179.95 at Amazon Why we like the Televes Dat Boss Mix LR The Televes Dat Boss Mix LR (model 149884) is the best outdoor TV antenna we’ve tested, and a year after our initial test, it remains on my house thanks to its consistently reliable and strong performance. It delivered an excellent performance, pulling in strong signals from local and distant TV towers where reception ranges from good to poor. Who should buy the Televes Dat Boss Mix LR If you’re able to install an antenna on your roof, the Televes Dat Boss Mix LR is an excellent choice. It should provide strong, interference-free reception for years to come. Read our full Televes Dat Boss Mix LR (model 149884) review Antennas Direct DB8e — Best roof-mount TV antenna, runner-up Pros Good reception of weak signals Antennas can be pointed in two different directions Easy to assemble Cons Large size requires a strong mount Not designed to receive VHF TV stations Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $123.61 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $123.61 at Amazon Why we like the Antennas Direct DB8e The Antennas Direct DB8e’s reception is as impressive as its looks. This is a large, heavy antenna that’s cleverly designed to receive weak signals with two antenna arrays. In areas of better reception, in can point to towers located in different directions. Who Should Buy the Antennas Direct DB8e The Antennas Direct DB8e is particularly suited for people in areas where TV stations are available from two locations far apart, as each reception array can be pointed in a different direction. Read our full Antennas Direct DB8e review Winegard Elite 7550 — Best attic/outdoor TV antenna Pros Good reception of strong to medium level signals on UHF and VHF-High Inline amplifier helps boost signals Suitable for attic or outdoor mounting Cons Plastic mounting bracket feels a little cheap Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $139.95 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $139.95 at Amazon Why we like the Winegard Elite 7550 Despite its smaller size, the Winegard Elite 7550 immediately impressed with its ability to pick up more broadcast channels than most of the competition at higher signal levels. It has a built-in amplifier and performed well on both VHF-High and UHF broadcast bands. Who Should Buy the Winegard Elite 7550 The Winegard Elite 7550 is a good choice for anyone who cannot have a rooftop antenna but wants to pull in the maximum number of channels in their area. It will work well mounted on the side of a house, on a balcony, or in an attic. Read our full Winegard Elite 7550 review Antennas Direct Clearstream 4 Max — Best attic/outdoor TV antenna, runner-up Pros Good reception of strong to medium level signals on UHF and VHF-High Multidirectional reception for areas with transmitters in different locations Sturdy mount with mounting hardware for attic or outdoor installation Cons No built-in amplifier, so you might need one for weaker channels Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $149.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $149.99 at Amazon Why We Like the Antennas Direct Clearstream 4 Max The Clearstream 4 Max is a little larger than our top-ranked choice and wasn’t quite as good at pulling in stations, but it’s still a solid antenna. We liked its distinctive double figure-eight design and that it can receive signals from different directions, which is useful if you live in an area with broadcast towers in multiple locations. Who Should Buy the Antennas Direct Clearstream 4 Max The Antennas Direct Clearstream 4 Max will work well in areas where TV signals are strong to moderate and come from more than one direction. Read our full Antennas Direct Clearstream 4 Max review How TechHive tests TV antennas TechHive tests TV antennas in a location in Northern Viriginia, in the Washington, D.C. metro area. (Until 2020, we tested in the San Francisco Bay Area, so you might see references to that location in older reviews). This location receives strong signals from local TV stations, but presents several challenges: There are a large number of trees around to influence reception; some of the independent D.C. TV stations are weak and difficult to receive; and channels from the distant Baltimore market can only be received with good antennas. Indoor antennas are tested indoors, and outdoor antennas are tested mounted out of doors. Each time we test a new antenna, we retest our current top pick to ensure a fair benchmark based on current reception conditions. We use a HD HomeRun set-top box to scan for channels and record the number of RF channels received by each antenna, their strength, and quality. Each RF channel carries a number of digital stations, but the number is different per channel and can change, so just counting the number of stations received isn’t a reliable measurement. We scan several times and adjust the direction of the antenna on some rescans. Our top picks are the antennas that receive the largest number of stations with the highest signal level in both the UHF (channels 14 through 51) and VHF-High (channels 7 through 13) bands, which are the primary TV broadcast bands. A word about NextGen TV All the antennas we test are suitable for reception of NextGen TV (ATSC 3.0) signals. In fact, the new broadcast standard promises more reliable reception, which should help antenna users. In our Northern Virginia location, there are three NextGen TV transmitters within reach at differing power levels, so these add to the depth of our tests. The new format also promises some interactive and streaming functionality, and many channels employ digital rights management (DRM) encryption, so you’ll also need an broadband connection if you want to enjoy many of the channels. Most TVs and some set-top boxes support encryption and interactive functions; verify the one you’re considering has that feature before you buy it. Other notable TV antennas we’ve reviewed Antennas Direct 91XG: This UHF-only rooftop antenna is great at pulling in weak signals. Televes Ellipse Mix: This is a great choice for areas with medium strength signal reception. In our tests it brought in TV stations with a strong, stable signal and is a good choice for anyone looking for a smaller antenna. Channel Master Pro-Model CM-1776: Here’s a very well-made device that will look good on any house or apartment and is suitable for use in areas of high to medium signal strength. Channel Master Smartenna+: This in-home TV antenna features a built-in tuner that adjusts to pull in the maximum number of channels possible. Clearstream Horizon: A good-looking indoor TV antenna with a companion signal amplifier. It performed well in our tests and should work in areas of good to moderate signals. GE Enlighten HD Antenna with Bias LED Lighting: This antenna neatly combines an indoor antenna and bias lighting in a single package, but one feature limits the utility of the other. Mohu Curve: This antenna is prettier than many, and it’s very inexpensive; unfortunately, it’s just not very powerful. Read...

DirecTV is trying to break up the pay TV bundle this year with cheaper, genre-based packages, but one genre in particular is standing in the way. When you look at DirecTV Stream’s new MySports, MyEntertainment, and MyNews packages, they all have one thing in common: Fox News, CNN, and MSNBC are included whether you want them or not. Those mandatory cable news offerings are likely adding around $5 per month to each package based on reported per-subscriber carriage fees. Cable news is still a lucrative part of the pay TV ecosystem, so programmers may be unwilling to break them off from any TV package. But the result for DirecTV is a trio of bundles that still feel a bit bloated. Breaking down DirecTV’s new bundles DirecTV has a web page showing all its new bundles, with channel lists for each one, but here’s the gist: MyEntertainment ($35 per month) includes a broad mix of entertainment channels and cable news, but no local or sports channels. Disney+ and Hulu (with ads) are also included, and Max will be added soon at no extra charge. Notable channels include HGTV, History, Discovery, and Bravo. MyNews ($40 per month) has the big three major cable news networks along with local NBC and Fox stations, plus CNBC, CNBC World, Fox Business, CNN International, i24, and Newsmax. MySports ($70 per month) has local ABC, Fox, and NBC channels; plus, ESPN channels, Fox Sports channels, Turner channels (TNT, TBS, and TruTV), all four league-specific channels, and USA, along with cable news. ESPN+ is included as well. DirecTV is also selling a $35-per-month MiEspañol package and some optional add-ons, including a $10-per-month MyCinema package and a $13-per-month MySports Extra package with NFL RedZone. You’re allowed to mix and match different genre packs, but DirecTV also still offers larger channel bundles (which it now calls “Signature Packages”) that start at $90 per month. Because cable news is included in each of the three main packages listed above, you’re paying for them even if you never watch them. Fox News was seeking per-subscriber fees of around $3 per month as of 2023 according to Vanity Fair, while CNN’s carriage fees were $1.01 in 2020 according to Variety and have surely increased since then. Assuming similar fees for MSNBC, the three channels combined likely add around $5 per month to every pay TV package. Who are DirecTV’s new bundles for? It’s hard to imagine the ideal customer for DirecTV’s MyNews pack at $40 per month when its three most popular cable news channels are included in every other DirecTV English-language package. DirecTV’s MyEntertainment package, for instance, is $5 per month cheaper, yet it includes Disney+, Hulu, and Max (a $17-per-month value on their own); plus, a bunch of entertainment channels. Compared to MyNews, it’s only missing some less popular cable news channels, such as CNBC and Fox Business. While MyNews does include local Fox and NBC stations, it’s missing ABC and CBS, so it’s not a complete replacement for basic cable. You might be better off trying to get local channels with an antenna, signing up for a bigger bundle, or looking at other ways to get broadcast TV programming. DirecTV’s $70 per month MySports package is more compelling for sports fans, or at least it will be if DirecTV manages to add CBS stations. An option to add regional sports—the package’s other big missing piece—will come to select markets by the time baseball season starts. Still, it’d be a stronger package if sports fans didn’t have to pay a cable news tax as well. Everyone gets cable news DirecTV isn’t alone in having to carry cable news. In January, Comcast launched its own “Sports and News” package for $70 per month, the same price as DirecTV MySports. Though it omits sports programming from Warner Bros. Discovery (including TBS and TNT), it still includes Warner’s CNN along with Fox News and MSNBC. Meanwhile, Fubo is planning its own “Sports & Broadcast” bundle, with sources telling TheDesk’s Matthew Keys that it will cost between $50 and $60 per month. That package will reportedly include Fox News and Fox Business as well, because Fox is still requiring distributors to bundle its sports and news channels together, one source said. (Fox, for that matter, plans to include both sports and news in its forthcoming standalone streaming service.) Cable news still represents some of the most popular programming on cable, with MSNBC and Fox News routinely landing in the top 10 for total annual viewers, so some folks might appreciate that it’s part of every emerging skinny bundle. But for those who get their news elsewhere—be it via free streaming news channels or, dare I say it, print journalism—cable news is an unnecessary expense that stands in the way of more flexible and more affordable packaging. Sign up for Jared’s Cord Cutter Weekly newsletter for more streaming TV advice. Read...

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TV antennas are having something of a renaissance in the U.S. Buoyed by the ever-increasing costs of cable and streaming subscriptions, and additional channels enabled by the advent of digital TV, roughly one in five U.S. homes now rely on an antenna for their television. Beyond the cost of the antenna, all the channels are free, and you might even get a better picture than through a pay TV service. When it comes to choosing an antenna, the selection is almost as wide as the programming you can receive, but if you do a little homework, you should be able to buy with confidence and ensure a good picture. We’ll walk through the steps required to figure out what kind of antenna you need and what you might receive, then you can use PCWorld’s buyer’s guide to help narrow down your choices when you’re ready to shop. The first step is figuring out what TV programming is available where your live. What can I tune in with a TV antenna? The quantity and selection of TV channels depends on where you live. In general, the closer you are to a large metro area, where the broadcasters’ towers are generally located, the more channels will be broadcast. In rural areas, the opposite is typically the case. If you live near the Canadian or Mexican borders, you might be able to receive additional channels from those countries. Most parts of the U.S. have access to the four major commercial networks (ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC) and a local PBS station. Many of these stations broadcast additional digital networks dedicated to a particular theme, such as children’s shows on PBS Kids and classic TV on MeTV, Cozi, and Antenna TV. If you find yourself limited to an indoor antenna, you’d be best served by one that includes a signal amplifier. These draw electrical power from a USB adapter or an open USB port on your TV.Winegard To figure out what’s available, we recommend navigating to Rabbit Ears. This website models TV reception based on the location of the antenna and TV transmitter data from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The Signal Search Map page is where you need to be. Enter your address (street, city, and state) When the map updates to show your house, click “Move pushpin to center of Map View” in the panel below the map Set the approximate height your antenna is above ground level Click “Go” The site will display its best prediction of the TV channels available in your location, along with an estimate of the strength of their signal levels (higher numbers are better). Take a look at the channels and networks and figure out what you want to receive; make a note of the predicted signal level. Use the website RabbitEars to discover the TV broadcast tower locations in the vicinity of your home address. The signal strength it reports will help you determine whether an indoor antenna will be strong enough to pull in the channels you want to see, or if you’ll need to buy an attic or roof-mount model.Michael Brown/Foundry As a rule of thumb, an indoor antenna will be sufficient for channels with a good signal level, an attic or outdoor antenna will likely be required for stations marked fair, and a larger outdoor antenna with an amplifier will be required for those marked poor. Stations marked as bad will likely be difficult to receive without extreme measures. Finally, take a look at the direction of the transmitters from your location. If they are all in roughly the same direction, a single antenna should be fine. If they are wide apart, an antenna on a rotator—a motor that can turn the mast the antenna is mounted to to change the antenna’s orientation—might be required, especially if the signals strengths are poor. Choose an antenna Now you’re armed with everything you need to make an informed decision. PCWorld’s antenna picks are divided into several categories, from cheap indoor antennas to substantial roof-mounted ones. In general, an outdoor antenna will always deliver the best performance, no matter the signal level. They’ll provide much more reliable reception than indoor antennas, which are always a compromise. If an indoor antenna will fit your needs, this transpartent Ultra-Vizion model virtually disappears when attached to a window.Martyn Williams/Foundry That said, not everyone can install an outdoor antenna, so we have several indoor antennas, from basic, thin antennas that can be put in a window so better amplified antennas that should provide a step up in reception. A further level up are smaller outdoor antennas, many of which can easily be installed on the side of a house, on a balcony, or inside an attic space. Many of these are also amplified. Finally, we have tested a number of roof-mounted antennas that are the gold standard in TV reception. A roof-mounted antenna will provide the most reliable reception and should pull in the greatest number of channels. If you are planning to install one yourself, please use safety precautions when on a roof and ensure the system meets local building code requirements, especially for grounding. Warning! Don’t believe the claims If you browse online shopping sites or look at the advertising for antennas, you’ll see lots of dubious claims. The first rule is to ignore anything about antenna range claims. Reception depends on a multitude of factors, including the transmitter frequency and power, the location of the transmitter, the immediate environment around your house, and more. There is simply no way an antenna can guarantee its claimed number of miles. Use the method outlined above, that takes all these factors into account. Don’t fall for the specious claims some TV antenna manufacturers make for their products. It’s highly unlikely that any indoor antenna will be capable of pulling in signals from a broadcast tower 130 miles away. Nor will one be capable of streaming ESPN.Jared Newman / Foundry The second thing to remember is that there’s no such thing as an HD, 4K, or NextGen TV antenna. An antenna simply receives signals and isn’t dependent on the format being broadcast, so ignore those claims as well. PCWorld’s antenna reviews are conducted under real-world conditions with the same equipment and at the same location, so we can give an honest and measured comparison of every antenna we test. Attention renters, HOA residents, and apartment dwellers If you rent a house or apartment or live under the terms of an HOA (Homeowners Association), don’t let anyone tell you you cannot install a TV antenna. In the U.S. federal law gives you the right to do so under the FCC’s “OTARD” regulations. In short, you have the right to install a TV antenna for reception of local broadcast signals in an area you rent or have exclusive access to. If you’re facing resistance, read the FCC page, linked above, and quote the OTARD rule. Connecting the antenna to your TV A length of coaxial cable cut and ready for a connector to be attached. Martyn Williams/Foundry Most indoor antennas come with a small cord attached that can be connected directly to a TV or amplifier, if one is supplied; other antennas might come with a cable or require you to supply your own. TV antenna cable is called coaxial cable, or coax for short. It has a center wire that carries the signal, a plastic insulator, an outer braid that shields the center cable from interference, and an outer sheath protects the cable from the elements. The standard for TV antennas is called RG-6. It’s important to use a good quality coax because cables result in signal loss. You can minimize this by using a good cable and keeping the length as short as possible. If you need to run a very long cable, consider an amplifier, ideally at the antenna end of the connection. And that’s how to choose a TV antenna That should be everything you need to choose and install a TV antenna. TV reception is mostly a science but can be a little bit of an art; so, if you don’t get satisfactory reception, go over the steps again. Try moving the location of the antenna to see if that improves picture quality. If you get a lot of interference, consider adding an amplifier. Most of all, don’t give up! A good antenna will provide thousands of hours of free entertainment for many years, so invest a bit of time and money into getting it right. Still unsure which one to buy? Check out PCWorld’s most highly recommended TV antennas. Read...

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At a glanceExpert`s Rating Pros Excellent color gamut and contrast High HDR peak brightness Great motion clarity Offers USB-C with 90 watts of Power Delivery Cons SDR image quality doesn’t stand out from QD-OLED peers Adaptive Sync support only officially lists G-Sync Similar to competitive monitors Our Verdict The MSI MPG 321URXW QD-OLED is yet another excellent 32-inch 4K QD-OLED monitor.   Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Best Prices Today: MSI MPG 321URXW QD-OLED Retailer Price $981.78 View Deal $982.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The MSI MPG 321URXW QD-OLED is yet another 32-inch 4K QD-OLED monitor that delivers excellent sharpness, vibrant color, and outstanding motion clarity. While it provides a few less common features, like a USB-C port with 90 watts of Power Delivery, it struggles to stand out from the competition. Even so, it remains a solid pick if you want a 32-inch 4K OLED monitor.  Read on to learn more, and then see our roundup of the best USB-C monitors for comparison. MSI MPG 321URXW QD-OLED specs and features The MSI MPG 321URXW has a 31.5-inch Samsung QD-OLED panel with a maximum refresh rate of 240Hz. It’s not a new panel (many models were released through 2024), but it often scores well in our testing. Display size: 31.5-inch 16:9 widescreen Native resolution: 3840×2160 Panel type: QD-OLED Refresh rate: 240Hz Adaptive sync: Yes, Nvidia G-Sync Compatible HDR: Yes, VESA DisplayHDR True Black 400 Certified Ports: 2x HDMI 2.1, 1x DisplayPort 1.4, 1x USB-C with DisplayPort and 90 watts of Power Delivery, 1x USB-B 2.0 upstream, 2x USB-A 2.0 downstream, 1x 3.5mm headphone jack VESA mount: 100x100mm Audio: None OLED Panel warranty: 3-year warranty including panel burn-in Price: $999.99 MSRP There are a few features that make the MSI stand out, however. First, it provides a USB-C port with DisplayPort and up to 90 watts of Power Delivery. Although it’s becoming more common, USB-C is still not found on some competing 32-inch OLEDs. MSI also provides a strong 3-year warranty, which is better than the 2-year warranty provided by some brands, such as LG. MSI lists the monitor with an MSRP of $999.99, and it’s currently selling at that price online. The price is mid-pack for a 32-inch 4K QD-OLED monitor. Slightly older designs, like the Alienware AW3225QF, are available for $899.99. But some new models, like the HP Omen Transcend 32, are several hundred dollars more than the MSI. MSI MPG 321URXW QD-OLED design You’ll immediately notice the MSI MPG 321URXW’s most distinctive trait: It uses bright white plastics alongside silver metal accents for a distinctive, yet still professional, look. It’s an attractive monitor, though I prefer the look of Samsung’s Odyssey OLED monitors, which have a more cohesive and luxurious all-silver finish. Matthew Smith / Foundry The rear of the panel is etched with MSI’s distinctive dragon logo and provides RGB-LED accent lighting for a touch of flair. MSI also sells the MPG 32URX, which is identical to the MPG 321URXW but has a stealthy ultra-black look. MSI ships the monitor with an ergonomic stand that adjusts for height, tilt, and swivel. Pivot is limited to 10 degrees either way, meaning it’s not possible to put the monitor in portrait mode with the included stand. A 100x100mm VESA mount is available for use with third-party monitor stands and arms. MSI MPG 321URXW QD-OLED connectivity The MSI MPG 321URXW has two HDMI 2.1 ports, one DisplayPort 1.4a, and one USB-C port with DisplayPort, for a total of four video inputs, all of which support the monitor’s maximum resolution and refresh rate. That’s a good range of video input, though common for a high-end monitor. Less common is the USB-C port which, in addition to DisplayPort, can also handle up to 90 watts of USB Power Delivery. That’s enough to power and charge most mid-range Windows laptops and 2-in-1s. The availability of USB-C is an advantage for the MPG 321URXW  as many 32-inch 4K OLEDs, like the Alienware AW3225QF and Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 (2024), don’t provide it. However, the more expensive HP Omen Transcend 32 has USB-C with 140 watts of power delivery, and its higher wattage pairs better with high-end laptops.     The Alienware AW3225QF, meanwhile, offers eARC, a feature more commonly found on HDTVs that makes it easier to use with some home theater equipment. I’d take USB-C over eARC any day of the week, so I prefer MSI’s approach, but eARC might be preferable if you want to use a monitor as part of a compact gaming and home theater setup. The MSI also has an internal power board. That’s notable, as many monitors with USB-C power delivery use an external power brick that takes up extra space under your desk. MSI MPG 321URXW QD-OLED features Owners can access the MSI MPG 321URXW’s features with a joystick centered behind the monitor’s bottom-right bezel. It provides quick, easy access to most monitor features. MSI’s menus tend to be well organized and readable, as well. I did notice one thing I must nitpick: Some options, like brightness, changed rather slowly. It’s a minor point, but one MSI should consider fixing in a firmware update. The menus provide a typical range of options for a high-end monitor. There are multiple image quality presets, but the range of precise image quality adjustment is limited. The monitor doesn’t have multiple gamma presets, which is odd for this price tier, and color temperature settings offer vague presets (like “Warm”) instead of presets that target specific color temperature values. KVM switch functionality is included, as well. Matthew Smith / Foundry MSI also supports the usual range of gamer-centric features like an on-screen cross hair, a black equalizer (which boosts dark areas of the screen to reveal more detail), and aspect ratio modes that simulate a 24.5-inch or 27-inch monitor (which can be useful for competitive gamers). Monitor features can also be accessed with the MSI Gaming Intelligence app. It’s not the most attractive app I’ve seen, but it does the job and is even designed to look similar to the monitor’s on-screen menu, which is a nice touch. Speakers aren’t included. That’s always a bit disappointing, but it’s not uncommon for high-end gaming monitors. Most decide to ditch audio and assume owners will use a headset. The MPG 321URXW includes an easy-to-access headphone jack for audio pass-through, at least. MSI MPG 321URXW QD-OLED SDR image quality As mentioned, the MSI MPG 321URXW has a 31.5-inch Samsung QD-OLED panel with a maximum resolution of 3840×2160. This panel has appeared in several previous monitors and has always scored top marks. The MPG 321URXW is no exception. Matthew Smith / Foundry Brightness is usually a weakness for OLED monitors, and the same is true of the MSI MPG 321URXW. Still, its maximum sustained SDR brightness of 254 nits is typically for a QD-OLED monitor and, more importantly, is bright enough for use in most rooms. The monitor’s gloss finish can be an issue if you have a light positioned opposite the monitor, however, and the monitor will seem dim if used in a bright, sunlit room with no shades or other light control. Matthew Smith / Foundry Contrast is always a strength for OLED monitors. The MSI MPG 321URXW, like its peers, can hit a minimum brightness of zero nits in dark scenes. As a result, it has an effectively infinite contrast ratio and provides outstanding depth and immersion. The benefit really stands out when watching HDR films or a game with a cinematic look, like Cyberpunk 2077. The only problem? All of MSI’s competitors offer the same perk. This is a strength, but not an advantage over the competition. Matthew Smith / Foundry It’s a similar story with the monitor’s color gamut. QD-OLED monitors offer an incredible, highly saturated color gamut that rank among the best available in any consumer display. The MSI MPG 321URXW’s color gamut spans 97 percent of DCI-P3 and 94 percent of AdobeRGB, which makes it great for both entertainment and professional content creation. But, again, competitors with QD-OLED panels have similar strengths. The MSI MPG 321URXW can deliver punchy, vivid, and detailed HDR highlights, like explosions. Matthew Smith / Foundry The MPG 321URXW’s color accuracy is rather good. Although it doesn’t match the best performers in its category, the level of color accuracy it provides is far more than adequate to deliver a realistic, lifelike image. With that said, the MPG 321URXW has two minor downsides typical of QD-OLED panels. The default gamma curve came in at 2.3 instead of the target of 2.2, which means content tends to look a bit darker than intended. It also has a color temperature of 6200K, which is noticeably warmer than the target of 6500K. While the variance is noticeable, it’s not a problem for games and entertainment. However, you’ll need to calibrate the monitor if you’re trying to home in on a gamma curve of 2.2 and color temperature of 6500K, which are typical expectations for a computer monitor. The monitor’s lack of fine-grain gamma and color temperature adjustment doesn’t help matters. Sharpness is a big advantage, as you might expect. The 32-inch 4K looks incredible when fed high-quality 4K content like AAA games or lightly compressed 4K video. Small fonts and high-contrast edges show minimal pixelation or aliasing. Overall, the MSI MPG 321URXW provides outstanding, yet not exceptional SDR image quality. Like many QD-OLED monitors, it sits in an odd spot. On the one hand, it’s objectively among the very best SDR computer monitors ever made. But, on the other hand, its direct competitors all provide great SDR image quality. The MSI MPG 321URXW’s SDR image is certain to impress you, but it’s not a reason to buy it over another 4K QD-OLED display. MSI MPG 321URXW QD-OLED HDR image quality The monitor’s HDR image, on the other hand, just might get you off the fence. Matthew Smith / Foundry Although the MSI MPG 321URXW is only VESA DisplayHDR True Black certified, it also has a “peak brightness 1000” mode which, in fact, did deliver a maximum HDR brightness of 1,025 nits in a 10 percent window (meaning just 10 percent of the display was lit). HDR brightness was more typical for an OLED monitor when large portions of the panel were lit. Still, these results show the MSI MPG 321URXW can deliver punchy, vivid, and detailed HDR highlights, like explosions. Watching my personal favorite HDR test clip, the “Into the Storm” scene from Mad Max: Fury Road, confirmed the measurements. The scene’s lightning strikes and explosions feel appropriately cinematic. That’s not to say it’s perfect. As the graph shows, HDR brightness is still very low when large portions of the display are lit. So, if you’re viewing a very bright scene—like a snowy level in an HDR game—the monitor can look less impactful. Still, the MPG 321URXW’s overall HDR performance is great for a PC monitor and better than average for QD-OLED. MSI MPG 321URXW QD-OLED motion performance Though it offers a tack-sharp 4K image, the MPG 321URXW can also hit a maximum refresh rate of 240Hz. That’s not unusual for a 32-inch 4K QD-OLED, but it’s still fantastic. Fast-moving objects are clearly defined, scrolling text is usually legible, and quick camera pans in 3D games preserve good detail. All of this is good news for gamers, of course, but also makes the monitor look crisp when scrolling through web pages or documents. The MPG 321URXW also supports adaptive sync, but it only lists official support for Nvidia G-Sync. That doesn’t mean it won’t work with other adaptive sync solutions, as I had no problems using AMD FreeSync with the monitor connected to an AMD Radeon 7800 XT video card. I always prefer to see monitor makers list broad support for all flavors of adaptive sync, as it’s less confusing for shoppers.  Should you buy the MSI MPG 321URXW QD-OLED? The MSI MPG 321URXW is yet another excellent 32-inch 4K QD-OLED monitor. Its SDR image quality and motion performance, though excellent, are similar to competing monitors. The MPG 321URXW scores small wins in maximum HDR brightness and connectivity, as it provides a USB-C port with 90 watts of Power Delivery, but its design isn’t quite as attractive as competitors like the Samsung Odyssey G8 OLED. Read...

If you’ve had it up to here with dumb responses from Alexa, get ready for a big change.  At a glitzy event in New York City on Wednesday, Amazon unveiled–again–its AI-enhanced and “completely re-architectured” Alexa, and we’ll all soon have a chance to kick the tires ourselves. Starting next month, Amazon will kick off a public preview for the new Alexa, which it’s calling Alexa+. The public preview will begin gradually, with more users gradually being added to the group. This news is part of TechHive’s in-depth coverage of the best smart speakers. The revamped Alexa will indeed cost extra: think $19.99 a month, in line with paid “plus” memberships for ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Anthropic’s Claude. That said, Alexa+ will be free for Amazon Prime members. Amazon has previously promised that “classic” Alexa would remain available for free, but there was no mention of that during today’s presentation. Ben Patterson/Foundry The new AI-enhanced Alexa (which will offer new phone and web apps) will have a variety of tricks up its sleeve, including “agentic” abilities (autonomous AI is the new hotness in artificial intelligence). For example, Amazon says Alexa+ will be able to go shopping, book travel tickets, text contacts, suggest recipes, and fine-tune your smart home routines, weaving all those tasks within a single interaction. Most importantly, the revamped Alexa will be able to “reason and take action,” such as following up on conversations to set reminders. During a demo, Amazon devices head Panos Panay chatted with Alexa+, carrying on an animated conversation reminiscent of ChatGPT’s Advanced Voice Mode. The new Alexa also showed off its multimodal capabilities by “looking” at a live video feed of the assembled audience at the presentation, and then describing the scene, the size of the crowd, and the “wowed” reaction. Panay said Alexa+ will be able to create routines based on natural language prompts. He also showed how the new Alexa could pluck the music track “Shallow,” from the A Star is Born soundtrack, off Amazon Music in response to a vaguely worded query, and then asked Alexa to “jump to that scene” in the movie streamed on Amazon Prime Video. (It worked.) Showing off a new Alexa Ring integration, Panay asked Alexa+ “what’s happening at my house,” and Alexa promptly put up a live feed of a Ring security camera on the screen, accurately describing it what was happening. Other notable smart home and home entertainment integrations include Wyze, iRobot, Govee, Shark, Sonos, and Vizio. With Alexa+, “there’s no more Alexa speak,” Panay promised. We also got a peek at the Alexa+ user interface, including a new “expressive” blue animation that will replace the classic Alexa blue line) that changes shape as you talk. Other features including the ability to share lengthy documents with Alexa+, which the AI can remember, analyze, and summarize. (Experienced LLM users will be familiar with such “RAG” functionality.) The new Alexa can also do things like add calendar events based on information in the files shared with it. Amazon also promised new Alexa+ features for children, showing a video of the new assistant telling on-the-fly stories and otherwise engaging with the tykes. We also saw Alexa+ answering questions about sports and other current events. Ben Patterson/Foundry Daniel Rausch, vice president of Amazon’s Alexa and Echo divisions, explained how Alexa+ is powered using a mixture of models from Amazon and Anthropic. Alexa+ can also switch models in the background depending on the task at hand, Rausch said. We’ll still getting the scoop on Alexa’s new AI-infused abilities, so stand by for more details on that score; plus, my hands-on impressions.  Amazon first showed off the new Alexa during its September 2023 hardware event, and at the time it promised a public preview “early” in 2024.  Instead, the year came and went without a public beta for the revamped Alexa. What we did get were insider accounts of a hallucination-prone Alexa that gave lengthy and frequently inaccurate answers, while also having trouble with basic smart home capabilities.  Of course, those AI-related troubles aren’t unique to Amazon. Google has taken a careful approach when it comes to allowing Gemini to interact with smart devices, while Apple has yet to open its Home app to Apple Intelligence. Read...

Need another flash drive for transferring files between devices, backing up data, and more? Right now, this 128GB Samsung Fit Plus is only $14 on Amazon. That’s 39 percent off its original price. This tiny flash drive gives you the opportunity to rely on good old physical storage rather than cloud services. With read speeds of up to 400MB/s, you’ll speedily transfer files on a dime. And this Samsung Fit Plus really is tiny. About the size of a Bluetooth dongle, you won’t even notice it plugged into your laptop. There’s even a chance you might lose it, so it’s good that it has a lanyard hole for safe carrying. Its USB-A connector means it’ll work fine with laptops, PCs, car entertainment systems, smart TVs, gaming consoles, and more. Despite its size, this flash drive is also durable as it was built to resist water, shocks, extreme temperatures, magnets, and more. It’s even X-ray-proofed, so you won’t lose your data while going through TSA. Seriously, a 128GB Samsung Fit Plus for just $14 is an absolute steal. If you need a flash drive, don’t miss this chance! This absolutely tiny yet fast USB flash drive is only $14Buy now at Amazon Read...

GoodTake has launched an innovative AI-powered platform to revolutionise talent sourcing and management in the entertainment sector, streamlining processes for all. Read...