STACK #247 May 2025

YOUR

TO MOVIES, TV, MUSIC, GAMING & TECH TO MOVIES, TV,

ESSENTIAL GUIDE

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ISSUE 247 MAY ’25

STACK Issue 247 MAY 2025 “Oh, honey, he’s teasing you. Nobody has two television sets.”

NEW TV s for 2025

Mega screens for all budgets The latest TV tech How to set up the ultimate home theatre

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CONTENTS

ISSUE 247 MAY 2025

TECH 6 Geek Speak/Editor’s Choice 8-9 How to set up an awesome home theatre 10 What’s new in TV tech 12 Mega-sized TVs to suit all budgets 16-17 2025 TVs: What’s new from LG 20-21 2025 TVs: What’s new from Samsung 22-24 2025 TVs: What’s new from Hisense 26 2025 TVs: What’s new from Philips 30 2025 TVs: What’s new from TCL 31 Top devices for streamlined streaming 32 What’s new in TV gaming tech 34 TV installation made easy 36-38 Top soundbars for your new TV 40-42 Beauty tools for looking and feeling good 44 Fitness insights galore with the Oura Ring 4 46-48 Desktop PC buying guide 50 Bluetooth explained 52 Ray-Ban Meta: The smart glasses 54 New tech at JB this month GAMING FLIP MAG AND READ FROM BACK 3 Take 5/Chart/Q5/ Wham, bam, game exam! 4-5 What’s new with Nintendo Switch 2? 6 Doom: The Dark Ages preview 8 Elden Ring Nightreign Q+A 10 AFL 26 Q+A 12 Razer x Minecraft 18 Intro/Take 5/Filmmaker’s Signature/In Development/ Bob J’s Film Buff Bafflers 19 Merch of the month/Charts/This month 10 years ago 20 Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy / Terror live to air: September 5 22 Go with the Flow /Spice World: Dune Prophecy 23 Mission: Improbably - Spy x Family Code: White 24 In the Lost Lands /Taking the Mickey: Screamboat 26 New to 4K 28 Reel Classics: New from Imprint 30 What’s out this month? 32 Ani-May: Celebrating anime month MUSIC 34 My first album/ STACK Exchange 36 New music from Sleep Token and Dope Lemon 38 Third albums for Perth’s Spacey Jane and Iceland’s Kaleo 39 Miley Cyrus talks her ninth album and Ian Moss goes live 42-43 What new music is landing in-store at JB this month? 44 The excellent Jimmy Page and The Black Crowes: Live at the Greek is this month’s Vital Vinyl focus 14 Meta Quest 3 and 3S 16 What’s out this month? MOVIES & TV

WELCOME

Last year, Aussies spent an average of eight hours and twenty minutes per week parked in front of their TVs watching free-to-air and streaming content. That’s why a quality smart TV is an essential addition to every home, and this year we may be spending even more time watching movies and bingeing episodes, as 2025’s TVs are smarter, brighter, and bigger. Major brands have not only added AI-powered features to help us decide what to watch, and optimise picture and sound quality on the fly, they’ve also added more mega screen size options across their ranges. A massive 85-, 98- or 100-inch TV might seem like a luxury item, but at the rate Australians are embracing the “bigger is better” TV principle, massive screens could soon become commonplace, having now become a lot more affordable than you might think. So if you’re ready to upgrade – and even supersize – your TV, the time is now. This month’s annual visual spectacular selects the latest, mega-sized TVs to suit all budgets, as well as unpacking the 2025 TV line-up across the major brands – and the cutting edge tech that’s under the hood. We also check out the cool new features that will benefit gamers, and if you’ve always wanted to set up the ultimate home theatre, our handy guide has everything you need to get cracking. Paul Jones, Editor-in-Chief

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Founder Nic Short Editor-in-Chief Paul Jones Tech Editor Scott Hocking

Music Consultant Mike Glynn Marketing Manager Fleur Parker Chief Contributors Gill Pringle, Bob Jones Contributors Jeff Jenkins, Billy Pinnell, Bec Summer, Dan Nicholson, Stuart Coupe, Trista McConville, James O’Connor, Michael Caverzan

Social Media Manager Glenn Cochrane Production Manager Craig Patterson

Games & Online Editor Amy Flower Movie & TV Editor Glenn Cochrane Creative Director Gary Siewert Movies Consultant Kerrie Taylor Games Consultant Sachi Fernando

Correspondence STACK editor@stack.com.au

RATINGS GUIDE

Parental guidance recommended

Recommended for mature audiences

Not suitable for people under 15. Under 15s must be accommpanied by a parent or adult guardian

Restricted to 18 and over

General

Disclaimer STACK is published by Scribal Custom Pty Ltd (ACN 092 362 135). © Copyright Scribal Custom Pty Ltd, 2025 All rights reserved. All material appearing in this publication is copyright unless otherwise stated or it may rest with the provider of the supplied material or advertisement. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of Scribal Custom Pty Ltd. No responsibility is accepted for accuracy of advertisements or information. Whilst care has been taken in the research and preparation of this publication, the publishers, writers or anyone else associated cannot accept any responsibility for any loss, injury or hardship arising from the content contained herein or reliance therefrom, howsoever caused, and it remains your responsibility to evaluate the accuracy, completeness and usefulness of any such content. Views expressed are not necessarily endorsed by the publisher or the editor. By the very nature of this publication, things change daily and we cannot take responsibility for any changes or inaccuracies that occur subsequent to going to press.

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What is RAM, and why does it matter to your laptop or PC purchase? RAM is your computer’s short-term memory. It helps your computer run smoothly by quickly storing and accessing data that’s in use. The more RAM you have, the faster your computer can handle multiple tasks Confused by tech jargon? We’re here to decode your desktop, give you a laptop lowdown, and tame your tablet talk. simultaneously. Without enough RAM, your computer might slow down or freeze. For basic tasks like browsing or checking emails, 4GB of RAM is enough. If you’re gaming or using creative software, 8GB or 16GB works better. For heavy tasks like video editing, you may need 32GB or more. More RAM means your computer runs faster and handles more work at once.

MAY

DYK?

Where would we be without the TV remote? Alongside the smartphone, it’s the one thing in the house you’re guaranteed to lose once a day. But did you know it dates back to 1950? The first remote was called the Zapper and was attached to the television via an electrical cord. The Zapper had a single button, unlike the multiple buttons on a modern remote. When pressed, the channel would cycle to the next TV station in sequence.

Technology has become an integral part of Australian lifestyles and continues to advance in leaps and bounds. From smartphones to smart homes, STACK keeps you up to date on the latest consumer tech in user friendly terms, along with key points to consider before you buy. If you love tech, you’re in the right place.

What tech has been floating the boat of the writers at STACK recently? You can find it right here every month.

EDITOR’S CHOICE

1998

What was the hottest tech in…

ASUS Zenbook A14 14” Laptop (Copilot+ PC) If you’re hunting for a keenly priced PC laptop with

Throughout the ‘90s, the primary seller in the television trade was still the classic CRT. The tube TVs were heavy and bulky, with the largest screen size maxing out at around 36 inches. Philips, Sony, and Panasonic had worked hard to improve picture clarity and reduce glare with a range of flat screen CRTs.

some impressively top-line specs, the slick new Asus Zenbook A14 has you covered. Whether you need a workhorse

However, a revolution was just around the corner. Plasma technology was invented back in the mid-'60s through screen experimentation at the University of Illinois. Fast forward 30 years and companies like Fujitsu and Philips started to tweak the technology. Fujitsu was first to market with a 42-inch plasma TV in 1995, but Philips would release the first commercially available 42-inch TV. The 42PW9962 was introduced

for business or a PC to get creating with, there are features to suit – and all in one of the lightest laptops to have ever graced our desk. Everything we threw at it zipped along at a very serviceable clip, from web browsing to the Microsoft Office suite, and even some workhorse graphics tools. The 14-inch, 2K OLED screen performs brilliantly and the big surprise was when we took it outdoors, the display remained crystal clear, even in bright sunlight. Respectable battery life is another must-have in a good laptop, and the Zenbook A14 can keep going for up to 32 hours. The Zenbook A14 has some very desirable bells and whistles, especially when it comes to up-to-the-minute Copilot+ AI support, and is highly recommended.

at CES two years later in the US. Utilising Fujitsu panels, the brand targeted the high-end consumer with its thin, futuristic designs. And there was a reason it was pitched to the luxury market. It cost close to an eyewatering $45,000AUD (adjusted for inflation.) The late ‘90s proved a turning point in the TV market as Philips pushed ahead to bridge the gap between plasma and traditional CRT TVs. In 2000, all the major TV companies had hopped aboard the plasma express, and the retail price had dropped significantly. As the sun set on 50 years of television technology, plasma opened the door to a new dawn. This new dawn would lead to the introduction of LCD and OLED TVs.

On The Radar

June, and that can only mean one thing. Well, strictly, that’s not true, but from a financial perspective, it’s tax time. Next month, we’ll bring you the latest in tech so you can take advantage of the best month of the year to update your office essentials.

MAY 2025

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TECH FEATURE

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Ready to recreate the cinema experience at home? Here’s where to start, what you need, and what to consider. Words Scott Hocking HOW TO SET UP AN AWESOME HOME THEATRE

Streaming services now offer more movies in 4K, and physical 4K discs are popular with movie collectors, so there’s no shortage of content to watch in native 4K. TV types Today’s TVs come with acronyms like OLED, QLED, and Mini-LED. So, what’s the difference? In a nutshell, OLED is a premium display tech (and worth every penny), while Mini-LED can be more affordable and deliver near OLED picture quality in terms of true blacks and contrast. QLED TVs display extremely accurate colours, and their high peak brightness makes them a great choice for well-lit rooms.

1. A SMART TV What to consider: Screen size

The first, and perhaps most important, thing to consider is how big do you want to go? Mega size screens of 75-inches and above are now the go-to for many Aussie homes, and bigger sure is better, as long as you’ve got the space – a 98” screen might be luxurious, but would overwhelm a small apartment or room. Get out the tape measure before you shop and then choose a size that will complement rather than dominate a room. Picture resolution 4K Ultra HD is the standard resolution for today’s smart TVs – that’s four times the resolution of Full HD 1080p – and it’s stunning! Add HDR10 and Dolby Vision and you get even greater detail

Refresh rate How well a TV displays fast-moving scenes can make or break an action movie, sports match, or gaming session. So look for a TV that has a refresh rate – the number of times individual frames are refreshed – of 120Hz and above for silky smooth motion.

and clarity, more vivid colours and deeper blacks.

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FEATURE TECH

Connectivity Smart TVs connect wirelessly via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, while HDMI is the standard connection that transmits high-res video and audio via a single cable. Make sure your new TV has sufficient HDMI inputs to run multiple external devices (laptop, games console, 4K Blu-ray player) simultaneously.

SETTING UP You’ve got the gear, now where to put it? Placement matters!

Sound quality Soundbars use numbers like 5.1 or 7.1.2 to indicate how immersive the soundscape is. The first number specifies different sound channels – for example, 5 or 7 speakers – while the second is a subwoofer. Therefore a 5.1 system has 5 main channels and a sub for bass. Premium soundbars can also have a third number, which refers to up-firing speakers. These bounce sound off the ceiling to simulate height channels, and are a must for getting the most from Dolby Atmos audio. Connectivity Soundbars connect simply via a HDMI or Optical cable. HDMI ARC transmits both video and audio in two directions, while HDMI eARC can deliver uncompressed surround sound and formats like Dolby Atmos. Check out the latest soundbars on pages 36–38. 3. SURROUND SPEAKERS & SUBWOOFER A powerful soundbar with 7.1 channels is sufficient for room filling audio, but adding a separate subwoofer gives you much deeper – and sometimes room-shaking – bass. And if your budget allows, or you’re a diehard audiophile, the ultimate immersion can be achieved by connecting standalone wireless surround speakers – centre, front L-R, surround L-R, and rear L-R.

Operating system The TV’s OS is the central hub where you access free and subscription streaming apps. Many TVs now include Google TV built-in, while some of the big brands have proprietary OS, such as Hisense’s VIDAA and LG’s webOS. Check out all the latest smart 4K TVs on pages 16–30. 2. A SOUNDBAR While internal TV speakers have gotten a whole lot better, they still can’t match the sonic impact and immersion you’ll get from a good soundbar. Packing multiple speakers into one long and compact unit, they connect to a TV via a single cable and can simulate the surround sound experience.

The TV Whether it’s sitting atop an

entertainment unit or mounted on the wall, the centre of the TV screen should be at eye level, and the best distance from seating to screen is generally 1–1.5 times the screen size away. For example, a 75-inch screen is best viewed from a distance of around 2.8m.

The sound system Soundbars slip neatly under the TV screen but if you’ve added extra surround speakers, these are best placed at ear level or slightly above. If you’re serious about sound and want the very best from Dolby Atmos, get out the ladder and position ceiling-mounted speakers equal distances apart from each wall, and at least 2m apart from each other. A subwoofer placed in a corner can boost the bass, or you can simply play a bass-heavy song and move the sub around until you find the sweet spot. A room’s acoustics will also determine the soundscape, and many soundbars can self-calibrate to a room’s layout during the set up stage in the companion app.

What to consider: Compatibility with your TV

4. STREAMING & MEDIA PLAYERS Most smart TV STREAMING &

Soundbars will work with TVs that have an HDMI ARC, HDMI eARC, or Optical input. Your new soundbar doesn’t necessarily need to be the same brand as your TV, but matching up has advantages, such as enabling exclusive features like LG’s WOW Orchestra and Samsung’s Q Symphony, which sync the soundbar with the TV’s speakers for more powerful and immersive sound. You can generally use the TV’s remote to also control the soundbar’s volume – look for CEC or HDMI Control in the TV’s settings to enable this handy function. Size Soundbars fit neatly beneath the TV, so if your screen is on the smaller side, a compact soundbar will do the job. But if you’re rocking a 75-inch display or bigger, a wider model will better match where sounds are coming from relative to the picture.

operating systems, such as Google TV, have all the popular apps preloaded and ready to go. But if you’re not upgrading your TV,

streaming devices like Amazon Fire TV, Hubbl, and Fetch (with a built in PVR) bring apps to older TVs, as long as they have an HDMI input. Physical media enthusiasts will definitely want to add a 4K Blu-ray player, while gamers can easily connect an Xbox or PlayStation via a HDMI cable. Check out the streaming devices on page 31.

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TECH FEATURE

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From helpful AI assistants to higher refresh rates for gamers, we take a look at what’s new under the hood of this year’s smart TV line-up. Words Scott Hocking SMART TVS FOR 2025 NEW TECH CHECK

What’s trending in 2025 TVs Anti-glare and -reflection screens Many high-end TVs this year come with a special screen coating to reduce any pesky reflections and glare that might ruin your viewing. You’ll find it on Samsung’s flagship OLED and Neo QLED TVs, along with selected models from Hisense, LG and TCL.

AI TVs AI is rapidly becoming a part of everyday devices, and that includes new TVs. You’ll find it working behind the scenes, upscaling content and audio, recognising what you’re watching and adjusting things like colour and motion smoothing on the fly, and more. TVs with inbuilt AI are also designed to provide a more personalised user experience – for example, LG’s AI (dubbed ‘Affectionate Intelligence’) can recognise the individual voices of up to ten users and suggest personal recommendations for each profile.

AI makes searching for content easier, too. LG’s AI includes a chatbot that can search, troubleshoot, and adjust picture and sound settings with a simple voice command, while Samsung’s new Vision AI enables fast searching without leaving the movie or show – handy if you’ve forgotten the name of a familiar actor. Vision AI can even generate subtitles during live broadcasts, and wallpapers to give the TV a lifestyle look

when it’s idle.

Hisense’s AI TVs can auto select the best picture mode for the content you’re watching, while TCL TVs use it to enhance HDR and perform dynamic colour calibration. AI integration also means that you’ll now find a dedicated AI button on the remotes of selected models to call up your helpful TV assistant.

More Google TV While some brands use a proprietary OS, others offer Google TV built-in to streamline your streaming. Google TV’s simplicity and content variety has made it the go-to OS for many brands this year, such as TCL and Philips.

THE MINI-LED DIFFERENCE

If an OLED TV is beyond your budget, the good news is that Mini-LED TVs are improving in the picture quality stakes, delivering deeper blacks and super bright whites comparable to OLED. Plus, the high brightness of Mini-LED TVs makes them a great choice for living spaces with lots of natural light. Mini-LED TVs take the traditional LED backlighting used in LCD TVs and cranks it up to the next level, often incorporating quantum dot tech to boost colours.

Where regular LED TVs might use hundreds of lights, Mini-LED TVs have tens of thousands of super small LEDs – up to 75% smaller than standard ones. Functions like Local Dimming and Full Array Local Dimming allow a Mini-LED TV to fine-tune the brightness in different areas of the screen independently, so dark scenes look more natural without losing clarity in the brighter areas. You’ll pick up fine details in both the brightest and darkest parts of a scene, like a glowing streetlamp on a pitch-black night, without any annoying halo effect surrounding the light. Indeed, 2025 TCL Mini-LED TVs feature a dedicated ‘Halo Eliminator’ for this very purpose. Mini-LED tech will continue to improve, and moving forward we can expect to see RGB Mini-LED, which uses red, green, and blue LEDs for even finer control of colour without impacting brightness.

165Hz VRR There’s good news for gamers, with many 2025 TVs supporting a new, higher VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) of up 165Hz, meaning ever better quality gaming if your PC or console can handle such high-end output. More XXL-sized screens This year, you’ll find more mega screen sizes offered across the range, with 83-inch OLEDs from Samsung and LG, and a wider selection of 98” and 100” whoppers from Hisense and TCL.

10 MAY 2025

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TECH FEATURE

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TCL 98” P7K QLED 4K Google TV TCL has always offered quality big screens at crazy prices and the new P7K range includes this mega 98-inch beauty that comes with Google TV for all your streaming needs, and AI-driven tools to enhance clarity, motion, and HDR playback. It’s a QLED, too, which means a wide colour gamut for vibrant viewing, and next-gen Colourful Quantum Crystal tech delivers impressive long lasting colours with brilliance and depth. Dolby Vision and HDR10+ are supported for movie lovers, while game acceleration tech ensures smooth play. • See page 30 for the full TCL 2025 range

MassiveTVs up to 100 inches were formerly reserved for those with deep pockets, but enjoying mega-sized entertainment is now more affordable than you may think. Words Scott Hocking MEGA SCREENS TO SUIT ALL BUDGETS

Hisense 100” U6QAU Pro Mini-LED 4K Smart TV Hisense are another reputable go-to for massive screens without a colossal price tag, and you’ll get total immersion in your favourite movies, shows, sports, and games with this 100-inch monster. Combining QLED colour with the brightness of Mini-LED, this mega screen is a real showstopper that supports all HDR formats and the new 165Hz Game Mode Ultra, and pumps out 2.1 channel surround sound and thumping bass from an inbuilt subwoofer. • See page 22-24 for the full Hisense 2025 range

I f you’re old enough to remember the era of tube TVs, today’s supersized widescreen panels are the dream of a proper home cinema come true. Way back when, a TV’s screen generally maxed out at 35 inches (and weighed a ton), but now we have slimline eight-foot behemoths for a truly immersive entertainment experience. Bigger is better when it comes to a 4K smart TV – as long as your living space has room for it, of course. A mega-sized screen brings a ‘wow’ factor to whatever you’re watching or playing, every time. With 4K Ultra HD, HDR, millions of pixels and billions of colours, a massive screen can bring a heightened level of detail and realism, with movies often looking more lifelike and colourful than they did in the cinema.

They’re also great for elevating gaming, group movie nights, watch parties, and sports events, as well as video calls, digital art displays, and photo slideshows. So, if you’ve been coveting a mega-sized screen but don’t have deep pockets, the good news is that prices are continuing to drop, and there are more affordable 85”–100” options now available from the big brands.

Mega screen picks for 2025 Philips 86” QLED 4K Google TV This 86-inch model from Philips is the perfect entry-level mega screen, delivering an incredibly vibrant picture with over a billion hues of QLED colour, and accentuating fine details on Dolby Vision and HDR10 supported content. The Google TV OS organises streaming apps, live TV, and on-demand content in a convenient central hub, which you can navigate via Google Assistant voice control. It’s great for immersive

LG 86” QNED86A evo AI Mini-LED 4K Smart TV LG’s new flagship QNED evo represents fantastic value! Enjoy 86 inches of cinematic magic with Dolby Vision, HDR10, Filmmaker Mode, and Dolby Atmos audio, and let premium AI-powered features take care of SD and HD upscaling and boosting detail and clarity in every scene. QNED TVs are ideal for viewing

HDR in well-lit rooms, and are also designed with gamers in mind, who can level up with 144Hz VRR. An impressive addition to any home, this mega screen looks even better when it’s mounted on a wall. • See page 16-17 for the full LG 2025 range

gaming, too, with a speedy 144Hz refresh rate to keep play smooth and fluid. • See page 26 for the full Philips 2025 range

Soundbar not included

Soundbar not included

12 MAY 2025

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TECH FEATURE

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NEW TVS FOR 2025

LG brings “A ectionate Intelligence” and the ultimate brightness boost

From super-bright OLEDTVs to more colourful QNED Mini-LED models, LG’s 2025 line-up is all about stunning visuals and cool AI-powered features. Words Scott Hocking

What’s new in OLED evo?

LG OLED evo G5 AI 4K UHD Smart TV LG has been the global market leader in OLED display technology for over a decade, and at the top of their 2025 range sits the magnificent OLED evo G5. Powered by the Alpha 11 AI Processor Gen2 for even more amazing picture and sound quality, the G5 is equipped with the new Brightness Booster Ultimate function, delivering up to three times the brightness of previous models. Filmmaker Mode now features Ambient Light Compensation, which detects viewing lighting conditions and auto adjusts the picture settings accordingly to present the movie the way the filmmaker intended. AI Super Upscaling intelligently analyses and enhances low-res content, while Dolby Vision HDR and AI Dynamic Tone Mapping optimises brightness and contrast scene-by-scene on supported content. The G5 is the perfect TV for movie lovers and anyone who wants a

LG OLED evo C5 AI 4K UHD Smart TV The mid-range OLED evo C5

shares many of the features of its flagship counterpart and is 15% brighter than its predecessor. Designed with everyday versatility in mind, it will satisfy the demands of casual viewers, movie lovers, and gamers. Brightness Booster – for enhanced peak brightness up to 50%, compared to non-evo LG OLED models – allows for better visibility in bright rooms, while Dolby Vision HDR optimises contrast and colour frame-by-frame on supported content. The C5 also boasts improved sound quality via virtual 11.1.2 channel surround, and AI Voice Remastering for clearer dialogue. Screen sizes: 42”| 48”| 55”| 65”| 77”| 83” Also in the 2025 LG OLED family

stunning home theatre centrepiece, and gamers will love the high 165Hz refresh rate for smooth, lag-free play. Screen sizes: 55"| 65”| 77”| 83”

LG OLED B5 AI 4K UHD Smart TV • AI Search and Voice ID • Dolby Vision + Filmmaker Mode • Virtual 9.1.2 channel surround sound • Screen sizes: 48”| 55”| 65”

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FEATURE TECH

Introducing QNED evo

Also in the 2025 LG QNED family

accurate blacks, while LG’s proprietary Dynamic QNED Colour Solution replaces quantum dots, enabling the backlight to reproduce more authentic colours. The QNED86A’s powerful AI processor not only delivers more advanced upscaling of SD and HD content and finely tuned HDR brightness, it can

movie enthusiasts will relish. An all-rounder for movies and gaming, the QNED86A is also a sports lover’s dream TV. Designed for smooth, fast-paced action, it has a wide viewing angle to maintain consistently sharp and vibrant images from wherever

you’re seated in the room. Screen sizes: 55”| 65”| 75”| 86”

also convert two channel audio to virtual 9.1.2 channel surround and improve dialogue clarity. Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos for supported content, along with Filmmaker Mode, ensure a cinematic experience that

LG QNED81A AI LED 4K UHD Smart TV • Dynamic QNED Colour Solution • AI Search and Voice ID • HDR10 and Filmmaker Mode • Screen sizes: 43”| 50”| 55”| 65”| 75”| 86”

LG QNED86A AI Mini-LED 4K UHD Smart TV LG’s all-new QNED evo model is a premium LCD TV that incorporates OLED innovations like advanced AI capabilities. The display’s Mini-LED backlighting is precisely controlled to deliver stunning clarity and

Aƒectionate Intelligence AI

What’s new with the Magic Remote LG’s signature Magic Remote now features a new design and allocation buttons, including a dedicated AI button for easy searching and AI functions, and a Home Hub button to call up connected smart home devices.

LG’s 2025 AI TVs feature "Affectionate Intelligence",

which uses smart processors and a ton of data to deliver a more personal and intuitive TV experience. Designed to operate in the background, this friendly assistant learns what you like and is there when you need it! AI plays a major role in three key areas: picture and sound enhancement, content recommendations, and a helpful chatbot. Powerful AI processors constantly analyse picture and audio quality to upscale and enhance content so that it looks and sounds just right. LG’s AI also has you covered when deciding what to watch. It learns your preferences over time, so it knows what kind of movies and shows you like. Just ask for a recommendation, like “show me the most popular ‘80s action movies,” and the TV will suggest options that match your taste. Perhaps the coolest feature is the AI chatbot. This little assistant makes managing your TV’s settings a breeze. Want to adjust the contrast or increase

the bass? Just ask and the chatbot will take care of it for you. Personalised profiles can be created for up to ten different users, so each person’s favourite settings – like picture modes and sound – are saved and ready to go in their respective profiles. The AI can even recognise the voice ID of different users. Ultimately, Affectionate Intelligence

Play like a pro

LG’s OLED TVs in 2025 are built for next-level gaming, with fast 165Hz refresh rates on selected models, Game Optimiser, Game Dashboard, and a 21:9 screen ratio for extra immersion. Players can fine tune settings for the best experience, and there’s no need for a console – LG TVs support NVIDIA GeForce NOW and will soon have an Xbox app for access to hundreds of games direct from the TV.

is designed to learn from you and create a more enjoyable viewing experience. Whether it’s troubleshooting a problem,

recommending something new, or fine-tuning the picture and sound, this friendly feature is all about making your viewing as easy and immersive as possible.

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NEW TVS FOR 2025

Also in the 2025 Samsung OLED family

Samsung S85F OLED 4K Smart AI TV • 4K AI upscaling • OLED HDR • Up to 120Hz VRR • Dolby Atmos • PANTONE validated • Screen sizes: 55”| 65”| 77”| 83”

Samsung expands its OLED range in 2025 to include a variety of screen sizes, and offers a massive 98” Neo QLEDTV – all powered by intelligent Vision AI for outstanding picture and sound quality. Words Scott Hocking SAMSUNG HAS AN OLED FOR EVERY ROOM, WITH NEW VISION AI ONBOARD Samsung S95F OLED 4K Smart AI TV Samsung’s OLED S95F makes a big impression with a model available in a massive 83-inch screen size – Samsung’s largest OLED display to date! The flagship S95F is 30% brighter than its predecessor and powered by Samsung’s most advanced AI-powered 4K processor, which uses 128 neural networks to upscale content and fine-tune both the picture and sound for truly luxurious viewing and gaming. This stunning OLED also introduces Samsung’s new Vision AI to ensure that everything you watch looks and sounds awesome, by intelligently upscaling non 4K content. OLED anti-glare tech means minimal distractions from any pesky reflections, even in well-lit Aussie living rooms – there’s no need to close the blinds! A big screen demands big sound and the S95F delivers Dolby Atmos immersion for supported content, packing eight built-in speakers that follow the onscreen action. What’s new in OLED?

Samsung S90F OLED 4K Smart AI TV Joining the S95F in OLED excellence, the S90F also harnesses 128 AI neural networks to deliver outstanding picture and sound quality across all content types. It also offers smaller 42” and 48” OLED screen sizes, should you wish to experience this premium TV tech in the bedroom or study. The OLED HDR+ feature brings lifelike colours and deep contrast, with both HDR10 and HDR10+ support, enhancing both dark and light scenes and creating those inky blacks that gives OLED the edge.

Dolby Atmos and Object Tracking Sound Lite offer immersive, multidimensional audio, while AI tech enhances voice clarity for clearer dialogue even in a noisy room. For gamers, the Motion Xcelerator 144Hz provides high-speed, fluid play for fast-paced games. The TV is also HDMI 2.1 compatible, ensuring high bandwidth for advanced gaming setups. Game Bar allows players to fine-tune settings like FPS, input lag, and aspect ratio to maximise play, while Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) optimises settings for minimal lag, and FreeSync Premium Pro reduces stutter and screen tearing for seamless gameplay. Screen sizes: 42”| 48”| 55”| 65”| 77”

Gamers are in for a treat with super-smooth motion at up to 165Hz VRR, HDMI 2.1 support, and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro. Plus, with all the popular streaming and gaming apps all in one place – including Xbox Game Pass and Discord – you can jump right into the action without switching devices. Screen sizes: 65”| 77”| 83”

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FEATURE TECH

What’s new in Neo QLED in Neo QLED

Also in the 2025 Samsung Neo QLED family

noise reduction, and black levels, so everything looks as crisp and clear as it would on a smaller display. Sporting a sleek, minimalist design with built-in cable management to reduce clutter, the Neo QLED QN90F, like its OLED siblings, uses 128 AI neural networks for picture and sound enhancement, along with anti-glare tech for optimal viewing in well-lit surroundings. Neo Quantum HDR+ delivers lifelike colour and deep contrast on HDR10+ content, while the very cool-sounding Quantum Matrix technology with Mini LEDs boosts clarity and details. Plus, AI-driven Colour Booster Pro makes each scene more vibrant. Gamers can enjoy smooth play at up to 165Hz VRR, with HDMI 2.1 support for ultra fast performance, and convenient automatic setting adjustments. The Neo QLED QN90F is a good all-rounder for anyone looking for a TV with a good balance of brightness, contrast and colour – and a mega-sized screen that will dazzle! Screen sizes: 65”| 75”| 85”| 98” The latest version of Samsung’s popular lifestyle TV, The Frame, features some new upgrades including a Neo QLED Mini-LED panel for even richer colours and image depth, wireless connectivity for external devices via Samsung’s new One Connect Box, and bigger screen sizes to choose from. Just like its predecessor, The Frame Pro Neo QLED is more than a TV – it's a work of art that blends seamlessly into any room when doubling as a digital art Frame it!

Samsung QN70F Neo QLED 4K Mini-LED TV Smart AI TV • 4K AI upscaling • Quantum Mini-LED

• Up to 144Hz VRR • Gaming hub • Screen sizes: 55”| 65”| 75”| 85”

Samsung QN90F Neo QLED 4K Mini-LED TV Smart AI TV Samsung’s QN90 series generally means something big, and the new QN90F is available in a supersized 98” display, with anti-glare tech and precisely controlled Mini-LED backlighting for greater contrast and deeper blacks. The 98” model also has a dedicated Supersize Picture Enhancer that optimises visuals for large screens, improving sharpness,

Samsung QN85F Neo QLED 4K Mini-LED TV Smart AI TV • Samsung Vision AI • Quantum Mini-LED • Neo Quantum HDR+ • Dolby Atmos • Screen sizes: 55”| 65”| 75”| 85”

Samsung Vision AI

gallery. You can browse over 3,000 artworks from the Samsung Art Store and enjoy a two-month free subscription when you sign up for a monthly sub. The Neo QLED display’s vibrant colours, deep contrast, and matte finish mimic a real canvas with detail that’s almost tangible. It’s smart too, with Vision AI sharpening images and enhancing sound and dialogue. A handy motion sensor activates art mode when you enter the room and powers down to save energy when you leave. Plus, its brightness sensor ensures that your art display always looks gallery quality, no matter the lighting. Screen sizes: 65”| 75”| 85”

Samsung’s new Vision AI is all about making your TV smarter

and more intuitive, turning the screen into a personalised, responsive companion that adapts to your preferences and lifestyle. We’ve all had that moment where we recognise actors but can’t remember their name or the other movies they’ve made. Vision AI enables quick searching without interrupting the movie – there’s no more need to pause and check IMDb on your phone. The Live Translate function can generate subtitles during live broadcasts for selected languages, and a Generative Wallpaper function can transform the TV from a big black rectangle into an eye-catching artwork or design when idle. Vision AI also enhances picture and sound quality on the fly, analyzing both the onscreen content and a room’s ambient light levels. You’ll find Samsung Vision AI across the 2025 OLED, Neo QLED 4K, QLED, and The Frame series, along with a handy dedicated AI button on the remote.

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NEW TVS FOR 2025

Hisense U6QAU Pro This ULED Mini-LED TV has something for big screen lovers, with a giant 100-inch option that’s powered by the Hi View Engine Pro Engine, and with Mini-LED backlighting and QLED colour for luxurious and immersive viewing. The 100U6QAU also features 165Hz Game Mode Ultra and HDMI 2.1 support, while its smaller siblings offer 144Hz Game Mode Pro. All sizes are ready for Dolby Vision and HDR content, with 2.1 surround speakers, a built-in subwoofer, and Dolby Atmos support to amp up the audio. Alexa and VIDAA voice are built-in for hands-free control, and a solar remote

Whether you’re a movie buff looking for jaw-dropping visuals, a gamer chasing the fastest frame rates, or you just want a stunning picture without breaking the bank, Hisense’s 2025 range has aTV for you. Words Scott Hocking HISENSE BRINGS MEGA MINI-LED TVs WITH AI-DRIVEN FEATURES What’s new in ULED Mini-LED This year, Hisense is making a big splash with their new range of 4K ULED TVs, with up to 100-inch screen options featuring the latest advances in Mini-LED tech, such as local dimming for more precise backlighting control and contrast. You also get AI-powered smart features, superior sound specs, Quantum Dot colour, along with Dolby Vision and HDR to add a cinematic sheen to supported content. Plus, gamers can enjoy smoother play with the new 165Hz Game Mode Ultra available on selected high-end models.

comes with the 100-inch model. Screen sizes: 50”| 55”| 65”| 75”| 85”| 100”

Mini-LED Pro backlighting also sets these models apart, delivering exceptional brightness, deep blacks, and an overall richness to the visuals that makes them look more cinematic. Both TVs also feature anti-reflection tech to minimise glare in any lighting conditions, and are PANTONE validated for true to life hues – that’s 30% more colours than a standard LED TV. On the audio front, these TVs pump out immersive multi-channel surround sound: 4.1.2 channels on the U8QAU, and 2.1.2 channels on the U7QAU. Gamers can level up with 165Hz Game Mode Ultra for ultra-low input lag, silky-smooth graphics, and support for Variable Refresh Rate (VRR). Whether you're playing on a next-gen console or a high-end gaming PC, these TVs are designed to keep up with the play.

Hisense’s VIDAA smart TV OS is onboard with all the popular streaming apps preloaded, plus voice control for easy searching and navigation via the solar powered remote. While the U8QAU may be the flagship of this year’s ULED Mini-LED range, the U7QAU includes many of the same features in a slightly more affordable package, making it an ideal option for those who want premium performance without the premium price tag. Screen sizes: U8QAU 65”| 75”| 85”| 100” U7QAU 55”| 65”| 75”| 85”| 100”

Hisense U8QAU | U7QAU The U8QAU and U7QAU lead Hisense’s 2025 ULED Mini-LED range, both powered by the Hi-View AI Engine Pro, an intelligent processor that adjusts picture settings in real time, frame by frame, bringing incredible levels of detail and clarity.

22 MAY 2025

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NEW TVS FOR 2025

What’s new in QLED

Hisense AI TV

backlighting, which spreads the LEDs across the back of the whole screen for more precise brightness, contrast, and black levels. Both support Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and HDR10 for compatible content, as well as Filmmaker Mode for that authentic cinematic look, and Dolby Atmos sound, making them a good choice for movie buffs. Moreover, AI 4K Upscaling and AI Smooth Motion work behind the scenes to keep the picture sharp and fluid no matter the source material. The Q7QAU is a good option for gamers, with 144Hz Game Mode Pro for smooth performance and seriously immersive play, HDMI 2.1 support and AMD FreeSync Premium. The Q6QAU is the more

Hisense ULED TVs leverage AI tech to enhance your viewing, via the powerful Hi-View AI Engine Pro. AI Picture adjusts settings in real time to deliver lifelike contrast, colour, clarity, and detail, while AI Sound optimises the audio for different content types and ensures it matches each scene precisely. Then there is AI Scenario, which conveniently selects the best picture mode to match what you’re watching, from sports and movies to gaming. There’s no need to manually switch them in settings – the TV does it for you! AI will even help you save power – AI Energy uses pixel-level brightness control so you can still enjoy an exceptional picture with less power required.

Hisense Q7QAU | Q6QAU The Q7QAU and Q6QAU excel at delivering punchy, lifelike colours that pop with over a billion shades. If you’re into animated films, nature docs, or fast-paced sports, a QLED display is the way to go. These TVs use Direct Full Array

budget-friendly option, with the core benefits of QLED, making it an ideal choice for casual viewers who want vivid colors, smart image processing and cinema quality visuals. Screen sizes: Q7QAU 65”| 75”| 85”| 100” Q6QAU 43”| 50”| 55”| 65”| 75”| 85”

Solar saving

What’s new in LED

For those who just want a solid, entry-level Hisense TV without all the bells and whistles, the A4QAU has all the basic features you need in a smart TV. This Full HD LED TV delivers a crisp and authentic-looking picture via the Natural Colour Enhancer, Noise Hisense A4QAU Reduction, and High Contrast functions. It also has a Depth Enhancer to give images a more three dimensional look. Dolby Audio and DTS Virtual:X adds punch to surround sound effects while keeping dialogue crystal clear.

The VIDAA U8.5 OS offers convenient and quick access to your favourite streaming apps, and supports Google Home and Amazon Alexa. Plus, you can easily cast and mirror photos and videos from other devices using the Share to TV function.

The A4QAU comes in smaller screen sizes that are perfect for bedrooms or guest rooms – and anyone who wants a reliable smart TV at a great price. Screen sizes: 32”| 40”

Hisense’s solar-powered remote comes with models in the 2025 ULED Mini-LED range. Its eco-friendly solar panel uses ambient light to keep the remote continuously charged, with an alternative USB-C charging option. That means no more need to buy fresh batteries.

24 MAY 2025

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NEW TVS FOR 2025

movies, shows, and catch-up channels across the popular free and subscription apps, and organises them for easy access. You’ll get personalised recommendations based on your viewing history, and you can curate your watchlist from anywhere using the Google TV smartphone app. Plus, the dedicated Google Assistant button on the remote enables voice control for simpler searching for movies, shows and recommendations. Cinematic sound and vision Movie lovers are well catered for with dazzling Dolby Vision for rich and detailed cinematic visuals on selected models, while Dolby Atmos delivers immersive surround sound for supported content on the OLED, QLED, and Mini-LED TVs. The LED range supports HDR10 content, with immersive Dolby Audio. Game ready! Gamers can enjoy super-smooth play and awesome graphics with HDMI 2.1 connection and a fast 120Hz native refresh rate on the OLED and Mini-LED TVs.

For awesome big-screenTVs at prices that won’t break the bank, look no further than Philips’ 2025 range. From gamers to movie and sports lovers, there’s aTV here for everyone! Words Scott Hocking A vailable exclusively at JB Hi-Fi, Philips’ 2025 line-up runs the gamut of screen sizes and display types – OLED, QLED, Philips brings stunning big screens and Google TV at a ordable prices

Whatever your needs, budget, and available space, the Philips 2025 range has you covered. Let’s take a look at some of the other standout features that make these TVs a solid choice for anyone looking to upgrade their home theatre setup, or who needs a second set for the bedroom or bungalow. Google TV – your one-stop entertainment hub The Philips range has all your streaming needs sorted! The Google TV OS brings together

Mini-LED, and LED – to suit all rooms and viewing tastes. Want top-tier display tech for incredibly deep blacks and vivid colours? Philips’ 77-inch OLED model gives you a stunning big screen for a premium viewing experience, while the Mini LED range delivers accurate blacks and the vivid colours of Quantum Dot tech.

Even better, the Philips QLED range ups the refresh rate to 144Hz for more fluid motion for fast-paced action scenes. And we’re not just talking gaming – this is a TV for sports fans, too. Size it up

Looking for a big screen? The Philips OLED is available in a 77” model, making it one of the more affordable OLED displays of this size available, while the QLED and LED series offer big 65”, 75”, and 86” displays. Need something a bit smaller, but still with outstanding picture quality? The Mini-LED, QLED, and LED models come in 55” sizes, with the latter also available in 32”, 40”, and 50” options.

Philips QLED TVs also excel with HDR content and are ideal for gamers and sports lovers alike, with a higher display refresh rate. And if you need a TV to suit any space, the budget-friendly LED range starts at 32” up to a big 86”.

26 MAY 2025

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NEW TVS FOR 2025

What’s new in QLED

TCL P7K TCL’s P7K range offers excellent entry level QLED TVs in a variety of screen sizes up to a massive 98”, and introduces next-gen Colourful Quantum Crystal tech for truly vibrant and long-lasting colours. QLED technology uses quantum dots to deliver more than a billion hues of precise colour, and 93% DCI-P3 colour gamut – as used in digital cinema – is a major plus when viewing HDR content. AI-powered functions ensure stable, high-quality 4K visuals and enhance image sharpness with precise upscaling and noise reduction. Fast-moving action is kept smooth and blur-free, and AI can also intelligently decode HDR formats to deliver a picture exactly as creators intended. There’s Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support for a more cinematic experience, and 3D audio to fill your space with rich and immersive sound. For gamers, the Game Bar and Game Master offer seamless play, while Google TV will keep streamers bingeing through a plethora of personalised content recommendations. Screen sizes: 43”| 50”| 55”| 65”| 75”| 85”| 98” Let Google TV pick your viewing All your favourite streaming apps and free-to-air TV channels are a click or voice command away with the Google TV OS, which is integrated across TCL’s 2025 TV range. Enjoy all your favourite content without needing to constantly switch between apps! This smart hub can also learn the type of content you like to watch based on your viewing history, and provide personalised recommendations across multiple user profiles.

TCL bring upgraded QLED and Mini-LED screens to suit all budgets, with high-end features across the 2025 range. Words Scott Hocking BRIGHTER MINI-LED, AI PICTURE PROCESSING, AND GOOGLE TV FROM TCL

What’s new in QD-Mini-LED

TCL C6K and C7K

TCL’s QD-Mini-LED combines cutting-edge Quantum Dot and Mini-LED tech to deliver pixel-level precision with superior contrast and a colour gamut that rivals OLED, while maintaining higher peak brightness. TCL's new Halo Eliminator tackles that

functions control dynamic colour calibration, and can upscale SDR content to HDR. Fast-moving action is kept silky smooth for sports and gaming, with a fast 4K 144Hz refresh rate. Plus, gamers also get AMD FreeSync, low latency, and personalised game settings and modes via the

annoying ‘halo’ effect that can bloom around bright objects in dark scenes, and a powerful light-emitting chip improves brightness and energy efficiency, mastering dark and light scenes with precision. Proprietary Micro-Lens tech improves Mini-LED backlight uniformity for

adaptive Gamebar screen. The C6K range also offers immersive audio via Onkyo 2.1 channel speakers, Dolby Atmos support, and powerful bass. With Google TV, AirPlay 2, and IMAX Enhanced mode, the C6K and C7K models are the perfect options for movies, shows and gaming. Screen sizes: 55”| 65”| 75”| 85”

clearer details, while intelligent AI-powered

TCL C8K

coating to minimise glare, along with higher peak brightness, and support for all HDR formats. The 98”model features 3,830 dimming zones for balanced contrast and stunning HDR. Google TV is inbuilt for all your entertainment needs, and gamers have

the advantage of TCL’s game accelerator for improved refresh rate and reduced input lag. The C8K is also equipped with up- and rear-firing speakers for Dolby Atmos content, along with 6.2.2 channel surround sound. Screen sizes: 65”| 75”| 85”| 98”

The flagship model in TCL’s 2025 line-up is another Mini-LED marvel available in large screen sizes up to 98”. Sporting a premium build, the C8K features anti-reflection

30 MAY 2025

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