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Derek Malcolm

Derek Malcolm

Contributing Editor, A/V

Derek Malcolm is a contributing editor and evergreen lead for the A/V and Home Theater section of Digital Trends. Derek joined the DT team in 2020, spending his days wrangling the movie and TV streaming guides before getting the chance to nurture his obsession with the latest audio/video gear. A former musician and practicing vinyl nerd, his passion for sound can be found in his writing, whether it’s a guide to the best speakers and turntables, or a review of a party speaker that’ll blow your roof off.

Derek studied journalism at Toronto’s Humber College, graduating in 1999. He started his career writing about music, movies, and TV, back when people still read things on paper, working at such magazines as TV Guide and celebrity mag Hello! Canada. Derek counts Matt Damon, Britney Spears, and Coldplay among his favorite interviews.

From 2006 to 2018 Derek was the editor-in-chief of Canadian tech and entertainment magazine Connected, where he steered the publication through the invention of the iPhone and the rise of streaming to the demise of BlackBerry and the print industry.

One of two Canucks on the Digital Trends A/V team, Derek is based in Toronto where he lives with his wife, daughter, two cats, and his prized vintage Marantz stereo receivers.

When Derek isn’t cussing at the labyrinthine setup menus of the latest projectors, he can be found at home listening to records or counting the days to ski season.

You can find Derek on Threads and sharing his vinyl exploits on Instagram.

The Q Acoustics SUB Series subwoofers, in white.

Q Acoustics’ new Q SUB subwoofers boast ease of use and easy price

British speaker makers Q Acoustics have announced a powerful new line of affordable subwoofers, the Q Sub series, that offer easy setup and easy price.
The MoGo 2 Pro projector with the lamp shining from the land.

The best projectors for 2025: from 4K to ultra short throw

Home theater projectors can deliver an awesome big-screen experience, offering some of the most impressive visuals out there. Here, we've rounded up the best.
A wall of records and bins in a Toronto record shop.

Vinyl collecting: how to build and preserve a record collection

Your father-in-law was right: Vinyl records sound amazing and super cool. If you're just starting your vinyl collecting journey, here's everything you need to know.
The AC/DC Turntable from Pro-Ject Audio, shown top-down.

I’d do several Dirty Deeds for this AC/DC Turntable by Pro-Ject Audio

For those about to rock, Pro-Ject Audio is at it again, announcing today its lightning-bolt adorned special limited edition AC/DC Turntable.
[Embargo] BlueAnt Xi5 party speaker.

BlueAnt’s compact X5i party speaker offers 120-watts and two karaoke mics

Australian audio company BlueAnt has announced its new potable party speaker, the X5i, that boasts 120 watts of power and two included wireless karaoke mics.
The Monoprice DT-3BT speakers connected to a turntable.

Bluetooth turntables: why you should and shouldn’t get one

Should you get a Bluetooth turntable? They offer an easy and inexpensive way to bring vinyl music to your life, but may not be right for everyone. We break it down for you.
An NCAA basketball on the court.

How to set up your TV for watching NCAA basketball

Spending a little time dialling in your TVs picture and audio settings will make all the NCAA mens and women's basketball action look and sound its best. Here's how.
The TEAC AP-507 power amplifier in black.

TEAC’s new power amplifier offers versatility and performance in a compact form

TEAC has launched the AP-507 power amplifier, a new addition to its premium Reference 500 Series hi-fi components.
Gadhouse Cosmo Solar turntables.

Gadhouse’s see-through Cosmo Solar turntables will remind you of your old iMac G3

Thai audio makers Gadhouse have added three new see-through colors to its popular Sosmo beginner portable turntable lineup, named Solar, and they run for $200.
Premier League soccer match

How to set up your TV for watching Premier League soccer

Set your TV up for the win when watching Premier League soccer with these tips for getting the best picture possible.
The Audio-Technica AT-LP70X turntable.

The best turntables of 2025: Tested and reviewed by our tech experts

Vinyl is still the physical music format of choice, so you're gonna need a turntable! From beginners to audiophiles, here are the best for every budget.
The Advance Paris A12 Classic Integrated Amplifier.

Advance Paris brings its gorgeous, premium amplifiers to the U.S.

Premium audio brand Advance Paris has announced today that it's sleek and powerful hi-fi amplifiers and separates are now available in the U.S.
The Audio-Technica AT-LP70X turntable.

How we test turntables and record players

From unboxing to setup to testing out all their features by playing loads of records, here's how we test and review turntables at Digital Trends.
The Mixx Revival 55 suitcase record player.

Mixx Revival 55 suitcase record player is cute, colorful, and perfect for newbs

The UK's Mixx Audio has announced the $100 Revival 55 Vinyl Record Player, an affordable and stylish suitcase turntable perfect for newbies.
The Optoma UHZ68LV 4K projector.

Optoma unveils the blistering 5,000-lumen UHZ68LV 4K laser projector

Projector makers Optoma have unveiled a blistering new 5,000-lumen, $5,000 4K laser projector at Barcelona's Information Systems Europe 2025 showcase.
The Lenco L-3810 direct drive turntable being used by a DJ.

Lenco’s latest price-friendly turntables are now available in the U.S.

Swiss audio makers Lenco have today announced the availability of several of its newest turntables to the US market, via Audio Advice.
An iPhone 14 displaying the Amazon Music app with a Dolby Atmos Music playlist, next to a set of Apple AirPods Max headphones.

What is Amazon Music: everything you need to know

Joining the ranks of platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, Amazon Music is another great service for indulging in your favorite tunes!
A 65-inch Sony QD-OLED BRAVIA XR A95L Series in a living room setting.

The 11 best TVs of 2025, tested and reviewed by our experts

The best TVs of 2025 are brought to you by noteworthy brands like Samsung, Sony, LG, and TCL. Here are all our favorite sets for the year so far.
Netlix home screen displayed on an iPad 11 Pro.

How much does Netflix cost? A breakdown of the streamer’s plans

Netflix has made some sweeping changes to its plans and pricing recently. Is it still worth it? Check out our guide to how much Netflix costs.
Billie Eilish performs in Toronto in 2024.

How to watch the FireAid benefit concerts on streaming services

Dozens of the music world's biggest stars are coming together for FireAid, a benefit concert for those affected by the LA wildfires. Here's how to stream it.
Spotify on an Android device.

The best music streaming services of 2025

Does one go with Spotify, Apple Music, or Tidal? We break down some of the most popular music streaming services to help you choose.
The Valerion VisionMaster Max triple laster projector.

The Valerion VisionMaster Max ascends the projector brand from Kickstarter to CES 2025

From Kickstarter darling to making its debut on the CES 2025 show floor, Valerion has announced its best projector yet with the VisionMaster Max.
The Panasonic Z95B OLED TV.

Panasonic’s Z95B has the secret OLED TV tech we were hunting for 

Panasonic is back in the U.S. in full force, today announcing three new TVs, including an MLA-free OLED, the flagship Z95B.
The new Onkyo A-50 Network Integrated Amplifier.

Onkyo debuts its gorgeous Icon Series hi-fi components at CES 2025

Legendary audio brand Onkyo has mounted its rebrand and announced its new Icon Series hi-fi components at CES 2025 today.
The lineup of thee Klipsch Music City party speakers.

Klipsch’s new Music City speakers are built to party as hard as the towns they’re named after

Klipsch has announced a new line of Music City-themed party speakers representing Las Vegas, Miami, and New York that pump out sound and lights for party fun.
[EMBARGOED: Jan. 6, 19:00 PT] Anker Soundcore's new Rave 3S party speaker.

Soundcore’s new party speaker uses AI to turn any track into a karaoke banger

At CES 2025 today, Anker announced two new Bluetooth speakers, including the Soundcore Rave 3S, a party speaker that can turn any track into a karaoke song with the help of AI.
Yaber K300s

Yaber unveils a pair of slick new projectors, including its first laser UST, at CES 2025

Home theater projector maker Yaber has announced its first ultra short throw projector, the 1,000-lumen K300s, at CES 2025, as well as new compact model.
The JBL PartyBox 520 party speaker.

JBL keeps the party going, revealing three new PartyBox speakers at CES 2025

JBL loves to party, and it shows with the company announcing three new speakers at CES 2025: the PartyBox 520, the Encore 2, and the Encore Essential 2.
The Samsung S95F OLED on display at CES 2025.

Samsung strengthens its AI vision across its TV and audio lineup at CES 2025

Samsung has doubled down on it AI vision at CES 2025 by announcing new QLED and OLED TV models and audio products.
The LG PF600U projector-lamp-Bluetooth speaker.

LG’s funky new projector/lamp/Bluetooth speaker launches ahead of CES 2025

LG unveiled two new lifestyle projectors ahead of CES 2025, the PF600U, a projector/lamp/Bluetooth speaker combo, and its smallest UST projector yet, the CineBeam S.
The JBL Xtreme 4 Bluetooth speaker. [Embargoed image 06/03]

Best Bluetooth speakers for 2025, as tested and reviewed by our experts

Choosing a Bluetooth speaker can be a tough task, which is why we've put together this roundup to shine a light on all the best speakers for 2025.
ESPN on Disney+ on a TV.

ESPN is now available on the Disney+ app, with some free content

Disney has added a new ESPN tile to the Disney+ app, making it easier for its subscribers to access ESPN+'s sports content in one place.
The Anker Nebula Mars 3 portable projector on a table under a tent.

This deal on the Nebula Mars 3 outdoor projector is out of this world

One of the best outdoor projectors around, the Anker Nebula Mars 3, is on sale for Cyber Monday at $300 off its sticker price.
The JBL Xtreme 4 Bluetooth speaker on an ooutdoor table.

Ending soon: My favorite JBL speaker has finally gone on sale for Cyber Week

The JBL Xtreme 4 is my favorite Bluetooth speaker of 2024. Easily worth its full price, this Cyber Week deal makes it a no-brainer for JBL fans.