Could there be a better time than Christmas for AV tech fans? This is the time of year that the latest movie blockbusters are released on DVD and Blu-ray, the newest digital TVs and digital TV recorders hit the shelves and the latest and greatest audio equipment from speakers to iPod docks, surround sound systems to high-tech headphones become available in time for the feast of Christmas movies, TV and music that lies ahead.
This year there’s no shortage of fabulous audio visual goodies to suit every budget and delight every AV tech buff out there on Christmas morning. Grab your wrapping paper and sticky tape – here’s a guide to some of the best gifts for AV tech fans this Christmas.
1. House of Marley ‘Chant’ Portable Speaker
Christmas is a time for giving and receiving, so it’s good to know that a contribution to charity is made from every House of Marley product sold. And despite its undoubted good looksthis nifty little portable speaker has eco-friendly credentials too, thanks to elements of its construction comprising recycled plastic and bamboo. It’s not just about gorgeous looks though: hook the chant up to your MP3 player via the USB port or 3.5mm jack socket and you’re in for some phat bass and crisp tones (playing reggae is optional). The Chant comes with its own canvas carry-bag and will provide six hours of amplified tunes on a single charge. A party in your pocket for a penny less than fifty quid? Even Bob himself would be impressed.
2. Humax DTR-T1000 YouView Smart 500GB Freeview+ HD Digital TV Recorder:
Forget those scheduling clashes and family fights over Doctor Who and Downton Abbey once and for all this Christmas. Humax’s YouView box, priced at around £250, gives you High Definition Freeview along with the TV catch-up services for the main terrestrial TV services (BBC iPlayer, ITV Player, 4OD and Demand 5) all in a single, easy to use, sleek black box. The ultimate telly addition for AV geeks this Christmas, the Humax DTR-T1000 YouView TV recorder has two TV tuners so you can watch ne channel whilst recording another or even simultaneously record two channels. Naturally you can pause and rewind live TV and the DTR-T1000’s massive 500 gig hard drive will hold up to 300 hours’ worth of recorded telly. Don’t watch it all at once though unless you want to see in the New Year with square eyes.
3. Doctor Who Sonic Screwdriver Universal Remote Control:
Speaking of Doctor Who, which self-respecting ‘Whovian’ and audio visual tech fan would want to be without their very own sonic screwdriver this Christmas? This one’s special because it’s also a universal remote control for up to three infra-red devices including TVs and phone/MP3 docking systems. Not only does it look authentic, but this sonic screwdriver also produces a range of genuine Doctor Who sound effects which means that not only can you drive your family nuts this Christmas by channel-hopping with your sonic screwdriver, you can also irritate them with alien noises too! £60 bags this useful item of AV tech Doctor Who memorabilia from Firebox.com
4. Sony KDL-32HX753 32inch 3D LED TV:
Sony’s new 32” 3D LED television is making a real name for itself – it’s already won a coveted ‘What Hi Fi’ 2012 Sound and Vision Award. Why? Because Sony has cleverly taken all of the high definition and screen enhancing technology it applies to its larger screens and packed them into an excellent value (you can find the KDL-32HX753 for around £550 if you shop around online) 32” model. Almost limitless 2-D, 3-D, standard and high-definition viewing configurations mean that not only does the Sony KDL-32HX753 32inch 3D LED TV provide crystal-clear, noise-free vision and sound no matter what you’re watching, you can adjust this TV to maximise your personal viewing comfort, so there’ll be no more tired eyes after a marathon 3-D TV viewing session.
5. Beyerdynamic DTX 101 iE In-Ear Headphones:
As any true AV fan knows, in-ear headphones might all look similar but sound reproduction and quality can vary massively from model to model. This Christmas you couldn’t make a better choice of gift for the AV fan in need of new headphones for his MP3 player or smartphone than Beyerdynamic’s DTX 101 iE In-Ear Headphones. Another ‘What Hi Fi’ 2012 award winner, these little beauties cost a shade under £70 for which you get your choice of classy red, silver or black-finished metal in-ear headphones which house Neodymium HD acoustic drivers – the secret behind DTX 101 iE’s incredibly clear, impressive – and ward-winning! – sound. Beyer-dynamic has even thrown in three sets of different-sized ear-pieces and a handy cloth carry-case for your listening comfort and convenience.
