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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.

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.
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.
Apple Music Replay 2024

Apple Music Replay 2024: where to find it and how to see your listening stats

Apple has released its annual Apple Music Replay 2024 list that shows users their yearly listening habits, as well as what the world has been listening to most.
The Edifier S1000W bookshelf speakers on a shelf with a Marantz receiver and a record player.

These Edifier speakers are my daily drivers, and they’re $150 off right now

They sound great, have tons of connections, and their wood panels look awesome — for $300, just go get the Edifier S1000W bookshelf speakers for Cyber Monday.
The KEF LS50 Meta passive bookshelf speaker.

Spoil your ears with this Cyber Monday deal on KEF’s LS50 Meta speakers

Audiophiles waiting for KEF to put its best bookshelf speakers on sale need wait no more. The British company's primo LS50 Meta speakers are going for a song.
The Fiio dm13 Portable Stereo CD player rtable Stereo CD player with a pair of B&W Px7 Bluetooth headphones.

Fiio DM13 review: Get ready to fall in love with CDs all over again

It's time to pull your dusty CD towers from your basement and give them the love they deserve with the Fiio DM13, a modernized take on the CD walkmans of old.
A 65-inch Sony QD-OLED BRAVIA XR A95L Series in a living room setting.

The 10 best TVs of 2024, tested and reviewed by our experts

The best TVs of 2024 are brought to you by noteworthy brands like Samsung, Sony, LG, and TCL. Here are all our favorite sets for the year so far.
The Sonos Ace headphones in front of the Sonos Arc soundbar.

Best soundbars of 2025: a sound upgrade for your TV

A great soundbar could prevent you from having to invest in a big surround sound setup. Here are some of our favorite models for 2024.
A mobile device in a hand with the Tubi Scenes feature.

Tubi’s new Scenes feature plays clips to help you find your next binge

Tubi has just launched its new Scenes feature for mobile devices that serves up short clips of movies and shows to help users find somthing to watch easier.
The Lego Retro Record Player on a table.

This cool retro Lego record player can be yours for free this weekend

Vinyl nerds will to want to get their hands on Lego's miniature Retro Record Player set that can be had for free (with purchase) this weekend.
Netflix catalog on a TV.

How to turn off autoplay previews and episodes on Netflix

Netflix subscribers can disable the streamer's autoplay feature for both previews and playing the next episode of a show. Here's our guide on how to do it.
The Cast selections on the Chrome browser for playing Apple TV+ on Chromecast.

How to watch Apple TV+ on a Chromecast or Google TV device

Do you want to watch Apple TV+ content but you don't have an Apple device hooked up to your TV? Chromecast or Google TV is your solution. Here's what to do.
Soundcore Motion 300 hanging from a towel rod.

The best Bluetooth speakers for under $100

You don’t have to spend boatloads to get a great Bluetooth speaker! Here’s a handful of excellent mobile-friendly speakers that all cost under $100.
Cambridge Audio CXN network streamer.

Best network music streamers 2024: make your hi-fi smarter

A network music streamer is a great way to indulge in hi-res playback without relying on physical media. Here are several of our favorite streamers for 2024.
Pro-Ject Juke Box E1 turntable.

Pro-Ject Juke Box E1 turntable review: an all-in-one for vinyl fun

Pro-Ject Audio's Juke Box E1 combines a solid amplifier and turntable in one for those beginner audiophiles who don't want to fuss with components.
The Hisense PL2 ultra short throw projector.

Hisense’s new PL2 Laser Cinema is big on brightness and style

Hisense has announced that its new PL2 UST projector is now available in the U.S. It features a stylish design and 2,700 lumens of brightness for $2,500.
The SVS Sound SB-16 Ultra subwoofer placed next to a TV stand.

The 8 best subwoofers for 2024: add boom to your movie or music room

Need a little more low-end presence in your home theater sound? It might be time to invest in a dedicated subwoofer, and we've rounded up several great models.
Disney Plus logo on a TV screen.

How much is Disney Plus? Plans, prices, and features explained

Disney's streaming service is one of today's most popular. But how much does Disney+ cost? We've got the answers, from pricing options to how you can save.
Tribit StormBox Blast 2 on a beach.

Tribit’s upgraded StormBox Blast 2 speaker gets a power boost and karaoke

Bluetooth speaker makers Tribit have announced the upgraded new StormBox Blast 2, which features 200 watts of power and some new karaoke features.
A set of banana plugs installed on speaker wire.

How to install banana plugs on speaker wire for easy connectivity

Upgrading your messy, raw speaker wire with clean, secure banana plugs is a great way to make for easy connectivity. Here's how to do it.
Lenovo Tab Extreme showing Disney Plus.

What is Disney+? Plans, price, and everything else you should know

Get ready to indulge in all things Disney, Pixar, and Marvel with a Disney Plus subscription! Here’s everything you need to know about the streaming platform.