Skip to main content
Derek Malcolm
Derek Malcolm
Contributing Editor – AV + Home Theater

Derek Malcolm is a Toronto-based technology journalist, editor, and content specialist whose work has appeared in publications such as Toronto Life, Canadian Business, The Globe and Mail, Business Insider, Today's Parent, The Huffington Post, and IT World Canada. Derek has been covering the worlds of technology and entertainment for more than 20 years and is currently a Contributing Editor and Writer for the AV and Home Theater section at Digital Trends. When he's not obsessing over turntables, vintage audio gear, streaming devices, or what movies and shows to binge, Derek can be found at home spinning vinyl with his daughter.

Putting a vinyl record on a turntable.

How we test turntables and record players

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.
A non-static vinyl brush on a record.

10 of the best turntable accessories for vinyl supremacy

10 of the best turntable accessories for vinyl supremacy

Whether you’re a wedding DJ or an audiophile, these eight killer accessories will keep your vinyl clean, protected, and tip-top order for your next spin sesh.
A front view of the LG XBoom LX7 portable party speaker.

LG XBoom XL7 review: a thunderous karaoke party speaker on wheels

Looking to rock your neighbors or belt out karaoke tunes into the night? The LG XBoom XL7 is the portable party speaker and light show to help you do it.
Sony WH-1000XM5 wireless headphones sitting on a laptop keyboard.

The best noise-canceling headphones of 2023: Sony, Bose, and more

The best noise-canceling headphones of 2023: Sony, Bose, and more

It's a noisy world, but our picks of the best noise-canceling headphones will help hush it for you while making music, podcasts, and other sounds even sweeter.
How to fix common Spotify problems

Common Spotify problems and how to fix them

Common Spotify problems and how to fix them

Is Spotify or one of its latest features giving you trouble? These are the common Spotify problems we've encountered and the best fixes to get your music back.
The Tubi TV homepage on a desktop browser.

What is Tubi? Everything to know about the free streamer

What is Tubi? Everything to know about the free streamer

There's no shortage of on-demand streaming services out there, but few are free, like Tubi. Here, we outline what Tubi is and what it currently has to offer.
Netflix Who's watching/manage profiles screen.

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

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

Netflix just added an ad-supported subscription option, which makes things more accessible. But is it still worth it? Check out our guide to Netflix plans.
An iPhone with the YouTube Music app on it.

Spotify vs. YouTube Music: so alike, but which is best for you?

Spotify vs. YouTube Music: so alike, but which is best for you?

With similar libraries, as well as near-identical music quality and pricing, can YouTube Music stand up to Spotify's stalwart UI and excellent music discovery?
Jabra Elite 4 in open charging case sitting on plant leaves.

Best cheap headphones and earbuds 2023: Jabra, 1More, and more

Best cheap headphones and earbuds 2023: Jabra, 1More, and more

Did you know that cheap headphones can actually sound good? Here's a list of the best budget headphones that look, feel, and sound like higher-priced pairs.
The Victrola Stream Carbon with its dust cover on.

Victrola Stream Carbon review: the best turntable for Sonos fans

Adding a turntable to a Sonos system to play vinyl has never been easy, but the Victrola Stream Carbon might just be the best way we've seen yet for doing it.
The Hisense PX1-PRO  projector.

The best projectors for 2023: Hisense, BenQ, LG, and more

The best projectors for 2023: Hisense, BenQ, LG, and more

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.
Ahsoka Tano prepares for battle in an episode of Star Wars: The Clone Wars

Want to enjoy the Star Wars TV shows more? Watch the cartoons, already!

Star Wars animated series like The Clone Wars and Rebels have an undeniable influence on the Disney+ TV shows like The Mandalorian that makes them better.
Samsung S95C OLED

The best TV brands of 2023: from LG to TCL, which should you buy?

The best TV brands of 2023: from LG to TCL, which should you buy?

Anytime is a good time for a new TV! We've broken down the best TV brands on the market to help you decide which model should land in your living room.
Apple AirPods Pro 2 and Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II

Best Apple AirPods alternatives for 2023: Bose, Sony, Marshall, and more

Best Apple AirPods alternatives for 2023: Bose, Sony, Marshall, and more

Apple's AirPods may be iconic, but they're not alone. If you're looking for alternatives that compare in sound, features, and price, here are some of the best.
Redbox DVD rentals.

Where to rent DVDs and Blu-rays as Netflix ends disc rentals

Where to rent DVDs and Blu-rays as Netflix ends disc rentals

With Netflix sunsetting its DVD-by-mail rental service this September, we've put together this list of some alternative DVD rental options to fill the void.
Spotify app library screen..

What is Spotify? Music, pricing, and features explained

What is Spotify? Music, pricing, and features explained

Spotify is the most popular music and podcast streaming service today. Here's everything you need to know about it.
How to download music and podcasts from Spotify: The downloads folder.

How to download music from Spotify for offline listening

How to download music from Spotify for offline listening

So you want to download songs, playlists, and podcasts from Spotify for offline listening? We’ll show you how to do it.
The Technics SU-GX70 Network Audio Amplifier.

Technics’ new SU-GX70 streaming amp plays nice with TV audio

Technics’ new SU-GX70 streaming amp plays nice with TV audio

Japanese hi-fi audio maker Technics has announced a powerful, connection-rich network amplifier that integrates HDMI ARC for the first time.
An iPhone with the Stats for Spotify screen on it being held in a hand.

Stats for Spotify: how to see your stats ahead of Wrapped

Stats for Spotify: how to see your stats ahead of Wrapped

Spotify Wrapped is a fun way to see the music and artists you loved the most every year. Stats for Spotify lets you see what you're digging all year long.
The app screen on Spotify that says Cancel Premium.

How to cancel Spotify Premium

How to cancel Spotify Premium

Spotify Premium is one of the best music streaming services in the world. But should you ever want to cancel your subscription, it's easy. Here's how.
RCA universal remotes.

How to program an RCA universal remote

How to program an RCA universal remote

Before you can reap the benefits of controlling your entire home theater setup from an RCA universal remote, you need to set it up. Here are the easiest ways.
Roku remote in hand with Roku home screen in. the background.

The most common Roku problems and how to fix them

The most common Roku problems and how to fix them

Have a Roku or Roku Streaming Stick 4K that's giving you problems? We explain how to fix the most common Roku issues in minutes — no tech support needed.
Sonos Era 100, beside a turntable.

How to connect a turntable to a Sonos speaker

How to connect a turntable to a Sonos speaker

If you have a Sonos system that you want to start playing vinyl records through, we're going to show you how to connect a turntable to it.
Two UE Wonderboom 3 speakers held side-by-side.

The best Bluetooth speakers for under $100

The best Bluetooth speakers for under $100

Want a great-sounding Bluetooth speaker, but need to work within a limited budget? We've identified five different models, each with its own unique strengths.
Apple AirPods Pro 2 beside an Apple AirPods 3 earbud.

Apple AirPods Pro 2 vs. AirPods 3: which should you buy?

Apple AirPods Pro 2 vs. AirPods 3: which should you buy?

Apple's flagship AirPods Pro 2 are excellent earbuds, but would the cheaper, more basic AirPods 3 suit your needs just fine? We break it down for you.
The Jabra Elite 4 true wireless earbuds.

Jabra’s $100 Elite 4 are its most affordable ANC earbuds yet

Jabra’s $100 Elite 4 are its most affordable ANC earbuds yet

Two years on, Jabra brings the Bluetooth multipoint connectivity that can be found on some of its higher-end earbuds to the more affordable Elite 4s,
Amazon Music

What is Amazon Music: everything you need to know

What is Amazon Music: everything you need to know

Don't overlook Amazon Music; it boasts a 100 million-song library, hi-res music, spatial audio, and plans to suit a wide range of users.
best streaming TV service

The best live TV streaming services: Hulu, Sling TV, YouTube TV, and more

The best live TV streaming services: Hulu, Sling TV, YouTube TV, and more

Ditching cable? To demystify the journey to independence from traditional cable and satellite providers, we present the very best live TV streaming services.
The LBL Pulse 5 Bluetooth speaker sitting on a hot tub ledge.

The best waterproof Bluetooth speakers for 2023: from JBL, Marshall, and more

The best waterproof Bluetooth speakers for 2023: from JBL, Marshall, and more

The best waterproof Bluetooth speakers can handle any splash, dunk, or rainy day you throw at them. Here are six of our favorite H20-proof audio companions.
Roku remote in hand with Roku home screen in. the background.

How to update your Roku device software

How to update your Roku device software

Updating your Roku streaming device's software keeps it in tip-top shape and delivers its latest features. It's as easy as a few clicks. Here's how to do it!
Pioneer Elite VSX-LX805 AVR with a TV.

Pioneer Elite’s latest flagship AVR is jammed with new audio tech

Pioneer Elite’s latest flagship AVR is jammed with new audio tech

The Pioneer Elite VSX-LX805 is Pioneer's latest flagship network audio video receiver that promises big power, audiophile sound, and Dirac room correction.
The Marshall Middleton Bluetooth speaker on a bookshelf.

Marshall Middleton review: a road-worthy portable powerhouse

Marshall's Middleton Bluetooth speaker does its classic guitar amp lineage proud with a sound that's big and clear and a sturdy gig-worthy design.
The new Spotify home screen.

Spotify gets first major redesign in 10 years with TikTok-like scroll

Spotify today announced its first major redesign in a decade, bringing a more discovery-focused UI reminiscent of social platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
A stereo pair of HomePods, a TV, and an Apple TV 4K.

How to connect a stereo pair of Apple HomePods to your Apple TV

How to connect a stereo pair of Apple HomePods to your Apple TV

Apple's latest HomePod sounds great. But as a stereo pair with an Apple TV 4K, the spatial audio sound can rival the best soundbars. Here's how to set it up.