IT Show 2014 - Speakers, Headphones, Monitors & TVs Buying Guide

IT Show 2014 Buying Guide

The first electronics show of 2014 is finally here! As per the norm, IT Show 2014 will be held at Marina Bay Sands, from the February 27 to March 2, at Levels 1 and B2, from 12 noon to 9pm. And of course, admission is free. As expected, a great number of vendors are present to display their latest wares. Notebooks, tablets, televisions, cameras, and much more are on sale. Bargain hunters will be able to find great discounts and walk away with bountiful freebies.

Before we begin recommendation on speakers, headphones, monitors, and TVs, check out our video roundup of top 10 new gadgets you might want to have a hands-on at the IT Show and who knows, you might get some of them!

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Buying Guide Index

• Speakers (this page)
• Headphones
• Monitors
• TVs 
  
  

HardwareZone IT Show 2014 Portal

For more on IT Show, including maps, brochures, and Twitter updates, click on through to our Tech Show Portal.

Speaker Deals at IT Show 2014

Here are some top speaker deals at this year's IT Show:

IT Show 2014 Speakers Portal

Speakers Buying Guide

While headphones are excellent for a personal listening experience, sometimes you need to listen to the audio in a group, and that's where free-standing speakers come in handy. Since they aren't restricted to delivering sound directly to your ear canals, they generally project better soundstage, and provide a more organic listening experience. As you might expect, speakers come in different shapes and sizes intended for a myriad of usage scenarios.

SPEAKERS TODAY

In general, speakers can be sorted based on their size and use case, such as mobile speakers, tabletop speakers, PC speakers, and home theater speakers.

Mobile Speakers The idea of mobile speakers is as old as portable music players. But increasingly, we're seeing new innovations in this category, and this is no doubt a result of the popularity of the smartphone as the primary music playing device for most people. For true portability, look for mobile speakers that can operate without the need to plug into a power socket. Typically, this is achieved through built-in lithium-ion batteries. However, there are also mobile speakers that use standard AA or AAA cells; such speakers are useful for travel. Recent mobile speakers also provide wireless connectivity via Bluetooth technology; while some even have the ability to generate their own wireless hotspot. Mobile speakers typically cost anywhere from $30 for small speakers you can carry in your pocket to $500 for high-end models which promise premium quality sound.
Desktop Speakers Desktop speakers are a step up from mobile speakers, being larger and less portable than the latter. Thanks to the popularity of smart devices, we've a sub-category called docking speakers, which as the name suggests, lets you dock your device on the speaker, which is usually a one-piece stereo system. However, with the problems of transmitting audio over micro-USB (used by Android devices) and Apple’s switch from the 30-pin connector to the new Lightning connector, even such speakers have transitioned to providing wireless playback. Bluetooth is usually the technology employed, though increasing, more are sporting Wi-Fi, AirPlay, and DLNA support. AirPlay provides a great deal of convenience if you're using an iOS device; with DLNA, owners of Android devices can also stream their music just as easily. Many desktop speakers also incorporate devices capable of playing CDs (remember micro Hi-Fi?), as well as simple bookend 2.0 and 2.1-channel systems intended for use with your desktop or notebook PC. Of course, for those who watch a lot of movies on their computer, there are multi-channel setups that usually consist of five satellite speakers and a subwoofer.
Home Theater Speakers Home theater speakers are essential for a proper cinematic experience. And a type that's gaining a lot of attention lately is what's called a sound bar. Due to their compactness and horizontal design, they can either be hung on the wall, or placed right in front of the TV. Even with a single cabinet, a high-end sound bar is capable of delivering stereo as well as up to 7.1-channel surround sound effect. Compatibility with popular surround sound formats, such as Dolby Digital and DTS Digital Surround, is very common. For even deeper bass, a sound bar can be accompanied with a subwoofer (usually a wireless active one these days). Like home-theater-in-a-box systems, there are also sound bars that are equipped with a built-in Blu-ray player and smart Internet features. From sound bars up, you will discover 5.1-speaker systems, 7.1-speaker systems, and the next generation of home audio evolution in the shape of 9.1 and 9.2-speaker systems. Being stand-alone speakers, they typically have a better sound quality, especially dynamic range. And they can go real loud with the help of an AV receiver, which is often not possible with a sound bar in a large room.

What to Look For

So, what should you look out for when buying speakers today?

• Skipping/Hopping: This is a problem found in mobile speakers. Due to their small stature, they may actually jump/hop/skip slightly at high volumes. Skipping or hopping represents bad construction and should be an instant deal-breaker. Do remember to crank the volumes high before buying mobile speakers so as to ascertain whether this problem exists. High-end mobile speakers such as the Bose SoundLink include features such as waffle cone enclosures for their passive radiators to specifically combat this issue.
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• NFC Enabled: If rummaging through the settings menu and clicking the Bluetooth button is too much work for you, modern wireless, portable speakers come with NFC compatibility. This means that pairing your speakers with your smartphone is as simple as tapping your devices together. The inclusion of NFC functionality seems to be next step in the evolution of the Bluetooth, portable speakers market segment.
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• Wireless Bluetooth: Like Bluetooth headphones, Bluetooth speakers also use the same lossy transmission format. This means that audio quality will deteriorate. We recommend you ensure your Bluetooth-enabled speakers also come with Apt-X codecs. Apt-X is a real-time digital audio data reduction system which offers linear compression of audio samples by a factor of 4:1, and hence mitigates some of the drop in quality for Bluetooth transmissions.

• Bluetooth vs. DLNA/AirPlay: Bluetooth and DLNA/AirPlay are two competing wireless transmission technologies and they have their own pros and cons. If you are looking for a quick and hassle free way to connect to your speakers, which will work anywhere, anytime, and anyplace, then Bluetooth is your best bet. However, as mentioned previously, you will have to live with the fact that it is a lossy transmission format.
  
  
  
  DLNA/AirPlay is able to use your home network to transmit data without any losses. But DLNA/AirPlay requires an initial setup procedure, and will not function if your network is down. You will have to weigh these advantages and disadvantages when making your decision on which wireless connectivity option to go for. Bluetooth is more affordable and lends itself to portability well, while DLNA/AirPlay offers higher quality. Of course, you can always buy a speaker such as the B&O Play BeoLit 12 which gives you the best of both worlds...for more money.
  
  
  
  For higher-end speakers, the manufacturers may offer their own wireless streaming tech. One example is Yamaha with its yAired technology that does uncompressed signal transmission, which can be found in several of its sound bars.
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• Ports: When it comes to HTIB and integrated sound bar systems, it is important to note that they will serve as the hub for your entire AV ecosystem. For this purpose it is essential to have a good selection of ports. Taking sound bars as the baseline, we would suggest your prospective buys have at least one HDMI output and two HDMI inputs. Throw in composite and component inputs if you're still using analog sources. Of course, to get network connectivity, you need an Ethernet port. A USB port is handy if you want to be able to play music directly from a flash drive. 4K and 3D pass-through are nice additions too if you can afford it.
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• Surround Sound: Surround sound is one of the most important, if not the most important, aspect of a good home theater speaker system. The nomenclature, such as 5.1, refers to the number of satellite speakers and subwoofers included in the configuration. So, 5.1 denotes five satellite speakers and one subwoofer. When trying to choose between a 2.1, 5.1 or 7.1-speaker system, do keep in mind the space constraints of your living area. A sound bar can be easily fitted into your existing rack space. However, in order to get the most out of a 5.1 or 7.1-speaker system, speakers will have to be placed at specific points to deliver the best surround sound. If space is tight, you may even have to wall mount them.

Check out the latest AV systems and speakers at our HardwareZone AV Systems Product Guide and Speakers Product Guide.

Headphones Deals at IT Show 2014

Here are some top headphones deals at this year's IT Show:

IT Show 2014 Headphones Portal

Headphones Buying Guide

Music is a universal language. No matter what race, religion, creed, and nationality you belong to, you probably listen to tunes every now and then. Headphones help provide a personal listening experience, and hence have become one of the most common audio products found on the market. There are a variety of designs, wearing styles, and functionality options available, and really, despite what all the audio experts may say, your own personal preference should be paramount when making the final decision.

HEADPHONES TODAY

Headphones can be broadly categorized according their designs into three discrete segments, with each having its own pros and cons.

In-ear Earphones In-ear earphones or in-ear monitors are by far the most popular type of 'headphones'. With portable music players and smartphones leading to most music being listened to on the go, in-ears are the perfect companion. Lightweight and super-compact, in-ears can be wrapped up, and put in your pocket without any problems. Also, most models today sport a microphone and phone/music navigation controls on the wire itself. In addition, good in-ears offer a great degree of noise isolation by blocking the ear canal, making them even more suited to be used on your daily commute. Price range is very wide too. You can find lots of them for well below $50, but there are also many which require you to shell out in excess of $500. The latter are typically from high-end or boutique brands, and sport fancy driver technology.
On-ear Headphones Also known as supra-aural headphones, the ear-cups of these headphones rest gently on the outer ears. This particular design is favored by telephone and call-center operators due to the high levels of comfort it provides. The on-ear design allows for the hearing of ambient sounds as it does not envelope the ears fully, and in general do not bleed out a lot of sound either. Of course, that also means that compared to full sized headphones, sound isolation isn't as good. Nowadays, headphones are going wireless too. And as you might have guessed, the wireless technology of choice is Bluetooth. An example is the recently announced Jabra Revo Wireless. Without say, going wireless provides added portability convenience, and they can now be paired with smart devices, like phones and tablets. The price range for on-ear headphones also stretches a wide spectrum, but you can expect good-sounding, midrange cans to cost between anywhere from $400 and up.
Over-ear Headphones Also known as around-ears, over-the-ear, circumaural, and full-sized headphones, these headphones' earpads are large and surround the ears. Due to their size, they're ideal for use indoors or at your workstation. Most audio experts have long considered over-ears to be the pinnacle of personal listening, and for good reasons: better soundstage, excellent bass, incredible isolation - just to name a few. This is also why many flagship headphones from high-end headphones makers adopt this design. This choice is also obvious since larger drivers can be fitted with this design. But over the past years, we have seen the emergence of over-ear cans as a viable option for use on the go, thanks to the urban aesthetics of products under the Beats by Dr. Dre brand. Over-ear headphones can cost you anywhere between $100 to well above $1000 for the premium models.

WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR

So, what should you look out for when buying a headphone today?

• Balanced Armature vs. Dynamic Drivers. When it comes to in-ears, there are two competing technologies. Balanced armature in-ear headphones account for 10% of the market, whereas the 90 percent majority comprises of dynamic drivers models. The former is expected to deliver a more balanced audio profile but struggles when tasked with handling bass. Dynamic drivers on the other hand are known for their impact and good low registers. Earphones using dynamic driver technology also tend to be cheaper than their balanced armature-based counterparts. To get the best of both worlds, some manufacturers have hybird models that combine both dynamic and balanced armature drivers. For a deeper look into the balanced armature versus dynamic driver debate, you can read our comparison of two similarly priced representatives.
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• Control Pods. Seeing that a lot of in-ear headphones are used with smartphones, audio manufacturers have started to fit their products with in-line microphones and control pods featuring three (or more) buttons to control music playback and phone functions. Do take note that these control pods are not universal. When buying a pair of in-ear earphones for your smartphone, please ensure that the product is compatible with your platform (e.g. Android, iOS) to ensure smooth usage.

• Bluetooth Wireless. The latest breed of wireless headphones use Bluetooth to connect with any A2DP-compatible device. However, do take note that Bluetooth is a lossy transmission format. This means that audio quality might deteriorate when using Bluetooth headphones. If wireless functionality is an absolute necessity, we recommend you find a pair of Bluetooth headphones which have Apt-X support. Apt-X is a real-time digital audio data reduction system which offers linear compression of audio samples by a factor of 4:1, and hence mitigates some of the drop in quality due to Bluetooth transmissions. Many modern smart devices now come with Apt-X support, such as the HTC One X, Samsung Galaxy S III, Note II, and Note 10.1. Even desktop products from Apple such as the Mac Mini, iMac, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro. If your playback device doesn't support Apt-X natively, a workaround is to use an Apt-X transmitter.
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• Gaming Headphones. Audio for gaming is a completely different beast. You cannot just slap on a microphone to a regular headphone and tag it a 'gaming headphones'. Gaming headphones must provide exemplary soundstages so as to help improve the user’s in-game performance. Manufacturers go about providing this level of performance in two ways. One method is to include progressive audio technologies, the second involves utilizing multiple drivers along with the aforementioned audio technologies. From our personal experience, we would recommend you choose the latter if you are on the hunt for gaming headphones. Also, due to the audio unpredictability during gaming which makes compensation difficult, most gamers don't favor using Bluetooth headphones. But that may change soon when headphone makers adopt CSR's new Apt-X Low Latency codec.
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• Open-back vs Closed Back. Headphones by design project sound directly into the ear canal, which is nothing like how we hear sounds in real life. To rectify the problem of having a strong central channel, headphones sometimes use an open-back design, which means leaving the back of the earcups 'opened'. While this definitely improves the soundstage, it must be noted that this open-back design also results in a lot of sound bleeding out. If you intend to use your headphones at home, and would like an expansive soundstage, we readily recommend you test out some open-back headphones. However, if you are going to be using your headphones in the office or within audible range of other people, closed back headphones (that is, the back of the earcups are sealed) may be the way to go.
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• Trust Your Senses. If you were to take away only one piece of advice from this guide, it should be to trust your senses. Audio is an extremely subjective matter, and so is headphone comfort. Before deciding to purchase any headphones, you should try them on and listen to them with some of your favorite tracks. Rather than trying to pin down the tonal characteristics, concentrate on whether the overall sound is to your liking.

Check out the latest headphones at our HardwareZone Headphones Product Guide.

Monitor Deals at IT Show 2014

Here are some highlighted monitor deals at IT Show this year.

IT Show 2014 Monitors Portal

Monitors Buying Guide

There are very few ways to accurately categorize monitors, since there are not many significant differences between different models. Generally they can be separated with respect to screen size and the panel types being used.

MONITORS TODAY

Screen Size is the primary differentiating factor for monitors. In general, monitors range from 18.5-inch models all the way up to 32-inch versions. However, the most popular consumer sizes for monitors fall between 21.5 inches, 23 inches and 24 inches. These displays can be priced between S$100 to S$350. The larger display sizes of 27 inches, 29 inches and 32 inches have generally been used in the professional domain. But as consumers' buying power grows, more 27-inch monitors are being made available to end users as well. The aspect ratio of most screens is 16:9 which is optimized for viewing a variety of content. However other aspect ratios such as 4:3 which is better for viewing web content/documents and 21:9 for extra horizontal working space can also be found.

Panel Type is the second way to differentiate LCD monitors. Twisted Nematic (TN) and In Plane Switching (IPS) technologies are the two major panel types being used. TN panels are relatively inexpensive and the most common consumer display type on the market at present. Most TN panels represent colors using only six bits per RGB color or 18 bits in total and hence struggle with reproducing the 24-bit truecolor standard available with modern graphics cards. That being said, pixel response times on new TN panels are sufficiently fast to render graphics and motion without artifacts. IPS panels involve arranging and switching the molecules of the liquid crystal between the glass substrates essentially in a plane parallel to the glass plates. In a TN panel these same liquid crystals move in a perpendicular fashion. These changes reduce the amount of light scattering in the display matrix, which gives IPS its characteristic wide viewing angles and good color reproduction. However when compared to TN panels, IPS panels tend to have slower response times. Other panel types such as Vertical Alignment (VA) are also present on the market but make up only a small percentage of monitors when compared with TN and IPS technologies.

What to Look For

So what should you look out for when buying a monitor today?

Screen Size: When it comes to selecting your screen size, following the doctor’s recommendation of sitting twice the size of your display away is a good rule of thumb to follow. For example, if you have a 24-inch monitor, you should be sitting 48 inches away from the screen. This rule can also help you decide what size of monitor you should get for your desk. If there is not enough space for you to sit the recommended distance away, you should be looking at buying a smaller monitor.

Resolutions and Pixel Density: Almost every monitor worth its salt is able to display visuals in Full HD. The new gauge for the quality of a screen is Pixel Density which is measured in PPI or pixels per inch. If both a 23-inch monitor and 24-inch monitor have a resolution of 1920 by 1080, the former will have a higher pixel density. High PPI numbers are the basis behind Apple's differentiation between regular displays and their "retina" display. In the hypothetical case we have just laid out, it might be better to sacrifice a little extra screen size for a higher pixel density to get better images.

TN vs IPS: Both technologies have their own extremely strong fortes. If you intend to use your monitor extensively for gaming then fast response times are essential for your usage scenario. Hence we would suggest you go for a TN panel monitor which is capable of giving you response times as quick as 2ms. IPS monitor response times generally fall between the 5ms and 7ms range. The faster your response time, the less chances there are of artifacts being present during high motion sequences rendered on the monitor.

However, if you are going to be using your monitor for photo-editing for example, we would recommend IPS technology. IPS panels give you extremely accurate color reproduction along with excellent viewing angles. On the flipside though, IPS panels consumer 15% more energy than TN panels and with their slower response times are also prone to ghosting effects when rendering video. IPS panels also used to be more expensive than TN panels, but over the past year we have seen a drop in prices (especially for the 23-inch size) making them much more competitive with respect to price.

IPS Panel Types: Researchers and developers have been working on making IPS panel types deliver higher performance and more affordable. A 23-inch IPS monitor from a name brand now costs between S$250 to S$300 and we highly recommend you check them out if you are looking to upgrade you screen. However, even within IPS there are different types of IPS panels. AH-IPS panel types were released in 2011 and you should always confirm the IPS panel type from the seller before making your purchase to ensure you get the latest technology.

3D Monitors: If you are looking for a 3D monitor you have no choice but to get a TN panel which is capable of delivering a refresh rate of 120Hz along with fast response times. Before buying a 3D monitor, please check whether your existing hardware will be able to support 3D visuals. You can refer to NVIDIA’s 3D Vision System Requirements and AMD HD3D Requirements at the individual websites. We've also tested and documented the setup and experience with NVIDIA's 3D Vision, so do check out our article too.

Ports: The primary port you should be looking out for on your monitor should be a HDMI ARC. The ARC stands for "audio return channel" and means that if you monitor has built-in speakers, the same HDMI cable will be able to deliver audio as well as providing visuals. However older standards such as Display Port and D-Sub / VGA are still being employed. Take note of the ports available on your notebook or computer and tally them with the monitor you intend to buy. Additionally, monitors now also come with 3.5mm audio input jack and USB hubs. You should decide whether these are necessary requirements before selecting a monitor model. 

Tablet Display: With tablets getting faster and more powerful, it is becoming viable to use them as portable, mobile workstation. But the fact still remains, no one likes working on a small 10-inch to 11-inch screens. To remedy this, monitor manufacturers have started rolling out portable displays roughly 15 inches in size which can be whipped out and paired with your smart device. These products are touch enabled to boot so that you lose none of the functionality of your tablet.

Check out some of our monitor reviews at our HardwareZone Monitors Product Guide.

TV Deals at IT Show 2014

There are many TVs on sale at IT Show, but they come from just two brands, Samsung and Sony.

IT Show 2014 TVs Portal

TV Buying Guide

If you're buying a flatscreen TV today, chances are, it'll either be an LED TV or a plasma TV. Truth be told, an LED TV is actually an LCD TV. The main difference is that the former uses LED backlights (hence the name LED TV) instead of CCFL backlights. This has resulted in improved picture quality as a whole, and it also allows manufacturers to engineer slimmer housings.

A few years ago, we recommended that those on a shoestring budget to consider LCD TVs using CCFL backlights; but now, LED backlight-based LCD TVs are as affordable, so there's no real good reason to buy their older and thicker predecessors. That said, those who watch movie content a lot, and want a TV that can produce super-deep blacks and super-high contrast might want to consider a plasma TV (if you can still find them). Many of the higher-end plasma TVs are also equipped with very fast refresh rates that often process motion better than similarly priced LED TVs.

TVS TODAY

Besides LED TVs, the other two buzzwords you tend to hear in advertisements or see in brochures today are Smart TVs and 3D TVs. Simply put, a Smart TV is an Internet-enabled television. It enables users to surf the web, view free or pay-per-view video streams, share networked content, as well as engage in interactive media such as social networking applications on a single platform. The latest trend on the Smart TV front is all about the remote control. Many high-end and midrange Smart TVs come with a Wii remote-type, often voice-capable remote in addition to the standard longish candy bar-type remote.On the other hand, a 3D TV, as the name implies, allows you to watch 3D content. Technologies used on a 3D TV can be complicated to explain in a matter of a few paragraphs; but in a nutshell, a 3D TV usually uses one of these two technologies: active 3D or passive 3D. While many TV enthusiasts love active 3D TVs for their 'better' image quality, those looking for cost effectiveness are often drawn to the passive 3D camp due to its use of lightweight, lower priced polarized glasses.

LED TVs With shrinking prices and the fact that all TV makers have long shifted their production focus to LCD TVs using LED backlights, chances are, an LED TV is what most new TV buyers are likely going to end up with then they're shopping for a new TV today. The other good piece of news is that you no longer need to break the bank to afford a full HD set.
Plasma TVs While there are only a handful of plasma TV makers left in the market now, the ones that remained have continued to churn out products that took our breaths away. To compete with LED TVs, plasma TV makers have mostly focused on improving what the technology does best, mainly black levels and motion control. Hence, when it comes to picture quality, many TV experts still prefer plasma TVs over LCD TVs.
Smart TVs LED TVs and plasma TVs are so named because of the technologies (panel, backlight type) they're based on. On the other hand, Smart TVs (which also go by other names such as Connected TVs and Internet TVs) are so named because of the smart features they possess. A modern Smart TV is usually accompanied by widgets, apps, games, and a web browser. The important thing to take note here is that Smart TVs are powered by each brand's own proprietary software. So don't assume that a Smart TV feature on a Samsung TV is also present on an LG Smart TV, and vice versa.
3D TVs Both active and passive 3D TVs have similar price range, but the latter have a slight price advantage because they use glasses with simple polarized lenses, as opposed toactive glasses that have more electronics and run on batteries, and are thus heavier and more expensive to deploy in scale. And for the uninitiated, if you've a 3D TV, you also have an HDTV capable of displaying high-def 2D content. But be aware that the ability to convert 2D signals to 3D on the fly is usually a feature found on premium 3D TVs. And even when you've bought a 3D TV, you still need 3D content (e.g. a 3D Blu-ray disc) and a 3D source (e.g. a 3D-capable Blu-ray player) - thus the investment may be greater than you initially thought.

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HDTVS, SMART TVS & 3D TVS?

Have we aroused your curiosity and you now wish to learn more about the workings of HDTVs, Smart TVs, and 3D TVs? If so, check out our HDTV Buying Guide Essentials, Smart TV Buying Guide Essentials, and 3D TV Buying Guide Essentials.

In any case, before we dive into some of the top TV deals at this year's IT Show, here are some reminders:

• A 3D TV isn't necessarily a Smart TV, though most of the time 3D sets do come equipped with Smart TV features.
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• Don't assume that apps found on UK or US Smart TV models are available on app stores here as well. This applies to video-on-demand services in particular. If you're keen on a specific service, check with the manufacturer if it's available locally.
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• If you foresee yourself spending more time on the web browser rather than multimedia apps, be sure to try out the Smart TV's browser when you're at the show. Some models have less responsive web browsers, while others do not support certain plug-ins like Java or Flash.
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• To stream high-definition content, it's best to have a broadband speed of 10Mbps and above to avoid video stutters or intermittent buffering. For optimal wireless network performance, we'd recommend using a wireless N-router at the very least.
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• Don't purchase a Smart TV simply because you feel compelled by consumer trends. Most TV vendors offer a cheaper 'non-Smart' alternative under their HDTV line-up if you prefer a more traditional display set. The same goes for a 3D TV. Do you really need a 3D TV? Have you thought about where you're going to get 3D content from?

Check out the latest TVs at our HardwareZone TVs Product Guide.

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