Meet The Verge’s New AV Expert
John Higgins has joined The Verge as the senior reviewer for TVs and audio, bringing over two decades of experience in tech publishing. From consumer electronics shows to rigorous review sessions in quiet labs, he’s spent a career decoding how we watch films, listen to music, and experience immersive sound without breaking the bank. In this AMA-style session, John shares what he’s most excited about for 2025, what buyers should look for in modern TVs and audio systems, and how to separate hype from real improvements in home theater tech.
What’s New in TVs and Audio This Year
The TV landscape continues to evolve with brighter OLEDs, faster refresh rates, and improved upscaling for non-native content. John highlights:
- Advances in panel technology: mini-LED backlights, improved HDR performance, and more accurate color at various brightness levels.
- Smart platforms maturing: more standardized apps, smoother HDR10+ and Dolby Vision integration, and better streaming performance.
- Audio upgrades becoming a focus: many manufacturers now bundle better speakers, aimable DTS:X or Dolby Atmos processing, and easier calibration tools for a room-friendly setup.
For buyers, the takeaway is simple—prioritize real-world picture quality and a coherent sound profile that matches your viewing habits, whether you’re a film buff, sports fan, or casual streamer.
What to Look for in a Home Theater System
When selecting a complete setup, John emphasizes measuring value against how you’ll actually use the system:
- Room size and layout: A compact soundbar can be great for small spaces, but larger rooms often benefit from a 5.1.2 or 7.1.4 setup with a discrete subwoofer and ceiling or upward-firing speakers.
- Calibration matters: After basic setup, run a room-specific calibration (auto or manual) to get the most out of your speakers and subwoofers.
- Source flexibility: Ensure your system supports the formats you use most—Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, HDMI 2.1, eARC, and reliable streaming apps.
John notes that a well-calibrated system often sounds more impactful than a marginally more expensive one in a showroom. The real win is a setup that disappears while delivering convincing, immersive sound.
Common Myths Debunked
In his reviews, John frequently debunks consumer myths around “megabuck” gear and “the bigger the better.” His practical approach focuses on:
- Not all OLEDs are created equal—material quality and processing matter as much as the panel type.
- Higher dynamic range doesn’t automatically mean better everyday viewing; contrast handling and motion processing are crucial.
- Room acoustics can make or break performance more than the last few percent of speaker efficiency.
He urges readers to test gear in real rooms, take notes on actual viewing sessions, and avoid overreliance on lab numbers that don’t translate to daily use.
Ask Me Anything
Have a question about the best TV for your living room, a budget-friendly audio upgrade, or how to set up a balanced 7.1.4 system? Drop your questions in the comments, and John will answer with practical, experience-based guidance tailored to your space and budget.
