John Higgins has just joined The Verge as the senior reviewer of TVs and audio, bringing more than two decades of hands-on experience with home theater, speakers, displays, and immersive sound. In this AMA-style piece, we’ll explore what readers and viewers can expect from his coverage, the state of AV tech in 2025, and the kinds of questions you can bring to him as an industry insider and reviewer.
Who is John Higgins and what does an AV expert do at The Verge?
With a background rooted in consumer electronics journalism and hands-on testing, John Higgins is stepping into a role that blends rigorous product evaluation with clear, consumer-focused guidance. As The Verge’s senior reviewer for TVs and audio, he’s responsible for breaking down how big-screen TVs perform in real-world settings, how sound systems integrate with streaming ecosystems, and how new formats like high-resolution audio, variable refresh rate, and advanced HDMI specifications translate into everyday use. In short: he translates tech specs into decisions readers can actually act on.
In addition to hands-on testing, the role involves synthesizing market trends, comparing competing products, and writing reviews that explain tradeoffs. The Verge’s AV coverage thrives on transparency, reproducible testing, and accessible language—principles John has long championed, whether he’s assessing color accuracy, motion processing, or the perceptual differences between lossless and high-bitrate audio.
What readers can expect from his coverage
Expect practical buy guides, performance-focused reviews, and clear explanations of complex technologies. Topics likely to appear include:
- TV picture quality, color science, HDR formats, and motion handling
- Speaker systems, soundbars, and multi-room audio setups
- Gaming TV and console audio experiences, including input lag considerations
- Streaming hardware, apps, and how to optimize a home theater layout
- New standards and how they affect compatibility and value
John emphasizes that his reviews aim to answer the practical questions readers ask before they buy: Which model is best for movie nights? How do you get the most spatial audio from a compact setup? Is the latest HDMI 2.1 feature worth the extra cost? By focusing on real-world performance and long-term usefulness, he hopes to help readers assemble systems that sound great and last.
Key trends John will be watching in 2025
Several shifts are shaping the AV space, and John’s early work will likely reflect them. One major trend is the ongoing convergence of gaming and home theater experiences, with TVs and sound systems increasingly optimized for both cinematic content and interactive play. Another is the push toward more sophisticated room calibration and software-driven improvements, which can dramatically elevate picture and sound without upgrading hardware.
Additionally, as streaming platforms diversify their catalogues, readers want simpler, more reliable ways to get high-quality audio and video without a hundred settings to adjust. John’s approach—clear explanations and robust testing—will help demystify these options, from color accuracy in diverse lighting environments to the performance of bass-heavy speakers in small rooms.
How this affects you: actionable advice from an AV pro
For readers and viewers, the value lies in time-saving, evidence-based guidance. Expect honest assessments that weigh real-world performance against price, with concrete suggestions on setup, calibration, and configuration. Whether you’re building your first home theater or upgrading a flagship TV, John’s coverage should help you avoid common pitfalls, understand what matters in day-to-day use, and invest in components that deliver meaningful improvements.
How to participate: AMA style and beyond
The Verge invites readers to engage with John’s work by submitting questions about TV and audio topics. From technical explanations to shopping strategies, reader questions will guide upcoming articles and video reviews. If you’re curious about calibration workflows, the benefits of room correction, or how to pick the right speaker layout for your space, this is your chance to get expert input from a seasoned AV journalist.
Final thoughts
John Higgins brings two decades of publishing experience and practical testing expertise to The Verge’s AV team. As he settles into the role, expect a steady stream of accessible, shopper-friendly content that helps demystify TVs and audio gear while keeping readers informed about the fastest-changing corners of the home-technology world.
