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.
The 10 best TVs of 2024
The best TVs of 2024 are brought to you by noteworthy brands like Samsung, Sony, LG, and TCL. Here’s all our favorite sets for the year so far.
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.
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.
Best soundbars of 2024: 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.
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.
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’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.
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.
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.
YouTube Music vs. Spotify: 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?
The best turntables of 2024 to spin your vinyl records
Vinyl is still the physical music format of choice, so you're gonna need a turntable! From beginners to audiophiles, here are the best for every budget.
Cambridge Audio says its new EXA100 amplifier is the finest it’s ever built
British audio legend Cambridge Audio has launched its new EX Series, consisting of the EXN100 Music Streamer and EXA100 Stereo Integrated Amplifier.
Boom! Soundcore’s two best Bluetooth speakers are Prime Day dynamite
Souncore's Boom 2 and Boom 2 Plus are two of my favorite rugged Bluetooth speakers of the year, and both are a steal for Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days.
What is Amazon Music: everything you need to know
Joining the ranks of platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, Amazon Music is another great service for indulging in your favorite tunes!
Best live TV streaming services: YouTube TV, Hulu, Sling 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.
KEF’s affordable new Q Series speakers get an audiophile upgrade
KEF has upgraded its Q Series speakers with its Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT), delivering high-end audiophile sound at a fair price.
How much is Apple Music, and how can you get it for free?
Apple Music costs $10.99 for an Individual plan, and $16.99 for a Family Plan. You can also get Apple Music for free by signing up for a Verizon plan.
Spotify’s AI Playlist creation tool lands in the U.S., Canada, and beyond
Spotify brings its AI Playlist beta feature that allows you to use text prompts to create unique playlists to the U.S., Canada, and beyond.
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.
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.
What is Apple TV Plus? Price, devices, features, how to get it, and more
Apple TV+ isn't a household name like Netflix or Hulu, but high-quality, star-studded content make it worth knowing about. Here's everything you need to know.
The best waterproof Bluetooth speakers for 2024
Listen to your favorite songs and podcasts with one of these awesome waterproof Bluetooth speakers, and bring on the buoyancy!
Best wireless speakers for 2024: Sonos, JBL, KEF, and more
From award-winning Sonos speakers to retro offerings from the likes of JBL, here’s a list of all our favorite web-connected speakers for 2024.
How much is Apple TV Plus?
Apple TV+ is a solid streaming platform, but how does its cost and overall value stack up to the streaming landscape competition? Allow us to weigh in.
How to cancel your Apple TV Plus subscription
Interested in canceling your Apple TV Plus subscription to save money or end your free trial quickly? We'll show you exactly how to do it on multiple platforms.
Xgimi’s 2024 projectors are brighter, smarter, and impossibly affordable
Chinese projector maker Xgimi has outdone itself launching a range of five new affordable projectors.
Sony’s new 4K laser projectors have the processing brains of its Bravia OLED TVs
Sony announced two new high-end 4K laser projectors, the Bravia 8 and Bravia 9, that feature the same XR processing as its high-performing Bravia TVs.
Onkyo adds the more affordable TX-RZ30 to its premium AV receiver lineup
Onkyo is working to make its premium RZ Series of AV receivers a bit more affordable with the announcement of the TX-RZ30, a $1,200, 9.2-channel, smart AVR.
Marantz’s powerful new integrated amplifier will run you $15,000
Marantz's new high-end 10 Series component line includes its first reference-range integrated amp in nearly a decade, plus a network streamer and SACD player.
Formovie’s Cinema Edge is an affordable 4K UST projector
Chinese projector maker Formovie announced a new, more affordable ultra short throw projector to its lineup called the $2,500 Cinema Edge.
How to place and set up your subwoofer for big bass
Setting up a subwoofer can drastically improve the sound quality of your home theater, but it can be tough to set up. Our guide will help simplify the process.
Fiio’s CP13 cassette player took me on a glorious nostalgia trip
The Fiio CP13 is a Walkman-like player forged in pure nostalgia that makes for a great trip down analog memory lane.