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The guide explains connecting an Xbox to a TV's eARC/ARC HDMI port to enable surround sound, recommending HDMI 2.1 support for 4K/120fps gaming alongside audio. Users then adjust settings under Settings > General > Volume and audio output, selecting 5.1 or 7.1 uncompressed audio, or Bitstream if bandwidth is limited, and can install the Dolby Access app for Dolby Atmos support.
Asus has released the ROG Swift PG27UCWM, a 27-inch 4K gaming monitor built on its new Tandem RGB Stripe OLED panel technology. It supports 240Hz refresh at 4K (480Hz at 1080p), HDR10, Dolby Vision, DisplayHDR 400, and Adaptive-Sync, with a claimed 0.03ms response time. Reviewers found it delivers sharp imagery and strong gaming performance, positioning it among the top 27-inch 4K OLED displays currently available.
Developers have released FRANK 386, a firmware project built on Tiny386 that emulates an i386 (with partial i486/i586 and optional x87 FPU) PC on Raspberry Pi Pico 2-based RP2350 boards. It supports VGA/HDMI video, SD card storage, PS/2 and USB input, NES gamepads, and multiple sound cards including AdLib and Sound Blaster 16, letting it boot DOS, Windows 3.x/95, and Linux.
After previously repairing a dead NZXT Signal 4K30 capture device by fixing a bad solder joint, the author found one HDMI source that produced garbled green and pink video during testing. The symptom matches an RGB/YUV colorspace mismatch and had already been reported by other users capturing from a PS5 and Nintendo Switch on Reddit. Since NZXT appears to have discontinued the product, the author decided to investigate the bug themselves using AI-assisted reverse engineering rather than contacting the company.
Extending an HDMI setup beyond typical cable lengths can cause attenuation, where the signal weakens and produces flickering, pixelation, or audio dropouts, especially past 25 feet. This becomes a common issue when trying to connect screens across multiple rooms, floors, or conference spaces. A range of inexpensive HDMI accessories, such as extenders and splitters, can help maintain signal quality without expensive rewiring.
Samsung TVs use HDMI-CEC, branded Anynet+, to let connected devices like consoles and soundbars share control of power, input switching, and volume through a single remote. The convenience can backfire when devices send unexpected signals, causing TVs to switch inputs or power on unintentionally, issues that can often be fixed by checking cable connections, firmware, and CEC settings on both ends. Samsung's system supports up to 12 devices, but disabling CEC to solve one problem can break HDMI eARC audio functionality, since eARC depends on Anynet+ being active.
Sharge has unveiled the Disk Pro 2, a follow-up to its popular Disk Pro external SSD, this time allowing users to install their own M.2 drives up to 8TB in 2230, 2242, or 2280 sizes. The device comes in two variants: a Lite version with HDMI 2.0 output and a 5W minimum power draw, and an Ultra version with HDMI 2.1 supporting 4K@144Hz or 8K@30Hz, a faster card reader, and just 1.5W minimum power consumption. Both models include active cooling, magnetic attachment, and 80W passthrough charging.
Amazon is selling Anker's compact Nano Laptop Docking Station for $111.99, a 25% cut from its $149.99 list price. The dock offers 13 ports total, including a removable 6-in-1 hub, and supports triple monitors via dual HDMI and one DisplayPort output.
Unico has unveiled the Traveller ULW10, a 10-inch 4:3 CRT-style monitor built for retro gaming consoles, featuring a hidden rear compartment to stash hardware out of sight. The display supports RGB SCART, VGA, and HDMI inputs but notably omits composite video due to internal space constraints, and it can digitally emulate CRT and pixel-art visual effects despite not being a true CRT. It will launch via Kickstarter in three colorways, with pricing still unannounced.
Philips Hue has released the Play Screen Sync camera, a $119.99 device that mounts above a TV and uses a fisheye lens to read whatever is on screen—including native smart TV apps and live broadcasts—then adjusts connected Hue lights to match. Alongside it, the company introduced a slimmer $149.99 Play HDMI Sync Box 4K with a single HDMI input and output, supporting 4K at 60fps.
Awol Vision unveiled the LuxVision, an ultra-short throw projector that uses optical lens shift rather than digital keystone correction to preserve image detail. The device can produce a 6000-lumen, 120-inch 4K image at 120Hz from just 7.5 inches away from the wall, and includes gaming-friendly features like Dolby Vision Gaming HDR, VRR, and roughly 1ms input lag. It launches around October for $5,999, with preorder discounts starting September 5th.
Philips Hue unveiled two cheaper ways to sync its smart lights with TV content: a scaled-down Sync Box 4K priced at $150, well below the $385 8K version, and a new camera-based Play Screen Sync at $119.99. Both debuted at IFA in Berlin and are available for purchase now.