May/June 2022 73BEST TV
TCL 65R648 6-Series 8K $1,999
If you want the best in color and backlighting in a QLED TV, the 6-Series is hard to beat for the price. It offers
tons of next-generation features, like a sharp 8K resolution support, impressive gaming specs, and a speedy
Roku operating system. Granted, it lacks the true blacks of an OLED TV, but its intense Mini LED backlit
screen fares better in bright room performance.
BEST SOUND BAR
Polk S4 $399The S4 offers true Dolby Atmos surround sound, powerful bass, and
a sleek body at a relatively low price tag. This audio rivals competitors
that cost twice as much, and it can fill even the most open of living
rooms. It’s not as smart as a Sonos or Bose system, which allow for Air-
Play 2 and Chromecast streaming protocols. But that’s what streaming
service apps on your TV or media device are for.BEST GAMING CONTROLLER
Xbox Elite Series 2 $139For unmatched customization over your game controller, the Xbox
Elite Series 2 is hard to top. Every major component from paddles to
thumbsticks is swappable and tunable to your preference. You can
adjust tension, response, and feel with the hair-trigger locks. A textured
rubber grip makes extensive gaming sessions a breeze, and the battery
lasts for hours. Most importantly, it works with PCs, tablets, phones,
and most Bluetooth devices, too. Compared to other third-party con-
trollers we’ve tested, the ease of establishing a wireless connection,
its USB-C charging dock, and the impressive battery life make this the
best gaming controller yet.BEST TV BACKLIGHT
Govee Immersion
Lighting Kit $149Govee has nailed the price-
performance balance for a reac-
tive RGB lighting system. It costs
less than similar setups while
offering better performance,
thanks to enhanced brightness
levels from the powerful bars and
strip lighting. The system uses a
camera atop your TV to monitor
colors of the screen. That camera
then relays this data to light bars
and strips, which adjust to accom-
pany what’s going on on-screen.PHOTOGRAPHY BY ADAM HOFF