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Nikon and Canon have both announced new additions to their entry-level DSLR offerings in recent weeks. And at first glance, the Nikon D5500 and the Canon Rebel T6i look like pretty similar cameras in terms of the specifications. But are there any real and discernable differences between these two very capable units? Today I’m going to sift through the available data and see what I can decipher.

  Various studies have shown how much time we watch TV, and it is more than I thought—about 4 ½ hours per day! North Americans are quite the couch potatoes (US and Canadian studies are similar). That’s over 1,600 hours a year. If you are spending that much time watching TV, why not seriously upgrade your viewing experience? I will tell you the three things to consider in taking your TV experience to the next level.

You’ve got your guitar, and a tune in your head. But you also imagine a particular tone you’d like your skull crushing rock epic to sound like. Your guitar is certainly a part of that overall sound, and your playing styles and techniques will certainly contribute. Ultimately, though, your amplifier is what will define your tone. The number of amplifier options and technologies involved seem endless, and can be confusing. How do you even begin looking? I’ll try to help you find the amp that will deliver the sound you want.  

Every year an organization called Harris Interactive measures and rates the reputations of 100 of the world’s most visible companies. In the 2015 report, Sony was ranked as #13, which is pretty impressive considering how many big brands there are out there these days. So it makes sense that if you are looking at setting up a new home theatre system that you put Sony products at the top of your list. Here are two options for you to consider – one for bigger budgets and one for more modest budgets.

When I think of a “robot” two things happen. First, I picture the iconic droid C-3PO from the Star Wars movie franchise. Second, I involuntarily start to sing the 1980’s Styx classic Mr. Roboto … Domo Arigato, Mr. Roboto, Domo Arigato, Mr. Roboto. But a robot isn’t necessarily a shiny golden humanoid or the subject of an annoyingly catchy song … Secret, secret, I’ve got a secret. In fact, according to Webster’s dictionary, a “robot” is “a device that automatically performs complicated often repetitive tasks” or “a mechanism guided by automatic controls.” So by those definitions, it’s clear that we are truly surrounded by robots. Don’t believe me? Here are some fun and some functional items that are robots by definition. You might even have one of these at home already!

There are some beautiful and powerful laptops out there, especially if you have an unlimited budget. Trying to keep things more reasonable—under $1,200 for example—it can be pretty tough to get both performance and looks in one package. The Dell Inspiron 7000 Series 15.6-inch touchscreen laptop is one of those rare PC notebooks that offers both specs and looks, without breaking the bank.

The display is one of the most important features to consider when choosing a new laptop. The display is the way you’ll be interacting with that laptop, so getting it right is critical. Resolution, size, aspect ratio, glossy or matte, touchscreen support, viewing angles, brightness, colour accuracy, response times—there are a lot of factors to consider. Pick a laptop with the wrong display and you’ll quickly dread using it. But at the same time, if you want a portable PC for casual use, you also don’t need to pay extra for a professional grade display. Buying a laptop? Here’s what you should know about displays.  

A game that captrued imaginations when it was announced at E3 2013, The Order: 1886 is a Victorian era romp with a few twists.  Stunning to look at, the dark streets of London hold more than a few terrors, one of them being beastial half breeds lurking in the night.  Fighting these monsters are the Knights of the Round, aided by the early onset of the Industrial Revolution, and that means it’s epic guns vs. werewolves, and if that doesnt get you excited, you might want to check your pulse.

With over 75 years of Home Audio experience, Pioneer is no stranger to the Home Audio game. Ever since they shifted their focus away from televisions 5 years ago, they’ve been making progress in the “Smart home” market.  In 2011, they envisioned a Smart concept car, and ever since, they’ve been making smart connected home audio products.  Come take a look at some of the options they have produced for your connected home.

When I asked the team what was up for this week, they said, “BEDDIT”. I responded, “Absolutely. Which guy is ‘IT’?” Beddit, I quickly found out, is a new sleep monitor. Ahem. I always thought a sleep monitor was a creepy roommate, but the good people at Best Buy Canada showed me the light!