Never dial and drive

“If you’ve ever sneaked a quick scroll at a red light, think again: while the law used to prohibit calling or texting while driving, since 2022 any handheld interactive use is illegal. This includes taking photos or videos, scrolling through a playlist or checking social media. It even includes using the phone as a sat-nav if held in your hand. If caught, you could be looking at a minimum of six penalty points and a £200 fine. And if you passed your test within the last two years, this single offence could result in your driving licence being revoked. Even momentary inattention due to phone use can cause a severe accident, so leave your phone alone or in a hands-free cradle while driving.”

Lawful surveillance

“A video doorbell or camera is great for protecting your property, but you gain responsibilities if it records into your neighbour’s garden or the public street. Simply pointing a camera at the street or at your neighbour’s property can violate data protection laws, so while purely domestic use is fine, recording outside your boundary triggers legal obligations. The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) requires you to take precautions if your camera captures areas outside your property line, which means angling them to minimise intrusion, and displaying signs telling people they are being recorded. Footage can only be kept for a maximum of 31 days — and you must respond if a neighbour asks for copies. While the ICO often gives warnings for domestic cases, neighbours have a right to complain if your set up unreasonably intrudes on their privacy.”

Streaming sense

“Under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, every time a film or series is accessed without permission, a copyright infringement occurs. Downloading is the most straightforward infringement, but even seemingly transient streaming is a breach, as it creates temporary reproductions of the content in your device’s cache memory. Those that sell illegal Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) boxes on a commercial scale can result in up to 10 years in prison and unlimited fines, while civil cases against commercial infringers can result in the offender being required to pay damages and have injunctions taken out against them. Ultimately you don’t know who knows you’ve got a ‘dodgy’ device, so beware of the consequences and purchase your TV box or stick from reputable sources.”

Subscription traps 

“Companies make it all too easy to sign up for subscriptions online, only to force you to call, fill out complex forms, or navigate impossible menus to cancel them — but in April 2026, under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024, companies must now make cancellation as simple as signing up. This means you should get clear information upfront about costs and renewal dates, with reminders before a free trial turns into a paid subscription with automatic renewals.”

Fake reviews

“Regulators are taking serious action to stop businesses from tricking consumers with manipulated reviews or paying to have negative reviews removed. Creating, hosting, or commissioning fake reviews is a criminal offence. Online shopping sites now face huge fines — up to 10% of global turnover — if they don’t implement reasonable systems to stop fake reviews, and if a business gives someone a product for free in exchange for a review, they must clearly disclose this publicly.”

Rebecca is co-founder of shizl, a platform which allows businesses to create, e-sign, share and store legal documents online. For more information visit skizl.com

The post Technology laws you could be breaking (without realising) appeared first on Checklists.

Never dial and drive

“If you’ve ever sneaked a quick scroll at a red light, think again: while the law used to prohibit calling or texting while driving, since 2022 any handheld interactive use is illegal. This includes taking photos or videos, scrolling through a playlist or checking social media. It even includes using the phone as a sat-nav if held in your hand. If caught, you could be looking at a minimum of six penalty points and a £200 fine. And if you passed your test within the last two years, this single offence could result in your driving licence being revoked. Even momentary inattention due to phone use can cause a severe accident, so leave your phone alone or in a hands-free cradle while driving.”

Lawful surveillance

“A video doorbell or camera is great for protecting your property, but you gain responsibilities if it records into your neighbour’s garden or the public street. Simply pointing a camera at the street or at your neighbour’s property can violate data protection laws, so while purely domestic use is fine, recording outside your boundary triggers legal obligations. The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) requires you to take precautions if your camera captures areas outside your property line, which means angling cameras to minimise intrusion and displaying signs telling people they are being recorded. Footage can only be kept for a maximum of 31 days — and you must respond if a neighbour asks for copies. While the ICO often gives warnings for domestic cases, neighbours have a right to complain if your setup unreasonably intrudes on their privacy.”

Streaming sense

“Under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, every time a film or series is accessed without permission, a copyright infringement occurs. Downloading is the most straightforward infringement, but even seemingly transient streaming is a breach, as it creates temporary reproductions of the content in your device’s cache memory. Those that sell illegal Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) boxes on a commercial scale can result in up to 10 years in prison and unlimited fines, while civil cases against commercial infringers can result in the offender being required to pay damages and have injunctions taken out against them. Ultimately you don’t know who knows you’ve got a ‘dodgy’ device, so beware of the consequences and purchase your TV box or stick from reputable sources.”

Subscription traps 

“Companies make it all too easy to sign up for subscriptions online, only to force you to call, fill out complex forms, or navigate impossible menus to cancel them — but in April 2026, under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024, companies must now make cancellation as simple as signing up. This means you should get clear information upfront about costs and renewal dates, with reminders before a free trial turns into a paid subscription with automatic renewals.”

Fake reviews

“Regulators are taking serious action to stop businesses from tricking consumers with manipulated reviews or paying to have negative reviews removed. Creating, hosting, or commissioning fake reviews is a criminal offence. Online shopping sites now face huge fines — up to 10% of global turnover — if they don’t implement reasonable systems to stop fake reviews, and if a business gives someone a product for free in exchange for a review, they must clearly disclose this publicly.”

The post Technology laws you could be breaking (without realising) appeared first on Checklists.

1. Proofvision

Looking to upgrade your garden party? Try an outdoor television from ProofvVision to expand your entertainment options at any time of the year.

Outdoor living took on a new meaning this year. This is why ProofVision is here to help with an excellent range of TVs to help you enjoy working, workouts, movie nights, and more in the comfort of your own back garden.

A ProofVision Outdoor TV offers high brightness and anti-glare to ensure you can see your screen in direct sunlight. Ultra-high brightness screens go up to 3000cd/m2, so they’re clearly visible, even on the sunniest of days. Plus an IP66 rating means that the TVs are waterproof to heavy rain, snow and can be left outside all year round. They are simply one of the best outdoor TVs around.

Find out more here.

2. Swann Smart Security Camera

A house may have a ‘value’, but your home is priceless – and something so precious should be protected. With Swann Smart Security products, there has never been a better time or a smarter way to bless your home with perfect safety and security.

Giving you the ultimate peace of mind, the Swann Alert Indoor Security Camera works with both Google Assistant and Alexa, and offers free recording via secure cloud recording and internal offline backup. It has infrared night vision, sends you Smart Sound Alerts when it hears any sudden loud noise, and offers stunningly crystal-clear 1080p video quality.

Powered by the Swann Security app, this indoor Alert Cam features Swann’s True Detect technology combining motion and thermal sensors, all but eliminating false alarms. There’s genuine two-way audio with both a microphone and a speaker, as well as a highly effective siren.

Find out more here.

3. ViewSonic M1 Projector

ViewSonic’s ultra-portable M1+ projector is the size of a paperback book, yet it can put a 60-inch image on a wall or ceiling from only one meter away thanks to its short-throw ratio.

The lamp life is up to 30,000 hours of use and battery life is a respectable six hours. The M1+’s clever, space-saving design includes a lens cover that turns into a stand. And its dual, built-in Bluetooth Harman Kardon speakers sound surprisingly good for their size.

Integrated Wi-Fi connectivity lets you stream from your favourite content providers – making the M1+ a great option for sharing and displaying videos and other multimedia content.

It’s a handy tool for business presentations but it’s also perfect for impromptu movie or gaming nights.

Find out more here.

4. Kenwood dash cam

A dashcam can prove invaluable if you are involved in an accident, as the automatically stored video footage can be used as evidence which could save your no-claims discount.

However, the recorded footage must capture all the relevant detail needed – even down to the number plate, not just when driving, but also when your car is parked up and unattended.

The DRV-A501WD is a dashcam with brains. Its Wide Quad HD camera integrates HDR and a polarisation filter for superior quality regardless of lighting conditions. Recordings can then be viewed instantly on its full colour three-inch display and transferred via onboard Wi-Fi to a smart device for editing and uploading.

A Smart Parking Mode uses the in-built G-Sensor to automatically instigate recording, while a second rear camera (KCA-R100) can be added. A Quick Release mounting system makes installation slick and simple. This dashcam solution will let you drive with confidence.

Find out more here.

5. Digital Converters

Videotapes are part of the far distant past, yet can still be commonly found hidden away in attics, cupboards and drawers.

While these tapes are easily forgotten about, time is now running out to digitise these relics, with only an estimated five years left to transfer the video on them before they are beyond repair.

Digital Converters was founded with the mission to preserve as many home movies as possible. The service provides an easy and cost-effective solution to transfer videotapes to modern digital formats such as DVD, memory stick and cloud. These can be watched back easily on televisions, phones, computers and tablets, safely backed up for the years to come.

Find out more here.

6. Fuji Film X-T100 camera

In this fast-paced, Insta-glam world, taking photos is as much about share-ability as it is about image quality. With the FUJIFILM X-T100, you get the best of both worlds.

For some people, a day is just like any other day. For you, every day is unique. Only you can capture your story as you see it. Every moment is a memory waiting to be captured. The FUJIFILM X-T100 is your companion in everyday life, letting you document your day through photography

This fantastic, interchangeable lens camera links seamlessly with your phone, so you can transfer high-quality photos instantly and share them in seconds. What’s more, it’s small enough to be carried everywhere you go. So, whether you’re at home roasting a Christmas turkey, or on holiday baking in the winter sun, you can share every moment, instantly.

Find out more here.

7. Satmap GPS

In these days of smartphones with an app for everything, what’s the point of a dedicated GPS device? Well, despite advances in smartphone technology, there are some really good reasons, especially for serious outdoor stuff. Dedicated GPS gadgets like the Satmap Active 20 Outdoor GPS have been designed to do one job and do it really well, namely to enable you to explore more and stay safe at the same time.

This device boasts a huge GPS antenna that stays locked on with 50cm accuracy when most smartphones have given up the ghost the serious terrain of canyons, forests and wilderness calls for serious GPS.

Smartphone mapping is great for a local bimble but for the serious stuff really good mapping, a host of dedicated functions and features has distinct advantages.

Find out more here.

8. Neo SmartCam

As the UK’s first-ever connected home insurance specialist, Neo are pioneering a smarter way to look after your home using smart technology to actively protect the things that matter to you, when it matters the most.

The Neos indoor smart camera is packed with top-of-the-range features found in more expensive indoor cameras including live streaming in razor-sharp 1080p full HD, night vision and 8X digital zoom.

Its flexible design allows you to point the camera to any specific area you want to monitor. Compatible with Amazon’s Alexa, the Neos SmartCam has two-way audio capability, so you can check in with your loved ones at home, at any time.

Equipped with motion and noise sensors, the Neos SmartCam sends alerts directly to your smartphone, should anything unusual occur. Free cloud storage means that you can check back on video footage, so you never miss a moment.

Find out more here.

9. Bitcade arcade machines

We’ve all found ourselves with a bit more spare time to spend at home at the moment, so why not indulge in some retro-gaming nostalgia with Bitcade’s custom arcade machines?

Bitcade is the UK’s largest provider of custom-built arcade machines and is the brainchild of Jack England, who started the business to feed his passion for the 70s and 80s inspired gaming experiences, including classics such as Pac-Mac, Space Invaders, and Street Fighter.

Nothing says 80s’ arcade nostalgia like Street Fighter, and the 27-inch upright arcade cabinet is the perfect addition to any gamer’s life. The sleek design incorporates a 1080p brand new monitor and a superb 2.0 in-built sound system, and allows you to play up to 2,992 classic games, giving you a totally immersive gaming experience for one or two players.

Find out more here.

10. Tension VR

Tension VR is proudly positioned as the UK’s leader in delivering virtual reality experiences to both the public and the commercial sectors.

If you’ve never tried VR before, it’s completely immersive; the realism and engagement will leave you speechless. As well as being amazing fun, Tension use VR to expand the realms of team building, giving it another dimension. 

Their facilities are used by everyone, from families to the largest multinational companies, and also by HM Forces. Tension’s highly-trained technicians ensure that every session is specifically tailored to the requirement of each individual.

Tension are situated in the historic city of Lincoln, with over 1,000 years of history, offering a multitude of first-class eateries and boutiques. There’s everything you need in one place.

Find out more here.

To see your company in any upcoming features we are arranging please email laura@hurstmediacompany.co.uk or editorial@hurstmediacompany.co.uk

The post The 10 top visual products to amp up your entertainment at home appeared first on Checklists.

1. Bose Frames Soprano

Bose Frames Soprano feature polarised lenses and premium craftsmanship, while exclusive Bose Open Ear Audio technology produces the sound you’d never expect from sunglasses.

The revolutionary Bose Open Ear Audio design enables you to freely hear and interact with the world around you, while discreetly listening to your wireless music.

Connect to your smartphone or other smart device and an exclusive, wafer-thin acoustic package that is hidden in the temples produces lifelike sound, while an innovative design drastically reduces the spread of sound beyond you.

Visit bose.co.uk

2. Flows Bruno’s

These audio glasses feature open-ear speaker technology that accurately projects sound to you, while also allowing you to safely hear your surroundings.

Easily connect your iOS/Android or other devices to enjoy your favorite music, podcasts, or use the built-in microphone to let you take hands-free calls with clarity.

Along with the standard UVA/UVB protection in the lenses, these hi-tech specs feature a five-hour battery life and Bluetooth connectivity. Their IPX4 water-resistant and dust-proof, ultra-light construction means you can take them anywhere – perfect for sporting applications.

Visit getinflows.com

3. Oakley Mercenary

These matte-black, polarised sunglasses feature Oakley’s Prizm technology – Oakley’s exclusive lens technology designed to enhance color and contrast so you can see more detail.

The lenses are designed and tested under extreme high-mass and high-velocity circumstances to ensure uncompromising protection. So you can be ready for anything!

Visit fashioneyewear.co.uk

4. Adidas SP0027

These Adidas sunglasses feature hi-tech polycarbonate construction, providing exceptional reliability and durability. They have a flexible fit and the lenses are engineered to block 100% of harmful UV rays. Perfect for sporting applications.

Visit fashioneyewear.co.uk

5. Smith Ruckus 003/G0

These hi-tech Ruckus glasses have been perfected for cycling with PivLock lens-change technology and thin temples to fit under helmets. There is also increased peripheral vision in the lenses, two-position nose pads, and vents to prevent fogging.

Visit fashioneyewear.co.uk

6. Bolle Lightshifter BS020001

These Bolle hi-tech specs feature ultraviolet-polarised lenses. These sunglasses have curved temples and a vented shield to maximise your ergonomic comfort. They have even been used by the AG2R La Mondiale pro-cycle team. Even when off the bike they look good and are perfect for other sports; running, golf, sailing and more.

Visit bikeinn.com

7. Nike Show X3 DJ2036

These Nike sunglasses are the perfect combination of sporty and fashionable. They are available with prescription lenses and have 100% UV protection to keep your eyes safe whilst you enjoy the warm weather and have your touring adventures. With no frills and state-of-the-art materials and craftsmanship, these sunglasses stand out for their stylish design.

Visit maverickandwolf.com

8. Bolle Chronoshield

One of the most iconic shapes in Bollé’s history, Chronoshield was first launched back in 1986 and now makes a comeback with a redesigned profile and the use of modern materials and technologies, while still paying tribute to the original remarkable design. Available in prescription, these bins have an adjustable nosepiece, adjustable temples and the hydrophobic lens treatment means it’s almost impossible for dirt or moisture to cling to them.

Visit bolle.com

9. Spectacles 3 made by Snapchat

Moving into James Bond-esque territory, these video glasses feature two HD cameras to record 3D videos and photos at 60fps, and four built-in microphones to capture immersive, high-fidelity audio.

You can recharge Spectacles 3 on the go in their special leather charging case, which can store up to four charges at a time in its internal battery.

Snapchat’s hi-tech specs also allow you to ‘reimagine the moment with a suite of 3D Effects on Snapchat, or relive it using the included 3D Viewer’ – which means you can basically walk down the street and overlay what you’re looking at with Snapchat’s filters.

Press a button on the frame to start recording a 10-second 3D video. Press it again to keep recording for 10 more seconds, up to 60 seconds total. Hold to take a 3D photo.

Perfect for those content creation addicts in your life!

Visit amazon.co.uk

10. JBuds Frames

Ok, so they’re not glasses per se, but they do upgrade your old pair nicely! JBuds Frames Bluetooth wireless pods fit most glasses or sunglasses frames, giving you amazing sound on the go.

Powerful 16mm drivers and upgraded microphones provide high-quality sound, and a universal design ensures a snug fit, from thin to thick temple sizes.

They can hold up to around eight hours of battery life, a microphone to take calls and buttons to control your sound and access voice assistance.

Adjustable to fit almost any frame-type, just simply slide them on, lock in place and you’re away – easy!

Visit intl.jlab.com

To see your company in any upcoming features we are arranging please email editorial@hurstmediacompany.co.uk

The post The top 10 hi-tech glasses worth looking at appeared first on Checklists.

Here’s Checklist’s selection of the top 10 best computing accessories.

1. Razer Viper Ultimate Wireless Gaming Mouse

For those who need ultimate responsiveness in their mouse, or for those who just want a ‘bulletproof’ and high-quality piece of kit for their home office set-up, then this accessory is one of the best.

With a super hi-spec optical sensor with 99.6% resolution accuracy, hyperspeed wireless technology and eight independently programmable buttons, it won’t let you down in the heat of the moment. The Razer’s switches are even rated for a ‘lifetime’ of 70 million clicks.

The Viper also has a true ambidextrous shape, so good for both left and right hands, a gaming-grade tactile scroll wheel with sensitivity adjustment, and the ability to store your own user profiles in its onboard memory, so it can adjust itself to your personalised user settings each time you’re ready to work.

It also comes with a manufacturer’s two-year guarantee, so you know you’re in safe hands.

Visit argos.co.uk

2. Sandstrom Cable Management Sleeve

Perhaps not the most exciting bit of kit on this list but certainly one of the most useful, the 183cm Sandstrom SCMS214 Cable Management Sleeve is specially designed to help to keep your cables organised in a neat and tidy fashion; perfect for sorting out those under-desk, foot-tangling environments.

The sleeve is reversible and features velcro fasteners that make it simple to separate and secure your cables in place, whilst the numerous entrance and exit points mean that you can have the cables branching off, right where you need them, and at the right length.

So, whether you’re tidying up those home-office wires, or organising round the back of the telly, the Sandstrom cable management sleeve helps you to keep things ship-shape.

Visit currys.co.uk

3. Targus Chill Mat

The Targus Chill Mat is a quiet and portable cooling pad for keeping your over-worked laptop at optimum performance, and also for protecting your lap.

It boasts a fan speed of 1900RPM and provides a comfortable and ergonomic work surface for laptops 15 to 17 inches in size.

The mat simply rests on your lap, plugs in via USB and disperses laptop heat via its dual fans.

Its ergonomic tilt makes typing easy while the soft neoprene surround provides cushioned comfort for your lap, as heat is dispersed through its special open-ventilation design.

Visit amazon.co.uk

4. Acer Nitro 49’’ Double Full HD Ultra-Wide Curved Gaming Monitor

Now that’s a mouthful. But just take one look at this beast of a monitor and you’ll see why. Get yourself totally immersed in the action with this huge 49 inch DFHD curved monitor from Acer.

Expand your field of view to encompass large action sequences and wide gaming vistas in glorious DFHD. Even with the increased screen size of this hulking monitor, the details stay sharp and colours remain accurate thanks to its 3840 x 1080 resolution, 1800R curved screen and 32:9 aspect ratio.

AMD Radeon FreeSync 2, which supports HDR content and dynamic refresh rates, means that the monitor’s refresh rate is synced to your computer’s framerate, allowing for the smoothest, most seamless experience possible.

Experience ultra-smooth, lag-free gameplay with faster frame rendering with a rapid refresh rate you can overclock to 144Hz. More frames per second mean better 2D action scenes and outstanding image fluidity.

For those in an office environment, you can multitask with PIP (picture-in-picture) and PBP (picture-by-picture) functions, whereby you can make use of the monitor’s massive real estate.

Visit amazon.co.uk

5. G-Technology 4TB External Hard Drive

G-Technology’s 4TB ArmorATD, a rugged, shock-proof and water-resistant external hard drive allows you to go through the extremes and be safe in the knowledge that anything you have saved on your drive is totally secure.

This drive has triple-layer shock resistance for added durability alongside a rain-and dust-resistant enclosure with a 1000lb ‘crush rating’. So you can be sure it’ll survive attacks from rogue monster trucks and/or escaped elephants. It’s USB-C ready and USB-3.0 and Thunderbolt 3 compatible, with no set-up required for operation with Mac and Windows.

Visit amazon.co.uk

6. Sabrent 16-port USB 3.0 data hub and charger

You’re busy, you’ve got more devices than you can carry, and everyone wants to borrow a charger. What do you need? You need the Sabrent 16-port USB 3.0 data hub and charger with individual switches of course.

This super-useful bit of kit allows you to attach your collection of USB devices to one super-speed hub, quickly expanding any available USB 3.0 port into 16 USB 3.0 ports by simply plugging into your computer, with no drivers or software required.

Individual power switches provide device independence and allow you to preserve power and prolong the lifespan of your various devices by not overusing them while they are plugged into the hub.

Each USB 3.0 port is capable of delivering up to 1.1mA of current with transfer speeds of up to 5Gbps and the block itself has short-circuit, over-current, over-voltage, and over-heating protection.

Visit amazon.co.uk

7. Logitech HD Pro Webcam

The latest webcam from Logitech is the HD Pro which allows for full-HD video calling, operating in full-HD 1080p video at 30-fps.

Connecting to your computer via USB, this device allows for the crispest video quality, giving you that professional touch to your Zoom calls or other content creation.

The full-HD glass lens captures a wide 78-degree field of view with the five-element glass lens allowing for premium auto-focus capability.

Its automatic HD autofocus and light correction fine-tunes to your lighting conditions to produce bright, well-contrasted images – even if you’re in a dim office setting or under strong artificial lights – and the dual microphones capture natural stereo audio while filtering out background noise.

Visit amazon.co.uk

8. Hcman RGB Gaming Mat

Probably the best computing accessory you didn’t realise you needed – this gaming pad from Hcman is designed to deliver high precision, optimal comfort and response when gaming.

Not only does it add an extra element of practical usage to your set-up, but the RGB soft mouse pad has a true RGB backlit effect with 10 lighting modes – lighting up your life like never before.

With a size of 80cm by 30cm it will fit your desktop keyboard and mouse perfectly, provide ample movement space.

The soft, cloth surface and non-slip rubber base ensure precise, accurate mouse control and consistent stability and comfort on your desk. It is powered by plug and play USB, with a one-touch control.

Visit amazon.co.uk

9. SteelSeries Apex Pro – Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

Steelseries say the Apex Pro is ‘the biggest leap in mechanical keyboards since the invention of the mechanical Switch over 35 years ago’. And it’s easy to see why!

Each key can be adjusted to meet your preferred sensitivity level, whether it’s for gaming, work, or anything else you might be doing on your screen. Its integrated OLED smart display, with on-board storage, becomes your command centre for on-the-fly info and settings from the online world.

With a 100 million keypress guarantee and an aircraft-grade aluminum alloy frame, built for a lifetime of durability, means this is one bit of kit that doesn’t mind getting bashed about. The Omni point adjustable mechanical switches allow for customisation of ‘press’ distance from 0.4mm to 3.6mm and the premium magnetic wrist rest provides full palm support and long-term comfort.

Visit amazon.co.uk

10. Elgato Stream Deck XL – Live Content Creation Controller

The Elgato Stream Deck XL Live Content Creation Controller is perfect for live streaming, presentations, gaming or almost anything else you can think of. It allows for enhanced ‘live’ production and experiences, whereby you can easily control your favourite tools and platforms from the 32 customisable keys – instantly triggering unlimited actions with a tap.

Once set up you can use its one-touch operations to change scenes, launch media, switch cameras, tweak lighting, adjust audio, post tweets, or anything else you can think to assign to the keypad, on-the-fly.

It features powerful platform integrations: Elgato Game Capture, OBS, Streamlabs, Twitch, YouTube, Twitter, Mixer, Spotify, Philips Hue, Vmix, VoiceMod and more, and interfaces via USB 3.0 directly into your computer.

Visit amazon.co.uk

To see your company in any upcoming features we are arranging please email editorial@hurstmediacompany.co.uk

The post Top 10: Best computing accessories appeared first on Checklists.

1. Cello 50” full HD widescreen LED TV

As TVs get ever-bigger in our homes (read Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451 to know why), at the increasingly popular size of 50” comes this 4K Ultra HD LED TV from new-on-the-block manufacturer, Cello.

It’s worth noting that all Cello TVs are manufactured in the United Kingdom at their purpose-built factory in Bishop Auckland.

Not only does this hunky screen come with T2 high definition Freeview, providing you with a stunning viewing experience, it’s USB input enables the recording of digital TV channels or viewing of any stored media you might have on there. The three HDMI inputs mean you’ve got ample connections for your external viewing devices, players and games consoles, without having to fiddle about around the back to swap cables over like it was the ’90s.

Price: £450 – Visit celloelectronics.com

2. Hisense 40” Full HD Smart TV

This budget-range, slimline Smart LED comes equipped with a Quad Core processor allowing it to provide you with the fiest Intelligent Sound by dbx-tv, so you can experience soundbar-like audio quality without the space-taking bulkiness of all that audio equipment.

It has all the necessary connections for your home entertainment stack: 2 HDMI, 2 USB, 1 x Composite, 1 x Optical, Ethernet, WiFi & 3.5mm headphone socket – so you can be confident it’ll link with whatever complimentary tech you want to add to boost your home cinema experience.

As a modern smart telly, it also comes with Hisense’ VIDAA U 2.5 OS platform – so you can access Netflix, Prime Video, YouTube, Freeview Play and Rakuten from their own dedicated keys on the buttonbox.

Price: £279 – Visit hisense.co.uk

3. LG 32” LED Full HD Smart TV

The LG 32LM63 32” LED Full HD Smart TV (to give it its full title), is a features packed unit from well-known manufacturer, LG.

This telly has onboard tech which enhances an already brilliant HD viewing experience with its Active HDR technology (shows up all the darkest tones & shades), Dynamic Colour Enhancer (makes the colours really pop) and Virtual Surround Plus sound (sounds bangin’), while a Quad Core processor supports advanced picture processing for really optimising those visuals with the utmost brightness and clarity.

Utilising LG’s webOS Smart Platform to stream shows via all the usual apps, this box can also work seamlessly with compatible Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa devices for easy voice control. You can link it up to compatible smart speakers too.

Price: £249 – Visit hughes.co.uk

4. Sony Bravia 43” Full HD HDR Smart TV

This Sony Bravia ‘set features some of the best high-quality imaging available at this price point. Its features high dynamic range (HDR), which preserves the details and textures found in the brightest and darkest scenes found in modern movies and games, so your PS4 and Netflix titles never looked more dynamic and realistic.

Adding to its visual armoury, is an X-Reality PRO upscaling engine, which up-scales and refines the pixels you see on screen for reduced visual noise and enhanced clarity, and Motionflow XR, which allows you to enjoy the details in fast-paced action scenes without it all turning into an exploding blur.

Oh yeah, it’s also a full Smart TV with all the webby apps you’d expect and also HDD recording so you can record stuff and watch it later by sticking a USB hard drive in the back.

Price: £377 – Visit amazon.co.uk

5. Westinghouse 32″ Inch HD TV with built-in DVD

Ok, so it’s not a Smart TV, but it has a HD screen, Freeview and a built-in DVD player, so is different enough to be of interest to those looking for a HD set, with more traditional functions. You don’t have to throw away your DVD collection just yet!

This telly features (in no particular order), a built-in DVD player; 3x HDMI ports, a Scart, an Antenna input, and a VGA connection so you can use it for PC gaming if you should so wish. So, even though it’s not a Smart TV per se, you can still plug what you want into it!

Price: £209.95 – Visit amazon.co.uk

6. Samsung 43” Crystal UHD 4K HDR Smart TV

New for 2021, this beauty from the Samsung AU7110 Smart TV Series features the 4K Crystal Processor which allows you to view all your favourite content in 4K Ultra HD detail, and experience the very best in picture quality with PurColour (which focuses on primary and also secondary colours, such as Magenta, Cyan and Yellow), so you can view stuff as nature intended and really squeeze the absolute best out of your streaming services.

The HDR Technology means you can see the finest details in the darkest and brightest of scenes. As a Smart TV it comes with all the apps you’d expect preloadad and also your favourite voice assistants: Bixby, Alexa and Google built-in, so you can talk to the telly when you throw things at it.

Price £499 – Visit samsung.com

7. Blaupunkt 40” Full HD LED TV

Another non-Smart TV, but firmly in the HD bracket and at a good price point, is this 40-incher from quality manufacturer, Blaupunkt.

Bringing telly to life with it’s stunning clarity and vibrant colours, Blaupunkts superb widescreen picture quality, matched with Dolby audio technology ensures the best viewing platform for your content.

It has all the HDMI, USB, and PC connectivity you’d expect and a built-in Freeview HD tuner which gives you access to over 70 subscription-free entertainment channels.

Price: £239.99 – Visit electricmania.co.uk

8. JVC Fire TV Edition 50” Smart 4K Ultra HD HDR LED TV

JVC say everything looks better in 4K – and with this super-set’s x4 the resolution of Full HD abilities – you’ll marvel at the detail and colour definition!

It packs HDR for depth of colour and brilliant brightness, the full Fire TV experience is built-in, so you can enjoy enjoy thousands of apps, Alexa skills, and all the best channels including Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Disney and more.

You can control the telly with the included Voice Remote with Alexa; launch apps, search for TV shows, play music, switch inputs and control compatible smart home devices.

Price: £379 – Visit currys.co.uk

9. LG 55″ 4K Ultra HD OLED Smart TV

The LG 55″ 4K Ultra HD OLED Smart TV delivers incredible picture quality alongside LG’s award winning webOS Smart Platform to give you the ultimate viewing experience. It features the a9 Gen 3 Processor for outstanding colour & contrast, cinematic quality sound with Dolby Atmos, a load of really cool sounding other stuff (HDR: Dolby Vision IQ / HDR10 / Hybrid Log-Gamma), and offers streaming in 4k alongside Freeview HD and Freesat HD.

Also, with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa voice control built-in, it’s never been easier to find what you want to watch, control your smart home, and get your personal updates!

Price: £1185 – Visit currys.co.uk

10. TCL 65” 4K Ultra HD Smart Android TV

Packed with Freeview Play, HDR10, Micro Dimming Pro, Prime Video, Netflix, YouTube, Dolby Audio, Bluetooth, WiFi, 3xHDMI, 2xUSBs and an ultrs slim design – this ‘set from TCL is a worthy entrant in the last slot.

At a good price-point for a 65-incher, this 4K Smart Android TV combines slim contemporary design, with all the smarter viewing experiences you’d expect – Freeview play, Netflix, Prime Video, YouTube et al. You can watch blockbuster movies on moment, acces your apps and enjoy multiplayer games the next.

And with the Google Assistant and far-field voice control built-in, you can do more, and faster. Ask it questions, discover the best content, control smart devices around your home – this set has it all.

Price: £499 – Visit amazon.co.uk

To see your company in any upcoming features we are arranging please email laura@hurstmediacompany.co.uk or editorial@hurstmediacompany.co.uk

The post Looking for a new television? Here’s the top HD TVs on the market just now appeared first on Checklists.

In 2020, we all got a reminder of how fundamental a role technology plays in our lives. We also got a reminder that in some areas, it’s not as advanced as we’d like to think. On an individual level, think about how many times your connection dropped or your video calling service of choice failed to work properly as your friends screamed at you, “I can’t see you! Are you on mute?” But on a wider scale, we discovered greater shortcomings. Countless industries – from fruit picking to commercial logistics to packaging – were disrupted during the pandemic. If we had the right technology and data, we could come up with ways around the disruption: automate jobs more easily, predict where demand is going to come next, build redundancies into the system so if there’s an unexpected event, it can keep going.

Over the next few years, the big developments in tech are going to be about addressing that shortfall: creating a society that is connected, transparent and shock-resistant.

Searching for connectivity is a familiar experience for many of us, as we try to boost our Wi-Fi signal ahead of another succession of video chats. At industrial or societal level, it’s actually a similar concept, just on a larger scale. The roll-out of the 5G network gives connectivity to significantly more people and businesses, even in remote areas. In fact, it’s not just telecom providers getting involved: major companies are now investing in their own 5G networks, on which manufacturing or research campuses can run. They offer seamless connectivity across a larger area than Wi-Fi, which in turn offers more opportunities for automation, as businesses can unleash drones or self-driven vehicles across their factories or warehouses, without fear of losing them.

When we move further out into the supply chain, that’s where transparency comes in. Blockchain technology has come to be associated with online currencies such as Bitcoin, but the tech itself is more versatile – essentially, it’s an algorithm that distributes security data throughout a network, rather than keeping it at a centralised hub, meaning it’s easier to verify transactions. The next few years could see blockchains become mainstream – even Google is getting involved. For businesses, this could make for a more trackable supply chain. For individuals, it means the likelihood of your online delivery disappearing off the face of the earth is greatly reduced.

Computing power is always increasing, but what’s really notable is a shift in where that computing takes place. Cloud computing – where technological functions are supplied on demand by a third-party provider – and edge computing – an intermediary stage between users and the cloud – will be huge growth areas, as more and more people and business embrace them. It’s all in aid of flexibility and shock-resistance: it means everything is backed up and accessible from everywhere, minimising the risk of a data deletion disaster, or going into the office to discover you left all your important files at home.

The overall outcome of these changes? Building a society that’s healthy. And health tech itself will accelerate in the coming years. We saw it begin in 2020 with the rise of virtual appointments with doctors – that started a trend for healthcare functions moving away from traditional locations, like hospitals. Medical data centres are analysing health imaging in real time, and AI is helping accelerate vaccine creation. ‘Roaming doctors’ equipped with handheld scanning equipment will become more common. Finally, there’s a rise in technology enabling people to take care of themselves, from wearable tech to wellness apps.

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