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The best wireless HDMI video transmitter
By Rachel Cericola and Geoffrey Morrison This post was done in partnership with Wirecutter. When readers choose to buy Wirecutter's independently chosen editorial picks, Wirecutter and Engadget may earn affiliate commission. Read the full guide to wireless HDMI video transmitters. After spending 25 hours flipping channels and swapping video sources, we've decided that the Iogear GW3DHDKIT Wireless HDMI Digital Kit is the best wireless HDMI transmitter. Though other models on our list boast the same 100-foot transmission, this was the least expensive model that also combines two HDMI inputs and the option for USB power. It's the best choice for people who can't or don't want to run cables across the room to a projector or TV. The Iogear GW3DHDKIT Wireless HDMI Digital Kit is an inexpensive, simple-to-use option for wirelessly sending HDMI video and audio signals in 1080p and 5.1 across the room or around the house without losing quality. The base unit has two HDMI inputs and one HDMI output, so you can leave multiple sources plugged in, and it can conveniently draw power from a USB 3.0 port (more on this below). If you're looking to fill the room with additional audio, the Nyrius Aries Home+ features support for 7.1 sound. Like our top pick, this model can support two HDMI sources, can be powered from a USB port, and performs reliably. However, additional cost kept it from taking the top spot. The Monoprice Blackbird Pro 16049 doesn't work as well through walls as our other picks, but is strong enough to send the signal across a room. It's a cheap, easy way to stream an HDMI source. It has only one HDMI input, but does include support for 7.1 sound and USB power, and was the least expensive model we tested.
The best smart LED light bulbs
By Grant Clauser This post was done in partnership with Wirecutter. When readers choose to buy Wirecutter's independently chosen editorial picks, it may earn affiliate commissions that support its work. Read the full article here. We considered more than 20 smart-light-bulb systems and then spent eight weeks testing 10 contenders, confounding a family of four by constantly changing how their lights worked. After all that, we determined that the Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance A19 is the best all-around smart LED bulb. Hue lets you change your lighting color easily and does everything other smart light bulbs do, and it's also part of a larger product and app ecosystem, allowing for more flexibility and creativity than any other smart bulb we tested. Plus, it's compatible with the widest variety of smart-home systems, including Apple's HomeKit, Samsung's SmartThings hub, Amazon's Alexa, and Google Home. It's not the cheapest bulb we tested, but its reliable performance and wide compatibility make it a solid choice for any smart-home enthusiast or newbie.
Engadget giveaway: win a Toshiba Chromebook and Aries Pro courtesy of Nyrius!
Wireless connectivity and streaming have become standards today, but not all devices are created equal. If you're looking for 1080p HD quality and full 5.1 surround, then this week's giveaway has your name all over it. The folks at Nyrius have provided one of its Aries Pro wireless HDMI streaming devices and even chucked in a Toshiba Chromebook to help one lucky Engadget reader get on with the show. The Aries Pro not only lets you fling HD audio and video from your laptop, but it also plays well with desktop PCs and gaming consoles. It's a capable tool for sending business presentations to the big screen and can save on wiring for ceiling mounted projectors, too. Just head on down to the Rafflecopter widget below for up to three chances at winning this wireless streaming combo. Winner: congratulations to Steven L., Calgary, AB.
