Michael Desjardin
Verified
As seen in:
Tom's Guide,
MSN,
MSN Canada,
Yahoo Entertainment,
Yahoo Life,
MMA Junkie Radio,
USA Today,
Yahoo Canada,
Yahoo News,
Yahoo Finance,
Detroit Free Press
and
Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Michael Desjardin
LG responds to claims that its smart TVs track viewers — but I still have several questions
For several days, LG has been facing intense scrutiny after investigators at the YouTube channel Gamers Nexus alleged that the brand's smart TVs track users in more ways than most people realize, and that these efforts are a result of a lack of transparency between LG and TV-owners.
The only 4K Blu-ray player I use to test TVs is getting a huge price hike — but you can still pick it up at its lower price right now
4 hours ago Apple is about to release iOS 27, which will finally deliver more advanced Siri AI capabilities as well as a variety of other refinements, improvements, and new features to iPhones. It's Apple's biggest software update of the year, and Apple announced at Wednesday's iPhone event that it will be …
Yes, LG smart TVs are tracking you — but so are other TV brands
LG — makers of some of the best TVs on the market — is facing scrutiny after an investigative report revealed potential privacy vulnerabilities associated with its smart TVs. Specifically, the investigation purports that LG is aware that its TV users are being tracked to the degree that they are, but that in most cases, the user doesn't. For LG TV-owners, these developments could be cause for concern.
5 steps you should take to make your smart TV less annoying to use
Google TV Gemini upgrades. I can’t tell you the exact number of TVs I’ve reviewed over the course of my career, but the number is high. And, while I enjoy the mostly laidback nature of the testing process, even the best TVs often arrive in a not-so-friendly state. There’s a bevy of unnecessary steps, superfluous settings and software updates to navigate before I start testing the picture and streaming shows.
I review TVs for a living, and this is the only 4K Blu-ray player I trust for testing TVs and watching movies at home
The Panasonic DP-UB8204K UHD Blu-ray player atop a credenza with its disc tray open. My TV-testing process consists of two phases. The first phase is painstakingly measuring a TV’s performance with boring-looking test patterns. The second phase involves kicking back with some snacks and watching movies. I’ll let you guess which part is my favorite. As a former film student and a current cinephile, my penchant for the pictures isn’t limited to the hours I spend on the clock.
I review TVs for a living, and this is the only 4K Blu-ray player I trust for testing TVs and watching movies at home
8 hours ago Who said a sandwich has to be stuffed with meat? It’s merely a vehicle to consume your lunch one-handedly—the rest is up to you. Stuff it with veggies, stuff it with cheese, stuff it with veggies and cheese, or go ahead and make it sweet with some PB&J, why don’t you? Whatever you’re in the mood for, …
Your living room might be too bright for an OLED TV — here’s how to tell
A wall-mounted TV in a living room reflecting a sharp beam of sunlight coming through a window in the background. If you’ve heard anything at all about OLED TVs, it’s probably at least one of two things: their picture quality is incredible, and apparently, they’re not as bright as LCD TVs. While both of these things can be true, it’s worth unpacking that second point. Yes, OLED TVs are, on average, dimmer than LCD-based sets.
Sony Bravia 9 II True RGB TV vs 8 II OLED: After testing both, here’s what we recommend
In 2026, these are among the top-performing Sony TVs on shelves. But depending on your budget, living space and viewing habits, one will be better suited to your needs. Here’s my expert take on how to choose between the Bravia 9 II and 8 II. The Bravia 9 II is Sony's top True RGB TV for 2026, so its picture is tremendously bright and vibrant.
Dolby Vision 2 is finally live — here are the TVs getting the update and my expert take on the new format
A TV sporting the Dolby Vision 2 logo in a living room. We live in an era of sequels. But until Dolby announced a follow-up version of Dolby Vision, I didn’t expect to experience a sequel to an HDR format, of all things. Several months after the announcement of the new format, Dolby Vision 2 is finally making its way to TVs all over the world. Dolby Vision 2 is arriving on select Hisense models first and will soon expand to additional sets.
Dolby Vision 2 is live — here are the TVs getting the update
We live in an era of sequels. But until Dolby announced a follow-up version of Dolby Vision, I didn't expect to experience a sequel to an HDR format, of all things. Several months after the announcement of the new format, Dolby Vision 2 is finally making its way to TVs all over the world.
We asked readers which TV brand they trusted most — and one company rose above the rest
A man thoughtfully looks at LCD TVs in a large store with his back to the camera. As Senior TV Editor, I see nearly every TV release year after year. It’s a special opportunity to share a ton of helpful context with folks shopping for a new TV, but it also means that I’m liable to lose sight of how the average person feels about the state of the industry. This is why, for the last several weeks, we’ve been asking you — the readers — which major TV brand you consider to be the most trustworthy.
We just graded every TV brand on price, performance and more — here’s how their report cards stack up
Now that these familiar names have received their respective report cards, it's time to meet them in the classroom for a conference about how they're doing this year. If you're shopping for the best TV in 2026, this ought to give you a pretty clear picture about how to spend your money. Pricing (Image credit: Tom's Guide) Of the six names in the mix, Hisense, TCL and Vizio led the class in the all-important pricing category. If you’ve shopped for a TV lately, this probably won’t come as a surprise.
Samsung TV report card 2026: 'You can rely on Samsung to deliver exceptional performance'
This year, like most big-time TV brands, Samsung is making a case for RGB LEDs with a pair of TVs that leverage the company's all-new Micro RGB technology. In addition, there are several new OLEDs and QLEDs rounding up the 2026 Samsung portfolio. (Image credit: Tom's Guide) Pricing Relative to most sets, Samsung’s TVs aren’t priced as high as Sony’s.
Hisense TV report card 2026: 'One of the best ways to maximize your dollar'
This year, like most of the biggest names in the TV business, Hisense is making a case for RGB LED technology along with a series of quantum dot-equipped Mini-LED TVs ranging from budget-friendly to mid-range. (Image credit: Tom's Guide) Pricing In recent years, Hisense has occupied a similar position in the marketplace as TCL, in that both brands aim to deliver competitive performance at lower price points than brands like Sony, Samsung and LG.
TCL TV report card 2026: 'I suspect that I've recommended TCL TVs more than any other brand'
Previously, we doled out report cards to both LG and Sony. Today, we’re taking a look at TCL, makers of some of the most popular QLEDs on the market. In 2026, TCL's proprietary Super Quantum Dot (SQD) technology is up against some fierce competition, too. (Image credit: Tom's Guide) Pricing In recent years (including 2026), TCL TVs have played the part of value-forward alternatives to pricier analogues from brands like Samsung and Sony.
Sony TV report card 2026: Is the 'Sony tax' still worth paying?
A Sony Bravia 7 II RGB TV. When buying a TV, you enter a long-term relationship with the brand that made it. For the next several years, your day-to-day viewing experience will be the result of countless decisions made by the folks who work for that company — from the TV’s performance to the feel of the software. As professional TV-testers, no one understands this relationship better than us.
'LG TVs are better than they've ever been' — here's what they're doing right, what they're doing wrong, and what needs to change in 2026
The LG B6 OLED. When shopping for a TV, you’re not just choosing a set — you’re also choosing a brand. It’s the company whose software you’ll be using almost every day, and the one whose hardware will live in your home for years to come. Here at Tom’s Guide, our goal is not only to help you choose a new TV, but to give you an idea of how it might feel to enter into a long-term relationship with the brand itself.
Samsung S95H vs S90H: After testing both, here's the OLED TV you should buy
If you're in the market for an OLED TV this year — especially a Samsung-branded OLED — both of these TVs will surely make your short list of candidates. That's where I come in. I've got over a decade of TV-testing experience and I'm quite familiar with both models. Here's how the Samsung S95H and S90H OLED TVs compare — from performance to features and price.
This RGB LED TV is the one to buy if the Sony Bravia 9 II is outside of your budget
The Sony Bravia 7 II displaying colorful, cinematic content alongside a super-imposed badge that reads: "TG Flex for Less". We’re still evaluating the Bravia 9 II, but I’ll give you a little sneak-preview: Sony’s RGB LED flagship is one of the best TVs of the year. The brand’s spin on the all-new display technology — dubbed True RGB — serves as a reminder that Sony is one of the top TV-makers in the world.
This OLED was just crowned 'TV of the Year' — but there’s another OLED I’d buy instead
LG C6 OLED TV shown on a wood table. Value Electronics — an esteemed, US-based A/V retailer — held its annual TV Shootout last week, pitting many of the year’s best TVs against one another in a series of tests designed to measure picture quality. OLED TVs competed in their own contest, which included the Samsung S95H, the Sony Bravia 8 II and the LG G6.
LG C6 vs Samsung S90H: After testing both, here’s the OLED TV to buy
If you're in the market for an OLED TV this year, and you're willing to spend on something above the entry-level tier, the C6 and S90H are two of the best OLED TVs to consider. Here's how they stack up when it comes to performance, design and features. As the brand's newest mid-range OLED TV, the LG C6 delivers an excellent blend of performance and value.
I test TVs for a living, and I’m ready to admit that RGB LED TVs haven’t lived up to the hype
A selection of Hisense, Sony, TCL, Samsung TVs on a colorful background. 2026 had all the makings for a revolution in the TV world. At CES 2026, nearly every major player in the industry announced that it would be selling its own version of an RGB LED TV this year under different names — like Samsung Micro RGB, Hisense RGB Mini-LED TV and Sony True RGB.
There's a better cable for TVs than HDMI — but here's why we'll probably never use it
An HDMI 2.1 connection. HDMI 2.2 has arrived. And, even though its features can't be fully supported by the best TVs and gaming consoles just yet, it already has a rival. There are ongoing efforts by organizations in the tech sector to replace HDMI with something called GPMI. It does everything HDMI does with some added tricks up its sleeve. For its supporters, GPMI represents a simplified future of fewer cables and faster speeds.
The Samsung S95H is the best-looking OLED TV we've tested this year — but it's not the one I recommend buying
LG C6 OLED TV shown on a wood table. It's been a banner year for high-performance TVs. OLEDs are better than ever and, between RGB LED and Super Quantum Dot (SQD) TVs, brands are breaking ground with all-new souped-up display technologies. Take, for instance, the Samsung S95H. After extensive testing, we awarded the S95H a rare, five-star rating on account of its stunning performance and its extensive list of features.
If the only TVs you can buy are ‘smart’, why are they harder than ever to use?
An out-of-focus TV displaying a smart platform home screen is foregrounded by a someone's disembodied "thumbs down" gesture. Once upon a time, you turned on a TV and it was just… on. If you watched an episode of “Seinfeld” the night before, you might've found your TV still tuned to NBC the following morning. There was no home screen between you and your shows, and if you were confronted with an advertisement, it was because NBC happened to be running a commercial at that moment.
If the only TVs you can buy are ‘smart’, why are they harder than ever to use?
If the only TVs you can buy are ‘smart’, why are they harder than ever to use? Once upon a time, you turned on a TV and it was just… on. If you watched an episode of “Seinfeld” the night before, you might've found your TV still …
LG C6 vs Samsung S95H: We pushed both OLED TVs to the limit to find the true winner
If you're in the market for an OLED TV this year and you're willing to spend on something beyond the entry-level tier, the C6 and S95H ought to be on your short list. Here's how they stack up when it comes to performance, design and features. As the brand's newest mid-range OLED TV, the LG C6 delivers an excellent blend of performance and value. It's picture quality is superb, but it's not as bright or as colorful as the Samsung S95H.
Samsung S95H vs S85H: We've tested both new OLED TVs and this is what I recommend
If you're shopping for an OLED TV this year, these sets are worthy candidates. Fortunately, we've tested both extensively, and I've got over a decade of experience under my belt. Here's how the Samsung S95H and S85H OLED TVs compare — from performance to features and price. Simply put, the Samsung S95H is one of the best OLED TVs ever made, as it delivers incredible, quantum dot-enhanced picture quality and nearly every feature under the sun.
HDMI 2.2 is coming — here's what it means for your living room
HDMI input . Just when you thought you’d wrapped your head around HDMI cables and ports, a new specification emerges: HDMI 2.2. According to a recent report from FlatpanelsHD, the HDMI Licensing Administrator (the organization that oversees HDMI specifications), the first products to carry the HDMI 2.2 certification will arrive next year. It’s not yet clear which devices will be the first to feature HDMI 2.2-certified inputs, the industry’s best TVs are as good a candidate as any.
HDMI 2.2 is coming — here's what it means for your living room
4 hours ago New York — This March, actress Brooke Shields made a reservation at a Mexican restaurant in Denver, Colorado called Casa Bonita under a fake name – but not to avoid paparazzi It was so the restaurant’s management team and owners Trey Parker and Matt Stone, who are also the creators of South Park, …
Choosing between the LG G6 and Samsung S95H? These are the biggest differences between 2026’s top OLED TVs
The LG G6 and the Samsung S95H OLED TVs. Among 2026 OLEDs, two sets stand above the rest: the LG G6 and Samsung S95H. These top-shelf TVs harness high-end hardware for brighter, punchier performance than that of entry-level and mid-range OLEDs. They’re also stuffed with features for gaming, streaming and beyond. You can’t go wrong with either option.
Fox is buying Roku for $22 billion — here's what that could mean for your living room
Roku TV 2023. This week, media conglomerate Fox acquired Roku in a deal worth a whopping $22 billion. The deal won’t be finalized until sometime in 2027, but as someone who makes a living testing, reviewing and recommending TVs, I can’t help but ponder the short- and long-term ramifications for Roku-centric living rooms. Beyond Roku TVs — which arrive with the brand’s excellent streaming software baked right into the TV — Roku makes some of the best streaming devices on the market.
RGB LED vs Super Quantum Dot (SQD): Which TV tech should you buy in 2026?
A side-by-side composite of the Samsung R85H displaying a soccer match and the TCL QM7L displaying abstract, colorful imagery. If you're shopping for a TV this year, there's a good chance you'll find yourself choosing between two all-new types: RGB LED and Super Quantum Dot (SQD) Mini-LED. Several brands make and sell RGB LED TVs, while only one brand — TCL — engineers SQD sets.
LG C6 vs B6: We've tested both OLED TVs, and this is the one to buy
As the brand's newest mid-range OLED TV, the LG C6 delivers an excellent blend of performance and value as a marginal upgrade over its predecessor. It's significantly brighter than the LG B6, but that's one of only a few differences between the two. LG's latest entry-level OLED is a fantastic value proposition for people who don't mind saving some cash on more modest demonstration of OLED technology. That said, at the time of publishing, the B6 is available in fewer size options than the C6.
Is this rumored Sony OLED TV the LG C6 rival we've been waiting for?
Sony Bravia 8 on stand in living room. Across the web, rumors are swirling about a brand-new Sony OLED TV dubbed the Bravia 6. It shouldn't come as a shock, considering the lack of an entry-level OLED in Sony's current Bravia lineup, and the Bravia 6 could very well be the LG C6 rival we've been waiting for. Sony makes some of the best TVs on the market — and this could be its most exciting model yet. Here's what we know about it so far.
Don't overspend on the LG C6 OLED — the B6 offers great performance for a fraction of the price
The LG B6 OLED TV displaying a high-contrast, close-up image of dark red-colored cherries. Next to the TV is a superimposed badge that reads: "TG Flex for Less". Here's some good news: LG, makers of some of the best OLED TVs money can buy, has launched three new OLEDs for 2026 — the flagship-level G6, the mid-range C6 OLED and the LG B6.
'TV brightness matters more than anything else' and 4 other myths that I need to debunk after a decade of testing TVs
Some of these misconceptions could end up costing you money. Others might land you a less-capable TV. Let’s bust these myths. 1. TV brightness matters more than anything else (Image credit: LG Display) In the world of TVs, few metrics are weighed as heavily as brightness. It’s easy to measure, easy to boast about with numbers, and most importantly, easy for people to understand. But while certainly important, brightness isn’t the be-all, end-all yardstick for picture quality.
LG B6 vs B5 test results are in: Is LG's newest entry-level OLED TV worth it?
If you're trying to figure out which LG OLED is worth your hard-earned cash, it's worth taking a look at their performance, specs and features. Here's what you need to know. LG's latest entry-level OLED is only a marginally better performer than its predecessor, and for most people, saving money on the B5 is the better move (at least until the B6 drops in price). At the time of publishing, the B6 is available in fewer size options than the B5, too.
OLED vs Super Quantum Dot (SQD): Which TV tech is superior?
The LG C6 OLED and the TCL QM8L SQD Mini-LED TV in a side-by-side composite. If you're shopping for a TV in 2026, there's a chance you'll find yourself choosing between two types: OLED and Super Quantum Dot (SQD) Mini-LED. OLED TVs have been available for over a decade, while SQD Mini-LED TVs just made it to shelves this year. Several brands make and sell OLED TVs, while only one brand — TCL — offers SQD sets.
TCL QM8L vs QM9K: Is the new SQD TV worth it?
If you're in the market for a bright, high-performance Mini-LED TV this year, you may find yourself sizing up these two TCL TVs. Here's how they compare — from performance to features and price. A brand-new TV for 2026, the QM8L leverages TCL's newest display technology, Super Quantum Dot, to enhance its color and overall brightness. It's a slightly better-performing TV than last year's QM9K, but as a newer model, you'll pay more for it.
We just tested the Bravia 7 II — here’s why I think it could be the Sony TV to buy in 2026
A wall-mounted Sony Bravia 7 II True RGB Mini-LED TV displaying a colorful, abstract image in a modern living room. Sony — maker of some of the best TVs in the world — just now unveiled its 2026 TV lineup, and while it’s later to the party than LG, Samsung, Hisense and TCL, it’s nevertheless making a grand entrance.
I’m a TV expert, and these are 5 signs your OLED TV might be on its way out
LG G4 OLED in living room. OLED TVs are among the best TVs you can buy, but like all TVs, they’re not everlasting. I’ve been covering OLEDs since LG’s first 4K OLED TV hit the market, and while they’re much more durable now than they were over a decade ago, even the best OLED TVs are liable to wear down over time. Why does it happen? OLED displays harness organic material.
5 Google TV features you're probably not using but definitely should
Google TV logo on TV. Google TV is one of the most popular streaming platforms right now. Not only are there several Google TV-based streaming devices to hoose from, many of the best TVs you can buy come with Google’s software baked in, including Hisense, Sony and TCL. Google TV is known for its robust app support and its relatively easy-to-use interface. That said, it doesn't put many of its handiest features right up front for all to see.
3 TV settings to change right now if you want your movies to look the way the director intended
A TCL QM8L TV on a desk. Take a trip to the TV aisle of any brick-and-mortar retail shop and you’re bound to see some dazzling pictures. All TVs — from the ultra-affordable to the best TVs you can buy — arrive with a slew of settings enabled by default, and most of them are designed to make the picture look as good as possible under the harsh fluorescent lighting of a big-box store. The problem is, filmmakers and teams of artists work at length to light, color-correct and edit scenes.
Here comes ‘Super Quantum Dot’ — why you need to watch out for this buzzword if you’re shopping for a TV in 2026
TCL X11L SQD Mini-LED TV on a side table. The newest and best TVs of 2026 are coming in hot. And, while plenty of ink has been spilled about RGB LED TVs and the latest OLEDs, there’s one type of TV technology that hasn’t received as much attention: Super Quantum Dot. Abbreviated ‘SQD,’ this enhanced version of a traditional quantum-dot display is quietly making a serious impression on my TV-testing colleagues and me.
I’ve spent over a decade testing TVs and these are the only 3 I would buy for under $500
I almost gave up on Apple TV+’s No. 1 show — then ChatGPT convinced me to keep watching I hate giving up on a show. This is especially true if I've raved about it to my friends and already invested several hours into the story. I want to …
Should you buy a new 2026 TV or save money on a 2025 model? Here's how to shop for a screen like an expert
Two Samsung TVs side-by-side. As we speak, the biggest TV-makers in the game are shipping their latest (and in some cases greatest) models to retailers and customers all over the world. But if you take a scroll through the listings of major retailers, you’re bound to notice a mix of both new TVs and models released last year. To make matters more complicated, the year-old sets are almost always cheaper than the models replacing them.
LG C6 vs Hisense UR9: Should you buy the OLED or RGB LED TV?
One of them offers mid-range-level OLED performance while the other — Hisense's top-shelf TV for 2026 — promises bright, eye-popping color. Now's an especially interesting time to be deciding between these two TVs, as the Hisense UR9 was just heavily discounted almost immediately after making its debut. Here's how the C6 and UR9 compare — from performance to features and price.
Hisense's new UR9 just got a $1,500 price drop just days after launch — and it's now the most affordable way to experience RGB Mini-LED technology
Hisense UR9 RGB Mini-LED TV on a desk. I’m no stranger to the concept of a good ol’ fashioned street price. In the TV business, new models often launch at a set price only to see some small- to medium-sized discounts shortly thereafter. In many cases, the original MSRP remains on the page, and for folks clicking around on Best Buy, Amazon or a brand’s online store, the red-colored savings indicator can be enticing.
3 reasons why you shouldn't buy an RGB LED TV in 2026
The Samsung R95H in a gray-colored living room displaying the Milky Way over sand dunes in the desert . RGB LED technology — also known as Micro RGB, RGB Mini-LED and True RGB — is taking the TV industry by storm. This year, Hisense, LG, Samsung, Sony and TCL are all launching their own variation of this display technology. It’s the next step in the evolutionary line of Mini-LED TVs, and if you take TV brands at their word, it's the next big thing worth spending money on.
Show More
loading
Actions
Get in touch with Michael
Contact Michael, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack