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Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 in 4DXWith streaming and mobile entertainment options continuing to entice film fans thanks to their convenience and low cost, theater chains are once again starting to turn toward new premium cinema formats in an effort to offer a unique movie-going experience -- one that can't be so easily replicated on any mere smartphone or home theater setup. But just what can a premium theater format offer that your everyday tablet or living room TV can't? Well, if you're IMAX or Dolby Cinema, you can provide notable improvements in big-screen visuals and immersive audio with state-of-the-art projection and sound systems. And, if you're 4DX, you can provide… the smell of burnt toast? [teaser]Offering more than just a typical upgrade in sound and projection, the 4DX format actually aims to deliver a fully immersive theatrical experience.[/teaser] Combining 3D projection with motion seats and environmental effects like wind, water, flashing lights and, yes, occasional smells, the process turns a typical theater outing into something more akin to a theme park attraction. But just how engaging is 4DX in practice? Do tilting seats and splashing water really enhance the viewing experience? Or are they just unnecessary gimmicks? Well, to find out, we decided to check out a recent 4DX showing of Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 at the Regal E-Walk in NYC. Filled with exciting space battles and flashy VFX, the movie was a perfect example of everything the 4DX format has to offer -- both good and bad. WHAT IS 4DX? 4DX is a premium motion picture format developed by CJ 4DPLEX. The tech first launched in South Korea in 2009 with the release of Journey to the Center of the Earth, and then expanded to US theaters in 2014 with the release of Transformers: Age of Extinction. 4DX is currently implemented in nine theaters throughout the US, including locations in New York, California, Florida, and Washington. To view all 4DX locations, click here. 4DX combines a typical digital 3D theater experience with the addition of motion seats and special environmental effects -- all specifically designed to work in sync with the action on screen. These 4DX tracks are programmed by the company's "i-Studio", creating a unique sense of immersion tailored for each individual title. The format's motion seats are capable of vibration and combining three base movements: heave (up and down), roll (left and right), and pitch (tilt backward and forward), allowing them to simulate various actions like flying and driving. In addition, 4DX theaters are also fitted with various external effects via attachments on the walls and seats, including: -Large fans to create wind. -Bubble machines. -Lights to simulate storms and effects like explosions. -Fog machines. -Artificial scents. -Splashes of water to simulate rain. -Fake snow. -Leg and back "ticklers" to enhance action. THE GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY 4DX EXPERIENCE When you sit down to watch a movie and notice that your chair has a "Water On/Water Off" button, you know you're in for a unique experience. And, for better or worse, that's exactly what Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 in 4DX was. First, let's start with the good. Two words: space battles. Evoking classic motion rides like Star Tours and Body Wars, the 4DX motion seats did a solid job of simulating a swooshing spacecraft during these sequences, tilting, moving, and vibrating the chairs in tandem with the action on screen. The effect is never as aggressive as actual theme park motion rides (no seat belt required) -- but the jolts are still powerful enough to make you spill your popcorn if you're not careful. With that said, typical motion rides usually only last a few minutes, and having an entire feature length film employ the technique during every action scene did get a bit tedious and even uncomfortable over time. Thankfully, the seats mellowed out during standard dialogue heavy scenes offering a necessary break from the chaos. That is, with one notable exception. Whenever the camera pushed in or tilted, the chairs would also slowly tilt and move along with the frame. Though this actually might sound like a clever idea on paper, in practice it proved to be quite annoying and ended up being my least favorite effect. Other environmental effects were employed fairly well, but in general they all usually felt more like silly gimmicks than substantial enhancements to the experience. Gusts of wind added a cool breeze to appropriate moments, fog rolled in here and there, and pops of air from the chair's headrest would often burst in tandem with laser blasts on-screen. Likewise, the chair would even occasionally tap my back. Well, "tap" might not be the right word. It was more like very lightly punch. This effect was primarily used when characters got smacked, but other uses occurred when Rocket leapt atop his enemies and Yondu's wandering arrow hit its targets. Meanwhile, flashing bursts of light were thankfully used only sparingly, emphasizing a few explosions, space jumps, and fireworks here and there. And there was only really one main use of the infamous water feature -- spraying some drops during the opening fight scene when the alien creature's guts spilled out. And though there is a scene perfect for fake snow, I don't remember actually seeing any in the theater -- but my tilting chair may have been distracting me. Likewise, while the smell of burnt toast was evident during a little promo video that played before the film, I didn't notice any scents during the flick either. And, most disappointing of all, there weren't any bubbles! As a whole, I think the 4DX designers did a prey good job adapting the format to the action on-screen -- but I'm just not sold on the actual concept itself. Don't get me wrong, at its best, the 4DX motion and effects offered a few fun moments and enhanced a few action scenes with immersive seat movements. But at its worst, the process was downright distracting and mostly just came across as gimmicky. Now, not everyone will agree with this assessment, however, and it looks like the film's own director, James Gunn, is actually a fan of the process. Check out the video below to hear his thoughts on the 4DX experience. 4DX VS IMAX & DOLBY CINEMA Compared to other premium theater formats, 4DX demonstrates some clear advantages and disadvantages. But just how well do motion seats and environmental effects stack up to Dolby Vision and giant screens? Well, it's first important to note that while audio and video presentations are clearly secondary to the 4DX format's other unique attributes, the Regal 4DX theater I visited still had very good image and sound performance. The 3D digital projector looked about as bright, sharp, and colorful as any standard projector I've seen before. With that said, the screen was nowhere near as big as a proper IMAX and black levels and contrast could not achieve the impressive inky look and HDR performance of Dolby Cinema. Likewise, though the surround sound was engaging, the theater did not use a Dolby Atmos system, and even with the 4DX vibration, I think that the transducers used in Dolby Cinema seats actually provide a more robust sense of bass and kick during action scenes. When it comes to 3D viewing, 4DX offered a slight edge over Dolby Cinema 3D presentations I've seen before, offering a seamless glasses-viewing experience free from any quirks. In contrast, the Rogue One Dolby Cinema 3D showing I saw previously featured a slightly distracting blue tinge toward the edge of the glasses -- something that was nowhere to be found here. Also of note, is general comfort, and when it comes to that, typical IMAX seats and especially the nice reclining seats found in Dolby Cinemas are leaps and bounds better than the comparatively stiff 4DX seats. Of course, considering the hardware built into them and the inherent dangers that a potential reclining motion chair would bring, this is an understandable limitation. At the end of the day, which format is best for you really depends on whether moving seats and splashing water are better for your viewing experience than a larger-than-life screen or Dolby Vision laser projection system with Atmos speakers. And though the novelty of 4DX's theme-park like features can be good for some fun, my current preferred theatrical format remains Dolby Cinema thanks to its emphasis on premium video and audio presentations. FINAL THOUGHTS Getting jolted around in your seat, splashed with water, and repeatedly poked in the back might sound like fun (or not) -- but in general, the 4DX experience is a bit overbearing and gimmicky. The effects were worked in pretty well with the film, but more often than not I just wanted to watch the movie in peace. Still, a few sequences (particularly the space battles) provided some genuinely fun motion ride thrills. And at about $25 per ticket at the NYC Regal, the cost is similar to other premium theater offerings. While this definitely isn't a format I plan to experience regularly, if you're looking for a little something different with your movie-going experience, 4DX might make for a fun novelty once or twice. Just be sure to hold onto your popcorn. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Alien: Covenant, and King Arthur: Legend of the Sword are now playing in select 4DX theaters worldwide, with Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales set to open in the format next week.Posted Fri May 19, 2017 at 08:30 PM PDT by: -
Streaming News Roundup: 'Dark Crystal,' 'The Witcher,' and More[teaser]A Dark Crystal prequel series and a Netflix adaptation of The Witcher fantasy series are among the latest streaming announcements.[/teaser] Netflix and Amazon have released new trailers, date announcements, and other info for several of their upcoming shows and movies, including F is For Family, GLOW, Okja, The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance, The Witcher, and Long Strange Trip. In addition, Motor Trend OnDemand has announced plans to stream special free content on May 20 through May 26. Check out a full rundown of the latest streaming news and trailers below: F is For Family: Season Two (Netflix, May 30) - From comedian Bill Burr and Emmy award-winner Michael Price, F is for Family transports viewers back to the 1970s, a time when political correctness, helicopter parenting and indoor smoking bans weren't part of anyone's vocabulary, let alone the norm. Featuring the voices of Burr, Laura Dern, Justin Long, Sam Rockwell and more. GLOW (Netflix, June 23) - Inspired by the short-lived but beloved show from the 80s, GLOW tells the fictional story of Ruth Wilder (Alison Brie), an out-of-work, struggling actress in 1980s Los Angeles who finds one last chance for stardom when she’s thrust into the glitter and spandex world of women's wrestling. In addition to working with 12 Hollywood misfits, Ruth also has to compete with Debbie Eagan (Betty Gilpin), a former soap actress who left the business to have a baby, only to be sucked back into work when her picture perfect life turns out not to be what it seems. At the wheel is Sam Sylvia (Marc Maron), a washed-up, B-movie director who now must lead this group of women on the journey to wrestling super stardom. Okja (Netflix, June 28) - Follows Mija, a young girl who must risk everything to prevent a powerful, multi-national company from kidnapping her best friend – a massive animal named Okja. Mija will be played by Seohyun An. The movie also stars Tilda Swinton (Hail, Caesar!, Moonrise Kingdom), Jake Gyllenhaal (Nightcrawler, Everest), Paul Dano (Love & Mercy, 12 Years a Slave), Devon Bostick (The 100), Lily Collins (To The Bone), Byun Heebong (The Host), Shirley Henderson (Anna Karenina), Daniel Henshall (The Babadook), Yoon Je Moon (Mother), Choi Wooshik (Set Me Free) and Steven Yeun (The Walking Dead). Producers include Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Lewis Taewan Kim, Dooho Choi, Woo-sik Seo and Bong Joon Ho. The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance (Netflix, Coming Soon) - The 10-episode fantasy adventure series is a prequel to the groundbreaking 1982 fan favorite The Dark Crystal, and takes place many years before the events of the film. The series will be shot in the U.K., and will star an ensemble of fantastical, state-of-the-art creatures created by Jim Henson's Creature Shop and Brian Froud, the original feature's conceptual designer. The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance returns to the world of Thra with an all new adventure. When three Gelfling discover the horrifying secret behind the Skeksis' power, they set out on an epic journey to ignite the fires of rebellion and save their world. Louis Leterrier (Now You See Me, The Incredible Hulk) will executive produce and direct the series. An exact release date has not been announced yet. "The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance will combine the art of puppetry perfected by The Jim Henson Company, with Louis' vision, powerful storytelling and a mix of cutting-edge digital imagery and visual effects," said Cindy Holland, Vice President of Original Content at Netflix. "I can’t wait for families around the world to see how we bring these unique characters to life." In addition, Netflix has also announced plans to develop an English language drama based on The Witcher fantasy series of novels and video games from Polish writer Andrzej Sapkowski. Known collectively as the Witcher Saga, Sapkowski's eight novels and story collections center on "witchers" -- hunters who develop supernatural abilities at a young age to battle deadly monsters. Andrzej Sapkowski is on board as a creative consultant for the series. Meanwhile Sean Daniel (The Mummy franchise, The Expanse) and Jason Brown (The Expanse), are listed as executive producers, along with Tomek Baginski (Oscar nominated short The Cathedral) and Jarek Sawko (The Fallen Art, Another Day of Life) from Platige Image, the Polish production and visual effects company. An exact release date has not been announced yet. "Andrzej Sapkowski has created a rich and memorable world, at once magical and familiar," said Erik Barmack, Netflix Vice President, international series. "We couldn’t be more excited about bringing The Witcher saga to Netflix members around the world." Long Strange Trip (Amazon Prime Video, June 2) - The 30-year odyssey of the Grateful Dead was the most unlikely success story in rock and roll history. Famously averse to publicity, seemingly incapable of recording radio-friendly hits, they flouted music-industry convention by giving their live music away to a global network of tape traders, becoming the highest-grossing concert act in America on word of mouth alone. Executive produced by Scorsese (Silence), Long Strange Trip is the first full-length documentary to explore the fiercely independent vision, insistence on continuous innovation, and uncompromising commitment to their audience that propelled the original jam band from a Bay Area pizza parlor to the ranks of the most enduringly influential musicians of their generation. By assembling candid interviews with the band, road crew, family members, and notable Deadheads, director Bar-Lev (The Tillman Story) unearths the untold history of the Dead and the freewheeling psychedelic subculture that sprouted up around it, while providing poignant insight into the psyche of late lead guitarist Jerry Garcia, who disdained leadership of the increasingly sprawling collective organization that kept the show on the road. With a soundtrack that captures some of the band's most dynamic live performances as well as unguarded moments offstage and never before seen footage and photos, Long Strange Trip is an epic exploration into a uniquely American experiment in radically eclectic music-making that continues to earn the passionate loyalty of generations of fans worldwide. Finally, Motor Trend OnDemand has announced plans to celebrate this Saturday's National Streaming Day by having its top show hosts pick their favorite episodes to stream for free from May 20 to May 26. The lineup is set to include series like Ignition, Hot Rod Garage, Dirt Every Day, Engine Masters, Roadkill, Roadkill Garage, The Racing Line, The House of Muscle, and Head 2 Head. Shows can be accessed at https://www.motortrendondemand.com/show/national-streaming-day/71057212/ starting Saturday, May 20. - A current Netflix subscription starts at $10 for HD streaming and $12 for Ultra HD streaming. - A current Amazon Prime subscription costs $99 per year or $11 per month. Likewise, Prime Instant Video is available as a standalone service for $9 per month. Sources: Netflix (YouTube), Amazon (YouTube), Netflix, Motor Trend OnDemandPosted Fri May 19, 2017 at 07:00 PM PDT by: -
Netflix Launches Dolby Vision & HDR support for LG G6 Smartphone[teaser]Netflix HDR streaming is now available through LG's flagship phone.[/teaser] Netflix has launched support for streaming Dolby Vison HDR content through Android mobile devices. The feature is currently only supported through the LG G6 smartphone and requires Netflix app version 5.0 for Android and a 4K HDR Netflix subscription plan. Support for more HDR capable smartphones, like the Samsung Galaxy S8, is expected to be added in the future. The G6 features a 5.7-inch QHD+ FullVision display with a resolution of 2,880 x 1,440. In addition, the screen uses an 18:9 screen aspect ratio for a more immersive experience -- a first for a smartphone. Likewise, the device has been designed for single-handed ease of use. HDR10 and Dolby Vision support have been integrated as well, allowing for high dynamic range playback from streaming services like Netflix and Amazon. Here's a full rundown of specs per LG: - Chipset: Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 821 Processor- Display: 5.7-inch 18:9 QHD+ FullVision Display (2880 x 1440 / 564ppi)- Memory: 4GB LPDDR4 RAM / 32GB or 64GB UFS 2.0 ROM / MicroSD (up to 2TB)- Rear Dual Camera: 13MP Wide (F2.4 / 125°) / 13MP Standard OIS 2.0 (F1.8 / 71°)- Front Camera: 5MP Wide (F2.2 / 100°)- Battery: 3,300mAh (embedded)- Operating System: Android 7.0 Nougat- Size: 148.9 x 71.9 x 7.9mm- Weight: 163g- Network: LTE-A 3 Band CA- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a, b, g, n, ac / Bluetooth 4.2 BLE / NFC / USB Type-C 2.0 (3.1 compatible)- Colors: Astro Black / Ice Platinum / Mystic White- Other: Water and Dust Resistant / Fingerprint Sensor / UX 6.0 / Dolby Vision™ / HDR10 /Qualcomm Quick Charge™ 3.0 / 32-bit Hi-Fi Quad DAC A current Netflix subscription starts at $10 for HD streaming and $12 for Ultra HD streaming with Dolby Vision HDR. Sources: Netflix via Engadget, LGPosted Fri May 19, 2017 at 07:30 AM PDT by: -
Element Electronics Launches Pre-Orders for Amazon Fire TV Edition 4K Ultra HD Displays[teaser]The upcoming Ultra HD TV lineup uses the Fire TV platform with Alexa.[/teaser] Element Electronics has announced pricing and availability for its new Amazon Fire TV Edition 4K displays. The collection will include 43-inch ($449), 50-inch ($549), 55-inch ($649), and 65-inch ($899) models. The TVs all feature 4K Ultra HD direct-lit LED panels, along with integrated support for Amazon's Fire TV platform, offering access to more than 15,000 channels, apps and Alexa skills. Likewise, the displays also include a Voice Remote with Amazon Alexa, allowing users to control playback, apps, and other functions through voice commands. With that said, the TVs do not include advanced picture quality features like HDR, Dolby Vision, or local dimming. Here's a full rundown of specs per the press release: Screen Sizes: 43-, 50-, 55-, 65-inch Resolution: 3840 x 2160 (4K UHD) Refresh Rate: 60Hz (Native) / 120Hz (Effective) Processor: Quad-core CPU/GPU Chipset Memory: 3GB memory, 16GB internal storage, expandable with USB/SD card Streaming Resolution: Streaming resolution at 4K Ultra HD (2160p), 1080p, 720p up to 60fps Other Features: Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth (4.1); 4 HDMI, Component/Composite; Optical SPDIF Out Warranty: One year limited warranty "This new line of smart TVs featuring Amazon's Fire TV experience extend the voice-control revolution starting in the home. With the Voice Remote with Alexa, customers can not only change channels, launch apps, and search or switch inputs with simple voice commands, but they can also ask Alexa to read and display sports scores, dim the living room lights, see Yelp restaurant reviews, and even order a Domino's pizza," said Sung Choi, vice president of marketing, Element Electronics. "This TV represents the ultimate connected TV experience, coupled with an innovative voice service that will forever change the way we interact with home devices." Pre-orders for the new Element Electronics Amazon Fire TV Edition lineup are now live. Initial shipments are expected to go out by June 14. Source: Element Electronics via PR NewswirePosted Fri May 19, 2017 at 06:30 AM PDT by: -
Amazon Unveils New Fire 7 and Fire HD 8 Tablets with Alexa[teaser]The latest Fire tablet models have been revealed.[/teaser] Amazon has detailed the newest additions to its Fire line of tablets. The new Fire 7 and Fire HD 8 models offer updated features and improved performance. "We think customers should expect more from their tablet—better hardware, more features, access to tons of great content—but shouldn’t have to pay a premium for it," said Kevin Keith, General Manager, Fire Tablets. "Our approach is to offer premium products at non-premium prices. The all-new Fire 7 is thinner and lighter, offers an improved display, longer battery life, and better Wi-Fi connectivity—while keeping the same low price of $49.99. For only $30 more, the all-new Fire HD 8 offers a vibrant 8” HD widescreen display, up to 12 hours of battery life, faster performance, and 16 GB of storage. Plus, both tablets include Alexa—it’s an incredible value we think customers will love." The new Fire HD 8 features a widescreen 8-inch 1280 x 800 HD display and up to 12 hours of battery life. Under the hood, the device is powered by a 1.3 GHz quad-core processor and 1.5 GB of RAM. In addition, the tablet includes dual stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos tech, Alexa support, a VGA front-facing camera, and a 2 MP rear-facing HD camera. Pre-orders with 16 GB ($80) or 32 GB ($110) of internal storage are now live for a June 7 release. Compared to previous models, the new Fire 7 uses a thinner and lighter design, an improved 7-inch 1024x600 IPS display, and longer battery life with support for up to 8 hours of mixed use. Under the hood, the tablet is powered by a Quad-Core 1.3 GHz CPU with 1 GB of RAM. In addition, the device includes Alexa support, a VGA front-facing camera, and a 2 MP rear-facing HD camera. Pre-orders with 8 GB ($50) or 16 GB ($70) of storage are now live for a June 7 release. Source: AmazonPosted Fri May 19, 2017 at 05:30 AM PDT by: -
HD Gear News Roundup: LG Tests 4K HFR OLED Broadcast, Google Reveals Daydream VR Updates, and More[teaser]We've compiled the latest gear news, including a 4K HFR test transmission, Daydream updates, and new digital audio players.[/teaser] From product announcements and streaming app updates to general industry news and recent gear trends, keeping up with the latest tech news can be a daunting task. With that in mind, we're here to offer you a roundup of some of the latest gear and consumer electronics news that you may have missed. For this edition, we're covering LG's recent 4K high frame rate broadcast test, new Google Daydream VR developments, two new digital audio players from Onkyo, and a new Polk Audio 5.1 sound bar. So, without further ado, here's a rundown of some of the latest gear and tech news: LG & SES Demo 4K HFR Broadcast LG and SES demonstrated a 4K High Frame Rate (HFR) test transmission at the SES Industry Days conference in Luxembourg on May 16 and 17. The broadcast was conducted live via an ASTRA satellite and was displayed on an LG OLED TV using prototype HFR software. "We are very excited to demonstrate just how effective LG's OLED TV is as a platform for 4K HFR and other high grade content," said Sam Kim, senior vice president and head of TV product planning at the LG Home Entertainment Company. "LG is committed to offering consumers around the world the latest in TV technologies and High Frame Rate on OLED TVs must be seen to be believed. Watching 4K HFR content on an OLED TV as it’s being transmitted in real time by ASTRA’s satellite is a great example of pushing the limits of current TV technologies." HFR next-gen broadcast tech allows for playback of 4K content at up to 120 frames per second. Most current technology typically supports the playback of 60 FPS content or less, and conventional films are usually shot at 24 FPS. An increase in frames per second can create more fluid images, making the format ideal for fast action material like sports while also helping to eliminate artifacts like motion blur and judder. In order to support the tech, global broadcasters and content providers will be using the DVB UHD-1 Phase 2 specification, which features 4K HFR playback along with High Dynamic Range (HDR) and Next-generation Audio (NGA). "SES has been steadily pushing forward the development of Ultra HD, and the Industry Days event has always been an excellent platform to showcase new TV technology," said Thomas Wrede, Vice President New Technology & Standards at SES. "High Frame Rate will be an important step towards further enhancing the quality of Ultra HD satellite transmissions, in particular for sports and reality TV events. Our continued partnership with LG Electronics is important in setting the broadcast standards of tomorrow and pioneering future TV technologies, and we are very pleased to work with LG Electronics on such an important milestone." Source: BusinessWire Google Announces New Daydream VR Tech and Gear This week at Google I/O, the company announced several developments and new products for its Daydream VR platform. Highlights include updated Daydream software and the reveal of the first standalone Daydream headsets. The Daydream VR platform offers a growing collection of more than 150 VR apps across all Daydream-ready mobile devices and headsets -- like Google's own Pixel smartphone and Daydream View. Dubbed Daydream Euphrates, the upcoming Daydream 2.0 software will offer several new features, including the ability to capture what a user sees, casting support for putting a user's virtual view on the big screen, and the option to watch YouTube videos in VR with other people in a shared virtual space. Likewise, support for Daydream is coming to even more smartphones, including the Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+ which will become Daydream ready this summer. In addition, the first standalone Daydream headsets will be released later this year. Standalone headset models will not require a smartphone or PC, and will instead use their own integrated displays and hardware optimized for VR. Daydream standalone headsets will also use new headset tracking technology called WorldSense, which can enable positional tracking to determine a user's precise movements in space without any external sensors. Google has partnered with Qualcomm to create the standalone headset reference design, and upcoming standalone Daydream headsets are in development from HTC VIVE and Lenovo. Meanwhile, the Daydream View headset is currently on sale for a suggested retail price of $79.The headset is available in Slate, Crimson, or Snow colors and is made with flexible and soft breathable fabrics, allowing the device to be 30% lighter than similar products while providing added comfort. Sources: Google 1, Google 2 Onkyo Details New Digital Audio Players Onkyo has announced two additions to the company's digital audio player lineup. The DP-X1A is available for an MSRP of $799.99 and the DP-S1 is available for an MSRP of $449.99. With a dual ESS Sabre DAC and amp, High-Capacity Conductive Polymer Capacitor, and Discrete Thin Film Chip Resistor, the DP-X1A is designed for audiophile performance. In addition, the player runs on the Android OS and supports Google Play. Under the hood, the device includes 64GB of internal storage which is expandable with an additional 512GB via two micro SD slots. Likewise, the unit offers MQA playback and support for hi-res formats up to DSD 11.2MHz, 384kHz/24bit FLAC/WAV audio files. Finally, Wi-Fi/Wi-Fi Direct and hi-res Bluetooth connectivity via aptX/SBC are provided as well. Meanwhile, the DP-S1 features a more compact design and uses a proprietary operating system which can "dual clock" 44.1kHz / 48kHz for native support for DSD 5.6MHz, 192kHz/32bit FLAC/WAV. Under the hood, the device includes twin ESS SABRE DACs and headphone amps, and 16GB of internal storage that can be expanded to 512GB via two microSD card slots. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity are integrated as well. Source: Onkyo Polk Audio Reveals MagniFi MAX SR Sound Bar Polk Audio has announced its newest sound bar model. The upcoming MagniFi MAX SR offers a 5.1 surround sound experience with wireless surround speakers and a subwoofer. "As sound bars continue to flood the market, consumers with an ear toward traditional surround sound are met with a huge array of products and technologies that supposedly bring 5.1 audio to the forefront," said Michael Greco, global brand director, Polk Audio. "While many sound bars certainly improve upon what TVs can offer, the majority lack the sound stage, imaging, and discrete immersive surround sound experience of the MagniFi MAX SR. With the MagniFi MAX SR, we're aiming to change that by providing proven technological tools like Polk's patented SDA and Voice Adjust technology, Dolby Digital and DTS decoding, HDMI connectivity and wireless surrounds so consumers have the option to create a true 5.1 system that mimics what component audio can deliver with the ease of setting up a sound bar." The sound bar uses Polk Audio's patented Stereo Dimensional Array (SDA®) digital surround technology and includes support for DTS and Dolby Digital decoding, Bluetooth connectivity, and Google Home featuring Chromecast for audio. The system features four 1-inch by 3-inch full-range drivers, two 0.75-inch tweeters, one 1-inch center channel driver, and an included 8-inch ported woofer. Three Ultra HD 4K HDMI (HDCP 2.2) inputs, one HDMI (ARC) output, optical input for TV audio, AUX 3.5mm, and Ethernet are integrated as well. Polk Audio's MagniFi MAX SR will be available in August at Best Buy, Amazon and Crutchfield nationwide for a suggested retail price of $599. In addition, the MagniFi Max sound bar unit ($499) and SR1 wireless speakers ($149) will also be available separately. Source: Polk Audio via PR NewswirePosted Thu May 18, 2017 at 09:20 PM PDT by: -
Denon Details New IN-Command X Series Receivers with Dolby Atmos & DTS:X[teaser]Two new 7.2 channel AV receivers have been revealed.[/teaser] Denon has unveiled the latest additions to its IN-Command X Series AV Receiver lineup. The new 5th generation models include the AVR-X2400H ($799) and AVR-X1400H ($599). Both are set to start shipping this month. The AVR-X2400H and AVR-X1400H both offer 7.2 channels along with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X playback. In addition, full 4K Ultra HD, HDCP 2.2, HDR (High Dynamic Range), BT.2020, Wide Color Gamut and 4:4:4 Pure Color sub-sampling pass-through is featured as well. Likewise, each device uses high-precision Audyssey MultEQ setup and optimization along with support for the new Audyssey MultEQ Editor app. HEOS multi-room wireless music streaming tech is also integrated, and connectivity options include Bluetooth, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and Apple AirPlay, offering a wide variety of music playback options through network attached storage devices (NAS),TuneIn Internet Radio, and streaming services like Pandora, Spotify, Amazon Prime Music, iHeart Radio, Sirius XM, Sound Cloud, Tidal, Napster and Deezer. Here's a full rundown of key specs and features for each model per the press release... Denon AVR-X2400H:· 7.2 channel AV Receiver with 95W per channel (8 ohms, 20 Hz~20 kHz, 0.08% THD)· Built-in HEOS Wireless Multi-Room Audio Technology integration · 8 HDMI inputs (incl. 1 front) with full HDCP 2.2 support; 2 HDMI outputs· 4K/60 Hz full-rate pass-through, Dolby Vision compatible, HDR, HLG (via firmware update) and BT.2020· Advanced Video Processing with 4K Scaling for HDMI sources· Dolby Atmos (up to 5.1.2) and DTS:X decoding · AirPlay, Bluetooth, TuneIn Internet Radio and a wide range of streaming services including Pandora®, Spotify®, Amazon Prime Music, iHeart Radio, Sirius XM, Sound Cloud®, Tidal, Napster or Deezer, Network Audio Streaming · DSD (2.8/5.6MHz), FLAC, ALAC and WAV support· Audyssey MultEQ XT, Dynamic Volume and Dynamic EQ· Audyssey MultEQ Editor app support (available for $20 US in the Appstores) · Setup Assistant, Denon 2016 AVR Remote app · Intelligent ECO mode with off/on/auto setting· 3rd Party control option; IP control, IR remote in/out and RS232C portDenon AVR-X1400H – same as AVR-X2400H, except: · 7.2 channel AV Receiver with 80W per channel (8 ohms, 20 Hz~20 kHz, 0.08% THD) · 6 HDMI inputs / 1 output · No Advanced Video Processing with 4K Scaling · n/a RS-232c port · n/a IR remote out Source: DenonPosted Thu May 18, 2017 at 02:00 PM PDT by: -
HDD Gear Deals: Up to 66% off 4K Ultra HD TVs[teaser]Amazon is offering big discounts on select 4K displays![/teaser] As part of the online retailer's ongoing deals, Amazon is running a sale on Ultra HD TVs from Sony and Samsung. Samsung UN65JS9000 Curved 65-Inch 4K Ultra HD TV (2015 Model) - Currently $1,700 (66% off). Samsung UN75KS9000 75-Inch 4K Ultra HD TV (2016 Model) - Currently $3,679 (60% off). Sony XBR75X850D 4K HDR Ultra HD Smart TV - Currently $2,298 (54% off). Sony XBR75X940D 75-Inch 4K Ultra HD TV (2016 Model) - Currently $3,797 (53% off). Samsung UN75JU7100 75-Inch 4K Ultra HD TV (2015 Model) - Currently $2,498 (50% off). Sony XBR65X900E 65-Inch 4K Ultra HD TV (2017 Model) - Currently $1,998 (20% off). These deals will only be active for a limited time while supplies last. Make sure to stay tuned to High-Def Digest for more sales and special promotions!Posted Thu May 18, 2017 at 06:30 AM PDT by: -
CBS All Access Debuts Trailer for 'Star Trek: Discovery'[teaser]A trailer for the upcoming streaming series has been revealed.[/teaser] CBS has released a full trailer for Star Trek: Discovery. The series is set to air exclusively through the CBS All Access streaming platform in the US this fall, following a special broadcast debut of the first episode on the CBS Television Network. Star Trek: Discovery will follow the voyages of Starfleet on their missions to discover new worlds and new lifeforms, and one Starfleet officer who must learn that to truly understand all things alien, you must first understand yourself. Check out the trailer below! The show stars Sonequa Martin-Green, Doug Jones, Michelle Yeoh, Anthony Rapp, Chris Obi, Shazad Latif, Mary Chieffo, James Frain, Terry Serpico, Maulik Pancholy, Sam Vartholomeos, Jason Isaacs, Mary Wiseman, Rainn Wilson, Shazad Latif, Rekha Sharma, Kenneth Mitchell, Clare McConnell, and Damon Runyan. 15 episodes will be included in the first season, and the series will be joined by a companion after-show, Talking Trek, which is also set to stream through CBS All Access. CBS All Access offers next day streaming for new episodes of many popular shows and a library of over 9,000 on demand episodes, including content from current programs like Elementary and classic series like Cheers. Likewise, customers in more than 150 markets across the US -- including New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago and Philadelphia -- can watch live local CBS broadcasts through the app. The service is available in two subscription plans: reduced commercials for $5.99 per month or commercial-free for $9.99 per month. The commercial free option offers ad-free playback of on demand content and upcoming original shows. With that said, live streaming will still include the same commercials found in standard over-the-air broadcasts. The service is currently available through the Xbox One, PS4, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick with Voice Remote, Roku players, Roku TVs, Apple TV, Chromecast, Xbox 360, and Windows 10, iOS and Android products. New customers can sign up for a one week free trial now at https://www.cbs.com/allaccess. Source: CBSPosted Wed May 17, 2017 at 07:45 PM PDT by: -
Netflix Greenlights 'Arrested Development' Season Five[teaser]The comedy series will return for a new season next year.[/teaser] Netflix has officially announced a season five pickup for Arrested Development. The new season is set to start streaming exclusively through Netflix in 2018. The entire series regular cast and creator Mitchell Hurwitz will all be returning for the new episodes. Arrested Development centers around Michael Bluth (Jason Bateman) and his eccentric family comprised of his son George Michael (Michael Cera), his father George Bluth Sr. (Jeffrey Tambor), his mother Lucille (Jessica Walter), his brothers George Oscar Bluth II (Will Arnett), Buster Bluth (Tony Hale) and sister Lindsay Funke (Portia de Rossi), and Lindsay’s husband Tobias (David Cross) and their daughter Maeby (Alia Shawkat). "In talks with Netflix we all felt that stories about a narcissistic, erratically behaving family in the building business -- and their desperate abuses of power -- are really underrepresented on TV these days," said series creator Mitchell Hurwitz. He added, "I am so grateful to them and to 20th TV for making this dream of mine come true in bringing the Bluths, George Sr., Lucille and the kids; Michael, Ivanka, Don Jr., Eric, George-Michael, and who am I forgetting, oh Tiffany. Did I say Tiffany? — back to the glorious stream of life." The series originally aired for three seasons on Fox before its cancellation in 2006. Netflix then revived the show for a fourth season in 2013. All four seasons of the show are now available to stream through Netflix. "Arrested Development brings us structures, outerwear and choreography like no other comedy in history,” mused Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos, leafing through photos of the banana stand, never nudes and Chicken Dances. “Season Four marked the first foray by Netflix into original comedy programming and this time, the Bluths will collectively be spending more quality time with their millions of fans around the world” A current Netflix subscription starts at $10 for HD streaming and $12 for Ultra HD streaming. Source: NetflixPosted Wed May 17, 2017 at 12:00 PM PDT by:
