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Disney Preps 'Star Wars' Themed Hotel[teaser]Guests will soon be able to vacation in a galaxy far, far away.[/teaser] According to a report from The Telegraph, Disney is developing a new Star Wars themed hotel. The luxury resort is being planned for Disney's upcoming Star Wars Land theme park set to open in 2019 at Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Though full details on the potential hotel have not been revealed, rumors indicate that the resort is being designed to resemble the Millennium Falcon starship. Likewise, reports suggest that guests will be able to engage in special Star Wars story experiences, including interacting with characters from the films, dueling with lightsabers, and piloting spacecrafts. In addition, the experience might also include secret missions that will be assigned to guests to carry out both in the hotel and outside in the Star Wars theme park itself. Traditional amenities are also set to include a pool area, water park, and fitness center, along with a few appropriately Star Wars inspired locations and features, like a cantina for meals and droid butlers to serve food and drinks. Bookings will be available for two-night stays with meals and access to the theme park included for an expected $900 to $1,000 per person. An exact opening date has not been announced for Star Wars Land yet, but the theme park will cover 14 acres at Disney World and is set to be completed sometime in 2019. A similar Star Wars theme park is also set to open at Disneyland in California, and both locations are rumored to include a life-size Millennium Falcon. In addition to the new theme park and resort, Disney is gearing up to release Star Wars: The Last Jedi from writer/direct Rian Johnson on December 15. The film stars Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, and Mark Hamill. Source: The TelegraphPosted Mon May 8, 2017 at 03:55 PM PDT by: -
Amazon Prime Video App Reportedly Heading to Apple TV[teaser]Amazon's streaming service may finally arrive on Apple's media player this summer.[/teaser] According to a report from Recode, Apple and Amazon are close to a deal that will finally bring an Amazon Prime Video app to the Apple TV. Currently, the only way for Amazon users to access Prime Video on the Apple TV is through an AirPlay connection to a separate iOS device with the app, like an iPhone or iPad. The lack of an official Amazon Prime Video app on the Apple TV has likely been the result of Amazon and Apple's competing interests in the media player and streaming services market. In fact, Amazon went as far as to remove the Apple TV from its online store in 2015 because of its lack of Prime Video support. Thankfully, these new reports indicate that an agreement between both parties is close to a reality, with rumors suggesting that a Prime Video app could arrive on the Apple TV in the third quarter of the year. It's also possible that such a move will involve Amazon relisting the Apple TV for purchase on its website, but full details on the deal have not been revealed. The fourth-generation Apple TV uses the company's new tvOS designed specifically for the living room with access to a wide array of apps and games. Under the hood, the player is powered by a 64-bit A8 chip with Bluetooth 4.0 and Wi-Fi. Likewise, the set-top box is capable of full HD playback at 60 frames per second, but sadly does not include 4K Ultra HD support. The device also comes with an advanced remote with Bluetooth 4.0, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a glass touch surface for intuitive navigation, and a Siri voice search feature for comprehensive voice search results. The Apple TV is available now in 32GB ($149) and 64GB ($199) models. Meanwhile, an 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. In addition, Amazon sells its own Fire TV ($90) and Fire TV Stick ($40) streaming media devices. Source: RecodePosted Mon May 8, 2017 at 01:25 PM PDT by: -
Best 4K Streaming ServicesWith so many awesome home theater gear options out there, figuring out exactly which model to buy, or what features you need, can be daunting. Thankfully, High-Def Digest has you covered. Welcome to our Home Theater 101 where we'll be explaining emerging technologies while also recommending the very best possible A/V gadgets n' gear you can buy at your particular budget level. HOME THEATER 101BEST 4K STREAMING SERVICES Technology is evolving all the time. As such, the means in which we get to kick our feet up and relax with a good movie have advanced rapidly. Within the span of 20 years we've seen the emergence of DVD, Blu-ray, and now 4K UHD disc-based physical media. Sandwiched in between these disc formats, video streaming services popped into the frame providing a vast amount of content all available at the click of a button. At HDD we love our disc-based media and will support it to our last breath, but the number of streaming services offering up beautiful UHD content continues to grow and they're impossible to ignore. Of these various streaming services, four have managed to push their way to the front of the Streaming UHD pack: Amazon Prime, Hulu, Netflix, and Vudu. While each of these services offers up some darn impressive UHD content that will help you get the most bang for your 4K buck, they're not all the same and you're going to want to consider your options before signing up for one - or all - of these services. AMAZON PRIME Price: Prime Video(no other perks): $8.99/Month, Prime: $10.99/Month or $99/Year Specs: Requires 15Mbps Broadband Connection, HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 5.1 Dolby Digital Pros: Amazon Prime Instant Video jumped into the 4k UHD game early and hard to keep pace with streaming giant Netflix. In addition to their impressive array of original content like The Man in the High Castle in 4K HDR, they have an impressive catalog of movies for purchase in the format. Also, in addition to HDR10 and Dolby Vision capabilities on select titles, Amazon and Samsung recently announced support for HDR10+ in order to compete with Dolby Vision's dynamic metadata, which will improve the accuracy of the HDR performance across multiple displays. As this upgrade is rolled out to more devices, it'll be interesting to see how well they keep pace with - or exceed - other streaming services. Cons: While watching 4K UHD content on Prime looks spectacular, my primary issue with the service is that the best 4K UHD content with HDR is limited to their original programming. You can purchase plenty of UHD film titles in addition to the membership fee, they come at a premium cost and not every UHD film they offer features HDR. Demos: Spectre, Café Society, Neon Demon, Man in the High Castle, The Grand Tour FANDANGONOW Specs: Compatible with Samsung Televisions and Roku 4, 10Mbps Broadband connection Required, HDR10, 5.1 Dolby Digital Price: Rentals start at $6, Purchases start at $20 or more. Pros: Formally known as M-GO, Fandangonow offers up a wide selection of titles to choose from. Some titles are only in UHD while they have a growing number of titles offering up HDR10 support. Your Ultraviolet account can be linked opening up your access to UHD content. Cons: Limited app access is a bit of a hindrance. Unless you own a Samsung television or a Roku 4, you won't be able to enjoy the 4K UHD content. Pricepoint is also a bit sticky compared to a service like Vudu. The lack of Atmos support also pushes back the appeal of strictly utilizing this service. Demos: The Martian, Deadpool, Resident Evil: Afterlife HULU Price: $8.99/Month with ads, 11.99/Month without ads Specs: Requires 13Mbps Broadband Connection, Requires either Playstation 4 Pro or XBOX One, 5.1 Dolby Digital Pros: Watching 11.22.63 and The Path in 4K is an eye-opening experience. It's fantastic that most of Hulu's original content is shot natively in 4K with HDR without up-converting giving them a bit of an edge. With more interesting programming in the pipeline, Hulu's UHD output can only get better. Cons: As one of the last streaming services to the 4K party, their offers are still slim. If you like kids programming this isn't so bad, but their limited 4K offering beyond their original programming catalog remains their primary boat anchor holding them back. Their device support limitation is also a hindrance. While the PS4 app works just fine, I do find it to be a bit more cumbersome having to use a gaming controller rather than my television remote to access content. I also felt like the load time for their 4K UHD content was notably slower than other services. Demos: 11.22.63, The Handmaid's Tale, 20 James Bond Films - particularly Skyfall is a rich example. NETFLIX Price: $11.99/Month Specs: 25Mbps Broadband Connection, 15.6 MBPS bitrate, HDR10, Dolby Vision, Dolby 5.1 Pros: When you've got shows like The Crown available to you in 4K UHD, you tend not to blink. On top of some terrific and beautiful period programming, the Marvel shows like Daredevil, Luke Cage, and Jessica Jones being available in Dolby Vision are a real boon for the service. While their initial film title offerings may have been a bit slim, they've gone to great lengths to add more exciting and interesting titles to the mix. Cons: Currently, Dolby Vision is only available for their original content. Movies like Pee Wee's Big Holiday and Mascots available in UHD, but there are few major studio films available at that resolution. While their Television shows and original programming are great, they don't offer a massive catalogue of big-budget flicks to enjoy in the format. Demos: Daredevil Seasons 1 & 2, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, Black Mirror, Stranger Things PLAYSTATION VIDEO Specs: Requires Sony 4K UHD Television or Playstation 4 Pro, 15Mbps Broadband connection, HDR10, Dolby 5.1 audio Price: $8 for 24hr rental, Purchases start at $20 Pros: If you're rocking a Playstation 4 Pro, this service provides a great all-in-one service allowing you to switch easily from gaming to watching movies. With the ability to download the title direct to your system's hard drive, you can game while it downloads negating the wait time. Cons: You currently can not link your Ultraviolet account to your Sony Playstation Store account requiring you to use an app like Vudu to view digital UHD films you may already have access to. Streaming felt clunky and slow at times forcing the need to download - but download times were upwards of two hours or more forcing you to plan ahead. While there is HDR support, I didn't find my experience with the UHD rental of The Magnificent Seven to be comparable to the 4K UHD Blu-ray or the Dolby Vision presentation on Vudu. It lacked the same robust detail and color luster I was hoping for but the two Underworld films I took a look at looked sharp and offered a pleasing presentation. Demos: The Magnificent Seven, Underworld, Underworld: Blood Wars VUDU Specs: 11Mbps Broadband Required - 25Mbps strongly recommended, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus 7.1, Dolby Digitial Plus 5.1 Price: Varies $29.99 to purchase a UHD title / $9.99 to rent a UHD title / some studios include UHD redemption codes via UltraViolet Digital HD Redemption codes. Pros: The big thing that Vudu has going for it is that it streams UHD content in Dolby Vision with Dolby Atmos audio tracks! It may take a couple extra seconds of buffering time for the film in question to load, but it's worth it. For a quick test, I cycled between my UHD Blu-ray discs of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and The Magnificent Seven to the Dolby Vision version available through the Vudu app. While difficult to judge in side-by-side comparisons, the Dolby Vision system is beautifully impressive and the app provided a relatively problem free viewing experience. As an added bonus, most (but not all) of the digital copy slips that come with your UHD Blu-ray disc give you UHD streaming access on Vudu - so their's no need to purchase a digital-only version of some titles to experience Dolby Vision. Vudu also has the largest selection of Dolby Vision titles available of any streaming service. Cons: Price point is the big issue here. Each title becomes more expensive depending upon the quality of the resolution to the point that it's infinitely more cost effective to purchase the UHD Blu-ray of most titles and redeem the Digital HD voucher. Another problem is not every UHD Blu-ray's Digital HD voucher unlocks a full Dolby Vision digital copy on the service. While Vudu has been making inroads into the competitive streaming market with their "Free On Us" selections, to date, those selections at best offer only standard HD output. Demos: Pacific Rim, The Great Gatsby, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Live.Die.Repeat, Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice FINAL THOUGHTS When choosing the streaming service(s) you need to get your UHD fix, you have a lot to consider. Vudu's selection of UHD titles with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos Audio is terrific, but they don't offer much else without having to pay an arm and a leg. Amazon is jumping on board the HDR10+ train and their content offerings continue to grow rapidly. Netflix has been on the UHD bandwagon for awhile and offers a terrific selection of titles, but their frequent shedding of titles is troublesome. Hulu is finally making a showing, but they have a lot of catching up to do. Just as HD televisions quickly dominated the marketplace, it appears that 4K UHD television sets are well on their way as content providers race to adopt the technology. While 4K UHD Blu-rays are still the best way to experience a film at the highest available resolution with terrific audio quality, streaming services offer up terrific original programming not available on disc - so you're going to have to consider all of your options - and continue to reevaluate those options - as the technology improves. MORE HOME THEATER 101 ARTICLES -Best UHD TVs-Best Budget TVs-What is HDR?-What is Dolby Vision?-What is Dolby Atmos?-What is DTS:X?-Best Sound Bars-Up-mixed: Dolby Surround vs DTS:Neural:XPosted Mon May 8, 2017 at 05:56 AM PDT by: -
HD Gear News Roundup: Integra Receiver, Pioneer DAP, Denon Music System, and More[teaser]We've compiled the latest gear news, including a new stereo receiver, digital music player, and compact music system![/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 a new stereo receiver from Integra, a new DAP and earbud from Pioneer, a new M-Series music system from Denon, and a new LG 4K monitor. So, without further ado, here's a rundown of some of the latest gear and tech news: Integra Details DTM-7 Network Stereo Receiver Integra has announced the launch of its latest stereo receiver. The DTM-7 Network Stereo Receiver is geared toward the custom installation market, and offers several next-generation audio options and robust network connectivity. The device is rated for 100 watts per channel at 8 ohms and features an AKM AK4438 384 kHz / 32-bit high-grade DAC with gold-plated RCA terminals and anti-resonant aluminum front panel and volume control, a massive high-power transformer, two custom-made high-current capacitors, and a non-phase-shift amp design. In addition, the DTM-7 offers 4 HDMI inputs / 1 output supporting 4K / 60 Hz, Dolby Vision, HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma), HDR10, WCG (Wide Color Gamut), and BT.2020 pass-through with HDCP 2.2. Likewise, the receiver includes Chromecast built-in, DTS Play-Fi, and FireConnect for wireless multi-room audio, along with dual band 5GHz / 2.4GHz Wi-Fi LAN compatibility, Bluetooth version 4.1+LE, Apple AirPlay, and support for Internet radio and music streaming services. Hi-Res audio playback for files stored on a computer, media server, network-attached storage or USB thumb drive is supported as well, including DSD 5.6MHz and FLAC. Finally, the device offers convenient custom installation features like bi-directional RS232 and Ethernet Control Port; IR input and output, two programmable 12V triggers (100 mA, 25 mA) with adjustable delay; line-out for playback in another room; Zone 2 DAC for Airplay, NET and USB sources; and speaker A/B drive for installation flexibility. The Integra DTM-7 Network Stereo Receiver is now available to custom installers for $650. Source: Integra Pioneer Reveals XDP-30R Digital Audio Player and SE-CH5BL Hi-Res Earbuds Pioneer has detailed its newest audio gear. The XDP-30R Digital Audio Player ($600) and the SE-CH5BL Hi-Res Earbuds ($90) are both available now. The XDP-30R features an aluminum chassis and the twin ESS SABRE DAC "ES9018C2M" and SABRE "9601K" headphone amp chips. Likewise, the device offers 2.5mm 4-pole balanced output; support for up to 5.6MHz DSD native playback; up-sampling of compressed audio up to 192kHz/32bit; and separate 44.1kHz and 48kHz clocks for both types of audio formats. 16GB of storage (expandable to 528GB via two 256GB micro SD card slots), onboard Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, a 2.4in capacitive touch screen, and a 3.5mm unbalanced headphone jack with line out mode are integrated as well. Models are available in silver or black. Meanwhile, the SE-CH5BL earbuds feature a 2.5mm four-pole balanced connector; new 9.7mm drivers; a patent-pending Airflow Control Port for improved tonal balance, tight bass, and clear mid-range frequencies; and a patent-pending two-layer brass and aluminum housing to absorb excess vibrations. In addition, the ribbed ear tips can individually mold to a user's ear for added comfort. Source: Pioneer Denon Announces D-M41 Ultra Compact Music System Denon has revealed its latest M-Series music system. The new Ultra Compact D-M41 combines the RCD-M41 CD receiver and matching SC-M41 speakers. The system features a new discrete analog amplifier circuit with 2x30W, Denon's Triple Noise Reduction Design, and a dedicated headphone amplifier section. Likewise, the device offers Bluetooth, a built-in CD player and FM/AM radio tuner, and two optical digital inputs for external sources, such as the sound from a TV. In addition, the unit's Hi-res 192kHz/24bit converters handle all digital sources and the high-quality speaker terminals are fitted, along with a preout for use with an active subwoofer. Here's a full rundown of key specs and features for each component in the D-M41 system: RCD-M41 Compact size, Hi-Fi quality CD Receiver·2 x 30W output, plus preout socket for an active subwoofer·Bluetooth for instant wireless streaming from smartphones and tablets·New discrete analogue circuitry for enhanced audio performance·Simple & straight circuit design·High-precision Digital/Analog converters to reproduce high definition sound·Triple Noise Reduction Design for signal purity·CD, FM/AM radio) and two optical digital inputs·Dedicated headphone socket for personal listening·New industrial design derived from flagship NE series separates·Speaker Optimizer for best performance with SC-M41·Available in black SC-M41 Speaker System·2-Way speaker system with 4.72” woofer and .98” soft dome tweeter·Crossover network, to separate woofer and tweeter to reproduce the smoothness of natural sound·Further tweaked European Sound Tuning·Available in black and wood Denon's D-M41 is expected to be available in June for $500. Source: Denon LG Unveils 43UD79-B 4K Ultra HD Monitor LG has detailed its newest display model. The 43UD79-B is a 4K monitor with robust split-screen and picture-in-picture support. The monitor features a 42.5-inch IPS panel with an Ultra HD resolution of 3840 × 2160, a 1000:1 contrast ratio, a 178-degree viewing angle, support for over 1.07 billion colors, a 60 Hz refresh rate, a Game Mode, Black Stabilizer, a Dynamic Action Sync mode, and built-in Harman Kardon speakers. Two HDMI 2.0 inputs, two HDMI 1.4 inputs, one DisplayPort 1.2a connection with FreeSync, and a USB-C port are integrated as well. Likewise, the monitor is capable of serving as a screen for up to four different sources at the same time through several picture-in-picture and split-screen options. In addition, customers can use the device's two USB 3.0 ports to control two computers from one mouse and keyboard. Finally, with two built-in Harman Kardon speakers LG's 43UD79-B 4K monitor is set to launch in Japan on May 19 for about $745, but early pre-order listings in the US point to a MSRP under $700. Sources: Engadget, LG JapanPosted Fri May 5, 2017 at 09:15 AM PDT by: -
BenQ HT2150ST Short-Throw 1080p Home Theater Projector Now Available for $999[teaser]The short-throw HD projector is now available.[/teaser] BenQ is now shipping its HT2150ST Short-Throw 1080p Home Theater Projector. The device is currently available for an MSRP of $999. The HT2150ST is a short-throw DLP projector with an HD resolution of 1080p and a 16:9 aspect ratio. The device is rated for 2200 AL brightness and a 15000:1 contrast ratio. In addition, the unit features a 6X RGBRGB color wheel with BrilliantColor Technology and support for 1.07 Billion Colors. And thanks to the model's short-throw feature and 1.2 big zoom, the projector is able to produce a 100-inch image from as little as 5 feet from a wall. Meanwhile, the HT2150ST also features a fast micro-second DMD response time and low input lag, making it ideal for gaming without motion blur and delay. Finally, the lamp is rated for 3500 / 5000 / 7000 hours of use (Normal/Eco/SmartEco) and the projector includes two built-in two 10W speakers with BenQ Cinema Master Audio+. Here's a full rundown of key specs and features per BenQ: - Resolution: 1080p (1920x1080)- Brightness: 2200 ANSI Lumens- Contrast Ratio: 15000:1- Clear Image Size: 60"~120" (Max: 300")- Throw Ratio: .69 ~ .83- Zoom Ratio: 1.2:1- Keystone: Vertical +/- 20 degrees- Color Wheel: 6x RGBRGB- Connectivity: D-Sub, HDMIx2(MHL)- Chamber Speakers: 10Wx2- Carry Bag: Included- Fast Micro-Second DMD Response Time and Lowest Input Lag- 36-70-degree Big Angle for a More Immersive Viewing Experience- Visual Clarity in Different Ambient Lighting In addition to its growing projector lineup, BenQ also recently released its new PD2710QC monitor. The 27-inch display is geared toward creative professionals and is the world's first design monitor to include a USB-C(TM) Docking Station for MacBook and PC users. Source: BenQPosted Fri May 5, 2017 at 09:00 AM PDT by: -
Streaming News Roundup: Marvel's 'The Runaways,' 'The Handmaid’s Tale,' and More[teaser]Trailers, release dates, casting, and season pick-ups have been revealed for various streaming titles.[/teaser] Netflix, Amazon, and Hulu have released new trailers, date announcements, and other info for several of their upcoming shows and movies, including The Runaways, The Handmaid's Tale, The First, Joshua: Teenager vs. Superpower, Norm Macdonald: Hitler's Dog, Gossip & Trickery, and more. In addition, HBO has announced plans to remove its content library from Prime Video next year. Check out a full rundown of the latest streaming news and trailers below: Norm Macdonald: Hitler's Dog, Gossip & Trickery (Netflix, May 9) - In this new stand-up special, Norm Macdonald delivers sly, deadpan observations from an older -- and perhaps even wiser -- point of view. In an ever-changing world, we return to the Norm. Joshua: Teenager vs. Superpower (Netflix, May 26) - When the Chinese Communist Party threatens its promise of autonomy to Hong Kong, teenager Joshua Wong decides to save his homeland. Rallying thousands of kids to skip school and occupy the streets, Joshua becomes an unlikely leader in Hong Kong and one of China’s most notorious dissidents. A remarkable portrait of courage, resilience and youthful idealism, Joshua: Teenager vs. Superpower demonstrates how one young man mortgages his own future to try and save his city. "Joshua: Teenager vs. Superpower is a filmmaking triumph," says Lisa Nishimura, Netflix VP of Original Documentaries. "Piscatella has woven together the complex and inspirational story of an unlikely activist, whose acts of bravery and conviction need to be seen around the world. In an era where we are witnessing heightened civic participation and freedom of expression, we are pleased to offer a global platform for audiences to engage on these issues." Meanwhile, Hulu has announced a second season pick-up for its original series The Handmaid's Tale. The show's recent season one premiere is now the streaming platform's most watched series premiere ever. "The response we’ve seen to The Handmaid’s Tale in just one week since its premiere has been absolutely incredible. It has been an honor to work with this talented team of cast and creators to develop a series that has struck such a chord with audiences across the country," said Erwich. "As we continue to expand our strong slate of original programming, The Handmaid's Tale is exactly the type of gripping and thought-provoking storytelling we want to bring to viewers. We can’t wait to explore the world of Gilead and continue Margaret’s vision with another season on Hulu." The Handmaid's Tale is the story of life in the dystopia of Gilead, a totalitarian society in what was formerly part of the United States. Facing environmental disasters and a plunging birthrate, Gilead is ruled by a twisted religious fundamentalism that treats women as property of the state. As one of the few remaining fertile women, Offred (Elisabeth Moss) is a Handmaid in the Commander's household, one of the caste of women forced into sexual servitude as a last desperate attempt to repopulate a devastated world. In this terrifying society where one wrong word could end her life, Offred navigates between Commanders, their cruel Wives, domestic Marthas, and her fellow Handmaids – where anyone could be a spy for Gilead -- all with one goal: to survive and find the daughter that was taken from her. The show's first season is currently airing through Hulu on a weekly basis. The second season is set for a 2018 debut. In addition, Hulu has also announced first season pick-ups for Marvel's The Runaways from showrunners Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage, and The First from creator Beau Willimon (House of Cards, Ides of March). The First is a drama set in the near future about the first human mission to Mars. The show will explore the challenges involved with taking the first steps toward interplanetary colonization. "It’s a story about the human spirit," said Willimon. "About our indomitable need to reach for unknown horizons. About people working toward the greatest pioneering achievement in human history. And about the cost of that vision, the danger and sacrifice – emotional, psychological, and physical – that’s required to achieve it. How ordinary, imperfect people band together and overcome a myriad of obstacles to grasp the extraordinary." Marvel’s Runaways is the story of six diverse teenagers who can barely stand each other but who must unite against a common foe – their parents. The show will premiere this winter. The series' young ensemble includes Rhenzy Feliz, Lyrica Okano, Virginia Gardner, Ariela Barer, Greg Sulkin, and Allegra Acosta. Check out the first cast photo below! Outside of original programming, Hulu also announced that it will be the exclusive subscription streaming home to FX’s comedy series Atlanta starring Donald Glover. Atlanta follows two cousins who work through the Atlanta music scene in order to better their lives and the lives of their families. Glover also serves as one of the show's Executive Producers, along with Paul Simms and Dianne McGunigle. The series is produced by FX Productions. According to a report from Variety, Amazon is developing a new 30-minute streaming comedy pilot starring Danny DeVito and Jeff Goldblum. In the currently untitled show, the pair will play an old music duo who are forced to reunite despite their deep hatred for one another. The series comes from creator and writer Tim Long (The Simpsons). Finally, Variety also reports that HBO is planning to remove its library of older shows currently included with an Amazon Prime Video subscription after the licensing pact between both companies ends in mid-2018. The decision likely comes as a result of HBO's desire to focus on presenting its content through its own standalone streaming platform, HBO Now. - 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. - A current Hulu subscription starts at $8 per month with commercials. In addition, ad-free playback is available for $12 per month. Sources: Netflix (YouTube), Hulu, Variety, Variety 2Posted Fri May 5, 2017 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
KEF Launches New 2017 Q Series Speaker Lineup[teaser]The 8th generation KEF Q Series speakers have been revealed.[/teaser] KEF has announced the worldwide launch of its latest Hi-Fi speaker lineup, the 2017 Q Series. The updated Q Series speaker collection features new tech upgrades culled from the company's Blade and Reference lines. Key highlights for the 2017 Q Series include a new damped tweeter loading tube with a chisel-shape to reduce harshness in the lower treble; an updated LF driver with a new cone structure for improved midrange and a longer throw and improved stiffness for better performance at cone limits for a tight bass response; a new ABR driver with a longer throw and a new rubber suspension for higher volumes without noise issues; a closed box Uni-Q cabinet for better low-frequency control of the mid-range driver; and improved crossovers with new high-quality, low distortion capacitors and inductors for better mid-range clarity and a natural, smooth bass roll-off; and sleek new finishes. The new Q Series includes the Q150 bookshelf speakers ($550 per pair), the Q350 bookshelf speakers ($650 per pair), the Q550 floor-standing speakers ($550 each), the Q650c center speaker ($650 each), the Q750 floor-standing speakers ($750 each), and the Q950 floor-standing speakers ($900 each). Click each link for more detailed specs and info per KEF. KEF's 2017 Q Series Hi-Fi speaker collection is now available for pre-order. Shipments are expected to ship by the end of the month. And be sure to check out our review of the previous generation KEF Q Series speakers here! In addition to the Q Series, KEF also offers several other speaker collections and models, including the R Series. Likewise, users interested in Dolby Atmos and DTS:X gear can check out the KEF R50 Dolby Atmos Speaker Module and the KEF Ci200RR THX In-Ceiling Speakers. Source: KEFPosted Thu May 4, 2017 at 01:50 PM PDT by: -
Netflix Releases Trailer for Marvel's 'The Defenders'[teaser]The superhero team-up series will hit Netflix in August.[/teaser] Netflix has released the first official trailer for its upcoming miniseries, The Defenders. The show will premiere on August 18. Marvel’s The Defenders follows Daredevil (Charlie Cox), Jessica Jones (Krysten Ritter), Luke Cage (Mike Colter) and Iron Fist (Finn Jones). A quartet of singular heroes with one common goal – to save New York City. This is the story of four solitary figures, burdened with their own personal challenges, who realize they just might be stronger when teamed together. Check out the official trailer below! The upcoming miniseries stars Charlie Cox, Krysten Ritter, Mike Colter, Finn Jones, Deborah Ann Woll, Simone Missick, Elden Henson, Carrie-Anne Moss, Eka Darville, Rachael Taylor, Rosario Dawson, Scott Glenn, Jessica Henwick, and Elodie Yung -- all reprising their respective roles from various Marvel series on Netflix. Likewise, Marvel also revealed that Sigourney Weaver will join the cast as an unspecified villain. Douglas Petrie (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) and Marco Ramirez (Orange is the New Black) are on board as showrunners. In addition, Petrie, Ramirez, Drew Goddard (The Martian, Lost, Alias), and Jeph Loeb will all serve as Executive Producers for the mini-series. The show is being produced by Marvel Television in association with ABC Studios for Netflix. Other upcoming Netflix premieres include Master of None season two on May 12, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt season three on May 19, War Machine on May 26, Orange is the New Black season five on June 9, GLOW on June 23, House of Cards season five on May 30, Naked on August 11, Death Note on August 25, and Stranger Things season two on October 31. A current Netflix subscription starts at $10 for HD streaming and $12 for Ultra HD streaming. Source: Netflix (YouTube)Posted Wed May 3, 2017 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
Hulu Offers Live TV Beta Service for $40 Per Month[teaser]The new live streaming TV platform is now live.[/teaser] Hulu has officially launched its new live TV streaming beta service. The platform offers live and on demand programming from more than 50 popular sports, news, entertainment, and kids' channels, along with Hulu's existing streaming library for $40 per month. New users can also receive a one week free trial. "Nearly a decade ago, Hulu forever redefined the way people watch TV. Today, as we add live sports, news and entertainment and introduce a more intuitive Hulu, we want to redefine the way people experience TV," said Hulu CEO Mike Hopkins . "By bringing together thousands of live, on-demand and library shows and movies — and serving them up in a uniquely personalized way – Hulu can now be a viewer’s primary source of television. It’s a natural extension of our business, and an exciting new chapter for Hulu." Combining a live and on demand TV service with Hulu's standard streaming collection, the new platform includes access to content from ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC, with local live broadcast affiliate programming immediately available in many markets; live sporting events from top pro and college leagues on channels like CBS Sports, ESPN, Fox Sports, NBC Sports and TNT; regional sports networks in many markets; news channels like CNN, CNBC, Fox News, Fox Business and MSNBC; lifestyle programming from Bravo, E!, Food Network, HGTV and Travel Channel; additional networks like A&E, Cartoon Network/Adult Swim, Disney Channel, Freeform, FX, HISTORY, Lifetime, National Geographic, TBS, USA Network, Viceland, and more; and Hulu's existing $8 premium streaming plan with limited commercials and more than 3500 TV and film titles. Likewise, users can upgrade to the Hulu on-demand No Commercials plan for an additional $4 per month, and a Showtime add-on package is available for an extra $9 per month. The Hulu Live TV Beta uses a convenient new interface which blends together live, recorded and on-demand content with a personalized experience. In addition, the service includes 50 hours of recording storage, up to six individual profiles, and two simultaneous streams per account. Likewise, customers also have options to upgrade to an enhanced Cloud DVR and unlimited in-home screens. "We have always believed that TV should fit your lifestyle, not the other way around," said Ben Smith, Hulu’s SVP and Head of Experience. "You shouldn’t have to think about whether something is live, recorded or on demand, or care about which device you're using. TV is about connecting with the shows, movies and sports you love – and we want to make that really easy for you, no matter where you’re watching." Hulu's Live TV Beta is now rolling out to Apple TV (4th Gen.), Xbox One, iOS and Android mobile devices, and Chromecast. Support for more devices, including Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire TV Sticks, and Samsung Smart TVs will be added soon. Source: HuluPosted Wed May 3, 2017 at 07:30 AM PDT by: -
HDD Gear Deals: Up to 50% off Sound Bars[teaser]Amazon is offering big discounts on select sound bar systems![/teaser] As part of the online retailer's ongoing deals, Amazon is running a sale on sound bar systems from Klipsch, Polk, Samsung, and VIZIO. And be sure to check out our Best Sound Bars of 2017 for even more sound bar recommendations! Klipsch R-20B Bluetooth Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer - Currently $399 (50% off). Polk Audio Magni-Fi Soundbar with Wireless Active Subwoofer - Currently $270 (46% off). Klipsch R-10B Bluetooth Soundbar (Satin Black) - Currently $300 (40% off). VIZIO SB4531-D5 Smartcast 45” 3.1 Slim Sound Bar System - Currently $300 (33% off). Samsung HW-KM45C HW-K450 2.1 Channel Soundbar (Certified Refurbished) - Currently $145 (28% off). Klipsch Reference RSB-11 Sound Bar with Wireless Subwoofer - Currently $499 (17% 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 Tue May 2, 2017 at 03:35 PM PDT by:
