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Several Hollywood Studios Consider Offering $30 Early Movie Rentals[teaser]Studios are reportedly discussing options to offer earlier home movie rentals.[/teaser] According to a report from Variety, six of the seven major Hollywood studios are investigating ways of providing earlier rental access to new movies, potentially shortening the release window to just a few weeks after a film's theatrical debut. The list of interested studios includes Fox, Warner Bros., Universal, Sony, Lionsgate, and Paramount. The news follows earlier reports about potential early iTunes rentals from December of last year. Traditionally, new releases have an exclusive theatrical window for 90 days or more before they are allowed to be made available on Blu-ray, DVD, and digital platforms. But reports indicate that several studios are now investigating earlier rental options. Per Variety, Warner Bros. initiated negotiations with exhibitors hoping to offer movies on-demand for a premium price of $50 per rental around 17 days after their theatrical premiere. Since then, Warner Bros. and Fox are now reportedly aiming for a cheaper option that could see $30 rentals pop up between 30 to 45 days after a film's theatrical release. Meanwhile, Universal is looking to reduce the release window to around 20 days. Similarly, Lionsgate, Paramount, and Sony are all said to be in talks with various exhibitors as well, including AMC, Regal, and Cineplex. This push for earlier rentals is likely the result of dropping DVD sales, the growing popularity of streaming services, and the studios' desire to capitalize on their theatrical marketing campaigns without having to launch new advertising campaigns when a movie hits the home market several months later. With that said, there are still several hurdles that need to be addressed before any potential early rental deal becomes finalized, including a variety of competing models. Each studio has different plans in mind for exactly when, how, and which titles will get early home releases. And, for its part, Disney is apparently not interested in reducing the release window at all. Likewise, exhibitors have major concerns about how early rentals could hurt their theatrical business, and as such they want the studios to agree to keep the window for lower priced rentals and digital copies to around 90 days -- allowing early access only at premium prices. For now, talks between various studios and exhibitors remain ongoing, and each studio will have to make its own agreement with each exhibitor on an individual basis. Source: VarietyPosted Tue Mar 21, 2017 at 05:15 PM PDT by: -
Oculus Launches 2017 NCAA March Madness Live VR App[teaser]Live NCAA virtual reality game coverage is returning to the Gear VR.[/teaser] Oculus, NCAA, CBS Sports, Turner Sports, and Intel have announced a partnership to provide virtual reality coverage for six live March Madness games on the Samsung Gear VR. In addition to games, the app also includes several new features and customization options. With the NCAA March Madness Live VR App, users can watch live games with one of two premium ticket options. A silver ticket ($1.99 per game) offers a single-camera courtside view of the game with featured commentary from the CBS broadcast. Meanwhile, gold ticket VIP access ($2.99 per game, $7.99 for all six games) offers fully produced VR coverage with multiple camera angles and dedicated VR game commentary. Here's a rundown of the upcoming schedule of games set to be available to watch in VR: - March 23, Both Regional Semi-Final Games in San Jose- March 25, Regional Finals in San Jose- April 1, Both Final Four Match-Ups in Phoenix- April 3, Championship Game in Phoenix In addition to game coverage, fans can also choose their favorite team in the app and customize a virtual locker room with the team's colors and MVP's jersey on display. Likewise, the app will offer free replays of all six games with key highlights after they are broadcast. A bracket view, 2D highlight videos, key stats, and a virtual shot chart will all be included as well. The NCAA March Madness Live VR app is now available for Gear VR through the Oculus Store. The Samsung Gear VR is currently on sale for $80. The 2016 model is compatible with the Galaxy S7, S7 edge, Note5, S6, S6 edge, and S6 edge+. In addition, a new 2017 model has been announced with a motion controller, but pricing and availability have not been detailed yet. Source: OculusPosted Tue Mar 21, 2017 at 03:45 PM PDT by: -
VIZIO Offers March Madness Deals on M-Series & P-Series SmartCast 4K Displays[teaser]Several VIZIO displays are now on sale![/teaser] VIZIO has announced a special March Madness promotion on its 2016 M-Series and P-Series SmartCast 4K UHD HDR Displays. As part of the sale, customers can now save up to $800 on select models. The discount prices will be active until April 2. VIZIO's P-Series displays feature Ultra HD Full-Array LED panels with up to 128 Active LED Zones and Ultra Color Spectrum for a wider color gamut. Meanwhile, the M-Series displays feature Ultra HD Full-Array LED panels with up to 64 Active LED Zones. Both series offer HDR10 and Dolby Vision support for enhanced brightness and contrast in supported content -- including select streaming titles from VUDU and Netflix. In addition, the sets also feature Chromecast built-in and include a 6-inch Android Tablet Remote preinstalled with the VIZIO SmartCast app. Instead of jumping between apps, VIZIO SmartCast lets users search and browse content by genre across multiple apps at once. The VIZIO SmartCast app is also available for download to iOS and Android smartphones or tablets, allowing customers to control any VIZIO SmartCast device from nearly any mobile device, from anywhere in the home. Here's a full rundown of M-Series and P-Series March Madness sale prices per VIZIO: Model Current Price Promo Price Savings M50-D1 $849 $649 $200 M55-D0 $999 $699 $300 M60-D1 $1,249 $999 $250 M65-D0 $1,499 $1,299 $200 M70-D3 $1,999 $1,699 $300 M80-D3 $3,999 $3,799 $200 P50-C1 $999 $899 $100 P55-C1 $1,299 $999 $300 P65-C1 $1,999 $1,599 $400 P75-C1 $3,799 $2,999 $800 Outside of the company's March Madness sale, VIZIO also recently launched its 2017 E-Series display lineup, including new 75-inch and 80-inch class screen sizes. In addition, the collection offers HDR support on models 55-inches and larger. Source: VIZIOPosted Tue Mar 21, 2017 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
AT&T Bundles Free Year of HBO with New DirecTV Now Subscriptions[teaser]New subscribers to select DirecTV Now packages can receive HBO for no extra cost.[/teaser] AT&T has announced a special promotion for new subscribers to the company's DirecTV Now streaming TV platform. As part of the deal, new customers who sign up for the "Go Big" or "Gotta Have It" packages before March 30 will receive one free year of HBO included with their service. "With our HBO offer we’re reminding consumers that DIRECTV NOW is the best choice for premium content," said Brad Bentley, executive vice president and chief marketing officer, AT&T Entertainment Group. "Our new DIRECTV NOW customers can stream HBO’s award winning content on virtually any screen, like 'Game of Thrones' and 'Veep' and its popular new series 'Big Little Lies' – all included with their service for a year. Plus, if you pre-purchase 3 months of DIRECTV NOW, you'll get an incredible viewing experience with an Apple TV included." DirecTV Now is a stand-alone streaming platform that provides access to a variety of live channels and on-demand content through several programming packages starting at $35 per month. Here's a rundown of current plans and pricing: - Live a Little – $35 / month (60+ channels)- Just Right – $50 / month (80+ channels)- Go Big – $60 / month (100+ channels)- Gotta Have it – $70 / month (120+ channels) Without the promotion, an HBO subscription costs an additional $5 per month with a DirecTV Now package. Beyond the HBO deal, new DirecTV Now subscribers who sign up for 3 months of pre-paid service on any package before March 30 can also receive a free Apple TV. DirecTV Now is currently available through Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick; Android mobile devices and tablets; iPhone, iPad and Apple TV; Chromecast (Android at launch; iOS in 2017); Google Cast-enabled LeEco ecotvs and VIZIO SmartCast Displays; and Internet Explorer, Chrome and Safari web browsers. In addition, the service will expand to more devices, including Roku streaming players and Roku TV models, Amazon Fire tablets, and Smart TVs from Samsung and other leading brands later this year. Source: AT&TPosted Mon Mar 20, 2017 at 04:45 PM PDT by: -
Amazon Snags Streaming Rights to 'Moonlight' and More Titles from A24[teaser]Director Barry Jenkins' Academy Award winning film will hit Prime Video in May.[/teaser] Amazon has announced an extension of its exclusive content agreement with A24. As part of the deal, Prime Video will continue to be the only premium subscription source for all upcoming A24 films. "We are thrilled to be the exclusive subscription streaming service to offer customers Academy Award winner Moonlight," stated Jason Ropell, VP, Worldwide Head of Motion Pictures for Amazon Studios. "We already have an incredible catalog of films from A24 like Room and Ex Machina that Prime members love to watch and we are happy to extend our relationship to continue to bring Prime members these award winning, prestige films. Collaborating with A24 in addition to creating our own Academy Award winning movies like Manchester by the Sea and The Salesman make Amazon Video a premiere platform for streaming films." A24 films currently available to stream through Prime Video include 'Swiss Army Man,' 'The Lobster,' 'Green Room,' 'The Witch,' 'Ex Machina,' 'Room' and 'Dark Places.' Likewise, 'Moonlight' will be available to stream at no additional cost for Prime Members on May 21. In addition, other upcoming A24 titles set to hit Prime Video later this year include '20th Century Women,' 'American Honey,' 'Free Fire,' 'The Lovers,' and 'It Comes at Night.' Outside of new content from A24, Amazon also recently launched its Spring 2017 Pilot lineup. The pilots include 'The Legend of Master Legend,' 'Budding Prospects,' 'The New V.I.P.'s,' 'The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,' and 'Oasis.' After watching, all viewers will have the option to review each show in order to help Amazon decide which titles get picked up for full seasons. 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. Source: AmazonPosted Mon Mar 20, 2017 at 12:45 PM PDT by: -
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LG 2017 4K HDR Ultra HD TVs Receive Netflix Recommended Designation[teaser]The company's new HDR TVs have been rated for an optimal Netflix experience.[/teaser] LG has earned Netflix Recommended status for its 2017 collection of HDR Ultra HD TVs. This marks the third year in a row that the company's 4K lineup has received the designation "It goes without saying that we are incredibly proud that our 2017 TVs are once again being recognized as Netflix Recommended TVs," said David VanderWaal, vice president of marketing, LG Electronics USA. "We are continuing to find ways to give smart TV owners faster, easier access to 4K HDR content and a more enjoyable viewing experience with our TVs." In order to receive Netflix Recommended status, LG's lineup had to pass an evaluation process based on factors like ease of access and speedy performance. And for the first time, LG's new displays include a dedicated Netflix button on their remotes, allowing users to launch Netflix with a single click. Likewise, the TVs come powered by LG's webOS 3.5 smart TV platform, and include support for HDR10, Dolby Vision, and HLG high dynamic range formats. "LG has been an industry leader in delivering excellent Netflix access and performance on their smart TVs," said Scott Mirer, vice president of Device Partner Ecosystem at Netflix. "The Netflix Recommended TVs in LG's 2017 lineup exemplify that leadership, and provide our members with an exceptional Netflix experience." Here's a full rundown of pricing and availability for LG's 2017 OLED and SUPER UHD lineup: LG OLED 55-inch C7 (OLED55C7P) - February, $3,499 LG SIGNATURE OLED 65-inch W7 (OLED65W7P) - February, $7,999 LG OLED 65-inch E7 (OLED65E7P) -March, $5,999 LG OLED 65-inch C7 (OLED65C7P) -March, $4,999 LG OLED 65-inch G7 (OLED65G7P) -March, $6,999 LG OLED 55-inch E7 (OLED55E7P) - May, $4,499 LG SUPER UHD 55-inch SJ8500 - February, $1,999 LG SUPER UHD 75-inch SJ8570- February, $3,699 LG SUPER UHD 65-inch SJ8500 - February, $2,799 LG SUPER UHD 65-inch SJ9500 -March, $3,999 LG SUPER UHD 86-inch SJ9570 -March, $7,999 Source: LGPosted Mon Mar 20, 2017 at 09:30 AM PDT by: -
Samsung Highlights Release of QLED Ultra HD TV Lineup with Launch Event Video[teaser]Check out this launch event video for Samsung's 2017 home theater product lineup.[/teaser] To mark the launch of its 2017 QLED Ultra HD TVs and the upcoming release of several new AV products, Samsung has posted a showcase video detailing its next-gen home theater lineup. The collection includes the Q9 QLED Ultra HD TVs, Q8 QLED Ultra HD TVs, and Q7 QLED Ultra HD TVs; The Frame lifestyle display; the MS750 Sound+ Soundbar; and the M9500 Ultra HD Blu-ray player. The QLED series displays have been certified as Ultra HD Premium, offer accurate reproduction of the DCI-P3 color space, and are capable of presenting 100 percent color volume, allowing the TVs to produce all colors at any brightness level. In addition, QLED peak luminance is rated between 1,500 and 2,000 nits, and the sets include HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG high dynamic range support. These color and brightness performance improvements are a result of the displays' new metal quantum dot materials which can "express deep blacks and rich detail regardless of how light or dark the scene is, or whether the content is being played in a brightly lit or darkened room." Likewise, the QLED series also includes several design and usability improvements as well, including a transparent "Invisible Connection" cable, through which all of the peripheral devices can be gathered and connected to the TV, a "no-gap wall-mount," and two TV stand options. Finally, the displays also offer Samsung's updated smart TV platform with its Smart Hub interface and Smart Remote. Check out the launch event video below for even more details on the QLED TVs and Samsung's new 2017 home theater lineup! And here's a full rundown of pricing for the currently available QLED Series Ultra HD TVs: 55" Class Q7F QLED 4K TV - $2,500 65" Class Q7F QLED 4K TV - $3,500 75" Class Q7F QLED 4K TV - $6,000 55" Class Q8C Curved QLED 4K TV - $3,500 65" Class Q8C Curved QLED 4K TV - $4,500 In addition, the flagship Q9 QLED TV will be available for purchase next week in 65-inch and 75-inch sizes. Likewise, an 88-inch Q9 model will be available this summer. Meanwhile, the M9500 Ultra HD Blu-ray player will start shipping in April for a suggested list price of $399; The Frame lifestyle display is set to launch in the spring in 55-inch and 65-inch models; and the MS750 Sound+ Soundbar will be available in the summer. Source: Samsung (YouTube)Posted Fri Mar 17, 2017 at 01:00 PM PDT by: -
CBS All Access Renews 'The Good Fight' for Second Season[teaser]The spinoff of 'The Good Wife' will return for a second season.[/teaser] According to a report from Variety, CBS has renewed 'The Good Fight' for a second season. The series is currently airing is first season through the CBS All Access streaming service. 'The Good Fight' picks up one year after the events of the final broadcast episode of 'The Good Wife.' In the new series, an enormous financial scam has destroyed the reputation of a young lawyer, Maia Rindell, while simultaneously wiping out her mentor and godmother Diane Lockhart's savings. Forced out of Lockhart & Lee, they join Lucca Quinn at one of Chicago’s pre-eminent law firms. The series, from 'The Good Wife' creators Robert and Michelle King, stars Christine Baranski, Cush Jumbo, Rose Leslie, Delroy Lindo, Sarah Steele, Paul Guilfoyle, Bernadette Peters, Justin Bartha and Erica Tazel. An exact release date for 'The Good Wife' season two has not been announced, but the series is expected to return in early 2018. Other upcoming CBS All Access exclusive series include 'Star Trek: Discovery.' CBS All Access offers next day streaming for new episodes of many popular shows and a library of over 8,500 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: VarietyPosted Fri Mar 17, 2017 at 06:30 AM PDT by: -
Netflix Announces June 23 Premiere Date for 'GLOW' Starring Alison Brie[teaser]The upcoming comedy series will enter the ring on Netflix in June.[/teaser] Netflix has released a date announcement teaser for its new show, 'GLOW.' The series comes from creators Liz Flahive ('Homeland') and Carly Mensch ('Orange is the New Black'), and is set to hit Netflix on 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 is not what it seems. And at the wheel is Sam Sylvia (Marc Maron), a washed-up, coked-up B-movie director who now must lead 14 women on the journey to wrestling stardom. Check out the date announcement teaser below! Jenji Kohan ('Orange is the New Black') and Tara Herrmann ('Orange is the New Black') will serve as executive producers for the series. Other upcoming Netflix premieres include 'Iron Fist' on March 17, 'Grace and Frankie' season three on March 24, 'The Discovery' on March 31, '13 Reasons Why' on March 31, 'Mystery Science Theater 3000' on April 14, 'Sandy Wexler' on April 14, 'Girlboss' on April 21, 'Bill Nye Saves the World' on April 21, 'Dear White People' on April 28, 'Casting JonBenet' on April 28, 'Master of None' season two on May 12, 'Anne' on May 12, 'Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt' season three on May 19, 'War Machine' on May 26, 'House of Cards' season five on May 30, 'Orange is the New Black' season five on June 9, 'Naked' on August 11, 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: NetflixPosted Fri Mar 17, 2017 at 05:30 AM PDT by: -
Philips Preps 9002 4K Razor Slim OLED TV for European Market[teaser]The company's latest OLED display has been detailed.[/teaser] TP Vision has announced its newest Philips branded 4K Ultra HD TV. The upcoming 9002 4K Razor Slim OLED TV is set to launch in Europe in July. The display uses a 55-inch 4K OLED panel, offering superior black levels and viewing angles over traditional LCD screens. Likewise, the TV features a Razor Slim, seamless design floating on a European-crafted ribbon stand. Under the hood, the display uses the new P5 picture quality engine and the latest M version of the Android TV platform. In addition, the 9002 is Ultra HD Premium Certified with a peak brightness of 750 nits, coverage for 99 percent of the DCI-P3 color gamut, and support for HDR10 and HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) high dynamic range formats. Sadly, there is no mention of Dolby Vision compatibility. Finally, the 9002 4K Razor Slim OLED TV also includes Philips' 3-sided Ambilight technology, offering vibrant, ambient lighting effects that surround the screen. Pricing for the Philips branded 55-inch 9002 4K Razor Slim OLED TV has not been announced yet. Likewise, there are currently no plans to bring the OLED display to the US market. The 9002 is now set to join the previously released Philips branded TP Vision 55-inch 901F Series OLED Ultra HD TV. Meanwhile, in the US, P&F recently announced its own line of 2017 Philips branded LCD Ultra HD TVs. The 2017 collection includes the 6000, 7000, and 8000 series. All models will feature Dolby Vision support out of the box. Prices start at $650, and sizes range from 43 inches to 98 inches. Likewise, P&F is also prepping its second generation Philips branded Ultra HD Blu-player, the BDP7502 ($300), for a spring release. The player will feature Ultra HD Blu-ray disc playback with Dolby Vision support via a future software update. Sources: Philips, FlatpanelsHD, HDTVtestPosted Thu Mar 16, 2017 at 06:15 PM PDT by:
