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Dolby Develops Dolby Vision Software Solution for Expanded Device Support[teaser]Software updates could bring Dolby Vision to even more devices.[/teaser] According to a report from Forbes, Dolby has developed a new software implementation of its Dolby Vision HDR format. Previously, the technology could only be implemented on devices with special hardware built in, but now Dolby Vision support can be added via a pure software solution on products with enough power to run it. The Dolby Vision process combines scene-by-scene high dynamic range mastering and an expanded color palette to produce enhanced brightness and contrast along with more life-like colors. The format is integrated into several existing and upcoming Ultra HD TV models from VIZIO, LeEco, TCL, Sony, Hisense, Philips, and LG, including LG's newly announced 2017 OLED lineup and 2017 SUPER UHD TV lineup. And with Dolby's new software solution, Dolby Vision is now capable of being added to even more devices -- including new and existing set-top boxes, streaming players, game consoles, and TVs -- as long as the product has enough power to process it. In addition, unlike the HDR10 format, Dolby Vision can run through older HDMI 1.4 connections and does not require an HDMI 2.0a device. With that said, copy protected content will still need HDCP 2.2 compliancy. Products set to receive Dolby Vision firmware updates include the Oppo UDP-203 Ultra HD Blu-ray player and Sony's Z9D Series Ultra HD TVs. Likewise, the upcoming LG UP970 and Philips BDP7502 Ultra HD Blu-ray players are also set to receive updates with the tech. Additional devices have not been confirmed yet. Dolby Vision content is currently available through various streaming and digital services, including Netflix and VUDU. Likewise, Lionsgate, Universal, and Warner Bros. have announced plans to release Dolby Vision Ultra HD Blu-ray titles. Source: Forbes via EngadgetPosted Mon Feb 27, 2017 at 09:15 AM PST by: -
LG Details G6 Smartphone with QHD+ FullVision Display & Dolby Vision HDR Support[teaser]The company's latest flagship mobile device has been revealed.[/teaser] LG has unveiled its newest smartphone. The G6 serves as the successor to last year's G5 and offers several new features and HDR support. "The LG G6 offers users new visual and manual experiences, as it marries an expanded screen with the convenience of one-handed use," said Juno Cho, president of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. "LG will continue to lead smartphone innovation with a focus on convenience and reliability in order to exceed consumer expectations." 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 Amazon and Netflix. 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 Pricing and availability for the LG G6 have not been announced yet. Source: LGPosted Mon Feb 27, 2017 at 08:30 AM PST by: -
Samsung Unveils New Gear VR Headset with Controller[teaser]A new edition of the Gear VR has been announced.[/teaser] Samsung has announced the latest version of its Gear VR. The new model includes a controller. "At Samsung, we are focused on setting and exceeding the standard for VR experiences, making them even more accessible and delivering the highest in quality," said Younghee Lee, Executive Vice President of Mobile Communications Business, Samsung Electronics. "The Gear VR with Controller expands our VR ecosystem to help consumers get more engaged and immersed in VR content – whether it’s games or videos." The new Gear VR headset features 42mm lenses with a 101-degree FOV (Field of View), and advanced distortion correction technology to minimize motion sickness. The device supports both micro USB and USB Type-C port with a converter in-box. In addition, the headset comes with a new controller for better motion interaction. Here's a rundown of key features for the controller per Samsung: - Various Motion Input for a Better VR Experience: The Touchpad provides quicker selection and interaction in VR apps, enabling various forms of motion, including the ability to point, drag and drop, tilt, shoot, among other actions, while the Trigger allows for enhanced gaming experiences. - Minimized Movement for Long-time Use: The Home, Volume and Back keys located on the Controller give users everything they need in easy reach so that they can keep their focus on immersive content. - A Secure Grip for Comfortable Play: Even during the most active movements, the Controller’s wrist strap offers a secure grip for comfortable and secure play. Pricing and availability have not been announced yet, but the new Gear VR with Controller will be compatible with the Galaxy S7, S7 edge, Note5, S6 edge+, S6 and S6 edge. Meanwhile, the 2016 Samsung Gear VR model is currently available for $85. There's no word yet if the new controller will also work with the previous headsets. Source: SamsungPosted Mon Feb 27, 2017 at 08:00 AM PST by: -
Netflix Debuts Teaser for David Ayer's 'Bright' Starring Will Smith[teaser]The upcoming flick will be available only on Netflix in December.[/teaser] Netflix has released a teaser for its latest original film, 'Bright.' The movie comes from director David Ayer (Training Day, End of Watch, Suicide Squad) and stars Will Smith. Set in an alternate present-day where humans, orcs, elves, and fairies have been co-existing since the beginning of time. Bright is genre-bending action movie that follows two cops from very different backgrounds. Ward (Will Smith) and Jakoby (Joel Edgerton), embark on a routine patrol night and encounter a darkness that will ultimately alter the future and their world as they know it. Check out the teaser below! An exact release date has not been announced yet, but 'Bright' will start streaming exclusively through Netflix in December. The movie also stars Noomi Rapace (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo), Lucy Fry (11.22.63), Edgar Ramirez (Hands of Stone, Zero Dark Thirty), Margaret Cho (Drop Dead Diva), and Ike Barinholtz (Suicide Squad). The film comes from producers David Ayer, Eric Newman (Narcos) and Bryan Unkeless (The Hunger Games), from a script by Max Landis (Chronicle). Other upcoming Netflix premieres include a new Amy Schumer comedy special on March 7, 'Love' season two on March 10, 'Iron Fist' on March 17, 'Grace and Frankie' season three on March 24, 'The Discovery' on March 31, '13 Reasons Why' on March 31, 'The Get Down - Part II' on April 7, '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, 'Anne' on May 12, 'Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt' season three on May 19, 'House of Cards' season five on May 30, 'Orange is the New Black' season five on June 9, 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 Mon Feb 27, 2017 at 07:30 AM PST by: -
Dolby's Behind The Magic Oscars Filmmaker Panel[UPDATED 2/26/17]: We added links to the videos from the event you can watch below! There's no better way to understand how our favorite films were created than to listen to the artisans who helped put them together. [teaser]With the 89th Academy Awards quickly approaching, our friends at Dolby have invited the filmmakers behind this year's Oscar-nominated productions to its Dolby Cinema Hollywood Laboratory to chat about their craft.[/teaser]The best part? You can watch is LIVE and for free on the Dolby Cinema Facebook page. WHENWednesday, February 22, 2017 @ 10am PSTWHEREFacebook.com/DolbyCinemaWHOAcademy Award-nominated filmmakers & (possibly) YOU! [updated] The 22nd has already passed, of course, so Dolby sent us the links to watch the videos recorded earlier this week. Watch video! // 'Arrival' VFX Supervisor, Louis Morin Watch video! // 'Moonlight' Director of Photography, James Laxton Watch video! // 'La La Land' Director of Photography, Linus Sandgren Watch video! // 'Hacksaw Ridge' Sound Designer, Robert Mackenzie Watch video! // 'Lion' Screenwriter, Luke Davies Click the above links to enjoy an in-depth chat about how theses filmmakers craft the scenes and shots and sounds of this year's Oscar crop. If you love watching Behind The Scenes featurettes and listening to audio commentaries, you don't want to miss this.Posted Sun Feb 26, 2017 at 01:15 PM PST by: -
Netflix Reveals April 14 Premiere Date for New 'Mystery Science Theater 3000'[teaser]The cult favorite show is returning for new episodes in April.[/teaser] Netflix has announced a premiere date for its upcoming reboot of 'Mystery Science Theater 3000.' The show will be debut exclusively through the streaming platform on April 14 Mystery Science Theater 3000's national broadcast life began in 1989. Set on the Satellite of Love where a human host is trapped by mad scientists with his two robot sidekicks and forced to watch an endless run of B movies. The format proved to be popular, and during its eleven years and 198 episodes on the Comedy Channel and Sci-Fi Channel, it attained a loyal fan base and critical acclaim, including a Peabody Award and two Emmys® nominations. The Netflix reboot was initiated by a successful, record breaking crowdfunding campaign by creator Joel Hodgson and Shout! Factory through Kickstarter. Original creator Joel Hodgson will be joined by comedian Jonah Ray ("Jonah Heston") as the new host and Felicia Day ('Geek & Sundry') as "Kinga Forrester." Elliott Kalan ('The Daily Show') will serve as the head writer for the reboot, with Joel McHale and Dan Harmon also listed as additional writers. Mary Jo Pehl ("Pearl Forrester"), Bill Corbett ("Crow T. Robot") and Kevin Murphy ("Tom Servo") from the original cast will reprise their roles in the new show as well. The series is executive produced by Joel Hodgson, Richard Foos, Bob Emmer, Garson Foos, Jonathan Stern, Harold Buchholz and Elliott Kalan, along with Satellite of Love, LLC, Alternaversal Productions and Abominable Pictures. Other upcoming Netflix premieres include 'I Don't Feel at Home in This World Anymore' on February 24, a new Amy Schumer comedy special on March 7, 'Love' season two on March 10, 'Iron Fist' on March 17, 'Grace and Frankie' season three on March 24, 'The Discovery' on March 31, '13 Reasons Why' on March 31, 'The Get Down - Part II' on April 7, '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, 'Anne' on May 12, 'Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt' season three on May 19, 'House of Cards' season five on May 30, 'Orange is the New Black' season five on June 9, 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 (Twitter)Posted Fri Feb 24, 2017 at 03:00 PM PST by: -
Sling TV Announces Multi-Extra Discount Pricing for Add-On Channel Packages[teaser]Customers who sign up for multiple Sling TV Extras can now save on their monthly bill.[/teaser] Sling TV has announced the launch of its new "4 Extras Deal." As part of the promotion, subscribers can now sign up for a bundle with the Kids Extra, Lifestyle Plus Extra, Comedy Plus Extra, and News Extra packages all for just $10 per month (previously the four together cost $20 per month). Sling TV offers a variety of live streaming and on-demand programming packages. The base Sling TV Orange plan currently costs $20 per month and features more than 30 channels, including Disney/ESPN stations. Meanwhile, the base Sling TV Blue plan costs $25 per month and features more than 40 channels, including FOX and NBC stations. Finally, customers can also opt to combine both plans for $40 per month. Likewise, customers can now add the Kids Extra, Lifestyle Plus Extra, Comedy Plus Extra, and News Extra packages all together for an additional $10 per month, offering cheaper pricing compared to DirecTV Now for a similar channel selection. Here's a rundown of the content included with each Extra: • Kids Extra brings you Boomerang, a collection of kid-friendly on-demand content with Sling Kids and more• Lifestyle Plus Extra provides the Hallmark Channel, VH1, the Cooking Channel and others• Comedy Plus Extra keeps it light with channels like Spike, MTV and GSN• News Extra brings you news from around the world, including HLN In addition to new customers who sign up for the "4 Extras Deal," current customers who already subscribe to Kids Extra, Lifestyle Plus Extra, Comedy Plus Extra, and News Extra will automatically see the multi-Extra discount applied to their next bill. Source: Sling TVPosted Fri Feb 24, 2017 at 01:30 PM PST by: -
Hulu Snags Subscription Streaming Rights to STARZ Original series 'Black Sails'[teaser]The high seas drama is sailing toward Hulu.[/teaser] Hulu and Lionsgate have announced a new deal granting Hulu the subscription streaming rights to the STARZ Original series, 'Black Sails.' As part of the agreement, all past seasons of the show are now available to stream through Hulu. Likewise, Hulu will also add the series' current fourth and final season when it becomes available. Black Sails takes place twenty years prior to Robert Louis Stevenson's classic, Treasure Island, and follows the most feared pirate of the day, Captain Flint (Toby Stephens). The 10-episode fourth season of the historical pirate drama – currently airing on STARZ now - brings fans to the heroic conclusion of the series, and finds the pirates at war in the West Indies. The shores of New Providence Island have never been bloodier, but the closer civilization comes to defeat, the more desperately, and destructively, it will fight back. The show's cast also includes Hannah New ('El Tiempo Entre Costuras,' 'Maleficent'), Luke Arnold ('INXS: The Michael Hutchence Story,' 'Winners & Losers'), Jessica Parker Kennedy ('The Secret Circle,' '90210,' 'Colony'), Tom Hopper ('Merlin,' 'Game of Thrones'), Ray Stevenson ('Rome,' 'Insurgent,' 'Divergent') and Luke Roberts ('Wolf Hall', 'Game of Thrones,' 'Ransom'). Other upcoming Hulu series include the first season of 'National Treasure' on March 1, 'The Handmaid's Tale' on April 26, Marvel's 'Runaways,' a reimagining of 'Foxy Brown' starring Meagan Good, 'Castle Rock' from J.J. Abrams & Stephen King, and 'Future Man' from executive producers Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, Matt Tolmach, and James Weaver. A current Hulu subscription starts at $8 per month with commercials. In addition, ad-free playback is available for $12 per month. Source: HuluPosted Fri Feb 24, 2017 at 09:15 AM PST by: -
Netflix Preps 'The Get Down - Part II' for April 7 Premiere[teaser]The 'Moulin Rouge!' director's streaming show is returning to Netflix with new episodes.[/teaser] Netflix has announced an April 7 premiere date for 'The Get Down - Part II.' The show comes from Baz Luhrmann -- the director behind 'Romeo + Juliet,' 'Moulin Rouge!,' and 'The Great Gatsby.' Part I of the series, consisting of the show's first six episodes, previously debuted on August 12, 2016. 'The Get Down' focuses on 1970s New York City – broken down and beaten up, violent, cash strapped -- dying. Consigned to rubble, a rag-tag crew of South Bronx teenagers are nothings and nobodies with no one to shelter them – except each other, armed only with verbal games, improvised dance steps, some magic markers and spray cans. From Bronx tenements, to the SoHo art scene; from CBGBs to Studio 54 and even the glass towers of the just-built World Trade Center, 'The Get Down' is a mythic saga of how New York at the brink of bankruptcy gave birth to hip-hop, punk and disco -- told through the lives and music of the South Bronx kids who changed the city, and the world...forever. Check out the date announcement teaser below! Other upcoming Netflix premieres include 'I Don't Feel at Home in This World Anymore' on February 24, a new Amy Schumer comedy special on March 7, 'Love' season two on March 10, 'Iron Fist' on March 17, 'Grace and Frankie' season three on March 24, 'The Discovery' on March 31, '13 Reasons Why' on March 31, '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, 'Anne' on May 12, 'Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt' season three on May 19, 'House of Cards' season five on May 30, 'Orange is the New Black' season five on June 9, 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 Feb 24, 2017 at 08:45 AM PST by: -
LG Details Pricing & Availability for 2017 OLED UHD TV Lineup, Prices Start at $3,499[teaser]The company's 2017 OLED lineup will start hitting retailers this month.[/teaser] LG has announced pricing and availability for its initial lineup of 2017 OLED Ultra HD TVs. The upcoming models range in size from 55-inches to 65-inches. "Our 2017 TV lineup features state-of-the-art display technologies that break the boundaries of TV viewing," said Brian Kwon, president of LG Electronics Home Entertainment Company. "This year, we will continue to extend the premium TV market with a dual premium strategy based on our unrivaled OLED TVs and groundbreaking SUPER UHD TVs with Nano Cell display. With these innovative TV products, our customers will be able to enjoy the best home entertainment experience that the industry has to offer." LG's 2017 OLED lineup offers perfect blacks, infinite contrast, expanded color gamuts, and wide viewing angles. Likewise, the sets include Active HDR with Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma) support. An HDR Effect feature is included as well, allowing the TVs to simulate HDR with SDR content. In addition, the B7 and C7 series feature blade-slim designs, the E7 and G7 series feature Picture-on-Glass designs, and the LG SIGNATURE OLED TV W features a unique Picture-on-Wall design. Finally, the 2017 OLED lineup also include Dolby Atmos support. For more information on each model, click here. Here's a full rundown of pricing and availability for the initial 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 Details for additional 2017 LG OLED UHD TVs will be announced at a later date. Source: LGPosted Thu Feb 23, 2017 at 01:15 PM PST by:
