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LG Reveals Pricing & Availability for 2017 SUPER UHD TV Lineup, Prices Start at $1,999[teaser]The first crop of 2017 SUPER UHD TVs are heading to stores soon.[/teaser] LG has announced pricing and availability for its initial lineup of 2017 SUPER UHD TVs. The upcoming models range in size from 55-inches to 86-inches. "Our 2017 SUPER UHD TV lineup with LG’s proprietary Nano Cell technology is a breakthrough in display technology that advances the LCD TV viewing experience by combining an expanded color gamut with the ability to more accurately create those colors, resulting in superior picture quality regardless of viewing angle," said Tim Alessi, head of product marketing at LG Electronics USA. "Nano Cell is another example of how LG is innovating and pushing the boundaries of display technology to meet the evolving needs of our customers." The new lineup features Nano Cell LCD technology which, according to LG uses "uniformly-sized particles approximately one nanometer in diameter to create more subtle, accurate colors that can be viewed from wider angles than other LCD TVs." Likewise, the sets include Active HDR with Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma) support. Finally, the displays also feature Harman Kardon custom-tuned audio and LG's webOS 3.5 smart TV platform -- which is now the first smart TV platform to receive cybersecurity certification from UL, one of the world's foremost experts in safety, security, and sustainability. Here's a full rundown of pricing and availability for the initial lineup: 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 Details for additional 2017 LG SUPER UHD TVs will be announced at a later date. Source: LGPosted Thu Feb 23, 2017 at 01:00 PM PST by: -
BenQ Announces HT8050 DLP 4K UHD Home Cinema Projector With THX HD Certification[teaser]The Ultra HD projector will go on sale tomorrow.[/teaser] BenQ has detailed its latest home theater projector, the HT8050. According to the company, the device is now the world's first DLP 4K UHD projector to receive THX HD Display certification. "Consumers today want a home cinema experience that reproduces the big screen entertainment they get at the movie theater," said Russell Barefield, director of sales at BenQ America Corp. "Now, with the BenQ HT8050, integrators can install a projector that will satisfy even the most discerning videophile. No other DLP display uses the same technology that 100% of the world's IMAX auditoriums use, with 8.3 million pixel UHD performance and THX certification. Viewers are guaranteed an unforgettable experience right at home." The HT8050 uses an advanced DLP 4K UHD chip with XPR technology to create a resolution of 3840 x 2160, meeting the Consumer Technology Association's (CTA) requirements for 4K UHD. In addition, the projector is rated for 2200 lumens of brightness, a 50,000:1 contrast ratio with Dynamic Iris, and up to 3,000 hours of lamp life in normal mode. Likewise, the product has received THX HD Display certification and comes with a pre-calibrated THX Mode for accurate out-of-box picture quality. With that said, while the press materials confirm Rec. 709 color space coverage, there is no mention of wide color gamut or HDR support. Here's a rundown of key features per BenQ: - 4K UHD with Razor-Sharp True 8.3 Million Pixel Detail- Distinct Clarity Without Artifacts from Panel Misalignment- THX Certification for Guaranteed Superb Cinematic Performance- Rec. 709 HDTV Standard for Finest Cinematic Color- Ultra High Contrast Performance- H/V Lens Shift & Big Zoom Lens for Installation Flexibility The BenQ HT8050 DLP 4K UHD Home Cinema Projector will be available on February 24 for a suggested retail price of $7,999 through a select reseller network. Source: BenQPosted Thu Feb 23, 2017 at 10:30 AM PST by: -
Netflix Unveils Trailer for Charlie McDowell's 'The Discovery' Starring Rooney Mara[teaser]Director Charlie McDowell's sci-fi romance is heading to Netflix in March. [/teaser] Following an initial teaser, Netflix has now released a full trailer for its latest original film, 'The Discovery.' The movie stars Rooney Mara ('Carol'), Robert Redford ('Truth') and Jason Segel ('The End of the Tour'), and is set to start streaming through Netflix on March 31. Directed by Charlie McDowell and written by McDowell and Justin Lader, 'The Discovery' is a gripping love story set one year after the existence of the afterlife is scientifically verified. Redford plays the scientist responsible for the discovery, with Segel portraying his son Will and Mara playing Isla, a woman haunted by a tragic past who Will falls in love with. Check out the official trailer below! "To describe the story as original doesn't begin to capture the world that Charlie has created that will envelop you," said Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos. "Our global viewers are going to love this film." 'The Discovery' also stars Jesse Plemons ('Breaking Bad'), Riley Keough ('American Honey,' 'The Girlfriend Experience') and Ron Canada ('The Strain'). Filming was conducted on location in Rhode Island. Producers include Alex Orlovsky of Verisimilitude and James D. Stern of Endgame Entertainment. In addition, Executive Producers include Mike Goodridge and Dimitra Tsingou for Protagonist, and Julie Goldstein and Lucas Smith for Endgame. Charlie McDowell previously made his directorial debut with the 2014 film 'The One I Love,' starring Mark Duplass and Elisabeth Moss. 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 Thu Feb 23, 2017 at 05:30 AM PST by: -
Amazon Celebrates #1 Harris Corporate Reputation Poll Ranking with Special One-Day Discount![teaser]Customers can save on orders of $50 or more today only![/teaser] Amazon has ranked #1 in the annual Harris Corporate Reputation Poll for the second year in a row. And to help thank its customers, the online retailer is offering a special one-day discount of $8.62 on orders of $50 or more. "A huge thank you to customers—we're energized by this recognition and will keep working and inventing on your behalf," said Jeff Bezos, Amazon founder and CEO. “And congratulations to all Amazonians—these accolades are a direct result of the whole team’s obsession over customers, pioneering spirit, commitment to operational excellence and willingness to lean into bold bets." The $8.62 discount is in celebration of the company's record-high score of 86.27 in the Harris Corporate Reputation Poll. The poll surveys more than 23,000 people across the US on six dimensions of corporate reputation, including Emotional Appeal, Workplace Environment, Products & Services, Financial Performance, Vision & Leadership, and Social Responsibility. After completing the survey, participants rated Amazon "excellent" in all six categories. This marks the ninth year in a row that Amazon has ranked in the poll's top 10. To take advantage of the one-day $8.62 discount on orders of $50 or more, customers simply need to enter the code BIGTHANKS at checkout. The offer will expire at 11:59 p.m. (PT) 2/22/2017. Outside of the special one-day discount, Amazon recently decreased its free standard shipping minimum order total for non-prime members back to $35. Likewise, Prime members can still receive free two-day shipping on all qualifying orders. 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 Wed Feb 22, 2017 at 08:15 AM PST by: -
Netflix Acquires Martin Scorsese's 'The Irishman'[teaser]Scorsese's upcoming flick has been picked up by the streaming platform.[/teaser] According to a report from IndieWire, Netflix has acquired Martin Scorsese's 'The Irishman.' The upcoming film is set to star Robert De Niro and will focus on mob hitman, Frank "The Irishman" Sheeran. 'The Irishman' is being written by Steve Zaillian with a screenplay based on Charles Brandt's book, "I Heard You Paint Houses." Per Amazon, the book's synopsis reads: "I heard you paint houses" are the first words Jimmy Hoffa ever spoke to Frank "the Irishman" Sheeran. To paint a house is to kill a man. The paint is the blood that splatters on the walls and floors. In the course of nearly five years of recorded interviews Frank Sheeran confessed to Charles Brandt that he handled more than twenty-five hits for the mob, and for his friend Hoffa. Sheeran learned to kill in the U.S. Army, where he saw an astonishing 411 days of active combat duty in Italy during World War II. After returning home he became a hustler and hit man, working for legendary crime boss Russell Bufalino. Eventually he would rise to a position of such prominence that in a RICO suit then-U.S. Attorney Rudy Giuliani would name him as one of only two non-Italians on a list of 26 top mob figures. When Bufalino ordered Sheeran to kill Hoffa, he did the deed, knowing that if he had refused he would have been killed himself. Sheeran's important and fascinating story includes new information on other famous murders, and provides rare insight to a chapter in American history. Charles Brandt has written a page-turner that is destined to become a true crime classic. Before landing at Netflix, 'The Irishman' was originally set up at Paramount. An exact release date has not been announced yet, but the movie is expected to start production later this year. This will mark the first feature film collaboration between director Martin Scorsese and star Robert De Niro since 'Casino' in 1995. A current Netflix subscription starts at $10 for HD streaming and $12 for Ultra HD streaming. Sources: IndieWire, VarietyPosted Wed Feb 22, 2017 at 07:45 AM PST by: -
Soundwall Details Nova Flat-Panel Aluminum Artwork Speaker[teaser]The flat-panel speaker actually doubles as a piece of aluminum art.[/teaser] Soundwall has announced the introduction of its latest product. Nova is a wireless flat-panel aluminum artwork speaker with the company's new Magic Touch feature. Using Distributed Mode Loudspeaker (DML) technology, Nova is able to produce sound throughout its entire surface, turning aluminum artwork into a fully functional flat-panel speaker through exciters mounted on the back of the art. As they vibrate, the exciters are able to create full-range sound throughout a customer's room. Users can choose art from the company's collection of artists or upload their own image to produce a custom flat-panel speaker. In addition, the Nova model offers the company's new Magic Touch feature, allowing customers to touch their art to play, pause, and skip songs. Likewise, the Mood Lights feature lets users set a dynamic backlight to create ambience as they stream music. Mood Light presets can be selected and controlled through the Soundwall app. The speaker supports wireless music streaming through Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Additional product features per Soundwall include: Technology • Distributed Mode Loadspeaker (DML) • 180-degree sound, no sweet spot • AirPlay compatible for all iOS devices • BubbleUPnP compatible for Android devices • Easy WiFi connection • Built-in computer that allows for app functionality updates Aluminum Art • Printed using dye sublimation • Crisp, vibrant image • Customize your art with: - Original Art - Photographs - Prints - Upload your own image Quality Materials • Specially crafted aluminum designed to resonate perfectly • Light enough to hang on your wall • Floating aluminum design • Standard sizes: 24”x24”, 24”x36” • Custom sizes available upon request The Soundwall Nova flat-panel aluminum artwork speaker is available now. Prices start at $900. Source: Soundwall via Market WiredPosted Wed Feb 22, 2017 at 07:00 AM PST by: -
LG WebOS 3.5 Smart TV Platform Receives Cybersecurity Assurance Program Certification[teaser]The company's new smart TV platform has been certified for its effective cybersecurity capabilities.[/teaser] LG's webOS 3.5 Security Manager is now the first smart TV platform to receive cybersecurity certification from UL, one of the world's foremost experts in safety, security, and sustainability. "Our webOS platform was developed with security in mind, and receiving this certification from UL, a trusted name in testing and certification, further validates those efforts," said Tim Alessi, head of product marketing at LG Electronics USA. "As more and more consumers embrace smart TVs and their capabilities to connect to other devices, information security is becoming increasingly important. LG's webOS is already considered one of the industry’s most intuitive smart TV platforms, and with this new certification, it will continue to set the benchmark for others to follow." In order to receive certification, the webOS 3.5 Security Manager was tested for malware susceptibility and vulnerabilities, along with software weaknesses and security controls that help protect users' private information. The process used UL's 2900-1 Cybersecurity Assurance Program (CAP) and involved subjecting the software to different virtual network penetrations and vulnerability attacks, measuring the platform for application security, information access control via authentication processes, engineer mode hacking protection and software falsification protection. Likewise, the webOS 3.5 platform has also been certified for its effective Digital Rights Management capabilities within smart TV applications. In addition to its smart TV platform, LG now plans to expand these capabilities to the company's entire smart home, smart home security, and home automation lineup. Upcoming LG products include the company's new 2017 OLED and SUPER UHD TV collection, the new UP970 Ultra HD Blu-ray player, and the new SJ9 Sound Bar Dolby Atmos soundbar. Source: LGPosted Tue Feb 21, 2017 at 01:00 PM PST by: -
Netflix Releases Trailer for 'Mike Birbiglia: Thank God For Jokes'[teaser]The stand-up comedy show will start streaming on Netflix next week.[/teaser] Netflix has revealed a trailer for its latest original comedy special, 'Mike Birbiglia: Thank God For Jokes.' The show will premiere exclusively through Netflix on February 28. Mike Birbiglia declares that a joke should never end with ‘I’m joking.’ In his all-new comedy, Birbiglia tiptoes hilariously through the minefield that is modern-day joke-telling. Join Mike as he learns that the same jokes that elicit laughter have the power to produce tears, rage, and a whole lot of getting yelled at. Ultimately it's a show that asks, “How far should we go for the laugh?” Check out the trailer below! In addition to 'Mike Birbiglia: Thank God For Jokes,' Netflix also recently debuted the 'Trevor Noah: Afraid of the Dark' original comedy special as well. 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 Tue Feb 21, 2017 at 12:45 PM PST by: -
Amazon Decreases Minimum Order Total for Free Shipping Back to $35[teaser]The online retailer has lowered the minimum order amount to qualify for free shipping.[/teaser] Amazon has decreased its free shipping minimum for non-prime members back to $35. The company originally offered free shipping on qualifying orders of $25 or more, but this amount was increased to $35 back in 2013 and then increased again to $49 back in 2016. The return to $35 is likely a response to Walmart's new free two-day shipping option for all orders over $35. The retailer's site now states: You receive free shipping if your order includes at least $35 of eligible items or $25 of books (in which case all other eligible items in the order also ship free). Any item with "FREE Shipping" messaging on the product detail page, that is fulfilled and shipped by Amazon, is eligible and contributes to your free shipping order minimum. With that said, unlike Walmart's new free two-day shipping policy, Amazon's non-prime member free shipping is still estimated for 5–8 business days. If you want free two-day shipping with Amazon, you'll still need a prime membership. Amazon Prime also includes unlimited streaming of movies and TV shows with Prime Video, unlimited, ad-free access to hundreds of Prime Playlists and more than a million songs through Prime Music, the ability to borrow books from the Kindle Owners' Lending Library, and more. Click here for a full rundown of benefits. Amazon's newly reduced $35 minimum order total for free shipping is now in effect. 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: Amazon, EngadgetPosted Mon Feb 20, 2017 at 02:30 PM PST by: -
HBO Now & HBO Go Set to Stream Sunday TV Lineup Early[teaser]The network's upcoming Sunday TV lineup will be available to stream early.[/teaser] With the 89th Academy Awards set to air on ABC this Sunday, February 26, HBO has decided to make its own Sunday night TV lineup available for streaming a little early. New episodes of 'Girls,' 'Big Little Lies,' and 'Crashing' will all debut ahead of their usual Sunday broadcast times through HBO Go, HBO Now, and HBO On Demand this Friday, February 24, leaving Sunday free for the Oscars. Here's a rundown of the upcoming episodes per HBO: 'Big Little Lies' Episode 2 "Serious Mothering" - Jane (Shailene Woodley) deflects Ziggy’s (Iain Armitage) questions about why they moved to Monterey. Madeline (Reese Witherspoon) gets news that her community theater production might get derailed, and is outraged over a slight from Renata (Laura Dern). Celeste (Nicole Kidman) suggests to Perry (Alexander Skarsgård) that they see a counselor. Nathan (James Tupper) and Ed (Adam Scott) meet in hopes of smoothing out the tensions between their wives, and themselves. Written by David E. Kelley; directed by Jean-Marc Vallée. 'Girls' Episode 55 (season 6, episode 3) "American Bitch" - Hannah (Lena Dunham) has a tense tête-à-tête with Chuck Palmer (Matthew Rhys) — an acclaimed author she once greatly admired — about the disturbing allegations swirling around him. Written by Lena Dunham; directed by Richard Shepherd. Crashing Episode 2 "The Road" - Pete (Pete Holmes) wallows in his new reality, but Artie Lange snaps him out of it with an offer: In exchange for a ride to Albany, Pete can be Artie’s opening act. Pete meets co-headliner T.J. Miller and attempts to save Artie from breaking his sobriety by getting between him and the temptations of an ardent fan (Gina Gershon). Written by Pete Holmes & Oren Brimer; directed by Chris Kelly. HBO Go is currently available as part of an authenticated HBO pay-TV subscription. Meanwhile, HBO Now is available as a stand-alone streaming platform for $15 per month. Source: HBOPosted Mon Feb 20, 2017 at 09:45 AM PST by: