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Terry Serpico, Maulik Pancholy, and Sam Vartholomeos Join Cast of 'Star Trek: Discovery'[teaser]The upcoming streaming series has announced three new cast members.[/teaser] CBS has announced the addition of Terry Serpico, Maulik Pancholy, and Sam Vartholomeos to the cast of 'Star Trek: Discovery.' The actors now join previously announced cast members Sonequa Martin-Green, Doug Jones, Michelle Yeoh, Anthony Rapp, Chris Obi, Shazad Latif, Mary Chieffo, and James Frain. Star Trek, one of the most iconic and influential global television franchises, returns to television 50 years after it first premiered with STAR TREK: DISCOVERY. The series will feature a new ship, new characters, and new missions, while embracing the same ideology and hope for the future that inspired a generation of dreamers and doers. While a launch date has not been revealed yet, the series is set to air a special premiere episode on the CBS Television Network. Following that initial broadcast, all first run episodes of the show will be available exclusively through the CBS All Access streaming platform in the US. In addition, the series will stream globally (outside of the US and Canada) through Netflix. Here's a rundown of the new characters per CBS: Terry Serpico will star as "Admiral Anderson," a high-ranking official of Starfleet. Serpico's credits include 'Army Wives,' 'Rescue Me' and 'Sneaky Pete.' Maulik Pancholy will star as "Dr. Nambue," the Chief Medical Officer of the Starship Shenzhou. Pancholy's credits include '30 Rock' and 'Weeds.'Sam Vartholomeos will star as "Ensign Connor," a Junior Officer in Starfleet Academy assigned to the Starship Shenzhou. His credits include 'The Secret Life of Walter Mitty' and 'The Following.' 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. Sources: CBSPosted Tue Feb 14, 2017 at 09:00 AM PST by: -
20th Century Fox Brings "Movie of the Day" App to Apple TV[teaser]The app now offers daily digital movie flash sales through Apple's streaming media player.[/teaser] Twentieth Century Fox has announced the expansion of its Movie of the Day app to the Apple TV. The app previously launched on iPads and iPhones in 2015, and offers daily sale prices on popular Fox Digital HD titles. "The Movie of the Day app is a super convenient way for consumers to access the movies they love at the touch of a button," said Mary Daily, President and Chief Marketing Officer, Worldwide Marketing, Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. "The app gives movie lovers access to an amazing array of movies every day at a great price." With the Movie of the Day app, Apple TV users will be given access to a special Digital HD flash sale every day. The discounted movie will be available for a 24-hour window at up to 75% off its retail price, with sales ranging between $4.99 and $9.99. The app also provides video clips, plot details, cast and crew information, and reviews for each movie. Purchased titles will be added to the customer's iTunes library. Here's a rundown of the upcoming Movie of the Day schedule: 'Kingsman: The Secret Service' - February 14 'Deadpool' - February 15 'Percy Jackson Sea of Monsters' - February 16 'Mike & Dave Need Wedding Dates' - February 17 'Epic' - February 18 Twentieth Century Fox's Movie of the Day app is set to launch on Apple TV today. The fourth-generation Apple TV is currently available in 32GB ($149) and 64GB ($199) models. In addition, the app is also available for download on iPads and iPhones in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Germany and France. Sources: Variety, EngadgetPosted Tue Feb 14, 2017 at 07:00 AM PST by: -
DISH Preps Live 4K Broadcast of BBC America's 'Planet Earth II'[teaser]The natural history series will be available to watch live in Ultra HD.[/teaser] DISH has announced plans to broadcast BBC America's 'Planet Earth II' live in 4K Ultra HD. The show will be simulcast on BBC America, AMC, and SundanceTV on Saturday, February 18. Subsequent episodes will then air on BBCA every Saturday night through March 25. "It's been more than 10 years since the world was first wowed by the original Planet Earth, and the second installment promises to deliver unmatched detail in crystal clear 4K resolution," said Vivek Khemka, DISH executive vice president and chief technology officer. "We've heard our customers ask for more 4K content, so we're making every effort to deliver this programming to households as its availability grows." Travelling through jungles, deserts, mountains, islands, grasslands and cities, Planet Earth II explores the unique characteristics of Earth's most iconic habitats and the extraordinary ways animals survive within them. New technology has allowed individual stories to be captured in an unparalleled level of detail and for the first time viewers will be immersed in incredible landscapes and share the most dramatic moments in the lives of animals. From spellbinding wildlife spectacle to intimate encounters, Planet Earth II will take you closer than ever before. "The breathtaking visuals in Planet Earth II are nothing short of astounding," said BBCA President, Sarah Barnett. "We are delighted to partner with DISH in bringing audiences this groundbreaking series in 4K, allowing viewers to get even closer to some of Earth's most incredible creatures and gorgeous landscapes." The 4K broadcast will be viewable through DISH channel 540 for DISH customers with a Hopper 3 and 4K Ultra HD TV. In addition, DISH will be offering an exclusive free preview of BBC America from February 14 through March 30, giving all DISH customers access to the 'Planet Earth II' 4K and HD broadcasts at no extra cost. Source: DISHPosted Mon Feb 13, 2017 at 04:30 PM PST by: -
Google Updates Chrome with WebVR Support for Daydream View Headset[teaser]Daydream users can now view VR content through Chrome.[/teaser] Google has announced the addition of WebVR support for Chrome on the Android platform. With the update, owners of a Daydream-ready smartphone and a Daydream View headset can now experience virtual reality content directly through the Chrome browser. In order to enjoy the full virtual reality experience through Chrome, customers simply need to browse to VR content on a Daydream-ready phone, enter VR, and then insert the smartphone into a Daydream View headset. In addition, users without a headset can also experience Chrome VR on any smartphone or desktop computer, allowing them to interact with the content through their fingers or mouse. Current VR-enabled sites and content accessible through Chrome include the interactive documentary Bear 71; Matterport's library of 300,000+ celebrity homes, museums, canyons, iconic architecture and other real places; more than two dozen VR films with Within; more than a million 3D scenes in VR with Sketchfab; and the WebVR Lab from PlayCanvas which allows users to interact with a virtual space through the Daydream controller. The Daydream View headset is currently on sale through the Google Store for $49.The headset is available in Slate, Crimson, or Snow colors and is made with flexible and soft breathable fabrics, allowing the device to be 30% lighter than similar products while providing added comfort. To use the Daydream View, customers simply need to drop in a Daydream-ready smartphone (like the Google Pixel) and lock it into place. From there, the phone and headset connect wirelessly with an auto alignment system. In addition, the product includes a compact controller packed with sensors, letting customers interact with content through movements and gesture. And when not in use, the controller can slide right inside the headset for easy storage. Source: Google via EngadgetPosted Mon Feb 13, 2017 at 01:30 PM PST by: -
Netflix Releases Teaser for 'Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt' Season 3, Streaming Premiere Set for May 19[teaser]It's a miracle! 'Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt' returns to Netflix in May.[/teaser] Netflix has released a teaser for the third season of 'Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. New episodes will start streaming exclusively through Netflix on May 19. Ellie Kemper stars as Kimmy Schmidt, a woman who escapes from a doomsday cult and starts life over in New York. Armed with just a backpack, light-up sneakers, and a couple of way-past-due library books, she's ready to take on a world she didn't even think existed anymore. Wide-eyed but resilient, nothing is going to stand in her way. Check out the season three teaser below! Seasons one and two of 'Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt' are now available to stream through Netflix. The series is created by Tina Fey (30 Rock) and Robert Carlock (30 Rock), who serve as executive producers with Jeff Richmond (30 Rock), Jack Burditt (30 Rock, The Mindy Project) and David Miner (30 Rock, Brooklyn Nine-Nine). 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, '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 13, 2017 at 09:30 AM PST by: -
Sony Launches Pre-Orders for UBP-X800 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Player, Price Set for $300[teaser]Pricing and availability for the company's first consumer model Ultra HD Blu-ray player have been revealed.[/teaser] Sony has launched pre-orders for its UBP-X800 Ultra HD Blu-ray player. The device will start shipping in March for a suggested retail price of $300. And, as an added bonus, buyers of the UBP-X800 now through June 30, 2017 are eligible to receive two 4K Ultra HD discs from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. Check out www.sony.com/4kdiscbundle for more details. The UBP-X800 offers Ultra HD Blu-ray disc, DVD Video, DVD Audio, CD, Super Audio CD, Blu-ray 3D, and BD-ROM media playback through its Sony developed Precision HD drive, along with support for 4K streaming and almost any format available via USB. In addition, the device is capable of High Dynamic Range (HDR) playback and wide color space BT.2020 support. Likewise, the player includes Dolby Atmos and DTS:X object-based surround sound compatibility, and Hi-Res Audio playback at up to 192kHz/24-bit and DSD 11.2MHz. 4K upscaling and Bluetooth connectivity are included as well. In addition to the new consumer Ultra HD Blu-ray player, Sony also has the ES Series UBP-X1000E Ultra HD Blu-ray player designed for the custom installation market. Meanwhile, the company also just announced pricing and availability for its new 2017 Ultra HD TV lineup. Outside of Sony, Panasonic is prepping three new 2017 Ultra HD Blu-ray players, the DMP-UB400, UB310 and UB300. Likewise, Samsung revealed its M9500 second gen Ultra HD Blu-ray player as well, and Oppo is set to release its UDP-205 later this year. Of the models announced so far, only the upcoming LG UP970, Philips BDP7502, and the recently released Oppo UDP-203 have confirmed plans for Dolby Vision support. Source: SonyPosted Fri Feb 10, 2017 at 06:45 AM PST by: -
Sony Reveals Pricing & Availability for 2017 4K HDR Ultra HD TV Lineup[teaser]The company's upcoming 4K display collection is now available for pre-order.[/teaser] Sony has launched pre-orders for its 2017 4K HDR Ultra HD TV lineup. The collection includes the XBR-X800E, XBR-X850E, XBR-X900E and the XBR-X930E/XBR-X940E series. "Sony's newest lineup of 4K HDR Ultra HD televisions is proof of our continuing commitment to deliver the ultimate 4K HDR viewing experience together with a great user experience through innovations like Google Assistant built-in," said Kevin Brinkman, Director of Product Marketing, TV and Projectors, North America. "Sony TVs provide superior picture quality no matter what content is being viewed, but these new televisions really shine when displaying the growing library of 4K and HDR content." The flagship XBR-X930E/XBR-X940E series offers Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG support along with Android TV integration. The XBR-X930E display features Sony's Slim Backlight Drive+, which offers an improved grid-array backlighting system in a slim form factor for even more precise local dimming control. Meanwhile, the X940E features a full-array boosting and dimming backlight. For more details on specs and features for the entire XBR-X800E, XBR-X850E, XBR-X900E and XBR-X930E/XBR-X940E lineup, click here. Here's a full rundown of pricing for Sony's 2017 Ultra HD TVs: XBR-75X940E, 75” class (74.5” diagonal), $7,499.99 MSRP XBR-65X930E, 65” class (64.5” diagonal), $3,999.99 MSRP XBR-55X930E, 55” class (54.6” diagonal), $3,299.99 MSRP XBR-75X900E, 75” class (74.5” diagonal), $5,999.99 MSRP XBR-65X900E, 65” class (64.5” diagonal), $3,299.99 MSRP XBR-55X900E, 55” class (48.5” diagonal), $2,399.99 MSRP XBR-49X900E, 49” class (48.5” diagonal), $1,699.99 MSRP XBR-75X850E, 75” class (74.5” diagonal), $4,999.99 MSRP XBR-65X850E, 65” class (64.5” diagonal), $2,499.99 MSRP XBR-55X800E, 55” class (54.6” diagonal), $1,899.99 MSRP XBR-49X800E, 49” class (48.5” diagonal), $1,099.99 MSRP XBR-43X800E, 43” class (42.5” diagonal), $999.99 MSRP Sony's 2017 Ultra HD TV lineup is set to start shipping in March. Pricing and availability for the company's upcoming BRAVIA OLED A1E Series Ultra HD TVs have not been announced yet. Source: SonyPosted Fri Feb 10, 2017 at 06:15 AM PST by: -
Hulu Announces Remaining Cast for Marvel's 'Runaways'[teaser]The show's supervillain parents have been revealed.[/teaser] Marvel and Hulu have announced the remaining cast of their new original series, 'Runaways.' The upcoming streaming show is based on the Marvel comic created by the award-winning team of Brian K. Vaughan and Adrian Alphona. "This cast is an abundance of riches. We are so excited to have assembled our PRIDE, though for the fate of humanity we should be very concerned…,”" said Executive Producers Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage." Every teenager thinks their parents are evil. What if you found out they actually were? '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. Here's a full rundown of the group of actors set to portray The Pride (the supervillain parents of he show's teenaged leads) per the press release: Ryan Sands (“Hat Hair,” “The Wire”) as Geoffrey Wilder – is a man defined by the grueling path he’s taken to achieve his self-made success. A hulking presence, Geoffrey can effortlessly shift from approachable father to intimidating strategist with his son Alex. Angel Parker (“The People v. OJ Simpson: American Crime Story,” “The Strain”) as Catherine Wilder – a successful lawyer, is deliberate and calculating in both her words and actions. But when it comes to her family, she’s fiercely loyal and a loving mother to her son Alex. Brittany Ishibashi (“This Is Us,” “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows”) as Tina Minoru – a perfectionist “tiger mom.” In her professional life, she is a brilliant innovator and ruthless CEO. Emotionally, she is less confident, often shying away from difficult conversations with her daughter Nico and careful to avoid explicit displays of her feelings. James Yaegashi (“Breakfast at Tiffany’s” on Broadway, “Madame Secretary”) as Robert Minoru – a gentle and brilliant beta, the Woz to his wife’s Jobs. Warm and feeling, Robert sometimes struggles with being married to a woman who so forcefully barricades her emotions while caring about Nico. Kevin Weisman (“Hello Ladies,” “Alias”) as Dale Yorkes – a beardy, dad-core bioengineer. Incredibly science-minded, he has a deep love for his family but oftentimes falls short at knowing the right things to say to Gert. Brigid Brannagh (“Army Wives,” “True Colors”) as Stacey Yorkes – an absent-minded and professorial bioengineer. Perpetually dawning Birkenstocks and a messy bun, Stacey utilizes a progressive approach to her parenting style to Gert. Annie Wersching (“Timeless,” “The Vampire Diaries”) as Leslie Dean – a complicated beauty, is a poised and skilled leader. Clear-minded, focused, and charismatic, Leslie draws in devoted allies and followers who are taken by her success and charm, particularly with her daughter Karolina. Kip Pardue (“Remember the Titans,” “Ray Donovan”) as Frank Dean – a former teen star who rode a short-lived movie career and is now teeming with insecurity. Floundering in his professional career as an actor, Frank is seeking to renew purpose in his life while being a father to Karolina. James Marsters (“Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” “Angel”) as Victor Stein – an engineering genius who may just save the word from itself. Electric cars, space travel; the military and NASA both look to him for answers. As a father to Chase, Victor has lofty expectations for his son, and when they aren’t met, his retribution can be fierce. Ever Carradine (“The Handmaids Tale,” “Goliath”) as Janet Stein – a perfect PTA mom. Harboring a brilliant mind of her own, she has made deep sacrifices for her husband’s world-changing career. Though she hides it for the wellbeing of her son Chase, Janet longs for more from her life. The new cast members join previously announced stars Rhenzy Feliz, Lyrica Okano, Virginia Gardner, Ariela Barer, Greg Sulkin, and Allegra Acosta. Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage ('The O.C.,' 'Gossip Girl') will serve as Co-Showrunners/writers and Executive Producers. Marvel's Head of Television, Jeph Loeb ('Marvel's Jessica Jones,' 'Marvel's Luke Cage') and Jim Chory ('Marvel’s Daredevil,' 'Marvel’s Jessica Jones') will also serve as Executive Producers, with Lis Rowinski set to produce as well. An exact release date has not been announced yet. A current Hulu subscription starts at $8 per month with commercials. In addition, ad-free playback is available for $12 per month. Source: MarvelPosted Fri Feb 10, 2017 at 05:30 AM PST by: -
Netflix Unveils Premiere Dates for Upcoming Streaming Lineup[teaser]Release dates have been announced for several new and returning titles.[/teaser] Netflix has revealed date announcements for its upcoming slate of streaming content. The lineup includes titles like 'Anne,' 'Dear White People,' 'Girlboss,' 'Casting JoBenet,' and 'Grace and Frankie.' "We aren't in the business of creating 'one size fits all' programming, or building slates to fill a finite number of hours of a programming grid,” said Ted Sarandos, Chief Content Officer at Netflix. "We're catering to a dynamic world full of people with different tastes - and as a result, no two Netflix experiences are alike - we want to have something for everyone to enjoy." 'Grace and Frankie' Season Three (March 24) - From the co-creator of Friends, Netflix Original Series Grace and Frankie stars Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin as two women who form an unlikely bond after their husbands reveal they are gay and leave them for each other. 'Girlboss' (April 21) - Girlboss is inspired by the New York Times best-selling book #Girlboss by Sophia Amoruso, founder of the fashion brand Nasty Gal. The series centers on Sophia (Britt Robertson), who began selling vintage clothes on eBay and, by the age of 28, had built the multi-million dollar fashion empire, Nasty Gal. Girlboss is created by and executive produced by Kay Cannon (Pitch Perfect 1& 2, 30 Rock), who also serves as showrunner. Charlize Theron (Monster, Young Adult) and Laverne McKinnon, of Denver & Delilah, Christian Ditter (How to Be Single) and Sophia Amoruso will also serve as executive producers. Ditter also directs all 13-half hour episodes. Girlboss stars Britt Robertson (Sophia), Ellie Reed (Annie), Alphonso McAuley (Dax), Johnny Simmons (Shane) and Dean Norris (Jay). 'Dear White People' (April 28) - Set among a diverse group of students of color as they navigate a predominantly white Ivy League college where racial tensions are often swept under the rug, Dear White People is a send up of "post-racial" America that also weaves a universal story about forging one's own unique path. 'Casting JonBenét' (April 28) - Casting JonBenét is a sly and stylized exploration of the world’s most sensational child-murder case, the unsolved death of six-year-old American beauty queen JonBenét Ramsey. After twenty years of media speculation and public hysteria that cast JonBenét’s parents, John and Patsy Ramsey, of killing their own child, Casting JonBenét presents audiences with a hybrid of fiction and non-fiction filmmaking that examines the macabre legacy of this tiny starlet. 'Anne' (May 12) - A coming-of-age story about an outsider who, against all odds and many challenges, fights for love and acceptance and her place in the world. Set in Prince Edward Island in the late 1890s, the series centers on Anne Shirley (Amybeth McNulty), a young orphaned girl who, after an abusive childhood spent in orphanages and the homes of strangers, is mistakenly sent to live with an aging sister and brother. Over time, 13-year-old Anne will transform the lives of Marilla (Geraldine James) and Matthew Cuthbert (R.H. Thomson) and eventually the entire small town in which they live with her unique spirit, fierce intellect and brilliant imagination. Anne’s adventures will reflect timeless and topical issues including themes of identity, feminism, bullying and prejudice. A current Netflix subscription starts at $10 for HD streaming and $12 for Ultra HD streaming. Source: NetflixPosted Fri Feb 10, 2017 at 05:15 AM PST by: -
Samsung Launches Pre-Orders for QLED Ultra HD TV Series, Prices Start at $2,500[teaser]The new 4K displays are now available for pre-order.[/teaser] Samsung has launched pre-orders for its QLED Ultra HD TV Series. The displays use new metal quantum dot technology for improved colors and brightness. In addition, the company has announced that the QLED TV lineup has received "100 Percent Color Volume" verification from world-class testing and certification association, Verband Deutscher Elektrotechniker (VDE). "The '100 percent color volume' verification awarded to Samsung's QLED TV signifies the excellence of our product and its revolutionary picture quality. As the global TV market leader for 11 consecutive years, we are thrilled to be leading the TV industry into a world of Quantum dot-powered displays featuring the best available picture quality," said JongHee Han, Executive Vice President of the Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. The QLED series consists of the Q9, Q8, and Q7 Ultra HD TVs. The displays 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. 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." Here's a full rundown of current Q8 and Q7 pre-order pricing: 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 Initial pre-orders are expected to ship in late February and early March. Pricing and availability for the flagship Q9 models have not been announced yet. Source: SamsungPosted Thu Feb 9, 2017 at 10:00 AM PST by:
