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Hulu Adds CBS to Upcoming Live Streaming TV Service[teaser]Another broadcast partner has been confirmed for the upcoming live streaming platform. [/teaser] Hulu has announced a new deal with CBS Corporation. As part of the agreement, Hulu will be able to offer live and on-demand content from CBS, CBS Sports Network, and POP on its upcoming live TV streaming service set to launch in the coming months. "To build a successful live TV service, you have to have viewers' favorite sports and shows -- and CBS' programming is absolutely vital to that mix," said Mike Hopkins, CEO of Hulu. "With 21st Century Fox, Disney, Turner and now CBS on board, our new live service will offer one of the most valuable sports, news and entertainment lineups anywhere – from ESPN, Fox Sports, CBS Sports and TNT to ABC, CBS, FOX and The Disney Channel." Hulu's new live TV streaming service will feature an easy-to-use personalized interface with access to live and on-demand news, entertainment, and sports networks through various media and mobile devices. The new CBS deal will include live and on-demand access to several popular shows like 'The Big Bang Theory,' 'NCIS,' 'Big Brother,' 'Blue Bloods,' and '60 Minutes.' Likewise, the agreement also covers NFL on CBS (all preseason, regular and post-season games broadcast on CBS) and the NCAA DIVISION I MEN'S BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP, along with news programming and specials, CBS's leading late night shows, and major annual live events like The GRAMMYs. Finally, the new deal also extends Showtime Networks' existing agreement with Hulu, allowing the platform to offer SHOWTIME as a premium subscription add-on service for its live and SVOD options. "We are very pleased to make CBS available on Hulu’s new live TV service," said Ray Hopkins, President, Television Networks Distribution, CBS Corporation. "Hulu has made it clear that it understands the value that the CBS Television Network, along with Showtime and our basic cable network portfolio, will bring to this new offering. In addition, today's announcement represents another significant step in our strategy to deliver CBS's industry leading content to viewers whenever and where ever they want to watch it, at terms that are consistent with the Company’s goals." Beyond CBS, Hulu also announced deals with Disney, Fox, and Time Warner to offer live and on-demand content from networks like TNT, TBS, CNN, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, truTV, Boomerang, Turner Classic Movies, FOX, ABC, Fox Sports 1, Fox Sports 2, BTN, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPN-SEC, ESPN 3, Fox Regional Sports Networks across dozens of key national markets, Disney Channel, Disney XD, Disney Junior, Fox News, Fox Business, Freeform, FX, FXX, FXM, National Geographic, and Nat Geo Wild. An exact launch date and pricing for Hulu's new live TV service have not been announced yet, but the platform is expected to arrive in the coming months. The new live service is set to co-exist with Hulu's current ad-supported and ad-free video on-demand subscription plans. Source: HuluPosted Tue Jan 10, 2017 at 07:30 AM PST by: -
CyberLink PowerDVD Software Receives Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Playback Certification[teaser]The popular PC Blu-ray player software will soon add Ultra HD support.[/teaser] CyberLink has announced that its PowerDVD media player software has received certification from the Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA) for the playback of Ultra HD Blu-ray Discs. This now makes PowerDVD the first and currently only software player to pass the BD-ROM 4.0 PC Application Software License process. "With more than 300 million copies sold, PowerDVD is the definitive standard for media players, providing customers with the ultimate in home entertainment for the last 15 years" said Dr. Jau Huang, CEO of CyberLink. "Today's Ultra HD Blu-ray certification means we can once again bring our customers the very latest in video and audio technology, ensuring they can enjoy the ultimate 4K experience." With the updated software, PowerDVD will soon be able to play Ultra HD Blu-ray discs through supported PCs and displays. The Ultra HD Blu-ray format is capable of supporting content with a resolution of 3840 x 2160, an expanded color range, HDR (high dynamic range), high-frame rates (up to 60fps), and the latest object-based immersive sound formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. An exact launch date for PowerDVD Ultra HD Blu-ray support has not been announced yet, but versions of the software with Ultra HD Blu-ray playback are expected to be available early this year. CyberLink's latest PowerDVD 16 software is currently on sale for $49.95. Outside of the upcoming PowerDVD Ultra HD Blu-ray PC software update, several companies recently announced new hardware Ultra HD Blu-ray players models, including the Panasonic DMP-UB400, UB310 and UB300, the Samsung M9500, the Sony UBP-X800, the Philips BDP7502, the Oppo UDP-205, and the LG UP970. Source: CyberLinkPosted Tue Jan 10, 2017 at 06:30 AM PST by: -
VIZIO Updates SmartCast App with New Features and Interface Enhancements[teaser]The company has announced improvements for its SmartCast experience. [/teaser] VIZIO has revealed an update for its SmartCast platform. The improved app now offers a more convenient home screen and user tutorials. "One of the key VIZIO SmartCast differentiators when compared to traditional Smart TV platforms is our ability to continuously enhance the experience with quick improvements which any user can enjoy right from their own mobile device," said Matt McRae, Chief Technology Officer, VIZIO. "The latest round of enhancements were designed to further simplify consumer interaction with the SmartCast app, giving users quicker access to controls, content and more." The VIZIO SmartCast app allows users to control their VIZIO SmartCast devices from any room in the home and stream content from their mobile devices straight to their big screen. SmartCast users can also search and browse content by genre across multiple apps at once. The VIZIO SmartCast app is available for download on iOS and Android smartphones or tablets, and comes preinstalled on the 2016 P-Series and M-Series Android Tablet Remotes. The newly improved app now offers an enhanced home screen with larger buttons for easier navigation, along with access to more TV shows and movies. Likewise, the home screen will also soon add a "Featured" section with additional content recommendations. In addition, the update also includes a new "Cast Apps" section, with quick access to several popular Chromecast-enabled apps like Netflix, XUMO, and Pluto TV. Once an app is selected, it will launch on the user's mobile device, or if the app is not yet installed, users will be sent directly to the iTunes App Store or Google Play Store where they can download it. Finally, popular Chromecast-enabled apps can now be found using the search function within the VIZIO SmartCast app, and VIZIO has also added a tutorial feature to help users get the most out of their apps. The VIZIO SmartCast ecosystem includes the company's 2016 P-Series, M-Series, and E-Series 4K Ultra HD Displays, as well as several soundbar models. Source: VIZIOPosted Tue Jan 10, 2017 at 05:00 AM PST by: -
Amazon Renews 'The Man in the High Castle' for Third Season[teaser]The streaming series will return for a third season.[/teaser] Amazon has officially greenlit a third season for its original series, 'The Man in the High Castle.' This show's first and second seasons are currently available to stream through Prime Video. "As timely as ever, the exploration of characters at a dark point for humanity has provided incredible stories for two seasons," said Joe Lewis, Head of Comedy and Drama, Amazon Studios. "Eric and his team are doing an incredible job crafting stories about the inner lives of those who struggle to do good in a world that is not. We couldn't be more excited to bring season three to customers in 2017." Check out the trailer for the show's recently released second season below! Based on Philip K. Dick's Hugo Award-winning 1962 alternate history novel, season two of the one-hour drama series The Man in the High Castle continues to explore what would have happened if the Allied Powers had lost World War II. While Germany controls much of the East Coast and Japan controls the West Coast, the Rocky Mountains have become a “neutral zone”—and ground zero for a resistance, led by a mysterious figure known only as “the Man in the High Castle." While some citizens struggle against the fear, oppression and inequality, others accept their lives, as compromised and unfulfilling as they might be. But after a series of enigmatic films surface depicting a world vastly different from their own, some begin to question the very nature of their reality. Eric Overmyer ('Treme,' 'Bosch, 'The Affair') will serve as showrunner and executive producer for the upcoming third season. The series was developed by Frank Spotnitz ('The X-Files'), with Ridley Scott ('The Martian'), David W. Zucker ('The Good Wife'), Richard Heus ('Ugly Betty'), Isa Dick Hackett ('The Adjustment Bureau'), and Daniel Percival ('Banished') serving as executive producers for the new season. An exact release date has not been announced, but the show is expected to return in 2017. 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 Jan 9, 2017 at 07:30 AM PST by: -
Netflix Releases Teaser for 'Santa Clarita Diet' Starring Drew Barrymore & Timothy Olyphant[teaser]The new series is coming to satisfy your streaming cravings in February.[/teaser] Netflix has released a promo teaser for its upcoming original show, 'Santa Clarita Diet.' The comedy series comes from writer Victor Fresco ('Better Off Ted,' 'Andy Richter Controls the Universe'). Said executive producer/showrunner Victor Fresco: "The genius of casting Timothy and Drew, combined with my comedic… oh wait, that’s Cindy's quote. I agree with what Cindy is about to say." "The genius casting of Timothy and Drew combined with Victor’s unique comedic sensibility will delight, and definitely surprise, our members around the world," said Cindy Holland, Netflix vice president of original content. In the single-camera series, Joel (Timothy Olyphant, Justified) and Sheila (Drew Barrymore, Blended) are husband and wife realtors leading vaguely discontented lives in the L.A. suburb of Santa Clarita, until Sheila goes through a dramatic change sending both their lives down a road of death and destruction...but in a good way. Check out the promo below! The Netflix production is executive produced by Victor Fresco, Drew Barrymore, Timothy Olyphant, Aaron Kaplan, Tracy Katsky, Chris Miller and Ember Truesdell. In addition, Nancy Juvonen is on board as a producer. 'Santa Clarita Diet' is set to premiere through Netflix on February 3. Other upcoming Netflix premieres include 'A Series of Unfortunate Events' on January 13, 'David Brent: Life on the Road' on February 10, and 'Iron Fist' on March 17. Likewise, the streaming platform is also prepping two new comedy specials from Chris Rock, new seasons of 'Chelsea,' 'Lady Dynamite,' and 'Real Rob,' the second season of 'Stranger Things' for 2017, the third season of 'Bloodline' for 2017, new episodes of the documentary series 'Making a Murderer,' 'Bill Nye Saves the World' for 2017, Marvel's 'The Punisher,' Marvel's 'The Defenders,' a second season of 'Luke Cage,' Spike Lee's 'She's Gotta Have It,' a feature film adaptation of the manga 'Death Note,' the final season of 'Longmire' for 2017, a new series called 'Atypical,' Duncan Jones' 'Mute,' the South Korean disaster film 'Pandora' for 2017, the Scandinavian thriller 'The Rain' for 2018, and a new series based on 'Lost in Space' for 2018. A current Netflix subscription starts at $10 for HD streaming and $12 for Ultra HD streaming. Source: NetflixPosted Mon Jan 9, 2017 at 06:30 AM PST by: -
CES 2017: Sony Details VPL-VZ1000ES Ultra-Short Throw 4K HDR Projector[teaser]The new home theater projector includes high dynamic range support.[/teaser] Sony has announced its latest projector model, the VPL-VZ1000ES. The compact ultra-short throw projector can be placed as close as 6 inches from a wall, making it ideal for customers who want a big image in a small room. "The VPL-VZ1000ES Ultra-Short Throw projector is a real game changer. Everyone wants a larger screen, but not everyone can find the space for it. Sony enables the best of both worlds with this new generation of ultra-short throw projectors," said Mike Fasulo, President and COO of Sony Electronics. "Now, it’s possible to project a 4K HDR quality 100” or even 120” display in your family room without the need for a dedicated media room." The VPL-VZ1000ES is an ultra short-throw laser light source projector with a native 4K resolution and HDR (high dynamic range) support. The device measure 36 x 20 x 9 inches in size (WxDxH, 925 x 494 x 219mm) and weighs about 77 lbs (35 kg), giving it a relatively compact form factor. Users can position the projector as close as 6 inches from a wall while still offering a 100 inch image (measured diagonally in 16:9). In addition, the device is rated for 2500 lumens of brightness and uses TRILUMNOS color tech. Likewise, the unit includes a built-in 3D transmitter for use with optional 3D glasses. Four HDMI HDCP 2.2 connections are integrated as well. "Sony's new projector technology, combined with our anti-ambient screen materials that work especially with ultra-short throw projectors, allows consumers to have a huge screen in their living room with a simple, elegant installation," said Blake Vackar, Director of Commercial Sales at Screen Innovations, the leading manufacturer of projection screen technologies for residential applications. "This technology is unlike anything consumers have ever experienced in home cinema viewing. With the advent of 4K projector technology like Sony’s VPL-VZ1000ES we expect to see ultra-short throw projection, as a category of home projector sales, continue its rapid growth over the next 5 years." The Sony VPL-VZ1000ES is now available for pre-order for a suggested retail price of $25,000. Shipments are expected to begin in April. Source: SonyPosted Mon Jan 9, 2017 at 05:30 AM PST by: -
CES 2017: Dell Preps UltraSharp 32 Ultra HD 8K Monitor[teaser]The world's first 32-inch 8K monitor has been detailed.[/teaser] Dell has announced its newest display monitor. The upcoming UltraSharp 32 8K Monitor offers four times more content than Ultra HD 4K resolution and 16 times more content than Full HD. The monitor features a 32-inch 8K panel capable of 1 billion colors, 33.2M pixels of resolution, 100 percent Adobe RGB and sRGB color gamut support, and 280 ppi (pixels per inch). In addition, the display uses a nearly borderless design, maximizing screen real estate. Coupled with its Dell PremierColor clarity and gradation, the monitor offers ideal performance for commercial fields where image zooming is important, including photo and video editing, medicine and diagnostic research, and oil and gas exploration. In addition, Dell has also announced several new monitors with HDR (high dynamic range) support. The HDR lineup includes the Dell 27 Ultrathin Monitor with InfinityEdge display, Quad HD technology, and USB Type-C connectivity, as well as the Dell 24 and 27 InfinityEdge Monitors, which also include dual 6W external speakers professionally tuned by award-winning Waves Maxx Audio. The Dell 27 Ultrathin S2718D ($699.99) and the Dell UltraSharp 32 Ultra HD 8K UP3218K monitor ($4,999) will be available on March 23. Meanwhile, the Dell 24 InfinityEdge S2418HX monitor ($289.99) and the Dell 27 InfinityEdge S2718HX monitor ($379.99) will be available on February 23. Beyond the new 8K and HDR displays, Dell also recently announced its new UltraSharp 30 OLED Ultra HD 4K monitor ($4,999). The 30-inch display's OLED panel offers an impressive 400,000:1 contrast ratio with "true black" and a 0.1 ms response time. Likewise, the monitor includes support for the AdobeRGB and DCI-P3 color spaces. USB Type-C is also included for single cable power, video, and data connectivity with compatible systems. Source: DellPosted Sun Jan 8, 2017 at 05:30 PM PST by: -
CES 2017: Intel Reveals Compute Card for Smart Devices[teaser]The compact card is designed to power and upgrade smart devices.[/teaser] Intel has announced a new modular computing platform for connected devices. The Compute Card offers full computer performance in a modular form factor. With the Compute Card, users and manufacturer's can power and upgrade smart connectivity capabilities for devices like digital signage and kiosks, All-in-Ones, smart TV's and appliances. The compact, portable, modular card measures just 95mm x 55mm x 5mm and is designed to be inserted into the Compute Card slot on certified devices, offering a simple and easy solution for integrating and updating smart products. Under the hood, the card is powered by a range of processor options, including the latest 7th Gen Intel Core processors, along with built-in integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless connectivity. Global partners currently working to develop products compatible with the Intel Compute Card include Dell, HP, Lenovo, and Sharp, along with regional partners like Seneca Data, InFocus, DTx, TabletKiosk, and Pasuntech. The Intel Compute Card is set for release in mid-2017 in a variety of performance options. Pricing and specific supported devices have not been announced yet. Beyond the new Compute Card, Intel recently launched its 7th Gen Core processor lineup with 4K Ultra HD playback support. Intel's 7th Gen Core processors are designed to bring 4K entertainment to mainstream PC customers with high performance and new hardware Ultra HD DRM security technologies. Supported 4K streaming services include Sony's new ULTRA platform and Netflix. In addition to a 7th Gen Intel Core processor, Netflix customers will also need to use Microsoft Edge, the only browser that currently supports Netflix 4K streaming. Source: IntelPosted Sun Jan 8, 2017 at 05:15 PM PST by: -
CES 2017: NVIDIA Announces New SHIELD TV Media Player[teaser]The new Android streaming media player will be available later this month.[/teaser] NVIDIA has announced the launch of its new SHIELD TV media player. The device offers streaming, gaming, and AI features. "NVIDIA's rich heritage in visual computing and deep learning has enabled us to create this revolutionary device," said Jen-Hsun Huang, founder and chief executive officer of NVIDIA, who revealed SHIELD during his opening keynote address at CES. "SHIELD TV is the world's most advanced streamer. Its brilliant 4K HDR quality, hallmark NVIDIA gaming performance and broad access to media content will bring families hours of joy. And with SHIELD's new AI home capability, we can control and interact with content through the magic of artificial intelligence from anywhere in the house," he said. The SHIELD TV includes 4K streaming support and HDR playback. Supported services include Amazon, Netflix, YouTube, Google Play Movies, and VUDU. Likewise, the player will also soon add support for immersive 360 degree videos through YouTube's TV app. In addition, the system offers robust gaming capabilities and will soon allow users to stream games from Ubisoft. Finally, the SHIELD TV is also set to feature several AI functions. Here's a rundown of upcoming AI features per the press release: - First hands-free Google Assistant integration on TV. Google has optimized the Assistant experience on TV by having the home's largest screen show visual answers in addition to an audio reply. Use voice commands to replace clicking a remote for finding content, pausing, fast-forwarding or rewinding. Plus, Google Assistant can help better find content and answer questions.- SmartThings Hub technology integration, instantly turning SHIELD into a smart home hub that can connect to hundreds of smart home devices.- NVIDIA SPOT™, an AI mic accessory that makes SHIELD the central backbone of the AI home, extending intelligent control throughout the house. The NVIDIA SHIELD TV is now available for pre-order for $200. In addition, the company is also releasing a SHIELD TV Pro model later this month with controller, remote with headset jack, and 500GB of storage for $300. Source: NVIDIAPosted Sun Jan 8, 2017 at 04:00 PM PST by: -
CES 2017: Onkyo Unveils VC-FLX1 Alexa-Powered Smart Speaker[teaser]The unique smart speaker features the Alexa voice service.[/teaser] Onkyo has revealed its first audio product geared toward the IoT (internet of things) market. The VC-FLX1 smart speaker combines high quality audio playback with several smart device features. With Amazon's Alexa cloud-based voice service, the VC-FLX1 allows users to control the device using just their voice. Likewise, the speaker features an integrated web camera and environment sensors for monitoring its surroundings. Here's a rundown of key features per the press release: - Amazon Alexa that helps users play music, control their smart home and more using just their voice.- High-quality music playback via proprietary full range speaker driver.- Web camera with motion, temperature and humidity sensors. Combined with third party cloud service, it is possible to monitor the environment via your smartphone.- Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth® capabilities.- Will support a wide variety of network music services and Internet radio. Pricing and availability for the VC-FLX1 smart speaker have not been announced yet. In addition the the VC-FLX1, Onkyo also recently detailed its upcoming SBT-A500 Network Surround Soundbar System. The three-piece system features a low 2.1" profile soundbar, a slim Network A/V Receiver, and a wireless subwoofer. The soundbar uses precision drivers with two speakers each for the left, right, and center channels, plus single height speakers for overhead sound with support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X object based immersive audio formats. Onkyo's SBT-A500 Network Surround Soundbar System will be available later this month for a suggested retail price of $999. Likewise, the company just announced upcoming Chromecast built-in support for several existing audio components. Chromecast built-in tech allows customers with Chromecast-enabled AV products to use their mobile devices to stream music, radio, or podcasts, and control the audio from anywhere in the house using Cast-enabled mobile apps for iPhone, iPad, Android, Mac and Windows laptop, and Chromebook. Chromecast built-in functions will be activated through firmware updates starting this spring for select Onkyo gear. Click here for the full list. Source: OnkyoPosted Sun Jan 8, 2017 at 03:15 PM PST by:
