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Samsung Updates 2016 4K Ultra HD TV Lineup with YouTube HDR Playback Support[teaser]High dynamic range YouTube content is now available on select Samsung 4K TVs.[/teaser] Samsung has announced the addition of YouTube HDR playback to its 2016 lineup of Ultra HD TVs. High dynamic range support will be added to compatible displays through an automatic software update for the YouTube app. "With the global availability of YouTube's HDR, we at Samsung are thrilled to support the best HDR viewing experience and a wide range of HDR content for users to enjoy," said Seline Han, Vice President of Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. "We are confident that our TVs will bring to life an immersive HDR viewing experience — all from the comfort of our users’ homes." The update is now rolling out to all 2016 Samsung Quantum dot TV and UHD TVs around the world. Once upgraded, users will be able to browse YouTube HDR content by visiting the app's HDR category in the YouTube 4K channel. High Dynamic Range content offers enhanced contrast with more detailed highlights and shadows. Likewise, HDR YouTube videos also include support for a wider color gamut. Current HDR videos come from various YouTube creators like MysteryGuitarMan, Jacob + Katie Schwarz, and Abandon Visuals. Users can check out the HDR YouTube playlist here. In addition, YouTube will continue to work with partners to add more high dynamic range videos throughout 2017. "We are thrilled to announce the launch of HDR support on Samsung’s Quantum dot TVs," said Heather Thompson Rivera, Director of Product Partnerships at YouTube. "By combining Samsung’s commitment to picture quality and our desire to offer the best content available, we will work together to build a strong ecosystem that improves HDR content creation and allows users to enjoy more diverse content in the best quality possible." Samsung's 2016 SUHD TV lineup includes the KS8000, KS8500, KS9000, KS9500, and KS9800 -- with sizes ranging from 49 inches to 88 inches. The flagship KS9800 series features a cadmium free 10 bit Quantum Dot Display with 1,000-nit HDR and support for up to one billion colors in detail. Source: SamsungPosted Wed Dec 21, 2016 at 08:30 AM PST by: -
Netflix Preps Guillermo del Toro's New Streaming Kids Show 'Trollhunters' for December 23 Premiere[teaser]The new animated series from DreamWorks will debut just in time for the holiday break.[/teaser] Netflix has released a trailer for its newest kids show, 'Trollhunters.' All 26 episodes of the show will start streaming through Netflix on December 23. From the limitless imagination of master storyteller Guillermo del Toro comes a tale of two worlds set to collide in the epic saga DreamWorks Trollhunters. When ordinary teenager Jim Lake Jr. stumbles upon a mystical amulet on his way to school one morning, he inadvertently discovers an extraordinary secret civilization of mighty trolls beneath his small town of Arcadia. Strong-willed and seeking adventure but wholly unprepared for the responsibilities thrust upon him, Jim is forced to take on the exalted mantle of Trollhunter, sworn to protect the good trolls from powerful enemies bent on revenge. The first human ever to hold the honor, Jim abruptly goes from fighting his way through the daily mayhem of high school to joining a war that has raged for centuries, a conflict that now threatens all of mankind and troll-kind alike. Accompanied by his closest human friends and a few key troll allies, the courageous fifteen-year-old must plunge headlong into a fantastical world of astonishing creatures, glorious cities, and fierce enemies desperate to destroy him. Suddenly destined to play a crucial role in an ancient battle of good and evil with stakes that couldn’t be higher, Jim is determined to save the world — right after gym class. DreamWorks Trollhunters is a heroic tale that uncoils with ambitious, complex storytelling and stunning visuals that raise the bar for animated series, creating an event series that will thrill the entire family. Check out the trailer below! "We program our shows around people's lives - not advertising schedules," said Andy Yeatman, Director of Kids Content for Netflix. "We know our members are hungry for new content in the slow post-holiday weeks of late December and early January, which is when our viewership peaks. So, we teamed with DreamWorks Animation Television and acclaimed filmmaker Guillermo del Toro to launch 26 episodes - the most we've delivered of any original series at once - to give families a new story to enjoy together." Other upcoming Netflix premieres include 'Travelers' on December 23, 'Sense8 - A Christmas Special' on December 23, 'A Series of Unfortunate Events' on January 13, 'David Brent: Life on the Road' on February 10, and 'Iron Fist' on March 17. A current Netflix subscription starts at $10 for HD streaming and $12 for Ultra HD streaming. Source: NetflixPosted Wed Dec 21, 2016 at 07:30 AM PST by: -
Hulu Acquires Drama Series 'National Treasure,' US Streaming Premiere Set for March 1[teaser]The British show is heading to Hulu in March.[/teaser] Hulu has announced a deal with All3Media International to secure the US streaming rights to 'National Treasure.' The four-part drama series comes Jack Thorne and Forge Entertainment, and originally premiered in the UK through Channel 4. "We’re very pleased to sign such a significant deal with Hulu for The Forge and Channel 4’s National Treasure - our first ORIGINAL drama with this leading SVOD platform," said Sally Habbershaw, EVP, Sales & Co-productions USA for All3Media International. "This bold and poignant series - a compelling and thoroughly absorbing drama that explores the impact of historical assault charges on all sides of the courtroom - has received wide critical acclaim globally and Hulu is the right partner to ensure its success in the USA. Through Jack Thorne and Marc Munden’s writing and directing craft respectively - as well as career defining performances from an hugely impressive star-studded cast, National Treasure is a stand-out, significant drama." Written by Jack Thorne (This is England '86, '88 and '90, Skins, The Last Panthers) and executive produced by George Faber (Shameless, Elizabeth I, The Shadow Line) and George Ormond (War and Peace, Silent Witness), National Treasure is a compelling and timely four-part serial drama examining the fallout that occurs when accusations of sexual misconduct are lodged against a fictional public figure, exploring their impact on the accused and those most closely associated with him as he is brought to trial. The series follows Paul Finchley, played by BAFTA-winner Robbie Coltrane (Harry Potter, Cracker, Tutti Frutti), as a bona fide "national treasure" and one half of a popular, long-running comedy double act. The famous comedian's world is thrown into chaos when he is accused of historic sexual abuse. BAFTA-winner Julie Walters (Harry Potter, Brooklyn, Brave, Mamma Mia, Billy Elliott, Educating Rita), Andrea Riseborough (Nocturnal Animals, Birdman, Oblivion) and Tim McInnerny (Notting Hill, Blackadder, Game of Thrones) also star. The first season of 'National Treasure' will start streaming through Hulu on March 1, 2017. Other upcoming Hulu series include a reimagining of 'Foxy Brown' starring Meagan Good, 'The Handmaid's Tale' based on the novel of the same name by Margaret Atwood, 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 or $12 per month for ad-free playback. A Hulu live streaming platform is also planned to launch in early 2017 with content expected from Turner Networks, Fox, ABC, ESPN, FX, and the Disney Channel. Source: HuluPosted Wed Dec 21, 2016 at 06:30 AM PST by: -
Motor Trend OnDemand Launches "12 Days of Roadkill" Holiday Programming Event[teaser]The automotive SVOD/OTT service is celebrating the holidays with new episodes of 'Roadkill.'[/teaser] TEN: The Enthusiast Network has announced the launch of its "12 Days of Roadkill" Christmas campaign. As part of the 12-day holiday programming event, the platform is offering new episodes of 'Roadkill' and 'Roadkill Extra,' along with a bonus Christmas Day episode guest-starring Australia's Mighty Car Mods. Likewise, viewers will also have the chance to participate in daily fan giveaways for Roadkill swag. Over the course of the twelve days, Motor Trend OnDemand will showcase all-new episodes of the award-winning ROADKILL program, and treat viewers to a bonus Christmas Day (12/25) episode that will feature guest stars Marty and Moog from the popular Australian DIY car show, Mighty Car Mods. Other programming highlights include a two-part winter episode on Christmas Eve (12/24), and four new episodes featuring Mighty Car Mods. On New Year’s Eve (12/31) the show will get ready for 2017 with a look back at Roadkill's humble beginnings. Here's a full rundown of the "12 Days of Roadkill" schedule: 12/20, Roadkill Extra, EPISODE 96 - Get Deeper Inside Freiburger's 1971 Road Runner 12/21, Roadkill Extra, EPISODE 97 - General Mayhem Was Born Here 12/22, Roadkill Extra, EPISODE 98 - Lucky’s 1964 Chevy Shop Truck 12/23, Roadkill Extra, EPISODE 99 - Your Questions Have Been Answered By Freiburger 12/23, Roadkill, Episode 59 - Freiburger vs. Finnegan $1,500-Car Shootout 12/24, Roadkill, Episode 13-14 - Throwback to a Wintery Roadkill Beginning 12/25, Roadkill, Episode 60 - Bonus Christmas Roadkill with Mighty Car Mods 12/26, Roadkill Extra, EPISODE 100 - Special Q&A With the Mighty Car Mods Guys 12/27, Roadkill Extra, EPISODE 101 - The Crusher Camaro Engine and an Old Friend! 12/28, Roadkill Extra, EPISODE 102 -The Mighty Car Mods Guys Talk “Subacute” 12/29, Roadkill Extra, EPISODE 103 - More About the Roadkill 1969 Impala 12/30, Roadkill Extra, EPISODE 104 - Q&A With Marty from Mighty Car Mods! 12/31, Hot Rod Unlimited, Episode 5 – Roadkill Genesis Episode: History of Street-Legal Drag Racing The Motor Sport OnDemand service offers more than 1,500 hours of automotive content, including original programming, motorsports, and historical archives. Likewise, Motor Trend OnDemand provides exclusive first-look access, bonus episodes, and behind-the-scenes footage from its popular lineup of original programming like 'Roadkill,' 'Head 2 Head,' 'Dirt Every Day,' 'Ignition,' 'Hot Rod Garage,' and more. Motor Trend OnDemand is available as a standalone app for Xbox One, Xbox 360, iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Roku, and Android devices, as well as the web. Likewise, the service is also available as an add-on subscription for Amazon Prime members. Source: Motor Trend OnDemandPosted Tue Dec 20, 2016 at 05:00 PM PST by: -
Netflix Unveils Trailer for 'Travelers,' Streaming Premiere Set for December 23[teaser]The new sci-fi series hits Netflix later this week.[/teaser] Netflix has released a trailer for its latest show, 'Travelers.' The time-traveling sci-fi drama is produced by Peacock Alley Entertainment Inc., in association with Showcase and Netflix. Hundreds of years from now, the last surviving humans discover the means of sending consciousness back through time, directly into people in the 21st century. These "travelers" assume the lives of seemingly random people, while secretly working as teams to perform missions in order to save humanity from a terrible future. These travelers are: FBI Special Agent Grant MacLaren (Eric McCormack), the team's leader; Marcy (Mackenzie Porter), a young, intellectually disabled woman in the care of her social worker, David (Patrick Gilmore); Trevor (Jared Paul Abrahamson), a high school quarterback; Carly (Nesta Marlee Cooper), a single mom in an abusive relationship; and Philip (Reilly Dolman), a heroin-addicted college student. Armed only with their knowledge of history and an archive of social media profiles, the travelers discover that 21st century lives and relationships are as much a challenge as their high-stakes missions. Check out the official trailer below! All twelve episodes of the show's first season will start streaming through Netflix on December 23. The series is written, created and produced by WGC and Gemini Award winner Brad Wright. Wright previously served as co-creator of the Emmy Award nominated series 'Stargate SG-1.' Other upcoming Netflix premieres include 'Sense8 - A Christmas Special' on December 23, 'A Series of Unfortunate Events' on January 13, 'David Brent: Life on the Road' on February 10, and 'Iron Fist' on March 17. A current Netflix subscription starts at $10 for HD streaming and $12 for Ultra HD streaming. Source: NetflixPosted Tue Dec 20, 2016 at 04:30 PM PST by: -
LG Reveals ProBeam HF80JA Compact Full HD Laser Projector[teaser]The new projector will be on display at CES 2017.[/teaser] LG has detailed its first compact laser projector, the ProBeam (HF80JA). The device is set to be the industry's lightest Full HD laser projector in the 2,000 lumens range. "As a leader in LED projectors worldwide, LG is confident its expertise in the home entertainment sector will make its first compact laser projector a hit with consumers," said Tim Alessi, head of product marketing at LG Electronics USA. "LG is proud to continue pioneering the home cinema experience in dynamic new ways." The LG ProBeam HF80JA features an advanced laser engine that is capable of producing up to 2,000 lumens of brightness. Likewise, the light 4.6-pound projector offers a slim, sleek build with a compact standing-type design and I-shaped laser engine for added portability. In addition, the device uses Sound Sync Adjustment tech, allowing the ProBeam to pair with any Bluetooth audio product, including external speakers or headphones. A wireless mirroring feature is included as well, letting customers use Miracast to project content from smart devices. Setting up the projector is also made simpler thanks to its four corner keystone and vertical auto keystone adjustments. Finally, the HF80JA integrates LG's webOS Smart TV platform, providing support for a growing collection of streaming services and apps -- all easily accessed through the LG Magic Remote Control. An exact release date and pricing have not been announced yet, but the LG ProBeam HF80JA is expected to arrive in the first quarter of 2017. The projector will be on display at CES 2017 from January 5-8 in Las Vegas. In addition, the company has also announced plans to showcase its new HDR 32-inch Ultra HD 4K Monitor (32UD99) and 34-inch 21:9 UltraWide Mobile Monitor (34UM79M) at the show as well. Source: LG via PR NewswirePosted Tue Dec 20, 2016 at 07:30 AM PST by:
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Twitter Set to Livestream Golden Globes Red Carpet Pre-Show[teaser]The social media platform will stream live coverage from the red carpet.[/teaser] The Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), dick clark productions, and Twitter have announced plans to exclusively livestream 'The HFPA Presents: Globes Red Carpet Live' through Twitter. The official red carpet pre-show for the '74th Annual Golden Globe Awards' will start streaming on January 8 from 6-8 pm ET (3-5 pm PT). "Twitter is where the conversation about the Golden Globes happens. Viewers Tweet along before, during and after the award show," said Anthony Noto, COO at Twitter. "Our collaboration with The Hollywood Foreign Press Association and dick clark productions for this red carpet show will bring high quality live content and commentary to the masses through Twitter." The two-hour pre-show, produced by dick clark productions, in association with the HFPA, will stream live on Twitter from the red carpet at The Beverly Hilton. The pre-show will feature exclusive interviews with talent and celebrity Twitter content, offering fans a front row seat to experience the excitement of the Golden Globe Awards first-hand. Questions sourced from Twitter will also enable fans to participate in Hollywood's biggest party. Hosts for the red carpet pre-show will be announced soon. Logged-in users and logged-out viewers will be able to stream the pre-show in the US on Twitter through connected devices, goldenglobes.twitter.com, in Twitter Moments, or @goldenglobes. "The Hollywood Foreign Press Association is always searching for innovative ways and original tools to reach our audience wherever it is as Hollywood comes together on one night to celebrate the best in motion pictures and television – and Twitter is the recognized partner to help us expand our audience," said HFPA President Lorenzo Soria. "With the community that Twitter has built, together we will bring the magic of the Golden Globe Awards red carpet to the homes and eyes of aspiring storytellers across the country." Following the red carpet pre-show, the '74th Annual Golden Globe Awards' will be broadcast live on NBC from The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills on January 8 from 8-11 pm ET (5-8 pm PT). Source: Twitter via PR NewswirePosted Tue Dec 20, 2016 at 06:30 AM PST by: -
CBS All Access Debuts Teaser Trailer for 'The Good Fight,' Streaming Premiere Set for February 19[teaser]The spinoff of 'The Good Wife' will start streaming in February.[/teaser] CBS has released the first trailer for its upcoming show, 'The Good Fight.' The show is set premiere on Sunday, Feb. 19 at 8:00 PM ET on CBS All Access, along with a Special Preview Broadcast on CBS at 8:00 PM ET/PT. After the premiere, new episodes will be released weekly on Sundays exclusively through CBS All Access. "CBS All Access has built tremendous momentum in the past year – passing one million subscribers, launching our first original with BIG BROTHER: OVER THE TOP and, most recently, bringing live NFL ON CBS programming to the service," said Marc DeBevoise, President and Chief Operating Officer, CBS Interactive. "We're continuing this momentum with the upcoming launch of THE GOOD FIGHT which promises to not only deliver more ambitious premium programming for our subscribers but an opportunity for world-class creators like Robert and Michelle King to push the envelope in new ways." '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. Check out the teaser trailer below! 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 'Limitless' and 'Elementary,' and classic series like 'Star Trek' and '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. Other upcoming CBS All Access exclusive series include 'Star Trek: Discovery,' which is set to premiere in May 2017. 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: CBSPosted Tue Dec 20, 2016 at 05:30 AM PST by: -
Sony Brings Google Home Voice Control to Select Speakers & 4K HDR Ultra HD TVs[teaser]Google Home owners can now use their device to control several Sony products.[/teaser] Sony has announced the addition of Google Home voice control to select audio and video products. The update includes support for several new and existing Chromecast built-in Sony speakers and Android TV Sony 4K HDR televisions. "Now you can get the awesome sound and video quality of Sony products working together with Google Home. This functionality is available today for the Chromecast built-in Sony speakers and Android TV Sony 4K HDR televisions consumers already have at home, or plan to purchase for the holidays," said Mike Fasulo, President and COO of Sony Electronics. "This additional functionality is another example of Sony's commitment to customer choice by delivering new and innovative technologies." Google Home is a voice-activated speaker powered by Google Assistant. When used in conjunction with supported Sony products, customers can now stream content to and control their connected Sony devices through voice commands heard by Google Home. Customers can play music on their connected Sony devices from many popular music services by artist, song, genre, album, playlist, mood or activity by speaking commands to their Google Home like, "Ok Google, play some workout music on my Sony speaker." Likewise, users can control the device by saying, "Ok Google, turn it up/down, play, stop, skip" or ask for information like music titles and Google Home will respond. In addition, Google's Multi-room group feature lets users group Google Home, Chromecast Audio or Chromecast built-in Sony speakers together in the Google Home app for synchronized music throughout the home. Supported Sony Chromecast built-in audio products include: model HT-ST9, HT-NT5, HT-CT790, HT-XT2, HT-RT5 sound bars, model STR-DN1070, STR-DN1060, and STR-DN860 receivers, model SRS-X99, SRS-ZR7, SRS-ZR5, and the SRS-HG1 wireless speakers. Likewise, all Sony 4K HDR Android TVs now support Google Home as well. Source: SonyPosted Mon Dec 19, 2016 at 04:30 PM PST by: -
Comcast Adds Enhanced Movie Extras to Xfinity X1 Platform[teaser]New interactive special features are now available for select digital titles.[/teaser] Comcast has announced the launch of enhanced movie extras on its Xfinity X1 platform. The new option allows users to interact with online special features while a movie plays. Current studio partners include Universal Pictures Home Entertainment (Universal), Lionsgate, Paramount Home Media Distribution, and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. "We're excited to work with these studios on this ground-breaking innovation to redefine the home entertainment movie-watching experience," Daniel Spinosa, General Manager of Movies, Pay-Per-View and Commerce, Comcast Cable. "X1 is an immersive, dynamic platform that enables us to continually provide our customers with one-of-a-kind experiences, and we are actively working with our programming partners to deliver next-generation, enhanced entertainment experiences for all content including movies, events, sports, and news." With enhanced movie extras for participating digital purchases, Xfinity customers can now access dynamic, interactive, and contextually-integrated internet content while a movie plays. In addition, the feature also provides photo galleries and video clips that update as the movie plays, letting viewers browse and watch content relevant to specific scenes. And to help kick off the launch, Comcast is offering a free sample of enhanced movie extras now through December 25. The sample includes free access to 16 online interactive experiences (games, maps, 360-degree maps, set tours, etc.) directly on their TVs from films like 'Secret Life of Pets,' 'Jason Bourne,' 'Mockingjay Part 2,' 'Star Trek Beyond,' 'Hotel Transylvania 2,' 'Underworld,' 'Nerve,' and 'Warcraft.' "These experiences are highly produced, engaging and employ the latest technology to bring the content to life on Xfinity in a manner fans haven’t seen before," said Thomas Hughes, Executive Vice President, Worldwide Digital Distribution for Lionsgate. "Building a collection of their favorite films with enhanced content that can be enjoyed seamlessly in their living rooms offers even more value to the Comcast customer." More studios and titles with enhanced movie extras support are expected to be added throughout 2017. Source: ComcastPosted Mon Dec 19, 2016 at 10:30 AM PST by: