-
Google Play Expands Lineup with New 4K Ultra HD Movie Selection[teaser]Several movie titles are now available in Ultra HD.[/teaser] Google Play Movies has announced the launch of 4K content support. Starting today, customers in the US and Canada can now purchase select films in Ultra HD. The initial lineup of Google Play Movies in 4K offers more than 125 titles, including films like 'Ghostbusters,' 'Man of Steel,' '10 Cloverfield Lane,' 'The Amazing Spider-Man,' and 'Star Trek Beyond.' Ultra HD Google Play Movies are streamed using the VP9 codec. Users can now buy 4K titles through their Android devices or on the web and stream them to their Chromecast Ultra, Sony Bravia Android TV, or Xiaomi Mi Box 3. In addition, customers who buy a new Chromecast Ultra can also receive a free 4K movie (choose from select titles, including 'Ghostbusters' and 'Captain Phillips'). The Chromecast Ultra offers support for 4K, HDR (high dynamic range) and Dolby Vision content, offering playback for videos with Ultra HD resolution, expanded colors, and enhanced contrast. Google's Chromecast Ultra is now available for $69 from retailers like Best Buy, Google Store, Target, and Walmart in the US. Beyond new 4K Ultra HD content, Google Play Movies and TV also recently launched support for the Daydream VR platform. With Google Play Movies and TV for Daydream, users can now watch all their Google Play library content in a virtual cinema using the Daydream View headset. The Daydream View 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 headset, customers need a Daydream-ready smartphone (like the Google Pixel). The Daydream View is now available for $79. Finally, the Google Play Movies and TV App has also expanded support to 2016 Samsung Smart TVs. Source: GooglePosted Tue Dec 6, 2016 at 01:30 PM PST by: -
Marantz Details New Reference Series SA-10 SACD Player/DAC and PM-10 Amplifier[teaser]Two new audio components have been revealed.[/teaser] Marantz has announced the latest additions to its home audio lineup. The SA-10 SACD/CD player/DAC and PM-10 amplifier are part of the company's Premium 10 series, offering top of the line performance that Marantz simply describes as "The New Reference." The SA-10 serves as a successor to the previously released SA-7, providing several new features. The device can play SACD, CD, DVD-R/RW and CD-R/RW discs, including high-resolution audio stored on either CD or DVD recordable media through its specially designed SACD-M3 disc drive. In addition, the player is also a state-of-the-art digital-to-analog converter which uses unique technology to extract every last nuance from digital music files through discs and external sources connected to the player’s digital inputs. The tech is called Marantz Musical Mastering, a brand-new two-stage process (MMM-Conversion and MMM-Stream) that actually upconverts the audio to DSD256 -- allowing the device to be the first player/USB converter without a traditional DAC. Senior Electronics Engineer Rainer Finck has been working on Marantz Reference CD players for two decades, and was central to the SA-10 project. According to Rainer "As I was one of the Philips engineers way back in the late 80s, and worked on the company’s Bitstream converters – the last one was the DAC-7 – we could draw on all this knowledge to build our own bitstream converter for the SA-10." Meanwhile, the PM-10 is an integrated amplifier with an all-analog design, and a dual-mono construction with switching power amplification to deliver 200Wpc into 8ohms, and 400Wpc into 4ohms. In addition, the device uses Marantz's Hyper-Dynamic Amplifier Modules (or HDAMs) for superior sound quality. Likewise, the PM-10 includes separate power supplies for the preamplifier and each of the power amplifier channels, along with a dedicated supply for the microprocessor controlling volume adjustment, input selection, and other components. The Marantz SA-10 SACD/CD player/DAC ($6,999) and PM-10 amplifier ($7,999) are expected to start shipping in January. Source: MarantzPosted Tue Dec 6, 2016 at 11:15 AM PST by: -
Hulu Launches Ultra HD Streaming Support, 4K Lineup Includes James Bond Films[teaser]The streaming platform now offers select content in 4K Ultra HD.[/teaser] Hulu has announced the addition of 4K Ultra HD streaming support for several of its original series. In addition, the service is also now offering the James Bond movie collection in 4K. As part of the company's Ultra HD streaming launch, Hulu's initial selection of 4K titles will include its newest original show, 'Shut Eye.' 'Shut Eye' takes a darkly comedic look at the world of Los Angeles storefront psychics and the organized crime syndicate that runs them. Former magician Charlie Haverford (Jeffrey Donovan) oversees a number of fortune telling parlors on behalf of his violent and domineering Romani kingpin boss, until a blow to the head jars him into a new mindset, making him question everything he has ever believed. Every episode of the show's first season will premiere in 4K Ultra HD on December 7. In addition to 'Shut Eye,' the current 4K lineup also includes previous original series like 'Chance,' 'The Path,' and '11.22.63.' ' And beyond Hulu originals, the platform is also streaming more than 20 James Bond movies in 4K Ultra HD, including 'Spectre,' 'Die Another Day,' and 'Golden Eye.' Likewise, more Ultra HD content will be added throughout 2017. Hulu 4K streaming is currently supported through the PS4 Pro and the Xbox One S. Support for more devices will be added next year. A current Hulu subscription starts at $8 per month with commercials. In addition, ad-free playback is available for $12 per month. 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 Mon Dec 5, 2016 at 10:30 AM PST by: -
Netflix Renews Marvel's 'Luke Cage' for Second Season[teaser]"Sweet Christmas!" The streaming series is set to return for another batch of episodes.[/teaser] Netflix has announced a second season order for its original show, 'Luke Cage.' Based on the Marvel comic book, the series stars Mike Colter, reprising the role he originated in the first season of 'Jessica Jones.' After a sabotaged experiment leaves him with super strength and unbreakable skin, Luke Cage (Mike Colter) becomes a fugitive who attempts to rebuild his life in modern day Harlem, New York City. But soon he is pulled out of the shadows and must fight a battle for the heart of his city – forcing him to confront a past he had tried to bury. An exact release date for 'Luke Cage' season two has not been announced yet, but all 13 episodes of the show's first season are now available to stream on Netflix. Check out the first season trailer below! In addition to a new season of 'Luke Cage,' Marvel and Netflix are also prepping 'Iron Fist' and 'The Defenders' for 2017 debuts. 'The Defenders' will feature a crossover team-up between Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, and Iron Fist as they face their biggest threat yet. The series will star Charlie Cox, Krysten Ritter, Mike Colter, and Finn Jones, all reprising their roles from their individual shows. Douglas Petrie, Marco Ramirez, Drew Goddard ('The Martian,' 'Lost,' 'Alias'), and Jeph Loeb will all serve as Executive Producers for the mini-series. The show is being produced by Marvel Television in association with ABC Studios for Netflix. Other upcoming Netflix premieres include 'Reggie Watts: Spatial' on December 6, 'Fuller House' season two on December 9, 'Barry' on December 16, 'Gabriel lglesias: I'm Sorry For What I Said When I Was Hungry' on December 20, 'Travelers' 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: Luke Cage TwitterPosted Mon Dec 5, 2016 at 09:15 AM PST by: -
DirecTV Set to Broadcast First Live 4K Ultra HD NBA Game in US Tonight[teaser]Basketball fans can catch the first live 4K broadcast of an NBA game in the US at 7 p.m. MT/9 p.m. ET on DirecTV.[/teaser] AT&T and NBA TV have announced plans to offer tonight's Denver Nuggets vs. Utah Jazz NBA Game live in Ultra HD through DirecTV. The telecast follows previous 4K test broadcasts by the NBA, and marks the first live Ultra HD broadcast of an NBA game in the United States. "The 4K UHD experience on DIRECTV combines the excitement of the arena and the convenience of the living room," said Dan York, Chief Content Officer, AT&T Entertainment Group. "Live sports is one of the best ways to showcase this incredibly vivid format and we believe NBA fans will love this unique video experience." The game will be broadcast in 4K Ultra HD on DirecTV tonight, December 3, at 7 p.m. MT/9 p.m. ET. In order to enjoy the 4K broadcast, DirecTV customers will need: - DIRECTV ULTIMATE Package or higher, 4K account authorization and professional installation- DIRECTV's latest Genie HD DVR (HR54)- Either a DIRECTV 4K Ready TV or a compatible 4K TV connected to the latest 4K Genie Mini Beyond tonight's Denver Nuggets vs. Utah Jazz matchup, DirecTV plans to announce additional 4K Ultra HD NBA broadcasts in the future. And outside of traditional satellite service, the company also recently launched its new DirecTV Now streaming TV platform. The service offers live sports, on demand content, premium channels, popular shows, and hit movies through various supported tablets, smartphones, media players, and TVs. Here's a rundown of current plans: - Live a Little – $35 / month (60+ channels)- Just Right – $50 / month (80+ channels)- Go Big – $60 / month (100+ channels)- Gotta Have it – $70 / month (120+ channels) Source: AT&TPosted Sat Dec 3, 2016 at 09:45 AM PST by: -
Don't Miss 'Moana' in Dolby CinemaThis week I had the great fortune to do something quite rare in the new-parenting universe. I went to the cinema. Twice! And, during this week's different-day double-feature, I realized a couple things. First, nothing replaces the full experience and scope of going to a movie theatre. More important, though, contrasting experiences underscored how vital it is to seek out a quality auditorium when stepping away from our home theatres.My first screening was the contained sci-fi drama, 'Arrival', which is wonderful and heartbreaking and smart and everything in between. Screenwriter Eric Heisserer and director Dennis Villeneuve and the rest of the cast and crew made an incredibly moving and suspenseful film. I loved every frame.But I also loathed every frame. No, there weren't any focus issues or obvious projector problems. The sound was actually quite good. Cellphones stayed in pockets. And the auditorium itself was a modern and well-maintained Arclight location. But the contrast. Good lord, this purposefully shadowy movie was cast almost entirely in smudged GRAYNESS thanks to certifiably abysmal black levels. And with no black levels -- no contrast -- you lose colors and the overall image seems softer. It's a feedback loop for mediocrity.I hadn't realized it until this moment, but swapping between my Panasonic Plasma and the VIZIO P-Series and the LG E6 OLED (review next week!) has spoiled my ability to watch content on displays with crap contrast. I almost walked out because it's a bit of an artistic tragedy to watch films this way.Then came my saving grace.Then came 'Moana', which is currently heading into its second weekend at a variety of multiplexes, including several Dolby Cinema at AMC premium auditoriums. If you don't know what I mean by Dolby Cinema, have a read over HERE to catch up. The quick definition is this: Dolby Cinema, or Dolby Cinema at AMC, is a state-of-the-art cinema experience that combines Dolby Vision (a dual 4K laser projection system with a MILLION-TO-ONE contrast ratio) with Dolby Atmos (a fully hemispherical surround sound system that adds more subwoofers, full range and overhead speakers, and individual speaker amplification to standard commercial surround sound), leather recliners, and a massive screen.Dolby Cinema (along with other competing laser projection systems) is one of THE BEST ways to watch movies. It's on par going out and buying yourself an OLED or Full Array Local Dimming equipped Ultra HD LCD, only the screen is probably taller and wider than your house. 'Moana' is Disney's latest Princess story. Like 'Frozen', it is modern with a fully realized (but flawed) female lead whose story is all her own. In other words, she's not waiting to be saved by a loving prince. Moana is the daughter of a Pacific Islander chief. She dreams of exploring the open ocean, but Dad won't let her leave the protective boundaries of their island's reef. Moana is also special; she has been chosen by the ocean itself to take on a special journey to find and escort the demi-god, Maui, across the sea so he can return the stolen heart of an island. If Moana fails, her island will die along with everyone she knows and loves. It's also a musical with a chicken sidekick and tons of details portraying the Pacific Islander voyager cultures. Much like 'Arrival', I loved every single frame and can't wait to share it with my little girl.On top of a great story and characters and action, I was fortunate enough to catch 'Moana' at the AMC Del Amo 18, which is home to one of the newest Dolby Cinema at AMC auditoriums. The best way to describe this film's video and audio quality is to say, if it was an Ultra HD Blu-ray with Dolby Atmos sound, it would be one of the best looking and sounding discs in your collection.'Moana' is pure demo material from start to end. The Dolby Vision graded imagery was gobsmackingly gorgeous and rendered with a dazzling array of colors. Unlike Pixar productions, Disney Animation Studios productions offer less semi-photo-real surfaces, but that's not a problem at all. Moana's Island is drenched in tropical forest greens and turquoise waters and pink sea shells. Her side-kick chicken bursts with a mix of brown and purple. Moana's manta-ray spiritual guide shimmers in and out of the rolling waters with a neon glow. Maui's tattoos appear handmade in a deep shade of black. Volcano-monsters erupt with red and orange lava. And this one underwater realm of bioluminescent monsters features some of the most vivid colors ever put to film (to digital?). It's all incredible. Textures too are well rendered and bold, from creatures and clothing to the canoe sails to Moana's hair (both dry and wet). Dolby Cinema at AMC typically only plays is 2D, but the Dolby Vision version of 'Moana' is so clear it feels like you're watching glasses-free 3D.(For what's it's worth, I checked with Dolby and did confirm 'Moana' is in the DCI P3 color space, but I thought maybe that sequence in the underwater land of the monsters was Rec 2020.) 'Moana's Dolby Atmos mix is shut-up-and-take-my-money good. If THIS track doesn't convince Disney's home entertainment division to include the Atmos mix on the Blu-ray, we may never hear a Disney film at home beyond 7.1. Compare this mix to what Marvel's doing with Atmos and it's a clear demonstration of how filmmakers can 1) utilize this technology in vastly different ways and 1) a lesson on how you can build entire aural universes with object-based audio. This mix rockets back and forth between intimate and grand, delivering everything from the subtle nuances of gently lapping waves and pecking chickens to the hemispherical immersion of epic Disney musical numbers to the all out assault of action sequences that are as thrilling as anything in 'Mad Max Fury Road'. I just can't get over how Dolby Atmos, when done as right as it was here, tears away the sensation of sitting in a darkened room and propels audiences directly into the story. One moment I was a husband and father in his mid-30s, and the next I was a young princess listening to the songs of my ancestors, charging across the tropical seas with voices and orchestras and sound effects cascading all around me. I was also a fan of the mix's aggressive use of overhead sounds and deep rumbling bass. Like I said, demo material... made all the more pleasurable because the movie's also pretty great. I write about Dolby products a lot. Sometimes because they invite me. Sometimes because I need a story. And sometimes, like today, because I'm simply in awe of what I've just experienced. As such, my goal here is to shout into this universe that QUALITY matters. Quality impacts the emotional experience of going to the cinema. And sure, quality won't save a bad movie, but it certainly adds to the magic of the good ones.So do yourself a favor. Don't miss the chance to see 'Moana' in a Dolby Cinema before it's too late (click HERE for a list of locations). We may never get another opportunity to see and hear it as the filmmakers intended... on a sixty-plus-foot screen with laser-quality black levels surrounded by several dozen high-end speakers. Cheers.Posted Fri Dec 2, 2016 at 04:14 PM PST by: -
CBS All Access Adds Streaming Support for NFL Games[teaser]Football games will now be available through the streaming TV service.[/teaser] CBS and the NFL have announced a new deal to bring NFL games to CBS All Access. The multiyear deal kicks off this Sunday, December 4, and will include all NFL on CBS coverage of regular, preseason, and postseason games. "We are very pleased that our partnership with the NFL has been expanded to include CBS All Access," said Leslie Moonves, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the CBS Corporation. "Adding the most watched programming on television, to the most watched network on television, will be a powerful combination as we continue to grow CBS All Access into the future." As part of the agreement, CBS All Access subscribers will be able to live stream all NFL on CBS games being broadcast in their local markets, including Thursday Night Football on CBS, as well as pregame and halftime coverage. In addition, 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. CBS All Access 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 Fri Dec 2, 2016 at 12:15 PM PST by: -
Comcast Preps Sling TV Support for X1 Platform[teaser]The internet TV service will be available through Comcast's X1.[/teaser] Comcast has announced plans to bring Sling TV to its X1 platform. The streaming TV service will offer even more content options to Comcast customers, including hundreds of new multicultural programs and channels. "The addition of Sling TV's multicultural programming will be an excellent complement to the existing international offerings on X1 and will be attractive to our customers," said Javier Garcia, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Multicultural Services for Comcast Cable. "Our customers are becoming increasingly diverse and this is a fantastic opportunity to quickly deliver even more customized and multicultural programming to them, on an X1 platform that's smart, fast and easy-to-use." Sling TV offers a variety of live streaming and on-demand programming packages with a total library of more than 425 channels, including 320+ multicultural networks in 21 languages. The service's multicultural packages start at $10 per month. In addition, the base Sling TV Orange plan currently costs $20 per month and features more than 30 channels, including Disney/ESPN stations. Meanwhile, the base Sling TV Blue plan costs $25 per month and features more than 40 channels, including FOX and NBC stations. Finally, customers can also opt to combine both plans for $40 per month. "Sling TV’s debut on Comcast’s X1 is another step forward in our promise to consumers to be available on their favorite platforms," said Ben Weinberger, Chief Product Officer, Sling TV. "For the first time, millions of Comcast customers will have access to new multicultural programming options as well as the full suite of Sling TV programming." An exact launch date for Sling TV on the Comcast X1 platform has not been announced yet. Source: Sling TVPosted Fri Dec 2, 2016 at 06:30 AM PST by: -
Amazon Readies New Original Kids Series 'Bug Diaries' & 'Sigmund and the Sea Monsters'[teaser]Two new streaming kids shows are heading to Prime Video.[/teaser] Amazon has announced the latest additions to its lineup of original kids series. The upcoming shows include 'Bug Diaries' and 'Sid & Marty Krofft's Sigmund and the Sea Monsters.' "We are so excited to bring this beloved series, Bug Diaries, to our customers that highlights important life lessons for our young viewers," said Tara Sorensen, Head of Kids Programming at Amazon Studios. "We also look forward to reviving the classic Sigmund and the Sea Monsters that has a strong message of friendship." 'The Bug Diaries' - An animated comedy series for preschoolers based on the witty children’s books by best-selling author Doreen Cronin and best-selling Illustrator Harry Bliss. The show follows a comic trio of slimy, crawly, and buzzy bug friends whose tiny world offers up huge adventures. Pairing kid-personalities with incredible bug abilities, the series will give us a mile-high look at the world through Fly’s compound eyes, let us squirm in Worm’s “footsteps", and literally hang around with Spider as they record their adventures, each in their own way, in their bug diaries. 'Sid & Marty Krofft present Sigmund and the Sea Monsters' - A live action show for children ages 6 to 11, based on their classic Saturday morning series from the 1970s. The show is centered on two brothers, Johnny and Scotty, who along with their cousin Robyn befriend Sigmund, a friendly young sea-monster who escapes from his old life and his comically dysfunctional brothers Slurp and Blurp. Now, using a Clubhouse as their hiding place, the gang must keep Sigmund safe from an ambitious sea-monster hunter Captain Barnabas. The show is executive produced by Sid & Marty Krofft (H.R. Pufnstuf, Land of the Lost) with the pilot directed by Jonathan Judge (The Thundermans, School of Rock) and starring David Arquette (Scream, Jake and the Neverland Pirates) as Captain Barnabas. Garrett Frawley and Brian Turner (Santa Baby) wrote the new teleplay based on the classic series. Exact release dates for both series have not been announced yet. A current Amazon Prime subscription costs $99 per year or $11 per month. Likewise, Prime Video is available as a standalone service for $9 per month. Source: AmazonPosted Fri Dec 2, 2016 at 05:30 AM PST by: -
Cyber Monday HD Gear Deals Week: Up to 54% off LG & TCL 4K Ultra HD TVs![teaser]Amazon is offering big discounts on select LG and TCL 4K TVs! [/teaser] As part of the online retailer's Cyber Monday Deals Store, Amazon is running a special sale on Ultra HD TVs from LG and TCL. LG Electronics 65UH7700 65-Inch 4K Ultra HD Smart TV - Currently $1,297 (54% off). LG Electronics 60UH8500 60-Inch 4K Ultra HD Smart TV - Currently $1,297 (44% off). LG Electronics 55UH8500 55-Inch 4K Ultra HD Smart TV - Currently $1,097 (15% off). TCL 43UP130 43-Inch 4K Ultra HD Roku Smart TV - Currently $400 (43% off). TCL 65US5800 65-Inch 4K Ultra HD Roku Smart TV - Currently $1,000 (23% off). These deals will only be active for a limited time while supplies last. Make sure to stay tuned to High-Def Digest for more Cyber Monday sales and special promotions!Posted Thu Dec 1, 2016 at 03:15 PM PST by:
