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The CW Preps Free Streaming App for Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV, and More![teaser]The network's shows will be available to stream for free on several media players. [/teaser] The CW has announced plans to expand its free streaming app to more devices. Starting next week, every show on The CW will be available on Roku, Chromecast, AirPlay, Apple TV, Xbox, and Amazon Fire TV. Full details for the new apps have not been announced yet, but CW content will be available to stream free of charge and without a pay-TV cable or satellite subscription. With that said, the service is expected to be supported by ads. Current CW shows include programs like 'Supergirl,' 'The Flash,' 'Jane The Virgin,' 'Arrow,' 'Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,' 'iZombie,' 'Supernatural,' 'DC's Legends of Tomorrow,' 'The 100,' and 'The Originals.' Likewise, the service will also offer trailers and exclusive digital-only content. In addition to the upcoming big-screen app platforms, CW streaming is already available through the web and iOS and Android mobile devices. The app is now expected to become the exclusive streaming home for current season episodes of CW shows. Beyond its own streaming app, The CW also recently announced a new multi-year content licensing agreement with Netflix. As part of the deal, Netflix will remain the exclusive US streaming home for previous seasons of The CW Network's shows. The agreement begins with the 2015-2016 broadcast season, and coverage includes all current CW series, along with all future programs produced for the network during the term of the deal. In addition, starting with the 2016-2017 season, the partnership will allow Netflix users to stream full seasons for covered programs beginning eight days after each show's season finale. An exact launch date for the new CW streaming app has not been announced, but the service is expected to go live next week. Source: The CW 1, The CW 2, Engadget, TechCrunchPosted Fri Sep 23, 2016 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
Netflix Beta Program Arrives on Comcast X1 Platform[teaser]Comcast is now testing Netflix integration through its X1 system. [/teaser] Comcast has announced plans to roll out its Netflix Beta Program to X1 customers across the US. Through the Beta Program, Comcast users will be able to access their Netflix subscriptions directly through their X1 set-top boxes. The Netflix Beta Program integrates Netflix streaming into Comcast's X1 platform, allowing customers to watch live, On Demand, DVR, and Netflix content all in one place. The X1 Netflix experience has been designed to take advantage of key X1 technical advances like universal search, natural language processing, IP stream processing, and a cloud-based infrastructure. In addition, the X1’s voice control has been expanded to support Netflix titles. Likewise, customers can also access the standard Netflix app through their set-top boxes as well. Comcast's Netflix Beta program is rolling out now to X1 customers. Users will receive a message from Comcast when they have been added to the program, allowing them to opt-in through the "Comcast Labs" section on their X1 boxes. Customers who decide to test the new feature can then go to the Netflix app and log in with their info, or sign-up for Netflix directly through the X1. The Netflix Beta Program will help Comcast ensure that the platform runs smoothly in preparation for the official Netflix X1 launch later this year. In addition to Netflix integration, Comcast also recently debuted several new original series exclusive to the company's Watchable streaming app. Watchable is a free streaming service available through Comcast's X1 set top box, at Watchable.com, and through the Watchable iPhone and Android apps. Upcoming Netflix premieres include 'Luke Cage' on September 30, 'The Ranch' on October 7, 'Justin Timberlake + The Tennessee Kids' on October 12, 'Black Mirror' on October 21, 'The Crown' on November 4, 'True Memoirs of an International Assassin' on November 11, 'Lovesick' on November 17, and 'Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life' on November 25. A current Netflix subscription starts at $10 for HD streaming and $12 for Ultra HD streaming. Source: ComcastPosted Fri Sep 23, 2016 at 10:30 AM PDT by: -
The SVS Prime Full Range Elevation Speakers Now Priced & Available to Order, Meant for Atmos, DTS:X, & More[teaser]Down-firing height effects, up-firing mains, side-firing surround.[/teaser] At CES 2016, SVS introduced their Atmos, DTS:X and Auro-3D solution, the SVS Prime Elevation speaker. Now, after some refinement and the addition of a multi-angle wall bracket, the new speaker has been priced and is available to order from SVS in three colors. (See here.) The Black Ash version is $199.99 a speaker, while the Gloss Black and Gloss White versions are $249.99 a speaker. When focusing in on Atmos and DTS:X, the Prime Elevation speaker is meant to be mounted up, close to the ceiling pointed down to the listing position. One speaker on each side, or even better, two in the front and two in the back is the configuration recommended for object-oriented sound. But unlike many current Atmos-focused solutions, the Prime Elevation's 55 Hz-25 KHz frequency response is not limited, which means that the Prime Elevation can be used in other home theater applications. (For a related comaprison, see the SVS Prime Satellite review here.) The Prime Elevation can be placed below the display (pointing up at the listening position) as a left, center, or right speaker. The Prime Elevation can also be placed above a display (pointing down at the listening position) as a left, center, right channel. It's this kind of ability which makes the speaker seem like a great choice for when dealing with a less than ideal speaker placement (not at ear level). It also seems like a speaker that could be useful for pairing with large or variable projection screens. Finally, the Prime Elevation can be turned sideways and used as a surround speaker. To help facilitate this rotation, the logo on screen can also be rotated, and the included wall bracket is meant to be used to hang the speaker easily in any of four directions. One thing to note is that SVS is not recommending this speaker for ceiling bounce applications. The Prime Elevation appears to specifically have been developed as a bounce speaker alternative, and the full range, versatile application nature of the speaker should mean that buyers having a speaker that is useful in a vast of applications. Source: SVSPosted Fri Sep 23, 2016 at 07:14 AM PDT by: -
Dolby Atmos Ultra HD Blu-ray Library Surpasses 50 Titles[teaser]Check out Dolby's growing list of Ultra HD Blu-ray titles with Dolby Atmos audio! [/teaser] Dolby's list of released and upcoming Ultra HD Blu-rays with Dolby Atmos has now surpassed more than 50 films. As of today, more than 50% of current Ultra HD Blu-ray discs on the market feature a Dolby Atmos soundtrack. Dolby Atmos is an immersive, object-based audio technology that allows users to add overhead audio to supported sound systems. Here's the full list of current and upcoming Ultra HD Blu-ray discs with Dolby Atmos! Dolby Atmos UHD Blu-ray Titles Released: 1.Sicario, UHD (Lionsgate) 2.Ender’s Game, UHD (Lionsgate) 3.The Expendables 3, UHD (Lionsgate) 4.Mad Max: Fury Road, UHD (Warner Bros.) 5.San Andreas, UHD (Warner Bros.) 6.Pan, UHD (Warner Bros.) 7.The Amazing Spider-Man 2, UHD (Sony) 8.Salt, UHD (Sony) 9.Hancock, UHD (Sony) 10.Chappie, UHD (Sony) 11.Pineapple Express, UHD (Sony) 12.The Smurfs 2, UHD (Sony) 13.The Peanuts Movie, UHD (20th Century Fox) 14.Concussion, UHD (Sony) 15.The 5th Wave, UHD (Sony) 16.Deadpool, UHD (20th Century Fox) 17.Risen, UHD (Sony) 18.Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, UHD (Sony) 19.Now You See Me, UHD (Lionsgate) 20.The Martian (Extended Cut), UHD (20th Century Fox) 21.Ghostbusters, UHD (Sony) 22.Ghostbusters II, UHD (Sony) 23.In the Heart of the Sea, UHD (Warner Bros.) 24.Journey to Space, UHD (Shout! Factory) 25.Eddie the Eagle, UHD (20th Century Fox) 26.Star Trek, UHD (Paramount) 27.Star Trek Into Darkness, UHD (Paramount) 28.Flight of the Butterflies (Shout! Factory) 29.Rocky Mountain Express (Shout! Factory) 30.The Divergent Series: Allegiant, UHD (Lionsgate) 31.Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, UHD (Warner Bros.) 32.Man of Steel, UHD (Warner Bros.) 33.Lucy, UHD (Universal) 34.Oblivion, UHD (Universal) 35.Michael Schenker’s Temple of Rock: On a Mission – Live in Madrid, UHD (In-Akustik) 36.Angry Birds, UHD (Sony) 37.Now Your See Me 2, UHD (Lionsgate) 38.Teenage Ninja Mutant Turtles 2 (Paramount) 39.Labyrinth 30th Anniversary Edition, UHD (Sony) Dolby Atmos UHD Blu-ray Titles Announced: 40.Warcraft, UHD (Universal): Release date September 27 41.Everest, UHD (Universal): Release date September 27 42.The Shallows, UHD (Sony): Release date September 27 43.Jupiter Ascending, UHD (Warner Bros.): Release date October 4 44.X-Men: Apocalypse, UHD (20th Century Fox): October 4 45.Ice Age: Collision Course, UHD (20th Century Fox): Release date October 11 46.The Da Vinci Code, UHD (Sony): Release date October 11 47.Angels and Demons, UHD (Sony): Release date October 11 48.Ghostbusters (2016), UHD (Sony): Release date October 11 49.The Legend of Tarzan, UHD (Warner Bros.): Release date October 11 50.Independence Day: Resurgence, UHD (20th Century Fox): Release date October 18 51.Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, UHD (Sony): Release date October 18 52.Star Trek Beyond, UHD (Paramount): Release date November 1 53.The Hunger Games, UHD (Lionsgate): Release date November 8 54.The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, UHD (Lionsgate): Release date November 8 55.The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1, UHD (Lionsgate): Release date November 8 56.The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2 ,UHD (Lionsgate): Release date November 8Posted Thu Sep 22, 2016 at 12:15 PM PDT by: -
YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook Announce Live Streaming Options for 2016 Presidential Debates[teaser]The upcoming debates will be available for streaming through several platforms. [/teaser] YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook have all announced plans to live stream the 2016 Presidential Debates. Coverage will be offered from a variety of sources, including PBS, Fox News, Bloomberg, ABC, and more. For its part, Twitter has teamed up with Bloomberg Media to live stream Bloomberg Television's broadcast of the 2016 U.S. Presidential and Vice Presidential debates through Twitter. In addition, the stream will also feature special Bloomberg Politics coverage thirty minutes before and after each debate. Twitter's streams will be available globally at debates.twitter.com, in Twitter Moments or on @bpolitics. "Twitter is where the 2016 presidential election is happening every single day," said Anthony Noto, Twitter's chief financial officer. "Livestreaming the debates with Bloomberg combined with the live commentary and conversation on Twitter will create a one-screen experience at the center of the action unlike any other." Meanwhile, YouTube will offer live streaming coverage of the debates from sources like PBS, Fox News, The Washington Post, Bloomberg, and Telemundo. Likewise, users will be able to check in with YouTube creators like The Young Turks and Complex News, who will be reporting from the debates through YouTube Live directly from their phones. Finally, Facebook is partnering with ABC News to offer live streaming of the debates and related coverage through Facebook Live without advertising. The ABC News Facebook streams will also include daily commentary during debate days from ABC News anchors and correspondents. Here's a rundown of the upcoming 2016 Presidential Debate schedule: - Monday, September 26th, First Presidential Debate - Tuesday, October 4th, Vice Presidential Debate - Sunday, October 9th, Second Presidential Debate - Wednesday, October 19th, Third Presidential Debate Sources: Twitter, YouTube, VarietyPosted Thu Sep 22, 2016 at 10:45 AM PDT by: -
Netflix Readies 'Little Evil' Starring Adam Scott & Evangeline Lilly[teaser]The upcoming comedy will hit Netflix in 2017. [/teaser] Netflix has announced its latest original movie. 'Little Evil' will star Adam Scott ('Parks and Recreation') and Evangeline Lilly ('Lost'). According to Variety, the horror comedy follows a man named Gary (Adam Scott) who marries the apparent woman of his dreams, Samantha (Evangeline Lilly). That is, until Gary discovers that her six-year-old son (Owen Atlas) may be the Antichrist. The film comes from writer/director Eli Craig ('Tucker and Dale vs Evil') and was originally developed at Universal before moving to Netflix. Scott Stuber of Bluegrass Films will produce along with Dylan Clark and Jason Michael Berman from Mandalay Pictures. In addition, Nicholas Nesbitt and Mark Moran are on board executive producers. Donald Faison, Chris D’Elia, Bridget Everett, Clancy Brown, Brad Williams, Marcus Terrell Smith, and Tyler Labine round out the cast. An exact release date has not been announced yet, but 'Little Evil' will premiere on Netflix in 2017. Other upcoming Netflix premieres include 'Longmire' season five on September 23, 'Luke Cage' on September 30, 'The Ranch' on October 7, 'Justin Timberlake + The Tennessee Kids' on October 12, 'Black Mirror' on October 21, 'The Crown' on November 4, 'True Memoirs of an International Assassin' on November 11, 'Lovesick' on November 17, and 'Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life' on November 25. Likewise, the streaming platform is also prepping new seasons of 'Chelsea,' 'Lady Dynamite,' and 'Real Rob,' a new sci-fi series called 'Travelers' from writer Brad Wright, 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,' Spike Lee's 'She's Gotta Have It,' and a feature film adaptation of the manga 'Death Note.' A current Netflix subscription starts at $10 for HD streaming and $12 for Ultra HD streaming. Source: VarietyPosted Wed Sep 21, 2016 at 08:00 PM PDT by: -
Samsung Galaxy Note7 Replacement Units Now Available[teaser]Replacement devices are now available in the US. [/teaser] Following a product recall, Samsung has announced the arrival of over 500,000 new Galaxy Note7 replacement units in the US. The safe devices are now available at retailers and carriers nationwide. In addition, the company is releasing a software update to allow customers to easily identify the replacement models. "Working hand in hand with the CPSC, we are delivering as promised and moving quickly to educate consumers about the recall and make new Note7s available," says Tim Baxter, president of Samsung Electronics America. Samsung recalled the Galaxy Note7 earlier this month due to battery cell issues that could cause overheating and fire risks on devices sold before September 15. The new software update will display a green battery icon on the status bar found on the top right hand of the screen, indicating that customers have a new Galaxy Note7 with the fixed battery. Likewise, the software update will display a safety warning message on recalled units. The Galaxy Note7 features a 5.7 inch Quad HD Dual edge Super AMOLED screen with a resolution of 2560 x 1440 and 518ppi. Under the hood, the device is powered by a Quad Core (2.15GHz Dual + 1.6GHz Dual), 64 bit, 14 nm processor, 4GB of RAM (LPDDR4), and a 3,500mAh fast charging (wired and wireless) battery, all running Android 6.0.1 (Marshmallow). A Rear Dual Pixel 12MP OIS (F1.7) camera and a front 5MP (F1.7) camera are integrated as well. In addition, the smartphone is water resistant (IP68), and uses the Samsung Knox security platform with biometric authentication including iris scanning. Customers can visit samsung.com/us/note7recall for carrier and retailer specific instructions on how and where to exchange their Note7 units. Source: SamsungPosted Wed Sep 21, 2016 at 02:30 PM PDT by: -
Fluance Releases Updated Signature Series Home Theater Floorstanding Speakers[teaser]The company has detailed a new and improved version of its Signature Series speakers. [/teaser] Fluance has announced the release of its updated Signature Series floorstanding speakers. The new versions offer an improved midrange for superior music performance. The new Signature Series Hi-Fi Three-way Floorstanding Speakers feature a 1-inch neodymium balanced silk dome ferrofluid cooled tweeter, a 5-inch woven glass fiber butyl rubber pointed dome midrange, and dual 8-inch polypropylene butyl rubber long throw woofers. The updated midrange offers "an expressive, wide-open and dynamic sound... perfect for listening to audiophile-grade music." The system is rated for a frequency response of 35Hz - 20KHz and power handling of 90 - 200 watts. In addition, the speakers are designed with precision-crafted cabinets made with audio-grade wood to ensure warm, distortion free sound. Likewise, the system's 1.4-inch thick front baffle bears chamfered edges to decrease sound diffraction. Other design features include high end binding posts, big cabinet design, and outriggers. Fluance's Signature Series Hi-Fi Three-way Floorstanding Speakers are now available for $700 per pair in Black Ash or Natural Walnut. Other Fluance speaker models include the Fi70 ($500) Bluetooth speaker and the XL5F high performance three way floorstanding speakers ($400 per pair). The Fi70 features a sophisticated and elegant design aesthetic with a hand-made wood cabinet. Dual 8 inch woofers, 5 inch woven glass fiber midrange drivers and 1 inch neodymium tweeters are integrated as well. The speaker is powered by a 280 watt built-in amplifier and is capable of bass response as low as 30Hz. Meanwhile, the XL5F floorstanding speakers feature a 5 inch midrange driver, powerful 6.5 inch polymer-treated woofers, and high-end Neodymium balanced tweeters to create room filling sound with clear dialogue. Source: FluancePosted Wed Sep 21, 2016 at 11:00 AM PDT by: -
Denon & Amazon Bring Alexa Voice Control to HEOS Wireless Audio Products[teaser]Amazon's hands-free voice service is coming to the HEOS lineup. [/teaser] Denon and Amazon have announced a partnership to bring Alexa voice control to the HEOS wireless multi-room sound platform. The feature is expected to launch on all HEOS enabled products by Q1 2017. "Denon has a 100-year history of performance, innovation and design, we have always been driven to provide the best possible audio experience to our customers—and we're doing that with Amazon Alexa," said Brendon Stead, SVP product development at Denon. "We see the recent shift towards voice as the preferred interface for searching, retrieving, and controlling music as a tremendously compelling arena where we can focus that heritage of technical excellence and innovation to deliver completely new experiences." With Alexa, HEOS users will be able to control their HEOS products using their voices, allowing them to play music, answer questions, get news and local information, control smart home products, and more through natural speech commands. The HEOS line of wireless multiroom audio products lets customers stream music from tablets, smartphones, USB storage, and internet services through the HEOS controller app for Android, iOS, and Fire devices. With HEOS, users can group several rooms together and play the same song perfectly synchronized, or play a different song in every room. Spotify, Pandora, TuneIn, Rhapsody, iHeart Radio, TIDAL, SiriusXM, Soundcloud and Amazon Music playback are also included. Likewise, HEOS also supports high-res audio formats and Bluetooth. "Amazon shares with Denon a passion for innovation and design," said Steve Rabuchin, Vice President, Amazon Alexa. "We are excited to collaborate with them to bring hands-free voice control to premium audio products early next year. Soon HEOS and Amazon Alexa customers will be able to enjoy the convenience of the Alexa voice service plus high-quality home audio—getting us one step closer to our goal of enabling Alexa voice control on every device within customer’s homes." Denon's HEOS lineup features several audio products, including the HEOS 1, HEOS 3, HEOS 5, HEOS 7, HEOS Amp, and HEOS Preamp. Source: DenonPosted Tue Sep 20, 2016 at 08:45 PM PDT by: -
Netflix Casts Toby Stephens, Taylor Russell, and Maxwell Jenkins in New 'Lost in Space' Series[teaser]"Danger, Will Robinson!" Three cast members have been revealed for the upcoming show. [/teaser] Netflix has announced casting for its new 'Lost in Space' series. The show will be a one our sci-fi drama based on the original 1960s TV series. The show centers around the Robinson family, who is forced to come together in a time of crisis. Stranded light years from their intended destination, they find themselves battling a strange new alien environment and also their own personal demons. Equal parts family drama and sci-fi adventure, it is a survival story for the ages. According to Deadline, Toby Stephens ('Black Sails') is set star as John Robinson, patriarch of the Robinson family. In addition, Taylor Russell ('Falling Skies') will play the family's oldest daughter, Judy Robinson, and Maxwell Jenkins ('Sense8') has been cast as her younger brother, Will Robinson. 'Lost in Space' is being developed by feature writing team Matt Sazama and Burk Sharpless ('Dracula Untold,' 'Last Witch Hunter'). Zack Estrin ('Prison Break') is on board as showrunner. Likewise, Neil Marshall is on board to direct several episodes. While an exact release date has not been announced, the 10 episode first season of the show is set to debut worldwide exclusively through Netflix in 2018. Other upcoming Netflix premieres include 'Longmire' season five on September 23, 'Luke Cage' on September 30, 'The Ranch' on October 7, 'Justin Timberlake + The Tennessee Kids' on October 12, 'Black Mirror' on October 21, 'The Crown' on November 4, 'True Memoirs of an International Assassin' on November 11, 'Lovesick' on November 17, and 'Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life' on November 25. Likewise, the streaming platform is also prepping new seasons of 'Chelsea,' 'Lady Dynamite,' and 'Real Rob,' a new sci-fi series called 'Travelers' from writer Brad Wright, 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,' Spike Lee's 'She's Gotta Have It,' and a feature film adaptation of the manga 'Death Note.' A current Netflix subscription starts at $10 for HD streaming and $12 for Ultra HD streaming. Source: DeadlinePosted Tue Sep 20, 2016 at 07:00 PM PDT by: