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Sony Details Signature Series High-Res Audio Products[teaser]Several new premium audio devices have been revealed. [/teaser] Sony has announced the launch if its Signature Series of high-res audio products. The lineup includes the MDR-Z1R headphones, NW-WM1Z and NW-WM1A Walkman players, and the TA-ZH1ES headphone amplifier. "This series of audio products faithfully conveys the heart and soul that artists pour into their music, from the sublime resonance of an orchestra to the overflowing passion of a live concert," said Dunja LaRosa, Director, and Head of Mobile Audio at Sony Electronics. "Together, the Signature Series devices push sound to an entirely new level – taking the headphone experience from 'listening' to 'feeling.'" The MDR-Z1R headphones feature a 70mm, magnesium dome HD driver for up to 120kHZ, along with a lightweight aluminum coated LCP edge diaphragm and a powerful neodymium magnet. The headband is made from lightweight, flexible beta titanium and both the headband and ergonomically correct ear pads use genuine leather for added comfort. Meanwhile, the NW-WM1Z Walkman and NW-WM1A Walkman offer support for high-res audio, including 384kHz/32bit recording and Quad (11.2MHz) DSD native playback. Likewise, the players use a new touch panel UI design. In addition, the flagship NW-WM1Z features a gold-plated, oxygen-free, copper chassis and a dual clock circuit with low phase noise quartz oscillator. Finally, the TA-ZH1ES is the first headphone amplifier to carry the ES brand. The device features a new D.A. Hybrid Amplifier Circuit and provides support for most high-res formats, including native DSD and PCM recordings. Sony's MDR-Z1R Signature Series headphones ($2,299.99), NW-WM1Z Signature Series Walkman ($3,199.99), and TA-ZH1ES Signature Series headphone amplifier ($2,199.99) will be available in November. Meanwhile, the NW-WM1A Signature Series Walkman ($1,199.99) is set to arrive early next year. Source: SonyPosted Mon Sep 12, 2016 at 11:45 AM PDT by: -
TiVo Reveals New TiVo BOLT+ with 3TB & 4K Ultra HD Support[teaser]The company's newest entertainment device has been detailed. [/teaser] TiVo has announced the latest addition to its TiVo BOLT series of products. The BOLT+ offers premium specs and features, including 3TB of storage and six tuners. "With the TiVo BOLT+, our goal is to deliver the best DVR ever sold to consumers and continue to deliver a product with features that provide great value for our resell partners. The 4K TiVo BOLT+ is the all-in-one video system people have been waiting for," said Ira Bahr, general manager of TiVo retail products. "The ultimate multi-room video set up, TiVo BOLT+ eliminates some of the install hassle resellers run into including expensive matrix switchers, while providing the unified entertainment features that users have come to expect and are excited about." The BOLT+ is a unified entertainment system with several updates and improvements over its predecessors, including a new black chassis, 3TB of recording space for up to 450 hours of HD video, and six tuners for recording six shows at once. Likewise, the device offers support for streaming, cable box, DVR, and PLEX capabilities, along with 4K Ultra HD playback. Beyond the expanded storage and additional tuners, here's a rundown of returning features also found in the standard BOLT: - 4K: Connect TiVo BOLT+ to a 4K TV and stream content in ultra-high-definition resolution with spectacular, eye-popping color and detail. - SkipMode: Skip commercial breaks of recorded shows with the press of a single button. - QuickMode: Watch recordings 30 percent faster with pitch-corrected audio. - OnePass™: Consolidate all episodes of favorite shows via cable, and internet video services such as Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime Instant Video,2 creating a universal watchlist across all providers. - OneSearch™: Search across local channels and internet video services to find which shows are available and where they can be viewed. - Remote Access: Watch live TV and recorded shows from a tablet or smartphone anywhere in the home, as well as download or stream shows to watch out of the home and on the go. The new TiVO Bolt+ will be available for a suggested retail price of $500 starting September 15. In addition, the device will be on display at TiVo's both during CEDIA 2016 in Dallas, Texas from September 13-17. Source: TiVOPosted Mon Sep 12, 2016 at 10:30 AM PDT by: -
Netflix Sets October 12 Premiere Date for 'Justin Timberlake + The Tennessee Kids'[teaser]The concert film will hit Netflix in October. [/teaser] Netflix has acquired the global rights to 'Justin Timberlake + The Tennessee Kids.' Before arriving on the streaming platform, the film is set to have its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on Tuesday, September 13, 2016. Directed by Academy Award winner Jonathan Demme ('The Silence of the Lambs,' 'Neil Young: Heart of Gold') and produced by Emmy Award winner Gary Goetzman ('Olive Kitteridge,' 'Mamma Mia!'), the Netflix Original Film showcases the entertainer's final date of his 20/20 Experience World Tour at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Surrounded by the 25 band members of The Tennessee Kids and featuring show-stopping performances from one of the highest-grossing tours of the decade, the film is a culmination of the singer's 134 shows and 2 years on the road. Check out the official teaser below! 'Justin Timberlake + The Tennessee Kids' will start streaming through Netflix on October 12. Rocco Caruso, H.H. Cooper, Rick Yorn, Johnny Wright and Michael Rapino all serve as Executive Producers. Other upcoming Netflix premieres include 'Easy' on September 22, 'Longmire' season five on September 23, 'The Ranch' on October 7, '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,' 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: NetflixPosted Fri Sep 9, 2016 at 04:15 PM PDT by: -
Amazon Readies Docuseries about Tennis Player Novak Djokovic[teaser]The upcoming documentary series will focus on the world’s number one tennis player. [/teaser] Amazon has greenlit its latest original show. 'Novak' (working title) will follow the famed tennis player through the 2017 season, examining what drives and motivates him on and off the court. "There are not enough superlatives to describe Novak Djokovic, one of the most accomplished, multi-dimensional, exciting and captivating athletes on the planet," said Conrad Riggs, Head of Unscripted, Amazon Originals. "Prime members will get an intimate look at the mind and life of a world champion, husband and father, as well as the incredible group of individuals that make up his team." Based on a concept by Alberto Scarpetta and Novak Djokovic, the series will give an unprecedented inside look into the life of a tennis legend over the next tennis season, including his professional life on and off the court—his mental and fitness routines and commitment to healthy food rules and habits—as well as his work in education reform with the Novak Djokovic Foundation and charities such as UNICEF, trips to his hometown in Serbia and even his daily journal entries. Featuring everyone on "Team Novak," the series will give viewers access to an incredible journey of growth and discovery in the making of a man and tennis legend. "Passion, perseverance, commitment and self-awareness are key elements of a champion, but these are impossible to maintain without strong support around you. I am fortunate to have the support of both a caring family and a strong team working with me," said Novak Djokovic. "My fans have been suffering and celebrating with me from the very beginning of my career on the tennis courts and now I want to share with them all my daily life and what’s important to me—my values, my beliefs, and my habits—and also introduce to them all the amazing people that are always next to me." An exact release date has not been announced yet, but 'Novak' will premiere exclusively through Amazon Prime Video in the US, UK, Germany, Austria and Japan. A current Amazon Prime subscription costs $99 per year or $11 per month. Likewise, Prime Instant Video is available as a standalone service for $8 per month. Source: AmazonPosted Fri Sep 9, 2016 at 03:48 PM PDT by: -
Onkyo Announces CEDIA 2016 Lineup, Products Include New NCP-302 Multi-Room Wireless Speaker[teaser]Several new audio products will be on display at the upcoming show. [/teaser] Onkyo has revealed its lineup for CEDIA 2016. The company will demo several audio products, including the recently announced RZ Series AV components and the newly unveiled NCP-302 wireless speaker. The NCP-302 is a Wi-Fi certified multi-room wireless speaker with dual 3-inch woofers and a 1-inch tweeter housed in a wood cabinet. Multi-room connectivity options include FireConnect and Play-Fi, along with music streaming support through Google Cast, AirPlay, and Bluetooth. Likewise, the speaker offers integrated support for several audio services, including Spotify, Pandora, and TIDAL. Buttons for play/pause and input select sit atop the device along with a volume knob. Outside of wireless support, the speaker also includes Ethernet and 3.5mm auxiliary inputs for wired connections. Pricing has not been detailed yet, but the NCP-302 will be available later this year in black and white. In addition to the new NCP-302 Multi-Room Wireless Speaker, Onkyo will also demo its RZ Series THX Select2 Plus-certified 11.2-channel TX-RZ3100 Network A/V Receiver ($2,999), 9.2-channel TX-RZ1100 Network A/V Receiver ($1,999), and flagship THX Ultra2 Plus-certified 11.2-channel PR-RZ5100 Network A/V Controller ($2,399). All three models are designed with custom integration in mind and each unit offers built in support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X object based immersive audio formats. Likewise, each device uses AKM 384kHz/32-bit digital-to-analog conversion technology and VLSC noise-free processing on all channels. Finally, the new RZ series AV products also include HDCP 2.2 compatibility and several 4k video playback features over HDMI including support for BT.2020 color, High Dynamic Range, 4:4:4 color space, and 4K/60 Hz. Onkyo's new audio lineup will be on display at CEDIA 2016 from September 13-17 in Dallas, Texas. Source: OnkyoPosted Fri Sep 9, 2016 at 10:45 AM PDT by: -
Sling TV Releases Windows 10 App with Cortana Voice Integration[teaser]The internet TV service is now available on Windows 10 devices. [/teaser] Sling TV has announced the launch of a new Windows 10 app. The app includes unique Windows features and uses the platform's recently updated interface. "Enabling billions of hours of content consumption among tens of millions of users in the U.S., Windows 10 is a natural platform for Sling TV as we continue to make it easier and more convenient for consumers to access our service," said Roger Lynch, CEO of Sling TV. "We have invested significant resources and hours in creating a superior Sling TV experience on Windows 10 that highlights the platform’s unique features." Sling TV offers live and on demand streaming content from a variety of channels, including networks like ESPN, ESPN2, AMC, A&E, TNT, HISTORY, H2, TBS, Food Network, HGTV, Travel Channel, IFC, El Rey, Adult Swim, Cartoon Network, Freeform, Disney Channel, CNN, Bloomberg TV, Local Now, Lifetime, Galavisión, and Comedy Central. Here's a rundown of the new Windows 10 app's unique features as detailed in the press release: - Live Tiles: Easily see content from “favorites” and “continue watching” ribbons when Sling TV is pinned to the start menu. - Cortana Voice Integration: Quickly search for specific shows or channels by voice with Cortana, Microsoft’s personal digital assistant. - Vertical Menu: Windows 10 users will feel right at home with a vertical main menu on Sling TV. - Responsive User Interface: Sling TV on Windows 10 uses a responsive UI, so the video automatically adapts to different sizes and snaps the app to use only half of the screen. - Touch Compatibility: Sling TV works on both touch and non-touch Windows 10 devices. "We're excited for customers to experience the Windows 10 Sling TV app, taking advantage of capabilities unique to our platform, such as Cortana voice commands and Live Tiles," said Tuula Rytila, corporate vice president, post sales monetization (PSM), Microsoft. "Microsoft continuously works with industry leading partners to bring high quality apps to the Windows Store and we're pleased to offer Sling TV as another way for consumers to experience live TV on Windows 10 devices." The Sling TV Windows 10 app is now available from the Windows Store. Plans start at $20 per month and new users can receive a 7-day free trial. Beyond the new Windows 10 app, Sling TV is also available through Apple TV, Roku players, Roku TVs, the Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, PCs, Macs, Xbox One, Android and iOS devices, and more. Source: Sling TV via Business WirePosted Thu Sep 8, 2016 at 05:30 PM PDT by: -
Netflix Dates 'True Memoirs of an International Assassin' for November 11[teaser]The action comedy starring Kevin James will hit Netflix in November. [/teaser] Netflix has announced a premiere date for its latest original film. 'True Memoirs of an International Assassin' will start streaming through Netflix on November 11. The action comedy stars Kevin James as Sam Larson, a mild-mannered would-be author who gets mistaken for a killer-for-hire when his fictional novel about an international assassin is published as a true story. When the book is a huge success, he is suddenly kidnapped, taken out of the country, and forced into an assassination plot. 'True Memoirs of an International Assassin' is directed by Jeff Wadlow ('Kick Ass 2') and written by Jeff Morris and Jeff Wadlow. Todd Garner, Mark Fasano, Raja Collins and Justin Begnaud are all on board as Producers, and Kevin Frakes, Ankur Rungta and Guy Riedel are serving as Executive Producers. The film also stars Andy Garcia ('Kill the Messenger'), Zulay Henao ('Meet the Blacks'), Maurice Compte ('Narcos'), Andrew Howard ('Taken 3'), Rob Riggle ('22 Jump Street'), Kelen Coleman ('The McCarthy's'), Leonard Earl Howze ('Memphis Beat'), Yul Vasquez ('The Lottery') and Kim Coates ('Sons of Anarchy'). Additional crew members include director of photography Peter Collister ('Underworld: Awakening'), production designer Toby Corbett ('Pitch Perfect 2'), costume designer Lizz Wolf ('The Expendables 3'), and editor Sean Albertson ('The Expendables 3'). Other upcoming Netflix premieres include 'Easy' on September 22, 'Longmire' season five on September 23, 'The Ranch' on October 7, 'Black Mirror' on October 21, 'The Crown' on November 4, '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,' and a feature film adaptation of the manga 'Death Note.' In addition, the service recently announced premiere dates for its upcoming stand-up comedy lineup, including shows from Cedric the Entertainer, Russell Peters, Joe Rogan, Dana Carvey Colin Quinn, Michael Che, Reggie Watts and Gabriel Iglesias. A current Netflix subscription starts at $10 for HD streaming and $12 for Ultra HD streaming. Source: Netflix, ComingSoon.netPosted Thu Sep 8, 2016 at 05:00 PM PDT by: -
AT&T Updates DirecTV Mobile App with Access to Live & Recorded Programming[teaser]Subscribers can now watch more DirecTV content through their mobile devices. [/teaser] AT&T has announced an update for its DirecTV Android and iOS apps. The new app offers mobile access to virtually all DirecTV content, including most live and recorded programs. "Our customers want to take their TVs with them, and our new DIRECTV App allows just that," said David Christopher, CMO, AT&T Entertainment Group. "You can get the content you want, when you want it.... your living room channels and your recorded content with you, anywhere you go." With the new DirecTV mobile app, Android and iOS users who subscribe to DirecTV can now watch most live and recorded DirecTV content anywhere they have a mobile or WiFi internet connection. Likewise, customers can also download most of their DVR recordings to their mobile devices for offline viewing. In addition, subscribers who use the Data Free TV option on the AT&T mobile wireless network can watch content via the DirecTV or U-verse App without using their mobile data. Here's a full rundown of new app features per the press release: - Stream Live Channels: Access to live programming that you subscribe to on DIRECTV (up to 315 different channels), almost anywhere you have internet access, whether it's via Wi-Fi or mobile network. You can restart shows in progress or watch shows that aired in the last 72 hours – even if you forgot to record them! - Stream Recorded Programs: Access to content recorded on your home DVR via your mobile device, wherever you have internet access, whether it's via Wi-Fi or mobile network. - View Recorded Programs Offline: Ability to download almost all recorded content from your home DVR to your mobile device via your home Wi-Fi network. Once downloaded, you can watch that program anywhere, even if you're on a plane – no internet required. The new DirecTV app is now available for iOS and is coming soon to Android. Source: AT&TPosted Thu Sep 8, 2016 at 02:00 PM PDT by: -
Amazon Unveils New Fire HD 8 Tablet with Alexa Support, Prices Start at $90[teaser]The latest Fire HD tablet has been detailed. [/teaser] Amazon has announced the newest addition to its Fire line of products. The upgraded Fire HD 8 offers improved performance over the previous model and introduces Alexa voice service support. "We believe in a different approach to tablets—providing premium products at non-premium prices—and customers love it. In fact, we've seen Fire tablet sales more than double year-over-year as a result," said Kevin Keith, General Manager, Fire Tablets. "The all-new Fire HD 8 packs more battery life, more storage, faster performance, plus Alexa—all for less than $90." The tablet features an 8-inch HD display and is powered by a quad-core processor. Likewise, the device offers up to 12 hours of battery life and includes a 2MP rear camera and a front-facing VGA camera. In addition, the Fire HD 8 also incorporates Alexa voice service support -- a first for Fire tablets. Here's a full rundown of major specs and features per the press release: - High-definition display—8” widescreen (1280 x 800) HD display with over a million pixels (189 ppi) for bright, vivid image quality.- Fast performance—With a quad-core 1.3 GHz processor and 1.5 GB of RAM—50% more RAM than the previous generation Fire HD 8 for faster performance when playing games or launching apps.- 2x more storage—With options for 16 GB or 32 GB, and support for up to 200 GB of expandable storage via microSD.- All-day battery—4,750 mAh battery for up to 12 hours of mixed use battery life for a full day of power.- Incredible reliability—As measured in tumble tests, Fire HD 8 is 2x more durable than the iPad Mini 4—and costs $300 less.- Front- and rear-facing cameras—Video chat with friends and family with the front-facing camera, take and share photos, and save them for later with free, unlimited cloud storage for all photos taken on Fire devices.- Dolby Audio—Fire HD 8 stereo speakers are custom-tuned for immersive, high-quality sound.- Fire OS 5—Includes a user interface that replicates the look and feel of a magazine, making browsing and searching for your content easier than ever—now with support for Comixology and Twitch.- Alexa—Simply press and ask to enjoy music, listen to audiobooks, ask questions, shop, find news, hear the weather, and more on your Fire tablet.- Amazon Underground—A one-of-a-kind app store experience where thousands of premium apps, games, and even in-app items are 100% free—including extra lives, unlocked levels, unlimited add-on packs, and more.- On Deck—For Prime members, On Deck automatically keeps your Fire tablet current with popular Prime movies and TV shows, as well as Amazon Original Series. For customers that aren’t yet Prime members, On Deck downloads first episodes of Amazon Original Series—so you always have something great to watch.- World’s best content ecosystem—Access to millions of movies, TV shows, songs, books, magazines, apps, and games—with free, unlimited cloud storage for all Amazon content.- Amazon-exclusive features—ASAP, X-Ray, Second Screen, Family Library, Amazon FreeTime, Prime Video downloads, Blue Shade, Word Runner, and more.- Screen sharing—Let an Amazon expert guide you remotely through any feature on your screen, available 24x7, 365 days a year—for free.- Four fun color options—Black, magenta, blue, and tangerine. The new Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet will start shipping on September 21 in 16GB ($90) and 32GB ($120) models. In addition to the new Fire HD 8, Alexa support is also coming to the Fire HD 10, Fire, and last year's Fire HD 8 tablets through a free software update in the coming months. Source: AmazonPosted Thu Sep 8, 2016 at 10:15 AM PDT by: -
LG Details V20 Smartphone with QHD Display & Hi-Fi Quad DAC[teaser]The company's new flagship smartphone has been revealed. [/teaser] LG has announced its latest V series mobile device. The premium V20 is geared toward high performance multimedia users. "The LG V20 is designed to offer customers a more dynamic experience by building on the most popular video and audio features of the V series," said Juno Cho, president of LG Electronics and Mobile Communications Company. "With the LG V20, we are giving our customers more of everything they love and less of anything they don't need to set a new standard for premium smartphones." The V20 features a 5.7 inch QHD IPS Quantum Display with a resolution of 2560 x 1440 and 513 ppi. A smaller secondary IPS Quantum Display with a resolution of 160 x 1040 and 513 ppi is located above the main display as well, allowing users to easily view notifications and alerts. Under the hood, the smartphone is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 Processor and 4GB of LPDDR4 RAM running Android 7.0 Nougat. Two rear cameras, a 16MP camera with F1.8 Aperture OIS (Standard Angle) and an 8MP camera with F2.4 Aperture (Wide Angle), are integrated as well, along with a 5MP front camera with F1.9 Aperture (Wide Angle). In addition, the device is capable of recording Hi-Fi videos and can capture audio using 24-bit / 48 kHz Linear Pulse Code Modulation (LPCM). Likewise, the V20 is the first smartphone to use a 32-bit Hi-Fi Quad DAC powered by ESS Technology. The LG V20 smartphone is set to launch in Korea this month and will then expand to more markets. Exact pricing and availability for additional regions will be announced soon. Source: LGPosted Wed Sep 7, 2016 at 07:30 PM PDT by: