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CBS All Access Adds Commercial-Free On-Demand Streaming Option[teaser]The streaming service now offers an ad-free subscription plan. [/teaser] CBS has announced the addition of a new commercial-free option for its CBS All Access on demand content. The commercial free option costs $10 per month, joining the previously available $6 monthly plan with commercials The service offers live and on demand CBS content, including upcoming original shows like 'Star Trek: Discovery,' a spin-off of 'The Good Wife,' and a new digital edition of 'Big Brother.' "The foundation of CBS All Access is not only about giving CBS fans access to more of the content they want, but also giving them more choice in how they watch their favorite CBS programming," said Marc DeBevoise, President and Chief Operating Officer of CBS Interactive. "The addition of a commercial-free plan gives our subscribers even more ways to customize their CBS viewing experience – from which devices to whether they watch in or out of the home, and now with commercials or without." CBS All Access offers next day streaming for new episodes of many popular shows and a library of over 7,500 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 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. The CBS All Access service is currently available through the Xbox One, 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. Likewise, support for more connected devices will be added in the coming months. Source: CBSPosted Fri Sep 2, 2016 at 02:30 PM PDT by: -
DTS Play-Fi Wireless Audio Ecosystem Expands to Pioneer & Onkyo Products[teaser]Pioneer and Onkyo have joined the DTS Play-Fi ecosystem. [/teaser] DTS has announced two new Play-Fi hardware partners. Pioneer and Onkyo are now the latest manufacturers to offer support for Play-Fi wireless audio technology. In addition, DTS also revealed plans to introduce Play-Fi wireless surround functionality with discrete 5.1 surround sound support. The new feature will begin rolling out in late September. "We are proud to announce that Pioneer and Onkyo are the latest brands to join DTS Play-Fi, the world’s largest ecosystem of premium wireless audio products," said Brian Towne, executive vice president, DTS, and president DTS Asia Pacific. "DTS is committed to providing listeners with the most flexibility and choice of products when it comes to their wireless home audio system, and this expansion further increases the Play-Fi ecosystem's industry-leading selection of audio products." As part of the agreement, Pioneer and Onkyo will upgrade select 2016 soundbars, AVRs, lifestyle products, and home theaters-in-a-box with DTS Play-Fi technology through firmware updates. Likewise, both companies will incorporate DTS Play-Fi support into their 2017 models. The Play-Fi whole-home wireless music ecosystem gives both customers and manufacturers a great level of freedom when it comes to integrating and using Wi-Fi streaming for music. With Play-Fi audio products, users can wirelessly play high quality lossless music from smartphones, tablets, laptops or desktop PCs over an existing home Wi-Fi network to multiple Play-Fi speakers throughout the home. Likewise, Play-Fi is not brand exclusive. This means that Play-Fi audio products from different manufacturers can actually work together seamlessly. "I'm very pleased to announce that we start adopting DTS Play-Fi technology to Pioneer and Onkyo products today," said Nobuaki Okuda, director and CTO, Onkyo Corporation and president, Onkyo and Pioneer Technology Corporation. "We will keep expanding implementation of the technology to a broader range of our products to meet global customers' demand to deliver a great entertainment experience." DTS Play-Fi demos are now on hand at IFA 2016 in Berlin from Sept. 2-7. Source: DTSPosted Fri Sep 2, 2016 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
Nyrius Launches ARIES Pro Wireless HDMI Transmitter & Receiver[teaser]The company's newest wireless HDMI product is now available. [/teaser] Nyrius has revealed the latest addition to its growing lineup of connected home devices. The ARIES Pro Wireless HDMI Transmitter & Receiver acts as an invisible HDMI cable for wireless content streaming from supported HDMI devices to HDMI displays and projectors. The simple plug-and-play device is capable of wirelessly transmitting uncompressed 1080p 3D video. Customers just need to connect the receiver to a television or projector, and then insert the included HDMI stick into a laptop, PC, Mac, UAV/FPV Drone, HDSLR Camera, PS4, Xbox One or other supported HDMI device. Once connected, users can then browse the internet, watch personal media, play games, and access content from various streaming services wirelessly from their connected products to their displays with zero latency. The ARIES Pro Wireless HDMI Transmitter & Receiver has an extended wireless range of up to 100 ft. away and is capable of transmitting through walls, floors and ceilings without interference from WiFi or Bluetooth devices. In addition to entertainment users, the product is also geared toward creatives and business professionals, allowing videographers to stream videos and enlarge photos from their drones, HDSLRs and video cameras. Nyrius' ARIES Pro Wireless HDMI Transmitter & Receiver is now available for a suggested retail price of $250. In addition to the new ARIES Pro, Nyrius offers an extensive collection of other connected home devices, including the ARIES Prime Wireless HDMI Transmitter & Receiver System ($200), the ARIES Home+ Wireless HDMI 2 Input Transmitter & Receiver ($250), the ARIES Home Wireless HDMI Digital Transmitter & Receiver ($200), and the ARIES Digital Wireless HDMI Transmitter and Receiver System ($400). Source: NyriusPosted Fri Sep 2, 2016 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
Netflix Debuts Trailer for Christopher Guest's 'Mascots,' Streaming Premiere Set for October 13[teaser]The director's latest comedy will premiere on Netflix in October. [/teaser] Netflix has released an official trailer for its latest original movie, 'Mascots.' The comedy comes from director Christopher Guest ('Waiting for Guffman,' 'Best in Show,' 'A Mighty Wind'). As previously reported, the Netflix original film takes place in the ultra-competitive world of sports mascots where a group of "unusual" big-headed and furry-suited men and women compete for the most prestigious award in their field. The ensemble cast includes Jim Piddock, Jane Lynch, Parker Posey, Fred Willard, Ed Begley, Jr., Christopher Moynihan, Don Lake, Brad Williams, Zach Woods, Chris O’Dowd, Susan Yeagley, Sarah Baker, Tom Bennett, Kerry Godliman, Bob Balaban, Jennifer Coolidge, Michael Hitchcock, Maria Blasucci, and John Michael Higgins. Check out the full trailer below! 'Mascots' is set to premiere through Netflix on October 13. The film is written by Christopher Guest and Jim Paddock ('Family Tree), and is being produced by Karen Murphy ('This is Spinal Tap,' 'For Your Consideration'). Other upcoming Netflix premieres include 'Easy' on September 22, '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: NetflixPosted Thu Sep 1, 2016 at 04:00 PM PDT by: -
Philips Reveals New 901F Series 4K Ultra HD OLED TV with Ambilight & HDR[teaser]A new OLED display has been detailed. [/teaser] TP Vision has announced the latest addition to its Philips-branded Ultra HD TV lineup. The 901F Series Ultra HD TV is the world's only 4K OLED TV with Ambilight and Android TV. The 901F features a 55-inch OLED Ultra HD panel with expanded color gamut support, HDR (high dynamic range) playback, and wide viewing angles. Thanks to the display's OLED screen, the TV is able to completely turn off or dim individual pixels to create perfect blacks, offering impressive contrast. The set also incorporates Philips' exclusive Perfect Pixel UHD Engine to digitally optimize content for razor-sharp images with superior detail and depth. In addition, the 901F Series includes a 3-sided Ambilight with several available modes, providing perfectly-tuned ambient lighting across the walls and out into a user's room. An integrated soundbar with six front firing speakers and a powerful backfiring subwoofer is included as well. Finally, the 901F OLED uses the Android TV platform with access to Google Play for streaming, movies, TV shows, games, and apps. Sadly, pricing and availability for the TP Vision Philips 901F Series OLED Ultra HD TV have not been announced yet. In addition to displays, the Philips brand also recently released its first Ultra HD Blu-ray player. The BDP7501 Ultra HD Blu-ray player ($300) features a compact design along with HDR support, HDMI 2.0a and 1.4a outputs, a dedicated HDMI audio out, and HDCP 2.2 compliancy. In addition, copies of 'Creed' on Ultra HD Blu-ray will be bundled with the player through September 30. Outside of Philips, LG and Panasonic are the only companies with OLED Ultra HD TVs currently on the market, though Panasonic's display is only available in Europe. LG's 2016 Ultra HD TV collection is readily available in the US, however, and features several OLED models, including the award-winning 65G6 4K Ultra HD SIGNATURE OLED TV. Sources: Philips, YouTube, EngadgetPosted Thu Sep 1, 2016 at 02:45 PM PDT by: -
Plex Announces New DVR Capabilities for Plex Pass Subscribers[teaser]Plex Pass users can now access their over-the-air and CableCARD HDTV recordings. [/teaser] Plex has announced the launch of Plex DVR. With the necessary setup, the Plex DVR feature allows Plex Pass subscribers to watch their HDTV recordings on virtually any media device from anywhere in the world. "We've put a lot of time into this release, and the result is a really elegant DVR, which takes advantage of all the power and intelligence of Plex," said Scott Olechowski, Co-founder and Chief Product Officer of Plex. "Plex rounds out the cord cutting experience with a beautifully organized, easy-to-navigate interface that makes all your content available wherever you go. Now you can view TV in a living room or on your phone, using a streaming stick in a hotel, or even on a plane when you're offline. The addition of DVR allows our customers to make Plex the heart of their media experience. No other solution comes close." To enjoy Plex DVR, customers will need a Plex Pass subscription, an HDHomeRun (HDHR) digital tuner, and any digital antenna. Once the HDHomeRun is paired with your Plex media server, users can record OTA content and watch it through the Plex app of their choice. This includes support for iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, Linux, Roku, Chromecast, Amazon Fire, NVIDIA SHIELD and other Android TV devices, Apple TV, Xbox, PlayStation, and most Smart TVs. In addition to OTA content, Plex DVR also supports non-DRM CableCARD channels on the HDHomeRun PRIME network attached digital tuner. The Plex Pass DVR feature is currently available as a beta release for Plex Pass users. A Plex Pass subscription currently costs $4.99 per month, $39.99 per year, or $149.99 for a lifetime subscription. The media server platform offers a variety of features, including Mobile and Cloud Sync, Premium Music, full access to all Plex Apps, parental controls, and much more. Click here for our full review! Sources: Plex via Global Newswire, Plex BlogPosted Thu Sep 1, 2016 at 01:00 PM PDT by: -
RIVA Unveils Wand Series Multi-Space Audio System Speakers, Prices Start at $249[teaser]The company has detailed two new wireless multi-space speakers. [/teaser] RIVA has announced the latest additions to its audio lineup. The upcoming Wand Series features the new Arena and Festival speakers. "Many talented people have worked very hard to bring such quality and flexibility at a very affordable price," noted company Chairman and Chief Creative Officer Rikki Farr. "They've created a compact, open system that consumers can play with any source. Finally, I can listen to the music of my past played back as close to LIVE as it gets in a compact system that integrates into any situation! Very rewarding." The Wand Series features multi-space wireless speakers with patented stereophonic sound, allowing users to listen to various music sources through multiple connectivity options including Wi-Fi, DDMS, Spotify Connect, AirPlay, DLNA and Bluetooth. Likewise, the Wand Series offers support for a single direct connection or a whole-environment wireless networked audio system that can simultaneously stream to up to 32 speakers. In addition, customers can use the RIVA WAND app to easily create zones, stream different music/audio content through the environment, and voice control the system. The series includes the compact RIVA Arena and full-range tabletop RIVA Festival speakers, which both use the company's patented Trillium audio technology. The RIVA Arena features 3 full-range custom ADX drivers with 3 passive radiators for up to 101dB of sound. Likewise, the model can be configured for stereo pairing, and customers can add an optional 16+ hour battery pack for portable use. Meanwhile, the RIVA Festival uses 6 custom ADX woofers and tweeters along with 4 passive radiators for up to 106dB. Both speakers include analog and USB inputs with charge out for mobile devices, and the FESTIVAL also includes an optical input. In addition, both models offer high-resolution audio compatibility for up to 24-bit/192kHz playback. Supported audio codecs include MP3, ALAC, APE, FLAC, FLAC HD, HLS, WMA Streaming, RTSP, and PCM/WAV. The RIVA Wand Series is expected to launch in November. The Festival will retail for $499 and the Arena will retail for $249. The new series, joins the company's previously released RIVA Turbo X and RIVA S Bluetooth speakers. Source: RIVAPosted Thu Sep 1, 2016 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
Netflix Confirms 'Stranger Things' Season Two for 2017[teaser]The hit supernatural drama series will return to Netflix next year. [/teaser] Netflix has released an announcement trailer for 'Stranger Things' season two. Matt Duffer and Ross Duffer ('Wayward Pines,' 'Hidden') served as writers, directors and co-showrunners for the first season which premiered on July 15. In the series, a young boy vanishes into thin air. As friends, family, and local police search for answers, they are drawn into an extraordinary mystery involving top secret experiments, terrifying supernatural forces, and one very strange little girl. The series, set in Indiana, is a love letter to the ‘80s classics that captivated a generation. Stranger Things stars Winona Ryder ('Show Me a Hero'), David Harbour ('Suicide Squad'), Finn Wolfhard ('The 100,' 'Aftermath,' 'The Resurrection'), Millie Brown (BBC's 'Intruders,' 'Once Upon A Time,' 'NCIS'), Gaten Matarazzo ('The Blacklist'), Caleb McLaughlin ('The Lion King on Broadway'), Noah Schnapp ('Bridge of Spies,' 'The Peanuts Movie'), Natalia Dyer ('After Darkness,' 'Hannah Montana: The Movie'), Charlie Heaton ('Shut In,' 'Urban and the Shed Crew'), and Matthew Modine ('Weeds,' 'Proof'). Plot details for the second season have not been announced yet, but the show will pick up in the fall of 1984. Check out the announcement teaser below! Season two will premiere in 2017 and is set to include nine episodes. All eight season one episodes are now available for streaming globally through Netflix. Other upcoming Netflix premieres include 'Easy' on September 22, 'The Ranch' on October 7, 'Mascots' on October 13, '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 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. Sources: Netflix, VarietyPosted Wed Aug 31, 2016 at 09:30 AM PDT by: -
Denon Readies First X-Series AV Receivers with HEOS Network Technology[teaser]Two new AV receivers have been detailed. [/teaser] Denon has announced the latest additions to its home audio lineup. The upcoming premium class AVR-X6300H and AVR-X4300H are the world's first Denon Network AV Receivers with HEOS technology integration. The AVR-X4300H is a 9.2-channel receiver with 11.2 channel processing and support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, along with optional Auro 3D support (via paid upgrade). Meanwhile, the AVR-X6300H is an 11.2-channel receiver with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, along with Auro 3D support through an optional firmware upgrade. In addition, both models include HEOS integration, allowing each device to join or establish a HEOS wireless multi-room music network, enabling users to enjoy their favorite music anywhere and everywhere around the home. Here's a full rundown of main specs, features, and pricing for both receivers per the press release: AVR-X4300H ($1,499) - 9x 125W AV Receiver; 11.2ch processing- Built-in WiFi with 2.4GHz/5GHz dual band support; built-in Bluetooth- 4K/60 Hz full-rate pass-through, 4:4:4 color resolution, HDR and BT.2020- 8 HDMI inputs (incl. 1 front) with full HDCP 2.2 support; 3 HDMI outputs- Advanced Video Processing with analogue to HDMI conversion and full rate 4K Scaling- Dolby Atmos and DTS:X (up to 7.1.4 with add. 2ch amplifier); Auro-3D upgradable- Built-in HEOS Wireless Multi-Room Audio Technology- AirPlay, Bluetooth, Spotify®, Pandora®, TuneIn Internet Radio, iHeart Radio, TIDAL, SiriusXM, Napster, Deezer, Mood:Mix, Soundcloud® and Amazon Music Network Audio Streaming- DSD (2.8/5.6MHz), FLAC, ALAC and WAV support- Audyssey MultEQ XT32 with SubEQ, LFC, Dynamic Volume, Dynamic EQ- Advanced Multi-Room options; 11.2ch Pre-out; RS232 Control- Color-coded speaker terminals, Setup Assistant, Denon 2016 AVR Remote App- Intelligent ECO mode with off/on/auto settingAVR-X6300H ($2,199) - Additional Features- 11x 140W AV Receiver; 11.2ch processing - Monolithic Amplifier Design with Denon Custom Made Transistors- Dolby Atmos and DTS:X (up to 7.1.4 without add. 2ch amplifier); Auro-3D upgradable The Denon AVR-X6300H and AVR-X4300H are set to start shipping in October. Source: DenonPosted Wed Aug 31, 2016 at 09:00 AM PDT by: -
Rupert Grint Set to Star in New Crackle Streaming Series Based on 'Snatch'[teaser]The upcoming show will be inspired by the Guy Ritchie film. [/teaser] Crackle has announced that Rupert Grint will star in its upcoming 'Snatch' streaming series. In addition, Grint will also serve as an executive producer for the show. The series will carry the spirit of the setting in the original feature film, while creating a new world born from the original movie. Inspired by a real life heist in London, 'Snatch,' centers on a group of twenty-something, up and coming hustlers who stumble upon a truck load of stolen gold bullion and are suddenly thrust into the high-stakes world of organized crime. The boys must quickly learn to navigate the treacherous waters of London's underworld as rogue cops, gypsy fighters, international mobsters and local villains descend. Ruper Grint will play the dynamic, frustratingly chaotic and utterly posh, Charlie Cavendish. Other cast members include Dougray Scott ('Fear The Walking Dead,' 'Doctor Who') as Vic Hill, and Ed Westwick ('Wicked City,' 'Gossip Girl') who will guest star as Sonny Castillo. Nick Renton ('The Musketeers,' 'Jericho') is on board to direct the series with Alex De Rakoff serving as an additional executive producer and Helen Flint as a producer for Little Island Productions. An exact release date has not been announced, but the 10-episode first season will debut in 2017. Beyond 'Snatch,' Crackle is also set to premiere is latest original series, 'StartUp,' on September 6. 'StartUp' is written by Ben Ketai and stars Martin Freeman and Adam Brody. Crackle is a free digital entertainment network that offers movies, TV shows, and original content. Other Crackle original series include Jerry Seinfeld's 'Comedian in Cars Getting Coffee,' 'The Art of More,' 'Chosen,' 'Cleaners' and 'Sequestered.' Crackle is available on Xbox One, Xbox 360, PS3, PS4, PlayStation TV, PSVita, iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku, Android devices, and more. Sources: Deadline, Crackle via The Futon CriticPosted Wed Aug 31, 2016 at 07:30 AM PDT by:
