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Trinnov Altitude 32 Receives DTS:X Update & EISA Award for Best High-End Home Theater Product[teaser]The award-winning high-end preamp/processor now supports DTS:X immersive audio. [/teaser] Trinnov has announced the release of the DTS:X software update for its Altitude 32 preamplifier. In addition, the device also recently earned the Best Product 2016-2017 award in the High-End Home Theater category from the European Imaging and Sound Association (EISA). "Serious home cinema enthusiasts seeking the very best experience need look no further than Trinnov Audio’s Altitude 32. Able to output up to 32 discrete channels, this is no ordinary home cinema processor. Advanced, fully-customizable room optimization and equalization enables it to tailor its sound to the specific speaker layout and characteristics of a home theatre, and it will map any Dolby Atmos, DTS:X or Auro-3D native feed without breaking into a sweat. The outcome is a reference-class performance, with the Altitude 32 bringing astonishing clarity and definition, scale and presence, to movie soundtracks. Software-based architecture means it is ready for future updates, and despite its state-of- the-art feature set, operation is always easy with networked control from a PC, smartphone or tablet," said EISA's president Paul Miller. The Altitude 32 preamplifier can support rendering for up to 32 discrete channels. Likewise, the device features Trinnov high-performance AD/DA converters and 64 bits floating point and 24 bits / 192 kHz native processing. Universal Spatial Accurate 3D Audio playback with Trinnov's patented 3D Loudspeaker Remapping, the exclusive Trinnov 3D measurement microphone, and 3D Speaker/Room calibration tools are included as well for seamless, immersive audio. DTS:X support is now available to all Altitude 32 owners who purchased the 3D decoders option through a software update. In addition, the unit supports Dolby Atmos and Auro-3D audio formats as well. Trinnov's Altitude 32 is available now for around $37,000. Source: TrinnovPosted Sun Aug 28, 2016 at 05:45 PM PDT by: -
Netflix Details Upcoming Lineup of Original Stand-Up Comedy Specials[teaser]Premiere dates for eight upcoming stand-up specials have been revealed. [/teaser] Netflix has announced release dates for its upcoming slate of comedy specials. The schedule includes shows from Cedric the Entertainer, Russell Peters, Joe Rogan, Dana Carvey Colin Quinn, Michael Che, Reggie Watts and Gabriel Iglesias. In addition to the new specials, the streaming service also recently premiered 'Jeff Foxworthy and Larry the Cable Guy: We’ve Been Thinking…' on August 26, and is set to debut 'Iliza: Confirmed Kills' on September 23. Here's a rundown of the full comedy lineup per the press release: 'Cedric the Entertainer: Live from the Ville' (Premieres Friday, September 16, 2016) - Comedy icon Cedric the Entertainer brings the laughs to Nashville, taking hilarious aim at the aggressive lyrics of today's rap artists, raising kids in the Snapchat generation, and Obama's legacy. The "Original King of Comedy" played to a packed house at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. 'Russell Peters: Almost Famous' (Premieres Friday, October 7, 2016) - Russell Peters is back and as fearless as ever in his newest comedy special, ‘Almost Famous.’ In front of a sold out audience in Toronto, Canada, Peters makes a triumphant return focusing on his two favorite subjects: family and race. 'Joe Rogan: Triggered' (Premieres Friday, October 21, 2016) - Joe Rogan takes to the stage to unleash his inquisitive and intense comedic style at the historic Fillmore in San Francisco where he explores everything from raising kids and Santa Claus to pot gummies and talking to dolphins. 'Dana Carvey: Straight White Male, 60' (Premieres Friday, November 4, 2016) - Emmy Award-winning comedian and "SNL" star Dana Carvey makes quite the impression with his distinctive brand of comedy in his new, outrageously funny stand-up special filmed at the The Wilbur Theatre in Boston, MA. 'Colin Quinn: The New York Story' (Premieres Friday, November 18, 2016) - 'SNL' veteran Colin Quinn delivers a taping of his sold out off-Broadway show to Netflix for his second stand-up special. In front of a crowd of fellow locals, Quinn presents the history of New York and the different groups who shape the personality of the city. Quinn's show was filmed at the Schimmel Center in New York City and is directed by Jerry Seinfeld. 'Michael Che Matters' (Premieres Friday, November 25, 2016) - 'SNL' Weekend Update co-anchor and former “Daily Show” correspondent, Michael Che brings down the house with his laid-back style as he tackles society’s most controversial actions through his hilarious prism at the Greenpoint Terminal Warehouse in Brooklyn, New York. 'Reggie Watts: Spatial' (Premieres Tuesday, December 13, 2016) - Comedian/musician Reggie Watts brings viewers along on a one-of-a-kind surrealist experimental comedy adventure. The completely improvised show weaves together sketches, short stories, and dream sequences creating a truly unique experience. Filmed live on a soundstage in Los Angeles, Watts waxes poetic about flight, grits, and guns - and takes the audience on a trip fantastic they will not soon forget. 'Gabriel lglesias: I’m Sorry For What I Said When I Was Hungry' (Premieres Tuesday, December 20, 2016) - One of the most popular comedians in the world with sell out concerts in over 24 countries, this special marks Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias’ Netflix original stand-up comedy debut and sixth comedy special. Watch as Fluffy reflects on his life and more before a sold out house in Chicago, IL. A current Netflix subscription starts at $10 for HD streaming and $12 for Ultra HD streaming. Source: NetflixPosted Sun Aug 28, 2016 at 05:15 PM PDT by: -
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LG Set to Highlight Benefits of HDR and OLED Tech at IFA 2016[teaser]The company will demonstrate a wide range of HDR formats at the upcoming show. [/teaser] LG has announced plans to spotlight high dynamic range technology on its OLED displays during IFA 2016 in Berlin. The manufacturer is teaming up with several broadcasters and content providers to demo video using Dolby Vision HDR, HDR10, and the new Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG) technology. "With unprecedented technological flexibility, LG OLED TVs offer the most advanced HDR capabilities on the market today as well as into the future," said Brian Kwon, president of LG Home Entertainment Company. "Future HDR technology will allow a wider range of consumers to experience rich HDR content regardless of the format employed." Visitors to LG's booth will be able to view several HDR demonstrations on LG OLED TVs. Demos are set to include the transmission of HLG content using ASTRA's satellite network and the British Broadcasting Corporation's (BBC) terrestrial broadcasting system. Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG) is a new HDR standard created by the BBC and NHK of Japan. The standard is designed to enable broadcasters to send HDR transmissions over cable and to provide live streaming content. HLG uses a single distribution bitstream which can be decoded by both dedicated HDR receivers and legacy non-HDR receivers. In addition, LG is also partnering with the BBC and the European Broadcasting Union to demo HDR tech combined with High Frame Rate (HFR) content. HFR allows for smoother Ultra HD images by supporting video with up to 100/120 frames per second. The demonstration will involve HFR HLG content that is compatible with both MPEG DASH (IP streaming) and DVB-T2 transmission systems. LG's HDR demos will be viewable on the company's OLED TVs at their IFA 2016 booth in Berlin from September 2-7. Source: LGPosted Fri Aug 26, 2016 at 01:45 PM PDT by: -
RiffTrax Launches New App for iOS and Android Devices with Commentary Syncing Feature[teaser]The new app offers an automatic commentary syncing option. [/teaser] RiffTrax has released an updated version of its iOS and Android app. The upgrade now includes an automatic syncing feature for commentaries. RiffTrax offers a series of humorous commentary tracks for popular films and cheesy B-movies written and recorded by Michael J. Nelson, Kevin Murphy (Tom Servo) and Bill Corbett (Crow T. Robot), the stars of Mystery Science Theater 3000. And with the new app, users can automatically sync their "Just the Jokes" commentaries with their corresponding movie titles. Customers simply need to hit play on their smartphones or tablets and then the app will listen for the movie using their device's microphone. When the film is recognized, the app automatically synchronizes the commentary to play along with the movie. Syncing typically takes about 30 seconds or less once dialogue is heard. The app can recognize movies from Netflix, iTunes, Amazon Video, DVDs, Blu-rays, your TV, computer, and other streams. Currently the app supports about 95% of the core RiffTrax titles, offering compatibility with 100 titles including 'Star Wars,' 'Harry Potter,' 'Twilight,' 'Transformers,' 'The Avengers,' 'Game of Thrones,' and more. Click here for a full list of supported tracks. Unfortunately, the app is not currently compatible with Bluetooth speakers. The RiffTrax Android and iOS apps with commentary sync support are now available to download for free from the Google Play and iTunes app stores. In addition to RiffTrax, Bill Corbett ("Crow T. Robot") and Kevin Murphy ("Tom Servo") are also set to reprise their MST3K roles on the upcoming 'Mystery Science Theater 3000' series revival on Netflix. An exact release date has not been announced yet, but the new season will feature 14 episodes. Sources: RiffTrax via Engadget, Google PlayPosted Fri Aug 26, 2016 at 12:45 PM PDT by: -
CBS All Access Subscription Streaming App Arrives on Xbox One[teaser]The streaming service is now available through Microsoft's Xbox One console. [/teaser] CBS has announced the arrival of its CBS All Access subscription digital video streaming platform on the Xbox One. The service offers on demand and live 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.' "Overall, our subscriber base is spending more than half of their time streaming CBS All Access content on connected devices, and that increases to 75 percent when watching CBS All Access's live local TV feeds," said Rob Gelick, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Digital Platforms for CBS Interactive Entertainment. "Expanding the service to Xbox One gives CBS Television fans even more ways to watch their favorite programming on their device of choice." 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 CBS All Access service currently costs $6 per month and new customers can receive a one-week free trial. In addition to the recently launched Xbox One support, CBS All Access is also available through 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 Aug 26, 2016 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
Samsung Releases HW-K950 & HW-K850 Dolby Atmos Soundbars, Prices Start at $999[teaser]Two new Dolby Atmos soundbar models are now available for purchase. [/teaser] Samsung has announced the launch of its latest soundbar models. The HW-K950 and HW-K850 both feature support for Dolby Atmos immersive audio technology. "As the availability of 4K content continues to grow, we developed a premium sound solution to complement our premium home entertainment portfolio," said Jim Kiczek, Vice President of Audio/Visual Product Marketing, Samsung Electronics America. "The HW-K950 and HW-K850 soundbars with Dolby Atmos serve as the optimal companions to our spectacular 4K SUHD television and Ultra HD Blu-ray player line-up by providing consumers with an incredible next-generation home entertainment audio experience that features powerful, room-filling multidimensional sound." The HW-K950 features support for 5.1.4 channel sound with two additional rear wireless speakers and a wireless subwoofer. The sleek soundbar unit is just 2.1 inches high and uses 15 built-in speakers including 4 upward-firing drivers -- two on the main soundbar and one each on the rear satellites. The Dolby Atmos enabled upward drivers allow sound to bounce off of the ceiling, simulating overhead audio. Meanwhile, the HW-K850 soundbar offers 3.1.2 channel sound with 11 built-in speakers, including two upward firing drivers. A separate wireless subwoofer is also part of the package. Finally, both models offer 4K Ultra HD video pass-through. Samsung's HW-K950 ($1,499) and HW-K850 ($999) are now available for purchase. Beyond Samsung, Yamaha (full review here!), Philips, and Creative Technology all have their own Dolby Atmos soundbar models as well. In addition to their new Dolby Atmos audio products, Samsung also recently released an HDR+ firmware update for its 2016 SUHD TV lineup. The lineup includes the KS8000, KS8500, KS9000, KS9500, and KS9800. Source: SamsungPosted Fri Aug 26, 2016 at 09:00 AM PDT by: -
Amazon Preps Streaming Series Based on 'The Departed'[teaser]The streaming platform is developing a show based on the Martin Scorsese movie. [/teaser] According to a report from Deadline, Amazon is developing a new series inspired by the 2006 Oscar-winning film, 'The Departed.' The show is being produced by Amazon Studios, Vertigo Entertainment, Initial Entertainment Group, and Plan B Entertainment in association with Warner Bros TV. Rather than a continuation or traditional remake, the series will offer a new interpretation of the film's plot, which itself was based on the earlier 2002 Hong Kong movie, 'Infernal Affairs.' Though the Scorsese version was set in Boston and focused on an undercover cop and criminal in the Irish mob, the Amazon show will be set in present day Chicago and follow two moles -- a cop undercover in a Latino gang and a gang member undercover with the police. The series is being written by Jason Richman ('Detroit 1-8-7') who will also serve as one of the show's executive producers. In addition to 'The Departed,' other upcoming Amazon shows include 'Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan,' 'The Kicks' on August 26, 'Transparent' season three on September 23, Woody Allen's 'Crisis in Six Scenes' on September 30, and 'The Man in the High Castle' season two on December 16. Likewise, the studio also recently released its 2016 Comedy Pilot Lineup, announced a new series titled 'Britannia' for 2017, greenlit a 13 episode documentary series called 'American Playboy: The Hugh Hefner Story,' and renewed 'Catastrophe' for a third and fourth season scheduled for 2017 and 2018 respectively. 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: DeadlinePosted Thu Aug 25, 2016 at 01:30 PM PDT by: -
Roku Adds AMC App to Streaming Channel Lineup[teaser]A new streaming channel has been added to Roku's media lineup. [/teaser] Roku has announced the latest addition to its streaming content library. The AMC channel is now available on Roku players and Roku TV models in the US. With the AMC channel, Roku customers can now watch full episodes and video extras from AMC original shows like 'The Walking Dead,' 'Preacher,' 'Fear the Walking Dead,' 'Better Call Saul' and more -- so long as they have an authenticated AMC subscription with a participating cable, satellite or telco provider. In-season full episodes are available for streaming the day after they air. In addition, all Roku users can enjoy behind-the-scenes interviews, exclusive extras, and trailers, even without an AMC subscription. The new AMC channel is now available in the "Movies & TV" category in the Roku Channel Store on Roku players and Roku TV models, including the company's flagship Roku 4 ($130). The Roku 4 is powered by a Quad-Core processor and features support for 4K Ultra HD playback at up to 60 fps, 4K upscaling of HD content, and audio support for up to Dolby Digital Plus 7.1 surround sound. HDCP 2.2 compliancy is integrated as well, along with 802.11ac MIMO dual-band wireless, 10/100 Base-T Ethernet, an Optical Audio Out, a microSD slot, and a USB port. Likewise, the device includes an enhanced remote with voice search, point anywhere use, a headphone jack, motion-control for gaming, and a speaker for Remote Finder alerts. In addition to AMC, Roku also recently added Discovery GO, Animal Planet GO, TLC GO, Sci GO, and ID GO to their library, offering access to several popular shows like 'Deadliest Catch' and 'Naked & Afraid.' Source: RokuPosted Thu Aug 25, 2016 at 11:00 AM PDT by: -
Hulu Casts Joseph Fiennes in Drama Series 'The Handmaid's Tale'[teaser]The actor will join Elisabeth Moss in the upcoming show. [/teaser] Hulu has announced the addition of Joseph Fiennes to the cast of 'The Handmaid's Tale.' The show is based on the novel of the same name by Margaret Atwood and will be produced by MGM Television. The Handmaid's Tale is the story of life in the dystopia of Gilead, a totalitarian society in what was formerly part of the United States. Facing environmental disasters and a plunging birthrate, Gilead is ruled by a twisted religious fundamentalism that treats women as property of the state. As one of the few remaining fertile women, Offred (Elisabeth Moss) is a Handmaid in the Commander's household, one of the caste of women forced into sexual servitude as a last desperate attempt to repopulate a devastated world. In this terrifying society where one wrong word could end her life, Offred navigates between Commanders, their cruel Wives, domestic Marthas, and her fellow Handmaids – where anyone could be a spy for Gilead -- all with one goal: to survive and find the daughter that was taken from her. According to Variety, Fiennes is set to play Commander Fred Waterford, a powerful, high-ranking official who is a founding father of the totalitarian society of Gilead. Commander Waterford rules the household where Offred is a handmaid. The ongoing drama series is being created, executive produced, and written by Bruce Miller ('The 100'). Daniel Wilson, Fran Sears, and Warren Littlefield ('Fargo') will also serve as executive producers. An exact release date has not been announced, but the 10-episode first season is set to premiere on Hulu in 2017. A current Hulu subscription starts at $8 per month with commercials. In addition, ad-free playback is available for $12 per month. Source: VarietyPosted Thu Aug 25, 2016 at 10:30 AM PDT by: -
YouTube Updates TV App with Improved Navigation & Recommendations[teaser]The app has been redesigned with living room users in mind. [/teaser] YouTube is rolling out an update to its TV app. The upgrade offers a new streamlined design with enhanced navigation and recommendations. The new YouTube TV app features a redesigned interface that highlights specific content categories through separate tabs aligned in a horizontal row across the top of the screen. The content tabs include sections for topics like recommended, trending, sports, news, comedy, music, entertainment, fitness, cartoons, travel, beauty, and gaming -- allowing easy access to a variety of videos. Once selected, each category then offers a series of subcategories and recommendations, providing a mixture of new and old content related to the selected topic. Likewise, YouTube has also added new sections for live streams and 4K, making it easier to find live content and Ultra HD videos. The updated YouTube app is now rolling out to various smart TVs, game consoles, and streaming media players like the Roku and Chromecast in the US. With that said, the redesign will not be available on the Apple TV since that device uses its own specific YouTube app with Siri integration. Outside of the new YouTube TV app, the streaming platform also recently added live 360 degree streaming video support and spatial audio support for on demand videos. With 360 degree videos, users are able to enjoy a fully immersive viewing experience that allows them to shift the perspective around the room, placing them right in the thick of news events, exotic destinations, sports games, and music concerts. Meanwhile, spatial audio allows users to listen to content just as they do in real life, where depth, distance and intensity all play a role. Sources: Engadget, CNET, Business InsiderPosted Wed Aug 24, 2016 at 03:30 PM PDT by:
