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BenQ Reveals i500 LED Mini Projector With Bluetooth Speaker, MSRP Set for $749[teaser]The company's latest compact projector model has been detailed. [/teaser] BenQ has announced the launch of its newest projector model. The i500 is a smart all-in-one LED mini projector with an integrated Bluetooth speaker and wireless streaming support. "The i500 smart projector is an entertainment game-changer," said J.Y. Hu, vice president at BenQ America Corp. "At just 3.3 pounds and 3 inches tall just about the size of today's tablets, the i500 is a powerful and versatile device for even the tightest spaces. Simply turn on the i500 and you’re ready to stream videos and music wirelessly for the ultimate big-screen experience anywhere." The short throw projector can create images up to 80 inches in size from as close as 3 feet from the wall or screen in a native WXGA (1280 x 800) resolution. The model also offers vertical keystone correction and uses Colorific technology with a long life LED light source rated for 20,000 hours without lamp replacement. In addition, the back of the dual-sided device includes a pair of integrated 5W fine mesh covered chambered speakers to deliver clear audio without external speaker connections. Likewise, the device can also double as a portable Bluetooth speaker. Wireless LAN support is included as well with preloaded streaming apps like YouTube, Spotify, Vimeo, Netflix, Hulu and many others. Inputs include HDMI x 1, USB 2.0 x1, USB 3.0 x 1, audio I/O as well as a mic in. Finally, the projector also supports available game pads and controllers for video game use. BenQ's i500 smart all-in-one LED mini projector with integrated Bluetooth speaker is now shipping in the US for a suggested retail price of $749. Source: BenQPosted Mon Aug 1, 2016 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
Crackle Releases Trailer for 'StartUp,' Streaming Premiere Set for September 6[teaser]The new streaming series starring Martin Freeman and Adam Brody will hit Crackle in September. [/teaser] Crackle has released an extended trailer for its latest original series, 'StartUp.' The show is written by Ben Ketai ('Chosen,' 'THE FOREST'). 'StartUp' explores what happens when a brilliant, yet controversial tech idea gets incubated on the wrong side of the tracks by three strangers who don't necessarily fit the mold of "tech entrepreneurs." Set amongst the unconstrained, yet opportunist streets of Miami, 'StartUp' weaves a complex and exciting narrative, featuring the high-stakes struggle of what one will do to reach ultimate success. Forced to fund a tech company with dirty money from unsuspecting places while forming ties with a dangerous, Haitian gang, the fight to build a business pales in comparison to the fight to stay alive, especially when there’s a vehement FBI agent who wields the power to make or break those he comes in contact with—and not always for the right reasons. Check out the trailer below! The cast includes Martin Freeman ('Fargo,' 'Sherlock'), Adam Brody ('CHiPS,' 'The League'), Edi Gathegi ('The Blacklist,' 'Twilight') and Otmara Marrero ('Graceland'). In addition to writing, Ben Ketai also serves as executive producer and director. The series is produced by Critical Content and Hollywood Gang Productions. Tom Forman, Andrew Marcus, Ray Ricord, Gianni Nunnari and Shannon Gaulding are all on board as executive producers as well. Finally, Adam Brody and Anne Clements ('Cleaners') are listed as producers. 'StartUp' will be available for free through Crackle on September 6. 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. Source: CracklePosted Fri Jul 29, 2016 at 02:45 PM PDT by: -
ZVOX Readies New AccuVoice TV Speaker for Enhanced Dialogue Clarity[teaser]The new TV speaker uses hearing aid technology for better dialogue reproduction. [/teaser] ZVOX has detailed its latest audio product. The upcoming AccuVoice TV Speaker is designed to enhance dialogue reproduction for users with minor hearing impairment. "I went to my first rock concert in 1966. The Who. Fargo Civic Auditorium. $1.25 admission. My hearing was better when I walked in then when I walked out. I'm not alone. Millions of baby boomers with 'rock ears' are now listening to the worst sound systems in TV history. But baby, AccuVoice can fix that!" Tom Hannaher, CEO and long time Who fanatic. The AccuVoice TV speaker measure just 17-inches wide and features an enclosed aluminum cabinet with three high performance full range drivers. Using a computer processor with an advanced compression/equalization algorithm, the speaker is able to offer similar functionality to a hearing aid. This allows the device to effectively lift voices out of background sounds, resulting in superior dialogue reproduction. Likewise, the speaker's proprietary (patent-pending) technology is only activated when voices are present in a soundtrack. In addition, the model also includes ZVOX’s proprietary PhaseCue virtual surround system for three-dimensional audio. Two audio inputs are integrated as well: an optical digital and analog/optical 3.5mm. The ZVOX AccuVoice TV Speaker will start shipping in September for a suggested retail price of $250. In addition to traditional retail outlets an websites, ZVOX is also currently running an introductory Kickstarter campaign with early bird discount pricing. Outside of the new AccuVoice TV Speaker, ZVOX also offers a wide assortment of soundbars and soundbases, including the SoundBase 670 Home Theater Sound System (full review here). Source: ZVOX via PR WebPosted Fri Jul 29, 2016 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
Motor Trend OnDemand Now Available as Add-On Subscription for Amazon Prime Members[teaser]The automotive SVOD/OTT service is now available through Amazon Prime. [/teaser] TEN: The Enthusiast Network has announced the launch of its Motor Trend OnDemand automotive streaming service as an add-on subscription for Amazon Prime members. The service is also available as a standalone app for Xbox One, Xbox 360, iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Roku, and Android devices, as well as the web. "TEN is committed with Motor Trend OnDemand to provide the best in automotive programming on the planet to our loyal fans, many of which are also Amazon Prime members," said TEN CEO Scott Dickey. "Now from Apple to Amazon to Google, Roku, to XBox, on your phone, tablet or TV, we'll take you there." Amazon Prime members can now sign up for a 30 day free trial of Motor Trend OnDemand. Prime members who subscribe to the add-on will be able to access all Motor Trend OnDemand programming, except for live events, which will be supported in 2017. The Motor Sport OnDemand service offers more than1,500 hours of automotive content, including original programming, motorsports, and historical archives. Likewise, Motor Trend OnDemand provides exclusive first-look access, bonus episodes, and behind-the-scenes footage from its popular lineup of original programming like 'Roadkill,' 'Head 2 Head,' 'Dirt Every Day,' 'Ignition,' 'Hot Rod Garage,' and more. After the free trial, the service costs $5.99 per month. Likewise, users without Amazon prime can currently sign up for Motor Trend OnDemand for $4.99 per month, $49.99 annually, or $89.99 for two years. 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. Sources: Motor Trend OnDemand, AmazonPosted Thu Jul 28, 2016 at 04:00 PM PDT by: -
Marantz Details SR6011 9.2 Channel AV Receiver with Dolby Atmos & DTS:X[teaser]The company's latest AV receiver with immersive audio support has been announced. [/teaser] Marantz has revealed the latest addition to its AV receiver lineup. The new SR6011 AV Receiver will retail for $1,399 and is set to start shipping in September. The 9.2 Channel receiver is rated at 110 watts per channel (8 ohms, 0.08%, 20Hz~20kHz) and features high grade audio components. Likewise, the unit includes support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X immersive audio formats, allowing users to configure 7.1.2 or 5.1.4 speaker setups without the need of an external amplifier. In addition, the receiver offers 11.2 channel processing, giving customers the option to add an external amplifier to create a 7.1.4 speaker setup. Audyssey MultEQ XT32 automatic room acoustic correction is included as well using a supplied measurement microphone. HDMI 2.0a and HDCP 2.2 specifications are featured on all 8 HDMI inputs, providing support for 4K Ultra HD 60Hz video, 4:4:4 Pure Color sub-sampling, High Dynamic Range (HDR), 21:9 video, 3D, and BT.2020 pass-through on every input, allowing full playback from 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray disc players, set-top boxes and other 4K Ultra HD sources. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and AirPlay connectivity are included as well for various music streaming options. Finally, the SR6011 also incorporates high-resolution audio playback with support for AIFF, FLAC and WAV lossless files at up to 24-bit/192-kHz, ALAC/Apple Lossless at up to 96kHz/24bit, and SACD-quality DSD2.8MHz and 'Double DSD' 5.6MHz. In addition to the new SR6011 AV Receiver, Marantz also recently announced the SR5011 7.2 Channel Receiver ($899) with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support. The SR5011 features a 7ch discrete power amplifier with 100W per channel (8ohm, 20Hz – 20kHz, THD: 0.08%). Source: Marantz via Digital TrendsPosted Thu Jul 28, 2016 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
Netflix Unveils Teaser for 'Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life,' Streaming Premiere Set for November 25[teaser]Netflix will take fans back to Stars Hollow later this year. [/teaser] Netflix has released a teaser for 'Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life.' The new four part event is a continuation of the original series which ran from 2000 - 2007 on the WB and then the CW. 'Gilmore Girls: A Year In The Life' includes four 90-minute chapters, each spanning one of the four seasons: Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall. 'Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life' is created by Amy Sherman-Palladino, who executive produces, writes and directs the four 90-minute chapters with Daniel Palladino. The project is from Dorothy Parker Drank Here Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television. Check out the date announcement teaser below! Returning cast members include Lauren Graham ('Parenthood'), Alexis Bledel ('The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants'), Scott Patterson ('Saw V,' 'Saw IV'), Kelly Bishop ('The Good Wife'), Keiko Agena ('Transformers: Dark of the Moon'), Sean Gunn ('Guardians of the Galaxy'), Milo Ventimiglia (Gotham), Matt Czuchry (The Good Wife), Liza Weil (How To Get Away With Murder), Yanic Truesdale (Rumours), and more. The four part show will premiere on November 25 exclusively through Netflix. Other upcoming Netflix premieres include 'Tallulah' on July 29, 'Last Chance U' on July 29, 'The Little Prince' on August 5, 'Project Mc2' season two on August 12, 'XOXO' on August 12, and 'The Crown' on November 4. Likewise, the streaming platform is also prepping 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.' A current Netflix subscription starts at $10 for HD streaming and $12 for Ultra HD streaming. Source: NetflixPosted Thu Jul 28, 2016 at 11:00 AM PDT by: -
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LG Display Expands Investment in Flexible OLED Screens for Mobile Devices[teaser]The company is investing more money in flexible OLED display production. [/teaser] LG Display has announced plans to invest KRW1.99 trillion for a new 6th generation (1,500mm x 1,850mm) flexible OLED display production line in Paju, South Korea. The flexible screens are being geared toward use in next generation smartphones and mobile devices. Dr. Sang-Beom Han, CEO and Vice Chairman of LG Display, said "A paradigm shift to OLED represents both a challenge and an opportunity for the display industry." He added, "LG Display is determined to become the leader in the fast-growing OLED market through timely investments to maximize efficiency." The new flexible OLED line, dubbed E6, is expected to begin mass production during the second half of 2018 at LG's P9 plant in Paju. The plant is set to produce 15,000 input sheets per month. This new production line will now join LG's 4.5th generation flexible OLED display production line (E2) currently in Paju, and another new 6th generation production line (E5) being built in Gumi. Likewise, LG previously announced plans to invest KRW10 trillion for a new P10 plant in Paju which will also produce flexible OLED displays as well as large-size OLED screens. Outside of LG Display's new flexible OLED production line, LG Electronics currently uses OLED panels in several TV models, offering superior black levels and contrast over traditional LCD displays. Here's a rundown of LG's 2016 OLED Ultra HD TVs: OLEDB6P – Flat-panel OLED TV (4K Smart TV with HDR) - 55-inch class (54.6 inches diagonal) model OLED55B6P ($3,999) - 65-inch class (64.5 inches diagonal) model OLED65B6P ($5,999) OLEDC6P – Curved-panel OLED TV (4K Smart TV with HDR) - 55-inch class (54.6 inches diagonal) model OLED55C6P ($3,999) - 65-inch class (64.5 inches diagonal) model OLED65C6P ($5,999) OLEDE6P – Flat-panel OLED TV (4K Smart TV with HDR and Picture-on-Glass design) - 55-inch class (54.6 inches diagonal) model OLED55E6P ($4,999) - 65-inch class (65.5 inches diagonal) model OLED65E6P ($6,999) OLEDG6P – Flat-panel LG SIGNATURE OLED TV (4K Smart TV with HDR, Picture-on-Glass design and harmon/kardon® sound bar stand) - 65-inch class (64.5 inches diagonal) model OLED65G6P ($7,999) - 77-inch class (76.8 inches diagonal) model OLED77G6P (Coming Soon) Source: LG DisplayPosted Wed Jul 27, 2016 at 04:49 PM PDT by: -
Samsung Releases HDR+ Firmware Update for 2016 SUHD TV Lineup[teaser]The new update offers enhanced HDR capabilities on the company's quantum dot displays. [/teaser] Samsung has announced the release of a new HDR+ firmware update for its 2016 lineup of SUHD TVs. The upgrade includes improved HDR performance, an SDR to HDR conversion option, and new HDR calibration features. "The HDR+ function offers an exceptional HDR viewing experience to all 2016 SUHD and UHD TVs consumers," said Jong-hee Han, Vice President, Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. "We're thrilled to share this latest advancement with our consumers to access directly on their 2016 SUHD TVs. Samsung is bringing the highest form of picture quality right to their living rooms." With the new firmware upgrade, customers can now simulate HDR-like picture quality with standard dynamic range (SDR) content. Likewise, the upgrade also offers better performance with native HDR content, providing more refined shadow detail in darker scenes and a higher contrast ratio for brighter scenes. In addition, the firmware includes new "Expert Mode" HDR calibration options, allowing users to customize brightness, contrast ratio and gradation for HDR to the finest degree. To access the new settings, customers need to navigate to the "Picture – Special viewing" mode options. Samsung's automatic HDR+ firmware update is now available for its 2016 SUHD TVs. The upgrade is also set to expand to all HDR compatible Samsung 2016 Ultra HD TVs by September. Samsung's 2016 SUHD TV lineup includes the KS8000, KS8500, KS9000, KS9500, and KS9800 -- with sizes ranging from 49 inches to 88 inches. The flagship KS9800 series features a cadmium free 10 bit Quantum Dot Display with 1,000-nit HDR and support for up to one billion colors in detail. Source: SamsungPosted Wed Jul 27, 2016 at 03:45 PM PDT by: -
Netflix Becomes Exclusive Global Streaming Home for FX's 'American Crime Story'[teaser]The show's first season will hit Netflix in 2017. [/teaser] Netflix and 20th Century Fox have announced a new global SVOD licensing agreement. As part of the deal, Netflix will now become the exclusive global streaming home for the FX series, 'American Crime Story.' The show's first season, focused on the O.J. Simpson trial, will arrive worldwide (except Canada) on the streaming platform in 2017. In addition, all subsequent seasons will be available on Netflix after their initial broadcast windows. "We're excited to evolve our relationship with FOX and to bring their lauded content to our members around the world," said Sean Carey, Vice President of Global Television. "Given the popularity of the first season of American Crime Story, we are thrilled to offer this acclaimed drama series to our members." The first season of this limited series goes inside the O.J. Simpson trial and explores the chaotic, behind-the-scenes dealings and maneuvering on both sides of the court, and how a combination of prosecution overconfidence, defense shrewdness and the LAPD's history with the city’s African-American community gave a jury what it needed: reasonable doubt. The second season of American Crime Story focusing on Hurricane Katrina will debut on FX next year. "We're extremely pleased to continue our relationship with Netflix on this groundbreaking deal," said Gina Brogi, EVP Worldwide Pay TV and SVOD, Twentieth Century Fox Television Distribution. "We are very proud of the first installment of this franchise, The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story, which has received extraordinary critical acclaim and perfectly captured the cultural Zeitgeist." A current Netflix subscription starts at $10 for HD streaming and $12 for Ultra HD streaming. Source: NetflixPosted Wed Jul 27, 2016 at 10:45 AM PDT by: -
LeEco Acquires VIZIO in $2 Billion DealPhotographs & contributions by Michael S. Palmer. [teaser]LeEco and VIZIO, Inc. have announced an all-cash $2 billion deal that will allow LeEco to acquire VIZIO over the next three years.[/teaser] As part of the agreement, VIZIO hardware and software businesses become a wholly owned subsidiary of LeEco. Meanwhile, the VIZIO founder and CEO, William Wang, will depart to run VIZIO's data business, Inscape, as a separate, privately owned company. "LeEco believes in breakthrough technologies, a complete ecosystem and disruptive pricing. Acquiring VIZIO is an important step in our globalization strategy and building our North American presence," said YT Jia, Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, LeEco. "From its inception, VIZIO introduced a disruptive business model that changed the industry and aligns with our vision of breaking boundaries to deliver consumer-focused products, software and services." Who is LeEco, exactly? A global tech company with an open, integrated ecosystem of streaming content, platforms, and smart devices. In non-PR speak, this multinational company is a vertically integrated media-and-tech empire hoping to deliver original film, television and sports content to dozens of connnected platforms like smartphones and TVs as well as autonmoous vehicles and even futuristic looking bicyles that help you target a healthy lifestyle. For the Americans reading this, you may known LeEco best from their film division, LeVision Pictures, who, in addition to content made for Chinese audiences, co-produced the last two 'Expendables' films as well as the upcoming Universal-Legendary co-production, 'The Great Wall', starring Matt Damon. Another way to imagine LeEco's broad entertainment strategies is to understand that, in US markets, their content streams on services like Netflix while, in China, Netflix and the NFL and all sorts of American meida stream on their services, which are piped directly into their own line of Smart TVs. Meanwhile, VIZIO is a leading consumer electronics brand based in Irvine, CA. According to the NPD Group/Retail Tracking Service, the company holds a #1 unit share in Smart TVs (based on total smart television units sold in the U.S. January - April 2016) and #1 unit share in Sound Bars (based on sound bar units sold in the U.S., January 2013—April 2016). "Fourteen years ago, I mortgaged my house to start VIZIO and since then, it has grown into one of the most well-known and respected CE brands in North America. As an entrepreneur, I couldn't be more proud of what has been accomplished," said William Wang, Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, VIZIO. "As we enter a new chapter with LeEco, I'm humbled by the hard work and dedication of VIZIO shareholders and employees. Their unwavering faith in the brand and commitment to excellence is what made this venture possible. I'm excited to see how LeEco's global reach and resources will elevate VIZIO as we continue to bring great technology, innovation and value to our consumers." Under the definitive agreement, LeEco will acquire all of VIZIO's hardware and software operations, technology, and intellectual property. With that said, the VIZIO executive management team will remain in place and will continue its operations as an independent subsidiary. Likewise, the VIZIO brand and its products will continue to be sold through existing distribution channels along with support by the same North American-based, award-winning customer service. LeEco also promised to keep VIZIO's American customer service center, based in South Dakota, up and running for the forseable future. The deal is expected to close during the fourth quarter of 2016. What can we take away from today's announcement? For those interested in VIZIO displays and soundbars, not much will change in the short term, and only time will tell what becomes of VIZIO brand gear, which is on a hot streak of innovation and performance-for-value. Hopefully standards will continue to rise. I think the largest question will be the fate of VIZIO SmartCast, a wireless ecosystem that utilizes Google Cast to transform VIZIO displays and soundbars into media hubs for smartphones and tablets. We recently reviewed the VIZIO P-Series Ultra HD Home Theatre Display and very much enjoyed this new interface, but will LeEco -- a company focsed on apps and with an entire stable of content ready for distribution -- allow for a thirdparty ecosystem when they could have total control. I'm not sure. In the long term, while it's a shame to see one less strong American brand in the world, there is some excitement to the notion that VIZIO dispalys could become a hub for international connectivity -- a chance to enjoy content from all around the world. Source: VIZIO via PR NewswirePosted Tue Jul 26, 2016 at 12:24 PM PDT by:
