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2016 Netflix Recommended TVs Announced, Designated Models Include Displays from LG & Sony[teaser]The Netflix Recommended TV criteria has been updated for 2016. [/teaser] Netflix has announced new criteria and faster performance thresholds for its Netflix Recommended TV designation. Displays that meet the requirements are eligible to receive the Netflix Recommended TV logo, ensuring a superior smart TV experience. In addition, the company has now expanded the evaluation program around the world. 2016 requirements have been updated with more stringent criteria. To receive the Netflix Recommended status, TVs must pass at least 5 out of 7 of the below criteria: Features - TV instant on: Your TV wakes and apps are ready to use right away. - TV resume: Your TV remembers what you were doing and wakes to the same place as when it was turned off. - Latest Netflix version: Your TV comes with the latest version of Netflix with the newest features. Performance - Fast app launch: Start Netflix quickly after you turn on your TV. - Fast app resume: Video resumes instantly when returning to Netflix from other apps or channels. Ease of Access - Netflix button: Start your TV and launch Netflix with the press of a single button. - Easy Netflix icon access: Netflix is prominent and easy to access on your TV. Current recipients of the 2016 Netflix Recommended TV status include 2016 LG 4K UHD TVs with webOS 3.0 and 2016 Sony Android 4K UHD TVs. Here's a full list of 2016 Netflix Recommended TV models: LG - UH6300 series, UH6500 series, UH7500 series, UH8500 series, UH9500 series, G6 series Sony - X85D series, X93D series, X94D series A current Netflix subscription starts at $10 for HD streaming and $12 for Ultra HD streaming. Source: NetflixPosted Fri Mar 25, 2016 at 12:30 PM PDT by: -
Sony Reveals 'Powers' Season Two Trailer, Streaming Premiere Set for May 31[teaser]The PlayStation original scripted series will return for a second season in May. [/teaser] Sony has announced a premiere date for season two of 'Powers.' The show will premiere on May 31 in the US and Canada through the PlayStation Store. What if the world was full of superheroes who aren’t actually heroic at all? What if all their “powers” were just one more excuse for mischief, mayhem, murder, and endorsement deals? Enter the men and women of the Powers Division, the brave people in charge of protecting humans like us and keeping the peace over commercialized, god-like men and women who glide through the sky imposing their power over the mortals who both worship and fear them. Based on the graphic novel by Michael Avon Oeming and Brian Michael Bendis, the edgy and dramatic 'Powers' follows the lives of two homicide detectives, Christian Walker (Sharlto Copley) and Deena Pilgrim (Susan Heyward), who are assigned to investigate these cases. Season two will see Michael Madsen (The Hateful Eight), Tricia Helfer (Battlestar Galactica), Enrico Colantoni (Veronica Mars), and Wil Wheaton (The Big Bang Theory) join the returning cast led by Sharlto Copley (District 9) and Susan Heyward (Vinyl). Check out the trailer below! The first three episodes of 'Powers' season two will arrive in the PlayStation Store on May 31. New episodes will then premiere every week for a total of ten episodes. PlayStation Plus members can watch the series for no additional charge. A one month PlayStation Plus membership currently costs $10; a three month membership costs $18; and a one year membership costs $50. 'Powers: The Complete First Season' is also available on Blu-ray. Source: SonyPosted Fri Mar 25, 2016 at 11:15 AM PDT by: -
'Batman v Superman' in Dolby Cinema[teaser]Wednesday night, Dolby hosted an advanced screening of 'Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice' at The Vine, its Dolby Cinema Prototype Lab in Hollywood, CA.[/teaser] You can read about our first visit HERE, but The Vine has been used for the last three years to pitch Dolby Cinema to exhibition partners and filmmakers, showcasing Dolby Vision high dynamic range projected through a proprietary dual-4K laser projection system developed with Christie, and the enveloping, hemispherical surround system known as Dolby Atmos.I'll leave the movie review to HDD's Phillip Brown -- he gave it 2.5 stars and you can read said review HERE -- but I think it's safe to say 'BvS' is a very similar experience to 'Man of Steel'. If you enjoyed the tonal qualities and visual styling of that production, you're likely to do the same here. If not, perhaps you might want to wait for home video. That said, I dug Ben Afleck in the Batman roll and can't wait to see what Gal Gadot does in her stand-alone 'Wonder Woman' feature.Regardless of how any of us feel about this particular movie, there's one thing I do know -- if you're planning to see 'BvS' this weekend, you'd be doing yourself a huge favor by finding a Dolby Cinema (for our western European readers) or Dolby Cinema at AMC Prime (for our US readers) auditorium because you're going to get an unmatched cinematic experience.How so? Let's break it down. Zack Snyder on Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice in Dolby Cinema from Dolby Laboratories on Vimeo. Batman v Superman v Dolby Vision Dolby Vision is, from my perspective, two coexisting technologies.First, it's 12-bit, high dynamic range grading system capable of both the DCI P3 and Rec.2020 color spaces. Dolby Vision, albiet at 10-bits, is also available in the home via streaming services such as VUDU and Netflix when watching on displays like the new VIZIO P-Series.Second, theatrically speaking, Dolby Vision is also a proprietary dual-4K laser projection system capable of outputting 31fL in 2D compared to 14fL for most digital cinemas -- in 3D, Dolby Vision knocks out 14fL compared to 4-5fL. With a staggering million-to-one contrast ratio, film projection (8,000:1) and standard digital cinemas (2,000:1) aren't in the same league.[Fun tidbit: you know how home theatre enthusiasts geek out over Blu-ray and Ultra HD Blu-ray bit rates hitting 30-40 and 100Mbps, respectively? Theatrically DCP (Digital Cinema Packages) run at 450Mbps in JPEG 2000. Crazy.]Dolby Vision means, to audiences, more steps of latitude between the darkest darks and the brightest brights. In a very effective demonstration, Dolby projects a white dot on a black background. In the standard 2,000:1 contrast ratio, the screen is, at best, grey. When the Dolby Vision projector flips to its native 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio, the white dot brightens as screen vanishes into blackness, and you can hear the audible gasp from folks who have never seen this.'Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice' is, as we'd expect, exceptionally dark (at times), and benefits greatly from enhanced black levels. I haven't been able to see the entire film in standard color grading, but we were treated to a taped introduction by director Zack Snyder NOT in Dolby Vision with clips from the movie. I noted a shot of a police cruiser fish-tailing to a stop outside a building. I believe it's in the trailer. A minor moment in a movie about dueling superheroes, but dramatic for demonstrating Dolby Vision's superiority. In DV, the police car is true black, as is the asphalt, while the police car's flashing light colors are richer, and there's tons of extra detail in the shadows and highlights.Now take that dramatic, two-second upgrade, and apply it over an entire film, much of which is drenched in darkness and pouring rain during its most dramatic moments. The various Bat Suits are a wonder in Dolby Vision -- so clear despite black fabric in and out of shadows. Everything the filmmakers want us to see is visible; Synder described this edition as seeing "the real version."In terms of flaws, I was surprised at studio logo backgrounds that were not pure-black, a few places where crush seemed a little excessive, and how little detail was visible in some explosions and laser beams. But most of that seems to be filmmaker intention rather than anything having to do with technological limitations.'BvS' is not my favorite Dolby Vision film -- it has a pretty muted color palette -- but it is at times gorgeous and should offer black-level demo material in home cinemas. Dawn of Justice & Dolby Atmos The Vine Dolby Cinema Prototype offers a state-of-the-art Dolby Atmos system with Christie Vive Speakers -- 28 surrounds, two overhead rows, five behind-the-screen channels, plus behind-the-screen subs and in-wall bass management. Dolby Atmos, as many of you know, is an object-based, rather than channel-based, sound mixing format that creates whole-hemisphere immersion in many different speaker configurations. It's also available in the home, giving consumers the option to install in-ceiling speakers, bounce sound off a ceiling with special Dolby Atmos speakers, or even via space-saving soundbars.'Batman v Superman' is a very bombastic movie. As the opening few sequences played out -- one that retells the 'Man of Steel' climax from Bruce Wayne's POV is a real stunner -- I was convinced 'Mad Max Fury Road' was about to be dethroned as the format's best offering. And while there's a lot of skill going into this often-impressive mix, after two and half hours, my ears were fatigued. I've had the fortune of talking with Scott Wilkison from AVSForum at many Dolby events now, and he has said Christie Vive speakers are a little bright for his ears. I didn't necessarily agree when seeing 'The Martian' or 'The Revenant', but felt that sensation on this mix which is not just complex, but loud for what feels like 90% of the running time. Even smaller moments ramp up to full bombast, creating an overall DRONING sensation. And I adore Hans Zimmer -- I'm listening to the soundtrack right now -- but with all the layers upon layers, it was too much for my ears.Despite my qualms about overall volume and the mix's tendency to drone, I would like to compliment what works very well. Dolby Atmos fans get tons of overhead and surround immersion from explosions to helicopters and flying men and various Bat Vehicles. And Hans Zimmer's score has elements everywhere, while LFE punches during fight sequences (and orchestral drums). It's a detailed mix. A precise mix. It was just a little too much for me, at least at these volumes on this particular speakers. AMC tends to use JBL for their Dolby Cinema locations, which might have a different effect.That said, I'd definitely be open to revising this Dolby Atmos mix in the home -- I can only imagine this amount of detail and aggression on KEF R-Series or Klipsch Reference Premiere Series speakers -- in a 7.2.4 configuration -- where I can tailor the experience to preferred volume levels. Final Thoughts 'Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice' has descended upon the Earth this week, driving eager fans and curious cinema goers to theaters all over the world. Whether you enjoy the movie is up to your personal tastes, but if you want to see the "real version of the film", or even if you want to forget the world for a couple hours and slip into stunning, absolute darkness with the excellent picture and bombastic sound, you're doing yourself a favor in seeking out a Dolby Cinema or Dolby Cinema at AMC Prime auditorium capable of projecting the movie in Dolby Vision with Dolby Atmos sound.Oh, and if you've already gotten a chance to see 'BvS' already, keep things spoiler-free, but please hit up the forums or comments below to chat about the film's picture and audio qualities. I'd love to hear from anyone catching Dolby Vision or Dolby Atmos for the first time. Or hear about other ways you've enjoyed this and other first-run releases, especially if you see the movie in multiple formats. Cheers. 4/4/2016 UPDATE: Dolby sent us a video of a Q&A with 'Batman v Superman' editor David Brenner, sound re-recording mixer Chris Jenkins, visual effects supervisor John ‘DJ’ Des Jardin and supervising sound editor Scott Hecker: Watch video! //Posted Fri Mar 25, 2016 at 08:30 AM PDT by: -
Hulu Releases Virtual Reality App for Samsung Gear VR Headsets[teaser]The streaming platform has launched a VR app. [/teaser] Hulu has announced the release of its Virtual Reality app. The Hulu VR app is now available for Samsung's Gear VR powered by Oculus. With the Hulu VR app, users with compatible VR headsets can now enjoy Hulu content through an immersive virtual reality experience. The app includes access to a growing collection of 360 degree videos and exclusive VR content, placing audiences right in the middle of the action. Currently the app offers 25 pieces of exclusive and premium content from Baobab Studios, Discovery Communications, Las Vegas, The National Geographic Channel, RYOT, Showtime Networks, SilVR Thread, Spoke, Studio Transcendent, The Uprising Creative and Viacom with or without a subscription. Likewise, the library includes Hulu's first original VR short film, 'The Big One.' The short was produced through a partnership with Lionsgate and invites users to witness a meteor shower that soon turns into an apocalyptic nightmare. Finally, the Hulu VR app also lets users watch the company's entire 2D library of content in a 360 immersive virtual environment -- allowing viewers to watch programming in settings like a comfortable living room, a big screen theater, or a scenic beach. For more technical details on how the app works and how the videos are formatted, check out this Hulu Blog Post. The Hulu VR app is now available on the Samsung Gear VR. The Gear VR is a virtual reality headset that weighs just 318g and offers an FOV of 96 degrees. Gear VR currently works in conjunction with Samsung Galaxy S7, S7 edge, Galaxy Note5, Galaxy S6 edge+, Galaxy S6, and Galaxy S6 edge smartphones, using each device's super AMOLED display to help create an immersive VR experience. Suggested retail price for the Gear VR is $99. Hulu VR app support for more devices and headsets will be added soon. Source: HuluPosted Thu Mar 24, 2016 at 01:00 PM PDT by: -
Amazon Announces April 22 Premiere Date for Original Kids Series 'Thunderbirds Are Go'[teaser]The new series based on the classic sci-fi show is heading to Amazon next month. [/teaser] Amazon has revealed a premiere date for it new kids series, 'Thunderbirds Are Go.' The show is scheduled to debut through Prime Video in the US on April 22. In addition, Amazon will also offer a special one hour sneak peek titled 'Ring of Fire Parts 1 and 2' on April 15. "We're excited that our customers and their families will partake in a new rendition of a classic property with the Tracy brothers at the helm," said Tara Sorensen, Head of Kids Programming at Amazon Studios. "The new series will pay tribute to the legacy of the original series while adopting a new level of action-adventure and groundbreaking mix of animation and live-action." 'Thunderbirds Are Go' catapults the five brave Tracy brothers back onto television screens, where they'll pilot their remarkable, cutting-edge Thunderbird vehicles from the depths of the oceans to the highest reaches of space, performing impossible rescues across the globe. Produced by ITV Studios and Pukeko Pictures in collaboration with world-famous Weta Workshop, the series is made using a unique mixture of CGI animation and live-action model sets. Thunderbirds Are Go will deliver a new level of action-adventure animation for today’s audience while paying tribute to the characters and locations from the original series. "We're delighted that Thunderbirds Are Go will be blasting off in the US on Amazon next month," said Dan Gopal, EVP EMEA Distribution and Global Digital Partners for ITV Studios Global Entertainment. "This will give children and families across the country the opportunity to enjoy the full, action-packed series whenever and wherever they want." The series features actress Rosamund Pike (The World’s End, Gone Girl) as Lady Penelope and is executive produced by Estelle Hughes (Driver Dan’s Story Train), Giles Ridge (Pocoyo), Richard Taylor (The Lord of the Rings), and Andrew Smith (District 9), written by Rob Hoegee (Generator Rex, Teen Titans), and directed by David Scott (LEGO Star Wars) and Theo Baynton (The Wotwots). All 13 episodes of the first season will debut in the US on April 22 through Prime Video. In addition, the series will subsequently air on Prime Video in the UK, Germany and Austria, following a deal with ITV Studios Global Entertainment. A current Amazon Prime membership costs $99 per year. Source: AmazonPosted Thu Mar 24, 2016 at 12:30 PM PDT by: -
Netflix & BBC Worldwide North America Ready 'Scrotal Recall' Season Two[teaser]A second season of the romantic comedy series has been ordered. [/teaser] Netflix and BBC Worldwide North America have announced a deal to develop a second season for 'Scrotal Recall.' All eight season two episodes will debut worldwide exclusively through Netflix later this year. In season one of 'Scrotal Recall,' viewers followed the exploits of hapless 20-something Dylan Witter (Johnny Flynn) who, after receiving a troubling diagnosis, resolves to contact everyone he's ever slept with to tell them the news. Each episode focuses on Dylan reaching out to a different girl from his past, which gives him the opportunity to look back on his neurotic mess of a love life and figure out where it all went wrong - all the while missing his most obvious hope at true love that has been under his nose the whole time. Joining him on this trip down memory lane are best friend Evie (Antonia Thomas), and ladies' man Luke (Daniel Ings). They've been by Dylan's side for years, picking up the pieces after each romantic car crash. The show is created by Tom Edge who also serves as writer and Executive Producer. Likewise Murray Ferguson, Andy Baker and Ed Macdonald are also on board as Executive Producers. The series is produced by Clerkenwell Films for Netflix. The entire first season is now available to stream on Netflix in the US and Canada. Recent Netflix premieres include season two of Marvel's 'Daredevil' and the original film 'Pee-wee's Big Holiday.' Upcoming Netflix premieres include 'The Ranch' on April 1, 'Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt' season two on April 15, 'Special Correspondents' on April 29, 'Chelsea' on May 11, season two of 'Chef's Table' on May 27, 'The Do-Over' on May 27, and the documentary 'Tony Robbins: I Am Not Your Guru' on July 15. A current Netflix subscription starts at $10 for HD streaming and $12 for Ultra HD streaming. Source: NetflixPosted Thu Mar 24, 2016 at 11:45 AM PDT by: -
Yamaha Details RX-V381 AV Receiver with Full 4K Ultra HD Support, Price Set for $300[teaser]The new receiver offers wireless music playback and 4K support. [/teaser] Yamaha has revealed the latest addition to its home audio lineup. The RX-V381 is an entry level AV receiver with a budget friendly price. "Sound editors and soundtrack composers each play huge roles in today's feature films, and the RX-V381 allows our customers to enjoy these titles as they would in the movie theater, in all their cinematic glory," said Bob Goedken, general manager, AV division, Yamaha Corporation of America. "Yamaha has packed a lot of advanced technology into a very affordable, solidly-built AV receiver, with an unparalleled level of reliability that assures our customers that they will enjoy this model far into the future." The RX-V381 is a 5.1 channel AV receiver with 100 W (8 ohms, 0.9% THD). The device offers full 4K Ultra HD/60p 4:4:4 video pass-through support via HDMI 2.0 with HDCP 2.2 compliant connections (4 in/1 out) and high dynamic range (HDR) with BT.2020 compatibility. Likewise, while the receiver does not include support for Dolby Atmos or DTS:X immersive audio formats, the RX-V381 does include HD audio format decoding for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. Bluetooth connectivity with Compressed Music Enhancer is included as well, allowing for wireless music playback. Finally, the receiver uses Yamaha's exclusive YPAO automatic calibration system, which uses a microphone to tune the system for a user's specific room. Yamaha's RX-V381 5.1 AV Receiver is now available for a suggested retail price of $300. And for users interested in the company's immersive audio components, Yamaha recently announced a launch date for its DTS:X firmware update. The upgrade is scheduled to be available for the CX-A5100 AV processor and the RX-A3050, RX-A2050, RX-A1050 AV receivers this month. In addition, DTS:X support will also be available for the YSP-5600 sound bar in late April. Source: YamahaPosted Thu Mar 24, 2016 at 11:00 AM PDT by: -
NFL Films Preps 'All or Nothing' Football Documentary Series for Amazon Video[teaser]The upcoming streaming series will offer a behind the scenes look at an NFL team. [/teaser] NFL Films has announced the development of a new documentary series for Amazon Video. 'All or Nothing' will follow one NFL team throughout an entire season of football. The first season will focus on the Arizona Cardinals and is set to debut this summer exclusively through Amazon Video. "All or Nothing will deliver the ultimate behind-the-scenes look at America's most popular sports and entertainment media property – the NFL's regular season – and we couldn't have asked for a better franchise for our inaugural season than the Arizona Cardinals," said Jordan Levin, Chief Content Officer, NFL Media. "We're thrilled to team up with Amazon on this new series, providing fans even more ways to engage with award-winning NFL programming over a variety of digital channels." In 'All or Nothing: A Season with the Arizona Cardinals,' NFL Films takes viewers inside the locker room, on the sidelines, and to the homes of Cardinals players and team personnel for an extraordinary view into the NFL's regular season, one that would ultimately result in the best regular season in franchise history. The inaugural installment of the series picks up with the Cardinals following the season-ending injury to quarterback Carson Palmer in 2014. It follows the team's brain trust of Bidwill, general manager Steve Keim and head coach Bruce Arians starting with the 2015 NFL Draft and continuing throughout the season. Along the way the series chronicles the on and off-field events in the lives of Arizona players, including Pro Bowlers Palmer, wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, cornerback Patrick Peterson and safety Tyrann Mathieu. "We take tremendous pride in the dedicated and talented people that make up our organization and welcomed this opportunity to showcase them," said Michael Bidwill, President, Arizona Cardinals. "This unprecedented look into what it takes to compete in the National Football League is something that we think viewers will find fascinating. We all know the quality of work NFL Films does and are just as excited to work with Amazon to find such an innovative way to distribute this series." The series will consist of eight, hour long episodes and is executive produced by Jordan Levin, Howard Katz, Ross Ketover, and Pat Kelleher. Amazon customers will be able to watch the show this summer through the Amazon Video app for TVs, connected devices including Fire TV, and mobile devices or online. An Amazon Prime membership currently costs $99 per year. Source: NFL CommunicationsPosted Wed Mar 23, 2016 at 01:30 PM PDT by: -
Netflix Debuts Trailer for 'Special Correspondents' Starring Ricky Gervais[teaser]The trailer for the Netflix exclusive movie has been revealed. [/teaser] Netflix has a released a trailer for its latest original movie. 'Special Correspondents' is a feature length comedy written and directed by Ricky Gervais. The movie will start streaming exlusively through Netflix on April 29. "Special Correspondents is classic Ricky Gervais; smart social satire with heart," said Netflix Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos. "It's the kind of great grown-up comedy that studios rarely make anymore, one that’s perfect for Netflix members around the world." A radio journalist and his technician get in over their heads when they hatch a scheme to fake their own kidnapping during a rebel uprising in South America and hide out in New York instead. The film stars Ricky Gervais, Eric Bana, Vera Farmiga, Kelly Macdonald, America Ferrera, and Benjamin Bratt. The movie is a co-production between Bron Studios and Unanimous Entertainment. Check out the trailer below! "Having shaken up the TV industry, Netflix is about to do the same to Hollywood. It's great to be part of the changing future. Ted Sarandos is the new Godfather of entertainment and he made me an offer I couldn’t refuse," said Ricky Gervais. Netflix also recently released a teaser for 'The Do-Over' starring Adam Sandler. Recent streaming premieres include season two of Marvel's 'Daredevil' and the original film 'Pee-wee's Big Holiday.' Upcoming Netflix premieres include 'The Ranch' on April 1, 'Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt' season two on April 15, 'Chelsea' on May 11, season two of 'Chef's Table' on May 27, and the documentary 'Tony Robbins: I Am Not Your Guru' on July 15. A current Netflix subscription starts at $10 for HD streaming and $12 for Ultra HD streaming. Source: NetflixPosted Wed Mar 23, 2016 at 11:30 AM PDT by: -
LG Launches 2016 UltraWide and 4K Monitor Lineup[teaser]Several new monitors are now available for purchase. [/teaser] After making their debut at CES back in January, LG has announced the release of its 2016 UltraWide and 4K monitor lineup. The collection includes the flagship 34UC98 Curved UltraWide monitor and the 27UD88 4K monitor. "LG's monitor line-up delivers a more immersive experience than ever before, maximizing screen real estate with almost-disappearing bezels and unparalleled resolution," said David VanderWaal, vice president of marketing, LG Electronics USA. "These new monitors show how LG strives for continuous innovation to exceed customers' expectations by creating products that provide breathtaking aesthetics and unparalleled user experience." The 34UC98 Curved UltraWide monitor features a 34 inch IPS screen with a 21:9 aspect ratio and Quad HD resolution of 3440 x 1440 pixels. In addition, the monitor offers a 5ms GTG response time, 300 cd/m2 brightness, a 5M:1 contrast ratio, and support for over 99% of the SRGB color gamut. Meanwhile, the 27UD88 4K monitor features a 27-inch IPS screen with a 16:9 aspect ratio and an Ultra HD resolution of 3840 x 2160. In addition, the monitor offers a 5ms GTG response time, 350 cd/m2 brightness, a 5M:1 contrast ratio, and support for over 99% of the SRGB color gamut. Both displays also include HDMI, USB 3.0 ports and display port connections. Likewise, the 27UD88 is the first DisplayPort over USB-C certified display, and the 34UC98 also includes Thunderbolt 2. Finally, both models incorporate Split Screen 2.0 and True Color Finder color calibration software. LG's 34UC98 Curved UltraWide monitor ($1,200) and 27UD88 4K monitor ($700) are now available for purchase. Beyond these flagship models, the company's 2016 monitor lineup also includes the LG UltraWide UC88, UM88, UM68 and UM58 series and 4K UD68 series. Source: LGPosted Wed Mar 23, 2016 at 10:45 AM PDT by:
