-
Dolby Vision & Dolby Atmos Tech Highlighted in New 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' Behind-the-Scenes Clips[teaser]Dolby highlights the sights and sounds of a galaxy far, far away. [/teaser] Dolby has released a trio of new behind-the-scenes videos for 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens.' The clips focus on the film's use of Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos and how the technologies help to create an enhanced visual and auditory experience. 'The Force Awakens' takes place thirty years after the defeat of the Galactic Empire as the galaxy faces a new threat from the evil Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) and the First Order. When a defector named Finn crash-lands on a desert planet, he meets Rey (Daisy Ridley), a tough scavenger whose droid contains a top-secret map. Together, the young duo joins forces with Han Solo (Harrison Ford) to make sure the Resistance receives the intelligence concerning the whereabouts of Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), the last of the Jedi Knights. The film was nominated for five Academy Awards, including Film Editing, Visual Effects, Original Score, Sound Editing and Sound Mixing. In the first behind-the-scenes video, dubbed "Sights and Sounds of Space," co-producer Ben Rosenblatt and various members of the A/V crew offer a rundown of the Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos processes. Special note is made of Dolby Vision's superior contrast, allowing for true black levels in space. Check out the video below for more details! In the second video, titled "Sound of Symphony in Dolby Atmos," the A/V crew elaborates on how the Dolby Atmos mixing process was used to expand John Williams' Academy Award nominated score, allowing them to spread the music to the surrounds in new, immersive ways. Check out the video below for more info! Finally, in the third video, called "Saber Sparks and Sonics," the A/V crew directs their attention to everyone's favorite 'Star Wars' prop, the lightsaber. The participants explain how Dolby Vision's expanded color range allowed them to make the lightsabers pop like never before. Likewise, details are shared on how Atmos' object-based mixing was used to create pinpoint accurate lightsaber battles. Check out the video below! 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' is now available for pre-order on Blu-ray for a suggested retail price of $39.99. Order the Blu-rayPosted Wed Mar 2, 2016 at 12:30 PM PST by: -
Sony Reduces Price of PlayStation Vue by $10 and Launches Disney/ABC & ESPN Media Channels[teaser]The streaming TV platform has received a price cut along with new channels. [/teaser] Sony has announced the addition of Disney and ESPN Media Networks to its PlayStation Vue internet TV service. To coincide with the launch, the company has also revealed a $10 price cut for all of the service's multi-channel plans. The new monthly subscription pricing is as follows: Access: 60+ channels – includes broadcast TV, cable, movies and sports, available for $39.99Core: 75+ channels – includes all the channels in Access with the addition of regional sports networks, available for $44.99Elite: 100+ channels – features all the channels in Access and Core, with the addition of more sports channels, top movie and entertainment networks, available for $54.99. Meanwhile, the new Disney/ESPN channels include: ABC (Access)Disney Channel (Access)Disney Junior (Access)Disney XD (Access)Freeform (Access)Fusion (Elite)ESPN (Access)ESPN 2 (Access)ESPNU (Core)ESPNEWS (Core)SEC Network (Core) Qualified users can also now access popular ESPN and ABC apps using their PlayStation Vue login information. In addition, local ABC stations have been added to New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia and San Francisco. Likewise, ESPN3, ESPN Goal Line, ESPN Buzzer Beater, ESPN Bases Loaded, Longhorn Network, ESPN Deportes and ESPN Classic will also be added to PlayStation Vue at a later date. Beyond the new Disney/ESPN channels, PlayStation Vue offers live and on-demand content from more than 85 channels, including popular stations from CBS, FOX, NBCUniversal, Viacom, Turner, Discovery Communications, Scripps Networks Interactive, and AMC. The platform enables viewers to easily search through available programming with an intuitive interface and convenient personal recommendations. In addition, if customers tag a favorite series they will be given cloud access to episodes of that show for 28 days with no storage restrictions. PlayStation Vue is currently available through the Chromecast, Fire TV, Fire TV Stick, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, iPad, and iPhone in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, Dallas, San Francisco, and Miami TV markets. New subscribers can receive a 7 day free trial. Current subscribers will see the new pricing reflected in their next billing cycle. Source: PlayStation VuePosted Wed Mar 2, 2016 at 10:15 AM PST by: -
LG Adds GameFly Video Game Streaming App to webOS Smart TVs[teaser]The video game streaming service will be available on LG smart TVs. [/teaser] LG has announced a new partnership with GameFly to bring the video game subscription platform to LG TVs. The GameFly streaming app will be available in the US in April on LG webOS smart TVs. "The addition of GameFly to the extensive variety of content options, including leading video and music applications, available on LG Smart TVs further enhances the LG Smart TV experience," said David VanderWaal, vice president of marketing, LG Electronics USA. "LG Smart TV owners will have the ability to stream high-quality video games right to their TV and enjoy a next-gen console-like experience in the comfort of their home." The GameFly app uses remote cloud servers to stream console video games over the Internet directly on LG TVs. This eliminates the need for customers to purchase multiple consoles, offering a more afforbale gaming option. The service provides new gaming applications at a low monthly price and offers Streaming Packs with bundles for popular action games like 'Tomb Raider: Game of the Year Edition,' 'Batman: Arkham Origins,' 'F.E.A.R. 3,' 'Darksiders,' and 'Red Faction Armageddon.' Additional GameFly titles include 'Lego Batman 3,' 'Pacman Championship Edition,' and 'WRC4.' LG customers will be able to download the GameFly app as part of a software upgrade in late April. Supported models will include LG's 2016 Smart TVs featuring webOS 3.0 and 2015 Smart TVs featuring webOS 2.0. The 2016 LG 65UH8500 65-Inch 4K Ultra HD Smart LED TV ($2,998), LG OLED65E6P 65-Inch 4K Ultra HD Flat Smart OLED TV ($7,000), and LG OLED65G6P 65-Inch 4K Ultra HD Flat Smart OLED TV ($8,000) with webOS 3.0 are now available for purchase on Amazon. Recommended GameFly gamepads include the Logitech F310 ($20), the Logitech F710 and the Xbox wired controller ($29). Source: LGPosted Tue Mar 1, 2016 at 08:30 PM PST by: -
AT&T Readies New DirecTV Internet & Mobile Streaming Services[teaser]Customers will soon be able to watch DirecTV content through the internet without a satellite dish. [/teaser] AT&T has announced plans to launch three new ways to enjoy DirecTV content without a traditional annual contract, satellite dish or set-top box. The upcoming DirecTV Now, DirecTV Mobile, and DirecTV Preview streaming services will deliver video to a variety of devices over wired or wireless internet connections. "These new video subscription models reflect the flexible content choices, viewing options and simple, transparent pricing that consumers want. AT&T intends to be the first company to deliver that flexibility, along with an effortless customer experience," said John Stankey, CEO - AT&T Entertainment Group. "These offers will provide a broad range of customers with greater freedom and choice to watch, binge and even buy premium content, regardless of how and where they enjoy their entertainment." DirecTV Now will included a variety of content packages, offering live and on-demand DirecTV programming from various networks and premium add-on packages through the internet and internet enabled devices. Meanwhile, DirecTV Mobile will be designed for mobile users and will allow customers to watch premium video and made for digital content directly on their smartphones. Finally, DirecTV Preview will be a free ad-supported streaming platform with select DirecTV programs, and content from AT&T’s AUDIENCE Network, Otter Media, and several other networks and sources. "We are looking at these offerings differently than others in the market. We often hear from customers who want more content from streaming services, or who can't get or can't afford a traditional pay-TV service," Stankey said. "We intend to offer customers a quality pay-TV experience, including top channels, sports and more, with increased value and flexibility of pure online streaming and no need for home installation." Pricing has not been announced, but AT&T's new DirecTV streaming options are set to launch in Q4 2016. Source: AT&TPosted Tue Mar 1, 2016 at 07:00 PM PST by: -
NBC's Seeso Comedy Streaming Service Now Available on Roku & Amazon Fire TV Devices[teaser]The digital comedy streaming service has now expanded to more devices. [/teaser] NBC has announced the arrival of Seeso on Roku and Amazon Fire products. The on-demand streaming comedy service features classic shows and original content. SeeSo is an ad-free subscription based digital streaming platform that focuses on curated comedy shows, clips, and original material. The platform includes catalog content from NBC's collection, including series like 'The Office,' '30 Rock,' and 'Parks and Recreation,' as well as next day TV from 'The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,' 'Late Night with Seth Meyers,' and 'SNL.' Likewise, the service is home to several exclusive classic comedy titles remastered in HD like 'Monty Python’s Flying Circus' and 'The Kids in the Hall,' and numerous British comedies like 'The IT Crowd,' 'The Mighty Boosh,' 'Fawlty Towers,' 'The Office (UK),' 'A Bit of Fry and Laurie,' and more. In addition, SeeSo's initial lineup of original material includes 'The UCB Show,' 'Dave and Ethan: Lovemakers,' 'Sammy J & Randy in Ricketts Lane,' 'Before the Morning After,' and 'The Cyanide & Happiness Show.' Comedy specials from Rory Scovel, Matt Besser, Jay Pharoah, Wyatt Cenac, Big Jay Oakerson and more are included as well. More exclusive shows, like Dan Harmon's 'HarmonQuest' will be added in the coming months and new content is added every week. Finally, the platform also offers live streaming comedy shows from The Barrel House in San Francisco. Following a limited beta, Seeso is now available in the US for $4 per month. The platform is available through iOS and Android devices, Roku players and Roku TVs, and Amazon Fire TV, Fire TV Stick, and Fire tablets. Sources: Seeso, VarietyPosted Tue Mar 1, 2016 at 02:45 PM PST by: -
AudioControl Releases Concert AVR High-Power Dolby Atmos & DTS:X Ready Receivers[teaser]Two new receivers with Dolby Atmos and future DTS:X support are now shipping. [/teaser] AudioControl has announced the launch of their latest home audio components. The Concert AVR-7 and Concert AVR-9 receivers are geared toward the custom install market and both feature support for immersive audio technology. The Concert AVR-7 and Concert AVR-9 are 7.1.4 receivers with integrated Dolby Atmos support and upgradeable DTS:X support via a future firmware update. The AVR-7 features a 7 channel amplifier with 100 watts per channel at 8 ohms. Meanwhile, the AVR-9 features a 7 channel amplifier with 120 watts per channel at 8 ohms or 200 watts per channel at 4 ohms. Both models offer support for 4K 50/60 Hz video playback and include HDMI 2.0a inputs with HDCP 2.2 compliancy, 4 x COAX SPDIF, 2 x Toslink digital audio inputs, 6 x stereo analog inputs, USB Input, Ethernet Client, and 2nd Zone HDMI outputs with ARC compatibility. Additional surround sound modes include Dolby True HD; Dolby Digital Plus; Dolby Digital EX; Dolby Digital 5.1; Dolby Pro Logic IIx; and DTS-HD Master Audio. Likewise, both models are custom Install control ready with IP, RS232, 12 volt trigger and IR control options. In addition, the Concert AVR-7 and Concert AVR-9 use DIRAC LIVE room correction for audio calibration. Finally, each receiver incorporates four high-performance Dolby Atmos pre-amp outputs. Users can also add additional power through AudioControl’s high-power 2-channel Bijou 600 or Rialto 600 amplifiers. Pricing has not been detailed, but the AudioControl Concert AVR-7 and Concert AVR-9 receivers are now shipping and come with the company's legendary 5-year warranty. AudioControl Home Theater products are only available for purchase through authorized custom installation professionals and authorized dealers of AudioControl products. Source: AudioControlPosted Tue Mar 1, 2016 at 11:45 AM PST by: -
Netflix Names New Showrunners for 'House of Cards'[teaser]The streaming service has revealed the new showrunners for its popular original series. [/teaser] Netflix has named Melissa James Gibson and Frank Pugliese as the new showrunners for 'House of Cards.' Both writers have been with the series since its third season in 2014. The entirety of season four is set to premiere on March 4. "I welcome Frank and Melissa in their new roles on House of Cards and look forward to collaborating with them and our creative team on Season Five," said executive producer Kevin Spacey. Melissa James Gibson and Frank Pugliese will take on showrunning duties beginning with season five. They succeed previous showrunner Beau Willimon who oversaw the upcoming fourth season. The Netflix original series is produced by Donen/Fincher/Roth and Trigger Street Productions, Inc. in association with Media Rights Capital for Netflix. In the show's fourth season, the critically acclaimed Emmy nominated drama has its Golden Globe and SAG Award winning star Kevin Spacey (as Francis Underwood) and Golden Globe winner Robin Wright (as Claire Underwood), whose characters have always been each other's strongest allies, showing cracks in their relationship. In an election year, the stakes are now higher than ever, and the biggest threat they face is contending with each other. The show also stars Michael Kelly, Mahershala Ali, Jayne Atkinson, Neve Campbell, Derek Cecil, Nathan Darrow, Kim Dickens, Elizabeth Marvel, Dominique McElligott, Molly Parker, Paul Sparks, with Ellen Burstyn, Cicely Tyson and Joel Kinnaman. "We and the rest of the House of Cards writers look forward to the next chapter of the reign of Underwood," said Gibson and Pugliese. All 13 episodes of the show's fourth season will be available for streaming through Netflix on March 4. A current Netflix subscription starts at $10 for HD streaming and $12 for Ultra HD streaming. Source: NetflixPosted Mon Feb 29, 2016 at 04:00 PM PST by: -
Amazon Streams 'The Fashion Fund' Free of Charge to All Customers[teaser]The docu-series will premiere weekly through Amazon free of charge. [/teaser] Amazon has announced the debut of its latest streaming show. 'The Fashion Fund' is an unscripted competition show that focuses on the process of selecting designers for the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund. The series will be available for free ad-supported playback to all Amazon users. "We are thrilled to launch The Fashion Fund on Amazon Video, and to work with fashion icons Diane von Furstenberg and Anna Wintour," said Michael Paull, Vice President, Digital Video, Amazon. “We’re going to continue to push the boundaries with our original content and look forward to bringing our customers even more exciting shows to watch." Discover the future of fashion in this ultimate insider competition. Follow 10 up and coming designers as they compete to join the ranks of previous Fashion Fund winners such as Alexander Wang and Proenza Schouler. Each week the designers will be tested and judged by fashion's elite, including Vogue's Anna Wintour and designer Diane Von Furstenberg, for a chance to win $400,000 and a mentorship. Amazon is now streaming the show's 10-episode third season. New half hour installments will premiere every Thursday. The series is produced by Condé Nast Entertainment and Break Thru Films. "Collaborating with Amazon enabled us to truly innovate and add a retail experience to The Fashion Fund, which will delight viewers," said Dawn Ostroff, president of Condé Nast Entertainment. "CNE is a true next-generation studio, working with the best companies to deliver the most compelling, immersive storytelling experiences to our audiences, and Amazon, home to some of the best content, is the perfect match for this series." The first season three episode of 'The Fashion Fund' is now available to stream for free through the Amazon Video app for TVs, connected devices including Fire TV, mobile devices, or online at Amazon.com/fashionfund. Source: Amazon via BusinessWirePosted Mon Feb 29, 2016 at 03:00 PM PST by: -
Netflix Snags Exclusive Rights to Original Anime Series 'Perfect Bones'[teaser]The upcoming anime will premiere only on Netflix. [/teaser] Netflix and Production I.G have announced a new deal that will allow the streaming service to exclusively air the anime series 'Perfect Bones.' This will be the first time that an original anime will debut all of its episodes simultaneously in 190 countries. "We are incredibly excited to work with Production I.G, who have worked on hit series such as Attack on Titan and Psycho-Pass, in bringing one of the most daring new Anime titles produced today to all Netflix members and Anime fans around the world," said Erik Barmack, vice president, international originals. “In an era where the Internet knows no bounds, we are proud to deliver high quality original Anime to fans all over the world, at the exact same time, no matter where they live whether it be Japan, France, Mexico, the US, and beyond." 'Perfect Bones' is set in the future where scientists have tried to create the "perfect human" in hopes of keeping peace in the universe. After nearly achieving their goal through several children, the scientists send their "new humans" for further training where they are kidnapped by an evil organization set on using their powers to implement their own concept of a new world order. Mitsuhisa Ishikawa, President & CEO of Production I.G, said about the collaboration, "Among all the tv series and films Netflix offers, the titles I personally find the most amazing are Netflix originals. Production I.G is eager to present another impactful title brought through our creators’ passion and imagination. We're very excited about Perfect Bones!" The show is being directed by Kazuto Nakazawa and will consist of 12 episodes. An exact release date has not been announced. A current Netflix subscription starts at $10 for HD streaming and $12 for Ultra HD streaming. Source: NetflixPosted Fri Feb 26, 2016 at 12:30 PM PST by: -
Best Buy Deal On a Samsung 60" Smart 4K SUHD TV with HDR Coming Just in Time for Ultra HD Blu-ray[teaser]Heads up.[/teaser] Just in time to coincide with the launch of Ultra HD Blu-ray, (or just the ascension of 4K in general), Best Buy has a nice deal in coming for this Sunday. It's not quite a doorbuster, but anyone thinking about getting into 4K, into UHD, and into HDR, might want to take notice. The specific deal, which will be featured in next week's Best Buy circular, is off the current $1999.99 price of the Smasung 60" SUHD TV (UN60JS7000FXZA). It will be $500 off this Sunday, which will bring the price down to $1499.99. Full details on this 60" Smart (flat) SUHD TV can be found here. (LED with Nano-crystal tech, 120hrx, 4 HDMI inputs. It does not support 3D.) That $500 price savings could easily be turned into a Samsung UBD-K8500 Ultra HD Blu-ray player (check out the review here), and even a few Ultra HD Blu-rays (see some of those reviews here). The Best Buy listing for the TV can be found here, while the Amazon listing can be found here. The enterprising High-Def Digest reader might think about ordering now, and getting the price adjusted later. This isn't the best all-time price on the set, but for anyone making the plunge to UHD, this might be the right deal at the right time. Hands down, I'd recommend picking two of the FOX titles, 'The Martian' and 'Kingsman' to go with the TV and the player. Order the Blu-ray Order the Blu-rayPosted Fri Feb 26, 2016 at 10:40 AM PST by:
