4k Movie, Streaming, Blu-Ray Disc, and Home Theater Product Reviews & News

ADX Receives Patent for Trillium Audio Technology Used in RIVA Turbo X & S Premium Mobile Speakers

[teaser]The company's patented sound system processor creates a wide soundfield from mobile speakers. [/teaser] ADX (Audio Design Experts, Inc), the parent company of RIVA Audio, has been awarded a patent from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for its Trillium audio technology. The sound system can currently be found in the RIVA Turbo X and RIVA S mobile speakers. "Trillium™ is an example of RIVA's imagination and innovation to revolutionize the wireless speaker market and challenge the preconceived notions of what a Bluetooth speaker can be." said Donald North, President and Chief Engineer of RIVA Audio. "More than just small, portable boxes, RIVA's speakers are made to truly expand the musical sound field and provide the user with a more natural listening experience." Trillium is a proprietary audio process that up-mixes a left/right stereo signal and outputs it through three channels of amplification and seven transducers. This allows compact, mobile speakers to create a large stereophonic soundfield with virtual left and right speakers outside the enclosure. Likewise, the technology also expands low frequencies with signals for four passive radiators. Finally, speaker models that use the process are able to avoid off-axis comb filtering, resulting in a wider listening area with clean sound even at high output levels. ADX's Trillium audio technology is currently implemented in the highly recommended RIVA Turbo X Bluetooth Speaker (full review here!) and new RIVA S Bluetooth Speaker (full review coming soon). Source: ADX

Posted Tue Dec 22, 2015 at 03:15 PM PST by: Steven Cohen

LG Set to Debut webOS 3.0 Smart TV Platform at CES 2016

[teaser]The company's new smart TV tech will be on display at the upcoming show. [/teaser] LG has announced plans to debut its new webOS 3.0 smart TV platform at CES 2016. The webOS 3.0 system offers enhanced features and new content over the previous version. "The new webOS 3.0 is a major update since this advanced TV platform technology was first introduced in 2014," said Brian Kwon, President and CEO at LG’s Home Entertainment Company. "The webOS story of Simple Connection, Simple Switching and Simple Discovery has really connected with customers and illustrates very clearly our commitment to securing a leadership role in the smart TV market with innovation and creativity." LG's webOS 3.0 offers several new and updated options, including three "magic" smart features. First up, is Magic Zoom which allows users to magnify objects and letters without any picture quality loss. Next, is Magic Mobile Connection which allows users to easily display content from a mobile device on their TV through the company's LG TV Plus App. Finally, the platform also incorporates an upgraded Magic Remote with more set-top box and DVR functions. In addition, webOS 3.0 offers several more updated features as well, including Channel Advisor for info about frequently watched programs, Multi-View for watching two sources at the same time, and a Music Player App. The new lineup of 2016 LG webOS 3.0 smart TVs will be on display at LG's booth during CES 2016 from January 6-9 in Las Vegas. Source: LG

Posted Tue Dec 22, 2015 at 10:00 AM PST by: Steven Cohen

BenQ Introduces New Colorific Projectors

[teaser]Two projector models have been announced. [/teaser] BenQ has announced the release of its latest Colorific projectors. The TH670 and MH741 are designed for home entertainment and business applications. "Our latest Colorific projectors were designed to accommodate the evolving needs of today's multiuse environments," said Jan Spence, associate vice president of marketing communications and branding at BenQ America Corp. "Packing a number of flexible options and convenience features, both models provide an intuitive user experience, outstanding performance, and tremendous value for engaging experiences either at home or business." Both models offer Full HD 1080p resolution with a 10,000:1 contrast ratio. Likewise, both units include DLP Link-supported 3D projection and built-in 10-W speakers. In addition, the home theater geared TH670 features 3,000 ANSI lumens of brightness and auto keystone correction. Meanwhile, the business geared MH741 features 4,000 ANSI lumens of brightness, 2D keystone and corner fit geometric correction, and MHL connectivity. BenQ's TH670 ($599) and MH741 ($899) are now available. Source: BenQ

Posted Mon Dec 21, 2015 at 01:45 PM PST by: Steven Cohen

LG & Ridley Scott Prep OLED Ultra HD TV Super Bowl 50 Commercial

[teaser]Ridley Scott's company will produce LG's first Super Bowl commercial. [/teaser] LG has announced plans to debut its first Super Bowl spot during the big game in February. The upcoming 60-second commercial is being produced by Ridley Scott's production company, RSA Films, and will be directed by Jake Scott. "When I first saw OLED TV's, I was mesmerized by its staggering picture quality," said Ridley Scott. "With 1984, audiences were introduced to a technological advancement that promised to change everything," said Jake Scott. "I see a similar kind of disruption with LG OLED TV." LG's Super Bowl commercial will focus on the company's OLED display technology and will introduce a soon-to-be announced addition to its OLED TV lineup. OLED panels have been widely praised for their superior black levels and contrast over traditional LCD screens. Producer Ridley Scott and his son Jake Scott both have previous experience working on Super Bowl ads. The former directed the famous "1984" commercial for Apple, and the latter has been responsible for six previous Super Bowl spots including Budweiser’s "Lost Dog." LG's current OLED lineup includes: EF9500 Series: Flat OLED 4K Ultra HD TVs with HDR (Streaming & External) · 55-inch class 55EF9500 - $2,999 · 65-inch class 65EF9500 - $4,999 EG9600: Art Slim Curved OLED 4K TVs with HDR (Streaming) · 55-inch class 55EG9600 - $2,999 · 65-inch class 65EG9600 - $4,999 55EG9100: Full HD Curved OLED TV · New 55-inch class 55EG9100 - $1,799 55EC9300: Full HD Curved OLED TV · Current 55-inch class 55EC9300 - $1,799 Source: LG

Posted Fri Dec 18, 2015 at 12:00 PM PST by: Steven Cohen

Marantz Unveils DTS:X Firmware Release Date for AV Products

[teaser]Another company has announced a release date for the DTS:X firmware update. [/teaser] Joining Denon, Marantz has also announced a release window for the highly anticipated DTS:X firmware update. The new immersive audio format will be available on select Marantz AV products in February and March. The 11.2 channel AV8802A Pre-Amp/Processor ($3,999) is expected to receive the firmware update starting on February 4. Meanwhile, the 7.2 channel SR6010 AV receiver ($1,399), the 9.2 channel SR7010 AV receiver ($2,199), and the 11.2 channel AV7702MK2 Preamp/Processor are expected to receive the firmware update starting on March 4. Like Dolby Atmos, DTS:X is an object-based surround sound audio technology that allows customers to add height speakers to create overhead audio. The current crop of DTS:X-enabled Blu-ray discs includes 'Ex Machina' and 'American Ultra,' and the upcoming releases of 'The Last Witch Hunter' and 'Crimson Peak.' In addition to the above models, the company's remaining DTS:X-ready AV products (NR1606, SR5010) are expected to receive the update later in 2016. Source: TWICE

Posted Fri Dec 18, 2015 at 10:00 AM PST by: Steven Cohen

Tribeca Shortlist Streaming Service Expands to Roku, Amazon Fire TV and iPhone

[teaser]The new streaming platform is now available on more devices. [/teaser] Tribeca and Lionsgate have expanded support for Tribeca Shortlist to more products. In addition, the company has also announced an offline viewing and download feature for mobile devices. "Expanding to these thriving streaming platforms and devices reinforces Tribeca Shortlist's commitment to give film lovers an easy way of finding quality movies through informed recommendations and now more ubiquitous access," said Tribeca Shortlist President Jeff Bronikowski. "Offline viewing is also a game- changer for users that want to utilize our expert Shortlist suggestions or watch a great film on the go when they're anywhere with limited or no Internet connectivity." Tribeca Shortlist is now available on select Roku players (Roku 4, Roku 3, and Roku 2) and Roku TV models, the Amazon Fire TV, and iPhones. Offline viewing is currently available for iOS-based tablets or phones. The service features a library of more than 150 critically acclaimed titles that have been personally selected by various industry experts, filmmakers, and actors. These "Shortlister" curators also provide personal insights into their picks to help guide viewers through their recommendations. The collection is refreshed every month with a turnover of about 50 movies, offering films from Lionsgate, Tribeca Enterprises, and other major studios and independent sources. In addition to the recently announced devices, Tribeca Shortlist is also available on PC, Mac, and iPad. Likewise, TV streaming is currently available through AirPlay and Chromecast. Android and Apple TV devices will be added early next year. The current subscription fee is $5 per month and new customers can also receive a 14-day free trial. Source: Tribeca Shortlist

Posted Thu Dec 17, 2015 at 02:00 PM PST by: Steven Cohen

VIZIO Reveals New D-Series HD & 4K Ultra HD TVs, Prices Range from $150 to $1,300

Posted Thu Dec 17, 2015 at 09:15 AM PST by: Steven Cohen

Denon Announces DTS:X Firmware Release Date for AV Receivers

[teaser]A release date for the DTS:X firmware update has finally been revealed. [/teaser] Denon has announced a release window for the highly anticipated DTS:X firmware update. The new immersive audio format will be available on select Denon AV receivers in January and February. The 9.2 channel AVR-X7200WA ($2,999) and the 9.2 channel AVR-X7200W ($2,349) are expected to receive the free firmware update on January 28. Meanwhile, the 7.2 channel AVRX4200W ($1,299) and the 9.2 channel AVRX6200W ($2,199) are expected to receive the free firmware update on February 18. Like Dolby Atmos, DTS:X is an object-based surround sound audio technology that allows customers to add height speakers to create overhead audio. The current crop of DTS:X-enabled Blu-ray discs includes 'Ex Machina' and 'American Ultra,' and the upcoming releases of 'The Last Witch Hunter' and 'Crimson Peak.' In addition to the above models, the remainder of Denon's current DTS:X-ready AV receiver lineup (AVR-S710W, AVR-S910W, AVR-X1200W, AVR-X2200W, and AVR-X3200W) is expected to receive the update later in 2016. Currently no other AV manufacturers have announced a DTS:X firmware release date. Source: TWICE

Posted Wed Dec 16, 2015 at 10:00 AM PST by: Steven Cohen

Sony Adds Chromecast Support for PlayStation Vue Internet TV Service

[teaser]The cloud-based TV service is now available through Google's streaming dongle. [/teaser] Sony has announced the expansion of its PlayStation Vue internet TV service to the Google Chromecast. Users can now cast the service using the PlayStation Vue iOS app. Chromecast customers with a supported iOS device and the PlayStation Vue iOS app can now stream the PlayStation Vue internet TV service to their Chromecast-connected big-screen displays. An Android app is not currently available. 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. Likewise, the service will soon be adding Disney/ESPN channels as well. 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. In addition to the Chromecast, PlayStation Vue is currently available through the 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. A PlayStation Vue subscription starts at $50 per month. Source: PlayStation Twitter via Engadget

Posted Wed Dec 16, 2015 at 09:00 AM PST by: Steven Cohen

LG Unveils New 21:9 UltraWide & 4K Ultra HD Monitors

[teaser]Five new monitors have been revealed. [/teaser] LG has announced the latest additions to its monitor lineup. The new models include the UC98, UC88, UM88, UD88, and UD68. "LG's new monitors and PCs offer users a more immersive experience than ever before, with a blend of powerful technology and stunning picture quality," said Ik-hwan Jang, head of the monitor and PC division at LG Electronics. "LG strives for continuous innovation to exceed customers’ expectations by creating products that provide breathtaking aesthetics and unparalleled user experience." The UltraWide lineup will include the curved UC98 and UC88 (29-inch and 34-inch sizes), and the flat UM88. All three models use IPS panels with a QHD resolution of 3440 x 1440 and a 21:9 aspect ratio. Meanwhile, the company's upcoming 4K Ultra HD lineup will include the UD88 (27-inch and 32-inch sizes) and UD68. Both models will incorporate USB Type C port technology. In addition, the UD88 also offers color presets including Rec. 709 and SMPTE-C broadcasting standards. Pricing has not been announced yet, but LG's new UltraWide and Ultra HD monitors will be on display at the company's booth during CES on January 6-9 in Las Vegas. Source: LG

Posted Tue Dec 15, 2015 at 05:00 PM PST by: Steven Cohen

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