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Plex Reveals New Plex Media Player Desktop App with 4K Interface Support[teaser]The company has completely revamped its desktop media software. [/teaser] Plex has announced the release of Plex Media Player. The new desktop app is designed to replace the previous generation Plex Home Theater app. Plex allows users to sort and stream their video, music, and picture collections across various devices and displays. The new Plex Media Player app is geared toward desktop, HTPC, and embedded/"appliance" computer use. The app features a new, sleek look that resembles the Plex interface across other devices and even uses a shared code-base for easier development. Likewise, navigation is now faster and offers better animations. In addition, Plex Media Player uses the mpv engine for playback and offers improved video codec support (including H.265). Finally, the software also incorporates support for a true 4K interface, bit-perfect LPCM decoding of DTS-HD MA, support for multi-channel music tracks, and more. The new Plex Media Player is now available as a preview version for Plex Pass subscribers. Availability will expand to all users once the preview period ends. Be sure to check out our full review of the Plex Pass service here! Sources: Plex 1, Plex 2, EngadgetPosted Thu Oct 22, 2015 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
YouTube Details YouTube Red Ad-Free Subscription Streaming Service, Price Set for $10 Per Month[teaser]The premium YouTube service is set to launch next week. [/teaser] YouTube has revealed its new subscription based, ad-free streaming platform. Dubbed YouTube Red, the new service will begin on October 28 for $10 per month. With a YouTube Red membership, users will receive ad-free playback of videos across all of YouTube. Likewise, subscribers can also save videos to watch offline on their smartphones or tablets. In addition, the service will be home to several original shows and movies, including the reality adventure series 'Scare PewDiePie,' the scripted comedy 'Sing It!,' the feature length movie 'A Trip to Unicorn Island,' and an untitled anthology series from CollegeHumor. YouTube Red will launch on October 28 for $10 per month. Membership to the service will carry across devices and anywhere you sign into YouTube, including the Gaming app and the new YouTube Music app. Source: YouTubePosted Wed Oct 21, 2015 at 04:00 PM PDT by: -
VUDU Brings 4K Ultra HD Movies to Roku 4, Titles Include 'Man of Steel' & 'The Lego Movie'[teaser]Several 4K VUDU titles are now available on the Roku 4. [/teaser] VUDU has announced the launch of its first wave of twelve 4K Ultra HD titles. The new lineup will initially be available exclusively on the recently released Roku 4. The first wave of VUDU UHD titles includes: 'San Andreas,' 'Man of Steel,' 'Edge of Tomorrow,' 'The Lego Movie,' 'Magic Mike XXL,' 'Jupiter Ascending,' 'Sherlock Holmes,' 'Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows,' 'The Great Gatsby,' 'Into the Storm,' 'Focus,' and 'Run All Night.' The films can be accessed from the VUDU channel on the Roku 4, and users can choose to rent or own each title in 4K by clicking on the UHD option under the movie details page. In addition to the improved resolution, select VUDU UHD titles also include Dolby Atmos soundtracks. Finally, though not currently supported by the Roku 4, several VUDU UHD titles will also offer Dolby Vision HDR through Dolby Vision devices like the upcoming VIZIO Reference Series. VUDU's initial UHD lineup is now available on the Roku 4. VUDU plans to expand its UHD collection to more 4K-enabled devices in the coming months. The Roku 4 is now shipping for $130. Source: VUDUPosted Wed Oct 21, 2015 at 09:45 AM PDT by: -
Roku Launches Roku 4 Ultra HD Streaming Player Today for $130![teaser]The company's newest Roku model is now shipping! [/teaser] As previously reported, Roku has announced the latest addition to its streaming player lineup, and the new device is now available. The Roku 4 features an updated OS and support for 4K Ultra HD media. You can order it here! "The Roku 4 is our best streaming player ever," said Roku Founder and CEO Anthony Wood. "It provides an amazing 4K experience with powerful performance and brilliant picture, at up to 60 frames per second on 4K TVs, and access to the most streaming channels with 4K entertainment, plus innovative features like Remote Finder. Powered by the new Roku OS 7, the Roku 4 gives consumers a new era of streaming performance and control over their entertainment." The streaming box 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 the new hardware upgrades, the Roku 4 also uses the latest Roku OS 7, offering several new and improved features, including an enhanced Roku Feed that lets users follow specific movies, TV shows, actors and directors to receive automatic updates about pricing and availability. The OS also features a new Hotel and Dorm Connect option, making it possible to quickly connect the player to Wi-Fi in locations that require network log-in credentials. Finally, the Roku mobile app will receive a major upgrade as well, providing more control and on-the-go features. The Roku 4 is now available for a suggested retail price of $130. Sources: Roku 1, Roku 2Posted Wed Oct 21, 2015 at 09:15 AM PDT by: -
Apple TV Adds CBS & NBC Streaming Channels[teaser]The media player now offers more channels. [/teaser] Apple has announced the addition of two major networks to its Apple TV channel lineup. CBS All Access and NBC are now available on Apple TV devices. CBS All Access is a subscription based service that offers next-day streaming for new episodes of 16 popular shows and a library of 6,500 on-demand episodes for $6 per month. Likewise, customers will be able to watch live local CBS broadcasts through the service in 14 select markets. Meanwhile, the NBC streaming channel requires pay-TV authentication. In addition, Apple is also adding the new Made2Measure digital fashion channel. CBS, NBC, and Made2Measure are now available on current generation Apple TVs. Likewise, the new Apple TV is set to arrive on October 26. Sources: Engadget, Apple InsiderPosted Tue Oct 20, 2015 at 05:00 PM PDT by: -
RIVA Audio Introduces RIVA S Bluetooth Mobile Speaker, Price Set for $250[teaser]The company's newest wireless speaker has been detailed. [/teaser] RIVA Audio has announced its latest mobile speaker. The RIVA S now joins the previously released RIVA Turbo X (reviewed here). "The RIVA S is designed to amaze!" said Rikki Farr, RIVA Audio and ADX Chairman and Chief Creative Officer. "RIVA S delivers clarity and separation that are audible from all the instruments and voices playing, allowing you to hear the true bass, all the drums, the passion, the nuance, the expression of words and all that was so carefully put together in the recording studio. We also included in the package everything necessary for traveling the world or visiting your next-door neighbor. There are no extras to be bought; in fact, we have even included a unique phono EQ mode that allows you to play your vinyl, a world's first. When seen against comparable products for the sound, the features and the accessories, RIVA S is fully loaded and therefore unrivaled." The speaker features 3 full-range, custom, 40mm ADX drivers and 4 custom dual-piston bass radiators all powered by a 30-Watts amplifier with Trillium audio technology. Likewise, the RIVA S also adds TrueWireless tech that allows users to sync two RIVA S speakers together to create true left and right channel stereo sound. In addition, the device supports Bluetooth with AptX technology and incorporates a dual-microphone speakerphone and USB charge out. Finally, the battery is rated for 13+ hours at 73db, and 5+ hours at the single speaker's maximum 94+dB output. The RIVA S will be available in November for a suggested retail price of $250. Meanwhile, the RIVA Turbo X is currently available for $350.Posted Tue Oct 20, 2015 at 12:30 PM PDT by: -
HDD Gear Deal Spotlight: Up to 58% off Headphones![teaser]Amazon is offering big discounts on select headphones! [/teaser] As part of the online retailer's ongoing deals, Amazon is running a sale on headphones from Sony, Beyerdynamic, Sennheiser, BOHM, Shure, and MEE Audio. MEE audio Air-Fi Venture Bluetooth Wireless + Wired Headphones with Microphone - Currently $50 (58% off) Beyerdynamic DT-880 Pro Headphones - Currently $200 (47% off). Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO - Currently $170 (43% off). Sennheiser Urbanite XL Over-Ear Headphones - Currently $150 (40% off). BÖHM Wireless Bluetooth Headphones - Currently $85 (39% off). beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro 80 ohm Studio Headphones - Currently $190 (36% off). Shure SRH145m+ Portable Collapsible Headphones - Currently $39 (36% off). Sony MDRV6 Studio Monitor Headphones - Currently $80 (27% off). Sony MDRXB950BT/B Extra Bass Bluetooth Headset - Currently $148 (26% off). These deals will only be active for a limited time while supplies last. Make sure to stay tuned to High-Def Digest for more sales and special promotions!Posted Mon Oct 19, 2015 at 07:00 PM PDT by: -
JVC Readies New eShift 4K D-ILA Projectors with HDR[teaser]Several new eShift projector models have been announced. [/teaser] JVC has unveiled six upcoming eShift4 projectors geared toward the custom installation market. The new models include the Procision Series DLA-X950R, DLA-X750R, and DLA-X550R and the Reference Series DLA-RS600, DLA-RS500, and DLA-RS400. The projectors all feature full speed 18Gbps inputs with HDCP 2.2 and support for 4K60p 4:4:4, 4K60p 4:2:2/36bit and 4K24p 4:4:4/36bit signals. Though not capable of projecting in native 4K resolution, the eShift4 tech allows the projectors to create 4K (3840x2160) images by shifting pixels diagonally 0.5 pixels at a rate of up to 120 Hz, multiplying the resolution. In addition, the devices use a new 265W high-power lamp for best in class brightness and up to a 150,000:1 native contrast ratio. Likewise, the DLA-X950R/RS600 and DLA-X750R/RS500 include HDR (high dynamic range) compatibility. Finally, the DLA-X950R/RS600 and DLA-X750R/RS500 also integrate THX 3D Certification. JVC's DLA-X950R/RS600 ($9,999.95), DLA-X750R/RS500 ($6,999.95), and DLA-X550R/RS400 ($3,999.95) will be available in November. Source: JVCPosted Mon Oct 19, 2015 at 09:15 AM PDT by: -
Kaleidescape Unveils Strato 4K HDR Movie Player with Ultra HD Movie Downloads from Sony[teaser]The new premium movie player offers high quality 4K playback and HDR support. [/teaser] Kaleidescape has announced its newest collection of media players. The Encore line is spearheaded by the flagship Strato Movie Player -- the world's first 4K Ultra HD high dynamic range movie player for the home. "I've long argued that streaming offers immediacy and convenience, but the Internet can't deliver a reliable high-bitrate content stream, such as 4K, unless it is heavily compressed," said industry analyst Dan Rayburn, Principal Analyst at Frost & Sullivan. "Kaleidescape's model of downloading and playing back from a local hard drive is the only way to get Internet-delivered content to match a 4K disc experience. Many of the service providers touting 4K content are capping their streaming bitrates at 16 Mbps. So, naturally, Strato's local playback—with bitrates up to 100 Mbps—will deliver better picture and sound quality," he added. The Strato Movie Player allows customers to download Ultra HD movies from the company's movie store with playback quality that matches or surpasses that of commercial theaters. In addition, the player supports lossless multichannel audio, and HDR content on displays that can process open standard 10-bit HDMI 2.0a HDR. The device is available with or without an internal 6TB hard drive that can store up to 100 4K Ultra HD movies, 150 Blu-ray quality movies, or 900 DVD quality movies. The Kaleidescape Movie Store currently offers 11,000 movies and 1,500 television seasons, including over 100 Ultra HD titles. In addition, the company just announced a new deal to offer Sony films in Ultra HD. Sony titles will be priced at around $30 and buyers of the Strato Movie Player will receive five downloadable Sony movies. Kaleidescape users can also upgrade their previously purchased UltraViolet SD and HD Sony Pictures titles to the 4K Ultra HD format. Finally, HDR films will be added as they become available. Kaleidescape's Strato Movie Player will be available in Q1 2016 for a suggested retail price of $4,495 with an internal 6 TB hard drive, and $3,495 with no internal hard drive. Source: KaleidescapePosted Fri Oct 16, 2015 at 01:30 PM PDT by: -
Sony Announces Reference Quality 4K Ultra HD Laser Light Projector[teaser]The new premium projector model offers reference quality performance. [/teaser] Sony has detailed a new addition to its projector lineup. The VPL‑W5000ES is a top of the line model designed for the home cinema. "The VPL-VW5000ES projector is truly the ultimate home cinema display," said Yamato “Tank” Tanikawa, Director, Home Entertainment & Sound, Sony Electronics. "The VPL-VW5000ES joins an impressive lineup of Sony home theater projectors specifically designed for the installer market, like the VPL-VW665ES and VPL-VW365ES models also announced today. All of these 4K resolution projectors offer a truly immersive viewing experience with high brightness and high contrast bringing the home theater experience to the next level." The projector uses a SXRD panel with a laser light engine to produce 4K images with 5,000 lumens of brightness. In addition, the VPL-VW5000ES includes HDR (high dynamic range) playback, full support for the DCI-P3 color gamut, and the ability to emulate the BT.2020 color space. The projector also features an HDCP 2.2 compliant HDMI input that is capable of accepting 4K 60p signals at up to YCbCr 4:4:4 8bit or YCbCr 4:2:2 12bit. Sony's VPL‑W5000ES 4K projector is now available for pre-order with a suggested retail price of $60,000. The device is expected to start shipping in Spring 2016. Source: SonyPosted Fri Oct 16, 2015 at 12:00 PM PDT by:
