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Marvel Developing HAWKEYE Series Starring Jeremy Renner for Disney+[teaser]The Marvel superhero is reportedly getting his own streaming show.[/teaser] According to a report by Variety, Disney and Marvel are developing a new limited series for Disney+ focused on the character of Hawkeye from The Avengers films. Jeremy Renner is attached to reprise his role as Clint Barton/Hawkeye for the project. The character first made his MCU debut via a cameo appearance in Thor before going on to appear in The Avengers, Avengers: Age of Ultron, Captain America Civil War, and Avengers: Endgame. Though full plot details have not been announced yet, Variety's sources indicate that the show will feature Barton passing the Hawkeye mantle down to a younger hero named Kate Bishop. Beyond Hawkeye, Marvel Studios is also bringing a limited series focused on Tom Hiddleston's Loki to Disney+. Likewise, additional miniseries featuring Falcon and Winter Solider, and Scarlet Witch are also reportedly in development for the upcoming streaming service. Meanwhile, outside of Marvel properties, other shows currently in the works for Disney+ include a Star Wars: Rogue One prequel series starring Diego Luna, a second Star Wars live-action show titled The Mandalorian, a Monsters, Inc. show titled Monsters at Work, and a new High School Musical show. Likewise, the service will be home to several original movies and is also expected to house Disney's complete vault of catalog films. Pricing and an exact release date for Disney+ have not been confirmed yet, but the service is scheduled to launch later this year with a rumored monthly subscription cost of around $6 to $8. More details are set to be revealed on April 11 during a Disney investor presentation. Source: VarietyPosted Wed Apr 10, 2019 at 01:40 PM PDT by: -
Samsung Reveals Pricing for 2019 QLED TV and Sound Bar Lineup[teaser]The company's 2019 AV products are hitting stores now.[/teaser] Samsung has announced pricing for its full 2019 TV and sound bar lineup. The collection is led by the Q900 8K QLED TV, Q90 4K QLED TV, Q80 4K QLED TV, Q70 4K QLED TV, Q60 4K QLED TV, The Frame Lifestyle 4K TV, and Q Series Sound Bars. "Our 2019 QLED line is designed for users who want the best combination of picture quality, smart TV capabilities and design," said Andrew Sivori, VP, TV Product Marketing, Samsung Electronics America. "This year's lineup represents our largest screen size offering ever. It brings together innovative feature enhancements and exciting content and service partnerships to deliver a truly groundbreaking viewing experience and unprecedented value." Check out the video below for a detailed breakdown of Samsung's 2019 lineup! Samsung's 2019 4K QLED TVs feature the company's proprietary Quantum Processor, quantum dot tech with 100% color volume support, and HDR10/HDR10+ playback. In addition, the Q80 and Q90 series also include "Ultra Viewing Angle" technology to minimize glare, improve color, and provide a better picture from off-angle viewing positions. Likewise, the Q70, Q80, and Q90 TVs offer Direct Full Array local dimming for superior black levels. Meanwhile, the flagship Q900 8K QLED TV features a native 7,680 x 4,320 resolution 8K panel, along with quantum dot tech and Direct Full Array Elite local dimming to provide DCI-P3 WCG support, 100% Color Volume, and superior contrast. In addition, the TV includes AI-powered 8K Upscaling technology and Samsung's 8K Quantum Processor to upscale lower resolution content from any source to near 8K quality. Likewise, the set supports HDR10 and HDR10+ playback with industry-leading 4,000 nit peak brightness capabilities in Dynamic Mode and around 2,000 nits in Movie Mode (on the 85-inch model). Smart TV functions with Universal Guide, Bixby, Ambient Mode, a Far Field Voice capable OneRemote, and future support for Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa are also integrated. Finally, Samsung's 2019 QLED lineup will include access to the iTunes Movies and TV Shows app as well. Here's a full rundown of pricing for Samsung's 2019 TV and Sound Bar lineup: Q900 QLED 8K TV 65”: $4,999.99 75”: $6,999.99 82”: $9,999.99 85”: $14,999.99 Q90 QLED 4K TV 65”: $3,499.99 75”: $4,999.99 82”: $6,499.99 Q80 QLED 4K TV 55”: $1,999.99 65”: $2,799.99 75”: $3,999.99 Q70 QLED 4K TV 49”: $1,249.99 55”: $1,499.99 65”: $2,199.99 75”: $3,299.99 82”: $4,499.99 Q60 QLED 4K TV 43”: $799.99 49”: $999.99 55”: $1,199.99 65”: $1,799.99 75”: $2,999.99 82”: $3,799.99 The Frame 4K TV (2019) 43”: $1,299.99 49”: $1,699.99 55”: $1,999.99 65”: $2,799.99 RU8000 4K UHD TV 49”: $799.99 55”: $999.99 65”: $1,399.99 75”: $2,199.99 82”: $3,199.99 RU7300 4K UHD TV 55”: $699.99 65”: $999.99 RU7100 4K UHD TV 43”: $429.99 50”: $499.99 55”: $599.99 58”: $649.99 65”: $899.99 75”: $1,599.99 Q Series Sound Bars Q90: $1,699.99 Q80: $1,199.99 Q70: $799.99 Q60: $499.99 R Series Sound Bars R660: $399.99 R550: $279.99 R450: $199.99 Source: Samsung, Samsung (YouTube)Posted Wed Apr 10, 2019 at 10:15 AM PDT by: -
John Goodman & Billy Crystal Return for MONSTERS, INC. Streaming Series on Disney+[teaser]Mike and Sulley are heading to Disney's new streaming service.[/teaser] As detailed by The Hollywood Reporter, Disney has officially announced a new Monsters, Inc. spin-off show for its upcoming Disney+ streaming platform. The series, dubbed Monsters at Work, is set to premiere in 2020. Stars Billy Crystal and John Goodman are both returning to voice lovable monsters Mike and Sulley respectively. The characters debuted in 2001's Monsters, Inc. and then appeared again in the 2013 prequel Monsters University. Other returning cast members from previous entries in the franchise will include John Ratzenberger as Yeti, Jennifer Tilly as Celia, and Bob Peterson as Roz. Meanwhile, the show will also be home to new characters voiced by Ben Feldman, Kelly Marie Tran, Henry Winkler, Aisha Tyler, Lucas Neff, Alanna Ubach, and Stephen Stanton. The series will take place six months after the events of Monsters, Inc. and will focus on a monster mechanic named Tylor Tuskmon (Ben Feldman) who dreams about working with Mike and Sulley on the Laugh Floor. Disney Television Animation will produce the series along with Ferrell Barron. Meanwhile, Bobs Gannaway serves as executive producer. Beyond Monsters at Work, other original streaming titles currently in development for Disney+ include a Star Wars: Rogue One prequel series starring Diego Luna, a second Star Wars live-action show titled The Mandalorian, a Marvel series focused on Tom Hiddleston's Loki, and a new High School Musical show. Likewise, the service will be home to several original movies and is also expected to house Disney's complete vault of catalog films. Pricing and an exact release date for Disney+ have not been confirmed yet, but the service is scheduled to launch later this year with a rumored monthly subscription cost of around $6 to $8. More details are set to be revealed on April 11 during a Disney investor presentation. Source: The Hollywood ReporterPosted Tue Apr 9, 2019 at 02:15 PM PDT by: -
Epson Launches New Home Cinema 5050UB and 5050UBe 4K PRO-UHD Projectors[teaser]The company's latest 4K HDR projector models have been detailed.[/teaser] Epson has announced the release of its newest 4K Home Cinema projectors. The 5050UB ($2,999) and 5050UBe ($3,299) are both now available via Epson and select online retailers. "The new Epson Home Cinema 5050UB and 5050UBe projectors are worthy successors to our highly-acclaimed Home Cinema 5040UB and 5040UBe," said Rodrigo Catalan, senior product manager, Projectors, Epson America. "By retaining the outstanding black performance from the previous generation and adding our latest 4K PRO-UHD2 resolution enhancement technology, we've raised the bar again with the new Home Cinema solutions to deliver top contenders for the best DIY home theater projectors available today." Powered by Epson's 4K PRO-UHD tech, both models feature a true 3-Chip, 3LCD design for enhanced color and brightness, and a Pixel-Shift Processor to control three individual high-definition LCD chips, allowing each projector to shift each pixel diagonally, doubling Full HD resolution. In addition, both units are rated for 2,600 lumens of color and white brightness and a dynamic contrast ratio up to 1,000,000:1 using Epson's UltraBlack Technology. HDR10 capabilities with 24Hz and 60Hz playback are offered as well, along with HLG, SDR, and 3D playback. Likewise, full 10-bit and partial 12-bit color output and 100% DCI-P3 color space coverage (in Digital Cinema Mode) are also supported. Check out the graph below for a detailed breakdown of the projectors' signal support: Meanwhile, when it comes to optics, both models incorporate Epson's proprietary 15-element glass projection lens designed for zero-light-leakage. Likewise, the 3-Axis Motorized Lens allows users to shift the lens up to 96 percent up or down on the vertical axis and up to 47 percent left or right on the horizontal axis. Finally, the 5050UBe model also provides a WirelessHD option via an included Epson WirelessHD transmitter with 4 HMDI input, enabling wireless transmission of 4K content at up to 30 fps. Both projectors include a two-year limited warranty, along with toll-free access to Epson’s PrivateLine priority support, 90-day limited lamp warranty, and free two-business-day exchange with Extra CareSM Home Service. Source: EpsonPosted Tue Apr 9, 2019 at 04:30 AM PDT by: -
Audio Research Releases Special Edition CD6 and Reference CD9 Transport/DAC Models[teaser]Updated versions of the premium audio components are now available.[/teaser] Audio Research has announced the release of Special Edition updates for its CD6 and Reference CD9 Transport/DAC. The new components feature refreshed faceplates and are set to start shipping this week. Boasting tweaked aesthetics, the Special Edition CD6 and CD9 include new faceplates designed to complement ARC's Foundation and Reference-series components. Coupled with matching buttons, illumination, and black plexiglass displays, the refreshed faceplates bring the CD6 and CD9 more in line with the visual style of the company's latest components. Both units combine a super high-resolution compact disc player and a digital-to-analog converter in one device. In addition, both models incorporate a V3.0 USB audio card with support for macOS, Windows 10, and Linux-based systems compatible with ALSA devices, enabling streaming playback from products like Aurender or Roon's Nucleus. When it comes to digital inputs, the new CD6SE will include one TOSlink input and one AES/EBU input, as opposed to the original CD6's two TOSlink inputs. Meanwhile, the new REF CD9SE will feature the same input selection as the original REF CD9. Here's a full rundown of key specs for both models per Audio Research: PCM Sample rates up to 192kHz 16, 24 and 32Bit depths supported MacOS sample rates to 192kHz · SPDIF (RCA), TOSlink, AES/EBU (XLR) and USB 2.0 digital audio inputs AES/EBU (XLR) and SPDIF (BNC) digital audio outputs MacOS, Windows, Linux compatibility for USB 2.0 digital audio input The CD6SE is now available for a suggested retail price of $10,000 and the REFCD9SE is now available for a suggested retail price of $15,000. Options for natural silver or black anodized front panels and handles are available for both units. Source: Audio ResearchPosted Tue Apr 9, 2019 at 03:50 AM PDT by: -
Red Carpet Home Cinema Lets You Rent First-Run Movies... for $3,000[teaser]The luxury movie rental service allows wealthy customers to watch new films at home.[/teaser] Looking for a way to watch new theatrical movie releases without having to leave the comfort of your own living room? Well, Red Carpet Home Cinema might be just what you're looking for... if you happen to have deep enough pockets. The new digital movie rental service is geared exclusively toward the luxury market, allowing affluent customers to rent select first-run movies still playing in theaters for about $1,500 to $3,000 a piece. Each rental is good for two viewings within a 36-hour time period. In addition, the service requires a $15,000 proprietary in-home media server to play the rentals. Studios currently offering support for the platform include Warner Bros., Paramount, Lionsgate, Annapurna, 20th Century Fox, and Fox Searchlight. Upcoming titles will include movies like Hellboy, Rocketman, and Godzilla: King of the Monsters as soon as they premiere in theaters. Though the company does plan to expand to more cities, Red Carpet Home Cinema is currently only available in New York and LA. Likewise, the service is only open to a select number of customers and requires an application process with specific criteria, including a credit card with a minumim limit of $50,000. Interested parties can CLICK HERE to inquiry about signing up. A VIP Concierge will then follow-up with more details on pricing and installation. As one might expect based on the decidedly high cost, the company is not aiming to disrupt the film market. Instead, founders Fred Rosen and Dan Fellman are interested in kindling a premium, niche offering that does not require a large user base to succeed. Speaking to the New York Times, the pair revealed that the service has the potential to reach $300 million in annual revenue with less than 4,000 customers. Red Carpet Home Cinema's website makes no mention of the exact video resolution or audio formats used for its rentals -- but at as much as $3,000 a pop, we sure hope it includes 4K HDR and immersive audio support. Sources: Red Carpet Home Cinema, The New York Times, EngadgetPosted Mon Apr 8, 2019 at 03:00 PM PDT by: -
Bang & Olufsen Reveals Beovision Harmony 4K OLED TV[teaser]The new 77-inch display model emphasizes premium sound and design.[/teaser] Bang & Olufsen has detailed its latest lifestyle TV model. The new Beovision Harmony pairs an LG 4K OLED display with B&O's unique design and audio elements. "Pristine picture performance combined with truly immersive sound ensures a mesmerizing viewing experience. But the presence of a big screen is rarely a welcoming addition to living spaces. With Beovision Harmony, we wanted to create a meaningful object for interior that reduces the visual presence of the TV and transforms it into something that people will develop an emotional attachment to", says John Mollanger, Bang & Olufsen’s Executive Vice President of Brand and Markets. When not in use as a TV, the Beovision Harmony's screen is positioned close to the floor with two oak and aluminium front speaker panels raised up in a vertical alignment to partially cover the display. Then, when the TV is turned on, the fronts are lowered to a horizontal configuration like a butterfly opening its wings, allowing the screen to rise up to an ideal viewing height. For its display, the system features a new LG 77-inch 4K OLED panel. Meanwhile, the "butterfly wing" panels house the unit's audio components, specially tuned to provide three-channel, fully active DSP-based sound. When it comes to music streaming, the device includes integrated support for services like Tune-In and Deezer, along with the ability to play content from a smartphone via Apple Airplay 2, Chromecast built-in, or Bluetooth. Likewise, the display is equipped LG's webOS 4.5 smart TV platform, offering access to variety of media services like Netflix, Amazon, and YouTube. Finally, the Beovision Harmony also includes a built-in 7.1 surround sound decoder, enabling users to connect up to eight Beolab speakers to create a full surround sound system. "We have been sharing an obsessive passion for almost 100 years, and it has been a mission of ours to perfect the techniques used to reproduce sound and vision and to embody it in a design that people are proud to have in their homes. Wood has always been an important aspect of Nordic architecture and furniture design because of its individual character, robustness and versatility, and we are proud to carry this forward in our Beovision Harmony", says John Mollanger. Bang & Olufsen's new Beovision Harmony will be on display at Milan Design Week from April 9 to 14. The system is set to launch in October 2019 for an estimated retail price of 18,500 EUR. Units will be available with a combined oak wood/aluminium front or a combined Grey Melange two-tone fabric/aluminium front. Sources: Bang & Olufsen, Dezeen (YouTube)Posted Mon Apr 8, 2019 at 12:15 PM PDT by: -
Coming Soon to Streaming: COBRA KAI, COWBOY BEBOP, and More[teaser]Check out our latest crop of streaming news and trailers.[/teaser] YouTube Premium, Netflix, CBS All Access, and Amazon Prime Video have all released new previews and info for several of their upcoming series and films. Here's a full rundown of titles scheduled to arrive on each service: Cobra Kai (YouTube Premium, April 24) - Cobra Kai may have won the battle, but the war has just begun. Watch Johnny Lawrence and Daniel LaRusso pick up where they left off in Season 1, and train a new generation in the way of karate. But will their past get in the way of what truly matters? Persona (Netflix, Now Streaming) - An anthology series composed of four short films, each of which is directed by four critically acclaimed directors. Persona depicts four personas played by Lee Ji-eun, through the lenses of the directors’ unique storytelling. Each short film has its own title - Love Set, Collector, Walking at Night and Kiss Burn in the order of appearance. The Ruthless (Netflix, April 19) - Santo Russo, a Calabrian who grew up in the hinterland, after the first thefts in the suburbs and the juvenile prison, decides to follow his aspirations and to undertake definitively the life of the criminal. Within a few years he becomes the mind and the armed wing of a powerful and feared gang, launching himself into increasingly dirty and profitable business: robbery, kidnapping, drug trafficking, money laundering, and not least “miracles”: bloodshed executions. In his unbridled race towards wealth and social satisfaction, Santo Russo is divided between two women: his wife, submissive and devoted, and his lover, a beautiful woman, elegant and unattainable. Two antipodal choices of life and two opposite faces of himself. Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile (Netflix, May 3) - A chronicle of the crimes of Ted Bundy from the perspective of Liz, his longtime girlfriend, who refused to believe the truth about him for years. Directed by Academy Award®-nominated filmmaker Joe Berlinger and starring Zac Efron, Lily Collins, Kaya Scodelario, Jeffrey Donovan, Angela Sarafyan, Dylan Baker, Brian Geraghty, Terry Kinney, Haley Joel Osment, James Hetfield, Grace Victoria Cox with Jim Parsons and John Malkovich. Dead to Me (Netflix, May 3) - A powerful friendship blossoms between a tightly wound widow and a free spirit with a shocking secret in this darkly comic series. starring Christina Applegate and Linda Cardellini. The Society (Netflix, May 10) - Follows a group of teenagers who are mysteriously transported to a facsimile of their wealthy New England town, left without any trace of their parents. As they struggle to figure out what has happened to them and how to get home, they must establish order and form alliances if they want to survive. The series is a modern take on Lord of the Flies. Money Heist: Part 3 (Netflix, July 19) - Eight thieves take hostages and lock themselves in the Royal Mint of Spain as a criminal mastermind manipulates the police to carry out his plan. Top Boy (Netflix, Fall 2019) - The new episodes pick up as Dushane (Ashley Walters) returns from exile to his home in London to reclaim his throne in the highly lucrative drug market. He teams up with Sully (Kane Robinson), his spiritual brother, partner, and sometime rival who is also returning to the same streets after his own form of exile – prison – comes to an end. Awaiting them both is Jamie, the young, hungry and ruthless gang leader whose ambitions leave no place for Dushane and Sully. As reported by Variety, Netflix has also announced the cast for its upcoming Cowboy Bebop series. The show is a live-action adaptation of the 1998 anime series of the same name, which follows a group of bounty hunters in the future. John Cho will star as Spike Spiegel, along with Mustafa Shakir as Jet Black, Daniella Pineda as Faye Valentine, and Alex Hassell as Vicious. Netflix has picked up the show for a 10-episode order. The Twilight Zone (CBS All Access, April 11) - Episode 3, "Replay," stars Sanaa Lathan and is hosted by Academy Award winner Jordan Peele. Nina (Lathan)'s old camcorder can rewind time, but can it help her ensure the future of her college-bound son Dorian (Damson Idris)? Glenn Fleshler and Steve Harris guest star. #FreeMeek (Amazon Prime Video, Summer 2019) - An upcoming documentary series that will follow Meek and his fight for exoneration while exposing flaws in the criminal justice system. In collaboration with Meek and executive producers Shawn Carter, Eli Holzman, Aaron Saidman, Paul and Isaac Solotaroff, and produced by Roc Nation and The Intellectual Property Corporation (IPC), the series will give viewers unprecedented access to the star's life, career, and criminal justice odyssey, while demonstrating the negative effects long tail probation is having on urban communities of color. - A current YouTube Premium subscription costs $12 per month. - A current Netflix subscription starts at $13 per month for HD streaming and $16 per month for Ultra HD streaming. - A current CBS All Access subscription costs $5.99 per month with reduced commercials or $9.99 per month for a commercial-free plan. - A current Amazon Prime subscription costs $119 per year or $13 per month. Likewise, Prime Video is available as a standalone service for $9 per month. Sources: Netflix (YouTube), CBS All Access (YouTube), Amazon Prime Video (YouTube), Cobra Kai (YouTube), VarietyPosted Fri Apr 5, 2019 at 02:25 PM PDT by: -
HDD Gear Deals: VIZIO Offers Spring Savings on 4K TVs & 5.1 Sound Bar[teaser]Select 2018 TV and sound bar models are on sale![/teaser] To help make room for the company's new 2019 models, VIZIO is offering limited time discounts on several 4K HDR TVs, including the P-Series Quantum TV (full review) and P-Series TV (full review). Likewise, the company is also running a sale on its SB3651-E6 Sound Bar (full review). Here's a full rundown of the discounts: P-Series Quantum PQ65-F (Best Buy, B&H Photo-Video, Walmart, VIZIO): 4/8/19 - 4/15/19: $1,599.99 (Save $200) PQ65-F (Costco, Sam's Club): 4/8/19 - 4/15/19: $1,399.99 (Save $300) P-Series P55-F (Best Buy, Walmart, Target, VIZIO): 3/22/19 - 4/20/19: $699.99 (Save $50) P65-F (Best Buy, Walmart, Target, VIZIO): 4/14/19 - 4/20/19: $999.99 (Save $100) P75-F (Best Buy, Walmart, Target, VIZIO): 3/25/19 - 4/15/19: $1,649.99 (Save $150) P75-F (Costco, Sam's Club): 3/25/19 - 4/15/19: $1,499.99 (Save $280) M-Series M70-F0 (B&H Photo-Video, Best Buy, Walmart, Target, VIZIO): 3/11/19 - 4/30/19: $1199.99 (Save $100) E-Series E43-F0 (Best Buy, Walmart, Target, VIZIO): 3/17/19 - 4/13/19: $309.99 (Save $20) E50-F0 (Best Buy, Walmart, Target, VIZIO): 4/19/19 - 4/28/19: $429.99 (Save $40) E65-F0 (Best Buy, Walmart, Target, VIZIO): 4/7/19 - 5/4/19: $599.99 (Save $50) E70-F0 (Best Buy, Walmart, Target, VIZIO): 3/10/19 - 5/23/19: $829.99 (Save $70) SB3651-E6 Sound Bar SB3651-E6 (Sam's Club, Costco): 4/15/19 - 4/28/19: $179.99 (Save $20) These deals will only be active for a limited time while supplies last.Posted Fri Apr 5, 2019 at 12:55 PM PDT by: -
Apple Lowers Price of HomePod Smart Speaker[teaser]The company's wireless speaker is now available for a reduced MSRP.[/teaser] After a little over two years on the market, Apple has cut the price of its HomePod wireless home speaker. The device initially launched with an MSRP of $349, but is now available for an MSRP of $299 through the Apple Store or a current sale price of $279 via Best Buy. The HomePod measures just under 7-inches tall and uses a custom array of seven horn-loaded tweeters, each with its own custom amplifier, along with a high-excursion woofer with custom amplifier. Under the hood, the speaker is powered by Apple's A8 chip providing bass management through real-time software modeling and other advanced audio functions, including a new spatial awareness feature. With spatial awareness, the HomePod is able to sense its position in a room -- whether it’s in a corner, on a table or in a bookshelf -- and then optimize its audio output for that location. To help achieve this, the device is also able to detect and separate center vocals, direct energy (instrumentation), and ambient audio (like backing vocals and reverb) within a music track, and then beam each piece directionally and blend them together specifically to match a room's unique dynamics. In addition, the speaker also includes a six-microphone array with advanced echo cancellation for Siri voice control and home assistant functions, allowing users to ask questions and access podcasts, news, weather, traffic, sports, reminders, timers, messages, and more. Finally, the HomePod has been designed for use with an Apple Music subscription for access to over 40 million songs. With that said, it should be noted that speaker is only compatible with other Apple products, and requires an iPhone 5s or later, iPad Pro, iPad (5th generation) or later, iPad Air or later, iPad mini 2 or later, or iPod touch (6th generation) or later running iOS 11.2.5 or later. The Apple HomePod is now available in White or Space Gray models. Source: Apple via EngadgetPosted Thu Apr 4, 2019 at 12:55 PM PDT by:
