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Pioneer Reveals New High-Res Audio Gear at CEDIA 2015[teaser]Headphones, a receiver, and a digital audio player are among the new devices unveiled at the show. [/teaser] Pioneer has announced the addition of three new home audio products to its lineup at CEDIA 2015. The collection includes the SE-MASTER1 Headphones ($2,500), the XDP-100R Digital Audio Player (est. MSRP $700), and the SX-N30 Network Stereo Receiver (est. MSRP $600). The SE-MASTER1 Headphones feature 50 mm driver units with a 25 µm aluminum diaphragm finished with a Parker Ceramic Coating. In addition, the headphones will support high-resolution audio of up to 85.000 Hz. Meanwhile, the XDP-100R Digital Audio Player is based on the Android OS and offers support for several high-res audio formats, including up to DSD 11.2MHz, 384kHz/24bit FLAC/WAV audio files, streaming audio, and the new "MQA" lossless format (via free update). In addition, the player features a 4.7-inch touchscreen display, internal storage that is expandable to 288GB, and a built-in speaker. Finally, the SX-N30 Network Stereo Receiver is a two-channel receiver with 80W/Ch and Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Apple Airplay connectivity. In addition, the device supports music streaming services like Pandora and Spotify, as well as FM/AM radio, and high-res audio playback. Pioneer's new home audio products are now on hand at CEDIA 2015. Release dates have not been announced yet. Source: PioneerPosted Thu Oct 15, 2015 at 06:00 PM PDT by: -
Sony Details STR-ZA5000ES A/V Receiver with Dolby Atmos & DTS:X, Price Set for $2,799[teaser]The upcoming A/V receiver supports immersive audio formats. [/teaser] Sony has announced a new addition to its home audio lineup. The STR-ZA5000ES is the first ES receiver to offer Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support. "The ZA5000ES has been designed to provide solutions for practically any system integration requirement," said Yamato "Tank" Tanikawa, director, Home Entertainment & Sound, Sony Electronics. "Additionally, its advanced audio and video performance make it the perfect complement for the new Ultra HD Blu-ray format, as well as other emerging 4K UHD platforms." The STR-ZA5000ES is a 130 watts x 9 channel receiver. In addition, additional amplifiers can be added to offer support for up to 11.1 channels. Dolby Atmos compatibility is built-in and DTS:X will be supported through a firmware upgrade. Likewise, the device includes HDCP 2.2 compliant HDMI connections and can support High-Res audio, 4K Ultra HD sources, HDR, and even the BT.2020 wide color gamut standard. DSP technology, a high performance 32-bit floating point processor, and Sony’s latest D.C.A.C. EX tech are incorporated as well. Sony's is expected to start shipping in Spring 2016 for a suggested retail price of $2,799. Source: SonyPosted Thu Oct 15, 2015 at 02:00 PM PDT by: -
NBC Introduces SeeSo Comedy Streaming Service for $4 Per Month[teaser]The network has revealed its own digital comedy service. [/teaser] Following early rumblings back in March, NBC has officially revealed its new comedy streaming platform. Dubbed SeeSo, the service will feature classic shows and original content. SeeSo is an ad-free subscription based digital streaming platform that will focus on comedy shows and clips. The platform will include catalog content from NBC's collection, including series like 'The Office,' '30 Rock,' and 'Saturday Night Live.' Likewise, the service will be home to several exclusive classic comedy titles like 'Monty Python’s Flying Circus' and 'The Kids in the Hall.' In addition, NBC will be producing original material as well, including 'The UCB Show' with Amy Poehler, an animated series from 'Community' creator Dan Harmon, a new standup show from Wyatt Cenac, and more. Finally, SeeSo will also feature comedy specials and 3-5 movies every month. SeeSo will launch in a private beta in December and then expand to a public launch in January for $4 per month. The service is expected to be available on mobile devices and all major streaming platforms. Sources: SeeSo, Variety, EngadgetPosted Thu Oct 15, 2015 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
Sony Unveils New 4K Ultra HD & Full HD Projectors, Prices Start at $3,999[teaser]Three new projector models have been unveiled. [/teaser] Sony has announced several new additions to its home theater projector lineup. The upcoming projectors include the VPL-VW665ES, VPL-VW365ES, and VPL-HW65ES. "Ten years after introducing the world's first 4K projectors for the industry conversion from film-based to digital cinema in neighborhood theaters, Sony is releasing our next generation of 4K projectors for use in home theaters. These latest models continue to expand our support for enthusiasts and dealers with features like HDR and IP control," said Andre Floyd, Product Manager for projectors at Sony Electronics Inc. "By improving brightness, contrast and lamp life, and providing great calibration tools, we deliver users out-of-the-box optimized picture quality while enabling installation experts to tweak the image to meet the needs of a particular environment or a viewer’s taste. Sony’s 4K SXRD imaging technology remains the state of the art in home theater projection." The VPL-VW665ES and VPL-VW365ES appear to be US model versions of the previously announced international VPL-VW520ES and VPL-VW320ES. Both are native 4K projectors with SXRD panels, Sony’s proprietary TRILUMINOs engine, Motionflow picture technology, and built-in RF 3D transmitters. Likewise, both include HDMI connectivity with HDCP 2.2 compliancy and long-lasting lamps for up to 6,000 hours of performance. In addition, the VPL-VW665ES offers HDR (high dynamic range) support and features a 300,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio. Meanwhile, for customers not yet ready for Ultra HD, Sony is also releasing the VPL-HW65ES Full HD projector. Sony's VPL-VW665ES ($14,999), VPL-VW365ES ($9,999), and VPL-HW65ES ($3,999) will start shipping in October. Source: SonyPosted Thu Oct 15, 2015 at 11:00 AM PDT by: -
MStar Integrates Dolby Vision into 4K Ultra HD TV SoCs[teaser]The company will be implementing Dolby Vision into their SoCs. [/teaser] MStar and Dolby have announced a partnership to integrate Dolby Vision support into MStar's new SoCs (system-on-chips). The chips will be used for upcoming 2016 HDR (high dynamic range) displays. "As early adopters of Dolby Vision, MStar has collaborated with Dolby for the past two years to optimize the HDR engine with MStar's expertise in display technologies, which will enable the delivery of Dolby Vision to a broader range of TVs," said Sean Lin, General Manager, TV Business Unit, MStar. "While the TV industry is embracing the 4K Ultra HD era, MStar is committed to provide SoC solutions with the best performance to meet our customers' needs today and in the future. With the integration of Dolby Vision VS10 in MStar's 4K Ultra HD SoCs, we will support the TV industry in delivering spectacular HDR images with greater detail, brighter highlights, deeper darks, and a fuller palette of colors than was possible on television screens in the past." Dolby Vision is an end-to-end video technology that uses high dynamic range and wide color gamuts to create and display content with superior brightness, contrast, and pop. Dolby Vision VS10 also has the benefit of being a universal HDR playback solution, allowing the tech to support Dolby Vision content and other HDR profiles based on the SMPTE ST 2084 standard. With the recent release of its Reference Series displays, VIZIO is now the first company to offer a Dolby Vision Ultra HD TV. Likewise, Chinese manufacturers TCL and Skyworth have also announced plans to release Dolby Vision products. Meanwhile, Warner Bros., VUDU, and Netflix will all be providing Dolby Vision graded content and the format is supported by the Ultra HD Blu-ray spec. Specific TVs that will use MStar's new Dolby Vision SoCs have not been announced yet. Dolby also recently announced similar partnerships with Realtek, HiSilicon and MediaTek. Source: DolbyPosted Wed Oct 14, 2015 at 04:00 PM PDT by: -
Anthem Readies New MRX A/V Receivers with Dolby Atmos & DTS:X[teaser]Three new receivers have been detailed. [/teaser] Anthem has announced the latest generation of its MRX A/V receiver collection. The new lineup includes the MRX 1120 ($3,499), MRX 720 ($2,499), and MRX 520 ($1,399). The entry level MRX 520 is a 5.1 channel receiver. Meanwhile, the MRX 720 is a 7.1 channel receiver with integrated support for 5.1.2 systems, and up to 7.1.4 systems with additional external amplification. Finally, the flagship MRX 1120 is an 11.1 channel receiver with integrated support for up to 7.1.4 systems. In addition, the new MRX series incorporates HDMI 2.0a connections with 4K HDR and HDCP 2.2 compliancy. Built-in Dolby Atmos and future DTS:X support are also included on the MRX 720 and MRX 1120, along with DTS Play-Fi connectivity for wireless music streaming. Anthem's MRX 1120 ($3,499), MRX 720 ($2,499), and MRX 520 ($1,399) are expected to start shipping in January 2016. Source: AnthemPosted Wed Oct 14, 2015 at 01:45 PM PDT by: -
MartinLogan Announces Motion AFX Dolby Atmos Enabled Speaker[teaser]The new Atmos-enabled model can add overhead sound to existing speakers. [/teaser] MartinLogan has revealed its latest speaker. The Motion AFX is designed to sit atop other speakers, adding a height layer of sound. The speaker features a 0.75-inch aluminum dome tweeter and 5.25-inch polypropylene cone bass/midrange driver. Using Dolby Atmos-enabled tech, the drivers are angled upward, allowing them to bounce sound off of the ceiling to create overheard audio. The Motion AFX is designed to sit on top of other MartinLogan speakers, including the Motion 15, 20, 35XT, 40 and 60XT. Likewise, the device can also be paired with other brands of speakers that have a flat top. MartinLogan's Motion AFX is expected to launch in November for an estimated price of $599/pr. Source: MartinLoganPosted Wed Oct 14, 2015 at 09:00 AM PDT by: -
Epson Reveals New 1080p Ultra-Bright Pro Cinema Projectors[teaser]Several new projector models have been revealed. [/teaser] Epson has announced an expansion of its Full HD 1080p Ultra-Bright Pro Cinema Projector lineup. The new models include the Pro Cinema G6970WU ($6,999), Pro Cinema G6570WU ($5,499), Pro Cinema 4855WU ($3,099), and wireless Pro Cinema 1985 ($2,499). "Epson is optimizing the home theater experience beyond the dedicated home theater room and into expansive settings – like media rooms with large windows – where light control is not an option," said Brian Savarese, product manager, Epson America. "We know people gather together for their entertainment, especially for their favorite sports. The Epson Ultra Bright Pro Cinema projectors deliver brilliant, immersive bigger screen sports with an image size that TVs simply can't touch." The Pro Cinema G6970WU, G6570WU and 4855WU are all designed with custom installers in mind, and feature vertical and horizontal lens shift, centered lens design, Arc Correction Faroudja DCDi Cinema technology, a Split Screen function, a ceiling mount, and extra lamp. In addition, the G6970WU and G6570WU offer six lens options and include HDBaseT connectivity. Meanwhile, the Pro Cinema 1985 is designed to serve as a home entertainment hub with wireless projection support with Miracast and Intel WiDi, built-in sound, two HDMI ports, and MHL support. Epson's Pro Cinema G6970WU, G6570WU and 1985 will start shipping in November. The Pro Cinema 4855WU is now available. The lineup is now on display at Epson's booth at the CEDIA Expo from Oct. 14 – 17. Source: Epson via PR NewswirePosted Wed Oct 14, 2015 at 08:15 AM PDT by: -
HDD Gear Deal Spotlight: Up to 61% Off Projectors![teaser]For a limited time, Amazon is offering significant discounts on select projectors! [/teaser] As part of the online retailer's ongoing electronics sales and promotions, Amazon is running a limited time deal on projectors from Sony, ViewSonic, Epson, Optoma, Acer, and BenQ. BenQ HC1200 1080P 3D DLP Home Theater Projector - Currently $889 (61% off). Optoma X600 XGA Full 3D DLP Network Projector - Currently $1,419 (51% off). Epson Home Cinema 730HD Projector (Refurbished) - Currently $400 (38% off). ViewSonic PJD5255 XGA DLP Projector - Currently $400 (31% off). Acer H6510BD 3D Home Theater Projector - Currently $550 (21% off). Sony VPLHW40ES 1080p 3D SXRD Projector - Currently $1,998 (20% off). Epson HC 3020 Home Cinema 3D 1080p 3LCD Projector (Manufacturer Refurbished) - Currently $1,000. As always, 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 Tue Oct 13, 2015 at 03:00 PM PDT by: -
Comcast Bolsters Web Video Content on X1 Platform[teaser]The cable giant has added more internet video content to its set-top box. [/teaser] Comcast has announced a new web video partnership with over 30 broadcast and cable networks. As part of the deal, the channels will offer select short-form internet video content through the X1 platform. "Integrating our web content into a highly engaged platform like Xfinity On Demand on X1 is a fantastic opportunity to reach and engage millions of viewers on the best screen in the home," said Ron Lamprecht, Executive Vice President, Digital Distribution for NBCUniversal. "With access to platforms like X1, we are able to offer live, on demand and web content around our properties and provide unique, branded experiences for our viewers." Announced partners include A&E, ABC News, AMC, American Heroes, Animal Planet, BBC America, Big Ten Networks, CNBC, Cooking Channel, Destination America, Discovery, Discovery Life, DIY, E!, ESPN, Esquire Network, Food Network, Fox Business, Fox News, Fox Sports, FYI, HGTV, History, IFC, Investigation Discovery, Lifetime, LMN, MSNBC, Music Choice, NBC, NBC News, OWN, Science Channel, Sundance TV, TLC, Travel Channel, Velocity and WE TV. The web content will initially be geared toward news, sports, and current events, but programmers are expected to start adding more extras, bonus clips, and complimentary series as the platform expands. Comcast's new web video content is now in beta launch. Subscribers can access the videos through the Web section of Xfinity On Demand on their X1. Source: ComcastPosted Tue Oct 13, 2015 at 01:30 PM PDT by:
