-
Amazon Reveals New Fire TV with 4K Ultra HD Support & Fire TV Stick with Voice Remote[teaser]The latest Fire TV and Fire TV Stick models have been unveiled. [/teaser] Amazon has announced the newest editions of its popular Fire TV and Fire TV Stick devices. The upgraded Fire TV model ($100) now includes 4K Ultra HD video support, while the updated Fire TV Stick ($50) now includes a Voice Remote. Both Fire devices offer access to a growing collection of media services like Netflix, Amazon Video, HBO NOW, Hulu, WatchESPN, SHOWTIME ANYTIME, Sling TV, STARZ PLAY, ENCORE PLAY, NBC News, Prime Music, Spotify, Pandora, Vevo, Plex, A&E, YouTube.com, and more. "The team has packed an incredible amount of technology and innovation into a tiny package," said Jeff Bezos, Amazon.com Founder and CEO. "The new Fire TV includes 4K support, more processing power, Alexa integration, the largest selection, and exclusive features—for less than $100. The new Fire TV Stick with Voice Remote brings voice search and Alexa integration for less than $50. These are powerful devices at incredible prices." The new Fire TV includes playback support for several 4K content platforms including Netflix, Amazon Video, and Prime Video, offering numerous Ultra HD titles like 'Transparent,' 'Better Call Saul,' 'American Hustle,' and 'Amazing Spiderman 2.' In addition, the device supports the more efficient HEVC video codec to deliver HD streams as well, resulting in higher quality 1080p streams that use less bandwidth. Under the hood, the new Fire TV is powered by a MediaTek 64-bit quad-core processor and a dedicated GPU, giving it 75% more processing power than the previous model and 5x the processing power of the latest generation Roku, and 8x the processing power of Chromecast. Finally, the player also includes Dolby Audio technology, Mayday customer support, Alexa integration, and a microSD card slot for up to 128GB of expandable storage. Meanwhile, the company is also releasing a new Fire TV Stick model with an included Voice Remote. With the remote, customers can now speak the name of a movie, TV show, actor, director, or genre and get instant search results. Likewise, the voice remote also offers Alexa support, allowing users to ask for info related to weather, sports scores, traffic, music, and more. The new Fire TV ($100) is now available for pre-order and will begin shipping on October 5. The new Fire TV Stick with Voice Remote ($50) is also now available for pre-order and will begin shipping on October 22. Source: AmazonPosted Thu Sep 17, 2015 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
.jpg)
HDD Gear Deal Spotlight: Up to 34% off Projectors, Including Sony 4K Ultra HD Model![teaser]For a limited time, Amazon is offering big discounts on select projectors! [/teaser] As part of the online retailer's ongoing electronics sales and promotions, Amazon is running limited time deals on projectors from Sony, BenQ, Epson, and InFocus. Sony VPLVW350ES 4K Home Theater ES Projector - Currently $7,998 (20% off). Sony VPLHW55ES Full HD Projector - Currently $2,998 (25% off). BenQ HT1075 1080P 3D Home Theater Projector - Currently $797 (34% off). Epson EX5220 Wireless XGA 3LCD Projector (Refurbished) - Currently $350 (13% off). Epson 5030UB 2D/3D 1080p 3LCD Projector - Currently $1,999 (13% off). Epson 5030UBe 2D/3D 1080p 3LCD Projector - Currently $2,299 (12% off). InFocus IN8606HD HD Home Theater Projector - Currently $699 (11% off). 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 Wed Sep 16, 2015 at 04:00 PM PDT by: -
Sharp Preps First 8K Display for Japanese Market, Price Set for About $133,000[teaser]An 85-inch 8K display will hit the market in October. [/teaser] 4K just not enough? Well, if you're desperately craving even more pixels, Sharp has got you covered. That is, as long as you live in Japan. The company will be releasing its first 8K display for the Japanese market on October 30. The LV-85001 is an 85-inch display with a resolution of 7,680 x 4,320 pixels. Likewise, the 12-bit LED LCD panel uses Sharp's IGZO technology and offers support for HDR and wide color gamuts. Users will need to use four of the monitor's HDMI inputs simultaneously to have enough bandwidth for 8K playback -- but there is virtually no 8K content available at this time. Instead, the TV is currently geared toward business use and professional applications like video editing, and can display 8K JPEG images through USB. The Sharp 8K LV-85001 will be available in Japan on October 30 through the company's business-to-business sales unit for 16,000,000 yen (around $132,628). Sources: Sharp via EngadgetPosted Wed Sep 16, 2015 at 12:30 PM PDT by: -
Polk Audio Releases New T Series Entry-Level Loudspeakers, Prices Start at $100[teaser]Several affordable speaker models have been revealed. [/teaser] Polk Audio has announced the latest additions to its T Series collection of loudspeakers. The new lineup consists of the T50 floor standing tower speakers ($130/each), the T30 center channel speaker ($130) and the T15 bookshelf speakers ($100/pair). "Polk engineers are famous for saying it's easy to make expensive speakers sound great," said Michael Greco, global brand director for Polk. "The challenge is making an entry level line with exceptional sound that far exceeds its price. The T Series does just that, providing a balanced audio reproduction and incredible listening experience, whether you're an avid movie watcher or music fan." The T50 floor standing tower speakers feature a 1-inch silk dome tweeter, a 6.5-inch bi-laminate composite Dynamic Balance driver, and two 6.5-inch sub bass radiators. Meanwhile, the T30 center channel speaker features a 1-inch silk dome tweeter, two 5.25-inch Dynamic Balance drivers, and a performance tuned rear firing bass port. Finally, the T15 bookshelf speakers feature front firing bass ports, 5.25-inch Dynamic Balance drivers, 0.75-inch Dynamic Balance silk dome tweeters, and keyhole slots for wall mounting. Polk Audio's new T50 floor standing tower speakers ($130/each), T30 center channel speaker ($130), and T15 bookshelf speakers ($100/pair) are now available. Source: Polk Audio via PR NewswirePosted Tue Sep 15, 2015 at 05:00 PM PDT by: -
EPIX Launches Movie Download Feature for Apple, Android, and Kindle Fire Mobile Devices[teaser]The premium entertainment network will now allow movie downloads for offline viewing. [/teaser] EPIX has announed plans to launch a download option for mobile devices. The feature will make EPIX the first network to provide offline viewing directly from its mobile apps. "The EPIX goal has always been to provide our subscribers with next level enhancements, elevating how they can access content across devices," said Mark Greenberg, EPIX President and CEO. "By creating a network first, true TV Everywhere experience, consumers can now download a movie from our library and watch it anywhere, anytime, even without a Wi-Fi connection - while waiting at the airport, traveling by train, commuting to work, or even on a camping trip. Consumers now have guaranteed content mobility." With the new download feature, subscribers will be able to download titles directly from the EPIX mobile app on Kindle Fire, Apple and Android mobile devices and tablets including iPads, iPhones, and Samsung and Nexus products. Once downloaded, viewers will be able to watch the content on the go even without an internet connection. Titles available for download will include popular on demand movies like 'The Hunger Games,' as well as documentaries, concerts, and comedy events. The EPIX download feature for mobile devices will launch this month for all subscribers. Source: EPIX via Business WirePosted Tue Sep 15, 2015 at 03:30 PM PDT by: -
High-Def Digest Giveaway: Win the Onkyo HT-S5800 Dolby Atmos Home Theater System![teaser]Want the Atmos upgrade? We want to give it to you![/teaser] 09-29-15 EDIT: Congrats to Nick R. of Indiana for winning the Onkyo HT-5800 system! Thanks to everyone that entered! Our friends at Onkyo want to give you the opportunity to upgrade your personal Man Cave or home theater to Dolby Atmos! Onkyo is giving away one HT-S5800 Dolby Atmos 5.1.2 home theater system (MSRP: $799). Some of the main features of the Onkyo HT-S5800 include 4K Ultra HD compatibility (support for the latest HDMI / HDCP specs), built-in Bluetooth for pairing up to ten devices, discrete amps (115W per channel) to power the speakers, Dolby Surround up-mixer to take advantage of the additional speakers when an Atmos mix isn't available and an HDMI / USB port combo specifically for streaming devices like the Fire TV Stick or Roku Streaming Stick. You can read a full description of the specs on Onkyo's site. You can also check out the high resolution pictures at the bottom of the post to see the speakers, the front of the receiver and the connections on the back. How to Enter Simply follow High-Def Digest on Twitter, then post the following tweet & link: Hey @highdefdigest, upgrade me to Dolby Atmos! #OnkyoManCave https://bit.ly/1iba3iK That's it! If you are chosen as the winner, we will follow you back on Twitter in order to send you a direct message. If you haven't followed us, we can't message you. Standard contest rules and conditions apply. The winner will be chosen on the week of September 28, after the giveaway comes to a close at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, September 28th. Prize Images (Click to expand)Posted Tue Sep 15, 2015 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
HDD Gear Deal Spotlight: Up to 57% off Headphones![teaser]For a limited time, Amazon is offering big discounts on select headphones! [/teaser] As part of the online retailer's ongoing electronics sales and promotions, Amazon is running a limited time deal on headphones from Beats, Sony, Monster, and JVC. Monster Over-Ear DJ Headphones - Currently $100 (57% off). Beats Studio Wireless Over-Ear Headphone - Currently $264 (30% off). JVC HAS140W High Quality Flat Foldable Headphones - Currently $11 (26% off). Sony MDRV6 Studio Monitor Headphones - Currently $85 (23% off). 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 Mon Sep 14, 2015 at 02:30 PM PDT by: -
Disney Movies Anywhere Expands to More Apps & Devices, Offers Disney, Pixar, Star Wars & Marvel Digital Titles[teaser]The cloud-based digital movie service has expanded to more platforms. [/teaser] Disney has announced several new partners and supported devices for its Disney Movies Anywhere service. The subscription-free platform lets customers redeem Disney digital copies and purchase Disney titles. As part of the new deal, Amazon Video and Microsoft Movies & TV customers can now connect to Disney Movies Anywhere and access their digital collection across the Disney Movies Anywhere ecosystem. Likewise, the service is also set to launch on Roku and Android TV devices on September 15. In total, the app offers access to over 450 Disney, Pixar, Star Wars, and Marvel titles. Users can input digital copy codes found on eligible Blu-rays and DVDs to redeem their streaming and downloadable movies on multiple devices. Likewise, users can also purchase titles through the app. Finally, Disney Movies Anywhere includes exclusive videos, special offers, and a reward points system. "We're thrilled to bring these new partners to Disney Movies Anywhere, expanding its reach into the living room and beyond with an unprecedented Disney experience that is both easy and fun," said Janice Marinelli, President, Disney/ABC Home Entertainment & Television Distribution. "As consumers seek to build their digital libraries and protect their purchases for the long term, Disney Movies Anywhere makes it easier than ever to buy once and watch anywhere." In addition to Amazon, Microsoft, Android TV, and Roku, The Disney Movies Anywhere app already works with iTunes, Google Play, and Walmart's VUDU. As an added bonus, new or existing customers will receive a free digital copy of 'Monsters, Inc.' when they connect an iTunes, Amazon Video, VUDU, Microsoft Movies & TV or Google Play account for the first time. Source: DisneyPosted Fri Sep 11, 2015 at 04:00 PM PDT by: -
NASA Readies Ultra HD TV Channel for Satellite, Cable, and Streaming[teaser]The upcoming station will be the first non-commercial consumer UHD channel in North America. [/teaser] NASA and Harmonic have revealed plans to launch an Ultra HD TV channel. NASA TV UHD will offer 4K content to a variety of platforms. "As NASA reaches new heights and reveals the unknown, the NASA TV UHD channel can bring that journey to life in every home. And as organizations at the forefront of innovation, together we are leading the adoption of this exciting technology," said Peter Alexander, chief marketing officer at Harmonic. "As the leader in UHD development, Harmonic provides a complete solution for Ultra HD video production and delivery, enabling content and service providers to offer better video quality at a low total cost of ownership." The channel will use an end-to-end UHD video delivery system from Harmonic to offer linear 2160p60 video content. NASA TV UHD programs will be sourced from high-resolution images and videos taken on the International Space Station and other current NASA missions. Likewise, content will also be culled from re-mastered footage of historical missions, highlighting the beauty of space. Exact distribution partners for NASA TV UHD have not been announced yet, but Harmonic is working with pay TV providers to offer the channel on satellite, cable and optical networks. In addition, NASA TV UHD will also be available to stream over the internet and will require a connection speed of at least 13 MBps. The channel is set to launch on November 1. Source: NASA via EngadgetPosted Fri Sep 11, 2015 at 03:30 PM PDT by: -
Dolby & Sony Partner on Dolby Vision Ultra HD Titles with HDR and Expanded Colors[teaser]More Dolby Vision content is on the way. [/teaser] Sony Pictures Home Entertainment and Dolby have announced plans to use the Dolby Vision mastering process on 4K Ultra HD titles. Likewise, the company plans to release Dolby Vision enabled Ultra HD content through various home entertainment distribution partners. "We continue to be enthusiastic about the growing consumer appetite for next-generation 4K Ultra HD content. With Dolby Vision imaging technology, we can now master our movies with the highest-quality visual experience for distribution to consumers' homes," saidRichard Berger, Senior Vice President, Worldwide Digital Strategy and Advanced Platforms, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. 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 and contrast, resulting in more realistic highlights and shadow detail on supported TVs. "Dolby Vision shines a bright new light on Sony Pictures Home Entertainment's compelling new releases and distinguished catalogue," said Curt Behlmer, Senior Vice President, Content Solutions and Industry Relations, Dolby Laboratories. "Consumers who purchase SPHE movies that have been mastered in Dolby Vision are able to feel the full visual drama of lifelike images unfold in the comfort of their living room, exciting their senses with an entirely new entertainment experience." Exact titles and distribution services have not been announced for Sony's Dolby Vision content, but the technology is geared toward OTT online streaming, next generation physical disc, broadcast, and gaming applications. The studio plans to release its first Dolby Vision 4K Ultra HD titles in the coming months. Warner Bros. and VUDU have also pledged support to release Dolby Vision 4K content, and Dolby recently announced partnerships with several SoC manufacturers to help integrate their tech into upcoming media devices. Source: DolbyPosted Thu Sep 10, 2015 at 10:00 AM PDT by:
