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Hulu Launches Commercial-Free Streaming for $12 per Month[teaser]The streaming service now offers a commercial-free option. [/teaser] Hulu has announced the launch of a new ad-free subscription plan for its video content. The commercial free option is available for $12 per month. "At Hulu, we pride ourselves on listening to our customers and giving them the best possible experience," said Mike Hopkins, CEO, Hulu. "Many of our customers have asked us for a commercial free option, and so today we are excited to introduce just that. Providing more choice for consumers is fundamental to the Hulu experience, in addition to an array of choices in content and devices, our customers can now choose to watch with or without commercials." In addition to the new commercial-free plan, Hulu's streaming library continues to grow with new original programs and content partnerships. The service recently signed a deal with EPIX, adding popular films from Lionsgate, MGM and Paramount to its collection. Likewise, the company has also acquired the exclusive subscription streaming rights to full libraries of shows like 'Seinfeld,' 'Empire,' 'Fargo,' 'South Park,' 'CSI,' 'Brooklyn Nine-Nine,' 'Nashville,' 'Deadliest Catch,' 'The Last Ship' and more. Finally, Hulu offers a premium Showtime streaming option for an additional $9 per month as well. Hulu's $12 commercial-free subscription plan is now available. Customers can also opt to continue with the ad-supported plan for the regular price of $8 per month. The service is supported on a variety of smart TV platforms and media players, including the Amazon Fire TV, Roku 3, Apple TV and Chromecast. Source: HuluPosted Wed Sep 2, 2015 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
Sony Unveils Xperia Z5 Premium, the World's First 4K Ultra HD Smartphone[teaser]The new mobile device will feature the first smartphone UHD display. [/teaser] During its IFA 2015 press conference, Sony announced the latest additions to its mobile lineup. The new smartphone collection includes the Xperia Z5 Premium which uses a 4K display. The Xperia Z5 Premium features a 5.5-inch Ultra HD screen with 806ppi, allowing users to capture 4K video and then play it back on the smartphone display. In addition, the device offers 4K upscaling and the ability to output 4K video to an Ultra HD TV via an MHL connection. Meanwhile, Sony has also revealed two more smartphone models: the Xperia Z5 and Xperia Z5 Compact. The flagship Xperia Z5 features a 5.2-inch 1080p display and the Xperia Z5 Compact uses a 4.6-inch 720p display. All three models are powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 CPU. Pricing has not been detailed yet, but the Xperia Z5 and Xperia Z5 Compact will launch globally in October and the Xperia Z5 Premium will launch globally in November. Sources: Sony, EngadgetPosted Wed Sep 2, 2015 at 09:00 AM PDT by: -
Amazon Brings Prime Video Download Feature to Android & iOS Devices for Offline Viewing[teaser]Offline Prime viewing has been expanded to more mobile devices. [/teaser] Amazon has announced the arrival of Prime Video Downloads on iOS and Android devices. The new feature will allow members to watch downloaded content offline on their smartphones and tablets. "There's no doubt that the way people watch entertainment is changing—anytime, anywhere viewing is important and we are excited to provide our Prime members with offline viewing capabilities on iOS and Android platforms starting today," stated Michael Paull, Vice President of Digital Video at Amazon. "We are proud to be the first and only online subscription streaming service that enables offline viewing—on vacation, in a car, at the beach, on a plane, wherever our Prime members want to watch they can, regardless of internet connection." Offline viewing was previously available on Amazon Fire products, but now the feature has been expanded to iPhones, iPads and Android phones and tablets. Prime members can now download titles to these supported devices at no additional cost through the Amazon Video app, enabling playback without an internet connection. This makes Amazon the first and only subscription streaming service to offer such a feature. An Amazon Prime membership currently costs $99 per year, and includes free 2-day shipping, Prime Instant Video, Prime Music, the Kindle Owners' Lending Library, and more. Source: AmazonPosted Tue Sep 1, 2015 at 03:00 PM PDT by: -
LG Adds DirecTV 4K Ultra HD Streaming and Offers Free Smart TV Upgrade[teaser]The company has added new streaming options and a free smart TV update. [/teaser] LG has announced the addition of the DirecTV Ready app for HD and Ultra HD content to its webOS 2.0 smart TVs. Likewise, the company will also be providing a free software upgrade for their 2014 webOS 1.0 smart TVs. "As more consumers embrace streaming content as a preferred method for their video consumption, our goal is to ensure LG smart TVs are offering the simplest, fastest ways to access content services," said David VanderWaal, vice president of marketing, LG Electronics. "Continuing to add high-value content providers, such as DIRECTV, supports our webOS brand promise of 'making TV simple again,' even on previous years' models as seen with our webOS updates." With the DirecTV Ready app, subscribers who own a Genie HD DVR and select LG displays can access a full HD DVR experience on each supported LG TV in their home without the need for extra set-top boxes. In addition, subscribers can stream DirecTV 4K content through their LG Ultra HD TVs. Joining DirecTV, LG is also adding the iHeartRadio and Rdio music services to its smart TV lineup. Meanwhile, the company is readying a special free software upgrade for owners of 2014 LG webOS 1.0 smart TVs. The update will add virtually all of the new webOS 2.0 features, including faster performance, "My Channels," improved quick settings, updated input selection, and a modified "Live Menu." TVs eligible for the upgrade include the LB6300, LB6500, LB7100, LB7200, UB8500, UB9200, UB9300, UB9500, UB9800, EC9300, EC9700 and EG9700. The DirecTV Ready app will be available by September 2. The webOS software update will be available on September 21. Source: LG via PR NewswirePosted Tue Sep 1, 2015 at 12:30 PM PDT by: -
HDD Gear Deal Spotlight: Up to 33% off HDTVs![teaser]For a limited time, Amazon is offering big discounts on select HD displays! [/teaser] As part of the online retailer's ongoing electronics sales and promotions, Amazon is running a limited time deal on HDTVs from Sony, LG, Seiki, and TCL. Sony KDL75W850C 75-Inch 1080p Smart TV - Currently $1,998 (33% off). Sony KDL55W800C 55-Inch 1080p 3D Smart TV - Currently $898 (31% off). Sony KDL50W800C 50-Inch 1080p 3D Smart TV - Currently $698 (30% off). Seiki SE50FY 50-Inch 1080p TV - Currently $400 (27% off). TCL 32S3700 32-Inch 720p Roku Smart TV - Currently $199 (26% off). TCL 40FD2700 40-Inch 1080p TV - Currently $290 (17% off). LG 43LF5400 43-Inch 1080p TV - Currently $348 (13% off). Seiki SE32HY 32-Inch 720p TV - Currently $180 (10% 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 Aug 31, 2015 at 04:30 PM PDT by: -
CEA Releases Compatibility Guidelines for High Dynamic Range Displays[teaser]The industry definition for HDR displays has been revealed. [/teaser] The Consumer Electronics Association has announced their compatibility guidelines for high dynamic range displays. The new designation is designed to help customers and retailers recognize products that are capable of handling HDR content. "HDR provides a significant step-up in delivering an incredible viewing experience for the consumer," said Brian Markwalter, senior vice president, research and standards, CEA. "We encourage manufacturers and our industry partners to use this voluntary compatibility guideline to provide greater consistency and clarity while ensuring compatibility and interoperability across the full content development to display ecosystem." High dynamic range TVs, monitors, and projectors are able to display content with greater levels of brightness and shadow detail, bringing out highlights with superior contrast. In order to qualify under the CEA definition for HDR compatibility, a display must meet these guidelines: Includes at least one interface that supports HDR signaling as defined in CEA-861-F, as extended by CEA-861.3. Receives and processes static HDR metadata compliant with CEA-861.3 for uncompressed video. Receives and processes HDR10 Media Profile* from IP, HDMI or other video delivery sources. Additionally, other media profiles may be supported. Applies an appropriate Electro-Optical Transfer Function (EOTF), before rendering the image. HDR10 Media Profile is defined as: EOTF: SMPTE ST 2084 Color Sub-sampling: 4:2:0 (for compressed video sources) Bit Depth: 10 bit Color Primaries: ITU-R BT.2020 Metadata: SMPTE ST 2086, MaxFALL, MaxCLL In addition to their new HDR guidelines, the Consumer Electronics Association has also done extensive work to help designate 4K Ultra HD products with their own requirements and logos. Source: CEAPosted Mon Aug 31, 2015 at 01:30 PM PDT by: -
HDD Gear Deal Spotlight: Up to 74% off JBL ES Series Speakers![teaser]For a limited time, Amazon is offering huge discounts on JBL speakers! [/teaser] As part of the online retailer's ongoing electronics sales and promotions, Amazon is running a limited time deal on JBL ES Series Speakers. JBL ES10BK 3-Way, 4" Bookshelf Speaker (Pair) - Currently $100 (70% off). JBL ES20 Bookshelf Speaker (Pair) - Currently $130 (66% off). JBL ES25CBK 3-Way, Dual 5 1/4" Center Channel Speaker - Currently $130 (61% off). JBL ES30BK 3-Way, 6" Bookshelf Speaker (Pair) - Currently $130 (74% off). JBL ES80BK 4-Way, Dual 170mm 6-Inch Floorstanding Speaker - Currently $130 (74% off). JBL ES90BK 4-Way, Dual 8-Inch Floorstanding Speaker - Currently $200 (67% off). JBL ES150PBK 300-Watt Powered 10-Inch Subwoofer - Currently $140 (69% off). JBL ES250PBK High-Performance 12-Inch Powered Subwoofer - Currently $200 (64% 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 Fri Aug 28, 2015 at 03:30 PM PDT by: -
Epson Announces New 1080p Home Cinema Projectors, Prices Start at $799[teaser]Two ultra-bright, full HD projectors have been detailed. [/teaser] Epson has revealed the latest additions to its Home Cinema projector lineup. The Home Cinema 1040 and Home Cinema 1440 both offer advance features and affordable price tags. "The new projectors offer today's households a convenient, affordable and powerful big-screen experience. Beyond the flexibility, the Home Cinema 1440 is also one of the brightest home projectors available on the market – this is a flat panel killer," said Jason Palmer, marketing manager, Epson America. "Why settle for a 65-inch or 70-inch TV when you can have something four times bigger with bright, lifelike, sharp details, a portable design, and simple setup for a truly captivating experience even in large, well-lit environments." Both models are 1080p projectors with 3LCD, 3-chip technology, built-in sound, and two HDMI ports for connecting entertainment devices. The Home Cinema 1040 offers 3,000 lumens of color brightness and 3,000 lumens of white brightness. Meanwhile, the Home Cinema 1440 offers 4,400 lumens of color brightness and 4,400 lumens of white brightness. Likewise, the 1440 also includes Farouja DCDi Cinema picture enhancement tech, and a Split Screen option. Epson's Home Cinema 1040 ($799) and Home Cinema 1440 ($1,699) will start shipping in September. Source: EpsonPosted Fri Aug 28, 2015 at 02:30 PM PDT by: -
Comcast Expands Live Streaming App to all Xfinity Customers[teaser]More customers can now use the company's Xfinity Share app. [/teaser] Comcast has announced an expansion of its Xfinity Share app. Though initially available only to Xfinity Triple Play customers, the live streaming service is now available to all Xfinity customers. With Xfinity Share, Comcast subscribers can live stream or send photos and recorded videos to their TV, or to the TV of another X1 customer. Likewise, users can also send or receive live streams, photos, and videos on a mobile device. The app is available for iOS and Android. Comcast is utilizing WebRTC, an open Internet standard for real-time communication over web browsers, to power the software. In order to receive or watch content through Xfinity Share on a TV, customers will still need an X1 DVR capable set-top box. Source: ComcastPosted Thu Aug 27, 2015 at 02:30 PM PDT by: -
Hisense Readies Curved-Screen Ultra HD TVs with ULED Tech, Prices Start at 1,299[teaser]The upcoming 4K displays offer advanced ULED technology. [/teaser] Hisense has announced two new additions to its Ultra HD TV lineup. The 65-inch 65H10 and 55-inch 55H9 are both curved-screen 4K displays with premium picture quality features. Both models use the company's ULED technology, which offers full-array local dimming and expanded color gamuts. The 55H9 includes 85 local dimming zones and support for the Rec 709 color gamut through proprietary Pure Color tech. Meanwhile, the top-of-the-line 65H10 includes 240 local dimming zones and support for the P3 color gamut through quantum dot nano-crystal technology. In addition, the 65H10 also incorporates high dynamic range (HDR) support. Finally, 4K streaming capabilities with HEVC and VP9 playback are also included in both models. The Hisense 65-inch 65H10 ($2,999) and 55-inch 55H9 ($1,299) will start shipping in October. Source: TWICEPosted Thu Aug 27, 2015 at 11:30 AM PDT by:
