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DirecTV Launches First 4K Ultra HD Set-Top Box[teaser]The new 4K set-top box offers expanded support for more Ultra HD TVs. [/teaser] DirecTV has announced the release of its first 4K set-top box, dubbed the 4K Genie Mini. Previously, DirecTV 4K content was only available through a Genie HD DVR and a supported Samsung Ultra HD TV, but this new device will expand support to more Ultra HD displays. "Customers who want the best picture quality are creating more demand for 4K," said Henry Derovanessian, senior vice president Consumer Premise Engineering, DIRECTV, part of the AT&T family. "The new 4K Genie Mini allows us to meet that demand by expanding 4K access to more of our customers nationwide." The 4K Genie Mini features support for Ultra HD content and Dolby Digital Plus audio. The device will allow Ultra HD playback on any 4K display that uses the latest HDMI 2.0 spec with HDCP 2.2 content security and a minimum of 60 frames per second. DirecTV currently offers a growing library of 4K VOD titles, including new releases, classic films, and documentaries. For more information about specific DirecTV 4K requirements click here. Source: DirecTVPosted Wed Aug 19, 2015 at 02:45 PM PDT by: -
LG Bolsters Wireless Audio Lineup, Prices Start at $99[teaser]Several new speakers have been announced just in time for football season. [/teaser] LG has detailed its latest wireless and home theater audio products. The expanded collection includes the new Music Flow P7, Music Flow P5, SoundPop 360, X-Boom Theater, and Cube Speaker System. "Today's consumers are looking for entertainment innovations designed to match their ever-evolving lifestyles,' said David VanderWaal, vice president of marketing, LG Electronics. "Sports enthusiasts are among the most passionate when it comes to elevating their game, and LG's speakers offer the connectivity and versatility to help them create the ultimate game day experience. Whether it's a surround sound system for your home theater or augmented sound for tailgating, LG is enhancing the most exciting sporting events of the season to a level that can only be matched by being in the stadium itself." The Music Flow P7 is a 20-watt portable Bluetooth speaker with up to 10 hours of battery life. Meanwhile, the Music Flow P5 is a 10-watt model with up to eight hours of battery. In addition, the company is also releasing the SoundPop 360 cylindrical speaker with a 360-degree range and up to 20 hours of battery life. For those looking for a bit more power, there's also the Cube Speaker System which offers a combined 1000-watt speaker and subwoofer with two USB ports, a portable audio input, Multipoint Bluetooth support with NFC, and multi-color LED lighting that flashes in sync with music playback. Finally, LG is also releasing the X-Boom Theater system which features two tower speakers with 1000-watt total audio output and integrated subwoofers, and a 3D Blu-ray player with LG Smart TV functionality. LG's Music Flow P7 ($149) is now available. The Music Flow P5 ($99), Cube Speaker System ($449), and X-Boom Theater ($499) will start shipping in October. A suggested retail price and release date for the SoundPop 360 has not been announced yet Source: LGPosted Wed Aug 19, 2015 at 10:45 AM PDT by: -
HDD Gear Deal Spotlight: Up to 39% off Samsung Blu-ray Players & Home Theater Systems![teaser]Amazon is offering big discounts on Samsung gear! [/teaser] As part of the online retailer's ongoing deals, Amazon is running a sale on Blu-ray players and home theater systems from Samsung. Samsung BD-H6500 3D Smart Blu-ray Disc Player - Currently $128 (39% off) Samsung BD-J5700 Curved Blu-ray Player with Wi-Fi - Currently $70 (30% off). Samsung BD-J5900 Curved 3D Blu-ray Player with Wi-Fi - Currently $87 (27% off). Samsung BD-J5100 Curved Blu-ray Player - Currently $60 (25% off). Samsung HT-J5500W 5.1 3D Blu-ray Home Theater System - Currently $324 (19% 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 Tue Aug 18, 2015 at 06:30 PM PDT by: -
Pioneer Details New Affordable Dolby Atmos Speakers, Prices Start at Just $200![teaser]The company's latest Atmos products won't break the bank. [/teaser] Pioneer has announced two new additions to its Dolby Atmos speaker lineup. The Andrew Jones designed SP-BS22A-LR compact speakers and SP-T22A-LR add-on speakers offer immersive audio technology for affordable prices. "Dolby Atmos enhances the home theater experience in a manner that will change the way you watch movies and listen to music. It's an experience that once could only be done in the movie theatre, now you can enjoy it in your home," said Roberta Tapp, director of Marketing Communications, Pioneer Home Entertainment U.S.A. "We're making this technology more accessible and easier to integrate into any home theater set up. The new Pioneer VSX-1130 or entry level Elite VSX-90 receivers are Dolby Atmos-enabled and can now be combined with the SP-BS22A-LR speakers. For consumers who previously invested in the previous generation speakers, we're now offering the SP-T22A-LR add-on speakers to allow consumers the ability to upgrade without having to purchase an entirely new set of speakers." The SP-BS22A-LR compact speakers feature a 4-inch front woofer and 1-inch front tweeter with a sophisticated six element crossover network and max power of 80 watts. In addition, the speakers include integrated top-firing drivers with a 4-inch woofer and .5-inch tweeter to bounce sound off of the ceiling in order to simulate overhead audio. Meanwhile, the SP-T22A add-on speaker modules are designed to sit atop Pioneer's existing compact and floorstanding speakers and most other flat-surface speakers to add height audio. The speaker modules feature a top-firing driver with a 4-inch woofer and .5-inch tweeter. Pioneer's SP-BS22A-LR compact speakers are available for $300 per pair, and the SP-T22A-LR add-on speakers are available for $200 per pair. For details on more immersive audio gear, be sure to check out our DTS:X & Dolby Atmos Gear Buying Guide. Source: PioneerPosted Tue Aug 18, 2015 at 02:00 PM PDT by: -
Samsung Reveals Level On Wireless Pro Headphones with Ultra High Quality Audio[teaser]The new headphones provide UHQA sound. [/teaser] Samsung has revealed its newest wireless headphones. The Level On Wireless Pro Headphones are designed with premium performance and comfort in mind. The headphones feature a premium dual layered diaphragm for balanced sound and a comfort memory foam cushion for a cozy fit. Likewise, the device uses One Touch Connection Controls, allowing customers to adjust volume and change tracks from the headphone itself. In addition, Active Noise Cancelling technology, a Talk-In Mode, and Bluetooth 4.1 connectivity are included as well. Finally, Samsung has also integrated Ultra High Quality Audio support for wired and wireless devices. With UHQA transmissions, users can enjoy better than CD quality audio. Pricing and a release date have not been announced yet, but the Samsung Level On Wireless Pro Headphones will be available in gold and black models. Source: SamsungPosted Mon Aug 17, 2015 at 06:00 PM PDT by: -
Yamaha Preps A-S1100 Audiophile Hi-Fi Integrated Amp[teaser]The new premium amp is geared toward true audiophile customers. [/teaser] Yamaha has revealed the latest addition to its home audio lineup. The upcoming A-S1100 Integrated Amplifier now joins the company's previously released A-S3000 and A-S2100 models. "If you are passionate about music, listening to your favorite artists and songs can be intimate and nostalgic. By delivering a full spectrum of sound to faithfully reproduce the emotion and dynamics of these recordings, the A-S1100 delivers an elevated audio experience to this discerning audience," said Bob Goedken, general manager, Yamaha Corporation of America, AV Division. "The A-S1100 creates a closer relationship between the music and the listener, which is essential for an inspiring musical experience." The A-S1100 features Yamaha's floating balance power design, MOSFET amplifier technology, and a large-capacity EI-core transformer to deliver dynamic and natural sounding music with strong bass. Likewise, the amp features a left-right symmetrical chassis design with the power supply in the center and the amplifier sections at each end to offer superior 2-channel stereo separation. Finally, the device is designed with turntables in mind, offering a built-in phono preamp that provides rich sound when playing vinyl records with MC or MM phono cartridges. Yamaha's A-S1100 is expected to start shipping in early September for a suggested retail price of $2,999. Source: YamahaPosted Mon Aug 17, 2015 at 03:30 PM PDT by: -
HDD Gear Deal Spotlight: Up to 71% 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 Onkyo, JLab, Jarv, BOHM, Bowers & Wilkins, and MEElectronics. Jarv Joggerz PRO Sports Bluetooth 4.1 Headphones - Currently $20 (71% off) JLab JBuddies Kids Volume Limiting Headphones - Currently $17 (66% off). Onkyo ES-CTI300(SS) On-Ear Headphones - Currently $70 (65% off). BÖHM Wireless Bluetooth Headphones - Currently $80 (43% off). MEElectronics Air-Fi Rumble Bluetooth Headphones - Currently $50 (38% off). Bowers & Wilkins P3 Headphones - Currently $170 (15% 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 Fri Aug 14, 2015 at 05:15 PM PDT by: -
Yamaha Announces DXS18 Powered Subwoofer, MSRP Set at $1,949[teaser]The new subwoofer will be available in October. [/teaser] Yamaha has detailed the latest addition to its DXS Series of powered subwoofers. The DXS18 now joins the previously released DXS12 and DXS15. "Drawing from the constant feedback of Yamaha powered speaker users in the field, and the valuable insight we have accrued from our ongoing collaboration with the touring loudspeaker experts at NEXO, we have produced a subwoofer that will meet the strictest demands of customers and their expanding scope of sound reinforcement applications," said Ken Hiraoka, department manager, Yamaha Pro Audio. "By delivering a cabinet with impressive power output and extended low frequency range, this full-range speaker offers a powerful new solution to build sound systems for more large-scale venues and audiences." The DXS18 is powered by a 1020W Class-D amplifier and features an 18-inch woofer with a 4-inch voice coil in a band-pass type plywood enclosure. The subwoofer is capable of delivering 136 dB maximum SPL with an extended LF response down to 32Hz. In addition, the device uses the company's proprietary DSP processing and includes crossover control with three different options (80/100/120Hz). Yamaha's DXS18 is expected to start shipping in October for a suggested retail price of $1,949. Source: YamahaPosted Fri Aug 14, 2015 at 02:30 PM PDT by: -
Integra Readies Two New DTS:X & Dolby Atmos Audio Products, Prices Start at $1,700[teaser]Two more audio gear items with next-gen surround sound tech have been announced. [/teaser] Integra has revealed the latest additions to its custom installation audio lineup. The DHC-60.7 Network A/V Controller and the DTR-50.7 7.2 Channel Network A/V Receiver both offer immersive audio support. The DTR-50.7 is a 7.2 channel A/V receiver rated at 135 watts per channel. Meanwhile, the DHC-60.7 is a 7.2 channel A/V preamp processor. Both models offer THX certification with HDMI 2.0a support and HDCP 2.2 compliancy for 4K video pass-through, HDR, and 4:4:4 color space content. In addition, both units include integrated Dolby Atmos support and future DTS:X support through an upcoming firmware update. Integra's DHC-60.7 Network A/V Controller ($2,000) and DTR-50.7 7.2 Channel Network A/V Receiver ($1,700) now join the company's previously announced DTR-30.7 ($1,100) and DTR-40.7 ($1,400) DTS:X-ready audio components. Source: IntegraPosted Thu Aug 13, 2015 at 11:00 AM PDT by: -
Samsung Unveils Galaxy S6 Edge+ & Galaxy Note5 Smartphones with Quad HD Super AMOLED Displays[teaser]Two new mobile devices have been revealed. [/teaser] Samsung has officially announced the launch of its latest smartphones. The Galaxy S6 edge+ & Galaxy Note5 both join the growing Galaxy line of products. "At Samsung, we believed in the promise that large screen smartphones could actively address some major consumers pain points by providing users with a better viewing experience and more productivity on-the-go," said JK Shin, CEO and President of IT & Mobile Division, Samsung Electronics. "With the launch of the Galaxy S6 edge+ and Note5, we're reemphasizing our ongoing commitment to bold, fearless innovation that meets the needs of our consumers." Both models feature 5.7-inch Quad HD Super AMOLED screens with a resolution of 2560 x 1440 and 518ppi. Under the hood, the smartphones are powered by an Octa core (2.1GHz Quad + 1.5GHz Quad) 64 bit CPU, 4GB of RAM, and a 3,000mAh battery running Android 5.1. A rear 16MP and front 5MP camera are included as well. In addition, the Galaxy S6 edge+ uses a dual edge screen that offers an "Apps edge" and "People edge" feature that allows customers to easily access apps and contacts from the edge of the display. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Note5 includes the new, refined 5th generation S Pen. The Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+ & Galaxy Note5 are set to launch globally this month. Exact release dates and pricing will be announced by individual mobile carriers soon. Source: SamsungPosted Thu Aug 13, 2015 at 10:15 AM PDT by: