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Netflix Releases Update for Smart TV Streaming Apps[teaser]The company has added a new feature for its TV applications. [/teaser] Netflix has announced the first major update to its Smart TV streaming platform since 2013. The upgrade places a new emphasis on video during the content selection process. As part of the update, Netflix now offers video playback during content selection. Now videos will start to play or resume right after a title is selected while key information is displayed about the content over the video. This allows viewers to confirm their selection while the title plays in the background. Netflix says that this navigation upgrade lets "the content speak for itself by providing a more immersive and cinematic experience that best represents the capabilities and expectations of today's TVs." The Netflix TV app update is now rolling out globally and will hit all eligible display within the next few days. A monthly Netflix subscription currently starts at $7.99 for SD streaming, $8.99 for HD streaming, and $11.99 for Ultra HD streaming. The service is available on a variety of smart TVs and media players, including the Fire TV, Fire TV Stick, Roku 3, Apple TV and Chromecast. Source: NetflixPosted Wed Jul 22, 2015 at 05:00 PM PDT by: -
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HTC Launches Affordable Desire 626s Smartphone, Prices Start at $130[teaser]The new smartphones balance performance and price. [/teaser] HTC has detailed its latest HD smartphone. The Desire 626 and Desire 626s offer many of the same features found in the flagship HTC One M9 but with a more budget-friendly design. "At HTC, we don't think you should have to sacrifice or settle if you are looking for an affordable smartphone. That is why we are bringing the absolute best affordable smartphones to market with the HTC Desire lineup," said Jason Mackenzie, president of HTC America. "Our Desire smartphones bring the premium experiences, performance and style of our flagship smartphone at an incredible price." The Desire 626 and 626s both feature a 5-inch 720p LCD screen with 293ppi. Under the hood, the smartphones are powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 210 quad-core CPU, 1.5GB of RAM (1GB on 626s), and a 2000 mAh battery running Android with HTC Sense. An 8MP rear camera and a 5MP front camera are integrated on the 626, while the 626s uses a 2MP front camera. The 626 includes 16GB of built-in storage and the 626s includes 8GB. Models will be available in dual color combinations, including Marshmallow White, Gray Lava, Blue Lagoon, Marine White and White Birch. HTC's Desire 626s is now available through T-Mobile for $170 and Sprint Prepaid for $130. More carriers, including AT&T, Boost Mobile, Cricket, MetroPCS, Tracfone, Verizon Wireless and Virgin Mobile USA are also expected to announce pricing and availability in the coming weeks. Sources: HTC, TWICEPosted Wed Jul 22, 2015 at 02:45 PM PDT by: -
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HDD Gear Deal Spotlight: Up to 33% off HD & Ultra HD TVs & Monitors![teaser]Amazon is offering big discounts on select displays! [/teaser] As part of the online retailer's ongoing deals, Amazon is running a special sale on TVs and monitors from Samsung and Acer. Samsung UN50JU6500 50-Inch 4K Ultra HD TV - Currently $898 (18% off) Samsung UN48JU6700 Curved 48-Inch 4K Ultra HD TV - Currently $998 (13% off). Samsung UN65H6203 65-Inch 1080p TV - Currently $1,200 (33% off). Acer B276HK ymjdprz 27-inch 4K Ultra HD Monitor - Currently $514 (27% 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 Jul 21, 2015 at 05:00 PM PDT by: -
Dell Details Latitude 12 Rugged Tablet[teaser]The new tablet is designed for harsh environments. [/teaser] Dells has announced its latest tablet model. The Latitude 12 Rugged Tablet is specially geared toward use in extreme conditions. "Dell Rugged devices are critical to many industries including military, emergency response, public safety, industrial work, scientists and even adventurers. It's important for Dell's Latitude Rugged devices to provide superior computing power and the mobile capabilities they require to accomplish their jobs," said Drew Moore, executive director and general Manager, Rugged Mobility Products at Dell. "Whether it's a first responder to an emergency or an avid outdoorsman scaling an untouched summit for the first time, Dell's Latitude 12 Rugged Tablet is built to deliver the performance they need, wherever they need it, without worrying about what their environment throws at them." The Latitude 12 Rugged Tablet features an 11.6-inch Direct-View outdoor-readable 1366 x 768 display with gloved-enabled multi-touch capabilities. Under the hood, the device is powered by Fifth Generation Intel Core M processors running Windows 8.1. In addition, the tablet uses Fourth Generation QuadCool thermal management and a durable pogo-pin docking interface. Models will be available with up to 512GB of solid state storage and up to 12 hours of battery life with two 2-cell batteries. Exact pricing has not been announced yet, but the Latitude 12 Rugged Tablet will be available by the end of July on Dell.com. Sources: Dell, EngadgetPosted Tue Jul 21, 2015 at 04:00 PM PDT by: -
Xiaomi Preps Slim 48-Inch Ultra HD TV with Wide Colors for Chinese Market[teaser]The impressive display features a surprisingly affordable price tag. [/teaser] Chinese electronics company, Xiaomi, has announced its latest smart TV. The Mi TV 2S is a 48-inch Ultra HD TV with a super slim 9.9 mm all-metal body. The display features an LCD panel developed by Samsung with a resolution of 3840x2160. In addition, the screen includes Xiaomi's proprietary LED backlight that promises superior uniformity and black levels. Likewise, the TV uses phosphor LED tech to offer expanded colors. According to the company, the Mi TV 2S is capable of displaying a uncompressed YUV 4:4:4 color gamut at 4K/60fps. Expansive smart TV features are integrated as well, and an optional soundbar with wireless subwoofer bundle is also available. Xiaomi's Mi TV 2S will go on sale in China later this month for around $485. The soundbar bundle will cost $645. Sadly, there is no word on a US release. Source: Xiaomi via EngadgetPosted Tue Jul 21, 2015 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
Samsung Reveals New Galaxy Tab S2 Tablet with Super AMOLED Display[teaser]The company's latest tablet has been detailed. [/teaser] Samsung has announced a new addition to its Galaxy tablet line. The upcoming Galaxy Tab S2 will be available in 8-inch and 9.7-inch models. "The Galaxy Tab S2 is not only our thinnest and lightest tablet of its size ever, it also gives users quick, easy access to a wealth of superior viewing and productivity features," said JK Shin, CEO and President of IT & Mobile Division at Samsung Electronics. "We believe the Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 is the most complete personal visual device designed for consumers to carry and use anywhere." Both the 8-inch and 9.7-inch model feature Super AMOLED displays with a resolution of 2048x1536(QXGA). Under the hood, the tablet is powered by a Quad 1.9GHz + Quad 1.3GHz, Octacore application processor and 3GB of RAM running Android 5.0. An 8MP rear camera and a 2.1MP front camera are integrated as well. 32GB and 64GB storage options will be available. Finally, the 8-inch model uses a 4,000mAh battery while the 9.7-inch model uses a 5,870mAh battery. Exact pricing for the Galaxy Tab S2 has not been announced yet, but the tablet is expected to launch globally in August. Source: SamsungPosted Mon Jul 20, 2015 at 01:45 PM PDT by: -
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HDD's DTS:X & Dolby Atmos Gear Buying GuideWith the recent release of 'Ex Machina' on Blu-ray, the home theater industry now has its very first DTS:X enabled disc on the market, helping to usher in the era of next-gen audio. Together with Dolby Atmos, the format promises to bring a new level of immersion and scalability to home theaters through object-based mixing and the addition of overhead speakers. We've already covered the ins and outs of both technologies in detail in our complete Dolby Atmos Home Theater Guide and DTS:X Home Theater Guide, so please refer to those previous articles for more information about what makes these formats so special and exciting. But now that the basics have been addressed and content for each tech is officially on sale, we thought it would be a good idea to give you guys a full rundown on all of the currently available immersive audio products. [teaser]From A/V receivers to specially designed speakers and home theater systems, these are all of the Dolby Atmos and DTS:X gear items that have been announced so far. [/teaser] Note: All prices reflect current Amazon discounts. DTS:X & Dolby Atmos Receivers In order to process these new object-based audio formats, customers are going to need an A/V receiver that can decode each technology. Several models are now available that feature integrated Dolby Atmos support. Likewise, though there are no units that currently offer DTS:X support right out-of-the-box, many recently released and upcoming receivers are also DTS:X ready. This means that the devices can be upgraded to support DTS:X through a firmware update scheduled for later this year. Below are all of the A/V models currently announced that are set to offer dual support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. In addition, we've also detailed how many speaker channels each model supports and we've pointed out which models have confirmed HDCP compliancy for 4K Ultra HD copyrighted playback. 7.1 Channel Receivers should support up to 5.1.2 immersive audio setups. 9.1 Channel Receivers should support up to 5.1.4 and 7.1.2 immersive audio setups. 11.1 Channel Receivers should support up to 7.1.4 immersive audio setups. Denon AVR-S710W - ($479) 7.2 Channel A/V Receiver, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant AVR-S910W - ($579) 7.2 Channel A/V Receiver, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant AVR-X1200W - ($599) 7.2 Channel A/V Receiver, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant AVR-X2200W - ($799) 7.2 Channel A/V Receiver, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant AVR-X3200W - ($999) 7.2 Channel A/V Receiver, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant AVR-X4200W - ($1,499) 7.2 Channel A/V Receiver, Supports Additional Amp for 9.2 Channels, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant AVR-X7200WA - ($2,999) 9.2 Channel A/V Receiver, Supports Additional Amp for 11.2 Channels, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant Integra DTR-30.7 - ($1,100) 7.2 Channel A/V Receiver, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant DTR-40.7 - ($1,400) 7.2 Channel A/V Receiver, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant Marantz NR1606 - ($699) 7.2 Channel A/V Receiver, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant SR5010 - ($899) 7.2 Channel A/V Receiver, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant AV8802 - ($3,999) 11.2 Channel A/V Pre-Amp/Processor, 4K HDCP 2.2 via future upgrade (requires hardware modification) Onkyo TX-NR646 - ($599) 7.2 Channel A/V Receiver, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant TX-NR747 - ($899) 7.2 Channel A/V Receiver, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant TX-RZ800 - ($1,199) 7.2 Channel A/V Receiver, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant TX-RZ900 ($1,499) 7.2 Channel A/V Receiver, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant Steinway Lyngdorf P200 - Up to 16 Channel Surround Sound Processor, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant Theta Digital Casablanca IVa - ($17,995) 12 Channel A/V Pre-Amp Trinnov Audio Altitude32 - Up to 32 Channel Pre-Amp Yamaha RX-A1050 - ($1,200) 7.2 Channel A/V Receiver, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant RX-A2050 - ($1,600) 9.2 Channel A/V Receiver, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant RX-A3050 - ($2,200) 9.2 Channel A/V Receiver, Supports Additional Amp for 11.2 Channels, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant Dolby Atmos Receivers Since Atmos has about a ten month head start on DTS:X in the home theater, several receiver models have been released that only offer support for Dolby's format. Though there's a very slim chance that some of these models might end up being upgradeable to include DTS:X, below is the current crop of A/V receivers that have been announced to only support Dolby Atmos. In addition, we've also detailed how many speaker channels each model supports and we've pointed out which models have confirmed HDCP compliancy for 4K Ultra HD copyrighted playback. 7.1 Channel Receivers should support up to 5.1.2 immersive audio setups. 9.1 Channel Receivers should support up to 5.1.4 and 7.1.2 immersive audio setups. 11.1 Channel Receivers should support up to 7.1.4 immersive audio setups. Denon X4100W - ($1,499) 7.2 Channel A/V Receiver, Supports Additonal Amp for 9.2 Channels X5200W - ($1,999) 9.2 Channel A/V Receiver, Supports Additional Amp for 11.2 Channels Integra DTR-20.7 - ($800) 7.2 Channel A/V Receiver, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant DTR-30.6 - ($1,000) 7.2 Channel A/V Receiver, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant DTR-40.6 - ($1,300) 7.2 Channel A/V Receiver, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant DTR-50.6 -( $1,700) 7.2 Channel A/V Receiver, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant DTR-60.6 - ($2,300) 9.2 Channel A/V Receiver, Supports Additional Amp for 11.2 Channels, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant DTR-70.6 - ($2,800) 11.2 Channel A/V Receiver, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant DHC-80.6 - ($3,200) 11.2 Channel Pre-Amp/Processor, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant Marantz SR7009 - ($1,999) 9.2 Channel A/V Receiver, Supports Additional Amp for 11.2 Channels AV7702 - ($1,999) 11.2 Channel Preamp/Processor Onkyo TX-SR444 - ($399) 7.1 Channel A/V Receiver, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant TX-NR545 - ($499) 7.2 Channel A/V Receiver, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant TX-NR636 - ($499) 7.2 Channel A/V Receiver, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant TX-NR737 - ($499) 7.2 Channel A/V Receiver, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant TX-NR838 - ($699) 7.2 Channel A/V Receiver, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant TX-NR1030 - ($1,699) 9.2 Channel A/V Receiver, Supports Additional Amp for 11.2 Channels, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant TX-NR3030 ($2,299) 11.2 Channel A/V Receiver, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant PR-SC5530 - ($2,499) 11.2 Channel A/V Controller, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant Pioneer VSX-1130 - ($600) 7.2 Channel A/V Receiver, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant Elite VSX-90 - ($700) 7.2 Channel A/V Receiver, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant Elite SC-91 - ($997) 7.2 Channel A/V Receiver, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant Elite SC-85 - ($1,599) 9.2 Channel A/V Receiver Elite SC-87 - ($1,999) 9.2 Channel A/V Receiver Elite SC-89 - ($2,999) 9.2 Channel A/V Receiver Yamaha RX-A850 - ($900) 7.2 Channel A/VReceiver, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant RX-A2040BL - ( $1,600) 9.2 Channel A/V Receiver RX-A3040BL - ($2,000) 9.2 Channel A/V Receiver, Supports Addiotnal Amp for 11.2 Channels Dolby Atmos Speakers & Home Theater Systems In order to add overhead sound for DTS:X and Dolby Atmos, users can mount traditional speakers on their ceiling. While this is the most effective method, it won't be suitable for everyone's home and setup. To combat this issue, Dolby has worked with manufacturers to release special Dolby Atmos-enabled speakers and module that feature up-firing drivers mounted on top in order to reflect sound off of the ceiling. This simulates the effect of audio coming from above. For their part, DTS has no plans to develop specific DTS:X upward firing speakers at this time, but the company has said that Atmos speakers should be compatible with DTS:X as well. With that in mind, here's a rundown of all of the currently announced Atmos-enabled speakers, modules, and complete home-theater-in-a-box systems. Atlantic Technology 44-DA Atmos Module - ($499 for a pair) Can be used both as a stand-alone elevation speaker or as an expansion to existing speakers, adding overhead sound to a user's home theater. Definitive Technology A60 Atmos Module - ($499) Sits atop the Definitive Technology BP-8060ST, adding overhead sound to a user's home theater. Elac A4 Dolby Atmos Add-On Speaker - ($230 per pair) Sits on top of your bookshelf or floorstanding speakers to add overhead sound. KEF R50 Atmos Module - ($1,200) Can be placed on top of the company's existing freestanding or wall-mounted satellite speakers, adding overhead sound to a user's home theater. Full Review Here. Klipsch RP-280F Floorstanding Speakers - ($2,400 per pair) Feature an additional 1-inch tweeter and 6.5-inch woofer mounted on top to simulate overhead sound effects. RP-140SA Elevation Channel Toppers - ($499 per pair) Sits on top of your bookshelf or floorstanding speakers to add overhead sound. RP-450CA center channel - ($850) Designed to complement Klipsch Dolby Atmos RP-280F Floorstanding Speakers. Onkyo SKH-410 Atmos Module - ($149 for a pair) Sits on top of your floorstanding front speakers or on an entertainment unit, adding overhead sound to a user's home theater. HT-S9700THX - ($1,199) 5.1.2-Channel Dolby Atmos Ready Network A/V Receiver/Speaker Package with included front height speakers. HT-S5800 - ($699) 5.1.2-Channel Dolby Atmos Ready Network A/V Receiver/Speaker Package with Atmos-enabled speakers. SKS-HT594 - ($599) 5.1.2 Atmos-enabled speakers without an A/V receiver. Pioneer Elite SP-EBS73-LR Bookshelf Speakers - ($747 for a pair) Features an additional 4-inch driver mounted on top to simulate overhead sound effects. Elite SP-EFS73 Floorstanding Speakers - ($697 each) Features an additional 4-inch driver mounted on top to simulate overhead sound effects. Triad InRoom Bronze LR-H - ($1,000 per pair) Features four additional 2-inch drivers mounted on top to simulate overhead sound effects. InRoom Silver LR-H - ($1,500 per pair) Features four additional 3-inch drivers mounted on top to simulate overhead sound effects. Conclusion So, there you have it. Those are all of the DTS:X and Dolby Atmos gear products detailed so far. In addition to the models above, companies like Pioneer and Outlaw Audio have also announced support for DTS:X but have not revealed specific components yet. Likewise, an exact release date for the DTS:X firmware update has not been revealed, but the upgrade is expected to arrive before the end of the year. For now, what do you think about the current crop of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X gear? Are you preparing for a 5.1.4, 7.1.2, or 7.1.4 speaker upgrade? Will you be investing in any of these products? Let us know your thoughts in the forum!Posted Mon Jul 20, 2015 at 07:45 AM PDT by: -
Sonos Announces Play:1 Tone Limited Edition Speaker for $250[teaser]The limited edition model will be available later this month. [/teaser] Sonos has revealed its latest Play:1 variant. The Play:1 Tone will go on sale exclusively through Sonos.com on July 21. "We want our products to reframe how people think about technology in the home. Part of how we do that is by focusing on simple things with innate power. This was our focus on PLAY:1 Tone. It's a meditation on essentials." The Play:1 Tone features a special minimalist tone-on-tone design in black or white with a soft matte finish. Like all Play:1 models, the speaker offers minimal distortion and a wide soundfield through a custom designed 3.5-inch mid-woofer for deep lows and a tweeter for clean highs. The Play:1 also supports several streaming services, including Spotify, Rdio, Pandora and Hype Machine, as well as radio stations and digital libraries on PCs, Android, and Apple devices. Users can also pair two Play:1 speakers together for stereo audio, or even add a Sonos Sub ($699) and Playbar ($699) for surround sound capabilities. The Sonos Play:1 Tone will be limited to about 5,000 units in each color globally. Meanwhile, the standard Sonos Play:1 is currently on sale for $199. Source: SonosPosted Fri Jul 17, 2015 at 07:30 PM PDT by: -
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Denon Readies More Dolby Atmos & DTS:X Receivers, Prices Start at $999[teaser]New models with object-based audio support have been announced. [/teaser] Denon has revealed that latest additions to its A/V receiver lineup. The AVR-X3200W ($999), AVR-X4200W ($1,499), and AVR-X7200WA (2,999) all feature next-gen audio technology. The AVR-X3200W and AVR-X4200W are both 7.2 channel receivers, while the AVR-X7200WA is a 9.2 channel receiver. All three models offer 4K HDR video support, HDCP compliancy, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi. Likewise, all of the receivers are Dolby Atmos-enabled and DTS:X ready (via a future firmware upgrade). In addition, the AVR-X4200W and AVR-X7200WA can also be upgraded to include Auro-3D support. Finally, a separate amp can be added to the AVR-X4200W and AVR-X7200WA as well, allowing for 9.2 and 11.2 channel support respectively. Denon's new receiver lineup is expected to start shipping in August. Source: Denon via TWICEPosted Fri Jul 17, 2015 at 09:30 AM PDT by: -
Samsung Launches JS7000 4K SUHD TVs with HDR Support, Prices Start at $1,300[teaser]Three more SUHD TVs have been released. [/teaser] Samsung has announced its latest series of SUHD 4K displays. The JS7000 series is available in 50-inch, 55-inch, and 60-inch screen sizes. "The JS7000 SUHD TV will allow more people than ever before to enjoy breathtaking picture quality from Samsung's best TV ever," said Bill Lee, Vice President of TV Product Marketing at Samsung Electronics America. "In addition to featuring breakthrough display technology, this 4K ultra high definition television features a new Quad-Core Smart TV platform that allows consumers to access and play their favorite content seamlessly from almost any device." All three TVs use flat-screen LCD LED panels with a resolution of 3840x2160. Likewise, the SUHD displays feature nano-crystal technology to support High Dynamic Range content and expanded colors. In addition, the sets are powered by Quad-Core Processors running the Tizen smart TV platform. The JS7000 series now joins the previously released JS8500, JS9000, JS9100, and JS9500 SUHD TVs. Samsung's 50-inch ($1,300), 55-inch ($1,600), and 60-inch ($2,100) JS7000 4K TVs are now on sale. Source: SamsungPosted Thu Jul 16, 2015 at 04:00 PM PDT by:
