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Broadcast Tests Conducted for ATSC 3.0 4K Ultra HD Video[teaser]Trials for the next-gen TV broadcast system are yielding positive results. [/teaser] A field test for the developing ATSC 3.0 Broadcast standard has been conducted in Cleveland. The testing has been underway since mid-May, following a previous set of trials held in Wisconsin last fall. For the ATSC 3.0 trial, Tribune Broadcasting's WJW-TV has provided a TV transmitter, tower, and 6-MHz channel. The testing was conducted by LG Electronics, its Zenith R&D Lab, and GatesAir under their "Futurecast" system. The encouraging results point to the developing ATSC 3.0 standard's ability to " deliver 4K Ultra HD content and two robust mobile TV streams in a single 6-Megahertz channel, while optimizing indoor reception and offering unparalleled spectrum efficiency." "Our technology is designed to fully meet broadcaster requirements for ATSC 3.0 and advance the goal of moving rapidly to next-generation broadcasting. Whether watching from deep inside a building or along the Lake Erie lakefront, field test results show that our ATSC 3.0-enabling technology performs exactly as expected," said Dr. Skott Ahn, President and Chief Technology Officer, LG Electronics. "This means that broadcasters can look forward with confidence to reaching even more viewers with traditional television, with new Internet-based content, and with new money-making interactive services and advertising capabilities." The ATSC 3.0 broadcast system is currently being standardized by the Advanced Television Systems Committee. Reports indicate that the group is working toward a final standard for the first half of 2017. Sources: PR Newswire, TWICEPosted Fri Jul 10, 2015 at 05:30 PM PDT by: -
Amazon Reveals Fling Service for Mobile Media Playback on Fire TV[teaser]The new tech lets customers send media from mobile apps to their Fire TV. [/teaser] Amazon has announced its own mobile media casting technology. Similar to Google Cast, the Amazon Fling service for the Fire TV allows Android and iOS apps to send video, audio, and images to a television. The Amazon Fling SDK gives mobile developers the ability to easily include Fire TV support for their smartphone and tablet software, letting users "fling" their media to their big screen TVs. Likewise, the service provides two-way communication between mobile devices and the Fire TV, offering support for multi-screen experiences. For example, the Karaoke Party smartphone app currently uses the Fling service to display song lyrics and videos on the Fire TV. In addition, the Rivet Radio mobile app uses Fling to let customers listen to news on their TVs. Amazon's Fling SDK is now available for Android, iOS, and Fire OS mobile developers. More apps with Fling support are coming soon. The Amazon Fire TV is currently on sale for $99. Source: Amazon via EngadgetPosted Fri Jul 10, 2015 at 04:30 PM PDT by: -
HDD Gear Deal Spotlight: Up to 50% off Portable Speakers & Headphones![teaser]Amazon is offering big discounts on select audio products! [/teaser] As part of the online retailer's ongoing deals, Amazon is running a special sale on portable speakers and headphones from Sony, Braven, Sennheiser, and AmazonBasics. Sony SRSX5 Portable Speaker System (Certified Refurbished) - Currently $100 (50% off) Braven 850 Portable Wireless Speaker - Currently $160 (43% off). AmazonBasics Ultra-Portable Bluetooth Speaker - Currently $30 (25% off). Sennheiser HD 558 Headphones - Currently $100 (44% off). Sennheiser Urbanite On-Ear Headphones - Currently $120 (40% 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 Thu Jul 9, 2015 at 05:00 PM PDT by: -
Google Offers Chromecast Ethernet Adapter for $15[teaser]The new adapter allows customers to access wired internet connections. [/teaser] Google has released a new Ethernet Adapter for its Chromecast streaming dongle. Previously, users could only connect the device to a Wi-Fi network. With the Chromecast Ethernet Adapter, customers can now run an Ethernet cable directly from their router to their Chromecasts. Users simply plug the Ethernet cable into the adapter and then connect the adapter to the Chromecast with a USB cable, allowing the device to connect to the internet in areas that might have weak Wi-Fi signals or no wireless internet option at all. The Chromecast Ethernet Adapter retails for $15 but is currently listed as out of stock at the Google online store. Meanwhile, the Chromecast is now on sale for $30. Source: Google via EngadgetPosted Wed Jul 8, 2015 at 05:00 PM PDT by: -
LG Cuts EG9600 4K Ultra HD OLED TV Prices by up to $2,000 This Week Only![teaser]The award-winning OLED TV model is now on sale. [/teaser] LG has announced a special summer promotion for its EG9600 series displays. The 65EG9600 is now on sale for $6,999, down $2,000 from its MSRP of $8,999. Likewise, the 55EG9600 is now on sale for $4,999, down $500 from its MSRP of $5,499. The EG9600 Ultra HD TVs feature curved OLED panels with a resolution of 3840x2160. The OLED technology enables superior black levels, contrast, and viewing angles over traditional LCD screens. In addition, the displays offer 3D support and LG’s webOS Smart TV platform with 4K streaming from several services, including Netflix and Amazon. Finally, LG has also announced plans to release a firmware upgrade for High Dynamic Range video. LG's 65EG9600 and 55EG9600 are now shipping. The special sale is expected to last this week only. Source: LGPosted Wed Jul 8, 2015 at 01:00 PM PDT by: -
HDD Gear Deal Spotlight: Up to 50% off Receivers, Sound Systems & Roku Sticks![teaser]Amazon is offering big discounts on select gear items! [/teaser] As part of the online retailer's ongoing deals, Amazon is running a special sale on home audio gear from Denon and Bose, and a Roku streaming stick. Denon AVR-S700W 7.2-Channel Network A/V Receiver - Currently $249 (50% off) Deal of the Day. Denon AVR-S500BT 5.2 Channel AV Receiver - Currently $209 (30% off). Bose SoundTouch Stereo Wi-Fi Music System - Currently $893 (26% off). Roku 3500XB Streaming Stick (HDMI) (Certified Refurbished) - Currently $30 (40% 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 7, 2015 at 06:30 PM PDT by: -
Showtime Launches Standalone Streaming Service Through Apple Devices, Roku, Hulu & PlayStation Vue[teaser]The Showtime streaming platform is now live. [/teaser] Showtime has officially launched it standalone streaming service. The app is now available on Apple TV, iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Roku players, Roku TVs, and through the PlayStation Vue internet TV service for $11 per month. In addition, Hulu users can also subscribe to the service for an additional $9 per month. The Showtime standalone OTT platform allows users to subscribe to Showtime streaming without the need for a traditional cable or satellite contract, giving cord-cutting customers access to live feeds, on-demand content, and all of the network's popular movies and shows, including 'Homeland,' 'Shameless,' and 'Penny Dreadful.' The launch comes just in time for the July 12 season premieres of 'Masters of Sex' and 'Ray Donovan.' New customers who subscribe to Showtime streaming through Apple, Roku, PlayStation Vue and Hulu will be given a free 30-day trial. The platform is now poised to compete with HBO's standalone service, HBO Now, which currently costs $15 per month. Source: ShowtimePosted Tue Jul 7, 2015 at 10:30 AM PDT by: -
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HDD Gear Deal Spotlight: Up to 58% off Ultra HD and 1080p TVs![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 televisions from Sharp and Samsung. Samsung UN55HU9000 Curved 55-Inch 4K Ultra HD 3D TV - Currently $1,695 (58% off). Samsung UN55JS8500 55-Inch 4K Ultra HD 3D TV - Currently $1,998 (33% off). Sharp LC55UB30U 55-Inch 4K Ultra HD TV - Currently $1,000 (23% off). Sharp LC-43LE653U 43-Inch 1080p TV - Currently $377 (21% 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 Mon Jul 6, 2015 at 07:00 PM PDT by: -
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Roku Adds Comedy Central Streaming Channel[teaser]Roku customers can now download the Comedy Central app. [/teaser] Roku has revealed the latest addition to its streaming channel lineup. Comedy Central now joins the growing number of video content options available on the company's media players. Roku owners can now install the Comedy Central channel on their devices. The app offers an extensive library of on-demand content, including episodes for several popular new and classic series, including 'South Park,' 'The Daily Show with Jon Stewart,' 'The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore,' 'Key & Peele,' 'Broad City,' 'Workaholics,' and 'Tosh.0.' New episodes of current shows are available for streaming the day after they air. To access most of the content, users will need an authenticated pay-TV subscription. With that said, new episodes of select programs, like 'The Daily Show,' are viewable for all users. The Roku 3 with Voice Search is now on sale for $99. Source: Roku via EngadgetPosted Mon Jul 6, 2015 at 04:00 PM PDT by: -
TCL Releases New Roku Smart HDTVs with Color Bezels for $250[teaser]The displays are available with different color bezels. [/teaser] TCL has announced the latest addition to its Roku TV lineup. The 32-inch TCL 32S3850B is available with a blue, green, or pink accent around its bezel, adding a stylish splash of color to its design. "TCL's goal is to offer consumers high quality products with stylish design and the latest technology at a great value and the TCL Roku TV Color Series delivers that and more," said Chris Larson, Vice President, TCL North America. "We are excited to offer color choices to our customers for the first time. These fun, stylish and colorful TVs will brighten up any dorm room, living room or bedroom, while continuing to deliver the Roku experience and its vast selection of streaming content, all at a great value." The 32S3850B features a 32-inch 720 LCD panel with LED backlighting and a 60Hz refresh rate. The display uses Roku's integrated smart TV platform, offering an extensive lineup of apps, including support for Sling TV and WatchESPN. In addition, the TV has also earned the Netflix Recommended designation, ensuring an optimized streaming experience. TCL's 32S3850B is now available in blue, green, and pink for $250. Source: TCLPosted Thu Jul 2, 2015 at 05:30 PM PDT by:
