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Hulu Partners with Pluto TV for Free Streaming Content[teaser]Free Hulu content is making its way to Pluto TV. [/teaser] Hulu has announced plans to team up with Pluto TV to offer all of the company's free movies and shows. In addition to Hulu, Pluto TV has also signed distribution deals with Shout! Factory, Jukin Media, Devin SuperTramp, Multicom, Around the World in 4K, Amazing Places on Our Planet, AOL, and Endemol. Pluto TV is a startup that repackages different video services into a single programming grid of ad-supported streaming media channels. As part of their agreement, Pluto TV will be allowed to offer all of Hulu's ad-supported content, including current shows from ABC, NBC and Fox, and older series like 'Star Trek,' 'Seinfeld,' and 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer.' Though Hulu content will only be available via Pluto TV's streaming website, other Pluto TV channels are also available via the company's app for mobile devices, smart TVs, and media players. Free Hulu content is now streaming on various dedicated channels through Pluto TV's website. The same ad-supported content is also available directly through the Hulu website. A Hulu Plus subscription currently costs $7.99 per month and is available on a variety of smart TV platforms and media players, including the Amazon Fire TV, Roku 3, Apple TV and Chromecast. Source: VarietyPosted Thu Jul 2, 2015 at 09:00 AM PDT by: -
Sony Announces New Wireless Speakers, Prices Start at $300[teaser]Three new speaker models have been revealed. [/teaser] Sony has detailed several additions to its home audio lineup. The SRS-X77, SRS-X88, and SRS-X99 are all premium wireless speakers with music streaming and multi-room support. The SRS-X77 features 40 Watts, full range stereo speakers, a built-in subwoofer, and dual passive radiators. Meanwhile, the SRS-X88 features 90 Watts, two front tweeters, two mid-range drivers and a single subwoofer. Last but not least, the SRS-X99 features 154 Watts, two super tweeters, two front tweeters, two mid-range drivers and a single subwoofer. In addition, all three models offer LDAC Bluetooth playback, Wi-Fi, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, and Multi-room capability through the Song Pal app. Finally, the SRS-X88 and SRS-X99 also come complete with support for high-resolution music files via USB drive. Sony's SRS-X77 ($300), SRS-X88 ($400), and SRS-X99 ($700) are now available for pre-order and will start shipping at the end of July. Source: SonyPosted Wed Jul 1, 2015 at 02:30 PM PDT by: -
HDD's Home Theater Gear Guide for Graduates' First ApartmentsAs a man wearing eyeliner once proudly sung, "school is out for summer" -- and for many recent college graduates, that means it's time to finally enter the real world! You know, the one that doesn't include meal plans and weekly keggers. Congratulations… and my sincerest condolences. While this might be an equally scary and exciting time for new grads, if there's one thing former students can definitely look forward to, it's being able to finally move out of their tiny dorms. Say goodbye to socks on the doorknob and smelly roommates, and hello to… moving back in with your parents. Or, for you lucky ones with jobs lined up and no student loans -- say hello to renting your first apartments! You're probably in for a nice upgrade in space and privacy, which for us home theater enthusiasts likely means more room for all that fancy HD video and audio gear you've been saving up for. With that said, even a spacious apartment still can't quite grant the home theater freedom that an actual house brings. [teaser]With potential limitations in mind, we've put together a gear guide filled with budget-conscious and space-conscious A/V equipment that will allow grads to get the most out of their first apartments. [/teaser] Displays For many who are leaving the dorm lifestyle behind, one of the biggest perks will be the addition of an actual living room. Yes, that's right, most apartments have these! Well, unless you're in New York City. Then you'll be lucky to even get a closet. Or a window. But assuming you have a decent-sized living room, you'll probably have the space to upgrade from that wimpy 24-inch television that you had balancing on text books (what else are they good for?) back in college. Well-performing Ultra HD TVs in the 40-inch to 50-inch range have come down to pretty reasonable prices lately (under $1,000 in many cases), resulting in a few great mid-range offerings from several manufacturers. Though a projector is probably out of the question, and you might not be able to splurge for new features like HDR just yet, here's a rundown of some quality displays that should suit most apartment setups. VIZIO M-Series 4K Ultra HD TVs The 2015 M-Series Ultra HD displays incorporate full-array local dimming with up to 32 zones for superior black levels and uniformity. In addition, the panels include VIZIO's Active Pixel Tuning tech for increased accuracy and contrast, the company's Spatial Scaling Engine for upscaling lower res content, and Clear Action 360 for fast moving images. VIZIO's Internet Apps Plus smart TV platform is integrated as well, offering Ultra HD titles from Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, UltraFlix and Toon Goggles. HDMI 2.0 connections with HDCP 2.2 support are also included, letting users watch copyrighted 4K content like upcoming Ultra HD Blu-rays. Sadly, there is no 3D support this year. M-Series 43" Ultra HD Full Array LED Smart TV - $598 M-Series 49" Ultra HD Full Array LED Smart TV - $770 M-Series 50" Ultra HD Full Array LED Smart TV - $798 Sharp UB30 Series 4K Ultra HD TVs The UB30 series Ultra HD TVs offer 3840 x 2160 resolution, 4K streaming with HEVC and VP9 support, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, smart TV options, Sharp’s Revelation Upscaler, two USB ports, and HDMI 2.0 connections with HDCP 2.2 copy protection. Likewise, the below models feature 120Hz tech with edge-lit LED panels. Again, sadly these displays do not include 3D support. UB30 Series 43" LC-43UB30U - $597 UB 30 Series 50" LC-50UB30U - $800 Samsung JU750 Series 3D Curved-Screen Ultra HD TVs The new JU7500 series features a curved-screen design along with edge-lit precision black local dimming. In addition, these models include built-in Wi-Fi, a 240 motion rate, 4K upscaling, and HDCP 2.2 copyright protection. Finally, unlike many 2015 4K sets in this price range, these displays also include 3D support along with one pair of 3D glasses. JU7500 Series 40" Curved-Screen UN40JU7500 - $1,298 JU7500 Series 48" Curved-Screen UN48JU7500 - $1,498 JU7500 Series 50" Curved-Screen UN50JU7500 - $1,500 VIZIO E-Series HDTVs Though 4K sets are quickly becoming the industry standard, the reality is that depending on seating distance, many users won't actually see a substantial improvement from HD to Ultra HD -- especially on sets under 60-inches. Since most grads with new apartments likely won't be able to fit or afford a display that large just yet, the VIZIO E-Series 1080p TVs (yes, they still make them!) might be sufficient for your home theater needs. The E-Series features panels with full-array LED backlighting with up to 16 active zones to produce deep black levels and superior uniformity. Likewise, all of the models include the company's VIZIO Internet Apps Plus smart TV platform that offers built-in Wi-Fi and popular services like Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, iHeartRadio, Hulu Plus, Spotify, YouTube and more. E-Series 40" Full-Array LED Smart TV - $350 E-Series 43" Full-Array LED Smart TV - $390 E-Series 48" Full-Array LED Smart TV - $480 E-Series 50" Full-Array LED Smart TV - $528 Audio Systems Along with space for a bigger TV, a decent-sized apartment also means that you'll finally be able to replace that tiny soundbar with an actual speaker setup. Compact 5.1 systems and home-theater-in-a-box solutions are perfect for apartments, allowing graduates to enjoy genuine surround sound without losing too much room or upsetting their neighbors with an overpowered, wall-shaking system (sorry, you'll probably need a house for all that bass). And though a 7.1 or true next-gen immersive audio setup with in-ceiling speakers is likely not in the cards for most apartments, up-firing Atmos speakers offer the perfect compromise for renters who still want overhead sound. Here's a few audio gear suggestions that should balance performance, size, and price just right for your new apartment. Energy 5.1 Take Classic Home Theater System One of the best bang-for-your-buck compact speaker systems available, the Energy 5.1 package includes four gloss black 2-way Energy satellite speakers with ¾-inch tweeters and 3-inch poly-titanium woofers; one gloss black Energy center channel; and a 200 watt Energy subwoofer with a front firing port and 8" driver. The satellite speakers are rated for 115Hz-20KHz, the center is rated for 110Hz-20KHz, and the Subwoofer is rated for 33Hz-150Hz +/- 3dB. Energy 5.1 Take Classic Home Theater System - $297 Pioneer SP-PK52FS Andrew Jones 5.1 Home Theater Speaker Package While ultra-compact systems are nice for their space-saving size, if you want the best performance, then you're going to need a slightly more robust package. Designed by speaker engineer Andrew Jones, this fantastic 5.1 system from Pioneer just might be the best in its price range. The package includes two SP-FS52 Floor-standing Speakers with three 5.25" woofers, a 1" soft dome tweeter, & 8-component high-quality crossovers; two SP-BS22 Bookshelf Speakers with a 4" woofer, a 1" high soft dome tweeter, 1 rear port, & 6-element complex crossover; one SP-C22 Center-Channel Speaker with two 4" woofers, a 1" soft dome tweeter, 2 rear ports, & 6-element complex crossover; and one SW-8MK2 Powered Subwoofer with an 8-inch long-throw down-firing woofer powered by a 100-watt amplifier and a frequency range of 38 Hz-150 Hz. This is actually the exact speaker system that I currently use in my own apartment, and I can't recommend it highly enough. Pioneer SP-PK52FS Andrew Jones 5.1 Home Theater Speaker Package - $550 Onkyo HT-S5800 5.1.2-Channel Dolby Atmos Home Theater Package Think only fancy home-owners have the space and budgets for an Atmos system? Well, think again. Thanks to Onkyo, there is now a solid Atmos-enabled home-theater-in-a-box solution that is perfect for grads in new apartments that want to experience next-gen audio. The package includes a 7-channel 115W/Ch A/V receiver (with HDMI 2.0 and HDCP 2.2), and a compact 5.1.2 speaker setup with up-firing front satellites that can bounce sound off of the ceiling to simulate overhead audio. Onkyo HT-S5800 5.1.2-Channel Dolby Atmos Home Theater Package - $699 Denon AVR-X1200W 7.2 Channel Receiver Unless your speaker package already includes a receiver, you're going to need a solid A/V unit to power and process all of your audio gear. Likewise, you're going to also probably want to invest in a model that will support all of the latest video and audio formats, including 4K video, Dolby Atmos, and DTS:X. Thankfully, this new Denon 7.2 channel receiver (80W x 7ch) will do just that -- and for one of the lowest prices on the market (that has both Atmos and DTS:X). With that said, it only offers support for a 5.1.2 system, but for most apartments anything more will likely be space prohibitive anyway. Denon AVR-X1200W 7.2 Channel Receiver - $649 Marantz NR1606 7.2 Channel Receiver Like the above Denon model, this Marantz receiver also includes support for Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and 4K video for a (reasonably) affordable price -- and on top of all that, it also feature a special slim-body design that will allow users to save some extra space in their entertainment units. The 7.2 channel receiver is rated for 7x50-watts and supports 5.1.2 speaker setups. Marantz NR1606 7.2 Channel Receiver - $699 So, there you have it. With these display and audio selections, recent graduates should be able to form an affordable home theater system perfectly suited for an apartment setting. Sure, that dedicated projector room with in-ceiling speakers and a 150-inch screen might have to wait a few more years, but I'm sure you're well on your way -- and a solid 50-inch 4K display and 5.1.2 Atmos system should definitely satiate your appetite in the meantime. After all, you have a diploma… so you've earned it! For now, what do you think about our apartment gear selections? Will you be jumping on any of these models for your own place? Do you have suggestions of your own? Let us know in the forum!Posted Wed Jul 1, 2015 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
Acer Reveals 34-Inch Curved-Screen QHD Monitor for $1,099[teaser]The upcoming monitor features a 21:9 panel. [/teaser] Acer has detailed the latest addition to its display lineup. The XR341CK is a 34-inch monitor geared toward gaming. "This killer new monitor makes game play incredibly realistic," said Charlotte Chen, Acer America product manager. "The ultra-wide curved design, stunning image quality and dynamic audio take the thrill of gaming to a new level." The monitor features a 34-inch curved screen IPS panel with a resolution of 3440x1440 and a wide 21:9 aspect ratio. In addition, the display offers a 4ms response time, 100 percent sRGB support, a Picture-By-Picture and Picture-in-Picture mode, and two 7W speakers with DTS Sound. HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort, miniDisplay Port, and USB 3.0 connections are included as well. Finally, the XR341CK comes equipped with AMD FreeSync technology for smoother gameplay with reduced latency, tearing, and stuttering. Acer's XR341CK 34-inch monitor is expected to start shipping in July for a suggested retail price of $1,099. Source: PRWeb via EngadgetPosted Tue Jun 30, 2015 at 03:45 PM PDT by: -
Marantz Details New DTS:X & Dolby Atmos Receivers, Prices Start at $699[teaser]The upcoming receivers will support next-gen audio. [/teaser] Marantz has announced two additions to its A/V lineup. The new models include support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X immersive audio formats. The NR1606 is a 7.2 channel receiver with 7x50-watts and a slim-line body design. Meanwhile, the SR5010 is a standard-size 7.2 channel receiver with 7x100 watts. Both models include integrated Dolby Atmos support and will be upgradeable to DTS:X through a future firmware download, allowing for 5.1.2 speaker setups. In addition, the receivers offer HDMI 2.0a connections with HDCP 2.2 copyright protection for 4K Ultra HD video. Finally, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity are included as well. The Marantz NR1606 ($699) and SR5010 ($899) are expected to start shipping in July and August. Source: TWICEPosted Mon Jun 29, 2015 at 03:30 PM PDT by: -
Apple Music Is Heading to Sonos Speakers Later This Year[teaser]Apple's new music service will stream to Sonos speakers. [/teaser] Sonos has confirmed that the company's wireless speaker lineup will support Apple Music. The new music streaming platform is expected to be playable through Sonos products by the end of the year. Apple Music will be integrated directly into the Sonos app, allowing users to stream music from the service to their connected Sonos speakers. Apple Music includes access to the entire Apple Music catalog of over 30 million songs along with curated playlists that are designed to fit your personal music tastes. In addition, the service features live curated radio, including Beats 1, a 24-hour global radio station dedicated to music and music culture. Finally, Apple Music also offers a Connect feature that allows artists to share content directly to their fans. The Sonos Play:1 ($199), Play:3 ($299), and Play:5 ($399) are on sale now. Meanwhile, Apple Music will launch on June 30 on iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Macs and PCs for $10 per month. Source: TWICEPosted Mon Jun 29, 2015 at 01:00 PM PDT by: -
LG 4K Ultra HD OLED Wins 2015 Value Electronics TV Shootout[teaser]The OLED Ultra HD TV has been crowned the "King of TV" for 2015. [/teaser] For the second year in a row, an LG OLED display has won the Value Electronics TV Shootout. The 65EG9600 65-inch OLED Ultra HD TV beat out the competition to earn this year's top performing TV award. "LG OLED TV sets a new standard for picture quality and delivers an incredible TV experience unlike any LCD LED TV available," said Tim Alessi, director of new product development for home entertainment at LG Electronics USA. "For years LG has been at the forefront of innovations that demand recognition from picture quality authorities and consumers alike, and industry recognition like this further validates our efforts, especially with OLED 4K TVs." The 11th Annual Value Electronics TV Shootout compared four flagship displays from various manufacturers to determine a picture quality winner based on a variety of factors, including black level, perceived contrast, color accuracy, and motion resolution. All of the TVs were professionally calibrated and evaluated by CE Week attendees, including numerous industry experts and A/V enthusiasts. The 65EG9600 and its OLED panel managed to rise above the LED LCD competition to win the top spot. "This is the second consecutive year that LG OLED has taken the crown, beating its LED counterparts in an intense side-by-side comparison," said TV Shootout organizer Robert Zohn, owner of Value Electronics, a leading specialty retailer based in Scarsdale, N.Y. "The experts and CE Week attendees have spoken: OLED TVs deliver superior picture quality compared to contemporary TV technologies." The 65EG9600 is now available for a suggested retail proce of $8,999. In addition, the 55-inch 55EG9600 ($4,499) is also on sale. Both models will be getting firmware updates to support High Dynamic Range content soon. Source: LGPosted Fri Jun 26, 2015 at 05:30 PM PDT by: -
Archos Readies HDMI PC Stick with Windows 10 for $99[teaser]The upcoming PC stick turns any HDMI display into a computer. [/teaser] Archos has revealed its own mobile PC dongle. The Archos PC Stick offers Windows performance in a compact, pocket size. "Companies have constantly pushed boundaries to make computers smaller, and we've taken this challenge to the next level by offering a matchbox-sized PC for less than $100," says Loic Poirier, CEO of ARCHOS. "Mobility is at the center of our lifestyles and the PC Stick allows us to be on-the-go and productive." Under the hood, the Archos PC Stick is powered by an Intel Atom Z3735F/Quad-Core 1.33 GHz CPU, an Intel HD Graphic(Gen7)/Dual-Core GPU, 2GB of RAM, and 32GB of storage running Windows 10. Likewise, the device includes Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and USB connectivity along with a microSD slot. Users can plug the dongle into any HDMI display, offering full mobile PC, productivity, and media support, including several pre-installed programs like Word Mobile, Excel Mobile, and PowerPoint Mobile. The Archos PC Stick will be available in August for a suggested retail price of $99. The dongle now joins a growing collection of mobile HDMI PCs, including models from Lenovo and Intel. Source: Archos via TWICEPosted Fri Jun 26, 2015 at 02:45 PM PDT by: -
HDD Gear Deal Spotlight: Up to 69% off Headphones & Soundbars![teaser]Amazon is offering big discounts on select audio gear! [/teaser] As part of the online retailer's ongoing deals, Amazon is running a special sale on headphones and soundbars from RevJams, Photive, and Samsung. Samsung HW-J550 2.1 Channel Soundbar - Currently $298 (22% off). Samsung HW-J6500 Curved 6.1 Channel Soundbar - Currently $450 (18% off). Samsung HW-J7500 Curved 8.1 Channel Soundbar - Currently $598 (25% off). Photive BTH3 Bluetooth 4.0 Headphones - Currently $40 (67% off). RevJams Studio Vibe Bluetooth Headphones - Currently $50 (67% off). RevJams Active Sport Wireless Bluetooth 4.0 Earbuds - Currently $40 (69% 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 Jun 25, 2015 at 02:15 PM PDT by: -
Amazon Launches High Dynamic Range Streaming for Prime Members[teaser]Select content is now available in HDR. [/teaser] Amazon has officially launched high dynamic range video streaming. Prime members can now stream the first season of 'Mozart in the Jungle' in HDR at no additional cost. "HDR is a technical innovation that provides a truly stunning viewing experience and we're thrilled to be the first to offer this unmatched picture quality," said Michael Paull, Vice President of Digital Video at Amazon. "We can't wait for our Prime members to watch and re-watch Mozart in the Jungle in HDR at no additional cost to their membership, and we look forward to adding more titles and devices that support HDR this year." High Dynamic Range video provides enhanced levels of brightness and contrast, resulting in more realistic images with greater highlights and more detailed shadows when played back on HDR supported displays. Currently, Amazon is offering the first season of it original series 'Mozart in the Jungle' and the pilot episode of 'Red Oaks' in the HDR format. The HDR streams are available now for Prime Members through the Amazon Video app on Samsung's SUHD series 4K Ultra HD TVs. In addition, Amazon HDR streaming support will be added to LG's 2015 Ultra HD OLED TVs in the coming weeks. Likewise, the company has announced plans to add more HDR series and movies in the near future. Source: Amazon, Amazon HDRPosted Wed Jun 24, 2015 at 03:00 PM PDT by:
