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Samsung Integrates DTS Headphone:X Surround Sound Tech in Select HD & Ultra HD TVs[teaser]The surround sound headphone technology is now available in several Samsung TV models. [/teaser] Samsung has announced the addition of DTS Headphone:X support to its recently launched HD and Ultra HD display collection. The technology is currently available on a total of 44 Samsung televisions. DTS Headphone:X on Samsung TVs allows users to listen to surround sound content on any pair of wireless Bluetooth headphones. The technology will send 5.1 audio tracks over Bluetooth to a customer's headphones from most content sources connected to or integrated in the TV, including Blu-rays, streaming services, and game consoles. In addition, Headphone:X also enhances regular stereo content as well. For impressions of the 11.1 surround sound implementation of the technology, check out our DTS:X Home Theater Guide. The current list of Samsung displays with DTS Headphone:X support includes the majority of the company's recently released 2015 Ultra HD models. Sources: TWICE, Home Theater ReviewPosted Tue May 26, 2015 at 02:00 PM PDT by: -
Sharp Releases UB30 Series 4K Ultra HD TVs, Current Sale Prices Start at $599[teaser]The company is shipping four new Ultra HD TVs. [/teaser] Sharp has announced the release of its latest collection of 4K displays. The UB30 series comes in 43-inch, 50-inch, 55-inch, and 65-inch sizes. All four Ultra HD TVs feature a resolution of 3840 x 2160, 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. The 43-inch, 50-inch, and 55-inch models offer AquoMotion 120Hz tech with edge-lit LED panels. Meanwhile, the 65-inch model offers AquoMotion 240Hz tech along with local dimming. The LC-43UB30U ($599), LC-50UB30U ($799), and LC-55UB30U ($999) are on sale now. The 65-inch LC-65UB30U ($2,399) will start shipping in June. Source: TWICEPosted Fri May 22, 2015 at 05:15 PM PDT by: -
Yamaha Unveils NS-SW1000 Premium 1,000 Watt Subwoofer[teaser]The company's new flagship subwoofer has been detailed. [/teaser] Yamaha has announced plans to release its latest subwoofer. The NS-SW1000 ($2,500) features a premium design along with the company's trademark technology. "The NS-SW1000 is the latest evolution of the subwoofer, representing our best technologies and structural design elements to deliver uncompromised sonic performance," said Bob Goedken, general manager, AV Division, Yamaha Corporation of America. "Every component, including the black gloss finish, has been carefully considered to meet the demands of those seeking superior listening experiences." Yamaha's NS-SW1000 is a 1,000 watt subwoofer with a 12-inch driver and a unique Twisted Flare Port to offer smooth air flow with a reduction of extraneous noise. The subwoofer also features a 3-way mitered construction for accurate bass reproduction without noise-causing vibrations. In addition, the device uses Advanced Yamaha Active Servo Technology II for cleaner audio. Finally, the device also incorporates a Yamaha DP200 digital amplifier integrated circuit along with a triple-wound litz wire, high capacity output coil and specially designed capacitors to ensure powerful low frequencies. The NS-SW1000 is expected to start shipping in June. Source: YamahaPosted Fri May 22, 2015 at 12:15 PM PDT by: -
Spotify Bolsters Mobile Entertainment Options with Podcasts & Video Content[teaser]The music streaming service now offers more media content. [/teaser] Spotify has announced the addition of several new features. Customers can now enjoy video clips, podcasts, original content, and more music options. "We're bringing you a deeper, richer, more immersive Spotify experience," says Daniel Ek, Founder and CEO at Spotify. "We want Spotify to help soundtrack your life by offering an even wider world of entertainment with an awesome mix of the best music, podcasts and video delivered to you throughout your day. And we're just getting started." As part of the company's improved mobile music experience, Spotify has added "The Now Start Page" with personal music recommendations. Likewise, the service also offers a new Spotify Running option that selects music that matches the tempo of your running. Meanwhile, Spotify has also expanded its entertainment library to include podcasts, original content, and even video clips from ABC, Adult Swim, BBC, Comedy Central, Condé Nast Entertainment, ESPN, Fusion, Maker Studios, NBCUniversal, TBS, TED and Vice News. The new Spotify features are rolling out to iPhone users now and support for more platforms will arrive in the near future. Source: SpotifyPosted Thu May 21, 2015 at 03:00 PM PDT by: -
LG Will Offer High Dynamic Range Firmware Upgrade for OLED Ultra HD TV Models[teaser]Select OLED 4K displays will receive an HDR update. [/teaser] According to a report from Forbes, LG is planning to offer a firmware upgrade for its 65EG9600 ($8,999) and 55EG9600 ($5,499) OLED Ultra HD TVs. The upcoming update will allow the TVs to display high dynamic range content. High Dynamic Range technology provides enhanced levels of brightness and contrast, resulting in more realistic images with greater highlights and more detailed shadows. Several 2015 LCD models have been released that support the tech, including Samsung's SUHD line. With the new firmware upgrade, the EG9600 series will become the first OLED displays on the market to include HDR. With that said, though OLED displays are capable of perfect blacks, they cannot achieve the same brightness levels as LCD panels, so it remains to be seen just how well the LG OLED TVs handle high dynamic range images. Likewise, current reports indicate that the upgrade will only support streaming HDR content through the TV's internal apps or other devices through the display's IP interface. This mean that the EG9600 series likely won't support HDR content from Ultra HD Blu-rays or other HDMI 2.0a sources. A release date for the update has not been announced yet, but LG will offer the upgrade once the UHD Alliance finalizes the HDR tech spec, ensuring compatibility with future content. Though LG has not announced HDR upgrades for the rest of its OLED lineup yet, support for more models is a possibility. Sources: Forbes, TWICEPosted Thu May 21, 2015 at 02:00 PM PDT by: -
Sling TV Arrives on Android TV Devices[teaser]The internet TV service is now available on the Android TV platform. [/teaser] Sling TV has announced the launch of its Android TV app. Customers with Android TV devices, like the Google Nexus Player, can now download the Sling TV app from the Google Play Store. "We're committed to making Sling TV available on the most popular devices consumers use to stream live and on-demand entertainment," said Roger Lynch, CEO of Sling TV. "Today, we again bolstered our device footprint by expanding to Nexus Player's Android TV platform, and we expect this partnership to deliver additional convenience for both new and existing Sling TV customers." Sling TV offers live and on-demand TV content through the internet. The core "Best of Live TV" package currently costs $20 per month and includes ESPN, ESPN2, AMC, A&E, TNT, HISTORY, H2, TBS, Food Network, HGTV, Travel Channel, IFC, El Rey, Adult Swim, Cartoon Network, ABC Family, Disney Channel, CNN, Bloomberg TV, Lifetime and Galavisión. Several add-on packs and an HBO option are available as well. New customers can now receive a 50% discount on a Google Nexus Player when they pre-pay for three months of Sling TV. Likewise, users who already own a Nexus Player can sign up for a seven day free trial of Sling TV. The Sling TV platform is also available on Roku players, Roku TVs, the Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, PCs, Macs, Xbox One, and Android and iOS devices. Source: Sling TV via Business WirePosted Thu May 21, 2015 at 11:30 AM PDT by: -
LG Announces New G4 Stylus & G4c HD Smartphones[teaser]Two new smartphone models have been revealed. [/teaser] LG has announced two new additions to its G4 line of mobile devices. The G4 Stylus and the G4c now join the previously detailed flagship G4. "The G4 Stylus and G4c are perfect examples of what we mean by a premium smartphone experience without a premium price," said Juno Cho, president and CEO of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. "We are committed to offering consumers in fast-growing markets LG devices that not only deliver performance, but also look good while doing so. Both the G4 Stylus and G4c will surpass customers' expectations of what an LG phone should be." The G4 Stylus features a 5.7-inch IPS HD display with 258ppi. Under the hood, the phone is powered by a 1.2GHz Quad-Core CPU (LTE) / 1.4GHz Octa-Core CPU (3G), 1GB of RAM, and a 3,000mAh battery running Android 5.0. A 13MP rear camera (8MP on 3G), and a 5MP front camera are integrated as well. Finally, the G4 Stylus also includes LG's Rubberdium Stylus, allowing users to take notes and draw on the screen. Meanwhile, the smaller G4c features a 5-inch IPS HD display with 294ppi. Under the hood, the phone is powered by a 1.2GHz Quad-Core CPU, 1GB of RAM, and a 2,540mAh running Android 5.0. A rear 8MP camera and a front 5MP camera are included as well. The G4 Stylus and G4c will start rolling out to global markets this month. Exact pricing and release dates will be announced soon. Source: LGPosted Wed May 20, 2015 at 03:30 PM PDT by: -
Comcast Adds HBO GO & Showtime Anytime Support for Amazon Fire TV Devices[teaser]Comcast customers can now access the premium streaming services on their Amazon Fire TVs. [/teaser] Comcast now enables its subscribers to authenticate the HBO GO and Showtime Anytime apps on the Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick. Previously, Comcast was not part of the supported TV providers required to authenticate either app. Comcast Xfinity customers with a Fire TV or Fire TV Stick and an HBO or Showtime subscription can now download the HBO GO and Showtime Anytime apps on their devices. After the service is installed, users can then activate the device by selecting their TV provider and entering their corresponding user ID and password. Once authenticated, viewers will be given access to a growing collection of streaming HBO and Showtime movies, series, and specials, including 'Game of Thrones,' 'True Detective,' 'Homeland,' and 'Shameless.' Comcast also offers extensive HBO and Showtime on-demand titles and mobile content through their own Xfinity On Demand and Xfinity TV Go services. The Fire TV is currently available for $99 and the Fire TV Stick is on sale for $39. Source: ComcastPosted Wed May 20, 2015 at 01:45 PM PDT by: -
HDD First Look: 'Tomorrowland' in Dolby VisionBrad Bird's new film, 'Tomorrowland', opens in cinemas worldwide this weekend. Co-written by Damon Lindelof and inspired by on Walt Disney's personal archives, 'Tomorrowland' is a science fiction adventure about a teenage girl (Britt Robertson) who teams up with a former boy-genius (George Clooney) to unlock the mysteries threatening Tomorrowland, a futuristic world only a select chosen are invited to see when they are given a magical pin from the 1964 world's fair. [teaser]'Tomorrowland' is the first feature film released in Dolby Cinema, a new premium auditorium which combines the strengths of Dolby Atmos object-based surround sound with Dolby Vision, a set of high dynamic range standards behind brighter displays (which we first previewed in late 2013), more lifelike color grading, and Dolby's new 4K laser projection system.[/teaser] Three Dolby Cinema installations are opening this week as part of a partnership with AMC Theatres. Dubbed Dolby Cinema at AMC Prime, the premiere locations include the AMC BarryWoods 24 in Kansas City, MO; the AMC Deerbrook 24 in Humble, TX; and the AMC North Point Mall 12 in Alpharetta, GA. 100 more of these partnership auditoriums are slated to open by 2024. Also, while the theatre itself is not a full Dolby Cinema, the historic El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, CA will be showing 'Tomorrowland' in Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. In fact, that's where I screened the film. The Movie I'll leave the full review to our resident theatrical critic. Yet, for my two pennies, 'Tomorrowland' is a beautifully produced, ambitious adventure brimming with big ideas and interesting characters...that I was ultimately unable to connect with fully on an emotional level. Individual set-pieces prove well placed and thrilling. Britt Robertson and George Clooney are quite good. The effects work, for the most part, is exceptional. Yet, the set-pieces are a little repetitive, the characters easily overcome too many obstacles (lower perceived stakes), the world building in Tomorrowland itself ultimately feels ignored, and I would humbly argue that the story revolves too much around the "most of the characters know what's happening, but aren't telling the chosen one to keep it a secret for the audience" structure. It's not bad, but its not great. Dolby Vision Minor caveat: I feel a little handicapped in my ability to judge 'Tomorrowland' in Dolby Vision because I have not seen Tomorrowland's standard color grading outside of trailers. Meaning, we'll need further testing and demos before deciding if Dolby Vision trumps all other projection systems and is declared the future of cinema. Cool? Cool. That said, I'm impressed so far and can't wait to do more testing, comparisons, and see where filmmakers take their work in this format. I would say Dolby Vision has a similar effect to the first time you saw a Plasma HDTV (in proper lighting conditions) after owning a dull LCD display. It offers deep, inky black levels with shadow details intact, gobs of resolution, a wide gamut of saturated colors, and crisp bright areas (details also intact). The presentation was lifelike and sparkling -- like looking into Brad Bird and cinematographer Claudio Miranda's imaginations. Pay special attention to a scene where George Clooney is not only backlit by the sun, but where the sun is also in the frame. Many movies would crunch the shadows, hiding Clooney's face completely. In Dolby Vision, you can still glimpse Clooney's face and all the details despite the harsh sunlight. Also, note the endless, properly exposed blue skies even when buildings and other real world locations are in shadow. It's rare in the modern era. Lastly, in nightime sequences, like the insdie of Clooney's house or the Eiffel Tower sequence, there are tons of bright colors and dark shadows where you can still see details. Great stuff. Dolby Atmos Without reservation, 'Tomorrowland' has an exemplary Atmos sound mix that begins right from the futuristic Disney logo as a man in a jet back zooms from left to right across the screen and then over our heads. The rest of the film's many set-pieces are a demo reel of what you can do with Atmos. Pin-pointed character voices in the surrounds. Orchestral score enveloping the room. Explosions and rocket engines roaring overhead and all around. Pay special attention to the sequence inside George Clooney's house (a truncated version was used as one of the trailers) where futuristic weapons and booby traps are deployed repeatedly, playing out in perfect relation to camera POV. It's a terrific sound mix, and should make for an exemplary home audio experience (assuming Disney adopts object-based mixes for Blu-ray or Digital). Behind the Scenes of Dolby Cinema Want to learn a little more about how the filmmakers used Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos to make Dolby Cinema the best way to see 'Tomorrowland'? Check out this behind-the-scenes video with filmmaker Brad Bird: Tomorrowland and the Dolby Cinema Experience from Dolby Laboratories on Vimeo. What's Next? The next Dolby Vision title will be Disney/Pixar's 'Inside Out', which opens here in the states on June 19. A few more Dolby Cinema at AMC Prime auditoriums should be open by then, including two more in Los Angeles. And, later this year, Dolby Vision will forge its way into the home cinemas with Vizio's Reference Series of Ultra HD Displays, though I'm not sure when content like 'Tomorrowland' will be available. I'm sure we'll find out shortly. Final Thoughts While 'Tomorrowland' may not have made me feel like a kid again (a hard thing to do a week after 'Mad Max Fury Road' upped the action cinema bar), I applaud its lofty ideas and breathtaking filmmaking. Also, Dolby Atmos is still king of theatrical surround sound, and Dolby Vision is off to a great start. Near any of the Dolby Cinema locations and planning to see 'Tomorrowland'? Planning to by a Dolby Vision enabled display? Let us know in the comments below or in our forums.Posted Wed May 20, 2015 at 01:30 PM PDT by: -
M-GO Preps High Dynamic Range Ultra HD Streaming for 2015[teaser]The streaming platform will offer HDR content later this year. [/teaser] According to a report from TWICE, M-GO has announced plans to provide high dynamic range content through its streaming service. The first HDR titles are expected to arrive later this year. When paired with a television that supports the technology (like the Samsung SUHD line), High Dynamic Range images provide enhanced levels of brightness and contrast, resulting in more realistic images with greater highlights and more detailed shadows. M-GO plans to launch with several dozen HDR movies and TV series, and hopes to build its library quickly from there. Rival streaming services like Amazon and Netflix have also announced HDR streaming support. Likewise, VUDU will be offering several Warner Bros. films encoded with the Dolby Vision HDR process, including 'The Lego Movie' and 'Edge of Tomorrow.' Specific M-GO HDR titles have not been announced yet. Currently, M-GO 4K streaming is exclusive to Samsung Ultra HD TVs, and it's unclear whether future 4K high dynamic range streaming titles will also be limited to Samsung models. Source: TWICEPosted Wed May 20, 2015 at 12:00 PM PDT by:
