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DVDO Launches iScan Mirco 4K Upscaler and Video Enhancement Device[teaser]The company's latest product enhances SD and HD video content. [/teaser] DVDO has announced the release of its newest device. The iScan Micro is a compact 4K scaler and video enhancement system. "Since most home content is still 1080p resolution or below, iScan Micro is exactly what consumers need to ensure their 4K TV displays brilliant UHD content," said Doug Fealtman, general manager of DVDO, Inc. "Poor-quality scaling and blocky Internet video reduce video quality; by simply adding iScan Micro to the back of the TV, consumers can get the best possible picture and realize their investment in a leading-edge TV." The iScan Micro features VRS ClearView Technology, 4K Ultra HD Adaptive Scaling (HDMI 2.0), Edge and Detail Enhancement, Video Smoothing, Mosquito Noise Reduction, an IR input port, and dedicated remote buttons for easily changing between the device's three modes. The product can be used as a stand-alone enhancement device for 4K and 1080p TVs, or as a companion to a video processor or switcher like the company's Quick6. DVDO's iScan Micro will be available in late Q2 2015 for a suggested retail price of $129. Source: DVDOPosted Fri May 1, 2015 at 11:30 AM PDT by: -
Amazon Updates iOS Instant Video App with HD & Mobile Data Streaming[teaser]The latest iOS app adds new playback features. [/teaser] Amazon has released the newest version of its Amazon Instant Video app for iOS devices. Upgrades include HD streaming and the ability to use mobile data. The new iOS Amazon Instant Video app now allows users to stream content in HD resolutions. In addition, the updated software lets customers use their mobile data plan to stream movies and shows when a Wi-Fi connection is not available. To go along with this new feature, users now also have control over the video quality of their streams, allowing them to curb their bandwidth use to their liking. Version 3.0 of the Amazon Instant Video app is now available for download in the iTunes store. In addition to iOS devices, Instant Video is also available on a variety of smart TVs, game consoles, mobile devices, and streaming players, including the Fire TV, Fire TV Stick, Fire HDX 8.9, Fire, Phone, Roku 3, and Android devices. Source: iTunes via EngadgetPosted Fri May 1, 2015 at 10:45 AM PDT by: -
Hulu Announces Deals for 'Seinfeld' and AMC Streaming Rights[teaser]The streaming service will now be the exclusive SVOD home for 'Seinfeld' and upcoming AMC shows. [/teaser] Hulu has detailed several new programming partnerships, bringing more popular content to its digital video platform. As part of the recently announced deals, Hulu will now have the exclusive subscription video on demand rights for 'Seinfeld' and new content from AMC Networks. As part of an agreement with Sony Pictures Television, all nine seasons of the hit sitcom, 'Seinfeld,' will be available to stream exclusively for Hulu users in June. Hulu won the coveted rights after an expensive bidding war with several streaming rivals. In addition, a separate multi-year deal with AMC Networks will also make Hulu the exclusive SVOD platform for new and upcoming primetime scripted comedy and drama series from AMC, IFC, BBC America, Sundance TV and WE tv. This includes the new 'Walking Dead' spinoff show, 'Fear the Walking Dead.' 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: HuluPosted Wed Apr 29, 2015 at 02:00 PM PDT by: -
Yamaha Releases RX-V379 Receiver with HDCP 2.2 4K Support for $299[teaser]The new receiver offers support for 4K copyright protected playback. [/teaser] Yamaha has announced the release of its latest A/V product. The RX-V379 is an entry-level receiver with Ultra HD pass-through. "The RX-V379 offers first-time home theater buyers Yamaha's high quality audio and video performance, as well as a surprising array of features at this price point," said Bob Goedken, general manager, AV Division, Yamaha Corporation of America. "With Bluetooth and HDCP 2.2, it will provide years of entertainment from home components and mobile devices, as well as from eye-popping 4K Ultra HD video titles." Yamaha's RX-V379 is a 5.1 channel A/V receiver. The device includes HDCP 2.2 compliancy for 4K Ultra HD video pass-through via HDMI 2.0 connections (4 inputs/1 output). In addition, the receiver offers Bluetooth connectivity for wireless music streaming and the company's Compressed Music Enhancer for improved sound quality. Finally, YPAO automatic system calibration and virtual speaker technologies for simulated surround sound are integrated as well. The RX-V379 will start shipping this month for a suggested retail price of $299.95. Source: YamahaPosted Wed Apr 29, 2015 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
DTS Play-Fi Wireless Audio Products Add Spotify Support[teaser]Play-Fi audio products now support Spotify music streaming. [/teaser] DTS has announced the addition of Spotify to its Play-Fi whole-home wireless ecosystem. Spotify Premium subscribers can now stream music to Play-Fi enabled speaker models from brands like Definitive Technology, Phorus, Polk Audio and Wren. "With its massive song library and more than one billion playlists created by users, Spotify is a significant addition to the Play-Fi ecosystem," said Dannie Lau, general manager, Play-Fi Division at DTS. "We believe that Spotify users around the world will appreciate the superior sound quality and convenience of the Play-Fi audio experience for all of their music." Play-Fi tech lets users stream their music wirelessly from smartphones, tablets, laptops or desktops over their existing Wi-Fi networks to any number of connected Play-Fi enabled speakers throughout the home. Spotify Premium members will now see all connected Play-Fi speakers in the Spotify app. Likewise, users can also access Spotify from within Play-Fi branded apps. DTS will also be expanding its support to include multi-room Spotify playback via Play-Fi whole-home technology for Android and iOS later this year. Source: DTSPosted Tue Apr 28, 2015 at 11:30 AM PDT by: -
LG Unveils G4 Smartphone with IPS Quantum Display & Leather Design[teaser]The company's latest flagship smartphone has been revealed. [/teaser] LG has officially announced its newest mobile device. The G4 is the successor to the previously released G3, and offers many new features and performance improvements. "We are living up to our promise of Innovation for a Better Life with a fashionable, premium smartphone that is more focused on delivering a balanced user experience that can compete with the best of the best," said Juno Cho, president and CEO of the LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. "We wanted to give consumers a truly human-centric device that combined the analog sensibilities with technologies that delivered real world performance. From the design to the camera to the display to the UX, this is the most ambitious phone we've ever created." The G4 features a 5.5-inch IPS Quantum display with a resolution of 2560 x 1440 and 538ppi. The quantum tech allows for 20 percent greater color reproduction, 25 percent improvement in brightness and 50 percent greater contrast. Under the hood, the phone is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 Processor with X10 LTE, 3GB of RAM, 32GB of storage, and a 3,000mAh battery all running Android 5.1. A 16MP rear camera with F1.8 aperture and an 8MP front camera are included as well. Finally, genuine leather and ceramic rear cover options are available and the phone uses a Slim Arc design with a subtle curve and the new human-centric UX 4.0. The LG G4 will start to roll-out globally on April 29. Pricing will be announced in local markets soon. Source: LGPosted Tue Apr 28, 2015 at 09:30 AM PDT by: -
HDD Gear Deal Spotlight: Up to $40 off Amazon Fire Tablets![teaser]Amazon is offering a limited time discount on its Fire tablets! [/teaser] As part of the online retailer's ongoing electronics sales and promotions, Amazon is running a special sale on its Fire tablet lineup. Fire HDX 7" Tablet - Currently $199 ($40 off). Fire HD 7 Tablet - Currently $99 ($40 off). Fire HD 7 Kids Edition Tablet - Currently $149 ($40 off). Fire HD 6 Kids Edition Tablet - Currently $124 ($25 off). These deals will only be active until May 10. Make sure to stay tuned to High-Def Digest for more sales and special promotions!Posted Mon Apr 27, 2015 at 05:45 PM PDT by: -
NBC Brings Live Streaming Sports to Apple TV & Roku Devices[teaser]The network's sports streaming feature is now available on several media players. [/teaser] NBC has announced the launch of its "Sports Live Extra" service on the Apple TV and Roku devices. The app offers more than 3,000 live streaming sports events every year. "NBC Sports is unwavering in their commitment to offer loyal fans the live sporting events they love in ways that work best for them," said Alison Moore, GM and EVP, TV Everywhere, NBCUniversal. "As we have seen with the success of the NFL and the Olympic Games, real-time sports programming with a cross-device reach is a crown jewel in NBCUniversal's ever-expanding TV Everywhere initiative." To access most of NBC's Sports Live Extra content, Roku and Apple TV customers will need an authenticated pay-TV subscription. Once logged in, users can live stream all sports coverage televised by NBC, NBCSN and Golf Channel, including the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Triple Crown, the Summer and Winter Olympics, and Sunday Night Football. In addition, the service offers exclusive digital content, like Premier League matches through "Extra Time" and select motorsports events. NBC Sports Live Extra is also available on desktops, mobile devices and tablets. The new Roku 3 with Voice Search is now on sale for $99, and the Apple TV is on sale for $68. Sources: NBC 1, NBC 2 via EngadgetPosted Mon Apr 27, 2015 at 12:30 PM PDT by: -
LG 55EC9300 OLED HDTV Wins Edison Award[teaser]The company's curved-screen 1080p OLED display has been honored for its design innovation and environmentally friendly impact. [/teaser] LG has received a 2015 Edison Award for its 55EC9300 OLED HDTV. The display won the Gold Edison Award in the "Green" category. "LG is driven to deliver tangible, innovative products to consumers that enhance their daily lives, including reducing their environmental footprint," said William Cho, president and CEO, LG Electronics USA. "These distinct honors from the Edison Awards create an opportunity for us to draw attention not only to the outstanding technologies demonstrated in our energy-efficient products, but to all those innovators who remain at the forefront of product and technological excellence today." The 55EC9300 is a 55-inch 1080p TV with a curved-screen OLED panel. The organic light-emitting diode technology allows the display to produce superior black levels over traditional LCD screens. In addition, the model features a very thin design, wide viewing angles, LG's webOS smart TV platform, and Cinema 3D support with four pairs of included 3D glasses. The TVs are also Energy Star Certified and have received the UL Environment GREENGUARD certification for low emissions affecting indoor air quality. Finally, according to the FTC's "Energy Guide" label, the 55EC9300 has an estimated yearly energy cost of just $17. Customers can now order the 55EC9300 for its recently reduced price of $2,500 from several major retailers, including Amazon. In addition, LG's 55EA9800 curved-screen OLED HDTV is currently on sale for $2,000. Likewise the company's 65EC9700 ($9,999), 65EG9600 ($8,999), and 55EG9600 ($5,499) 4K Ultra HD OLED displays are also available for purchase. Source: LGPosted Fri Apr 24, 2015 at 05:00 PM PDT by: -
Hulu Partners with Turner Broadcasting to Stream Cartoon Network and Adult Swim Shows[teaser]The new deal includes streaming rights for several animated favorites. [/teaser] Hulu has announced an agreement with Turner Broadcasting to secure more streaming content. New programming includes titles from Cartoon Network and Adults Swim, as well as live action shows from TNT and TBS. Programs in the deal include Adult Swim original series like 'Rick and Morty,' 'Black Jesus,' 'NTSF:SD:SUV' and Cartoon Network original series such as 'The Amazing World of Gumball,' 'Steven Universe,' 'Over the Garden Wall' and 'Clarence.' Likewise, the deal also features exclusive full season subscription streaming rights to Adult Swim and Cartoon Network hits like 'Aqua Teen Hunger Force,' 'Dexter’s Laboratory,' 'Ben 10,' 'Robot Chicken,' 'The Venture Bros.,' 'Adventure Time,' and 'Regular Show.' Finally, Hulu will also offer TNT's live action drama series, 'The Last Ship,' and the crime drama 'Murder in the First.' Through the agreement, Hulu will gain streaming rights to several future TNT and TBS shows as well. The first crop of new Turner series will start arriving on Hulu supported streaming devices on May 1. In addition, Cartoon Network shows will be available to stream ad-free in the Hulu Kids environment. A Hulu Plus subscription 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: HuluPosted Fri Apr 24, 2015 at 04:30 PM PDT by:
