-
VIZIO Reveals 2015 Reference Series 4K Ultra HD TVs with Dolby Vision, Local Dimming, & 5.1 Sound[teaser]The new TV collection offers high dynamic range support and full-array local dimming. [/teaser] VIZIO has officially announced its latest flagship 4K display line. The upcoming Reference Series will be available in a 65-inch model and a 120-inch model. "The Reference Series redefines 'best-in-class' picture quality and audio standards," said Matt McRae, Chief Technology Officer, VIZIO. "We leveraged our deep understanding of the consumer experience to fuel innovative technologies that take critical drivers of picture quality - like color and contrast - to new levels, transforming long-existing standards. Packed with breakthrough achievements like High Dynamic Range and Ultra-Color Spectrum for a wider-than-ever color gamut, the Reference Series shatters the limits of what's possible for cinephiles. The addition of an unbelievably powerful integrated 5.1 audio solution with a 10-inch wireless subwoofer and two rear satellite speakers further reinforces that the VIZIO Reference Series delivers the most immaculate home theater experience possible." References Series models feature LCD LED panels with a resolution of 3840 x 2160 and 384 active LED zones to deliver superior black levels. In addition, the displays are the first to support Dolby Vision high dynamic range technology with an 800-Nit backlight capable of enhanced contrast and brightness. Likewise, the series also boasts Ultra-Color Spectrum tech for a wide color gamut that exceeds the traditional Rec 709 standard. To take advantage of the Dolby Vision process, the Reference Series includes access to VUDU's lineup of Warner Bros. Ultra HD Dolby Vision streaming titles. "We are proud for Dolby Vision to be introduced to consumers through the VIZIO Reference Series, providing a dramatically different visual experience that engages the senses and further draws viewers into the picture," said Giles Baker, SVP, Broadcast Business Group, Dolby Laboratories. "VIZIO Reference Series customers will have access to a slate of 4K Ultra HD Dolby Vision content, bringing viewers closer than ever before to viewing content as it was intended by filmmakers." Finally, VIZIO is also integrating a full 5.1 soundbar system into the 65-inch Reference Series model, including separate rear satellites and a 10-inch wireless subwoofer. Exact pricing and availability have not been announced yet, but stay tuned to High-Def Digest for more details and full impressions soon! Source: VIZIOPosted Mon Apr 13, 2015 at 07:30 AM PDT by: -
High-Def Digest's DTS:X Home Theater Guide[teaser]This week, High-Def Digest was invited to attend the official unveiling of DTS' new object-based surround sound platform. Nestled within their comfortable Calabasas headquarters, we were treated to several demos and a Q&A session, giving us a great idea of what to expect from the new technology. [/teaser] Dubbed DTS:X, the upcoming audio tech does away with traditional channel-based encoding, mixing sounds as individual objects that can be adapted to any speaker setup. But just how does this new audio format perform and, perhaps much more importantly, how does it compare to Dolby's eerily similar Atmos platform? Is DTS:X now poised to become the immersive audio experience to beat? Or this just a case of audio format Deja vu? Well, let's start with the basics... The Basics Note: Portions of this section originally appeared in our Dolby Atmos Home Theater Guide… yes, they are that similar…Like Dolby Atmos, DTS:X is a surround sound technology that utilizes object-based mixing over traditional channel based sound design. Previously, movie tracks were created with audio designated directionally to specific speakers through a predetermined number of discrete channels. For instance, in a 5.1 setup, sounds are only placed in the left, center, right, surround, and LFE channels. With DTS:X, however, there are no channels. Instead, the individual audio objects are mixed in a virtual environment using the MDA Creator (DTS' license fee-free, open platform for the creation of object-based immersive audio), allowing sound designers to place sounds anywhere in the room at any given time -- not just within a select number of fixed channels and locations. This means that DTS:X soundtracks are not mixed to fit the rigid limitations of a 5.1 or 7.1 system. The sounds themselves exist as distinct objects in the room that can be scaled and adapted to be played back directionally under a wide variety of speaker configurations with support for up to 32 speaker locations (up to 11.2 speaker setups on 2015 AVRs). Likewise, this also means that audio can now come from locations previously unavailable in traditional surround sound setups -- most notably from above. With that in mind, for many, the most immediate and substantial benefit of DTS:X in the home will be through the addition of overhead speakers. In order to add overhead sound, 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, competitor Dolby has worked with manufacturers to release special Dolby Atmos speakers which feature an additional driver mounted on top in order to reflect sound off of the ceiling. This simulates the effect of audio coming from above. Unfortunately, DTS has no plans to develop specific DTS:X upward firing speakers at this time, and there is some confusion about whether or not current Atmos-enabled speakers will be compatible with DTS:X processing. DTS claims that there is nothing on their end that would prevent Atmos speakers from working with their technology, but specific manufacturers might have integrated limitations that could make such a pairing incompatible. Though customers will need to purchase a new DTS:X-enabled receiver (or upgrade select existing models) to take advantage of the object-based technology, DTS:X soundtracks will be delivered through an extension of the existing DTS format, making them backwards compatible with current hardware. Likewise, current Blu-ray players will be able to play DTS:X movies, but the soundtracks need to be played back through the bitstream option in order to get the object-based sound. The DTS Difference? Now that the similarities are out of the way, let's answer the question that's been on every home theater enthusiast's mind since DTS:X was first announced: "How does this technology differ from Dolby Atmos?" Well, for the most part, it turns out that the answer is... not a whole lot. In simplest terms, both technologies achieve the same end result: an object-based audio mix that can be scaled to a variety of speaker setups, including those with overhead sound. With that said, there are a few variations in philosophy and features between both formats that should be of interest to consumers. First up, unlike Dolby, DTS has a less rigid take on speaker placement. Rather than emphasize specific recommended setups, DTS has chosen to highlight their object-based system's extreme scalability, placing layout decisions squarely in the hands of consumers and manufacturers. Though this flexibility is technically also possible with Atmos, Dolby recommends certain configurations with additional height speakers (5.1.4, 7.1.2, etc.) and some manufacturers require exact measurements pertaining to angles and positioning. On the other hand, DTS' approach is much more free-form. In their eyes, one of the main benefits of object-based audio is its adaptability to any configuration, so why would they want to dictate setups? In other words, there are no official DTS:X speaker arrangements at this time. With that said, it is up to manufacturers to implement their own calibration systems and to decide if they want to design their gear to suit pre-established immersive audio setups -- making it likely that many initial DTS:X products will be configured with current Atmos arrangements in mind. Next, DTS:X also differentiates itself with a potentially handy or potentially controversial new feature: the option to completely isolate dialogue as a separate object in a soundtrack. This means that users can adjust the volume of speech independent from the rest of the track, alleviating some customers' issues with pesky hard to hear dialogue. Still, while the technology to offer this feature is in place, it's up to content creators to decide whether this option can be used, and some directors might object to audiences being able to fiddle with their deliberately arranged sound mixes to such a degree. After all, Michael Bay surely puts great care into just how loud Mark Wahlberg sounds when he's yelling at all those giant robots! And who are you to tamper with the volume of Liam Neeson's whispery threats? And how dare anyone attempt to turn down Al Pacino's trademark rants! I mean, seriously, why mess with perfection?! What might prove to be the most distinguishing difference between both technologies, however, is their particular implementation of spatial remapping and reformatting. This process allows DTS:X and Atmos receivers to upmix traditional surround sound tracks to simulate immersive audio with additional speaker placements. DTS calls its take on this process "Neural:X," but it remains to be seen just how well this feature enhances existing tracks. We were given a brief demo (more on that later), but future direct comparisons between DTS and Dolby's processes could end up giving one audio format a distinct edge over the other. Theater Demos Now that all of the basics are out of the way, we can finally get to the real fun stuff. You know, when things get loud and rumbly! To demo DTS:X, the company whisked us away to one of their dark and cozy R&D labs, free from the nuisances of sunlight and outside noise. With a total of 55 speakers (including 6 subwoofers), the lab features two audio setups: an inner ring and an outer ring. For the first portion of the demo, the company used the outer box of speakers featuring an impressive 28.1 surround sound setup (including one "voice of God" speaker directly above the listening position) to give us a feel for a true theatrical presentation. Content was played with MDA audio tracks just like those that will be used in a full cinema environment. The theatrical demos included a science fiction short film titled 'Telescope,' which was marked by elaborate space travel effects, and a charming animated short called 'Locked Up' that focused on distinct nature sounds. Both pieces provided an impressive experience with seamless audio from all directions, including overhead. Overall, I'd say the demonstration was comparable to similar Atmos mixes and exhibited the same pinpoint accuracy and aural transparency as Dolby's tech. It truly felt like I was surrounded by a dome of audio with no real sense of individual speakers -- just an organically swirling cloud of sounds. MDA Creator Demo After the initial theatrical demos, we switched to the inner ring of speakers for a demonstration of the MDA Creator mixing tools that filmmakers use to design DTS:X tracks. This inner setup uses an 11.1 (or 7.1.4) speaker configuration with four height speakers positioned above and tilted down toward the listening position (two in front, two in back). Once again, the DTS engineers loaded up the 'Locked Up' short, but this time they pulled up the MDA sound design template in Pro Tools, demonstrating all of the audio objects represented in the virtual environment. From there, the designer was able to move a specific sound of a buzzing fly in real-time throughout the room, revealing the nearly limitless control creators have over every element of audio. Home Theater Demos For the next set of demos, we switched gears to a true DTS:X home theater presentation. Using the inner ring of speakers again (11.1/7.1.4), the company showed a few sample clips played through a standard Panasonic Blu-ray player and a Trinnov Altitude 32 pre-amplifier. First, we were shown an example of the Neural:X spatial remapping technology used to turn traditional surround sound tracks into more immersive audio experiences. A clip from 'Dawn of the Planet of the Apes' was shown using the disc's standard DTS-HD MA 7.1 track upmixed to simulate a full 11.1 presentation. Though not Earth-shattering or as distinct as native object-based material, the demo was pretty cool, and there was indeed a vague sense of overheard sound. Unfortunately, DTS did not provide a direct comparison between the standard 7.1 presentation and 11.1 Neural:X version. Next, we were shown a clip from the film 'Divergent' in full native DTS:X audio. As one would expect, this sample was much more engaging, with truly distinct sounds from all angles. Likewise, I was also able to listen to a few more native DTS:X clips in a separate demo room with a similar 7.1.4 speaker arrangement later in the day, including a scene from 'Rio' and a few more shorts. Again, the experience was comparable to similar demos shown for Dolby's Atmos home theater technology, and I came away equally impressed, gaining an extra layer of audio immersion that I never realized I was missing before. DTS Headphone:X Demo Finally, DTS also chose to show off its current DTS Headphone:X technology that is capable of bringing a 7.1.4 experience to any pair of headphones. First, we listened to standard speaker placement test tones in the actual 11.1 speaker setup. Then, we put the headphones on and listened to the same test tones through the Headphone:X process. The results were quite astonishing, creating such a convincing sense of surround sound that it was almost indistinguishable from the actual speaker setup. From there, we were shown the same clip from 'Divergent' that we watched before, and though placement wasn't as distinguished as on the real speaker layout, the Headphone:X effect was incredibly immersive. Gear and Content Of course, even the most impressive audio technology is ultimately worthless if there isn't any gear to support it -- and even more importantly, any content that uses it. For now, DTS has not revealed any specific Blu-ray titles that will use DTS:X, but the company is working with studios and expects that initial DTS:X Blu-ray discs will start hitting stores before the end of the year. DTS also confirmed that it is possible for Dolby Atmos theatrical mixes to be converted to DTS:X for home releases, leaving it up to studios (and specific negotiations) to decide what encode they want to use on Blu-rays. In addition, support for streaming services and OTT platforms is also planned, but again, there are no details to announce at this time. Sadly, however, DTS confirmed that they have withdrawn the DTS:X format from consideration for the new ATSC 3.0 broadcast spec. On the gear front, the company has announced a few current and upcoming A/V models that will have integrated or upgradeable DTS:X support. The current list of announced devices includes:Denon - AVR-X7200W available now / DTS:X firmware upgrade later in 2015 ($2,999)Integra - launching several models by Fall 2015 Marantz - AV8802 available now / DTS:X firmware upgrade later in 2015 ($3,999)Onkyo - launching several models by Fall 2015 Pioneer - details to followOutlaw – details to followSteinway Lyngdorf - P200 Surround Sound Processor available Summer 2015 / DTS:X firmware upgrade in Fall 2015 Theta Digital - Casablanca IVa available Summer 2015 ($17,995)Trinnov Audio - Altitude32 available now / DTS:X firmware upgrade Summer 2015 Yamaha - launching DTS:X ready models in Fall 2015 Theatrical Releases Though our emphasis is on the home theater side of things, there are some noteworthy details regarding DTS:X cinema implementation as well. First up, is the news that Marvel's upcoming IMAX release of 'The Avengers: Age of Ultron' will use an immersive audio mix designed through DTS' MDA Creator tools. Though the proprietary IMAX track won't be branded as DTS:X, it will give a good example of what the technology has to offer in a theatrical setting. In addition, Carmike Theaters has announced plans to upgrade select theaters to DTS:X setups starting this spring. The full list of theaters set for upgrading includes:Carmike 15 (Columbus, Ga.)Carmike Movies ATL 278 (Atlanta, Ga.)Chapel Hills 13 (Colorado Springs, Colo.)Rosemont 18 (Rosemont, Ill.)Thoroughbred 20 (Franklin, Tenn.)Thousand Oaks 14 (Thousand Oaks, Calif.)Valley Bend 18 (Huntsville, Ala.)Outside of the latest 'Avengers,' flick no other theatrical releases using the MDA mixing process have been announced, but titles are in the works. The Future With their emphasis on supporting audio setups both "small and grand," DTS hopes that the DTS:X platform will allow consumers to experience immersive audio in any setup without being hindered by previous speaker placement limitations. It remains to be seen if manufacturers will follow through with that goal in their specific implementations, but the future looks good for audiophiles. Likewise, the company hinted at even more DTS:X related innovations in the future, including possible soundbars and speakers that provide virtualization similar to the Headphone:X process, bringing simulated height audio to traditional speaker systems. As DTS:X, Dolby Atmos, and Auro-3D now ramp up to compete for the next-generation audio crown, consumers will have to make some tough decisions. Can there really only be one? Or will these formats find a way to coexist peacefully? Though it's likely that many receivers will be released that support all of these technologies, there is no guarantee that a DTS:X device will also offer Atmos processing (or vice versa). While both technologies are mightily impressive, consumers are probably better off taking a wait-and-see approach. In the end, the most enticing option will likely be determined by the content selection, and it remains to be seen (or is it heard?) which technology will be paired with the most appealing titles.For now, when it comes to next-gen audio things look like a virtual draw between Dolby and DTS. For all intents and purposes, both technologies sound equally immersive and offer a very similar set of features. But... when it comes to workspace environments, I think DTS has to have a slight edge... I mean really, check out that game room. Who wouldn't want to work there? They have Space Invaders! And Foosball! Retro arcade machines notwithstanding, what do you think about DTS' latest audio advancements? Does the new object-based audio tech make you want to upgrade? Will you be investing in DTS:X or Dolby Atmos? Maybe both? Or will you play it safe and take a wait-and-see approach? Let us know your thoughts in the forums!Posted Fri Apr 10, 2015 at 05:00 PM PDT by: -
DTS Details Object-Based DTS:X Audio Format for Home & Cinemas[teaser]Full details have been revealed for the next-gen audio technology. [/teaser] DTS has fully unveiled its DTS:X audio format. Like Dolby Atmos, the new surround sound tech relies on object-based encoding rather than traditional speaker based channel setups. "DTS:X is built on the foundation of providing an open, adaptable solution for content creators, cinemas and homes to fulfill our goal of bringing immersive audio to as many people around the world as possible," said Jon Kirchner, chairman and CEO of DTS, Inc. "Until recently, sound in movie theaters and in our homes has been dictated by a standardized speaker layout. Through the use of object-based audio, DTS:X is able to scale immersive soundtrack presentations across a wide range of playback systems, from efficient to extravagant, while staying true to the content creator's vision. This approach delivers the most authentic three-dimensional audio experience ever, making the audience feel as if they are in the center of the action." DTS:X will be used in both cinemas and home theaters. For cinemas, the format is supported through MDA, DTS's license fee-free, open platform that allows movie studios to mix object-based soundtracks. On the home front, many A/V manufacturers have announced several DTS:X enabled products, including some set for a summer 2015 release. Confirmed gear includes: Denon - AVR-X7200W available now / DTS:X firmware upgrade later in 2015 Integra - launching several models by Fall 2015 Marantz - AV8802 available now / DTS:X firmware upgrade later in 2015 Onkyo - launching several models by Fall 2015 Pioneer - details to follow Steinway Lyngdorf - P200 Surround Sound Processor available Summer 2015 / DTS:X firmware upgrade in Fall 2015 Theta Digital - Casablanca IVa available Summer 2015 Trinnov Audio - Altitude32 available now / DTS:X firmware upgrade Summer 2015 Yamaha - launching DTS:X ready models in Fall 2015 Other DTS:X home theater features include backwards compatibility, lossless audio, dialogue control, and flexible speaker layouts with support for 32 speaker locations (up to 11.2 speaker setups on 2015 AVRs). We will have many more details regarding DTS:X very soon, including full impressions, so stay tuned to High-Def Digest! Source: DTSPosted Thu Apr 9, 2015 at 09:45 AM PDT by: -
HDMI 2.0a Spec Released with High Dynamic Range Support[teaser]The new HDMI spec adds support for HDR content. [/teaser] The HDMI Forum Inc. has announced the release of the HDMI 2.0a specification. The updated spec enables the transmission of high dynamic range images. "We recognized that HDR would be a critical feature as the industry evolves. Our support for HDR enables our 800+ HDMI 2.0 Adopters to develop market-leading products that include HDR and will maintain interoperability across the entire HDMI ecosystem," said Robert Blanchard, President of the HDMI Forum, Inc. "Along with the publication of the CEA extensions, the HDMI Forum continues to update the HDMI Specification and remain closely aligned with leading CE standards organizations." High Dynamic Range allows for improved picture quality by enhancing the detail and contrast between bright and dark portions of an image, bringing out highlights like never before. In addition, the new HDMI spec includes references to recent CEA updates for HDR Static Metadata Extensions. Several HDR capable TVs are now hitting the market, including Samsung's UN65JS9500 65-inch Curved-Screen LED Ultra HD TV. The HDMI 2.0a spec is available to current HDMI 2.0 Adopters via the HDMI Adopter Extranet. Source: HDMI via Business WirePosted Wed Apr 8, 2015 at 09:30 AM PDT by: -
CBS All Access Arrives on Roku Devices[teaser]CBS's standalone streaming service is now available on Roku players. [/teaser] Roku and CBS have announced the addition of CBS All Access to the Roku Channel Store. The stand-alone digital subscription service costs $5.99 per month, giving users live and on-demand access to CBS shows and content without a traditional cable or satellite package. CBS All Access offers next-day streaming for new episodes of 16 popular shows and a library of 6,500 on-demand episodes, including content from current programs like 'The Good Wife' and 'NCIS,' and classic series like 'The Andy Griffith Show' and 'I Love Lucy.' Likewise, customers will be able to watch live local CBS broadcasts through the service in 14 select markets. Live content and contemporary shows will include commercials, but the classic programming will be presented without ads. Unfortunately, some sporting events, including NFL games, will not be part of the service. Customers can sign up for CBS All Access now through the Roku Channel store, and new users will receive a one-week free trial. Roku is now the first connected device to offer the app outside of computers and iOS and Android products. The Roku 3 is now on sale for $85. Source: RokuPosted Wed Apr 8, 2015 at 08:45 AM PDT by: -
LG 2015 4K OLED & LED Ultra HD Displays Earn Netflix Recommended TV Designation[teaser]The new designation singles out displays that offer the best Netflix and smart TV experience [/teaser] LG's 2015 4K OLED and LED TVs qualify for the "Netflix Recommended" designation. This title ensures that the televisions provide superior Netflix performance. "The Netflix Recommended TV designation for our Ultra HD TVs recognizes LG's exceptional Smart TV performance and user interface," said Dave VanderWaal, vice president of marketing, LG Electronics USA. "LG's 4K OLED and LED Smart TVs featuring the advanced webOS 2.0 platform offer an unbeatable combination of breath-taking picture quality and speed, as well as a streamlined, intuitive interface for the best Netflix experience possible." In order to achieve Netflix Recommended status, TVs have to meet five out of seven required criteria: Fast App Launch, Fast App Resume, Fast Video Playback, Netflix Button, Easy Netflix Access, TV Instant On, and Latest Netflix Version. LG's Netflix Recommended displays include the EG9600 UHD OLED TV series, the UF9500 PRIME UHD LED TV series, the UF8500 3D UHD LED TV with Cinema Screen series, the UF7700 UHD LED TV series, and the UF7600 UHD LED TV series. All of the designated models feature the company's new webOS 2.0 smart TV platform. In addition to models from LG, TVs from Sony, Hisense, TCL, and Insignia have also earned the Netflix Recommended status. Sources: LG, NetflixPosted Tue Apr 7, 2015 at 06:00 PM PDT by: -
'The Star Wars Digital Colleciton' Heads to Media Players, Smart TVs & Mobile Devices April 10![teaser]Prepare to travel to a galaxy far, far away on Digital HD. Pre-orders are now live! [/teaser] The Walt Disney Studios, Lucasfilm Ltd., and 20th Century Fox have announced the upcoming release of 'The Star Wars Digital Collection.' All six 'Star Wars' films will be available in Digital HD starting April 10. "Since the debut of the first film nearly 40 years ago, Star Wars has become a worldwide phenomenon with legions of fans from every generation," said Alan Bergman, President, The Walt Disney Studios. "It's only fitting that audiences enjoy this legendary Saga and its many fascinating behind-the-scenes stories on a wide variety of platforms, and we're very excited to finally bring all six films to Digital HD for the first time." Star Wars: Episodes I-VI will be available to purchase on Digital HD as a complete collection or individually. In addition, each film comes with never-before-seen special features. Here's a rundown of the announced bonus material -- though some content may vary by retailer... STAR WARS EPISODE I: The Phantom Menace Conversations: Doug Chiang Looks BackDiscoveries From Inside: Models & Miniatures Legacy content includes “The Beginning”; The Podrace: Theatrical Edit; plus eight deleted scenes. STAR WARS EPISODE II: Attack of the Clones Conversations: Sounds In SpaceDiscoveries From Inside: Costumes RevealedLegacy content includes “From Puppets To Pixels: Digital Characters In Episode II”; State Of The Art: The Previsualization Of Episode II; and “Films Are Not Released, They Escape”; plus Episode II Visual Effects Breakdown Montage and six deleted scenes. STAR WARS EPISODE III: Revenge of the Sith Conversations: The Star WarsThat Almost WasDiscoveries From Inside: Hologram & BloopersLegacy content includes documentaries “Within A Minute: The Making Of Episode III”; The Journey Part 1; and The Journey Part 2; plus six deleted scenes. STAR WARS EPISODE IV: A New Hope (20th Century Fox) Conversations: Creating A UniverseDiscoveries From Inside: Weapons & The First LightsaberLegacy content includes “Anatomy Of A Dewback”; Star Wars Launch Trailer; plus eight deleted scenes. STAR WARS EPISODE V: The Empire Strikes Back Conversations: The Lost InterviewsDiscoveries From Inside: Matte Paintings UnveiledLegacy content includes “A Conversation With The Masters” (2010); “Dennis Muren: How Walkers Walk”; “George Lucas On Editing The Empire Strikes Back 1979”; and “George Lucas On The Force: 2010”; plus six deleted scenes. STAR WARS EPISODE VI: Return of the Jedi Conversations: The EffectsDiscoveries From Inside: The Sounds Of Ben BurttLegacy content includes “Classic Creatures: Return Of The Jedi”; “Revenge Of The Jedi Teaser Trailer”; Return Of The Jedi Launch Trailer; “It Began TV Spot”; “Climactic Chapter TV Spot”; plus five deleted scenes. Pre-orders are now live through several retailers, including Amazon, VUDU, iTunes, M-GO, and Google Play. Individual titles are listed at $19.99 while the complete 'Digital Movie Collection' is listed at $89.99. Specific device support will be dependent on the purchase method, but various options for media players, smart TVs, mobile gear, and game consoles are available, including the Roku 3, Fire TV, and Chromecast. Order on Digital HD Source: StarWars.comPosted Tue Apr 7, 2015 at 11:30 AM PDT by: -
.jpg)
HBO NOW Launches on Apple Devices & Optimum Online for $15 per Month[teaser]HBO's standalone streaming service is now available. [/teaser] HBO has officially launched its HBO NOW platform. The premium streaming service provides access to all of HBO's programing, including the upcoming fifth season of 'Game of Thrones' without a traditional cable or satellite subscription. To sign up for HBO NOW, Apple customers can download the app on their iPhone, iPad, iPod touch or Apple TV. After that, users can register directly through the app. In addition, Optimum online customers can also sign up for the service through the Optimum.net/HBONOW website or by calling 866-262-9329. Once an account is created, HBO NOW can be viewed through an iOS device, Apple TV, or computer, providing access to more than 2,000 popular series and movies, including 'Game of Thrones,' 'True Detective,' 'Silicon Valley,' 'Girls,' 'Veep,' 'The Wire,' 'Divergent,' 'X-MEN: Days of Future Past,' 'Neighbors,' and 'Dawn of the Planet of the Apes.' Customers who sign up for the service in April will receive a 30-day introductory free trial. After that, HBO NOW costs $15 per month. Support for more devices has not been announced yet, but Apple's exclusivity is reportedly set for a three month period. The Apple TV is currently on sale for $68. Sources: HBO, Apple, EngadgetPosted Tue Apr 7, 2015 at 10:15 AM PDT by: -
Samsung Announces Pricing & Availability for Curved Monitor Lineup, Models Start at $300[teaser]Release dates and prices have been revealed for three new curved-screen monitors. [/teaser] Samsung has detailed more information about its upcoming curved-screen monitor lineup. The 31.5-inch SE590C ($600), 27-inch SE591C ($400), and 23.6 inch SE510C ($300) will start shipping at the beginning of May. "We've seen a lot of excitement around curved displays, first with our TV line and again with the SE790C curved monitor we introduced at CES 2015. We're excited to be expanding our curved monitor line to give consumers more options," said Dave Das, Senior Vice President, Samsung Electronics America. "Samsung's range of curved monitors meets the demands of every consumer, whether they're looking for a high resolution viewing experience or a more accessible full-HD monitor that still offers premium quality." The 31.5-inch SE590C offers a 3000R radius curvature, a resolution of 1920x180, a 5,000:1 contrast ratio, and a typical brightness level of 350cd/m2. The 27-inch SE591C features a 4000R radius curvature, 1080p picture, a 3,000:1 contrast ratio, and a typical brightness level of 350cd/m2. Finally, the entry-level 23.5-inch SE510C also offers a 4000R radius curvature, 1080p picture, and a 3,000:1 contrast ratio, but has a smaller typical brightness level of 250cd/m2. A 27-inch SE510C model will also be available. All three monitors have a response time of 4ms and use VA LCD panels for deeper black levels. Source: SamsungPosted Mon Apr 6, 2015 at 02:00 PM PDT by: -
.jpg)
Roku Releases Upgraded Roku 3 & Roku 2 Models, and Adds New Search Features[teaser]Roku has upgraded its popular streaming players. [/teaser] Roku has announced a software and hardware update for its Roku line of products. Upgraded versions of the Roku 2 ($69) and Roku 3 ($99) are now hitting stores, and users can download a software update for all current generation Roku devices that adds new search features. "With the biggest lineup of streaming channels available, and easy and unbiased ways to find and discover movies and TV episodes; Roku players make it simple for consumers to stream the entertainment they want to watch on their terms," said Roku Chief Executive Officer Anthony Wood. "Now with a fast and fun way to search by voice, we've made the already popular Roku 3 even better." The new Roku 3 model adds a voice search feature through an integrated microphone in the remote control. The enhanced remote also includes a headphone jack for private listening and motion control for games. Meanwhile, the updated Roku 2 model features a hardware upgrade that matches the speed and performance of the Roku 3, but lacks the voice-enabled remote. In addition, Roku is rolling out a software update that adds new search options. First up, is the ability to search for content in the Roku Channel Store by streaming channel name. Next, is the new "Roku Feed" feature that lets users track updates for content that they are interested in. For instance, the feature now includes a "Movies Coming Soon" option that gives customers updates on pricing and streaming availability for theatrical releases. The Roku software update for current generation Roku products and mobile devices should be available to all customers by the end of April. The new Roku 3 and Roku 2 are on sale now, though it is not clear if Amazon's current listings reflect the updated models. Source: RokuPosted Mon Apr 6, 2015 at 08:30 AM PDT by:
