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LG Details 5.5-Inch Quad HD Smarphone Display with Expanded Color and Contrast[teaser]The new smartphone panel offers improved picture quality. [/teaser] LG has announced the development of its latest LCD panel designed for mobile devices. The new Quad HD screen will be used in one of LG's upcoming flagship smartphones set to be revealed later this month. Mr. Byeong-Koo Kim, Vice President of the IT/Mobile Development Group at LG Display said, "The company has maximized the essential display functions for mobile devices from touch to color gamut by using the latest technology and accumulated expertise." He added, "LG Display will continue to develop products that can offer the best user experience not only for smartphones, but also for tablets and notebook PCs." The 5.5-inch display uses an IPS panel with a resolution of 1440 x 2560 and 538ppi. In addition, the screen offers support for a 120 percent color gamut through the use of high color gamut LED tech. Likewise, the panel features photo-alignment tech for a 50 percent greater contrast ratio and 30 percent greater brightness level compared to traditional LCD panels. Finally, LG has also integrated Advanced In-Cell Touch technology for improved touch response even when there are water drops on the screen. Mass production of the panel has begun and LG will announce mobile products that use the screen soon. Source: LGPosted Fri Apr 3, 2015 at 02:30 PM PDT by: -
Samsung Expands Soundbar Lineup with New Curved Models, Prices Start at $500[teaser]Four new soundbar models have been detailed. [/teaser] Samsung has announced the addition of several curved soundbars to its home audio lineup. The collection includes the HW-J8500 ($1,300), HW-J7500 ($800), HW-J6500 ($550), and HW-J6000 ($500). "Samsung's heritage of innovation has continuously driven the company to create revolutionary products that push the boundaries of what’s possible in the home entertainment industry," said Jim Kiczek, Vice President of Audio Product Marketing, Samsung Electronics America. "This year we expand our industry leading Curved Soundbars that not only blend state-of-the-art technology with breakthrough design, but also pair perfectly with our best-in-class TV products. Together they deliver unmatched picture quality and crystal clear audio to create the ultimate immersive home entertainment experience." All four models feature curved designs to match Samsung's curved-screen line of televisions. The HW-J8500 is a 350 watt soundbar with 9.1 channels, an 8-inch wireless subwoofer, and HD audio (192kHZ/24bit) support. It is designed to match with 65-inch and 78-inch curved TVs. The HW-J7500 is a 320 watt soundbar with 8.1 channels and a 7-inch wireless subwoofer. It is designed to be paired with 55-inch and 65-inch curved TVs. Finally, the HW-J6500 and HW-J6000 are both 6.1 channel soundbars designed to be used with 48-inch and 55-inch curved TVs. Samsung's new curved soundbars will be available for purchase this month. Source: Samsung via BusinesswirePosted Thu Apr 2, 2015 at 08:30 PM PDT by: -
Samsung Reveals Radiant 360 R7 Wireless Omnidirectional Speaker[teaser]The new speaker features a unique design to deliver 360 degree sound. [/teaser] Samsung has announced the release of its Radiant 360 R7. The wireless speaker offers room-filling audio in all directions. "Developed in Samsung's new state-of-the-art Audio Lab in Valencia, CA, the R7 combines revolutionary technology with elegant design that will redefine and enhance the home audio category in 2015," said Jim Kiczek, Vice President of Audio Group, Samsung Electronics America. "Unlike traditional speakers, which require specific placement and the listener to sit in a 'sweet spot' for full enjoyment, the R7 envelopes any listener in full auditory bliss regardless of their position creating a truly immersive entertainment experience." The speaker uses Ring Radiator technology and a special oval-shaped design to produce omnidirectional audio. The R7 features wireless connectivity with Samsung Multiroom App 2.0 support. Through the iOS and Android app users can share music over multiple Wi-Fi connected devices. In addition, the speaker can also pair with select soundbars, mobile devices, and Samsung TVs. Samsung's Radiant 360 R7 will start shipping this month for a suggested retail price of $500. Source: SamsungPosted Thu Apr 2, 2015 at 07:30 PM PDT by: -
Samsung Officially Launches 2015 4K Ultra HD & SUHD TVs[teaser]The company has revealed pricing and availability for its new TV lineup. [/teaser] After several leaks, Samsung has officially announced full details for its 2015 Ultra HD & SUHD display collection. The lineup is broken down into eight series (four curved, and four flat) with sizes ranging from 40-inches to 88-inches. "Combining breathtaking design with technology that provides dazzling color, stark contrasts and superb brightness, our radically new line of SUHD and UHD televisions set a new industry standard for the best picture quality available today," said Dave Das, Senior Vice President, Samsung Electronics America. "In addition to featuring breakthrough display technology, our 2015 line is powered by our new Smart TV platform that not only brings consumers an intuitive user interface, but also makes it easy to share content between your Samsung mobile devices and 2015 Samsung televisions." The premium SUHD line features Samsung's nano-crystal technology to deliver High Dynamic Range images. The flagship curved-screen JS9500 offers full-array local dimming. Meanwhile, the rest of the series features edge-lit dimming. 65-inch Curved-Screen UN65JS9500 - $6,499 ($5,999 on Amazon) 78-inch Curved-Screen UN78JS9100 - $9,999 65-inch Curved-Screen UN65JS9000 - $4,999 55-inch Curved-Screen UN55JS9000 - $3,999 48-inch Curved-Screen UN48JS9000 - $3,499 65-inch Flat-Screen UN65JS8500 - $3,999 55-inch Flat-Screen UN55JS8500 - $2,999 Outside of the SUHD lineup, the JU7500 series features a curved-screen design along with edge-lit precision black local dimming. Meanwhile, the JU7100 series features a flat-screen design with precision black edge-lit local dimming. Finally, the JU6700 series offers a curved-screen design with edge-lit micro dimming, and the JU6500 series offers a flat-screen design with edge-lit micro dimming. 40-inch Curved-Screen UN40JU7500 - $1,39948-inch Curved-Screen UN48JU7500 - $1,59955-inch Curved-Screen UN55JU7500 - $1,99965-inch Curved-Screen UN65JU7500 - $2,99978-inch Curved-Screen UN78JU7500 - $5,999 40-inch Flat-Screen UN40JU7100 - $1,39950-inch Flat-Screen UN50JU7100 - $1,49955-inch Flat-Screen UN55JU7100 - $1,79960-inch Flat-Screen UN60JU7100 - $2,499 ($2,299 on Amazon)65-inch Flat-Screen UN65JU7100 - $2,999 ($2,799 on Amazon)75-inch Flat-Screen UN75JU7100 - $4,99940-inch Curved-Screen UN40JU6700 - $94948-inch Curved-Screen UN48JU6700 - $1,14955-inch Curved-Screen UN55JU6700 - $1,49965-inch Curved-Screen UN65JU6700 - $2,699 ($2,499 on Amazon) 40-inch Flat-Screen UN40JU6500 - $82948-inch Flat-Screen UN48JU6500 - $99950-inch Flat-Screen UN50JU6500 - $1,09955-inch Flat-Screen UN55JU6500 - $1,29960-inch Flat-Screen UN60JU6500 - $1,79965-inch Flat-Screen UN65JU6500 - $2,299 Most of Samsung's 2015 Ultra HD and SUHD TVs are now available. The rest will continue to arrive in stores throughout the spring. Source: Samsung via BusinesswirePosted Thu Apr 2, 2015 at 02:00 PM PDT by: -
Sharp Releases 2015 Aquos Smart HDTVs, Prices Range from $350 to $1,200[teaser]The company's latest full HD displays are now available. [/teaser] Sharp has announced the release of its newest lineup of 1080p Aquos smart TVs. The collection features six models that range in size from 32-inches to 65-inches. All six TVs feature 1080p picture and Sharp's SmartCentral Apps platform that includes support for popular services like Netflix, YouTube and Pandora. In addition, each model offers an ultra-narrow bezel design, 3 HDMI ports, integrated Wi-Fi, and a Wallpaper mode that can display almost any image when the TV is turned off. In addition, the 43, 48, and 55-inch models include AquoMotion 120 technology while the 65-inch model features AquoMotion 240. LC32LE653U - $350 LC40LE653U - $440 LC43LE653U - $480 LC48LE653U - $600 LC55LE653U - $750 LC65LE654U - $1,200 Source: TWICEPosted Wed Apr 1, 2015 at 06:45 PM PDT by: -
Sling TV Set to Offer HBO Just in Time for 'Game of Thrones' at $15 per Month[teaser]The internet TV service will soon provide an HBO option. [/teaser] Sling TV has announced plans to add an HBO add-on pack to its growing channel lineup. The upcoming HBO package will be available for $15 per month just in time for the April 12 premieres of 'Game of Thrones' and 'Silicon Valley.' "Sling TV is bringing HBO to our customers on all of our supported devices in time for one of the most important TV moments of the year," said Roger Lynch, CEO of Sling TV. "HBO delivers hit shows and movies that TV viewers crave, and with this addition we're adding another heavy hitter to a lineup that includes ESPN, AMC, TNT and more" The HBO add-on will include one live HBO channel and an extensive collection of on-demand movies and TV series. The package will be available for an additional $15 per month to customers who also sign up for the basic "Best of Live TV" core package at $20 per month. This package currently includes ESPN, ESPN2, AMC, A&E, TNT, History Channel, H2, TBS, Food Network, HGTV, Travel Channel, IFC, El Rey, Adult Swim, Cartoon Network, ABC Family, Disney Channel, CNN, Lifetime and Galavision. An exact launch date for HBO on Sling TV will be announced soon. The Sling TV platform is now available on Roku players, Roku TVs, the Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, PCs, Macs, Xbox One, and Android and iOS devices. Support for more products is expected in the near future. Source: Sling TV via BusinesswirePosted Wed Apr 1, 2015 at 11:30 AM PDT by: -
TED, MTV, Pac-12 and Qello Concerts Head to Chromecast[teaser]Google's streaming dongle has added support for several more apps. [/teaser] Google has announced the addition of four new apps for the Chromecast. Owners of the HDMI stick can now start casting content from TED, MTV, Pac-12 and Qello Concerts to their TVs from their mobile devices. The TED Talks app offers a growing library of conference lectures related to technology, design, culture, science and academics. In addition, the Pac-12 app gives users access to live coverage of 30 collegiate sports. Meanwhile, the MTV app lets customers cast popular shows from the network to their TVs. Finally, Qello Concerts offers music concerts and documentaries (a limited time free one month trial is also available for Chromecast owners). All four apps are now supported by the device. The Google Chromecast is currently on sale for $30. Source: GooglePosted Wed Apr 1, 2015 at 07:00 AM PDT by: -
HDD Gear Deal Spotlight: Up to 44% off Monitors, HDTVs & Ultra HD TVs![teaser]For a limited time, Amazon is offering big discounts on select displays! [/teaser] As part of the online retailer's ongoing electronics sales and promotions, Amazon is running limited time deals on monitors, HDTVs, and 4K displays from Samsung and Sony. Sony XBR55X800B 55-Inch 4K Ultra HD TV - Currently $1,398 (44% off). Samsung UN60H7150 60-Inch 1080p TV - Currently $1,298 (41% off). Samsung UN65HU7250 Curved 65-Inch 4K Ultra HD TV - Currently $1,999 (39% off). Samsung 34-Inch Curved Screen LED Monitor S34E790C - Currently $1,080 (17% off). Samsung 27-Inch Wide Viewing Angle LED Monitor - Currently $280 (15% off). As always, 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 Mar 31, 2015 at 02:45 PM PDT by: -
Google's Chromebit Dongle Turns an HDMI Display into a Computer for Less than $100[teaser]The upcoming HDMI dongle will bring the Chrome OS to your TV. [/teaser] Google has revealed its latest Chrome-powered device. The Chromebit is an HDMI stick that can plug into an existing TV display or monitor, offering full computer capabilities. Packed inside its small design, the Chromebit features a Rockchip 3288 SoC, ARM Mali 760 quad-core GPU, 2GB of RAM, and 16GB of storage. In addition, the device offers Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0 support, along with a USB 2.0 connection. The stick runs Google's Chrome OS. Initial models will be made by ASUS. Exact pricing and availability have not been announced, but the Chromebit is expected to launch this summer for under $100. Meanwhile, Intel also recently announced a similar HDMI computer dongle called the Compute Stick. Sources: Google via EngadgetPosted Tue Mar 31, 2015 at 01:45 PM PDT by: -
Microsoft Announces Surface 3 Windows Tablet, Prices Start at $499[teaser]The upcoming tablet is the company's thinnest and lightest surface yet. [/teaser] Microsoft has detailed its latest Surface tablet. The Surface 3 is designed to serve as a laptop replacement and can run full Windows. "Surface 3 brings what customers love about Surface Pro 3 to more people, delivering the premium design and productivity of Surface in a more affordable device," said Panos Panay, corporate vice president, Microsoft Surface. "We've taken everything we learned making Surface Pro 3 and poured that innovation into this newest Surface. It's beautiful, versatile, powerful and productive, and our customers are going to love what it lets them do." The Surface 3 features a 10.8-inch ClearType Full HD 1920x1280 display. Under the hood, the tablet is powered by a Quad Core Intel Atom x7-Z8700 processor, 2GB RAM with 64GB of storage or 4GB RAM with 128GB storage, all running Windows 8.1 with up to 10 hours of video playback battery life. An 8MP rear camera, 3.5MP front camera, stereo speakers with Dolby Audio, and a three-position kickstand are integrated as well. An optional Type Cover, Pen, and Docking Station are also available. Pre-orders for the Microsoft Surface 3 are now available with prices starting at $499 for the 64GB Wi-Fi model and $599 for the 128GB Wi-Fi model. The tablet is set for a May 5 release. Source: MicrosoftPosted Tue Mar 31, 2015 at 12:00 PM PDT by: