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Pioneer Readies New 2015 Receivers, Including $599 Dolby Atmos Model[teaser]Two new receiver models have been announced. [/teaser] Pioneer has detailed two additions to its A/V receiver lineup. The upcoming VSX-830 5.2 channel receiver ($399) and VSX-1130 7.2 channel receiver ($599) both offer integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. "We are excited to expand our Dolby Atmos family of products to allow more consumers to enjoy this new immersive home theater experience," said Roberta Tapp, director of marketing communications, Pioneer Home Entertainment USA. "This year we're bringing key features such as HDMI 2.0 and HDCP 2.2 starting at $399 and Dolby Atmos at $599 making it easier for consumers to integrate these exciting technologies." The VSX-830 and VSX-1130 also include HDCP 2.2 compliancy, HDMI 2.0 support for 4K60p 4:4:4 24-bit color pass-through and upscaling, DSD file playback, subwoofer EQ, and multi-channel high resolution music playback. Likewise, both components offer access to popular music services like Spotify, PANDORA and vTuner. Finally, the VSX-1130 7.2 channel model will also feature support for Dolby Atmos 5.1.2 configurations, making it Pioneer's most affordable Atmos-enabled receiver so far. Pioneer's VSX-830 and VSX-1130 receivers will start shipping in April. Source: Pioneer via Business WirePosted Tue Mar 24, 2015 at 06:00 PM PDT by: -
Amazon Adds New Fire TV & Fire TV Stick Features, Including USB Storage and Hotel Wi-Fi Support[teaser]Amazon's streaming media devices will soon offer some new features. [/teaser] Amazon has announced an upcoming update for its Fire TV and Fire TV Stick. The update will arrive through a free over-the-air software download in the coming weeks. "Customer response to Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick has been overwhelming—we've been working hard to build more of both as quickly as possible, and we're excited to be adding new features we think customers will love," said Peter Larsen, Vice President, Amazon Devices. "In the UK and Germany, Fire TV is already the best-selling streaming media box on Amazon, and we're thrilled to be bringing our fastest-selling Amazon device ever—Fire TV Stick—to the UK and Germany. We think millions of customers in the UK and Germany are going to love this product" The software update will bring expandable USB storage support to the Fire TV, letting customers use USB storage devices to save downloaded apps and games. Likewise, the Fire TV will also be able to support wireless Bluetooth headphones. In addition, both the Fire TV and Fire TV Stick will soon work with Wi-Fi connections that require web authentication. This includes internet connections at most major hotels and some universities. Finally, other new features include shortcuts for sleep mode and display mirroring, a hidden PIN entry system, and access to curated Prime Music playlists. Amazon's Fire TV is currently available for $99. The Fire TV Stick is now shipping for $39. Source: AmazonPosted Tue Mar 24, 2015 at 11:45 AM PDT by: -
VIZIO Launches 2015 E-Series HDTVs with Full-Array Backlighting, Prices Range from $180 to $1,400[teaser]The new HDTV collection is now shipping. [/teaser] VIZIO has announced the release of its latest HDTV line. The 2015 E-Series offers advanced picture quality features and Smart TV options for very affordable prices. "This year's E-Series delivers great picture quality and performance with more Smart TV apps, all at an incredible value to the consumer," said Matt McRae, Chief Technology Officer, VIZIO. "Picture performance is enhanced by Full-Array LED backlighting and Active LED Zones, which pull out deeper blacks and brighter colors, while powerful image processing and 120Hz effective refresh rate improves details in fast action scenes. These innovations to our E-Series collection make it an affordable entertainment fixture for any room." The E-Series features panels with up to 1080p resolution and 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. The collection ranges in size from 24-inches to 70-inches. Prices for each model are as follows: E-Series 24" Razor LED Smart TV - $179.99 E-Series 28" Full-Array LED Smart TV - $199.99 E-Series 32" Full-Array LED Smart TV - $259.99 E-Series 40" Full-Array LED Smart TV - $349.99 E-Series 43" Full-Array LED Smart TV - $389.99 E-Series 48" Full-Array LED Smart TV - $479.99 E-Series 50" Full-Array LED Smart TV - $529.99 E-Series 55" Full-Array LED Smart TV - $629.99 E-Series 60" Full-Array LED Smart TV - $799.99 E-Series 65" Full-Array LED Smart TV -$999.99 E-Series 70" Full-Array LED Smart TV - $1,399.99 The VIZIO E-Series is rolling out to retail and online stores now. In addition, the company is expected to announce full details for its 2015 4K Ultra HD M-Series next month. Source: VIZIOPosted Tue Mar 24, 2015 at 08:30 AM PDT by: -
Samsung Details 2015 Curved-Screen Monitor Lineup, Including 21:9 Model[teaser]Five new curved-screen monitors have been revealed. [/teaser] Samsung has detailed its upcoming line of 2015 curved monitors. A total of five displays across four series will be released. "This year is shaping up to be the year of the curved monitor, as more consumers and businesses turn to curved displays to achieve a more comfortable viewing experience," said Seog-Gi Kim, Senior Vice President of Visual Display Business, Samsung Electronics. "As the company behind the launch of the industry’s first LED curved monitor, our introduction of this full curved lineup reflects our commitment to refine curvature design and picture quality, while also achieving energy efficiency and next-level innovation to provide a more natural, pleasurable viewing experience that our customers expect." The flagship 29-inch SE790C features a 3000R radius curvature, a Wide Full High Definition 2560×1080 resolution with a 21:9 aspect ratio, and a 3,000:1 contrast ratio. Meanwhile, the 31.5-inch SE590C offers a 3000R radius curvature, a resolution of 1920x180, and a 5,000:1 contrast ratio. The 27-inch SE591C features a 4000R radius curvature, 1080p picture, and a 3,000:1 contrast ratio. Finally, the entry-level 23.5-inch and 27-inch SE510C series also offer a 4000R radius curvature, 1080p picture, and a 3,000:1 contrast ratio. All five monitors use VA panel technology. Exact pricing and availability have not been announced yet. Source: SamsungPosted Mon Mar 23, 2015 at 08:45 PM PDT by: -
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DISH Updates Anywhere App for Smartphones & Tablets with Personal Recommendations[teaser]The mobile app has been updated with new features. [/teaser] DISH has announced an update for its DISH Anywhere mobile app. Customers can now create profiles for personalized recommendations. With the new update, DISH mobile app users can set up individual profiles with their own usernames and avatars. This allows every specific viewer to receive unique recommendations based on what the individual watches, not just the entire household. Users can create their own profiles by navigating to the settings menu in the DISH Anywhere app. From there, they simply need to select "Manage Profiles." Profiles can be set up under "viewer" or "admin" designations, with the latter allowing for the playback of locked content with a parental control passcode. Each profile can customize separate Watchlists, Favorites, and sports team settings, along with personal viewing histories and more. In addition to the new profiles, the update also includes an option to pay your DISH bill in-app through the DISH Anywhere settings. The DISH Anywhere mobile app update is now available on iOS and Android smart phones and iOS, Android and Kindle Fire tablets. Source: DISHPosted Mon Mar 23, 2015 at 04:30 PM PDT by: -
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LG Reveals New Minibeam Portable LED Projectors[teaser]Two new minibeam projector models have been announced. [/teaser] LG has detailed two additions to its portable projector lineup. The PF1500 Minibeam Pro and the PW800 Minibeam TV will both be available in the US starting this month. "As the world's top manufacturer of LED projectors, we will continue to deliver innovative ideas for those who enjoy home entertainment but aren't looking to convert their entire living room into a screening room." said In-kyu Lee, senior vice president and head of the TV and Monitor Division at LG Electronics' Home Entertainment Company. The new Minibeam Pro projector offers a home theater experience with a portable design and the Minibeam TV offers a mobile TV solution. The PF1500 Minibeam Pro features a resolution of 1920 x 1080, 1400 ANSI lumens, a 150,000:1 contrast ratio, a 1.4 throw ratio, support for projecting up to 120-inches, and Bluetooth connectivity for soundbars, portable speakers, and wireless headphones. Meanwhile, the PW800 Minibeam TV features a resolution of 1280 x 800, 800 ANSI lumens, a 100,000:1 contrast ratio, a 1.5 throw ratio, support for projecting up to 100-inches, and an integrated TV tuner. Both models also include wireless connectivity for smartphone, tablet, and PC content mirroring, and offer an RGB LED lifespan of up to 30,000 hours. LG's PF1500 Minibeam Pro is now listed on Amazon for a suggested retail price of $1,000. The PW800 Minibeam TV is now listed for $600. Source: LGPosted Mon Mar 23, 2015 at 10:30 AM PDT by: -
HDD Gear Deal Spotlight: Up to 56% off Projectors and Ultra HD TVs![teaser]For a limited time, Amazon is offering big discounts on select projectors and 4K displays! [/teaser] As part of the online retailer's ongoing electronics sales and promotions, Amazon is running limited time deals on a ViewSonic Projector and Ultra HD TVs from LG and Samsung. ViewSonic PJD7820HD 1080p 3D Home Theater Projector - Currently $605 (45% off). LG 49UB8200 49-Inch 4K Ultra HD TV - Currently $699 (56% off). LG 55UB8200 55-Inch 4K Ultra HD TV - Currently $999 (55% off). Samsung UN55HU9000 Curved 55-Inch 4K Ultra HD TV - Currently $2,998 (25% off). Samsung UN75HU8550 75-Inch 4K Ultra HD TV - Currently $4,498 (25% 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 Fri Mar 20, 2015 at 05:45 PM PDT by: -
Google Offers $80 Worth of Rewards & Promotions for New Chromecast Customers[teaser]For a limited time, buyers who purchase a Chromecast will receive special rewards. [/teaser] In an effort to lure in more business for its popular Chromecast streaming dongle, Google is now giving new customers special promotional offers for various services. The rewards include free trials of Google Play Music, Qello Concerts, DramaFever and more. Customers who buy a Chromecast between March 20 and April 19 can now redeem $80 worth of promotional rewards. The offerings include 90 days of unlimited Google Play Music, 3 months of DramaFever, 30 days of Qello HD Concerts, 3 months of Sesame Street Go, and a free Google Play movie rental. In addition to these new promotional deals, the Chromecast also recently received a firmware update that adds support for playback control from TV remotes. The Google Chromecast is currently on sale for $32.49. Source: Google via EngadgetPosted Fri Mar 20, 2015 at 02:45 PM PDT by: -
New Apple TV Streaming Set-Top Box Rumored for June Release[teaser]More details about the new Apple TV model have been leaked. [/teaser] According to a report from BuzzFeed, Apple is finally planning to officially announce a new version of its Apple TV media player. The long-rumored device is expected to be unveiled at the company's World Wide Developer Conference in June Sources indicate that the new Apple TV will feature a full-fledged app store, a new OS with Siri voice control, and select support for Homekit-enabled home automation devices. Under the hood, the updated Apple TV could be powered by an A8 processor and offer increased integrated storage that surpasses the current model's 8GB. The product launch is being timed to coincide with the arrival of Apple's rumored internet TV service. Pricing has not been detailed yet and Apple still has not officially confirmed the new model. The current Apple TV is now available for a reduced suggested retail price of $69. Sources: BuzzFeed via EngadgetPosted Fri Mar 20, 2015 at 10:15 AM PDT by: -
LG Brings Playful AKA Smartphone Line to Global Market[teaser]The unique smartphones feature animated eyes, distinct personalities, and customizable designs. [/teaser] LG has announced the international launch of its AKA mobile lineup. The AKA smartphone models are designed with unique personas that offer an extra level of creativity and expression. "AKA is the first smartphone that gives owners a blank canvas to express their own personalities via a customized user experience," said Juno Cho, president and CEO of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. "AKA is about being creative and never losing sight of the things that make us young and interesting. This is a whole new direction in smartphone UX and we're excited about where it may take us." The phones feature interactive, animated eyes and are available in four different personas: the love-struck "Eggy" in yellow, the impulsive "Wooky" in white, the sensitive "Soul" in blue, and the weight conscious "Yo-Yo" in pink. These playful personality quirks and emotions go on to inform each model's features and design, including wallpapers, widgets and ringtones. Likewise, customers can further customize their devices with stickers (provided), markers, and paint. The smartphones all feature a 5-inch HD IPS display, and are powered by a 1.2 GHz Quad-Core CPU, 1.5GB of RAM, and a 2,610mAh battery running Android 4.4. An 8MP rear camera and a 2.1MP front camera are also integrated. The AKA smartphone series is now rolling out to Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Singapore and Turkey. The phones were previously released in Korea at the end of 2014. A US release has not been announced at this time. Source: LGPosted Thu Mar 19, 2015 at 07:45 PM PDT by:
