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Watch Robert Downey Jr. Star in 10 Bizarre Short Films Promoting the HTC One M9 Smartphone[teaser]The superstar actor can now be seen in a series of delightfully weird new promo videos for HTC. [/teaser]How do you get Robert Downey Jr. to help promote your latest smartphone? Well, apparently you just let him do whatever the hell he wants in a series of utterly bizarre short films. To hype up the upcoming launch of the HTC One M9, HTC has released ten short promo videos featuring the famous star trapped in a room with a guy dressed up like a bunny and a mermaid -- no, I'm sorry -- a merman! But what does any of this have to do with smartphones? Well, the word HTC does show up in the background sometimes. This much I know. Anyway, if you're brave enough, prepare to enter Robert Downey Jr.'s "rainbow psyche" by watching the color themed videos below. Between this and their recent attempts to start a rap battle between Apple and Samsung, I think HTC has now become the official smartphone brand for the clinically insane. Beat that, Galaxy S6! Source: HTCPosted Thu Mar 19, 2015 at 03:00 PM PDT by: -
Google Updates Chromecast with TV Remote Control Support[teaser]Users can now control playback functions on the streaming dongle through their TV remotes. [/teaser] Reports indicate that the latest Google Chromecast firmware update has added a handy new feature. Users with HDMI-CEC compatible TVs can now control their Chromecasts with their standard television remotes. HDMI-CEC is an HDMI protocol that allows HDMI connected devices to receive IR signals from a TV's remote. The new update uses this tech to let customers control the play and pause functions on their Chromecast dongles. Previously, users would have to control playback from whatever tablet, smartphone, or computer they were casting content from. Currently, the remote control function appears to work with most apps, including YouTube, WatchESPN, Play Music, HBO Go, BBC iPlayer, and TuneIn Radio. With that said, some apps, like Hulu, might not currently support the feature. Likewise, customers with older TV models that do not include HDMI-CEC technology will not be able to take advantage of the new remote option. The Google Chromecast is currently on sale for $32.49. Sources: Engadget, The VergePosted Thu Mar 19, 2015 at 01:00 PM PDT by: -
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HDD Gear Deal Spotlight: Up to 47% off Home Audio Products![teaser]For a limited time, Amazon is offering big discounts on select audio gear! [/teaser] As part of the online retailer's ongoing electronics sales and promotions, Amazon is running limited time deals on receivers and speaker systems from Sony, Bose, Yamaha, Harman Kardon, Onkyo, and Marantz Onkyo TX-SR313 5.1- Channel Home Theater A/V Receiver - Currently $159 (47% off). Marantz NR1403 Slim Line 5.1-Channel Home Theater AV Receiver - Currently $299 (25% off). Harman Kardon SABRE SB35 Ultra-Slim Home Entertainment Soundbar - Currently $900 (25% off). Sony HT-XT1 2.1 Channel Sound Bar - Currently $228 (24% off). Bose CineMate 130 Home Theater System - Currently $1,299 (13% off). Yamaha SRT-1000 TV Surround Sound System - Currently $450 (10% 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 Wed Mar 18, 2015 at 07:30 PM PDT by: -
Polk Audio and Definitive Technology Bolster Speaker Lineup with New In-Wall & In-Ceiling Models[teaser]Both companies have released more vanishing speaker models. [/teaser] Polk Audio and Definitive Technology have detailed new audio products for the custom-installation market. The new speakers are designed to be hidden in a wall or ceiling. Definitive Technology's speakers are being branded under the DT series. A total of five new speakers make up the line: the DT6STR ($249), DT8R ($249), DT8LCR ($249), DT6.5LCR ($199), and DT6.5R ($179). All five models feature composite mineral filled polypropylene driver cones with rubber surround to offer superior performance. Meanwhile, Polk Audio's new lineup is called the V series and is made up of six speaker models: the V60 ($199), V60 Slim ($199), V65 ($199), V6s ($249), V80 ($249), and V85 ($249). All six models feature Polk’s wafer-thin Sheer-Grilles with ultra-small .6mm perfs that attach magnetically to fit flush. Both new speaker series are now available. Sources: Polk Audio, Definitive Technology, TWICEPosted Wed Mar 18, 2015 at 05:45 PM PDT by: -
Sony Launches PlayStation Vue Cloud-Based TV Service for $50 per Month[teaser]The new internet TV service for cord-cutters is now available in select cities. [/teaser] Sony has announced the commercial launch of its PlayStation Vue platform. The cloud-based TV service is now available starting at $50 per month in New York, Chicago and Philadelphia. "The TV experience needs a revolution and PlayStation Vue changes the rules by embracing how today's viewers want to discover and enjoy content," said Andrew House, President and Global CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. and Group Executive in charge of the Network Entertainment Business. "PlayStation Vue modernizes the TV viewing experience, taking the best of live TV and on-demand content and bringing it to the PlayStation ecosystem in a way that gives control back to viewers and enables them to spend more time watching their favorite programs and less time channel surfing using outdated menus." PlayStation Vue is currently only available through the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4. The service offers live and on-demand content from more than 85 channels, including popular stations from CBS, FOX, NBCUniversal, Viacom, AMC, Turner, Discovery Communications, and Scripps Networks Interactive. The platform enables viewers to easily search through available programming with an intuitive interface and convenient personal recommendations. In addition, if customers tag a favorite series they will be given cloud access to episodes of that show for 28 days with no storage restrictions. At launch, the service is being offered in three different packages: Access, Core, and Elite. The Access package costs $50 per month and includes broadcast networks like CBS, FOX, and NBC as well as more than 45 of the most popular channels such as FX, USA, TNT, and AMC. Meanwhile, the Core package costs $60 per month and also includes local regional sports networks and extra movie networks. Finally, the Elite package costs $70 per month and includes more than 25 additional lifestyle, music and family channels. A full nationwide PlayStation Vue launch is expected by the end of the year. Likewise, support for the Apple iPad and more non-Sony devices is planned for the future. PlayStation Vue now joins an increasing number of subscription based cord-cutting services, including Sling TV, CBS All Access, and HBO Now. Source: Sony via PR NewswirePosted Wed Mar 18, 2015 at 11:00 AM PDT by: -
Sling TV Adds A&E, HISTORY, H2 and Lifetime Channels to Internet TV Service[teaser]The internet TV platform has bolstered its content with new channels and add-on packs. [/teaser] Sling TV has announced the upcoming addition of four A+E Networks’ channels. The new lineup includes A&E, HISTORY, H2 and Lifetime. Likewise, the service is launching two new add-on packs as well. "After only six weeks in market, we're working towards nearly doubling the size of our 'Best of Live TV' core package while preserving our attractive $20 price point," said Roger Lynch, CEO of Sling TV. "With the upcoming arrival of A+E Networks' highly-rated content, Sling TV will soon include 20 networks for just $20 per month." Live and on-demand content from A&E, HISTORY, H2 and Lifetime will be added to the "Best of Live TV" $20 core package by the end of March, offering customers new episodes of popular shows like 'The Returned,' 'Bates Motel,' 'Duck Dynasty,' 'Vikings,' 'Pawn Stars,' 'Dance Moms' and 'Project Runway.' Currently, the core package also includes previously available channels like ESPN, ESPN2, AMC, TNT, TBS, Food Network, HGTV, Travel Channel, IFC, El Rey, Adult Swim, Cartoon Network, ABC Family, Disney Channel, CNN and Galavision. In addition, Sling TV is also now offering a new "Lifestyle Extra" and "World News Extra" pack. The separate packs will replace the previously available "News & Info Extra" package. "Lifestyle Extra" includes truTV, Cooking Channel, DIY and WE tv, with A+E Networks' FYI and LMN coming soon. Meanwhile, the "World News Extra" features Bloomberg TV, HLN, Euro News, France 24, NDTV 24/7, News 18 and Russia Today. Each pack costs an additional $5 per month. 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 Business WirePosted Tue Mar 17, 2015 at 04:45 PM PDT by: -
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Cambridge Audio Releases TV2 & TV5 Speaker Bases Starting at $299[teaser]Two speaker bases are on the way from the British audio company. [/teaser] Cambridge Audio has announced a US release for its TV2 and TV5 stereo speaker bases. The audio devices are designed to sit directly under a customer's television. The TV2 features two 2.25-inch Balanced Mode Radiator drivers and a single 6.5-inch downward firing subwoofer. Meanwhile, the TV5 features two 2.25-inch Balanced Mode Radiator drivers and dual 6.5-inch downward firing subwoofers. Both models are 100 watts, and offer aptX Bluetooth support for wireless music streaming, DSP tech, an IR learning remote, and Digital audio (TosLink), RCA line level, and 3.5mm inputs. The TV2 ($299) and TV5 ($399) will be available from retail and online stores in the coming weeks. Source: TWICEPosted Tue Mar 17, 2015 at 03:30 PM PDT by: -
Apple Reportedly Preps Internet TV Service with 25 Channels for Fall Debut[teaser]More details have leaked about the long rumored Apple TV platform. [/teaser] According to a report from The Wall Street Journal, Apple is finally planning to launch a web TV service. The proposed service will likely offer about 25 channels and the company is aiming for a fall launch. Rumors of an Apple TV streaming service have been circulating for several years, with previous reports indicating a possible collaboration with Comcast. This no longer seems to be the case, however, as sources now claim that both companies have had a falling out. This means that Apple's TV platform might not support Comcast owned NBCUniversal networks, though it is possible that more negotiations could take place at a later date. For now, the service is expected to include stations from ABC, CBS, and FOX for a total of around 25 channels. The proposed platform will work on iOS devices like the Apple TV, iPhone, and iPad. Apple has yet to officially confirm its streaming TV plans, but more details could be announced in June for a target September launch. Early pricing rumors put the service at around $30 to $40 per month. If the Apple web TV platform does become a reality, the company will be joining an increasing number of subscription based cord-cutting services, including Sling TV, CBS All Access, HBO Now, and PlayStation Vue. Sources: The Wall Street Journal via EngadgetPosted Tue Mar 17, 2015 at 11:30 AM PDT by: -
High-Def Digest Attends the New York Luxury Technology ShowWhat is luxury? Well, how about a $10,000 iPhone? Or maybe a $60,000 sound system? [teaser]Last week, High-Def Digest was invited to attend the New York Luxury Technology Show, where brands like Panasonic, Geneva, Harman Kardon, and even Lamborghini all highlighted their latest high-end gadgets and devices. [/teaser] With a big emphasis on home automation and wireless connectivity, the show demoed the best (and most expensive) innovations in luxury tech, revealing that while money still can't quite buy happiness, it can buy an extremely large pair of speakers and a totally badass car. I mean, look at how shiny that thing is! Though home theater gear wasn't the main attraction (soundbars can only get so much attention next to a $136,000 BMW), several companies did have lots of cool audio products on display, and a few premium TVs and projectors all made notable appearances as well. Below, we've broken down the main gear brands in attendance, along with an overview of some of the manufacturer's most impressive and undeniably luxurious items. Panasonic For the Luxury Technology Show, Panasonic brought out its big home audio guns, spotlighting the upcoming return of its high-end Technics brand. Geared toward delivering high-res sound, the Technics line emphasizes premium music reproduction over a traditional home theater experience. Two series of products were on display: the Premium Class C-700 Series and the Reference Class R1 Series. The Premium Series is made up of a Stereo Integrated Amplifier (SU-C700), Network Audio Player (ST-C700), Compact Disc Player (SL-C700), and Speaker System (SB-C700). The bookshelf speakers feature a Coaxial 6.5- inch Flat type/.75-inch Dome type Woofer/Tweeter. With all the components accounted for, the collection is expected to cost around $6,000, offering a comparatively affordable introduction to the brand.For those looking for something a bit more luxurious, Panasonic also demoed its Reference Series. This line includes a Stereo Power Amplifier (SE-R1), Network Audio Control Player (SU-R1), and a Speaker System (SB-R1). The floorstanding speakers feature four 6.5-inch Cone type woofers, one 6.5-inch Flat type mid-range drive unit, and one 1-inch Dome type tweeter. This mightily impressive collection is expected to set one back around $60,000. In addition to audio units, Panasonic did have one of their 2014 4K Ultra HD TVs on display, but alas their recently announced 2015 lineup was nowhere to be seen. Still, while I couldn't get any pricing information, a helpful Panasonic representative did reveal an April launch for the highly anticipated TC-65CX850U 4K display. Likewise, an 85-inch model is also being considered for a retail release. We're hoping to get some demo time with the new lineup soon, so stay tuned to High-Def Digest for more Panasonic Ultra HD updates! Harman Kardon To promote their fancy Madison Avenue retail store, Harman Kardon brought a tantalizing sample of their audio gear lineup. The products on display included the Omni 10 and Omni 20 wireless HD audio system, the JBL Authentics L16 speaker system, the Revel Performa F206 floortstanding loudspeakers, and more. The Omni wireless HD audio systems offer true wireless HD audio with support for high resolution lossless music (up to 24-bit/96kHz) over Wi-Fi, including FLAC and WAV file formats. Likewise, the speakers include Bluetooth support and can be paired together to create stereo and multichannel sound systems. The $300 Omni 20 models features 2 x 75mm woofers and 2 x 19mm tweeters. Meanwhile, the $200 Omni 10 features a 90mm woofer and a 35mm tweeter. Also of interest is the JBL Authentics L16 speaker. The 300 watt three-way speaker system features two 25mm tweeters, two 2-inch mid-range transducers, and two 5.25-inch woofers. Likewise, the speaker offers Bluetooth, DLNA, and Airplay connectivity. Suggested retail price is $1,000. Finally, no visit to Harman's booth could go by without noticing the Revel Performa F206 floorstanding loudspeakers. The handsome 41.4-inch tall speakers use a 1-inch aluminum tweeter, 5.25-inch aluminum cone midrange, and dual 6.5-inch aluminum cone cast-frame woofers. Models come in piano black, high-gloss walnut, and piano white for around $3,500 per pair. ClearView Not content to let all the traditional high-end and wireless speakers have all the fun, ClearView brought its refreshingly unique "invisible" Clio speaker to the show. Rather than using a standard cone design, the Clio creates sound through an ultra-thin, transparent, curved acrylic glass stereo transducer, giving the device a singular and rather attractive minimalist design that suits almost any decor. Through ClearView's Edge Motion technology, piezo-electric actuators stimulate the glass to create a piston-like motion that produces sound from both sides. The speaker features Bluetooth streaming support and includes a hidden woofer that is housed below the base for low frequencies. A noisy tech show isn't exactly the best place to hear a product like this, but the speaker does indeed create sound -- that much I know. And did I mention that it's really pretty? For those interested in the innovative design, the ClearView Clio currently retails for around $349. Geneva Fusing cool style with high performance, Geneva aims to deliver single box audio solutions. The company's beautiful designs are certainly aesthetically pleasing and the manufacturer promises the specs to back them up. Several models were on display at the show, including the Model S, M, L, XL, and XXL sound systems, and the Model Cinema speaker-base. The Model S ($300), Model M ($599), Model L ($1,199), and Model XL ($2,299) feature attractive rectangular shapes that offer stereo sound systems of increasing size along with FM radios and Bluetooth connectivity. Likewise, the larger models include Apt-X support and integrated CD players. Meanwhile, the premium Model XXL ($3,499) serves as a full-fledged wood-cabinet stand with a built-in speaker system for TVs up to 65-inches. The cabinet houses seven individually powered speakers, including an 8-inch subwoofer, along with Bluetooth, Airplay, radio, and HDMI connectivity, providing a full home theater experience. Finally, the company also highlighted its Model Cinema ($600) speaker-base system. The speaker is designed to sit right under a small to medium size TV, offering 4 x 2-inch woofers and a 5.25-inch subwoofer with five digital amplifiers and 120 Watt output. Bluetooth support is included as well, along with RCA, digital optical, and coax connections. GGMM Joining the bevy of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth speakers on display, GGMM brought their own M3 Plug & Play and M4 Play & Go models to the show. The M3 retails for around $300 while the M4 can be purchased for around $350 - $400. Both offer stereo sound, wireless music streaming, and support for up to 16 audio sources. Each model also includes lossless Wi-Fi music playback, and the M4 adds Bluetooth Apt-X connectivity. Likewise, stylish leather bound designs bring an extra dash of luxury to the speakers, helping them to fit right at home among the show's other more extravagant products. SIM2 Moving away from the world of audio, SIM2 was on hand to demo their latest premium 1080p projectors. In the spotlight (or should I say, shining the spotlight) were the Grand Cinema Superlumis ($50,000) and the Nero 3 ($14,000) projectors. The Superlumis is a DLP 3 chip model with a contrast ratio up to 30,000:1, a 350W lamp, and active 3D support. In addition, the projector offers two lens options: a High Brightness lens for up to 5,000 ANSI lumens or an Extended Contrast lens for up to 3,800 ANSI lumens. The step-up SIS version also adds HDR support. Meanwhile, the (comparatively) more affordable Nero 3 projector is a DLP 1 chip model that uses a PureLED light source (that never needs to be switched out) to deliver up to 1,400 lumens and a contrast ratio of up to 30,000:1. With that said, a separate SIM2 3D emitter is needed to enable 3D support. I also asked about possible 4K models, but the company is still waiting on Texas Instruments to release 4K DLP projector tech. On that note, however, SIM2 remains confident that their 1080p projector models are capable of besting many higher resolution options thanks to their superior technology. Sadly, like the audio demos, the conditions at the show were not ideal for demonstrating projectors, but the picture quality certainly looked good -- even with ambient light in the room. Of course, for $50,000 it damn well better. Odds and Ends Truly high-end audio offerings from brands like McIntosh and Sonus Faber were also on display to salivating guests, including a pair of $89,999 Lilium speakers. Outside of the traditional A/V market, the show was also home to many other luxurious and lavishly frivolous gadgets and tech oddities, ranging from a $6,000 Lamborghini branded smartphone (I wonder if that's the on-contract price) to a luggage tracking system and a brain sensing headband. Also, there was a $280,000 Lamborghini Huracan... because, why not? Though my small taste of luxury is now over, it was certainly fun to step into the (very expensive) shoes of the rich and famous. For now, though, what do you think about the show's audio and video gear? Could these high-end products really be worth their equally high-end price tags? Will you be saving up for any of the items on display? Let us know your thoughts in the forum!Posted Mon Mar 16, 2015 at 09:00 PM PDT by: -
HBO NOW Heads to Cablevision Customers via Internet and Optimum WiFi[teaser]HBO's standalone streaming service will be available to Cablevision internet customers. [/teaser] Cablevision and HBO have announced a new deal that will bring HBO NOW to Optimum online users, allowing customers to sign up for internet and subscribe to the standalone streaming service without paying for an additional cable TV package. This will make Optimum the first cable provider to offer an HBO NOW internet option. Kristin Dolan, Cablevision chief operating officer said: "As New York's premier connectivity company, we are enabling Optimum Online customers to enjoy content in any way they choose to receive it. We are well-positioned to support HBO NOW and, as technology advances, Cablevision will continue to meet the evolving needs of our customers." HBO NOW allows users to watch every episode of every season of HBO’s original programming, hit movies, documentaries, sports and exclusive comedy specials separate from a traditional cable or satellite subscription. The platform was recently announced for Apple devices at $15 per month, but Optimum pricing has not been announced yet. Likewise, it's unclear when HBO NOW will become available for Optimum users. Previous reports indicated that the service would remain an Apple exclusive for three months. "We couldn't be more excited that our longtime partner has joined us for the launch of HBO NOW," said Tom Woodbury, President, Global Distribution, HBO. "We believe that HBO NOW will have great appeal to Cablevision's broadband customers." Pricing and launch details for HBO NOW through Optimum will be announced in the coming weeks. Sources: Time Warner via EngadgetPosted Mon Mar 16, 2015 at 02:45 PM PDT by:
