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Sony Walkman NW-ZX2 Hi-Res Digital Music Player Now up for Pre-Order for $1,200[teaser]The premium portable music player is now available to pre-order. [/teaser] Sony is now accepting pre-orders for its upcoming Walkman NW-ZX2. The device was first revealed at CES earlier this month. The Walkman NW-ZX2 is a portable high-resolution music player that features a 4-inch TRILUMINOS display, 128GB of storage, and a microSD slot. The device offers digital music playback at up to 192 kHz/24 bit and supports MP3, WMA, AAC, FLAC, AIFF, WAV and ALAC file formats including DSD. In addition, the player uses Sony's S-Master HX digital amplifier for a wide frequency response with reduced distortion and noise, and includes DSEE HX technology for upscaling lower-res audio streams. Bluetooth with LDAC, NFC, and Wi-Fi are integrated as well. Battery life supports up to 60-hours MP3, and 33-hours Hi-Res playback on a single charge. Pre-orders are now live on the Sony Store website for $1,200. The player is expected to start shipping on March 2. Source: SonyPosted Thu Jan 29, 2015 at 10:45 AM PST by: -
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HDD Gear Deal Spotlight: 70-Inch 4K TV, HD Projector & A/V Receivers up to 60 Percent Off![teaser]For a limited time, Amazon is offering big deals on select gear items! [/teaser] As part of the online retailer's ongoing electronics sales and promotions, Amazon is running limited time deals on a BenQ projector, Sharp Ultra HD TV, and receivers from Denon and Yamaha. BenQ HC1200 Colorific 1080P 3D Projector - Currently $914 (60 percent off). Sharp LC-70UD27U 70-Inch Aquos 4K Ultra HD TV - Currently $2,798 (30 percent off). Yamaha RX-V675 7.2 Channel Network AV Receiver - Currently $400 (38 percent off). Denon AVR-X2100W 7.2 Channel Full 4K AV Receiver - Currently $549 (21 percent 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 Jan 28, 2015 at 08:30 PM PST by: -
Netflix Releases Teaser for 'Wet Hot American Summer' Series Starring Paul Rudd, Amy Poehler & Bradley Cooper[teaser]More details have emerged for the cult comedy prequel series. [/teaser] Get ready for another stay at Camp Firewood! Netflix has officially confirmed the cast for a new 8-episode limited series based on the 2001 film, 'Wet Hot American Summer' via a short teaser video. Set on the last day of camp, in the hot summer of 1981, the movie followed a group of counselors trying to complete their unfinished business before the end of the day. Though a box office failure, the silly satirical comedy has since become a cult classic. The returning cast members include Elizabeth Banks, Michael Ian Black, Bradley Cooper, Judah Friedlander, Janeane Garofalo, Joe Lo Truglio, Ken Marino, Christopher Meloni, Marguerite Moreau, Zak Orth, Amy Poehler, David Hyde Pierce, Paul Rudd, Molly Shannon, and Michael Showalter. Despite being produced fourteen years after the original film's premiere, the show will serve as a prequel to the movie and will tell the story of the first day of Camp Firewood's famous summer season. The series is directed by David Wain and co-written by Wain and Michael Showalter. An exact release date has not been announced, but all eight episodes are expected to start streaming on Netflix this summer. A monthly Netflix subscription currently starts at $7.99 for SD streaming, $8.99 for HD streaming, and $11.99 for Ultra HD streaming. The service is available on a variety of smart TVs and media players, including the Fire TV, Fire TV Stick, Roku 3, Apple TV and Chromecast. Source: NetflixPosted Wed Jan 28, 2015 at 04:15 PM PST by: -
2015 CES Home Theater Gear Breakdown: Upcoming Technology & TrendsWe're now about one month into a brand new year, and you know what that means, right? A whole slew of new resolutions for your life... and your TV! While you might be planning to lose some weight or finally finish that novel of yours, we all know that the only resolution in 2015 that really matters is Ultra HD. Earlier this month, the industry held its annual Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. Packed with all of the latest gear and gadgets from Sony, Samsung, LG, Panasonic, and more, the show has effectively set the stage for all of the major home theater products and technology that we can expect to see throughout the next 12 months and beyond.So, just what are the latest electronics advancements and industry trends for 2015? [teaser]With quantum dots, high dynamic range, object-based mixing, and the continued expansion of 4K displays and content, this looks like a very promising year for home theater enthusiasts, even if there still are a few less than exciting gimmicks and quirks to overcome. [/teaser]Below, we've broken down all of the major announcements, trends, and upcoming tech, highlighting what customers can expect to get from their HD gear in 2015. We might not have hover boards, flying cars, or holographic movie theaters yet, but a 77-inch flexible Ultra HD OLED TV is certainly a step in the right direction. 4K Ultra HD Takes Over Since their mainstream debut in 2013, Ultra HD TVs have had a decidedly rocky start, but things have been steadily improving. Initial models were released before the industry even decided upon a finalized spec for the technology, leaving first generation sets without support for HDMI 2.0 and HEVC decoding. Likewise, early adopters were left without much in the way of actual 4K content, essentially wasting all of those extra pixels. But the industry has come a long way in two years, and we've now finally reached the Ultra HD tipping point. At CES, new 4K displays fueled most of the major players' big announcements, and traditional HDTVs were practically put out to pasture. For those looking to purchase a high-end TV in 2015, Ultra HD is now poised to be the new TV standard. Thankfully, the models are only improving in picture quality and features, and a growing collection of 4K media is now joining the never-ending slew of upcoming Ultra HD TVs. Proprietary 4K delivery products from Sony and Samsung are still being offered, and now there are Ultra HD options from Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, UltraFlix, M-Go, Comcast, DISH, DirecTV, and more. And while the spec is still being finalized, Ultra HD Blu-ray is on the way with a tentative launch slated for late 2015 or early 2016. Panasonic even showed off a prototype Ultra HD Blu-ray player at the show, although reports indicate that the device was really little more than a non-functioning box... for now. New Tricks for Existing Tech: Quantum Dots, HDR, Expanded Color With the death of plasma and the relatively slow emergence of OLED, LCDs remain the reigning champs of TV panel technology. But there's always room for improvement, right? Over the years, we've seen big advancements in detail thanks to 4K panels, but resolution is only part of the equation for a great TV, and now manufacturers are taking LCDs even further with significant improvements in contrast, brightness, and color. To achieve these upgrades, companies are relying on several new methods. First up, are quantum dots. Quantum dots work by using nano-crystals that emit different colors when exposed to light depending on their size. When the dots are placed on a film over an LCD backlight, they allow the panel to produce higher brightness and more realistic colors. This lets TVs with quantum dots support expanded color gamuts beyond the traditional Rec. 709 color space. As an alternative to quantum dots, manufacturers have also revealed another technique to achieve expanded colors. This method is called Wide Color LED and it works by using different phosphor-based LEDs to create a similar improvement in color depth and realism. In addition to expanded colors, 2015 will also see the emergence of LCD panels that can support high dynamic range images. This technology allows TVs to display greatly enhanced brightness levels resulting in improved contrast between dark and light aspects of an image, bringing out realistic details and highlights -- like the sun reflecting off of an ocean -- like never before. Unfortunately, while many companies like Samsung, Sony, and LG all showed off their own uniquely branded implementations of expanded colors and HDR at CES, there is no clear universal standard for these features. With that in mind, it remains unclear if all of these competing methods and proprietary technologies will be compatible or interchangeable with one another. Thankfully, many of the industry's heavyweights -- including Dolby, LG, Netflix, Panasonic, Samsung, Sharp, Sony, Technicolor, Disney, Twentieth Century Fox and Warner Brothers -- have all teamed up to form the UHD Alliance to help maintain evolving standards related to 4K, HDR, and expanded colors. Hopefully this collaboration will ensure some level of compatibility between the various brands. Of course, having a TV that can support these improvements is meaningless if you don't have actual content created with expanded colors and HDR. On this front, Dolby is working hard to ensure seamless integration of both technologies for content creators and display manufacturers with the company's Dolby Vision process. Through a partnership with Warner Bros. the first Dolby Vision titles have already been announced. Likewise, Netflix has announced plans to offer 4K HDR content as well, Samsung is working with Fox to author titles that support its own high dynamic range process, and the upcoming Ultra HD Blu-ray spec is also expected to include HDR and expanded colors. The Industry is Crazy for Curves Love them or hate them, curved-screen TVs appear to be sticking around for the foreseeable future (though, not if VIZIO has anything to say about them). Samsung seems to be the most enthusiastic supporter of this contoured design choice and the company highlighted several new curved-screen models at CES. In addition, both Samsung and LG showed off sets that can actually transition from curved to flat with the press of a button. But despite the trend, not everyone is so keen to flaunt their curves. In fact, Sony decided to lose the extra flash entirely in order to highlight a different design philosophy altogether: ultra-thin bezels. With the company's 4.9 mm thin floating style XBR displays, Sony is offering its thinnest TVs to date, giving the rest of the competition some severe body image issues. LG Still Loves OLED... But Only LG Serving as the lone OLED wolf in the TV industry, LG has once again renewed its commitment to the incredibly impressive but expensive technology. The company announced a whole collection of new 4K models at CES in a variety of sizes including 55, 65, and 77-inch models as well as flat, curved, and even flexible options. Likewise, LG even demoed a prototype OLED TV capable of high dynamic range images. With infinite black levels, and now comparable brightness levels to an LCD set, this prototype once again proves that OLED holds a lot of potential for the future of the industry. Now, if only those prices could go down... Object-Based Mixing War Heats Up With the arrival of Dolby Atmos back in September everyone knew that it was only a matter of time before rival audio giant DTS decided to step into the object-based mixing ring. The company has officially announced their own next generation audio codec, dubbed DTS:X. Like Atmos, DTS:X does away with traditional channel based mixing in favor of representing each sound as an individual audio object in a virtual environment, allowing for scalable audio set-ups and the addition of overhead speakers. It remains to be seen just how much DTS:X will differ from Atmos (if at all), but DTS did show off a unique dialogue control feature at CES. Support from major manufacturers like Anthem, Denon, Integra, Krell, Marantz, McIntosh, Onkyo, Outlaw Audio, Pioneer, Steinway Lyngdorf, Theta Digital, Trinnov Audio, and Yamaha has been confirmed but no products or supported movies have been revealed yet. More details will be announced in March when the codec is expected to launch. There's a New Walkman... And It's Really Expensive Beyond new codecs, the world of home audio is also primed to receive lots of new gadgets. Among the upcoming products, is the newest version of Sony's famous portable audio device, the Walkman. This premium model supports digital music and high resolution files. Of course, the 21st century upgrade comes with a hefty price tag, as Sony is expected to launch the Walkman NW-ZX2 for about $1,280. In addition to the new Walkman, Sony placed an overarching emphasis on high resolution audio playback for all of its upcoming flagship audio gear, including new headphones, portable amplifiers, receivers, and soundbars. And Panasonic also joined the premium audio party with the return of its Technics hi-fi audio brand. TV Finally Cuts the Cord Last but certainly not least, 2015 will also see the continued growth of internet TV options for set-top boxes and streaming media players, providing customers with specialized content platforms. The big news out of CES was the arrival of DISH's Sling TV online service which is set to offer live channel playback and on-demand content from networks like ESPN, TNT, TBS, Cartoon Network, Disney Channel, ABC Family and CNN for just $20 per month. Likewise, other networks like CBS have already launched their own streaming platforms, and HBO has announced plans to offer a stand-alone streaming option later this year. Thanks to more and more cord-cutting alternatives to cable and satellite, the industry is moving closer and closer to a true "a la carte" system that could allow customers to pay only for the channels and programming that they actually want to watch. Conclusion With Ultra HD, HDR, expanded color, object-based mixing, high-res audio, and streaming TV, 2015 is poised to be an exciting time for new gear technology. As long as electronics manufacturers can agree upon universal standards, these advancements will help create a new level of immersion in home theaters, and a new hole in home theater enthusiasts' pockets. Time will tell what technologies end up leaving a lasting impression but, for now, what do you think about the year's upcoming gear products and industry trends? What advancements are you most excited about?Posted Wed Jan 28, 2015 at 10:15 AM PST by: -
Cast Announced for Adam Sandler's First Exclusive Netflix Streaming Film 'Ridiculous 6'[teaser]First details have been revealed for Adam Sandler's debut Netflix movie. [/teaser] According to a report from The Wrap, Adam Sandler's first Netflix project will be called 'Ridiculous 6.' The film will star Sandler and several regular Happy Madison performers. As part of an exclusive four-picture deal, Adam Sandler is set to star in and produce 'Ridiculous 6.' The movie will reportedly be a comedic western that follows an orphan played by Adam Sandler who was raised among a Native American tribe. The ensemble cast also includes Nick Nolte, Whitney Cummings, Danny Trejo, Taylor Lautner, Blake Shelton, Steve Buscemi, Rob Schneider, Dan Aykroyd, Will Forte, Nick Swardson, Terry Crews, Jon Lovitz, Luke Wilson, Steve Zahn, Chris Parnell, Lavell Crawford and Vanilla Ice. Sandler wrote the movie with Tim Herlihy and production is scheduled to begin in February. A streaming premiere date has not been revealed yet. Details on the remaining three Adam Sandler Netflix films will be announced at a later time. A monthly Netflix subscription currently starts at $7.99 for SD streaming, $8.99 for HD streaming, and $11.99 for Ultra HD streaming. The service is available on a variety of smart TVs and media players, including the Fire TV, Fire TV Stick, Roku 3, Apple TV and Chromecast. Source: The WrapPosted Tue Jan 27, 2015 at 04:00 PM PST by: -
Amazon Fire TV on Sale Now for $84![teaser]For a limited time, customers can save $15 on the popular streaming media player. [/teaser] As part of the online retailer's ongoing electronics sales and promotions, Amazon is offering a limited time discount on its Fire TV. Amazon Fire TV - Currently $84 ($15 off its retail price of $99). Under the hood, the media player is powered by a Qualcomm Krait 300 quad-core CPU, an Adreno 320 GPU, and 2GB of RAM, all running a version of Android. In addition, the box offers an HDMI output for full 1080p video and Dolby Digital Plus 7.1 surround sound. An optical out, Ethernet port, USB connection, and Wi-Fi are included as well. The Fire TV supports a wide array of apps and services, including Netflix, Prime Instant Video, Hulu Plus, and HBO GO, as well as games through an additional Amazon Fire Game Controller ($40). An advanced voice search feature is implemented too, allowing users to speak directly into the included remote in order to find content. Source: AmazonPosted Tue Jan 27, 2015 at 12:30 PM PST by: -
Apple's New "Free on iTunes" Feature Offers Free TV Shows & Music, including '12 Monkeys' & 'Backstrom'[teaser]A new section for free content has been added to iTunes. [/teaser] Apple now offers a "Free on iTunes" option in the iTunes store. The new section allows users to download select songs and TV show episodes for free. Users can access the free content by clicking on the blue "Free on iTunes" button located in the TV and Music sections in the iTunes store. Users can then browse the selection of free media and download the tracks and episodes for free. The current library consists of 16 songs and 27 TV shows, including tracks by Lifehouse, Sharon Van Etten, and Joshua Radin, and episodes of '12 Monkeys,' and 'Backstrom.' iTunes is currently available on computers, laptops, and iOS devices. It's unclear how long Apple will offer the "Free on iTunes" section or how often the company will update the selection of complimentary content. Reports indicate that the feature is currently only available in the US. Source: CNET, ApplePosted Tue Jan 27, 2015 at 11:30 AM PST by: -
LG & Universal Display Announce New OLED Technology License Agreement[teaser]The agreement will allow LG to license and source OLED related technology and materials. [/teaser] LG and Universal Display have detailed a long-term OLED patent license and supplemental material purchase contract. The deal will run through December 31, 2022. "We are excited to enter into these agreements with our long-term partner LG Display, a global technology innovator who is leading the charge for OLED TVs, evidenced by its recent CES showcase of new 4K models ranging from 55", 65" and 77" in flexible, curved and flat form factors," said Steven V. Abramson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Universal Display Corporation. "The growth of our relationship demonstrates the continued acceptance of our OLED technology and phosphorescent materials by the display industry for cutting-edge, high performance, energy-efficient commercial OLED displays. We look forward to the continued collaboration in support of LGD's advancements in expanding the thriving OLED product roadmap, including the advent of new form factors that redefine what a display can and will be." As part of the agreement, LG will attain non-exclusive license rights under patents owned or controlled by Universal Display to manufacture and sell OLED display products. In return, LG will pay Universal Display fees and royalties on the sale of these licensed items. In addition, Universal Display will also supply phosphorescent materials to LG. "This is a win-win partnership for both companies. We expect this strategic alliance with Universal Display will bring synergies in accelerating the growth of OLED technology, and based on strengthened OLED business, LG Display is committed to deliver differentiated products to customers and the market," said Sang Deog Yeo, President and Head of OLED business unit of LG Display. LG recently announced a new collection of Ultra HD OLED models at CES. The company's current 65EC9700 Ultra HD OLED TV and 55EC930, 55EA9800, and 55EA8800 1080p OLED TVs are available now. Source: Universal Display via TWICEPosted Mon Jan 26, 2015 at 04:30 PM PST by: -
Duplass Brothers Sign Four-Picture Deal with Netflix for Streaming & Theatrical Releases[teaser]The indie filmmakers are teaming up with the streaming service for a slew of new movies. [/teaser] At the Sundance Film Festival, Netflix and the Duplass Brothers have announced a new four-picture deal. As part of the agreement, Netflix will fund four movies that will be produced by the filmmaking duo. While exact titles have not been detailed yet, the upcoming low budget films will all receive short theatrical releases before they make their exclusive streaming premiere on Netflix. Jay and Mark Duplass have produced several indie hits including 'The Puffy Chair,' 'Cyrus,' 'Jeff Who Lives at Home,' 'Safety Not Guaranteed,' and 'Your Sister's Sister.' The duo recently created the HBO original series, 'Togetherness.' Netflix previously signed an exclusive four-picture deal with Adam Sandler as well. A monthly Netflix subscription currently starts at $7.99 for SD streaming, $8.99 for HD streaming, and $11.99 for Ultra HD streaming. The service is available on a variety of smart TVs and media players, including the Fire TV, Fire TV Stick, Roku 3, Apple TV and Chromecast. Source: DeadlinePosted Mon Jan 26, 2015 at 09:30 AM PST by:
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Walmart Releases VUDU Spark Streaming HDMI Dongle for $25[teaser]The budget streaming stick is now available in select stores. [/teaser] Joining Google, Roku, and Amazon, Walmart is now offering their own addition to the streaming dongle family with their take on an HDMI stick. Dubbed the VUDU Spark, the device allows users to access the company's VUDU app on their TVs. With VUDU Spark, customers can buy, rent, and browse titles from a library of over 100,000 movies and TV shows through Walmart's VUDU service on HDTVs via HDMI and Wi-Fi. The dongle supports up to 1080p video and up to 7.1 digital surround sound. In addition, the device comes complete with a remote control and is powered by USB. Unlike other streaming stick options, however, support for more apps beyond VUDU is not expected. The VUDU Spark is now available in select Walmart stores for $25 and will be rolling out to more locations soon. Likewise, the device will be available on Walmart.com as well. For a limited time, customers who buy and activate a VUDU Spark will also receive a $5 VUDU credit code every month for five months. Sources: VUDU, EngadgetPosted Mon Jan 26, 2015 at 08:00 AM PST by:
