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Marriott Tests Streaming Services in Hotel Rooms, including Netflix, Hulu & Pandora[teaser]The hotel chain plans to integrate streaming services on their HDTVs, giving guests one more reason to never leave their hotel rooms. [/teaser] According to a report from Bloomberg, several streaming platforms are considering an expansion of their services into Marriott hotel room televisions. Marriott is currently testing streaming integration for Netflix, Hulu, and Pandora in eight of its locations. An exact pricing plan for access to each service is still being determined. As part of the current trial run, hotel guests can log into their own personal streaming accounts for free. If the companies decide to go further and expand to more locations, Marriott is considering offering the streaming services as part of a premium internet package provided to guests for an additional fee. In the past, guests could already access Netflix and other media platforms from their personal laptops and tablets on a hotel's Wi-Fi, but direct access through Marriott's HDTVs will allow guests to watch content in a more convenient way while also giving the companies additional revenue. Plans for an expansion to more Marriott locations has not been announced yet, but if the test is successful it's likely that Netflix and other services will begin popping up in more Marriott properties. Likewise, reports indicate that other hotel chains are also interested in similar Netflix integration. Sources: Bloomberg, Engadget, Digital TrendsPosted Tue Jan 20, 2015 at 09:00 AM PST by: -
HDD Gear Deal Spotlight: Tablets from Apple, Microsoft, Toshiba & ASUS up to 67 Percent Off![teaser]For a limited time, Amazon is offering deals on select tablet models! [/teaser] As part of the online retailer's ongoing electronics sales and promotions, Amazon and their merchant partners are running limited time deals on tablets from ASUS, Toshiba, Microsoft, and Apple. ASUS VivoTab RT TF600T-B1-Bundle 10.1" 32GB with Keyboard Dock Gray - Currently $200 (67 percent off). Microsoft Surface 2 RT 32GB (Certified Refurbished) - Currently $260 (42 percent off). Toshiba Excite Go AT7-C8 7.0-Inch 8 GB Tablet - Currently $70 (36 percent off). Toshiba Encore 2 WT10-A32 10.0-Inch 32 GB Tablet - Currently $180 (33 percent off). Nexus 7 from Google 32 GB 2nd Generation (Certified Refurbished) - Currently $200. Apple iPad 2 MC916LL/A Tablet 64GB 2nd Generation (Certified Refurbished by Apple) - Currently $300. 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 Mon Jan 19, 2015 at 06:00 PM PST by: -
Amazon Will Produce Original Theatrical Films for Early Window Distribution on Prime Instant Video[teaser]The company is developing original movies for theaters and its streaming service. [/teaser] Amazon has announced plans to produce and acquire original movies for theatrical distribution and early window distribution on its Prime Instant Video platform. The films will arrive exclusively on the company's streaming service about 4 to 8 weeks after their theatrical premiere. "We look forward to expanding our production efforts into feature films. Our goal is to create close to twelve movies a year with production starting later this year," said Roy Price, Vice President, Amazon Studios. "Not only will we bring Prime Instant Video customers exciting, unique, and exclusive films soon after a movie's theatrical run, but we hope this program will also benefit filmmakers, who too often struggle to mount fresh and daring stories that deserve an audience." No specific titles have been announced yet, but Amazon will begin production this year. The studio's creative development is being run by Ted Hope, co-founder of Good Machine, which produced films like 'Eat Drink Man Woman' and 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.' Amazon movies will be created by top and up-and-coming filmmakers, and will focus on unique stories and characters. "Audiences already recognize that Amazon has raised the bar with productions in the episodic realm, tackling bold material in unique ways and collaborating with top talent, both established and emerging. To help carry the torch into the feature film world for such an innovative company is a tremendous opportunity and responsibility," said Ted Hope, the new Head of Production for Amazon Original Movies. "Amazon Original Movies will be synonymous with films that amaze, excite, and move our fans, wherever customers watch. I am incredibly thrilled to be part of this." Amazon Prime Instant Video is available on a variety of smart TVs, game consoles, mobile devices, and streaming players, including the Fire TV, Fire TV Stick, Fire HDX 8.9, Fire Phone and the Roku 3. An Amazon Prime membership currently costs $99 per year, and includes free 2-day shipping, Prime Instant Video, Prime Music, Prime Photos, the Kindle Owners' Lending Library, and more. The company also recently announced an upcoming original series from Woody Allen, and premiered its first batch of 2015 original pilots. Source: AmazonPosted Mon Jan 19, 2015 at 11:45 AM PST by: -
Roku Adds Sports Illustrated to Channel Store, Offering Streaming Sports News and Updates[teaser]Sports fans now have access to Sports Illustrated content on their Roku players. [/teaser] Roku has announced the addition of Sports Illustrated to the Roku Channel Store in the US, UK, Canada and Ireland. The new channel is available now under the Sports category on current generation Roku players and Roku TVs. Sports Illustrated offers all of the latest news related to the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, NCAAF, Golf and more. In addition, the channel features "SI Now," a streaming program that provides commentary on sports topics with various experts, athletes and celebrities. Finally, Sports Illustrated on Roku also includes a convenient search option that lets users find information related to their preferred interests, teams, and players. Current generation Roku players include the Roku LT ($46), the Roku 1 ($54), the Roku 2 ($65), the Roku 3 ($94) and the Roku HDMI Streaming Stick ($48). Source: RokuPosted Fri Jan 16, 2015 at 05:30 PM PST by: -
Marantz Readies NA6005 Network Audio Player with Integrated Wi-Fi & Bluetooth for $649[teaser]The upcoming audio component offers several music streaming options. [/teaser] Marantz has announced the arrival of their latest Network Audio Player. The NA6005 is the company's least expensive model yet, and joins the currently available NA-11S1 ($3,499) and NA8005 ($799). Marantz's NA6005 is a Network Audio Player that lets users connect to their home network in order to enjoy internet radio stations and music streaming services like Spotify. In addition, the device also supports Apple Airplay, DLNA 1.5, and playback for WAV, WMA, MP3 and AAC files, along with High-Resolution audio support for DSD2.8MHz/5.6MHz, FLAC 192/24, WAV 192/24, AIFF and ALAC with gapless playback. Built-in Wi-fi, Ethernet, and Bluetooth connectivity are integrated as well, and the player uses the company's HDAM and HDAM-SA2 audio technology. The NA6005 is expected to start shipping in February for a suggested retail price of $649. Source: TWICEPosted Fri Jan 16, 2015 at 01:00 PM PST by: -
NBA Tests League's First 4K Ultra HD Broadcast with New York Knicks Game[teaser]An experimental 4K broadcast of the Knicks-Bucks game was conducted today. [/teaser] The NBA has announced that it produced a test for an Ultra HD broadcast earlier today. The limited trial was conducted during the New York Knicks versus Milwaukee Bucks game held in London. The 4K broadcast production was developed in conjunction with the UK's BT Sport, and used eight cameras along with a full array of replays and graphics. The Ultra HD feed was only viewable to invited guests at The O2 arena in London and those inside the NBA HQ in New York. This marks the first major 4K test for the NBA which is now said to be the first major US pro sports league to run a 4K broadcast. It's not clear when public 4K NBA broadcasts will be made available, but BT Sport and the NBA plan to produce more UK-based basketball games in Ultra HD. Sources: Engadget, Sports Business DailyPosted Thu Jan 15, 2015 at 03:30 PM PST by: -
Bang & Olufsen Details BeoSound Moment Wireless Music System with World's First Touch-Sensitive Wood Interface[teaser]The upcoming music system features a very stylish and innovative wood panel design. [/teaser] At CES last week, Bang & Olufsen revealed their BeoSound Moment music player. The wireless audio system allows users to easily access their digital music through a detachable double-sided interface. "As a modern, cloud based music system, BeoSound Moment will offer software updates with new features and improvements. We have prepared a firm software update roadmap for BeoSound Moment including the deployment of a very compelling multi-room experience that encompasses both television and other audio products planned for Summer 2015," says Marie Kristine Schmidt Vice President, Brand, Design & Marketing Bang & Olufsen. The BeoSound Moment features a special dual-sided interface. On one side is an aluminum body with a traditional touchscreen, letting customers navigate through their online music and playlists, and share their audio collection. On the other side, the device features a wooden panel of touch-sensitive oak that lets users play music through a simple one touch command. In addition, the BeoSound Moment includes a PatternPlay feature for personalized recommendations, and a MoodWheel for automatically selecting tracks based on a user's mood. Bang & Olufsen's BeoSound Moment will be available with 12 months of prepaid Deezer Premium at Bang & Olufsen stores on January 30. Suggested retail price is $2,795. The device is compatible with the company's full line of wireless and wired speakers. Sources: PR Newswire, Bang & OlufsenPosted Thu Jan 15, 2015 at 01:30 PM PST by: -
Amazon Offers Super Bowl Sale for LG & Samsung TVs, including 4K & OLED Models up to 48 Percent Off![teaser]The online retailer's special Big Game discounts are now live! [/teaser] Just in time for the upcoming Super Bowl, Amazon has launched a series of limited time deals on Samsung and LG displays. The lineup of discounted TVs includes HD, Ultra HD, and OLED models. The promotion began on January 18, and customers can purchase or pre-order the TVs for their special sale prices now! LG 1080p LED HDTVs LG 55LB5900 55-Inch 1080p HDTV - $599 (40 percent off). LG 55LB6300 55-Inch 1080p 3D HDTV - $799 (39 percent off). LG 55LB7200 55-Inch 1080p 3D HDTV - $849 (47 percent off). LG 70LB7100 70-Inch 1080p 3D HDTV - $1,999 (36 percent off). LG 1080p OLED HDTVs LG 55EC9300 55-Inch 1080p OLED 3D HDTV - $2,999 (25 percent off). LG 4K Ultra HD TVs LG 40UB8000 40-Inch 4K Ultra HD TV - $699 (42 percent off). LG 55UB8200 55-Inch 4K Ultra HD TV - $1,199 (45 percent off). LG 65UB9200 65-Inch 4K Ultra HD TV - $1,959 (48 percent off). LG 79UB9800 79-Inch 4K Ultra HD 3D TV - $5,528 (45 percent off). LG 89UB9800 89-Inch 4K Ultra HD 3D TV - $8,999 (44 percent off). Samsung 1080p LED HDTVs Samsung UN60H7150 60-Inch 1080p 3D HDTV - $1,498 (32 percent off). Samsung UN65H7150 65-Inch 1080p 3D HDTV - $1,798 (33 percent off). Samsung 4K Ultra HD TVs Samsung UN55HU6950 55-Inch 4K Ultra HD TV - $1,298 (35 percent off). Samsung UN55HU7250 Curved 55-Inch 4K Ultra HD TV - $1,498 (32 percent off). Samsung UN60HU8550 60-Inch 4K Ultra HD 3D TV - $2,298 (34 percent off). Samsung UN65HU8550 65-Inch 4K Ultra HD 3D TV - $2,998 (25 percent off). Samsung UN65HU9000 Curved 65-Inch 4K Ultra HD 3D TV - $3,998 (20 percent off). Samsung UN78HU9000 Curved 78-Inch 4K Ultra HD 3D TV - $6,998 (13 percent off). Discount pricing is now live for all of the listed TVs. The sale ends for selected models on January 31, and for the remaining models on February 7. TVs purchased through this promotion will ship on or after January 18, and credit cards will not be charged until the discount start date of January 18.Posted Wed Jan 14, 2015 at 08:00 PM PST by: -
DTS:X Object-Based Audio Codec Will Offer Dialogue Control Feature[teaser]The upcoming audio tech will give users full control over the volume of dialogue in content. [/teaser] At CES last week, DTS showed off demos of its new DTS:X codec. Among the features highlighted, the company showed off the audio technology's Dialogue Control feature. Much like Dolby's Atmos codec, DTS:X uses object-based mixing which allows each sound to be mixed as an individual element in the overall track. This lifts away previous limitations related to channel-based mixing, creating a truly immersive soundscape that can be scaled to a variety of speaker setups, including ones with overheard sound. In addition, DTS has also revealed a special Dialogue Control feature. Since speech exists as its own separate audio object on DTS:X tracks, customers now have the option to completely isolate dialogue, allowing users to adjust the volume of speech without changing the levels for other sound effects. DTS:X is scheduled to launch in March. More details will be announced at that time, but several manufacturers including Anthem, Denon, Integra, Krell, Marantz, McIntosh, Onkyo, Outlaw Audio, Pioneer, Steinway Lyngdorf, Theta Digital, Trinnov Audio, and Yamaha have already signed on to release products that support the codec. Source: Engadget, DTSPosted Wed Jan 14, 2015 at 03:30 PM PST by: -
Google Set to Test Project Ara Modular Smartphones in Puerto Rico[teaser]The new technology will allow customers to mix and match smartphone components. [/teaser] Google has announced plans to launch a market pilot for its Project Ara smartphones. The test will run in Puerto Rico later this year. Project Ara lets consumers create their own custom smartphones using interchangeable parts. Instead of purchasing a pre-built handset with fixed specs, customers can buy an Ara smartphone frame and individual modular components for the screen, camera, speakers, processor and other hardware. This allows users to completely customize their phones with parts from different manufacturers. Likewise, it makes future upgrades a breeze as buyers can simply swap out individual parts for new hardware later on. The device is currently still in development, but Google hopes that its upcoming prototype, dubbed the Spiral 3, will be able to rival a high-end traditional smartphone while offering support for 20-30 modules. An exact date for the company's Puerto Rico market pilot has not been announced. The test run will help Google prepare for a full global Project Ara launch in the future. Sources: CNET, Engadget, Project AraPosted Wed Jan 14, 2015 at 12:30 PM PST by:
