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Panasonic Revives Technics Audio Brand for North America with New Speakers, Amplifiers & Players[teaser]The Hi-Fi audio line will return to the US market. [/teaser] Panasonic has announced the return of its Technics audio collection. The brand will be relaunched with two new product lines: the Technics R1 Reference-Class System and the Technics C700 Premium-Class System. "We grow up repeatedly discovering and being moved by new types of music. However as we get older we get distracted by all the things going on in our lives and perhaps misplace the pure love of music," said Michiko Ogawa, head of the new Technics division. "Through the new Technics products we are striving to offer listeners the feeling of rediscovering music by helping them to have such uniquely emotionally-engaging experiences – ones that we seem to have lost." The Technics Reference Class R1 Series includes a Stereo Power Amplifier (SE-R1), Network Audio Control Player (SU-R1), and a Speaker System (SB-R1). Meanwhile, the Technics Premium Class C700 Series consists of a Stereo Integrated Amplifier (SU-C700), Network Audio Player (ST-C700), Compact Disc Player (SL-C700), and Speaker System (SB-C700). Pricing has not been detailed yet, but the first wave of new Technics products will be released in North America in March. Source: Panasonic, TechnicsPosted Tue Jan 6, 2015 at 12:30 PM PST by: -
TiVo Adds OnePass Multi-Source Binge-Watching Feature[teaser]The new feature makes binge watching your favorite shows a whole lot easier. [/teaser] TiVo has announced the introduction of OnePass. OnePass is an all access solution that allows users to gather every available episode of a TV series from multiple sources. "As we continue to see exponential growth in binge watching and the nearly ubiquitous presence of OTT video subscription services alongside traditional cable, TiVo continues to fulfill our mission to deliver the best entertainment experience for viewers," said Jim Denney, Vice President of Product Marketing at TiVo. "With OnePass, we can shorten the time to get users to the content to which they subscribe much easier than needing to search individual services. OnePass is a significant step in our continued efforts to simplify and organize the exploding amount of great content available today -- a solution we know becomes even more important as individual TV shows, movies and videos are spread throughout an increasing number of entertainment services." OnePass lets customers sort available episodes of selected shows by season, and in addition to sourcing your DVR recordings, the feature also takes content from your on-demand library or streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Instant Video and Hulu Plus. OnePass will start arriving on TiVo Roamio and TiVo Mini devices in February. Likewise, the feature will also be available on the TiVo app for iOS in February and for Android in March. TiVo will be demonstrating OnePass at its CES booth in Las Vegas this week. In addition, the company is also highlighting its massive TiVo Mega DVR and the new Roamio OTA. Source: TiVo 1, TiVo 2Posted Tue Jan 6, 2015 at 11:20 AM PST by: -
Sony Debuts New Ultra-Thin BRAVIA 4K Ultra HD TVs[teaser]The company has unveiled its latest display line at CES. [/teaser] Sony has announced its 2015 Ultra HD TV lineup. The new BRAVIA displays include the XBR-X830C, XBR-X850C, XBR-X900C, XBR-X910C, XBR-X930C, and XBR-X940C. "With content being sourced from broadcast, Blu-ray™, DVD's or even low-resolution internet videos, we designed these televisions to upscale to 4K resolution so that consumers can get the highest level viewing experience possible," said Toshifumi Okuda, Sony Electronics Deputy President. "Sony's reputation for developing the best picture quality continues with these new products that provide consumers with greater access to what they want to watch, play and hear." All of the upcoming Ultra HD TVs feature a resolution of 3,840 x 2,160 and use Sony's new 4K Processor X1 for enhanced picture quality. Likewise, each set offers support for Google's Android smart TV OS. In addition, the XBR-X850C, XBR-X900C, XBR-X910C, XBR-X930C, and XBR-X940C also include TRILUMINOS tech for expanded colors. Finally, the XBR-X900C, XBR-X910C, XBR-X930C, and XBR-X940C flagship 4K TVs feature Sony’s thinnest LED design ever, with a thickness of just 4.9mm. On the 4K content front, the displays will include support for Video Unlimited 4K, Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, Ultraflix and Toon Goggles. Pricing has not been detailed yet, but Sony's new BRAVIA 4K Ultra HD TV lineup is expected to start shipping in spring 2015. Sizes will range from 43-inches to 75-inches. Source: SonyPosted Tue Jan 6, 2015 at 10:30 AM PST by: -
Panasonic Develops Prototype 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Player with High Dynamic Range Support[teaser]A prototype Ultra HD Blu-ray player will be on display at the company's booth during CES. [/teaser] Panasonic has revealed the world's first prototype for a next generation Ultra HD Blu-ray player. The prototype player offers 4K playback with High Dynamic Range. In addition to being capable of 4K (3,840 x 2,160 pixel)/60p/10-bit video, the device also supports High Dynamic Range allowing for content with a brightness peak of 1,000-10,000 nit, as opposed to the previous 100 nit3. Likewise, the player offers a wide color gamut standard BT.2020, and uses high-efficiency video compression technology HEVC (H.265) for Blu-ray Disc playback at a high bit rate of 100Mbps. Panasonic's Ultra HD Blu-ray player will be on display at CES from January 6-9. For now, however, the player remains a prototype as the BDA has yet to finalize the spec for 4K Blu-rays. There's no word on when the company plans to release a finalized Ultra HD Blu-ray player, but earlier reports indicate that commercial 4K Blu-ray players will become available by the end of 2015. Source: PanasonicPosted Mon Jan 5, 2015 at 06:45 PM PST by: -
Samsung Introduces SUHD 4K Displays with Nano-Crystal Technology[teaser]Ultra HD not enough for you? Check out Samsung's new SUHD TVs. [/teaser] During the company's CES 2015 press conference, Samsung revealed its latest innovation in 4K TV technology. Dubbed SUHD, the new models feature proprietary Samsung display technology that promises superior picture quality. "Our innovative heritage and spirit continue to push the boundaries of the home entertainment experience to new possibilities," said HS Kim, president of the visual display business at Samsung Electronics. "Regardless of the content source, Samsung provides the leading picture in the industry and will continue to do so with our SUHD TVs. Consumers can trust that we are more committed than ever to consistently deliver a superior home entertainment experience for years to come." The SUHD TVs will be available in three display models: the JS9500, JS9000 and JS8500. All three series are powered by the Tizen smart TV platform. Likewise, the curved-screen displays feature Samsung's special SUHD re-mastering picture quality engine and use the company's proprietary nano-crystal technology. The SUHD re-mastering picture quality engine analyzes the brightness of images in order to minimize power while still offering ultimate contrast level, allowing for dark blacks with up to 2.5 times higher brightness than conventional TVs. Meanwhile, the nano-crystal technology offers 64 times more color expression than traditional TVs through the use of nano-crystal semiconductors which transmit different colors of light depending on their size. Samsung's SUHD TVs will be available in sizes ranging from 48-inches to 88-inches. Pricing and availability have not been detailed yet. Source: SamsungPosted Mon Jan 5, 2015 at 02:30 PM PST by: -
Panasonic Readies 2015 4K Ultra HD TV Lineup[teaser]The company is prepping four new Ultra HD display lines. [/teaser] During its CES 2015 press conference, Panasonic unveiled its latest 4K TV lineup. The collection includes the CX850, CX800, CX650, and CX600. Each display line offers a resolution of 3840 x 2160. The CX850, CX800, and CX650 include Panasonic's Life+Screen Smart TV platform powered by Firefox OS, and a Voice Assistant feature which enables customers to change channels and search for content by speaking into the TV’s Touch Pad Remote or TV Remote App on their Smartphone. In addition, the flagship CX850 includes Voice Assistant Pro which allows commands to be spoken directly to the TV instead of a remote, Local Dimming Pro, and a color rendering range of up to DCI 98% Color Space. The CX850 will be available in 55-inch and 65-inch models; the CX800 will be available in 55-inch, 60-inch, and 65-inch models; the CX650 will be available in 55-inch, 60-inch, and 65-inch models; and the CX600 will be available in a 50-inch model. Pricing and release dates will be announced in the near future. Source: PanasonicPosted Mon Jan 5, 2015 at 02:00 PM PST by: -
DISH Set to Launch Sling TV Live Over-The-Top Television Service for $20 Per Month[teaser]The upcoming online TV service offers support for several popular channels and devices. [/teaser] Dish has announced the arrival of Sling TV. The internet over-the-top TV service features live channel playback and on-demand video content. "Sling TV provides a viable alternative for live television to the millennial audience," said Joseph P. Clayton, DISH president and CEO. "This service gives millions of consumers a new consideration for pay-TV; Sling TV fills a void for an underserved audience" Sling TV is expected to be supported on Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Google’s Nexus Player, select LG Smart TVs, Roku players, Roku TV models, select Samsung Smart TVs, Xbox One, iOS, Android, Mac, PC, and more. The "Best of Live TV" core package is priced at $20 per month and includes ESPN, ESPN2, TNT, TBS, Food Network, HGTV, Travel Channel, Adult Swim, Cartoon Network, Disney Channel, ABC Family and CNN. In addition, the package also offers select on-demand content and unique media from Maker Studios. Customers can also opt to expand their lineup with two add-on packs for an additional $5 each per month. The "Kids Extra" pack includes Disney Junior, Disney XD, Boomerang, Baby TV and Duck TV. The "News & Info Extra” pack features HLN, Cooking Channel, DIY and Bloomberg TV. "Consumers can now watch their favorite shows on their favorite devices that they already use to watch video. Live television, including ESPN, for $20 per month with no commitment or contract, is a game changer," said Roger Lynch, CEO of Sling TV. "The arrival of Sling TV lets consumers, who've embraced services like Netflix and Hulu, take more control of their video entertainment experience." Sling TV will be available in the first quarter of 2015. The company plans to expand its packages and content throughout the year. Source: DISHPosted Mon Jan 5, 2015 at 11:30 AM PST by: -
Sharp Unveils Upcoming 4K and "Beyond 4K" Ultra HD TV Lineup[teaser]The new Beyond 4K model offers 66 million subpixels. [/teaser] At its CES 2015 press conference, Sharp has revealed its latest collection of 4K displays. Among the new sets is a model that simulates an 8K resolution. The new 4K TVs will be available in three lines: the UB30, UE30, and UH30 series. The UB30 series will be available in sizes ranging from 43-inches to 65-inches. The UE30 line comes in sizes ranging from 60-inches to 80-inches and features the SmartCentral platform with Android TV, LED dimming, and a 480Hz refresh rate. Finally, the premium UH30 series comes in 70-inch and 80-inch models and offers a color-enhancing backlight and a higher 960Hz refresh rate. In addition, the company's Beyond 4K 80-inch model uses proprietary pixel-splitting and Quattron technologies to create 66 million subpixels. That's 42 million more subpixels than a traditional 4K set and 167 percent greater resolution, simulating a 7,680 x 4,320 picture. Sharp's new 4K and Beyond 4K TVs will start shipping this Spring with prices ranging from $750 to $6,000. Source: Engadget, SharpPosted Mon Jan 5, 2015 at 11:00 AM PST by: -
Dolby & Warner Bros. Announce First 4K Dolby Vision Titles, including 'The Lego Movie' and 'Edge of Tomorrow'[teaser]The companies will be releasing several films mastered in Dolby Vision early this year. [/teaser] Warner Bros. and Dolby have announced a partnership to bring select titles to over-the-top media platforms in 4K Dolby Vision. Dolby Vision is a new imaging technology that results in improved brightness, contrast, and color. "The future of imaging and television is full of amazing possibilities, and we're eager to expand our partnership with Dolby to deliver a steady pipeline of Dolby Vision titles, starting with Edge of Tomorrow, Into the Storm, and The Lego Movie, to consumers in 2015," said Jim Wuthrich, President, Americas, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment. "By leveraging Dolby Vision to unlock artistic intent in a completely new way, we are able to provide home audiences around the world with dramatically enhanced picture quality that fully engages their senses and brings Warner Bros. movies to life in their living room." The titles have been remastered in Dolby Vision using the FilmLight Baselight system. No longer restrained to previous color grading standards, these new masters allow for the use of full color gamuts, peak highlights, brightness, and contrast when displayed on a Dolby Vision capable TV. For more details about the benefits of the technology, check out Dolby's blog post. "Dolby is thrilled to offer a technology that enables consumers to enjoy the filmmaker's creative intent via an expanded color palette, enhanced dynamic range, and dramatically increased contrast ratio. This lets viewers experience greater detail and more lifelike images than ever before," said Curt Behlmer, Senior Vice President, Content Solutions and Industry Relations, Dolby Laboratories. "Now with Dolby Vision enabled displays, TV manufacturers can offer consumers who purchase Warner Bros. movies in Dolby Vision a dramatically improved visual experience that engages their senses, regardless of screen size or viewing distance." Exact over-the-top streaming platforms that will carry the 4K Dolby Vision titles have not been announced yet. Source: DolbyPosted Mon Jan 5, 2015 at 10:00 AM PST by: -
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LG Details New 4K OLED Ultra HD TVs, including a Flexible Model[teaser]The company has revealed several new OLED TV models for CES 2015. [/teaser] LG has announced seven new 4K OLED displays at CES 2015. The lineup includes flat, curved, and even flexible models that can transition between the two modes. "LG is driving innovation by making this superb TV technology available to more consumers," said In-kyu Lee, senior vice president and head of the TV and monitor division at the LG Electronics Home Entertainment Company. "LG believes this is where the future of television is headed and we're going to continue developing and expanding our OLED offerings until it becomes a viable option for all consumers." The new OLED TVs include 55-inch, 65-inch, and 77-inch models. Each TV uses LG' proprietary WRGB technology that adds a white sub pixel. Likewise, the sets offer wide viewing angles, deep black levels, a maximum response time of 0.001ms, and the company's True Color technology for regulating color stability. Finally, the OLED TVs also feature Harman/Kardon sound, LG's Art Slim design, and the new webOS 2.0 smart TV platform. Pricing and availability for LG's new 4K OLED models have not been revealed yet, but the TVs will be on display at CES this week. Source: LGPosted Mon Jan 5, 2015 at 09:00 AM PST by:
