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LG to Demo Music Flow Wi-Fi Series at CES 2015[teaser]The wireless audio devices will be on display at the upcoming electronics show. [/teaser] LG has announced its latest Music Flow Wi-Fi series of products. The lineup includes the H4 Portable battery-powered Wi-Fi speaker, the HS7 and HS9 advanced soundbars, and the BP550 Streaming 3D Blu-ray Player. "The flexibility and quality of the LG Music Flow Wi-Fi Series delivers a listening experience that goes beyond what conventional audio systems have been able to offer until now," said Byung-hoon Min, senior vice president and head of the CAV division at the LG Home Entertainment Company. "With Wi-Fi capability and high-fidelity audio output, our Music Flow Wi-Fi Series is the epitome of what a smart audio system should be capable of in the 21st century." Each device is designed for use with Android and iOS products, and each model can be used alone or connected with one another through Advanced Wireless Network and Dual Band Wi-Fi (2.4/5GHz) technology. For instance, users can wirelessly connect two H4 Portable speakers to an LG Wi-Fi Sound Bar as rear left and right channels along with LG’s BP550 Streaming 3D Blu-ray Player to create a surround sound system. In addition, users can stream music from their home libraries and services like Spotify, Deezer, Napster, and TuneIn. LG's Music Flow Wi-Fi series will be on display at the company's booth in Las Vegas at CES from January 6-9. Pricing and availability have not been announced yet. Source: LGPosted Tue Dec 23, 2014 at 05:00 PM PST by: -
Samsung Details SE790C 34-Inch 21:9 Curved-Screen Ultra-WQHD Monitor[teaser]The new display features a wide aspect ratio and immersive design. [/teaser] Samsung has revealed its latest monitor. The SE790C is said to be the company's most advanced curved-screen monitor and is geared toward delivering an enveloping and comfortable viewing experience. "All curves are not created equal. Samsung's SE790C offers an industry-leading and award-winning curvature for a truly immersive, comfortable and differentiating viewing experience," said Seoggi Kim, Senior Vice President, Visual Display Business, Samsung Electronics. "Combined with superior picture quality, productivity and entertainment-enhancing technology features, and design sophistication, our latest curved monitor delivers on our brand promise to push the limits of what display solutions and innovative technology can deliver." The SE790C uses a 34-inch 21:9 LCD panel with an Ultra-WQHD resolution of 3,440 by 1,440, a 3,000:1 contrast ratio, 300 cd/m2 typical brightness, and a 178 degree viewing angle. In addition, the screen features a curved-design with a 3,000mm curvature radius. According to Samsung, this sets the display apart from traditional flat-screen and competing curved-screen models, and allows the monitor to create a distortion-free viewing experience that creates less eye strain. To back up these claims, the SE790C has been certified by TÜV Rheinland, who evaluated the display's color presentation, color uniformity, viewing angle, and curved space and flicker-free operation. Pricing and availability for the SE790C have not been announced yet. Source: SamsungPosted Tue Dec 23, 2014 at 11:30 AM PST by: -
HDD Gear Deal Spotlight: Samsung & Sony 4K & HDTVs Up to 36 Percent Off![teaser]For a limited time, Amazon is offering significant discounts on select TVs! [/teaser] As part of the online retailer's holiday electronic sales and promotions, Amazon is running limited time deals on 1080p and 4K TVs from Sony and Samsung. Sony XBR65X850B 65-Inch 4K Ultra HD TV - Currently $2,598 (35 percent off retail price). Samsung UN55HU6950 55-Inch 4K Ultra HD TV - Currently $1,298 (35 percent off retail price). Samsung UN55H8000 Curved 55-Inch 1080p TV - Currently $1,598 (36 percent off retail price). Samsung UN60H7150 60-Inch 1080p TV - Currently $1,498 (32 percent off retail price). 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 Dec 22, 2014 at 05:00 PM PST by: -
FXNOW Comes to Roku Channel Store, Offers All 26 Seasons of 'The Simpsons'[teaser]The streaming app is now available on Roku devices. [/teaser] Roku has announced the arrival of FXNOW to the Roku Channel Store in the US. The service allows authenticated users to stream various FX shows and movies, including every episode of 'The Simpsons.' FXNOW now lets Roku owners with a supported pay-TV subscription access a growing collection of on-demand streaming content from FX, FXX, and FXM. The library of films and TV series includes popular program like 'Sons of Anarchy,' 'American Horror Story,' 'The League,' 'Justified,' 'Archer' and 'It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.' New episodes of original shows are available to stream the day after they air. In addition, FXNOW also includes streaming support for every season of 'The Simpsons.' Finally, FXNOW has also been integrated into the Roku Search function which will now feature FXNOW content in results. The FXNOW channel is now available on current generation Roku players and TVs in the US, including the Roku 3. Supported TV providers include: AT&T U-verse, Bright House Networks, Cable ONE, Charter, Comcast XFINITY, Cox, DirecTV, Midcontinent Communications, Optimum, Suddenlink, WOW!, and Time Warner Cable. Source: RokuPosted Mon Dec 22, 2014 at 02:30 PM PST by: -
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Vizio Updates Picture Quality Controls and Adds 4K Apps for P-Series Ultra HD TVs, including Amazon Instant Video[teaser]The company's affordable P-Series will now feature more robust picture setting options and 4K content apps. [/teaser] Vizio has announced an upcoming upgrade for its recently released P-Series Ultra HD TVs. The update offers three new 4K streaming services and more advanced picture quality adjustment controls. "Whether our consumers are streaming HD content on the 2014 E- and M-Series Smart TVs, or looking to enjoy 4K Ultra HD titles on their new P-Series, we are dedicated to delivering the best entertainment options available," said Matt McRae, Chief Technology Officer, VIZIO. "Picture quality is also a fundamental pillar in VIZIO's beautifully simple experience. Committed to delivering a great picture for our consumers, we are continuously taking steps towards advanced performance to achieve a stunning, more accurate on-screen image in the home." 4K streaming apps for Amazon Instant Video, UltraFlix, and Toon Goggles are now rolling out to Vizio P-Series Ultra HD TVs. The three streaming services join Netflix, which already supports 4K content on the Vizio displays. Meanwhile, the P-Series also now features advanced local dimming performance, motion control support, and a new sharpness control that allows adjustments for both Ultra HD and HD content. This latter addition will hopefully let users correct issues involving edge enhancement and other artifacts that some reviewers noted when the TVs were first released. An exact release date for the new 4K apps has not been announced, but the services should start arriving on P-Series displays soon. For our eyes-on impressions of the company's latest Ultra HD lineup, click here. The full P-Series collection includes the 50" P502ui-B1 ($999), the 55" P552ui-B2 ($1,348), the 60" P602ui-B3 ($1,648), the 65" P652ui-B2 ($2,199), and the flagship 70" P702ui-B3 ($2,499). Source: VizioPosted Mon Dec 22, 2014 at 11:00 AM PST by: -
HDD Gear Deal Spotlight: Roku Stick, Soundbars, and Blu-ray Players Up to 47 Percent Off![teaser]For a limited time, Amazon is offering significant discounts on select gear products! [/teaser] As part of the online retailer's holiday electronic sales and promotions, Amazon is running limited time deals on a Roku Streaming Stick and Sony and Samsung Blu-ray Players and soundbars. Roku 3500R HDMI Streaming Stick - Currently $40 (20 percent off retail price). Sony BDPS5200 3D Blu-ray Disc Player with Wi-Fi - Currently $75 (47 percent off retail price). Samsung BD-H5900 3D Blu-Ray Disc Player - Currently $84 (35 percent off retail price). Sony HT-CT770 2.1 Sound Bar with Wireless Subwoofer - Currently $328 (27 percent off retail price). Samsung HW-H550 2.1 Wireless Audio Soundbar - Currently $298 (26 percent off retail price). 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 Dec 19, 2014 at 07:00 PM PST by: -
Marantz Details Flagship A/V Preamplifier with Dolby Atmos & Optional Auro-3D Support[teaser]The upcoming audio component offers robust surround sound support. [/teaser] Marantz has revealed its latest A/V preamp. The upcoming AV8802 includes integrated Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Dolby Atmos decoding. The 11.2 channel preamplifier supports Dolby TrueHD, DTS HD Master Audio, and 5.1.2, 5.1.4, 7.1.2, and 7.1.4 Dolby Atmos configurations. HDMI 2.0 connections are included as well along with 4K pass-through and 1080p to 4K upscaling. Likewise, HDCP 2.2 copy protection will also be available through a future hardware upgrade. An optional upgrade for Auro-3D 10.1 support can be purchased as well. Finally, the preamp features HDAM tech, 32-bit/192kHz DA-Converters, and 13.2-channel XLR and RCA preouts. Marantz's AV8802 will be available in February for a suggested retail price of $3,999. Sources: TWICE, Big Picture Big SoundPosted Fri Dec 19, 2014 at 01:30 PM PST by: -
Hulu Adds More Content from FX & MGM, including 'The Strain,' 'Fargo,' & 'Vikings'[teaser]The streaming service is partnering with FX and MGM to provide more titles to its users. [/teaser] Hulu has announced a new landmark multi-year deal with FX that will bring many of the network's programs to Hulu viewers. Likewise, the company has also revealed an expansion of its partnership with MGM, offering even more content from the studio. As part of the new FX deal, Hulu is now the "subscription video on-demand home to the largest selection of FX Networks content available through tablets, smartphones, gaming platforms and other internet-connected devices." Exclusive titles featured in the agreement include 'Tyrant,' 'The Strain,' 'Married' and 'You’re the Worst.' The entire first season of each series will be available to stream before their second seasons premiere in 2015. In addition, new episodes will be available after they air. Hulu will also gain the exclusive streaming rights to many upcoming FX shows, including 'Man Seeking Woman,' 'The Comedians,' 'Sex&Drugs&Rock&Roll,' 'Taboo,' and 'Baskets.' Finally, the company has nabbed the exclusive streaming rights to M. Night Shyamalan's new FOX series 'Wayward Pines' as well. Meanwhile, Hulu has also expanded its deal with MGM to include new content. As part of the agreement, Hulu is now the exclusive streaming home for the Emmy Award winning series 'Fargo.' The entire first season will be available for subscribers to stream before the second season premieres in 2015. In addition, more new and classic MGM produced programming like 'Vikings,' the 'Stargate' series, 'Dead Like Me,' and 'The Pink Panther Cartoons' are being added to Hulu as well. A Hulu Plus subscription costs $7.99 per month and is available on a variety of smart TV platforms and media players, including the Amazon Fire TV, Roku 3, Apple TV and Chromecast. The company also recently made similar streaming partnerships with Discovery Communications and Disney-ABC. Source: Hulu BlogPosted Fri Dec 19, 2014 at 10:30 AM PST by: -
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LG to Reveal New WebOS 2.0 Smart TV Platform with Expanded 4K Support at CES 2015[teaser]The company will show off its latest webOS system at the upcoming electronics show. [/teaser] LG has announced plans to demo their new webOS 2.0 smart TV platform at CES 2015. The updated software offers enhanced features, better performance, and expanded content options. "With the newest features introduced in webOS 2.0, the overall user experience has become even simpler, easier and more intuitive," said In-kyu Lee, senior vice president and head of the TV and monitor division at the LG Electronics Home Entertainment Company. "The webOS platform is a great example of our commitment to taking a leadership role in the next generation TV market with a truly innovative Smart TV solution." WebOS 2.0 offers improved performance, with a boot time reduction of up to 60 percent and better load times. For instance, switching from the Smart TV Home Screen to the YouTube app is now up to 70 percent quicker. In addition, the new software includes a My Channels feature that allows users to customize their preferred live TV channels or set-top box channels on the Launcher Bar for easier access. Likewise, there's a Quick Settings option for changing settings without interrupting content, and an Input Picker feature that instantly recognizes connected devices. Finally, LG has also made deals to include more Ultra HD content, including support for Netflix and Amazon Instant Video 4K streaming. LG's new line of webOS 2.0 smart TVs will be on display at the company's booth at CES in Las Vegas from January 6-9. Source: LGPosted Thu Dec 18, 2014 at 02:30 PM PST by: -
Netflix Won't Provide Offline Viewing While Amazon Reaffirms Download Support[teaser]The two streaming services have revealed opposing views on offline viewing support. [/teaser] According to a report from TechRadar, Netflix has no plans to ever support an offline viewing option. Meanwhile, Amazon has reiterated its commitment to providing an offline viewing feature for its Prime Instant Video platform. In an interview with TechRadar, Cliff Edwards, Netflix's director of corporate communications and technology, revealed that the company sees offline viewing as a "short term fix for a bigger problem." The problem in question involves Wi-Fi speeds and availability, and Edwards believes that both will improve greatly in the next few years, making an offline viewing feature irrelevant. With that in mind, Netflix has no intention to ever offer such an option. On the other hand, Amazon has announced a completely different strategy. Rather than waiting for Wi-Fi quality to improve, the company has reaffirmed its commitment to providing Prime Instant Video customers with an offline viewing option. In a statement released to the press, Michael Paull, Amazon Digital Video's Vice President said, "We want our customers to be able to watch their digital videos on all devices, anywhere they are—that's why Prime Instant Video is the only U.S. video subscription service that enables offline viewing—on a plane, in a car, anywhere you want to go. Offline viewing is already available on Fire tablets and we'll continue to roll out this functionality to other devices in the future." 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. A monthly Netflix subscription currently starts at $7.99 for SD streaming, $8.99 for HD streaming, and $11.99 for Ultra HD streaming. Both services are available on a variety of smart TVs and media players, including the Fire TV, Fire TV Stick, and Roku 3. Sources: TechRadar, AmazonPosted Thu Dec 18, 2014 at 11:00 AM PST by:
