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Comcast Launches Xfinity in Ultra HD App for Samsung 4K TVs, Includes 'Chicago Fire' and 'Parks and Recreation'[teaser]The cable provider now offers a 4K on-demand streaming service for owners of Samsung Ultra HD TVs. [/teaser] Comcast has announced the launch of its Ultra HD on-demand programming app that allows viewers to stream select content in 4K resolution. Currently, the app is only available on 2014 Samsung Ultra HD TVs. "Our top priority is providing our customers with the best entertainment experiences, so we are excited to give them the opportunity to be among the first to enjoy current seasons of some of the most popular TV shows in pristine Ultra High-Definition," said Matt Strauss, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Video Services for Comcast Cable. "Next year, we will not only debut the full Xfinity in UHD catalog across our Xfinity TV Go platforms for all customers to enjoy, but we will begin distributing a new X1 set-top box that will deliver 4K content." The Xfinity in UHD app offers a growing collection of on-demand 4K programming, including several full current seasons of shows on NBC and USA like 'Chicago Fire,' 'Suits,' and 'Covert Affairs.' Likewise, NBC's 'Parks and Recreation' will also be available in February. To access the content, Xfinity customers with 2014 Samsung 4K TVs simply need to download the Xfinity in UHD app from the SMART Hub and then type in their Xfinity login information. Comcast plans to expand its 4K selection with more programs from multiple studios and channels. The Xfinity in UHD app is free for Xfinity customers who have a subscription that supports the participating networks. Xfinity in UHD now joins a growing list of 4K content options for Samsung Ultra HD TVs, including Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, DirecTV, and M-GO. Source: ComcastPosted Thu Dec 18, 2014 at 09:00 AM PST by: -
HDD Gear Deal Spotlight: Up to 45 Percent Off Windows 8 Tablets![teaser]For a limited time, Amazon is offering significant discounts on select tablets! [/teaser] As part of the online retailer's holiday electronic sales and promotions, Amazon is running limited time deals on Windows 8 tablets from Dell, Toshiba, HP, and Hipstreet. Dell Venue 8 Pro 3000 Series 16GB Windows Tablet - Currently $124 (45 percent off retail price). Hipstreet 8-Inch Windows Tablet with Office 365 and Keyboard Case - Currently $100 (41 percent off retail price). Hipstreet 10-Inch 32 GB Tablet with MS Office and Keyboard Case - Currently $240 (27 percent off retail price). Toshiba Encore 2 WT8-B32CN 8.0-Inch 32 GB Tablet - Currently $134 (33 percent off retail price). HP Stream 8 32GB Windows 8.1 4G-Enabled Tablet - Currently $150 (17 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 Wed Dec 17, 2014 at 05:00 PM PST by: -
Hulu Teams up with Disney-ABC to Stream 'Resurrection,' 'Devious Maids,' 'Mistresses' & More[teaser]The streaming service and broadcast network have signed a licensing agreement for several shows. [/teaser] Hulu has announced a new partnership with the Disney-ABC Television Group. As part of the deal, Hulu will now become the exclusive subscription video on-demand home to all episodes of 'Resurrection' and 'Mistresses,' along with previous episodes of Lifetime’s 'Devious Maids.' Hulu subscribers can now stream every episode of ABC's 'Resurrection.' Likewise, users can stream every first season episode of 'Devious Maids' and 'Mistresses.' Second season episodes for 'Devious Maids' and 'Mistresses' will be available next year before their season three premieres in the summer of 2015. In addition, new episodes of 'Mistresses' will be available to stream the day after they air on ABC. Finally, the deal also adds over 750 library episodes from ABC Studios and ABC Family, including full seasons for shows like 'Melissa & Joey,' 'Alias,' 'Army Wives,' 'Body of Proof,' 'Twisted,' 'Make It or Break It,' and Marvel animated series like 'Spider-Man,' 'X-Men' and 'Iron Man: Armored Adventures.' 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 a similar partnership with Discovery Communications. Source: HuluPosted Wed Dec 17, 2014 at 02:30 PM PST by: -
Netflix Arrives on Dish Hopper DVRs, Marking First Major Pay-TV Integration[teaser]Dish is now the first major US pay-TV provider to integrate Netflix into their set-top box. [/teaser] Dish has announced a new deal with Netflix that will bring the streaming service to the satellite provider's DVRs. The Netflix app is now available on the second generation Hopper Whole-Home HD DVRs. "Pairing Netflix with Hopper represents the consolidation of two incredible video experiences," said Vivek Khemka, DISH senior vice president of product management. "This app integration eliminates the need to switch television inputs to access content on varying devices. It gives our customers easy access to their favorite shows and movies, on both DISH and Netflix, without ever having to leave their Hopper." With the Netflix app and a Netflix subscription, Dish customers can now stream a growing collection of movies and TV shows, including many popular Netflix original series like 'House of Cards' and 'Orange is the New Black.' Users simply need to press the blue button on their Hopper remote and then select the Netflix icon. Likewise they can also choose the Netflix icon from the Hopper main menu. The Netflix app for Dish uses the same interface found on most other platforms and devices. "As the first major pay-TV provider in the U.S. to add the Netflix app to its set-top box, DISH strengthens an already robust video entertainment experience for its customers," said Bill Holmes, global head of business development at Netflix. "Many households subscribe to both Netflix and a traditional pay-TV service. Our vast library of TV shows and movies, combined with DISH's lineup of live television content, gives customers easy access to a wide variety of complementary programming." The Netflix app is now accessible on broadband-connected second-generation Hopper set-top boxes. In addition, Dish is planning to expand Netflix support to Joey, Super Joey and Wireless Joey owners in the coming months. Finally, the company also hopes to eventually integrate Netflix titles into the DVR's search function. 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 also available on a variety of smart TVs and media players, including the Fire TV, Fire TV Stick, Roku 3, Apple TV and Chromecast. Source: DishPosted Wed Dec 17, 2014 at 09:00 AM PST by: -
Comcast Customers Can Now Stream HBO GO & Showtime Anytime on Roku Devices[teaser]Roku owners with Comcast and an HBO or Showtime subscription can finally access the networks' streaming apps. [/teaser] Roku and Comcast have announced an agreement that allows Roku users with Comcast Xfinity to use the Showtime Anytime and HBO GO channels. Previously, Comcast was not part of the supported TV providers required to authenticate either app. Comcast customers with a Roku device and an HBO or Showtime subscription can now download the HBO GO and Showtime Anytime channels from the Roku Channel Store. After the channel is installed, users can then activate the device by selecting their TV provider and entering their corresponding user ID and password. Once authenticated, viewers will be given access to a growing collection of streaming HBO and Showtime movies, series, and specials, including 'Game of Thrones,' 'True Detective,' 'Homeland,' and 'Shameless.' Comcast now joins previously supported HBO and Showtime providers on the Roku like ATT U-verse, Bright House Networks, Charter, Cox, DirecTV, Time Warner Cable, Verizon FiOS, and more. The Roku 3 is currently on sale for $85. Source: RokuPosted Tue Dec 16, 2014 at 03:00 PM PST by: -
NBC Launches Live Streaming for Pay-TV Customers[teaser]The broadcast network now allows authenticated customers to watch live TV streams on their computers and laptops. [/teaser] NBC has announced the launch of a live stream of their programming. Eligible users can now view live streams of the channel through the company's website. The NBC live stream is currently available in ten select metro areas across the country and the network is working to expand coverage to more cities and local stations. In order to access the stream, customers need to authenticate their pay-TV subscription with a supported cable or satellite company. Likewise, users also need to be physically in the supported market in order to watch the stream. In addition, live streaming and on-demand content is also now available for all ten NBC-owned networks, including USA, Bravo, and Syfy. NBC's live streaming platform now joins a growing number of supplemental and stand-alone online TV watching services. The company is expected to extend streaming support to mobile devices in early 2015. Customers in a supported market with an authenticated provider can head to NBC.com/live now to enjoy live streaming content. Source: CNETPosted Tue Dec 16, 2014 at 01:00 PM PST by: -
LG to Show off New 4K Ultra HD TV with Quantum Dot Technology at CES 2015[teaser]The company will reveal a new display that uses quantum dots at the upcoming electronics show. [/teaser] LG has announced that it will be demoing a brand new 4K TV at CES in Las Vegas this January. Unlike traditional LCD panels, this new display will integrate quantum dot technology, providing a wider color palette and improved saturation. "Quantum dot's vibrant and vivid color reproduction capabilities brings LG's LCD TVs to the next level when it comes to picture quality," said In-kyu Lee, senior vice president and head of the TV and monitor division at the LG Electronics Home Entertainment Company. "The addition of ULTRA HD TV with quantum dot technology to our TV lineup positioned under our award-winning OLED TVs further establishes LG as a leading provider of the most diverse and innovative TV display technologies in the industry." Quantum dots work by using nano crystals that emit different colors 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 better colors. Coupled with LG's IPS LCD panel tech, the quantum dots increase the TV's color reproduction rate by more than 30 percent compared to traditional LCD displays. LG's Ultra HD TVs with quantum dot technology will be on display at the company's booth at CES in Las Vegas from January 6-9. The new TVs are scheduled to start shipping sometime in 2015. Meanwhile, rival electronics manufacturer, Samsung, is also expected to show off quantum dot TVs at CES. Source: LGPosted Tue Dec 16, 2014 at 11:00 AM PST by: -
Amazon Fire TV on Sale Now for $79 with HBO GO Support[teaser]HBO GO is now available on Amazon's streaming box along with a special holiday discount. [/teaser] Amazon has announced the addition of HBO GO to its lineup of apps for the Fire TV. In addition, the company is also offering a $20 discount on the set-top box. "Since launch we've increased the number of services available on Amazon Fire TV by more than 4x," said Peter Larsen, Vice President Amazon Devices. "We’re thrilled to add HBO GO, the most requested service, to Fire TV in time for the holidays. HBO has produced some of the most groundbreaking and award-winning TV shows and movies, and we are excited to bring this amazing content to our customers, all of which is accessible via voice search on your Fire TV remote." HBO GO allows users to stream a growing collection of popular movies and TV shows, including every episode of new and classic HBO series, HBO original films, miniseries, sports, documentaries, and specials. Customers will need an HBO subscription through a participating cable or satellite affiliate to authenticate the app. In addition to streaming support, the entire HBO GO catalog has also been integrated into the Fire TV's Voice Search feature. "Given our longstanding relationship with Amazon, we're delighted to bring HBO GO to Amazon's Fire TV—offering our vast collection of award-winning TV series and movies to Fire TV users," said Jeff Dallesandro, Vice President, Digital Domestic Network Distribution, HBO. "We’re thrilled to add this platform to the suite of HBO GO viewing options, offering our subscribers compelling new experiences like Amazon's unified voice search." The Amazon Fire TV is currently on sale for $79 through December 28, giving customers a $20 discount just in time for the holidays. Meanwhile, HBO GO will also be available on Amazon's Fire TV Stick this spring. Source: AmazonPosted Mon Dec 15, 2014 at 05:00 PM PST by: -
Hulu Offers Free Holiday Streaming for Android Users, including Current Episodes of Modern Family, South Park & More![teaser]The streaming service is providing select content for free to Android users in the US. [/teaser] As part of a special holiday promotion, Hulu is now offering a selection of popular programming for free on Android mobile devices. Using the mobile app, viewers can watch current episodes for several shows the day after they air for free. The assortment of free streaming programs includes current season episodes of 'Brooklyn Nine-Nine,' 'Modern Family,' 'Sleepy Hollow,' 'South Park,' and many more. Likewise, the app also offers Kids show like 'SpongeBob SquarePants,' 'Pokémon,' and 'Caillou.' Mobile Android users in the US can now enjoy the free content through the Hulu app. The promotion is currently an Android exclusive and does not extend to iOS users. For access to Hulu's entire library of content, mobile users can also opt to sign up for Hulu Plus. The premium service 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. Source: Google Play via EngadgetPosted Mon Dec 15, 2014 at 02:30 PM PST by: -
'Forza Horizon 2 Storm Island' Expansion DLC Out Tomorrow[teaser]New area, new vehicles, new weather, and new modes.[/teaser] 'Forza Horizon 2' is out now,(check out the review here), and the game is the stand-out racer of the year. Tomorrow, a new DLC expansion pack, 'Storm Island' will be released. Though it does includes six new vehicles, this is much more than a car pack. Not only is there a new, extreme off-roading section, but there are also new game modes, including Rampage Mode. The DLC is built around a new Gauntlet event that combines all of the new, extreme aspects such as a tropical storm. The DLC has been developed by Playground Games and is priced at $19.99 (VIP members can get the expansion for $9.99) By the looks of it, this expansion is for the Xbox One only. Here are the new vehicles included in the DLC: - 1985 MG Metro 6R4 Group B - 1992 Mitsubishi Galant VR4 - Mini All4 Racing X-Raid - 2013 Robby Gordon #7 Speed Energy Drink Stadium Super Truck - Ford Ranger trophy truck - 1976 Ford Fiesta There is a new barn find as well, which ought to have a very desirable car in it. Order from Amazon Source: IGNPosted Mon Dec 15, 2014 at 11:21 AM PST by: