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Samsung Has No Plans for OLED TVs in 2015, Will Focus on Ultra HD & Quantum Dot LCD Panels Instead[teaser]The company says it will not release any new OLED display models next year. [/teaser] Samsung has announced that it has no plans to launch any OLED TVs in 2014 or 2015. Instead, the Korean manufacturer will continue to focus on LCD 4K displays, including models that will use quantum dot technology. OLED panels offer several benefits over traditional LCDs, including deeper black levels and superior contrast, but issues related to manufacturing costs and low yield rates are likely the cause for Samsung's decision. With that said, the company did release a single 55-inch 1080p OLED model back in 2013. For now, OLED tech will be primarily used in smaller sizes for smartphones and tablets while Samsung works on a new printing method that will make production of large-screen OLEDs more affordable and reliable. In addition, the manufacturer is expected to demonstrate Quantum Dot LCD models at next year's Consumers Electronics Show which could result in improved brightness, better contrast, a wider gamut of colors, and thinner screens. Meanwhile, LG has reaffirmed its commitment to OLED technology and remains the only major player currently supporting big-screen models. Their lineup includes the 55EC930, the 55EA9800, and the 55EA8800 HDTVs, and two new Ultra HD models. Source: CNETPosted Mon Nov 3, 2014 at 10:30 AM PST by: -
HDD Gear Deal Spotlight: Up to 33 Percent off Yamaha & Denon Receivers, Including Dolby Atmos Model[teaser]For a limited time, Amazon is offering significant discounts on select A/V receivers! [/teaser] As part of the online retailer's ongoing electronic sales and promotions, Amazon is running limited time deals on Yamaha and Denon receivers, including one of Denon's Dolby Atmos capable models. Denon AVR-X4100W 7.2 A/V Receiver with Dolby Atmos - Currently $1,299 (13 percent off its retail price). Yamaha RX-V375 5.1 Channel A/V Receiver - Currently $200 (33 percent off its retail price). Yamaha RX-A1030 7.2-Channel A/V Receiver - Currently $800 (33 percent off its 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 Oct 31, 2014 at 05:00 PM PDT by: -
Roku Expands Streaming Library with Google Play Movies & TV Channel[teaser]Google's collection of movies and TV series is now available to rent and purchase on Roku devices. [/teaser] Roku has announced the addition of Google Play Movies and TV to its streaming channel lineup. The new app is now available to Roku customers in the U.S., U.K., Ireland and Canada. Google Play Movies and TV offers access to an expansive collection of new and classic films and TV shows. Likewise, customers can watch select new releases like '22 Jump Street,' 'Into the Storm' and 'Let's Be Cops' before they arrive on Blu-ray and DVD. As an added bonus, users who sign up for a Google Play account will currently receive a free HD copy of 'X-Men' in the "Gift From Google" section. Finally, the channel also features special Info Cards that provide trivia like actors' names when you hit pause during playback. The Google Play Movies and TV channel is now available on current generation Roku players, including the Roku 3. Support for Roku TV is also coming soon. Source: RokuPosted Fri Oct 31, 2014 at 03:00 PM PDT by: -
Amazon Addresses Fire Phone Missteps, Admits It Was Overpriced[teaser]Initial pricing is likely to blame for the smartphone's sluggish sales. [/teaser] After revealing troubling financial numbers related to its Fire Phone last week, Amazon has begun addressing the possible reasons behind the mobile device's slow start in the market. In an interview with Fortune, the company cites initially high pricing as its main problem. Speaking to Fortune, Amazon Senior Vice President of Devices David Limp discussed the company's failed pricing strategy. When the Fire Phone was released back in July, rather than offer a more affordable alternative to the competition, Amazon stuck with the pack and adhered to a standard smartphone price tag of $199 with a two year contract. Limp now believes that this was a clear misstep. With that in mind, prices were adjusted in September, bringing the phone down to just 99 cents with a two year contract. Though exact numbers are not available, Amazon says this has led to significantly better sales. Likewise, the company has also released software updates that have corrected many of the issues users were having with the phone. Though the company admits the Fire Phone has had a bumpy launch, it reiterated its long-term commitment to the device, promising more software updates and improvements in the future. The Fire Phone is currently available for prices ranging from 99 cents to $449 depending on the service agreement. Source: FortunePosted Fri Oct 31, 2014 at 08:30 AM PDT by: -
LG Develops 5.3-inch 1080p LCD Smartphone Screen with Ultra-Thin 0.7mm Bezel[teaser]The upcoming smartphone display features a nearly invisible bezel. [/teaser] LG has revealed a new mobile screen that uses an ultra-thin bezel around its left and right borders. The 0.7mm bezel is said to be the world's most narrow. "With the growing trend for large screen smartphones, customer demand for displays with a narrow bezel is increasing, because it enables users to enjoy the maximum use of screen area without compromising excellent grip and design," said Byeong-koo Kim, Vice President and Head of IT/Mobile Development Group at LG Display. "With this innovative product having many advantages, ranging from its narrow 0.7mm bezel and high resolution picture quality to its slim design and touch-embedded solutions, LG Display will continue to lead the growing market for large screen smartphones, meeting the expectations of customers and users by enhancing the quality of devices," said Mr. Kim. The 5.3-inch 1080p LCD display uses special Neo Edge module processing and Advanced In-Cell Touch (AIT) technology to achieve its unique design. This processing relies on adhesive rather than tape to attach and seal the panel's circuit board and backlight. Likewise, the touch panel is integrated into the LCD module. Together, these technologies end up reducing the necessary bezel width while simultaneously making the panel more durable, dust-proof, and waterproof. LG's new smartphone screen will begin mass production this November, but panels will initially only be used for Chinese smartphones. Sources: Engadget, LGPosted Thu Oct 30, 2014 at 05:00 PM PDT by: -
VUDU App Arrives on TiVo DVRs, Offering Movies, TV Shows, and an UltraViolet Cloud Library[teaser]TiVo customers can now access Walmart's subscription-free video-on-demand service. [/teaser] TiVo has announced the addition of VUDU to its DVRs. VUDU lets customers rent or buy a wide selection of movies and TV shows in up to 1080p video quality and 7.1 digital surround sound. "VUDU gives our customers even more choice and flexibility when it comes to searching for, accessing and enjoying a wide variety of content," said Tara Maitra, Senior Vice President, GM, Content and Media Sales at TiVo. "Now more than ever, TiVo makes it easy to consolidate all of your content into one, comprehensive experience that can then be accessed anywhere anytime from your TV and mobile devices." VUDU features over 100,000 titles, including new blockbusters, classic films, and TV shows from channels like CBS, Comedy Central, HBO, MTV, National Geographic, Nickelodeon and SHOWTIME. TiVo customers with a compatible model can now rent, purchase, and playback media directly through their DVRs. In addition, customers can play any VUDU content bought on their TiVo's on other VUDU supported devices like streaming media players, gaming consoles, and smart TVs. Finally, VUDU on TiVo also lets users access a customized UltraViolet cloud library of digital copies. The VUDU app for TiVo will roll out to the TiVo Roamio, TiVo Roamio Plus, TiVo Roamio Pro, and the TiVo Mini over the next few weeks. VUDO also recently announced a new InstaWatch feature for digital copies and a movie sharing option. Source: TiVoPosted Thu Oct 30, 2014 at 12:30 PM PDT by: -
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Sharp Launches THX 4K Certified AQUOS UD27 Ultra HD LED TVs[teaser]The new 60-inch and 70-inch 4K displays are now shipping. [/teaser] Sharp has announced the release of its latest Ultra HD displays, the UD27 collection. The lineup consists of the 60-inch LC-60UD27U and the 70-inch LC-70UD27U. In addition to the 4K TVs, the company has also launched a new Wireless High Resolution Audio Player. "Sharp's dedication to high resolution technology is evident with the release of the newest AQUOS 4K Ultra TVs and the Sharp Wireless High Resolution Audio Player," said John Herrington, President, Sharp Electronics Marketing Company of America. "Both products provide consumers with the ultimate viewing and listening experiences and illustrate Sharp's commitment to cutting edge technology." The UD27 displays feature a resolution of 3840x2160 and use Sharp's SmartCentral 3.0 Smart TV platform. In addition, the sets offer SPECTROS Rich Color Display technology for a 21 percent wider color gamut over traditional LED TVs, an AquoDimming option for enhanced contrast, and the company's Revelation Upscaler. Likewise, the televisions are THX 4K certified for picture accuracy. HDMI 2.0 connections are integrated as well, and the TVs support the HEVC (H.265) codec for 4K streaming through services like Netflix. Meanwhile, Sharp has also released its D-WH1000U Wireless High Resolution Audio Player. The device is capable of transmitting uncompressed, lossless, high resolution 24bit/96kHz audio wirelessly through the 5.2-5.8 GHz band under the WiSA standard. Support for several audio formats is offered, including FLAC, WAV and DSD. A Blu-ray drive capable of wireless 1080p video and SACD playback is integrated as well. Users can also stream music to the device through an Android and iOS app. Customers can then listen to their audio with any WiSA-compliant speaker system or a traditional audio setup with the help of a separate VR-WR100U Sharp Wireless Bridge. The LC-60UD27U and 70-inch LC-70UD27U are now on sale through Amazon for $2,297 and $2,997 respectively. The D-WH1000U Wireless High Resolution Audio Player ($4,999) and VR-WR100U Sharp Wireless Bridge ($999) are now shipping to retailers as well. Sharp will also be holding special demos for each product on November 6 at Video & Audio Center in Santa Monica, California, and on November 13 at Value Electronics in Scarsdale, New York. Source: SharpPosted Thu Oct 30, 2014 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
HDD Gear Deal Spotlight: Up to 63 Percent off Sharp, Seiki & Samsung 4K & 1080p TVs[teaser]For a limited time, Amazon is offering significant discounts on select HD and Ultra HD displays! [/teaser] As part of the online retailer's ongoing electronic sales and promotions, Amazon is running limited time deals on TVs from Samsung, Sharp, and Seiki, including a retro designed model and two 4K displays. Seiki SE22FR01 22-Inch 1080p 60Hz LED TV (Retro TV) - Currently $150 (63 percent off its retail price). Sharp LC-80UQ17U 80-inch Aquos Q+ 1080p TV - Currently $3,997 (27 percent off its retail price). Samsung UN55HU6950 55-Inch 4K TV - Currently $1,498 (25 percent off its retail price). Samsung UN55HU7250 Curved 55-Inch 4K TV - Currently $1,698 (23 percent off its 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 Oct 29, 2014 at 06:30 PM PDT by: -
Updated Google Play Movies & TV App for Android Offers Second Screen Experience[teaser]The app now gives viewers extra info about their media through their mobile devices. [/teaser] Google has updated its Google Play Movies & TV app for Android devices. Along with a revamped design, the app also includes a new second screen feature. Users who cast select movies and TV shows from their Chromecast or upcoming Nexus Player, will now receive an option for actor or soundtrack info cards. These info cards will then display trivia and details through the customer's mobile device while the main content continues to stream on the TV. Movies and shows that support the feature will sport an Info Cards badge on the Google Play store. In addition to the new second screen experience, Google has also updated the app's design, offering bigger images, smoother transitions, and improved navigation and recommendations. The new Google Play Movies & TV App for Android will become available to all users over the next week. Google's Chromecast is currently on sale for $28.32, and the Nexus Player is currently available for pre-order from the Google Play Store for $99. Source: Android BlogPosted Wed Oct 29, 2014 at 04:00 PM PDT by: -
LG Releases 31MU97 31-Inch Digital Cinema 4K Monitor for $1,399[teaser]The affordable professional-grade monitor is available now. [/teaser] LG has announced the debut of its newest monitor, the 31MU97 Digital Cinema 4K Monitor. The 31-inch display is geared toward digital imaging professionals. "LG may be better known for innovative larger TV screen technology, but we are committed to bringing the same display experience to smaller sizes as well," said David Vanderwaal, head of marketing for LG Electronics USA. "As 4K imaging technology continues to advance and gain traction in the market, photographers, videographers and graphic design professionals will increasingly need equipment that is up to the task of delivering the clearest and most detailed images. With LG's Digital Cinema 4K Monitor, these professionals will be able to create their best work." The 31MU97 is a 31-inch 16:9 display with a resolution of 4096 x 2160, meeting the Digital Cinema Initiative’s standard for 4K. The monitor comes hardware calibration-ready and features an IPS panel with 10-bit color depth and support for over 99.5 percent of the Adobe RGB space. Meanwhile, the company's 34UC97 Curved UltraWide Monitor ($1,299), 34UM95 Flat UltraWide Monitor ($999), and 24GM77 Gaming Monitor ($349) are also available now. LG's Digital Cinema 4K Monitor is now available for purchase from stores like Amazon, Fry’s, Newegg, B&H and Tiger Direct for a suggested retail price of $1,399. In addition, the company's full lineup of monitors is on display this week at the PDN PhotoPlus International Conference + Expo in New York. Source: LGPosted Wed Oct 29, 2014 at 08:00 AM PDT by:
