-
Walmart & VUDU Introduce InstaWatch Digital Copies[teaser]The new service automatically gives Walmart customers digital copies of the films they buy. [/teaser] VUDU and Walmart have announced the launch of InstaWatch. The new feature allows customers to scan their Walmart receipts to receive digital copies of eligible Blu-rays and DVDs on VUDU for no extra charge. To use the service, customers simply need to download the Walmart Savings Catcher app for Android and iOS devices and create a Walmart.com account. Then, users can simply scan their receipts after purchasing eligible movies at a Walmart store, and the digital copies will automatically be available to play through VUDU on their smartphones, tablets, computers, gaming consoles, or streaming players. Likewise, customers who purchase eligible discs from Walmart.com will automatically receive a confirmation email telling them that their VUDU digital copy is ready. The service currently supports about 800 titles available for purchase in-store, and about 1,100 titles available for purchase online, including many popular films from major studios like DreamWorks, Fox, Lionsgate, Paramount, Sony, Universal and Warner. For now, Disney has yet to sign on for the feature. InstaWatch is now available for all Walmart customers. VUDU is available on a variety of mobile devices, smart TVs, Blu-ray players, video game consoles, and streaming boxes -- including the Roku 3 and Chromecast. Sources: VUDU, VUDU Blog, USA TodayPosted Mon Oct 20, 2014 at 10:30 AM PDT by: -
HDD Gear Deal Spotlight: TVs & Receivers[teaser]For a limited time, Amazon is offering up to 50 percent off select gear items! [/teaser] As part of the online retailer's ongoing sales and promotions, Amazon is offering big discounts on receivers from Yamaha and Onkyo, and displays from Sony, Samsung, and Seiki. Sony XBR65X850B 65-Inch 4K TV - Currently $2,798 (30 percent off its retail price). Samsung UN46H5203 46-Inch 1080p TV - Currently $575 (23 percent off its retail price). Seiki SE55GY19 55-Inch 1080p TV - Currently $550 (39 percent off its retail price). Yamaha RX-V477 5.1-Channel AV Receiver - Currently $300 (33 percent off its retail price). Onkyo TX-NR525 5.2-Channel AV Receiver - Currently $249 (50 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 17, 2014 at 06:30 PM PDT by: -
Rdio Music Service Upgrades Streaming Quality[teaser]The music streaming service now offers high-quality AAC audio tracks. [/teaser] Rdio has announced an upgrade for its entire music streaming library. The company's global catalog of over 30 million songs has been converted into high-quality AAC audio. Before the upgrade, music tracks were offered in the MP3 format at a default streaming rate of 96kbps. Now, the company allows all customers to choose between 64kbps, 96kbps, and 192kbps options in the AAC format. In addition, those who subscribe to the Rdio Unlimited service can stream music at an even higher 320kbps rate. Likewise, users can select different audio settings to suit different uses, including Wi-Fi or cellular streaming, or offline listening. Finally, Rdio also announced a new partnership with Grateful Dead band member Bob Weir to support the Musicians for Audio Quality Initiative. As part of their collaboration, Rdio is releasing an exclusive collection of music tracks by Weir recorded at the Tamalpais Research Institute. AAC streaming is now available to all Rdio users. The ad-supported music service is free, but customers can also opt for a Rdio Unlimited subscription that offers ad-free stations and the addition of albums and playlists for $9.99 per month. The platform is compatible with Android and iOS, as well as Roku, Sonos, and Chromecast devices. Sources: Rdio, CNETPosted Fri Oct 17, 2014 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
Top Five Luxury Technology Show Demos[teaser]This week The Luxury Technology Show took over the Petersen Auto Museum in Beverly Hills (adjacent) California. A gathering of high-end products, there was a little something for everyone -- audiophile headphones, outdoor speakers and TVs, drone camera systems, watches, massage chairs, cigar humidors, you name it. [/teaser] Hell, BMW North America even trotted out its brand new carbon fiber hybrid, the i8 (a rolling work of art). Since this is High-Def Digest, I focused on audio and video. Here, in no particular order, are my five favorite A/V product demos (plus two insanely expensive headphones). The Panasonic TC-65AX900U 4K Ultra HDTV Panasonic was on hand to demo their AX850 and AX900 series 4K Ultra HD displays even though they're still a bit mum on release dates and final pricing. These 4K displays will be THX certified, capable of 4K @ 60p, produce Full HD 1080p 3D to each eye, and come with the now-expected suite of apps and Internet streaming services. The 85-inch AX850 was getting all the looks. It's absolutely huge and the 4K footage (H.264 MPEG-4 AVC on a USB drive) looked mighty impressive, but with the edge-lit LED, the black levels weren't perfect, especially in contrasty situations like white titles on a black background (small quibbles). Then I got talking to Panasonic about the smaller, TC-65AX900U. The Luxury Technology Show was this display's North American debut. Not to mince words, but the Full Array LED AX900 is simply gorgeous (Full Array LEDs are kinda like earlier gen LCDs in that they are backlit, but by LED instead of CCFL). The 4K demo material -- a collection of European locations -- was rich with detail and the dynamic range was similar to my Dolby Vision demo from earlier in the year. Initial pricing should be somewhere in the $7500-$8500 range (not official), but as those numbers drop, this model will aim to rival the discontinued VT & ZT series plasmas. Yeah, Panasonic says the black levels on this are that good, but unlike the plasma, this TV is bright enough to watch during the day. From what I saw, over the course of five minutes, I'm definitely going to keep an eye on this series as prices drop over the next couple years. For better or worse, this is Panasonic's future. SunBriteTV SunBriteTV manufactures all-weather 1080p displays for those who have outdoor living spaces like pools or patios or barbecue pits. Sourcing most of their LED panels from LG, these sets are the opposite of the Panasonics above. No 4K. No Wi-Fi. No frills, really. Just a solid HDTV housed inside a waterproof casing built to survive outside in all the heat, rain, and winter you can throw at them for around five years. SunBrite offers two lines, the Signature Series and the Pro Series. The Signature is more affordable and can handle everything save for constant, direct sunlight. If your display lacks any source of cover or shade, you need to get the Pro Series. I didn't get to demo the TV with any of my own HD sources at the LTS, so I can't speak to things like color accuracy or black levels, but these TVs are really bright and the screens are designed to reduce glare. My only question was, wait, it's all good to waterproof your TV, but how does it get a signal AND stay water proof? There is a wireless transmitter you can get, but if you have to hard wire, there's a metal door on the back (pictured above) allowing for all sorts of inputs -- HDMI, USB, coax, RCA, even S-Video -- with a thick rubber gasket. You simply run your wire through the gasket, and seal it up. Fugoo Go Anywhere Speakers Here's a fun little Bluetooth speaker for those on the go. Fugoo is similar product to the Beats Pill, but is mud proof, shock proof, snow proof, and water proof. CEO Gary Elsasser was keen to prove this by dropping the Fugoo on the ground as well as dunking it in a small water tank. With a 40 hour rechargeable battery and 360-degree sound (meaning the music sounds the same from all sides), the Fugoo is available in three different "skins" -- Style and Sport models are $199, while the Tough model sells for $229. Apparently with the Tough you can drive right over the speaker and it'll survive. Fugoo has also designed accessories to mount this little Bluetooth speaker to bikes and tripods and kayaks for whatever outdoor activity you've got planned. It was a little loud to hear exactly how good these sounded, but it's definitely a fun product worth checking out. And affordable too! SoundCast Portable All Weather Speakers SoundCast has been around for a while now, but this was my first time experiencing their products. They make "weather resistant" 21st century boom boxes (my word, not theirs) so you can take CD quality sound out to the pool, backyard, on the family boat, or even on vacation. They each have mini-stereo inputs, or you can pick up an optional Wireless Universal Audio Transmitter, iCast wireless transmitter / charging station for iPhones, or the Bluecast Bluetooth receiver. You can even daisy-chain a pair together to get in-sync music up to 300 feet way. As for the speakers themselves... The OutCast is the granddaddy. At $899, you get a 20-hour battery, 360-degree sound, a backlit keypad, an 8-inch woofer, and 100W of power. It is, quite honestly, a Bose Wave Radio killer. You know how I couldn't quite hear the Fugoo demo? Blame the OutCast for producing volume and bass sans distortion. Sounds good! The OutCast Junior, at $599, is more affordable and more portable. It has a smaller 6-inch woofer, and only a 15-hour battery. Last, but not least, the $399 Melody is the newest SoundCast speaker and the first one to include built-in Bluetooth so, unlike the OutCast and OutCast Junior, you don't have to buy any accessories to stream music wirelessly. Simply pair an audio device, and you'll get CD quality audio for up to 20 hours. However, given its size, the Melody doesn't have nearly as much bass as its bigger brothers. Mo-Fi Headphones You might have heard of professional Blue Microphones before, but the Mo-Fi is the company's first audiophile-grade headphone. They don't use any digital signal processing -- they're 100% analog -- but they do have their internal amplifiers connected directly to the driver in each ear, and cost around $350. Power comes from a rechargeable battery good for 12-14 hours of music playback in one of three settings modes. "Off" leaves the Mo-Fi in passive mode, allowing your iPhone or receiver or amp to do all the work. Flip the switch to "On" and now the Mo-Fi's internal amp comes to life in an as neutral a setting as possible. "On+" is for bass lovers, engaging "the amp’s analog low-frequency enhancement circuit to deliver incredibly deep and smooth bass." Listening to Nirvana's In Bloom, the Mo-Fi headphones were detailed accurate and capable of going very loud without any sense of distortion. I enjoyed my quick demo very much. Out of My League Bonus: Ultrasone Headphones On my way out the door, I stopped for one more headphone demo. Despite the fact that Ultrasone headphones sound absolutely amazing, there's no way I'm ever going to drop almost two thousand dollars (let alone a full five) on a pair. That said, if you have this kinda cash lying around gathering dust, give it to me (zing!). If that's not an option, pick up a pair of Ultrasone Editon 8 Romeo headphones. Why? Ultrasone has this patented technology called "S-Logic" Natural Surround Sound. Like the Mo-Fi, there is no digital trickery here. Where conventional headphones place drivers directly over, on, or in ears, the S-logic system (it looks kinda like a mounting bracket for a miniature car speaker) "decentralizes" the driver position, putting it behind the ear and allowing the sound to "reflect off the surface of the outer ear directions before entering the ear canal." The result is an incredibly wide and enveloping soundstage, a feeling of listening to high-end studio monitors in a recording studio. Dolby Headphone or DTS Headphone:X digital processing technologies can reproduce this to a degree, but not really. I've never quite heard stereo music like this before -- I just wish the listening environment had been a little quieter. CD-quality sound off 'The Dark Knight Rises' soundtrack was pretty good, but when I switched to 24-bit/44.1K FLAC files of Bon Jovi's I'm With You and Led Zeppelin's Misty Mountain Hop, I was just blown away. I also heard Ultrasone's flagship Edition 5 headphones. They cost upwards of $5,000, sound pretty great too, and are nicely appointed with luxury materials. But they certainly aren't $3,200 better than the Edition 8s. Then again, I'm not in the market for either set. I'll show my self back to the other side of the railroad tracks.Posted Fri Oct 17, 2014 at 09:30 AM PDT by: -
New iMac Features 5K Display[teaser]4K not enough for you? Well, don't worry, Apple's got you covered. The latest iMac boasts a 27-inch Retina screen with 5K resolution. [/teaser] Apple has fully detailed its newest iMac. The premium all-in-one computer is the most powerful model yet, and the company claims it features the "world’s highest resolution display." "Thirty years after the first Mac changed the world, the new iMac with Retina 5K display running OS X Yosemite is the most insanely great Mac we have ever made," said Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. "With a breathtaking 14.7 million pixel display, faster CPU and graphics, Fusion Drive, and Thunderbolt 2, it’s the most beautiful and powerful iMac ever." The new iMac features a 27-inch 5K Retina display with a resolution of 5120 x 2880 and a whopping total pixel count of 14.7 million. In addition, the screen uses an oxide TFT-based panel and a supercharged Apple-designed timing controller to drive the pixels and deliver vivid brightness. Likewise, the display also uses a special photo alignment process and a compensation film for deep blacks and superior contrast. Finally, each screen comes calibrated using three state-of-the-art spectroradiometers. Under the hood, the new iMac includes options for a 3.5 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 processor with Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.9 GHz, and a 4 GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 processor with Turbo Boost speeds up to 4.4 GHz. The base model includes AMD Radeon R9 M290X graphics, 8GB of RAM, and a 1TB Fusion Drive, but customers can opt for AMD Radeon R9 M295X graphics, up to 32GB of RAM, and up to a 3TB Fusion Drive or 1TB of PCIe-based flash storage. The Apple iMac with Retina 5K display is now available for purchase with prices starting at $2,499. Source: ApplePosted Thu Oct 16, 2014 at 04:30 PM PDT by: -
Apple Unveils iPad Air 2 & iPad Mini 3[teaser]The latest model is the company's thinnest and most powerful yet. [/teaser] Apple has detailed its newest iPad devices. The iPad Air 2 is a 9.7-inch tablet that measures just 6.1 mm thin and weighs under a pound. Meanwhile, the iPad mini 3 is a 7.9-inch tablet. Both feature Retina displays, run iOS 8.1, and include a Touch ID feature allowing customers to unlock the device and make purchases with their finger. "iPad is a magical piece of glass that runs more than 675,000 apps specifically designed for it, and is thin and light enough that you can comfortably hold it all day; the new iPad Air 2 is packed with amazing new innovations, weighs less than a pound, and at just 6.1 mm is the thinnest tablet in the world," said Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. "iPad Air 2 has a new Retina display with anti-reflective coating, second generation 64-bit A8X chip, all-new iSight and FaceTime HD cameras, faster Wi-Fi and LTE wireless, and includes the revolutionary Touch ID fingerprint identity sensor." The iPad Air 2 features a 9.7-inch LED IPS display with a resolution of 2048x1536 and 264ppi. Under the hood, the device is powered by an A8X chip with 64‑bit architecture and an M8 motion coprocessor. An 8MP iSight camera and a 1.2MP FaceTime camera are integrated as well. The tablet is rated for up to 10 hours of battery life. 16GB, 64GB, and 128GB models will be available in gold, silver and space gray. The iPad mini 3 features a 7.9-inch LED IPS display with a resolution of 2048x1536 and 326ppi. Under the hood, the device is powered by an A7 chip with 64‑bit architecture and an M7 motion coprocessor. A 5MP iSight camera and a 1.2MP FaceTime camera are integrated as well. The tablet is rated for up to 10 hours of battery life. 16GB, 64GB, and 128GB models will be available in gold, silver and space gray. Apple's iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3 will be available to pre-order on October 17. The iPad Air 2 starts out at $499 for the base model, while the iPad mini 3 starts out at $399 for the base model. Source: ApplePosted Thu Oct 16, 2014 at 02:00 PM PDT by: -
CBS Offers Stand-Alone Streaming Service[teaser]The broadcast network is launching its own online subscription TV service. [/teaser] CBS has announced the launch of CBS All Access, a new way to watch and stream CBS programming separate from a traditional cable or satellite package. The stand-alone digital subscription service costs $5.99 per month, giving users live and on-demand access to CBS shows and content. CBS All Access offers next-day streaming for new episodes of 15 popular shows and a library of 6,500 on-demand episodes, including content from current programs like 'The Good Wife' and 'NCIS,' and classic series like 'The Andy Griffith Show' and 'I Love Lucy.' Likewise, customers will be able to watch live local CBS broadcasts through the service in 14 select markets. Live content and contemporary shows will include commercials, but the classic programming will be presented without ads. Unfortunately, some sporting events, including NFL games, will not be part of the service. Customers can sign up for CBS All Access now, and new users will receive a one-week free trial. The service will roll out to several major digital platforms and devices in the coming months. Meanwhile, HBO recently announced a similar stand-alone streaming service, but full details are still forthcoming. Sources: CBS, CNETPosted Thu Oct 16, 2014 at 09:00 AM PDT by: -
Google Details Nexus 6 & Nexus 9[teaser]The new Nexus smartphone and tablet will run Android 5.0. [/teaser] Google has unveiled two more products in its Nexus line of gadgets. The Nexus 6 is a 6-inch smartphone developed in conjunction with Motorola, and the Nexus 9 is an 8.9-inch tablet developed with HTC. Both devices will be powered by Google's new Android 5.0 "Lollipop" OS. The Nexus 6 smartphone features a 6-inch 2560x1440 QHD AMOLED display with 493ppi and a 16:9 aspect ratio. Under the hood, the phone uses a Qualcomm SnapdragonM 805 Quad Core CPU at 2.7 GHz, an Adreno 420 GPU, and a 3220mAh battery. A 13MP rear camera (with 4K video capture at 30fps) and a 2MP front camera are integrated as well. In addition, the smartphone includes dual front-facing stereo speakers and a Turbo Charger for up to 6 hours of use from just 15 minutes of charging. 32GB and 64GB storage options will be available. The Nexus 9 tablet features an 8.9-inch IPS LCD QXGA 2048x1536 display with a 4:3 aspect ratio. Under the hood, the device uses a 64-bit NVIDIA Tegra K1 Dual Denver CPU at 2.3GHz, a 192-core Kepler GPU, 2GB of RAM, and a 6700 mAh battery. An 8MP rear camera and a 1.6MP front camera are included as well. In addition, the tablet offers integrated front-facing HTC BoomSound speakers, and a separate magnetic keyboard option. 16GB and 32GB models will be available. Google's Nexus 6 is scheduled to hit stores in November, and pre-orders will start later this month at $649 without a contract for the base model. Meanwhile, the Nexus 9 will start shipping to stores on November 3, and pre-orders begin on October 17 starting at $399 for the base model. In addition to the new smartphone and tablet, Google also recently announced a $99 streaming set-top box called the Nexus Player. Source: GooglePosted Wed Oct 15, 2014 at 05:00 PM PDT by: -
'Friends' Heads to Netflix[teaser]The popular sitcom will make its subscription streaming debut next year. [/teaser] Netflix and Warner Bros. have announced a deal that will bring all ten seasons and 236 episodes of 'Friends' to the streaming platform. This will mark the first time that the entire series is available for online streaming on a subscription service. 'Friends' ran for ten seasons on NBC from 1994-2004. The hit comedy stars Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, and David Schwimmer as six friends navigating life in New York City. Along with the announcement, Netflix also released a promotional music video featuring the show's iconic (and incessantly hummable) theme song being performed by The Rembrandts. The video was filmed on location at Central Perk Pop Up in NYC on Oct. 6. Check it out below! 'Friends' will premiere on Netflix on January 1, 2015. The series will be available to stream in the US and Canada. A monthly Netflix subscription currently starts at $7.99. The service is available on a variety of smart TVs and streaming media players, including the Fire TV, Roku 3, Apple TV and Chromecast. Meanwhile, there's no word yet on streaming rights for the show's short-lived spinoff, 'Joey,' but then again, I don't think anyone was asking... Source: NetflixPosted Wed Oct 15, 2014 at 03:00 PM PDT by: -
Google Reveals Nexus Player[teaser]The upcoming set-top box offers streaming media, apps, and gaming capabilities. [/teaser] Google and ASUS have announced the release of the Nexus Player. The compact entertainment player uses the Android TV interface and will provide streaming and casting features. The Nexus Player is powered by a 1.8GHz Quad Core Intel Atom CPU and an Imagination PowerVR Series 6 Graphics 2D/3D Engine, along with 1GB of RAM and 8GB of storage. The sleek disc shaped device measures just 120mm x 120mm x 20mm, and features an HDMI out (1920x1080@60Hz), Micro-USB 2.0 port, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. A voice-activated remote control is also included, enabling a convenient voice search option. Google Play access along with support for several apps is integrated as well, providing popular services like Netflix, Crackle, Vevo, Hulu Plus, YouTube, Pandora, and more. In addition, similar to the company's Chromecast dongle, customers can also use the Nexus Player to cast apps to their TVs from mobile devices and PCs. Finally, a separate Gamepad ($39) can be purchased for Android gaming. Google's Nexus Player will be available on November 3 for a suggested retail price of $99, and pre-orders will be begin on October 17. Meanwhile, the company's Chromecast dongle is currently on sale for $28. Likewise, Amazon's very similar streaming player, the Fire TV, is currently on sale for $84. Sources: Google, EngadgetPosted Wed Oct 15, 2014 at 11:30 AM PDT by:
