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Bose Expands SoundTouch Lineup[teaser]The company has announced several new products in its colleciton of Wi-Fi music systems. [/teaser] Bose has detailed the latest additions to its SoundTouch audio lineup, offering a total of ten new Wi-Fi streaming music systems. The expanded collection includes the second generation SoundTouch 20 Series, SoundTouch 30 Series II, and SoundTouch Portable Series II. "SoundTouch Wi-Fi systems are made for everyone," said Santiago Carvajal, category business manager for Bose Home Music Systems. "Wi-Fi music systems shouldn’t be intimidating or complicated. They should be so easy to use and so intuitive that you can’t imagine listening to your music any other way. This has always been the idea behind Bose SoundTouch systems, and now they’ve just gotten better." The SoundTouch 20 Series II, SoundTouch 30 Series II, and SoundTouch Portable Series II are all one-piece Wi-Fi speakers that provide wireless room-filling audio. The Portable model also uses a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. Meanwhile, the company's Lifestyle Series III and new CineMate line of home theater systems and soundbars now feature SoundTouch support as well. Finally, the SoundTouch Stereo JC Series II is also available, adding a standalone stereo system to the mix. Each SoundTouch model offers access to 20,000 Internet radio stations, personal playlists from your media library, and several music services, including new support for Deezer, Spotify and iHeartRadio. In addition, customers can use the updated SoundTouch app on their mobile devices to manage their systems. All of the new SoundTouch models are available now. The SoundTouch 30 is on sale for a suggested retail price of $699, and the SoundTouch 20 and the SoundTouch Portable are both listed at $399. The Lifestyle home entertainment systems start at $2,599 and the CineMate home theater systems start at $1,099. Finally the SoundTouch Stereo JC Series II Wi-Fi music system is listed at $1,199. Source: BosePosted Mon Oct 6, 2014 at 03:00 PM PDT by: -
Redbox Instant Streaming Set to Shut Down[teaser]Redbox has decided to terminate its online video streaming service. [/teaser] Verizon and Redbox has announced plans to end their Redbox Instant program. The movie streaming service launched back in March of 2013 but has failed to garner a substantial number of subscribers. Redbox Instant allowed users to stream SD and HD versions of movies from studios like Sony, Universal, Paramount, and Lionsgate. The app was available on iOS and Android devices, as well as several media players and gaming consoles like the Playstation 4 and the Roku 3. In addition to a lack of users, the service also recently suffered from a credit card fraud scheme that forced the company to suspend the admittance of new subscribers for several months. The streaming service will officially close on October 7. Current users can still stream content and use their Redbox Kiosk credits until 11:59pm PST on that day. Details about any potential refunds will be emailed to customers by October 10. Source: Redbox via EngadgetPosted Mon Oct 6, 2014 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
HDD Gear Deal Spotlight: HDTVs[teaser]For a limited time, Amazon is offering up to 30 percent off select 1080p displays! [/teaser] As part of the online retailer's ongoing electronics sales and promotions, Amazon is running limited time deals on select Samsung and Seiki HDTVs. Samsung UN75H7150 75-Inch 1080p TV - Currently $3,498 (30 percent off). Samsung UN50H5203 50-Inch 1080p TV - Currently $648 (28 percent off). Seiki SE50FE02 50-Inch 1080p TV - Currently $430 (14 percent off). Seiki SE40FH03 40-Inch 1080p TV - Currently $380 (18 percent off). 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 3, 2014 at 04:30 PM PDT by: -
Viacom Out-of-Home Viewing Coming to Verizon[teaser]Verizon FiOS customers will soon be able to stream Viacom programming in and out of the home. [/teaser] Viacom and Verizon have announced the renewal of their carriage agreement. The new deal also includes the addition of out-of-home streaming support for live and on-demand playback of Viacom network content for FiOS subscribers. "People want to watch TV anywhere, not just in their living rooms. Disruption in the TV marketplace is happening and Verizon wants to reach agreements with content providers like Viacom that reflect that reality and give people what they want," said Ben Grad, Executive Director, Content Strategy & Acquisition, Verizon. "We are thrilled to extend our long-term distribution partnership with Viacom Media Networks, delivering some of the most recognizable and popular kids, music and entertainment programming available to our customers anytime, anywhere on a variety of platforms from TV to wireless." Under the agreement, Verizon FiOS will carry 25 Viacom networks, including MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, BET, VH1, Spike, TV Land and CMT. Likewise, customers will have full access to live and on-demand content from Viacom stations through the FiOS mobile app -- both in the home and on the go. Subscribers will also be able to watch VOD content on multiple platforms through various Viacom TV Everywhere websites and apps. "Verizon FiOS continues to be among the most innovative and consumer-focused video services on the market," said Samantha Cooper, Senior Vice President, Content Distribution, Viacom Media Networks. "We're glad to have reached an agreement with Verizon that covers the full spectrum of viewing options for their customers across platforms, including wireless, and extends our long-standing and productive partnership." Verizon FiOS live out-of-home streaming for all of Viacom's channels is expected to launch early next year. Source: VerizonPosted Fri Oct 3, 2014 at 02:30 PM PDT by: -
Three More Dolby Atmos Blu-rays Announced![teaser]The next three titles to feature Dolby's latest audio technology have been revealed. [/teaser] Dolby and Paramount have announced that the upcoming November 4 release of 'Hercules' and the December 16 release of 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles' will both include Dolby Atmos mixes. Likewise, Lionsgate has announced that the November 4 release of 'Step Up All In' will also feature an Atmos track. All three movies will join 'Transformers: Age of Extinction,' which became the first Dolby Atmos Blu-ray to hit stores when it was released earlier this week. For full impressions of the Atmos soundtrack, check out Michael Palmer's detailed review. In addition, Dolby has released a new behind-the-scenes video with Greg P. Russell, the re-recording mixer for the film, discussing the implementation and benefits of Atmos. Check it out below! Dolby Atmos is a home theater technology that uses object-based mixing to expand audio design beyond the traditional limitations of channel-based systems, and incorporates the inclusion of overhead sound. For more information, check out High-Def Digest's Dolby Atmos Home Theater Guide, and for impressions on Atmos gear, check out Michael Palmer's Hands On with Pioneer's Dolby Atmos Speakers and AVR. Order the 3D Blu-ray Order the 3D Blu-ray Order the Blu-ray Order the 3D Blu-rayPosted Fri Oct 3, 2014 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
DirecTV & NFL Renew Sunday Ticket Rights[teaser]The satellite company has extended and expanded its NFL Sunday Ticket agreement. [/teaser] DirecTV and the NFL have announced a new multi-year deal that will allow DirecTV to continue holding the exclusive rights to the NFL's Sunday Ticket package while also gaining expanded rights to stream live games on broadband connections and mobile devices. While specifics on the agreement have not been disclosed, reports from sports business analyst Darren Rovell, indicate that the deal is good for eight years and is estimated to be worth around $1.5 billion annually. "We are pleased to continue our partnership with DIRECTV," said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. "DIRECTV and NFL SUNDAY TICKET have served our fans well for 20 years and continue to complement our broadcast television packages. We also appreciate DIRECTV's commitment to NFL Network, which it has carried since the channel launched in 2003." Under this new deal, DirecTV will continue to offer its Sunday Ticket package, giving customers access to all out-of-market Sunday afternoon football games in high definition. Subscribers who opt for the NFL Sunday Ticket Max package will also receive streaming support to watch games on mobile devices, a game mix channel to watch up to eight games simultaneously on one screen, the Red Zone channel, the DirecTV Fantasy Zone channel, and Short Cuts for 30 minute replays of games. In addition to Sunday Ticket, the agreement also renews DirecTV's rights to the NFL Network with TV Everywhere. "This new agreement is a testament to the terrific long-term relationship we have with the NFL and its millions of fans across the country," said Mike White, chairman, president and CEO of DIRECTV. "NFL SUNDAY TICKET has always been the centerpiece of DIRECTV's sports leadership and we're pleased to continue our relationship with the NFL and be a part of the league's future growth and success." Meanwhile, AT&T is still on target to purchase DirecTV. The company previously had a special out clause in its contract that enabled them to terminate the deal if DirecTV failed to retain the rights to NFL Sunday Ticket beyond this season. Source: DirecTV via EngadgetPosted Thu Oct 2, 2014 at 03:30 PM PDT by: -
LG Releases 21:9 Curved-Screen Monitor[teaser]The 34-inch curved-screen UQHD display is now available. [/teaser] LG has officially released the world's first monitor with a curved IPS panel and an ultra-wide 21:9 aspect ratio. The 34UC97 is now available and is geared toward professional and entertainment users. "Many people spend more time in front of computer monitors than they do in front of TVs, and yet the industry hasn't delivered the same level of innovation when it comes to monitors," said Tim Alessi, LG's U.S. head of new product development. "At LG, innovation in display technologies isn't just limited to our cutting-edge TV products, which is why we are expanding our U.S. monitor lineup with our 21:9 Curved UltraWide model." The 34UC97 features a 34-inch IPS LED panel with an Ultra Quad HD resolution of 3440 x 1440. In addition, the display uses a curved screen design and a 21:9 aspect ratio. Likewise, Thunderbolt 2 support is included as well and MAXX AUDIO tech with a 7W stereo speaker system is also integrated. Finally, the monitor offers True Color Finder color calibration software to ensure color accuracy, and LG's 4-Screen Split feature for easier multitasking. LG's 34UC97 is on sale now in various retailers nationwide for a suggested retail price of $1,299. Source: LGPosted Thu Oct 2, 2014 at 01:30 PM PDT by: -
Netflix Nabs Four New Adam Sandler Flicks[teaser]The comedian will star in four exclusive Netflix movies. [/teaser] Netflix has announced a four-picture deal with Adam Sandler. Under the agreement, Happy Madison Productions and Netflix will develop four new films set to star the comedian that will debut exclusively through the streaming service. "People love Adam's films on Netflix and often watch them again and again. His appeal spans across viewers of all ages -- everybody has a favorite movie, everyone has a favorite line -- not just in the US but all over the world," said Netflix Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos. Sandler's films consistently rank high among the most watched movies on Netflix throughout the world, and his theatrical releases have grossed more than $3 billion. "When these fine people came to me with an offer to make four movies for them, I immediately said yes for one reason and one reason only. Netflix rhymes with Wet Chicks," said Sandler. "Let the streaming begin!" Plot details and release dates for the four upcoming films have not been announced yet, but the first movie could premiere in 2015. Netflix will be financing the movies themselves and will be providing similar size budgets to Sandler's Hollywood films. The company also recently announced plans to release a 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon' sequel simultaneously on its streaming service and in select theaters, marking a clear push to expand beyond original TV series into films. 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 Sources: Netflix, New York Times, EngadgetPosted Thu Oct 2, 2014 at 11:30 AM PDT by: -
LG 4K OLED TVs Set for Release[teaser]The Ultra HD OLED displays will go on sale this week. [/teaser] LG has announced that its highly anticipated 4K OLED TVs will make their US retail debut at Video & Audio Center in Santa Monica, CA. The 65-inch and 77-inch displays will go on sale during a special launch event being held at the store on October 2. The 77EG9700 and 65EC9700 feature advanced 3840 x 2160 curved-screen OLED panels that use LG's proprietary Four-Color Pixel WRGB technology. Thanks to the televisions' self-lighting pixels, the displays offers superior black levels and contrast over traditional LCD TVs. Likewise, the sets offer fast response times for smooth motion free of flickering and blurring. In addition, each model includes smart TV support with LG's webOS platform and LG’s multi-channel Ultra Surround sound system developed in conjunction with Harmon Kardon. Video & Audio Center's LG event will kick off at 5:30 pm on October 2 with a worldwide press conference, and will then continue at their Santa Monica Store from 6 - 8:30pm. The 65EC9700 will be available for a suggested retail price of $9,999 and the 77EG9700 will be available for a suggested retail price of $24,999. Both models will expand to more stores later this month. These new Ultra HD OLED displays now join LG's currently available 1080p OLED collection -- including the 55EC930, the 55EA9800, and the 55EA8800. Source: Video & Audio Center, TWICEPosted Wed Oct 1, 2014 at 05:30 PM PDT by: -
Sharp Launches Affordable Big-Screen HDTVs[teaser]The new 1080p displays offer large screen sizes at budget friendly prices. [/teaser] Sharp has officially released its latest collection of HDTVs. The 660 series features value pricing, full HD resolution, and comes in 60-inch and 70-inch models. The 1080p HDTVs use edge-lit LED panels with 4 million : 1 dynamic contrast ratios, AquoMotion 240 Refresh Rates, 0.4 inch ultra-thin bezels, and integrated 20-watt audio systems. Smart TV features and Wi-Fi connectivity are offered as well, providing built-in access to popular apps like Netflix, YouTube, Pandora, Flickr, and Picasa. Finally, each TV offers includes three HDMI inputs. Sharp's LC-60LE660 is now on sale at Amazon for $1,000. Likewise, the LC-70LE660 is on sale for just $1,699. Source: TWICEPosted Wed Oct 1, 2014 at 01:00 PM PDT by:
