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VIZIO Releases P-Series Ultra HD TVs[teaser]The high performance, value-priced 4K TVs are now available for purchase. [/teaser] VIZIO has officially launched its latest Ultra HD TV collection. The P-Series lineup combines impressive picture quality with affordable pricing, offering smart TV features and full-array local dimming. "Our P-Series collection offers an outstanding Ultra HD picture and performance," said Matt McRae, Chief Technology Officer, VIZIO. "The shift towards 4K has left consumers demanding new solutions that deliver the right innovations to enhance their viewing experience. The P-Series Ultra HD line-up is benefited by VIZIO’s #1 position in the Smart TV marketplace, equipped with HEVC H.265 codec and 802.11 ac dual-band WiFi for faster streaming and the latest HDCP 2.2 support for playback of protected Ultra HD content. This combination of technologies leaves consumers with the solutions that matter most in an Ultra HD set." The P-Series comes in sizes ranging from 50-inches to 70-inches. Each TV uses an LED LCD panel with a resolution of 3840 X 2160. The displays feature full-array local dimming with up to 72 Active LED Zones, resulting in superior black levels, uniformity, and contrast. In addition, the P-Series offers 4K upscaling through VIZIO's Spatial Scaling Engine, Clear Action Rate 960 for smooth motion, and 4K streaming support for services like Netflix and Amazon Prime Instant Video. VIZIO's P-Series lineup includes the 50" P502ui-B1 ($999.99), the 55" P552ui-B2 ($1,399.99), the 60" P602ui-B3 ($1,699.99), the 65" P652ui-B2 ($2,199.99), and the flagship 70" P702ui-B3 ($2,499.99). Stay tuned to High-Def Digest for full eyes-on impressions of these sets in action! Source: VIZIOPosted Tue Sep 23, 2014 at 06:00 PM PDT by: -
Pioneer Atmos Update Coming This Month[teaser]Select Pioneer receivers will receive a Dolby Atmos firmware upgrade later this month. [/teaser] Pioneer has been promising a Dolby Atmos update for its Elite SC-85, Elite SC-87, and Elite SC-89 receivers for several months, and the company has finally confirmed a launch window. The Atmos firmware upgrade will be downloadable by the end of September to coincide with the release of 'Transformers: Age of Extinction,' the first Blu-ray to support the new audio tech. The Pioneer Elite SC-85 ($1600), SC-87 ($2,000) and SC-89 ($3,000) are all 9.2-channel receivers with HDMI 2.0 connections and 4K pass-through. In addition, each receivers uses Class D3 amplification and includes MCACC Pro calibration. Pioneer is also releasing the Elite SP-EBS73-LR Bookshelf Speakers ($749 for a pair) and Elite SP-EFS73 Floorstanding Speakers ($699 each) which include special upward firing drivers to bounce sound off of the ceiling in order to simulate audio effects from above. 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. The Pioneer Elite SC-85, Pioneer Elite SC-87, and Pioneer Elite SC-89 are available now. Source: PioneerPosted Mon Sep 22, 2014 at 03:30 PM PDT by: -
Samsung Readies 27-Inch Curved Monitor[teaser]The 1080p curved-screen display is geared toward entertainment use. [/teaser] Samsung has detailed its latest monitor, the S27D590C. The 27-inch display features a curved-screen design aimed at delivering a superior viewing experience. "Our new, 27-inch curved monitor takes movie watching and gaming to new heights from the monitor's unique curved screen and comprehensive entertainment features, to the incredible picture quality and the impressive sleek design," said Seoggi Kim, Senior Vice President of Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. "The S27D590C embodies our singular focus to create a truly unforgettable entertainment experience." The S27D590C features a resolution of 1920x1080 with a 16:9 aspect ratio. The VA LCD panel is designed with a curve to enhance immersion in movies and games. In addition, the monitor offers a 3000:1 contrast ratio, 350 cd/m2 brightness, and a 178 degree viewing angle. Finally, 5-watt dual speakers are integrated as well, and the display comes with a game mode option to enhance the picture for gaming applications. Exact US pricing and availability for the Samsung S27D590C have not been announced yet. Source: SamsungPosted Mon Sep 22, 2014 at 01:30 PM PDT by: -
HDD Gear Deal Spotlight: Home Audio up to 81 Percent Off![teaser]For a limited time, Amazon is offering up to 81 percent off select audio gear! [/teaser] As part of the online retailer's ongoing electronics sales and promotions, Amazon is running limited time deals on select gear items from JBL, Harmon Kardon, and Atlantic Technology. JBL CS6100BG 6-Piece Home Theater Speaker System - Currently $223 (81 percent off). Harman Kardon AVR 1510 5.1-Channel Receiver - Currently $280 (22 percent off). JBL CS6100BG Home Theater System with Harman Kardon AVR1510 5.1 Channel Receiver - Currently $500 (above items bundled together). Atlantic Technology H-PAS PowerBar 235 Powered Home Theater Soundbar - Currently $454 (43 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 Sep 19, 2014 at 03:00 PM PDT by: -
Amazon Unveils New Budget Tablets[teaser]The Fire HD line is aimed at delivering powerful performance at an affordable price. [/teaser] Amazon has announced the upcoming release of the Fire HD 6. Likewise, the company's existing Fire HD 7 will be getting a new revision with updated specs. "Fire HD is the most powerful tablet under $100," said Jeff Bezos, Amazon.com Founder and CEO. "The new Fire HD features a stunning HD display, quad-core processor, Dolby Digital Audio, front and rear-facing cameras, incredible reliability, and Amazon's unmatched content ecosystem—all supported by Amazon customer service." The Fire HD 6 features a 6-inch 1280x800 display with 252ppi. Meanwhile, the Fire HD 7 features a 7-inch 1280x800 display with 216ppi. Both models are powered by a Quad-core CPU at up to 1.5 GHz and 1GB of RAM running the new Fire OS 4 "Sangria." A 2MP rear camera and a VGA front camera are included as well. Each model is available in five colors: black, white, cobalt, magenta, and citron, and 8GB or 16GB storage options. Amazon's Fire HD 6 is now available for pre-order starting at just $99. Likewise, the new Fire HD 7 is also available for pre-order starting at $139. Both models are expected to start shipping on October 2. Source: AmazonPosted Fri Sep 19, 2014 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
DTS Play-Fi Ecosystem Expands to More Products[teaser]More brands and products will be integrating the wireless audio technology. [/teaser] DTS has announced new partnerships with MartinLogan, Paradigm and Anthem to integrate DTS Play-Fi technology into their speakers and audio electronics. Play-Fi is an advanced cross-platform wireless audio technology that lets users stream and enjoy music through their Wi-Fi connections. "Music lovers today want to experience their favorite music anywhere in the home with lossless, high-fidelity sound quality," said Zoltan Balla, Brand Manager at Paradigm. "We chose to support DTS' Play-Fi technology because it's the most mature and flexible solution on the market today, enabling the premium audio experience our customers expect from us." Play-Fi gives both customers and manufacturers a great level of freedom when it comes to integrating and using Wi-Fi streaming for music. With Play-Fi audio products users can wirelessly play music from any service using the Play-Fi drivers for Windows and Android. Likewise, consumers can also use Play-Fi apps for Android, iOS, and Kindle Fire to bring "over 20,000 radio stations, podcasts, local music, media servers, and select cloud-based music services" to their Play-Fi enabled speaker systems. Lag-free music can then be streamed to multiple Play-Fi speakers connected in a single zone throughout a house. Similarly, customers can also opt to create multiple zones with their speakers to stream different music to different rooms in their homes. The technology even supports the streaming of high resolution audio and several lossless formats without any reduction in quality. And unlike other proprietary wireless streaming technologies, Play-Fi does not require any special bridges or routers, allowing customers to simply use their existing Wi-Fi setup. "The integration with the MartinLogan, Paradigm and Anthem brands is another step toward building the Play-Fi ecosystem into the largest high-fidelity wireless ecosystem of audio product manufacturers and content service providers on Earth," said Dannie Lau, General Manager, Play-Fi Division, DTS. "Their long-standing history of developing speakers and components that produce an astonishing audio performance are a welcome addition to our roster of integrated products." MartinLogan, Paradigm and Anthem join an increasingly expanding list of Play-Fi partners that already includes companies like McIntosh, Sonus Faber, Wadia, Polk, and Definitive Technology. MartinLogan and Paradigm components with DTS Play-Fi support will start shipping globally in 2015. Source: DTSPosted Thu Sep 18, 2014 at 03:00 PM PDT by: -
Amazon Launches New Fire HDX Tablet with Dolby Atmos[teaser]The upcoming 8.9-inch tablet offers new features, faster performance, and the latest audio technology from Dolby. [/teaser] Amazon has announced the release of the new Fire HDX 8.9 tablet. The upgraded device offers several improvements over its predecessor, including a faster processor and a new OS. "The team has packed an incredible amount of technology and innovation into the new Fire HDX—an exclusive HDX display, a powerful quad-core processor, a 70% faster graphics engine, exceptional audio with Dolby Atmos, and the fastest Wi-Fi—and it’s still startlingly light," said Jeff Bezos, Amazon.com Founder and CEO. "Fire HDX combines best-in-class hardware with exclusive features and services from Fire OS 4 including Firefly, the Mayday button, Family Library, ASAP, and more." The Fire HDX 8.9 features an 8.9-inch HDX display with a resolution of 2560x1600 and 339ppi. In addition, the screen now includes a Dynamic Light Control option which is geared toward making digital book pages look more like real paper under different lighting conditions. Under the hood, the tablet is powered by a 2.5 GHz quad-core processor, 2GB of RAM, and an Adreno 420 GPU running the company's latest Fire OS 4 "Sangria." The updated OS also includes support for several new features like Firefly for printed text and QR code identification, and ASAP for automatic buffering of your favorite media. An 8MP rear camera and a 720p front camera are included as well. Finally, the HDX 8.9 is the first tablet to integrate Dolby Atmos mobile tech, which promises multidimensional sound from above and around with any headphones, clear dialogue, volume maximizing without distortion, and a volume consistency option. For more details on Dolby's Atmos tech for tablets, click here. Amazon's Fire HDX 8.9 is now available for pre-order at $379. The tablet will start shipping on October 21. Source: AmazonPosted Thu Sep 18, 2014 at 09:30 AM PDT by: -
Apple TV Receives Software Update[teaser]Apple's set-top box now has an updated interface and several new features. [/teaser] Apple has released the latest software update for its Apple TV. The streaming media player now offers support for Beats Music, along with a refreshed look and new features like Family Sharing. The latest Apple TV update includes an upgraded visual interface, providing a flatter aesthetic that does away with the previously glossy design in favor of a matte-finish style. Likewise, the upgraded software offers a few new features, including iCloud Photo and Family Sharing. The latter lets families of up to six share media and apps. Finally, the Apple TV now offers a Beats Music channel, giving customers another option for subscription music streaming. The Apple TV software update is now available by selecting Software Update in the general settings menu. The update is only compatible with third generation Apple TVs. Source: EngadgetPosted Wed Sep 17, 2014 at 06:00 PM PDT by: -
Bang & Olufsen Reveals 85-inch BeoVision Avant Ultra HD TV[teaser]The innovative 4K television with a moving stand and unfolding sound panel is now available in an 85-inch model. [/teaser] Danish company Bang & Olufsen has added a new model to their BeoVision Avant line. The premium large-screen 4K LED TV offers unique mechanical stand options and a descending sound panel that unfolds when the display is in use. "BeoVision Avant 85 is a true state-of-the-art product at a competitive price for a television of this size and level of innovation. At Bang & Olufsen we are proud of introducing this grand television to a market that is demanding products offering extraordinary home experiences," explains Tue Mantoni, the CEO of Bang & Olufsen. The BeoVision Avant 85 features a resolution of 3840 x 2160 and uses an LED panel with direct backlighting and 2D local dimming. The TV also offers moving wall bracket and floor stand options, allowing the set to discreetly reposition itself toward viewers when turned on, making the most of its place within a user's room. Likewise, the included sound panel unfolds when the set is powered on, moving in conjunction with the mechanical stand. In addition, the 3-channel sound system has eight driver units built-in. Finally, the included BeoRemote One offers a "MyButtons" option, giving users the ability to program up to three personalized commands with one simple touch. The BeoVision Avant 85 is now available exclusively from Bang & Olufsen stores for a suggested retail price of $22,995. A smaller 55-inch model is also on sale for $7,995. Source: Bang & OlufsenPosted Wed Sep 17, 2014 at 03:00 PM PDT by: -
HDD Gear Deal Spotlight: Displays & Home Theater Systems[teaser]For a limited time, Amazon is offering up to 58 percent off select speaker systems and TVs! [/teaser] As part of the retailer's ongoing electronics sales and promotions, Amazon is running limited time deals on select gear items from Samsung, Bose, and Polk Audio, including home theater systems and a 4K TV. Polk Audio TL 1900 Blackstone 5.1-Channel Speaker System - Currently $249 (58 percent off). Bose Lifestyle 135 Series II Home Entertainment System - Currently $1,899 (24 percent off). Samsung UN55HU7250 55-Inch 4K Ultra HD TV - Currently $1,798 (18 percent off). Samsung UN55H6400 55-Inch 1080p TV - Currently $1,198 (25 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 Tue Sep 16, 2014 at 02:30 PM PDT by:
