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Samsung & LG Tie for TV Shootout by Value Electronics[teaser]An LG OLED display and a Samsung plasma HDTV have tied for first place in Value Electronics' TV Shootout. [/teaser] Value Electronics, a New York based electronics retailer, has announced the winner of its 10th annual TV shootout. First place was a tie between Samsung's PN64F8500 plasma and LG's upcoming 55EC9300 OLED. The competition was made up of several different television models, including a mixture of 1080p and 4K sets with LED, plasma, and OLED panels. Categories for judging included black level, contrast ratio, color accuracy, motion resolution, day mode, and general content. All of the competing TVs were professionally calibrated and the contest also featured appearances by home theater expert Joe Kane and Dr. Larry Weber, the founder of Plasmaco. After factoring in the numbers for each category, the LG 1080p 55-inch 55EC9300 OLED TV and the Samsung 1080p 64-inch PN64F8500 plasma TV tied for first place. With that said, the LG OLED managed to win the top spot in four out of the six categories, while the Samsung plasma had the highest ranking for color accuracy and motion resolution. Samsung's PN64F8500 plasma is currently available for $3,098, though the company is reportedly terminating future plasma development. Meanwhile, LG's 55EC9300 OLED will start shipping later this month for $3,499. In addition, the company is also expected to announce a new Ultra HD OLED model soon. Source: CNETPosted Tue Aug 19, 2014 at 07:30 PM PDT by: -
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Hisense & TCL Launch Roku TVs[teaser]The new HDTVs feature integrated Roku streaming support. [/teaser] TCL and Hisense have announced the release of their Roku powered displays. The lineup ranges from 32-inches to 55-inches, and each set includes built-in access to Roku smart TV options and channels. The personalized Roku home screen lets owners easily navigate between their cable, Blu-ray, and gaming connections, as well as streaming apps. Roku TVs offer more than 1,500 different streaming channels, letting customers access a growing library of over 200,000 movies & TV episodes. Likewise, viewers can use Roku search to search for content across multiple streaming services. An app for smartphones and tablets can also be downloaded, letting owners use their mobile devices to control their TVs, and users can cast personal media to the big screen as well. TCL's Roku TV lineup is now available and includes the 40FS4610R ($330), 48FS4610R ($500), and 55FS4610R ($680) 1080p displays. Meanwhile, Hisense's 1080p Roku TV collection will start shipping in September. Source: RokuPosted Tue Aug 19, 2014 at 04:00 PM PDT by: -
HDD Gear Deal Spotlight: Sony Blu-ray Players[teaser]For a limited time, Amazon is offering up to 30 percent off select Blu-ray players! [/teaser] As part of the online retailer's ongoing electronics sales and promotions, Amazon is running limited time deals on Sony 2014 Blu-ray players. Sony BDPS1200 Blu-Ray Disc Player - Currently $68 (24 percent off). Sony BDPS3200 Blu-ray Disc Player - Currently $88 (27 percent off). Sony BDPS5200 3D Blu-ray Disc Player - Currently $97 (30 percent off). Sony BDPS6200 3D Blu-ray Player - Currently $142 (21 percent off). Sony BDPS7200 Dual Core 3D Blu-ray - Currently $298 (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 Mon Aug 18, 2014 at 07:30 PM PDT by: -
LG Reveals New 4K and Quad HD Monitors[teaser]A curved 21:9 Quad HD monitor and a 4K Digital Cinema monitor are among the company's latest innovations. [/teaser] LG has announced two additions to its 4K monitor lineup. The new displays include the 34UC97 Ultra Wide monitor and the 31MU97 Digital Cinema 4K monitor. "Many people spend more time in front of computer monitors than they do in front of TV sets and yet the industry's biggest monitor manufacturers don't seem to innovate at the same pace as TV manufacturers," said Hyoung-sei Park, head of the IT Business Division at LG Electronics' Home Entertainment Company. "At LG, innovation in display technologies isn't just limited to our market-leading TV products but are actively being implemented in our advanced PC monitors. And that's why we're particularly proud to be introducing at IFA the world's first 21:9 Curved UltraWide monitor with a curved IPS display which delivers a wide 178-degree viewing angle for an immersive viewing experience." The 34UC97 features a 34-inch IPS panel with a 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. Meanwhile, the 31MU97 is a 31-inch 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 and support for 99 percent of the Adobe RGB color space. Pricing and availability have not been announced yet, but the 34UC97 Curved UltraWide Monitor and the 31MU97 Digital Cinema 4K Monitor will both be on display at IFA in Berlin from September 5-10. Source: LGPosted Mon Aug 18, 2014 at 02:30 PM PDT by: -
LG Ultra HD OLED TV Wins EISA Award[teaser]For the third year in a row, the company's OLED tech has received an award. [/teaser] LG has garnered several accolades from the 2014-2015 European Imaging and Sound Association's Awards. The Korean electronics manufacturer has snagged recognition for its 4K OLED display, smart TVs, SounPlate audio system, and G3 smartphone. "It is a great thrill and honor to have our products recognized by an organization as widely respected as EISA," said Hyun-hwoi Ha, president and CEO of LG’s Home Entertainment Company. "LG will continue to push the limits of technology and design in our effort to meet the needs of consumers around the world who look to LG to deliver the best that the industry has to offer." The 77-inch 77EC980V won the 2014-2015 European High-End TV award. The 4K set features a curved WRGB OLED panel and is among the first TVs to combine OLED and Ultra HD technologies. Meanwhile, the 55-inch 55LB870V received the European Smart TV award. The 1080p TV offers a user-friendly experience and features LG's webOS platform. On the audio side, LG's LAB540 SoundPlate took home the European HT Soundbase prize. The 320W 4.1 speaker system fits right under a user's television and includes a wireless subwoofer, integrated 3D Blu-ray player, and smart TV functions. Finally, the company's flagship Quad HD G3 smartphone won the European Advanced Smartphone Award. There's still no word on US pricing and availability for the 77-inch 4K OLED display, but LG did recently announce the release of a new 55-inch 1080p OLED TV. Source: LGPosted Fri Aug 15, 2014 at 04:00 PM PDT by: -
Sony & Best Buy Team Up for 4K Promotion[teaser]The companies have launched a cross-promotion campaign to spotlight Ultra HD entertainment. [/teaser] Sony and Best Buy have begun a new advertising push to highlight their 4K products. The promotion focuses on Ultra HD experiences in the home and cinema, and will include a 30-second theatrical spot that will play during National CineMedia's "FirstLook" movie pre-shows. "4K entertainment provides a much more immersive viewing experience, with amazing clarity and quality, and only Sony can deliver this in the cinema and at home," stated Mike Fasulo, President and COO, Sony Electronics. "Sony is proud to join with Sony Pictures Home Entertainment and Best Buy in conveying this message to consumers everywhere." The campaign will run between August 14 and September 25. The new 4K spot (embedded above) features clips from 'The Amazing Spider-Man 2' and will be played in more than 3,600 AMC and Regal theater screens. Likewise, the commercial will also be shown on NCM's Lobby Entertainment Network and on mobile devices through NCM Digital. In addition, Sony and Best Buy will be offering 4K demonstrations and 50 in-store events at "Sony Experience" sections in more than 350 Best Buys across the country. "4K ultra high definition televisions represent a meaningful improvement in the home theater category," said Hubert Joly, Best Buy president and CEO. "That is why we are pleased to offer customers the Sony Experience at Best Buy, allowing them to see for themselves how impressive this technology truly is. The promotion announced today by Sony combines this new technology with exciting content, giving consumers a sense of what they can look forward to as they consider a 4K television," Joly added. Sony's 2014 Ultra HD TV lineup is now available. The collection includes the XBR55X850B, XBR65X850B, XBR55X900B, XBR65X900B, and the XBR79X900B. Source: SonyPosted Fri Aug 15, 2014 at 01:30 PM PDT by: -
YouTube & Vimeo Update Streaming Apps[teaser]Both media apps have received updated designs and features. [/teaser] YouTube has revealed a brand new interface for its streaming app on smart TVs, set-top boxes, and game consoles. Likewise, Vimeo has also released an updated app for Roku players. The new YouTube app offers a streamlined design that provides a more user friendly experience in line with its computer and mobile interfaces. Updated features include a left-side guide and a "What to Watch" category for subscribed channels and recommended content. Meanwhile, fellow streaming service Vimeo has also released an updated app. The new design is available on Roku players and makes it easier for users to access media and personalized content, along with smarter search results. In addition, another upcoming update will also allow customers to purchase videos from the company's Vimeo On Demand service. The new Vimeo app is now available to Roku customers. The new YouTube app is now available on the Xbox One and is rolling out to other platforms in the coming weeks. Sources: CNET, Engadget 1, Engadget 2Posted Thu Aug 14, 2014 at 04:30 PM PDT by: -
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HDD Gear Deal Spotlight: 1080p & Ultra HD TVs[teaser]For a limited time, Amazon is offering up to 20 percent off select TVs! [/teaser] As part of the online retailer's ongoing electronics sales and promotions, Amazon is running limited time deals on Sony, Sharp, and Samsung displays. Sony KDL55W950B 55-Inch 1080p 3D Smart TV - Currently $1,598 (20 percent off). Sharp LC-70EQ10U 70-inch Aquos Q 1080p Smart TV - Currently $1,997 (9 percent off). Samsung UN50HU6950 50-Inch 4K Smart TV - Currently $1,398 (7 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 Wed Aug 13, 2014 at 08:30 PM PDT by: -
Samsung Details Galaxy Alpha[teaser]The upcoming HD smartphone features a new elegant design. [/teaser] Samsung has announced the latest addition to its Galaxy line of products. The Galaxy Alpha smartphone offers a sophisticated and compact construction, providing a stylish alternative to the more traditional Galaxy S5. "The Galaxy Alpha was built and designed based on the specific desires of the consumer market," said JK Shin, CEO and Head of IT & Mobile Communication at Samsung Electronics. "With an entirely new appearance, the Galaxy Alpha focuses on both beauty and functionality combining a stunning metal frame and slim, light weight design with the same powerful hardware and features users expect from a flagship Galaxy mobile device." Samsung's Galaxy Alpha features a 4.7-inch 1280x720p AMOLED display. The smartphone is powered by an Octa Core (Quad 1.8GHz + Quad 1.3GHz) CPU, 2GB of RAM, 32GB of internal storage, and a 1,860 mAh battery running Android 4.4.4. A 12MP rear camera and a 2.1MP front camera are also included. Likewise, the device supports real time HDR and 4K video recording. Popular Galaxy features like Ultra-Power Saving Mode, S Health, Finger Print Scanner, and Private Mode are integrated as well. Pricing has not been revealed yet, but the Galaxy Alpha is expected to launch in September. Source: SamsungPosted Wed Aug 13, 2014 at 05:00 PM PDT by: -
Denon Expands Heos Wireless Audio Line[teaser]The company has detailed two new additions to its Heos brand of wireless audio products. [/teaser] Denon has announced two more products for its Heos collection. The upcoming devices include the Heos Link and the Heos Amp. The Heos line offers a wireless multiroom audio solution for customers, allowing them to stream music from tablets, smartphones, USB storage, and internet services through the Heos controller app for Android and iOS. Denon's Heos Link will let users add Wi-Fi music playback to existing stereo systems. The device includes an integrated stereo preamplifier and Wi-Fi receiver, along with analog, digital coaxial and digital optical outputs for connecting to a stereo. Meanwhile, the Heos Amp is a 2x100-watt Class D stereo amplifier that adds Heos support to any set of passive speakers. Both products join the recently released Heos 3 ($299), Heos 5 ($399), and Heos 7 ($599) wireless speakers. The Heos Link ($349) and the Heos Amp ($449) will be available later this month. Sources: TWICE, DenonPosted Tue Aug 12, 2014 at 07:00 PM PDT by:
