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Dish Renews A+E Contract[teaser]The new deal includes broadcast and streaming rights for live and on-demand content. [/teaser] Dish and A+E Networks have announced a multi-year contract renewal. As part of the agreement, Dish will continue to distribute A+E Network stations through its satellite service and will also gain the rights to stream the channels through a possible upcoming internet TV subscription service. "I am pleased to call A+E Networks an innovative partner in developing this wide-ranging, creative agreement that will help to define the future of TV," Joseph P. Clayton, DISH President and CEO. "Together we are enhancing the customer experience today with fresh, dynamic programming that DISH customers will be able to watch when and how they prefer." The deal covers all of A+E Networks' channels and programming, including A&E, Lifetime, HISTORY, LMN, FYI, H2, HISTORY en Español, Crime + Investigation, and Military HISTORY. In addition, Dish customers will also gain expanded support for authenticated playback on internet-connected devices, allowing subscribers to watch on-demand content from A+E Networks on smartphones, tablets, PCs, gaming consoles, smart TVs, and streaming boxes. Finally, the contract also includes rights to stream A+E Networks channels through a potential internet subscription service that Dish has been reportedly developing. There's no word yet on when Dish plans to launch its rumored internet TV platform, but the company has also secured the streaming rights to Disney's television lineup. Source: DishPosted Tue Aug 5, 2014 at 02:00 PM PDT by: -
HDD Gear Deal Spotlight: HDTVs & Home Audio[teaser]For a limited time, Amazon is offering up to 30 percent off select home theater gear! [/teaser] As part of the online retailer's ongoing electronics sales and promotions, Amazon is running limited time deals on Samsung 2014 HDTVs, a Samsung home theater package, and a Sony receiver. Sony STRDN1030 7.2-Channel A/V Receiver - Currently $349 (30 percent off). Samsung HT-H6500 Home Theater System - Currently $498 (17 percent off). Samsung UN48H8000 Curved 48-Inch 1080p TV - Currently $1,598 (29 percent off). Samsung UN65H8000 Curved 65-Inch 1080p TV - Currently $2,698 (21 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 4, 2014 at 08:00 PM PDT by: -
Amazon Bolsters Fire TV App Selection[teaser]New streaming channels have been added to Amazon's media player. [/teaser] Amazon has announced the addition of several more apps to its growing Fire TV lineup. The latest crop of services includes apps for The Disney Channel and the WWE Network. "Customers are loving the selection on their Fire TV, telling us how easy it is to watch their favorite movies and TV shows, listen to music, and play games in their living room. And because of that, developers continue to bring great apps to the platform, with app selection more than doubling since launch," said Steve Rabuchin, Vice President, Amazon Appstore. "And it's still day 1—we have a great pipeline of new services and games coming soon." The full lineup of new apps available now includes WATCH Disney Channel, WATCH Disney Jr., MLB.TV, Animal Planet L!ve, and WWE Network. Likewise, apps for more channels like WATCH ABC, WATCH ABC Family, NFL Now, A&E, Lifetime, Outside TV, Young Hollywood, North Face TV, Fashion TV, Green TV and Dailymotion will be coming to the Fire TV by the end of the year. Finally, the company is also bringing more games to its Android streaming player as well, including titles such as 'Flappy Birds Family,' 'Dungeon Quest,' 'Castle of Illusion,' 'The Wolf Among Us,' 'Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas' and 'The Bard's Tale.' Amazon's Fire TV currently retails for $99. You can check out our full review here. Source: AmazonPosted Mon Aug 4, 2014 at 02:30 PM PDT by: -
HDD Gear Deal Spotlight: Sony 2014 Ultra HD TVs[teaser]For a limited time, Amazon is offering discounts on select Sony 4K displays! [/teaser] As part of the online retailer's ongoing electronics sales and promotions, Amazon is running limited time deals on Sony's 2014 Ultra HD lineup. 55-inch XBR55X850B Ultra HD TV - Currently $2,298 (23 percent off). 65-inch XBR65X850B Ultra HD TV - Currently $3,298 (18 percent off). 55-inch XBR55X900B Ultra HD TV - Currently $3,298 (18 percent off). 65-inch XBR65X900B Ultra HD TV - Currently $4,298 (14 percent off). 79-inch XBR79X900B Ultra HD TV - Currently $7,998 (11 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 Aug 1, 2014 at 02:30 PM PDT by: -
DirecTV Readies 4K Support[teaser]The satellite service provider intends to start offering Ultra HD content later this year. [/teaser] According to a report from Multichannel News, DirecTV has revealed plans to provide 4K programming to its users. The goal is to initially offer on-demand Ultra HD content to viewers this year, with live streaming content to arrive by early 2016. The news comes from DirecTV's CEO Mike White, who addressed the company's 4K plans in their second quarter earnings call. In order to provide live Ultra HD video, DirecTV will be launching two new satellites to increase their broadcast capacity. The satellites are expected to be in place within the next 18 months. With that said, DirecTV is confident that it can provide on-demand 4K content through its current equipment. While manufacturers have been pushing Ultra HD TV adoption, actual 4K content has been scarce and mostly relegated to a few proprietary streaming boxes and select Netflix shows. This new plan from DirecTV marks a promising step in the right direction for those looking for more Ultra HD programming. Likewise, rival cable company Comcast is also said to be working on its own 4K delivery plans as well. Source: Multichannel NewsPosted Fri Aug 1, 2014 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
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LG 4K OLED Price Reportedly Set[teaser]Leaked pricing details for the company's upcoming Ultra HD OLED TV have been revealed. [/teaser] According to a report from HD Guru, LG has set pricing for its 65-inch 4K OLED display. The TV is expected to go for a suggested retail price of $8,999 and a minimum price of $6,999. While not exactly a bargain, that's still considerably less than the $15,000 debut price LG placed on its original 1080p OLED model in 2013. The 65EC9700 is expected to be the first big-screen Ultra HD TV with an OLED panel to hit the market. The display will feature a curved screen and a resolution of 3840 x 2160. In addition, the set comes complete with smart TV support, HDMI 2.0 connections, passive 3D capabilities, Ultra HD upscaling, and High Dynamic Range picture technology. In addition, the model's OLED panel offers superior contrast, black levels, and viewing angles over traditional LCD screens. LG's 65-inch Ultra HD OLED TV is expected to ship by the end of September. The company's current curved-screen 1080p OLED model, the 55EA9800, is now on sale for $3,298 and its flat-screen model, the 55EA8800 is selling for $4,799. Finally, the company also announced a 77-inch 4K OLED with a suggested retail price of $30,000 back at CES in January, but a firm release date has not been detailed. Source: HD Guru via EngadgetPosted Thu Jul 31, 2014 at 07:00 PM PDT by: -
Hulu Now Offers Free Content on Android Devices[teaser]The streaming media service has launched a collection of free videos for Android users. [/teaser] After announcing plans to expand its mobile support back in April, Hulu has now officially updated its Android app with access to a selection of free TV shows and movies. The revised app is now available for download from the Google Play store. With the new Hulu Android app, users can watch select TV shows, movies, and Hulu originals on their Android smartphones and tablets. This includes the vast majority of ad-supported content currently available on the main Hulu site, though there are some exceptions that will not be offered for mobile playback. Previously, Hulu only allowed free streaming from desktop computers. An iOS app is also reportedly in the works but a release date has not been revealed. For access to Hulu's entire library of content mobile users can also opt to sign up for Hulu Plus. The premium service currently costs $7.99 per month and is available on a variety of smart TV platforms and media players, including the Amazon Fire TV, Roku 3, Apple TV and Chromecast. Sources: Hulu via The VergePosted Thu Jul 31, 2014 at 04:00 PM PDT by: -
Samsung Announces Bendable Ultra HD Display[teaser]A Korean release date has been set for the UHD TV that can transition from flat to curved. [/teaser] After demoing a similar 85-inch model back at CES in January, Samsung has officially dated its first bendable 4K TV. The UN78S9B 78-inch Ultra HD display is capable of transforming from a flat screen presentation to a curved screen presentation at the press of a button and will be available in Korea on August 1. While full details on the TV have yet to be revealed, the display will feature a resolution of 3840 x 2160 and uses a specially designed mechanism to switch the screen from curved to flat. In addition, the TV will offer UHD dimming and a Crystal Black panel for superior contrast, color, and sharpness. Rival company LG also showed off a similar 77-inch bendable OLED prototype in January, but there is still no word on an actual release date. Likewise, Samsung's model is believed to use a traditional LCD panel over the more expensive OLED tech. Samsung has not revealed pricing for its bendable 4K TV yet and a US release date has not been announced. Sources: Samsung via EngadgetPosted Wed Jul 30, 2014 at 09:30 PM PDT by: -
VIZIO Launches 2.1 Sound Stand[teaser]The company's latest audio device is now available. [/teaser] VIZIO has announced the release of the S2121w Sound Stand system. Part of a new category of audio products, the VIZIO Sound Stand is geared toward delivering high quality audio in an even more compact form factor than a traditional soundbar. Packed with 101 dB of volume at less than 1% harmonic distortion and designed to sit directly under televisions up to 60 lbs and 55-inches in size, the Sound Stand is ideal for users looking for a powerful, but still space saving upgrade to integrated TV speakers. "As the sound bar category leader, we're committed to delivering high-quality audio performance, with solutions that meet consumers' needs and accommodate all rooms in the home," said Matt McRae, Chief Technology Officer, VIZIO. "The new 2.1 Sound Stand offers extensive bass output with its built-in subwoofer and is the versatile option consumers have been looking for. Outperforming other competitive options in its class, our sound stand delivers an unparalleled audio experience and saves on space." The S2121w features a 2.1 configuration with 2.75" full range stereo drivers and an integrated 5.25" subwoofer rated at 55 Hz with a backwards firing port. In addition, the Sound Stand includes Bluetooth for wireless audio streaming, and Dolby Digital, DTS TruSurround, DTS TruVolume, and DTS Studio Sound support. Likewise, the device comes packaged with everything customers will need for easy and painless installation, including a power cable, 3.5mm to RCA audio cable, an optical digital cable, a coaxial digital cable, a Quick Start Guide, and a remote control with battery. VIZIO's S2121w Sound Stand is now available for a suggested retail price of $250. Source: VIZIOPosted Wed Jul 30, 2014 at 03:30 PM PDT by: -
Apple TV Expands Channel Lineup with Fox & CNBC[teaser]Apple's set-top box now offers channels for Fox and CNBC. [/teaser] Apple has announced the addition of two new channels to its Apple TV media player. Starting today, both Fox Now and CNBC are now available to stream through the device. With Fox Now, Apple TV customers can watch full episodes of many popular shows including 'Glee,' 'New Girl,' 'Brooklyn Nine-Nine,' 'The Following,' and 'Sleepy Hollow,' the day after they air for free. Likewise, users will also gain access to special bonus content and personalized recommendations. Meanwhile, the CNBC channel lets viewers watch a real-time stream of the live cable broadcast and several on-demand clips and series. In order to gain full access to both channels, Apple TV users will need to be paying subscribers to supported cable and satellite providers. With that said, both channels do offer a limited amount of free clips and content to users without authenticated subscriptions. Reports also indicate that FXNow will be joining the Apple TV lineup within the next 12 months as well, offering even more streaming TV series -- including every episode of 'The Simpsons.' The Apple TV is currently on sale for $93. Sources: 9to5Mac, VarietyPosted Tue Jul 29, 2014 at 04:30 PM PDT by:
