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LG Releases 105-inch UHD TV[teaser]The gigantic Ultra HD display is now available for pre-order in South Korea. [/teaser] Hot on the heels of Samsung's recent launch of their UN105S9W 105-inch 4K TV, LG has now commenced sales for its own rival model. The 105UC9 105-inch curved-screen Ultra HD TV first debuted at CES back in January and will soon begin shipping to South Korean customers for about $117,000. "The vision behind LG's 105-inch 21:9 CURVED ULTRA HD TV was to bring the movie theater into the living room," said In-kyu Lee, senior vice president and head of the TV Division at LG's Home Entertainment Company. "Featuring a curved 5K CinemaScope screen and a 7.2 channel speaker system, the 105UC9 is LG's most spectacular ULTRA HD TV yet. This product pushes the envelope in home entertainment innovation and demonstrates what is possible when you bring today’s most advanced TV technologies together." The 105UC9 uses a curved IPS LCD panel with a resolution of 5120 x 2160 and a CinemaScope 21:9 aspect ratio. The display also features LG's True 4K Engine Pro for superior picture quality and LG's True 3K Engine Pro for near Ultra HD upscaling. 3D support, an integrated 7.2 channel 150W sound system, and smart TV features are offered as well. LG plans to expand the 105UC9 release to more markets in the coming months but exact US pricing and availability have not been announced yet. With that said, the company did previously discuss a $70,000 suggested retail price back at CES, and if that number remains in place, then it would make LG's model considerably less expensive than Samsung's similar $120,000 offering. Source: LG via EngadgetPosted Tue Jul 29, 2014 at 10:30 AM PDT by: -
HDD Gear Deal Spotlight: Roku, Receivers & Soundbars[teaser]For a limited time, Amazon is offering up to 44 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 two AV receivers, a Sony soundbar system, and a manufacturer refurbished Roku 1 streaming media player. Roku 1 Streaming Player Manufacturer Refurbished - Currently $37 (38 percent off). Denon AVR-X1000 5.1-Channel Networking AV Receiver - Currently $280 (44 percent off). Onkyo TX-8020 Stereo Receiver - Currently $159 (20 percent off). Sony HT-CT370 2.1 Channel Sound Bar - Currently $298 (15 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 Jul 28, 2014 at 05:00 PM PDT by: -
NVIDIA Experimenting with Cascaded Displays[teaser]The company is developing prototype displays that use two cascading screens to increase picture quality. [/teaser] NVIDIA has detailed its latest research developments with cascading screen technology. The process involves stacking two low resolution displays together to synthesize higher resolution images. Through a "comprehensive optimization framework" and offset pixel layers, NVIDIA has been able to combine two 1280 x 800 LCD screens into one display. The resulting cascading panel features a quadrupled spatial resolution and double the refresh rate. The technology can be used for traditional LCD displays as well as projectors and head mounted units similar to the Oculus Rift. While the prototype cascaded displays are prone to certain limitations and can't measure up fully to true high resolution screens, they do offer marked improvements over single layered panels. This could potentially give manufacturers an inexpensive method to create high quality screens from existing low res displays. There's no word yet on when cascading display technology might find its way into actual consumer products, but NVIDIA's continued research is yielding promising results. Source: NVIDIA via EngadgetPosted Mon Jul 28, 2014 at 03:30 PM PDT by: -
Klipsch Unveils First Tier Reference Speakers[teaser]Six speakers and two subwoofers have been announced under the company's new Reference Series. [/teaser] After revealing its first Reference Series soundbar earlier this week, Klipsch has now detailed several more audio products that will fall under the Reference line. The initial entry-level collection includes the R-28F ($698 for a pair) and R-26F ($898 for a pair) floorstanding units; the R-15M ($199 for a pair) and R-14M ($249 for a pair) monitors; the R-25C ($249) center channel; the R-14S ($279 for a pair) surround speaker; and the R-10SW ($349) and R-12SW ($449) subwoofers. "The Reference sound signature is what makes people passionate about the Klipsch brand," said Mark Casavant, senior vice president of global product development for Klipsch. "It is our goal for listeners to feel the power, detail and emotion Klipsch speakers are able to bring out of music and movies, as if they are being heard or seen for the first time. Our new Reference speakers not only create this experience but inspire passionate listeners alike." The Reference series speakers all feature Tractrix Horn technology and Linear Travel Suspension aluminum tweeters and come in a brushed black polymer veneer finish. Meanwhile, the Reference series subwoofers feature front-firing drivers, injection molded graphite woofers, and built-in all-digital amplifiers. Klipsch's initial Reference Series lineup is now available from authorized retailers. Source: KlipschPosted Fri Jul 25, 2014 at 06:30 PM PDT by: -
VIZIO Adds Spotify to Smart TVs[teaser]The music streaming service is now available on select VIZIO smart TVs. [/teaser] VIZIO has announced the addition of Spotify to its Internet Apps Plus lineup which includes 2014 M-Series and E-Series TVs. The app is now available on the supported displays under the V.I.A. Plus full screen launcher in the "Featured" section. Spotify is a popular music streaming service that gives users access to millions of songs including new releases, custom playlists, and personalized recommendations. VIZIO TV owners will need to have Spotify Premium in order to use the app on their TVs. Those that sign-in will be treated to a free 48 hour trial. After that, the service will cost $9.99 per month. VIZIO's highly rated M-Series and E-Series Internet Apps Plus smart TVs are available now. Source: VIZIOPosted Fri Jul 25, 2014 at 01:30 PM PDT by: -
HDD Gear Deal Spotlight: HDTVs, Home Audio & Blu-ray Players[teaser]For a limited time, Amazon is offering up to 50 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 several HDTVs, receivers, speakers, and Blu-ray players. Polk Audio N1 39-Inch Bluetooth Soundbar - Currently $150 (50 percent off) Amazon's Deal of the Day active until 12 AM PST! Onkyo HT-S5600 7.1-Channel Home Theater Package - Currently $428 (29 percent off). Samsung UN60H6400 60-Inch 1080p TV - Currently $1498 (21 percent off). Samsung BD-F7500 4K Upscaling 3D Blu-ray Player - Currently $198 (21 percent off). Yamaha RX-V477 5.1-channel Receiver - Currently $360 (20 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 Thu Jul 24, 2014 at 05:00 PM PDT by: -
DTS Reveals New Play-Fi Partnerships[teaser]Several more companies have signed up to join the growing Play-Fi ecosystem. [/teaser] DTS has announced a new partnership between Fine Sounds Group that will allow McIntosh, Sonus Faber, and Wadia audio brands to integrate DTS Play-Fi technology into their consumer electronics products. Play-Fi is an advanced cross-platform wireless audio technology that lets users stream and enjoy music through their Wi-Fi connections. "Whole-home audio over WiFi is poised to become one of the most impactful trends our industry has ever seen," stated Charlie Randall, president, Fine Sounds Group. "When it came to outfitting our products with WiFi audio functionality, we wanted to make sure that we utilized a platform that not only offered the industry's most advanced features, but delivered the highest possible quality, capable of pleasing even the most discerning of ears. Being the most widely adopted multi-room, high quality WiFi home audio ecosystem in the industry, Play-Fi was the right fit for us, and we are excited to be working with DTS to roll out our new products featuring Play-Fi connectivity later this year." 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. "With the Play-Fi platform's strong roster of integrated content services and flexibility to synchronize products from a wide range of leading audio brands all on one home network, Play-Fi delivers on our promise of offering the industry a platform that promotes a new competitive, yet cooperative landscape for creating connected audio products that seamlessly work together," said Dannie Lau, General Manager, Play-Fi Division, DTS. McIntosh, Sonus Faber, and Wadia join an increasingly expanding list of Play-Fi partners that already includes companies like Polk and Definitive Technology. Together, this growing ecosystem offers a wide-range of Play-Fi audio products that covers everything from soundbars to battery powered speakers and AVRs. Specific upcoming products have not been detailed yet, but each company is expected to make their own announcements in the coming months. Source: DTSPosted Thu Jul 24, 2014 at 05:00 AM PDT by: -
Denon Announces Pricing & Availability for Atmos Receivers[teaser]The company has detailed prices and a release window for its upcoming Dolby Atmos enabled A/V receivers. [/teaser] Denon has now provided further details on their new X4100W and X5200W A/V receivers. Both models will offer support for Dolby's new Atmos technology. The 7.2 channel X4100W features 7x200-watts into 8ohms and includes native support for an Atmos 5.1.2 speaker configuration. A separate two-channel amplifier can also be added to provide support for 5.1.4 or 7.1.2 Atmos configurations. Meanwhile, the 9.2 channel X5200W features 9x205-watts and includes native support for 5.1.2, 5.1.4, and 7.1.2 Atmos setups. Likewise, a two-channel amplifier can be added to provide 7.1.4 and 9.1.2 Atmos options as well. Finally, both models include HDMI 2.0 connections, 4K passthrough, integrated Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay, DLNA networking, and several streaming music options. Denon's X4100W Atmos enabled receiver will retail for $1,399. The X5200W Atmos receiver will retail for $1,999. Both units will start shipping in October. Source: TWICEPosted Wed Jul 23, 2014 at 06:00 PM PDT by: -
Amazon Bolsters Prime Music Catalog[teaser]Thousands of new songs and hundreds of new playlists have been added to the music streaming service. [/teaser] Amazon has announced the addition of hundreds of thousands of songs to its Prime Music library. In addition to the many new tracks, the company has also added several more expert-programmed playlists. "The response we've had to Prime Music has far exceeded our expectations and we're excited to make Prime Music even more valuable for Prime members," said Steve Boom, VP of Digital Music for Amazon. "Prime Music was introduced just over a month ago and we've already significantly expanded the Prime Music catalog. Prime members have been telling us how much they love Prime Playlists, so we're also pleased to offer hundreds of great new playlists to make it easier to enjoy the best of Prime Music." The massive new selection of music includes tracks by a varied mix of artists like David Guetta, Al Green, Miles Davis, Kendrick Lamar, Linkin Park, Shakira, Deadmau5, Ella Fitzgerald, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Neil Young, DJ Snake & Lil Jon, Young the Giant, A$AP Rocky, Elvis, Oasis, Kacey Musgraves, Ray Charles, Panic! at the Disco, Wyclef Jean, Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds, Skrillex, John Coltrane and many more. Likewise, the newly added playlists cover categories like "Upbeat Indie Vibes," "Electronic Beats for Work," "Rainy Day Jazz," and "Justin Timberlake’s Top Songs." Prime Music has been active since June 12 and allows Prime users to stream a growing collection of ad-free music tracks to their Kindle Fire HD/HDX, PCs, Macs, web browsers, and iOS/Android devices. In addition, customers can even download tracks to their mobile devices for offline playback. A Prime membership currently costs $99 per year, and also includes free 2-day shipping, Prime Instant Video, and the Kindle Owners' Lending Library. Source: Amazon via BusinessWirePosted Wed Jul 23, 2014 at 04:00 PM PDT by: -
Klipsch Releases Reference Branded Soundbar[teaser]The new soundbar system is being launched under the company's Reference series. [/teaser] Klipsch has detailed its latest audio device, the R-10B soundbar. The speaker system is part of the company's Reference unit strategy, which aims to deliver superior audio quality to a wide market at various price points. "The R-10B establishes a new level of performance and value consumers can expect from our products as the first soundbar under our new Reference unity strategy," said Paul Jacobs, CEO of Klipsch. "This product delivers on Klipsch’s brand promise to create powerful, detailed and emotional listening experiences while offering users the conveniences of plug n' play audio and instant streaming using Bluetooth wireless technology." The R-10B two-way soundbar features two 3/4-inch horn-loaded textile dome tweeters and two 3-inch polypropylene woofers. In addition, the tweeters use Klipsch's Tractrix Horns technology to lessen distortion and increase dispersion toward listeners. A wireless 8-inch subwoofer with a slot-port, side-firing design is included as well. The soundbar offers Dolby Digital decoding and features Bluetooth and aptX support for lossless music streaming. Klipsch's Reference R-10B soundbar is now available for a suggested retail price of $600. Source: KlipschPosted Tue Jul 22, 2014 at 05:00 PM PDT by:
