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HBO Max Snags Streaming Rights to Studio Ghibli Films[teaser]Spirited Away, Howls Moving Castle, Princess Mononoke, and more are all heading to Warner's upcoming streaming service.[/teaser] As reported by Variety, WarnerMedia has acquired the US streaming rights to Studio Ghibli's library of animated films for use on the company's new HBO Max streaming platform. The deal was struck with Studio Ghibli's North American distributor, GKIDS, and marks the first time that the Japanese animation studio's full catalog will be available for streaming in the US. "Studio Ghibli films are visually breathtaking, completely immersive experiences," said Kevin Reilly, Chief Content Officer of HBO Max in a statement. "Exciting, enchanting, and deeply humanistic, these wonderful films have captured people's hearts around the world, and we are proud to showcase them in an accessible way for even more fans through HBO Max." The agreement includes the rights to all 21 Studio Ghibli titles, and the majority of the catalog is expected to be available for streaming right away when HBO Max launches in spring 2020. Here's a full rundown of Studio Ghibli titles set to arrive on HBO Max: Castle in the Sky The Cat Returns From Up On Poppy Hill Howl’s Moving Castle Kiki’s Delivery Service My Neighbor Totoro My Neighbors the Yamadas Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind Ocean Waves Only Yesterday Pom Poko Ponyo Porco Rosso Princess Mononoke The Secret World of Arrietty Spirited Away The Tale of The Princess Kaguya Tales From Earthsea When Marnie Was There Whisper of the Heart The Wind Rises "We are excited to be working with HBO Max to bring the complete collection of Studio Ghibli films to streaming audiences in the US. As a premium content brand, HBO Max is an ideal home for our films," said Koji Hoshino, Chairman of Studio Ghibli. "Upon launch of the service this spring, existing Ghibli fans will be able enjoy their favorites and delve deeper into the library, while whole new audiences will be able to discover our films for the first time." In addition to Studio Ghibli films, the HBO Max streaming service will also offer access to HBO and an extensive collection of additional WarnerMedia programming and new exclusive Max Original shows and films. Other content deals announced so far for the platform include the exclusive streaming rights to catalog shows like Friends, The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, and Pretty Little Liars, along with the exclusive streaming rights to several new Warner Bros. produced dramas from The CW, including Batwoman and Katy Keene. Likewise, the service also has exclusive movie production deals with Greg Berlanti and Reese Witherspoon, with Berlanti slated to produce an initial four movies and Witherspoon set to produce at least two films. Meanwhile, Max Originals currently in the works include a Dune series, a Gremlins animated show, and more. Though pricing and supported devices have not been confirmed yet, HBO Max is set to launch in Spring 2020 with 10,000 hours of content. Sources: Variety, DeadlinePosted Thu Oct 17, 2019 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
Hulu Expands 4K Streaming Support to More Devices[teaser]Ultra HD playback is now available on more devices.[/teaser] Hulu has expanded 4K streaming support to Xbox One consoles and Fire TV products. In addition, 4K playback is also available via Apple TV 4K media players and Chromecast Ultra dongles. Hulu initially launched 4K streaming on select devices for a limited number of titles back in 2016, but then oddly decided to remove 4K support completely in 2018. Thankfully, the platform has been gradually re-launching Ultra HD playback over the last few months. The service's 4K collection currently includes the majority of its original programing lineup, including shows like The Handmaid's Tale, Castle Rock, Catch-22, The First, and more. Hulu 4K Ultra HD content streams at a minimum bitrate of 16 Mbps. With that said, Hulu 4K streaming is still limited to SDR and does not currently feature support for any HDR formats. In contrast, competing platforms like Netflix and Amazon offer larger 4K libraries with HDR10 and Dolby Vision support. Unlike Netflix, however, 4K streaming via Hulu does not require an additional fee or a more expensive subscription plan. In addition to the current crop of supported devices, Hulu 4K streaming is also set to expand to 4K LG webOS smart TVs in the coming months as well. A current Hulu subscription starts at $6 per month with commercials. Meanwhile, ad-free playback is available for $12 per month and a Live TV bundle is available for $45. Likewise, a special package bundling the standard Hulu service, Disney+, and ESPN+ will also be available for $13 per month once Disney+ launches on November 12. Sources: Hulu via TechCrunch, EngadgetPosted Wed Oct 16, 2019 at 01:30 PM PDT by: -
Google Announces New Pixel Buds, Nest Mini, and Nest Wifi[teaser]Several new Goolge gadgets have been detailed.[/teaser] Google has a revealed its new lineup of Nest products, including the Nest Mini and Nest Wifi. In addition, the company also announced its new Pixel Buds. The Pixel Buds are wireless ear buds with a low-profile, stabilizer arc, and interchangeable eartip to provide users with a comfortable and secure fit. In addition, the units offer a hybrid design with eartips meant to seal out and isolate loud ambient sounds, along with a spatial vent to still let in a certain amount of outside noise in order to allow users to remain aware of their surroundings. Likewise, the Pixel Buds feature an Adaptive Sound option as well, allowing dynamic volume adjustment to automatically complement quiet or noisy environments. Two microphones are also integrated in each earbud to focus on a user's voice and reduce ambient sound pickup during calls. Finally, Bluetooth connectivity is integrated as well, along with hands-free support for the Google Assistant. The Google Pixel Buds are set to launch in 2020 for $179 in Clearly White, Oh So Orange, Quite Mint, and Almost Black color options. Meanwhile, the second generation Nest Mini is a compact smart speaker with integrated Google Assistant capabilities. This new model features an improved speaker with upgraded bass compared to the original Google Home Mini, proprietary audio tuning software, and a dedicated machine learning chip with up to one TeraOPS of processing power for faster response times. In addition, the speaker includes LED lights that activate when a user's hand gets close to the device, revealing where to tap for volume control. Likewise, the Mini has been engineered to hear customer's in noisy environments as well as to adjust playback volume to compensate for a room's ambient sounds. The Google Nest Mini is now available for pre-order for $49 in Chalk, Charcoal, Coral, Sky color options. Shipments are set to launch in October 22. Finally, Google also detailed its new Nest Wifi system as well, which includes a Wifi Router and Wifi Access Point. The router is designed to connect to user's modem and the access point can then be used to extend wireless coverage throughout the home. A two-pack system can offer Wifi coverage for a 3,800-square-foot home and users can add more points to cover even more ground. In addition, the Nest Wifi access point also includes an integrated speaker with Google Assistant support, offering the same functionality as a separate Nest Mini. The Nest Wifi two pack with a router and access point is now available for pre-order for $269. Shipments are set to launch on November 4. Source: GooglePosted Wed Oct 16, 2019 at 12:05 PM PDT by: -
Google Details New Pixel 4 & Pixel 4 XL Smartphones[teaser]The company's latest flagship mobile devices have been revealed.[/teaser] Google has unveiled its new Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL Smartphones. Pre-ordes are now live with shipments set to launch on October 24. The Pixel 4 features a fullscreen 5.7" FHD+ flexible OLED display with 444 ppi. Meanwhile, the larger Pixel 4 XL features a fullscreen 6.3" QHD+ flexible OLED display with 537 ppi. Both screens use a 19:9 aspect ratio with Corning Gorilla Glass 5, up to a 90 Hz refresh rate, a 100,000:1 super contrast ratio, full 24-bit depth, and UHDA certified HDR support. Under the hood, both models are powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 CPU and an Adreno 640, along with 6 GB LPDDR4x RAM and the latest version of Android. In addition, the Pixel 4 includes a 2800 mAh battery while the Pixel 4 XL includes a 3700 mAh battery. Meanwhile, when it comes to cameras, both models incorporate a dual rear camera system with a 16 MP ƒ/2.4 aperture telephoto 52° FOV lens and a 12.2 MP ƒ/1.7 aperture standard 77° FOV lens. In addition, the rear cameras support 4K video recording at 30 fps, along with a Super Res Zoom feature, Live HDR+ viewfinder support, and a Night Sight option for capturing images in dark environments or shots of the night sky and stars. Finally, an 8 MP ƒ/2.0 aperture 90° FOV front camera is integrated as well. The Pixel 4 is now available for pre-order with prices starting at $799, and the Pixel 4 XL is now available for pre-order with prices starting at $899. Color options include Clearly White, Just Black, and Oh So Orange (limited edition). Shipments are set to launch on October 24. Both models will be available via all major US carriers, including AT&T, C Spire, Cellcom, Google Fi, Spectrum Mobile (Charter), Sprint, T-Mobile, U.S. Cellular, Verizon, Visible and Xfinity Mobile (Comcast). Source: Google, Google 2Posted Tue Oct 15, 2019 at 06:00 PM PDT by: -
Klipsch Launches New Reference Wireless Speakers[teaser]The new wireless home theater speakers are now available.[/teaser] Klipsch has announced the launch of its 2019 Reference Wireless Speaker lineup. The collection includes a center channel speaker, front and rear monitors, and a subwoofer. "After a positive reception at this year's CES, the Klipsch team is very excited to launch our new Reference Wireless line in 2019," said Vlad Grodzinskiy, product manager for Klipsch. "Our Reference Wireless speakers are designed for people that want the simplicity of a sound bar and high-performance multi-channel capable audio. They will be an ideal complement to the growing number of WiSA Ready platforms, which includes LG TVs, Xboxes, and computers." With WiSA certification, the Klipsch Reference Wireless Speakers can play wireless, multi-channel audio with low-latency speaker synchronization from compatible WiSA Certified or WiSA Ready sources connected to a WiSA Certified USB Transmitter without the need for a separate AV receiver or speaker wires. Compatible sources include new 2019 LG OLED and Nano Cell TVs, as well as Xbox One consoles, Windows 10 PCs, and more. The new Klipsch Reference Wireless Speakers lineup includes the RW-51M monitors ($699 per pair), the RW-34C center channel speaker ($499 each), and the RW-100SW wireless subwoofer ($599 each). Multiple configurations are supported starting from a two channel stereo setup to a full 7.1 surround sound setup. All of the speakers utilize Klipsch's proprietary 90°x90° Tractrix horn technology, along with Linear Travel Suspension (LTS) titanium tweeters: Source: WiSA via BusinessWirePosted Tue Oct 15, 2019 at 04:15 PM PDT by: -
Coming Soon to Streaming: LOST IN SPACE, MARVEL'S RUNAWAYS, and More[teaser]The Robinson family will face new dangers on Netflix in December.[/teaser] Netflix, Apple TV+, and Hulu have all released new previews and info for several of their upcoming shows and films. Here's a full rundown of titles scheduled to arrive on each service: Tell Me Who I Am (Netflix, October 18) - When 18-year-old Alex Lewis wakes up from a coma after surviving a motorcycle accident, the world is not one he remembers. He has forgotten everything. His home. His parents. He can’t even remember his own name. The only thing he does know is that the person sitting next to him is his identical twin brother, Marcus. Alex relies on Marcus to to give him his memory back; to tell him who he is. But the idyllic childhood Marcus paints for his twin conceals a dark family secret. Now, after decades of hiding the painful realities of their past, Alex and Marcus go on a journey together to face the truth and finally discover who Alex really is. Directed by Ed Perkins, Tell Me Who I Am explores the blurred boundaries of memory and reality, and the emotional bonds that allow us to survive. Jenny Slate: Stage Fright (Netflix, October 22) - Comedian and actress Jenny Slate's first Netflix original comedy special Stage Fright gives the audience an inside look at the comedian's world. Interspersed within her hilarious stand-up set, Jenny shares personal clips of her childhood and interviews with her family in an intimate look at her life. Launching globally on October 22, Jenny overcomes her stage fright while telling stories about her visit to a midnight Catholic Mass and the ghosts that haunted her childhood home. Travel the World With David Chang (Netflix, October 23) - Chef David Chang is taking his insatiable curiosity about food, culture and identity on the road, with A-list stars along for the ride. In Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, David travels around the world with Seth Rogen, Chrissy Teigen, Lena Waithe and Kate McKinnon as they dive into different cultures, eat new food and share new experiences. Daybreak (Netflix, October 24) - High school isn’t the end of the world… until it is. In this post-apocalyptic, genre-bending series, the city of Glendale, California is populated by marauding gangs of jocks, gamers, the 4-H Club, and other fearsome tribes who are kicking ass as they fight to survive in the wake of a nuclear blast (on the night of Homecoming…ugh). Following an eclectic group of survivors as they navigate this strange and treacherous world, Daybreak is part samurai saga, part endearing coming-of-age story, and part Battle Royale. This Generation A series (A for Apocalypse! Get it?) is rated TV MA. Prank Encounters (Netflix, October 25) - This October, don't go outside, don't open the door, and don't trust anyone... especially Gaten Matarazzo! Prank Encounters is the most elaborate hidden camera prank show ever devised. Hosted by Gaten Matarazzo (known for his role as Dustin in Stranger Things), each episode of this terrifying and hilarious show takes two complete strangers on the surprise ride of a lifetime. It's business as usual until their paths collide and fear meets funny when their one-day assignments turn into supernatural surprises. Klaus (Netflix, November 15) - When Jesper (Jason Schwartzman) distinguishes himself as the postal academy’s worst student, he is stationed on a frozen island above the Arctic Circle, where the feuding locals hardly exchange words let alone letters. Jesper is about to give up when he finds an ally in local teacher Alva (Rashida Jones), and discovers Klaus (Oscar® winner J.K. Simmons), a mysterious carpenter who lives alone in a cabin full of handmade toys. These unlikely friendships return laughter to Smeerensburg, forging a new legacy of generous neighbors, magical lore and stockings hung by the chimney with care. An animated holiday comedy directed by Despicable Me co-creator Sergio Pablos, Klaus co-stars Joan Cusack, Will Sasso and Norm Macdonald. Lost in Space: Season 2 (Netflix, December 24) - There’s more danger — and adventure — ahead for the Robinson family! With the Jupiter 2 stranded on a mysterious ocean planet without their beloved Robot, the Robinsons must work together, alongside the mischievous and manipulative Dr. Smith and the always charming Don West, to make it back to the Resolute and reunite with the other colonists. But they quickly find all is not as it seems. A series of incredible new threats and unexpected discoveries emerge as they look for the key to finding Robot and safe passage to Alpha Centauri. They will stop at nothing to keep their family safe... survival is a Robinson specialty after all. Marvel's Runaways: Season 3 (Hulu, December 13) - The Runaways have left their homes (and evil parents) behind and now have to learn to live on their own. As they scavenge for food, search for shelter, and take care of one another, our kids begin to realize that, for better or worse, they’re stuck with each other. And it’s up to them to take down PRIDE once and for all. But someone sent a mysterious message to Jonah… Is there a mole in the Runaways? Meanwhile PRIDE is focused on finding their children, and Jonah has his own dangerous plan in mind. The Elephant Queen (Apple TV+, November 1) - Embark on an epic journey of love, courage and coming home. Join Athena, the majestic matriarch of an elephant herd, as she is forced to lead her family across the unforgiving African savanna in search of water. This family-friendly adventure is a cinematic love letter to a threatened species. Narrated by Chiwetel Ejiofor (12 Years a Slave, The Lion King), The Elephant Queen won the Cinema for Peace International Green Film Award of the Year. Truth Be Told (Apple TV+, December 6) - Every truth has a consequence. When new evidence compels podcaster Poppy Parnell (Octavia Spencer) to reopen the murder case that made her a national sensation, she comes face to face with Warren Cave (Aaron Paul), the man she may have mistakenly helped to put behind bars. Her investigation navigates urgent concerns about privacy, media and race. - Apple TV+ is set to launch on November 1 for a monthly subscription price of $4.99. - A current Netflix subscription starts at $13 per month for HD streaming and $16 per month for Ultra HD streaming. - A current Hulu subscription starts at $6 per month with commercials. In addition, ad-free playback is available for $12 per month and Live TV bundle is available for $45. Sources: Netflix (YouTube), Hulu (YouTube), Apple TV+ (YouTube)Posted Sat Oct 12, 2019 at 08:45 PM PDT by: -
ESPN Set to Broadcast Its First Live Native 4K Sports Telecast with Dolby Atmos[teaser]The network is making the jump to 4K and immersive audio.[/teaser] ESPN has announced plans to broadcast select regular season college football games in live 4K with Dolby Atmos audio as part of a collaboration with Samsung. The "Samsung QLED 4K Game of the Week" telecast will kick off with the October 12 match between the University of Florida and Louisiana State University at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN via DirecTV (channel 107.9at) and Comcast. "After months of planning and technical testing, we are excited sports fans can watch 4K UHD College Football games as part of the Samsung QLED 4K Game of the Week," said Jodi Markley, EVP, ESPN Content Operations and Creative Services. "As 4K technical resources and workflows become more readily available, we will continue to grow this standard across our operations. 4K images are stunning and we look forward to sharing them with fans." Following the first 4K broadcast on October 12, there will be five more college football "Samsung QLED 4K Game of the Week" live telecasts throughout the season. In addition, ESPN plans to offer a 4K broadcast as part of its "Megacast" of the College Football Playoff National Championship Game on Janauary 13, 2020. "This is why teaming up with ESPN for the Samsung QLED 4K Game of the Week is such a pivotal point for the TV industry," said Grace Dolan, Vice President, Marketing, Home Entertainment at Samsung Electronics America. "Being able to experience true, native 4K college football games live on ESPN for the first time ever is a game changer. With a variety of super large screen size options, stunning picture quality, dazzling colors and ultra wide viewing angles, Samsung QLED TVs allow fans to enjoy 4K college football action like they’re actually at the game with their friends from the comfort of their homes." In order to watch the ESPN 4K broadcast, users will need an eligible DirecTV or Comcast subscription package and 4K compatible equipment. Sources: Samsung, ESPN, Sports Video Group via EngadgetPosted Fri Oct 11, 2019 at 08:10 PM PDT by: -
HDD Gear Deals: Up to 40% off Samsung 8K & 4K QLED HDR TVs[teaser]The company's QLED displays are now on sale![/teaser] Samsung has announced a special Columbus Day sale on its QLED TV lineup. As part of the promotion, select Q900 8K TV, Q90R 4K TV, Q80R 4K TV, Q70R 4K TV, and Q60R 4K TV models are now up to 40% off their MSRPs. The below discounts are set to be active until October 16. Here's a full rundown of the Samsung QLED deals available now via Amazon: 55-inch Q900 QLED 8K TV - $2,198 (37% off MSRP) 65-inch Q900 QLED 8K TV - $2,998 (40% off MSRP) 75-inch Q900 QLED 8K TV - $4,498 (36% off MSRP) 65-inch Q90R QLED 4K TV - $2,598 (26% off MSRP) 65-inch Q80R QLED 4K TV - $1,798 (36% off MSRP) 55-inch Q80R QLED 4K TV - $1,498 (12% off MSRP) 55-inch Q70R QLED 4K TV - $1,098 (27% off MSRP) 55-inch Q60R QLED 4K TV - $798 (33% off MSRP, deal ends October 13) Samsung's 2019 4K QLED TVs feature the company's proprietary Quantum Processor, quantum dot tech with 100% color volume support, and HDR10/HDR10+ playback. In addition, the Q80 and Q90 series also include "Ultra Viewing Angle" technology to minimize glare, improve color, and provide a better picture from off-angle viewing positions. Likewise, the Q70, Q80, and Q90 TVs offer Direct Full Array local dimming for superior black levels. Meanwhile, the flagship Q900 8K QLED TV features a native 7,680 x 4,320 resolution 8K panel, along with quantum dot tech and Direct Full Array Elite local dimming to provide DCI-P3 WCG support, 100% Color Volume, and superior contrast. In addition, the TV includes AI-powered 8K Upscaling technology and Samsung's 8K Quantum Processor to upscale lower resolution content from any source to near 8K quality. Likewise, the set supports HDR10 and HDR10+ playback with industry-leading 4,000 nit peak brightness capabilities in Dynamic Mode and around 2,000 nits in Movie Mode (on the 85-inch model). Source: SamsungPosted Thu Oct 10, 2019 at 01:55 PM PDT by: -
SVS Launches "Night of Sonic Thrills" Five-City Demo Event[teaser]The special events will offer product demos and giveaways.[/teaser] SVS has announced a series of special promotional events set to be held in five cities across the US. Dubbed "Speakers and Subwoofers Unleashed: A Night of Sonic Thrills with SVS," the event series will kick off in San Antonio on October 15. Hosted by different SVS dealers, each event will offer demos of SVS audio gear, including the company's Prime Pinnacle tower speakers, Prime Wireless Speakers, 3000 Series Subwoofers, and more. Demos will be separated into four separate "Experience Zones" with a reference home theater system zone, a stereo set-up zone, a compact 5.1 surround sound configuration zone, and a wireless audio system zone. And beyond demos, the events will also offer prize giveaways, including one grand prize at each event with a $2,000 SVS Prime 5.1.2 speaker system and a Dolby Atmos enabled AV receiver. Finally, SVS president Gary Yacoubian will also be in attendance to share more details about SVS products and audio technology. Here's a full rundown of Event dates and locations with RSVP links per SVS: Bjorn’s Audio Video – San Antonio, TX - October 15, 6-8pm Nebraska Furniture Mart – Kansas City, MO - November 5, 6-8pm Nebraska Furniture Mart – Omaha, NE - November 14, 6-8pm Nebraska Furniture Mart – Dallas, TX - November 21, 6-8pm Home Audio Video Electronics – Portland, OR - December 12, 6-8pm The SVS Prime Pinnacle Tower Speakers are now available for $799.99 each in a premium Black Ash finish or $899.99 each in a Piano Gloss Black finish via the SVS website. Meanwhile, the 3000 Series SB-3000 Subwoofer is now available for $999.99 in Premium Black Ash or $1,099.99 in Piano Gloss Black, and the 3000 Series PB-3000 Subwoofer is available for 1,399.99 in Premium Black Ash. Source: SVSPosted Wed Oct 9, 2019 at 08:23 AM PDT by: -
Sony Reveals New Details & Holiday 2020 Release for PlayStation 5[teaser]The upcoming video game console will include 4K Blu-ray support.[/teaser] Sony has officially confirmed a Holiday 2020 release window for the PlayStation 5. In addition, the company revealed several new details about the console's controller, specs, and disc drive support. As reported by WIRED, the PlayStation 5 console will include ray-tracing capabilities via hardware acceleration in the GPU. This technology is capable of rendering advanced 3D lighting effects. In addition, the system will incorporate an SSD (Solid-State Drive) for faster load times along with a 4K Blu-ray disc drive capable of playing PS5 games on 100GB discs and Ultra HD Blu-ray movies. Likewise, the console's UI has also been updated to offer more real time information about currently available multiplayer and single player gameplay scenarios, missions, and rewards. (Note: PS4 Pro pictured above) Meanwhile, the PlayStation 5's new controller will feature several updates and improvements as well, including the addition of haptic feedback and adaptive triggers. Haptic feedback will replace the traditional rumble tech found in Sony's previous controllers, enabling a greater range of distinct feedback types, effects, and textures. In addition, adaptive triggers will be integrated into the L2/R2 buttons, allowing developers to specify different resistance levels in order to simulate the feel of in-game actions like drawing a bow and arrow or accelerating a car. Finally, the new PS5 controller will also utilize a USB Type-C connection for charging, a larger capacity battery compared to its predecessor, and an improved speaker. Pricing and an exact release date for the Sony PlayStation 5 have not been announced yet, but the console will launch in time for the Holiday 2020 season. Source: Sony, WIREDPosted Tue Oct 8, 2019 at 01:00 PM PDT by:
