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HDD Gear Deal Spotlight: Home Audio & Upcoming Lightning Deals[teaser]For a limited time, Amazon is offering special discounts on select home audio gear and a 1080p monitor. [/teaser] As part of the online retailer's ongoing sales and promotions, Amazon is running limited time deals on several home theater products. The items currently on sale include: Yamaha YHT-497 5.1-Channel Home Theater System - Currently $300 (38 percent off its retail price). Pioneer SP-SB23W Andrew Jones Soundbar System - Currently $297 (34 percent off its retail price). Pioneer SC-1523-K 9.2-Channel A/V Receiver - Currently $799 (53 percent off its retail price). In addition, Amazon will also have a lightning deal for a Klipsch SW-350 8-Inch 350 Watt Subwoofer tomorrow at 3 am EST, and a ViewSonic VA2349S 23-Inch 1080p Monitor tomorrow at 9 am EST. 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 May 21, 2014 at 05:45 PM PDT by: -
HBO Programming Now Available on Prime Instant Video[teaser]The first wave of HBO content is now streaming through Amazon's Prime Instant Video Service. [/teaser] As previously reported, HBO and Amazon have signed a deal giving Prime Instant Video the exclusive online-only subscription streaming rights to several HBO shows, films, miniseries, documentaries and specials -- and now the first batch of content is ready for viewing. The current collection of HBO programming available to Prime Instant Video members includes: Every season of classic series like 'The Sopranos,' 'The Wire,' 'Deadwood,' 'Rome,' 'Six Feet Under,' and recent shows like 'Eastbound & Down,' 'Enlightened,' and 'Flight of the Conchords'; select current seasons of shows like 'Boardwalk Empire,' 'Treme' and 'True Blood'; miniseries including 'Band of Brothers,' 'John Adams,' 'The Pacific,' 'Parade’s End,' and 'Angels in America'; original movies such as 'Mary and Martha,' 'Temple Grandin' and 'You Don’t Know Jack'; comedy specials from Louis CK, Ellen DeGeneres, Lewis Black and Bill Maher; and documentaries such as 'When the Levees Broke,' 'Ghosts of Abu Ghraib' and the 'Autopsy' and 'Iceman' series. "We’re thrilled to deliver this collection of groundbreaking, beloved content from HBO to Amazon Prime members for unlimited streaming at no additional cost," said Brad Beale, Director of Digital Video Content Acquisition for Amazon. "Given the number of customers who purchase these titles from Amazon, we know how much customers love these shows. We are excited to bring them to Prime members—we think they are going to love them, whether they are experiencing them for the first time or re-discovering them from the beginning." In addition, more seasons of the shows listed above and early seasons of newer shows like 'Veep,' 'Girls' and 'The Newsroom' will become available in the future. Likewise, the companies reiterated their plans to bring HBO Go to the Amazon Fire TV later this year. The Amazon Fire TV currently retails for $99. You can check out our full review here. Prime Instant Video is available on a variety of streaming devices and smart TVs. The service is part of Amazon Prime and currently costs $99 per year. Source: AmazonPosted Wed May 21, 2014 at 04:20 PM PDT by: -
Sony to Launch New 4K TVs at Video & Audio Center Event[teaser]The company's new lineup of Ultra HD TVs will debut at Video & Audio Center's Century City Store Opening. [/teaser] Sony has announced the launch of its latest 4K displays. The new collection of Ultra HD TVs will be offered for more affordable, mass market prices, and are set to be demoed and sold at a special event being held during the opening of Video & Audio Center’s Century City store. Sony's latest high-res audio systems will also be on display. "These incredible new Sony 4K Ultra HDTVs and high-res audio systems will be extremely popular and marks another first for us, Southern California and Sony,” remarked Joseph Akhtarzad, co-owner Video & Audio Center Inc. The event will kick off at the Video & Audio Center store located at the Westfield Century City Mall on May 22 at 5:30 pm. A press conference will be held with top Sony factory executives, engineers and representatives. The televisions will then go on sale to the public. The new lineup of 4K TVs includes the XBR49X850B, XBR55X850B, XBR65X850B, and the XBR70X850B; the XBR55X900B, XBR65X900B, and the XBR79X900B; and the XBR65X950B and XBR80X950B. All of the upcoming models are available for pre-order on Amazon now. Likewise, Sony is also set to launch its FMP-X10 4K Ultra HD Media Player in July. Source: SonyPosted Tue May 20, 2014 at 05:30 PM PDT by: -
Microsoft Details Surface Pro 3[teaser]The new HD tablet is geared toward offering customers a lightweight laptop alternative. [/teaser] Microsoft has fully unveiled its latest Surface tablet model, the Surface Pro 3. The versatile 12-inch device features many of the benefits and performance options of a laptop in a highly mobile and convenient design. "So many people carry both a laptop and a tablet but really want just one device that serves all purposes," said Panos Panay, corporate vice president, Microsoft Surface. "Surface Pro 3 is the tablet that can replace your laptop — packing all the performance of a fully powered laptop into a thin, light and beautifully designed device. You’ll love being able to carry a single device for your next class, workday or weekend getaway knowing you have all the power you need." The Surface Pro 3 features a 12-inch ClearType display with a resolution of 2160 x 1440. The tablet runs Windows 8.1 Pro and is available in Intel Core i3, i5, and i7 configurations with 4GB or 8GB RAM options. Likewise, customers can choose between 64 GB, 128 GB, 256 GB, and 512 GB storage sizes. A new, redesigned Surface Pen is also included, giving users 256 levels of pressure sensitivity. A kickstand is offered as well along with an integrated 5MP rear camera and a 1080p front camera. For full laptop functionality, customers can also purchase a separate Surface Pro Type Cover and Docking Station. The tablet is rated for up to nine hours of web-browsing battery life. Pre-orders are set to go live on May 21 through Microsoft retail and online stores and select third-party retailers. Models will start out at a suggested retail price of $799. Source: MicrosoftPosted Tue May 20, 2014 at 11:00 AM PDT by: -
HDD Gear Deal Spotlight: Kindle Fire HD 8.9" One-Day Sale[teaser]A certified refurbished Kindle Fire HD 8.9" is Amazon's deal of the day! [/teaser] As part of the online retailer's gold box deal of the day, Amazon is running a special one-day discount on a Certified Refurbished Kindle Fire HD 8.9" 4G LTE Wireless Tablet. The 32GB model is currently on sale for $219 which is $80 off its retail price of $299. Likewise, the 64GB model is currently on sale for $269 which is $80 off its retail price of $349. The Kindle Fire HD 8.9" is a multimedia tablet that features an 8.9-inch 1920x1200 IPS display with 254 ppi. The tablet is powered by a 1.5Ghz dual-core processor with Imagination PowerVR 3D graphics and 1GB of RAM. An HD front-facing camera is also included, and the device is rated for over 10 hours of battery life. This deal will only be active until 12 am PST while supplies last, so act fast if you want to snag a Kindle Fire HD at this price. Make sure to stay tuned to High-Def Digest for more sales and special promotions!Posted Mon May 19, 2014 at 04:30 PM PDT by: -
AT&T Set to Purchase DirecTV[teaser]The telecommunications giant will acquire the satellite TV provider. [/teaser] AT&T and DirecTV have announced plans to merge. The $48.5 million deal has been approved by both companies' board of directors and will allow AT&T to buy the satellite service in a stock-and-cash transaction for $95 per share. "This is a unique opportunity that will redefine the video entertainment industry and create a company able to offer new bundles and deliver content to consumers across multiple screens – mobile devices, TVs, laptops, cars and even airplanes. At the same time, it creates immediate and long-term value for our shareholders," said Randall Stephenson, AT&T Chairman and CEO. "DIRECTV is the best option for us because they have the premier brand in pay TV, the best content relationships, and a fast-growing Latin American business. DIRECTV is a great fit with AT&T and together we’ll be able to enhance innovation and provide customers new competitive choices for what they want in mobile, video and broadband services. We look forward to welcoming DIRECTV's talented people to the AT&T family." The merger will allow both companies to combine their strengths, unifying DirecTV's impressive selection of programming and content delivery with AT&T's premier broadband and mobile networks. This will enable the combined company to meet evolving customer needs across mobile, video and broadband platforms, covering traditional satellite and streaming venues. "This compelling and complementary combination will bring significant benefits to all consumers, shareholders and DIRECTV employees," said Mike White, president and CEO of DIRECTV. "U.S. consumers will have access to a more competitive bundle; shareholders will benefit from the enhanced value of the combined company; and employees will have the advantage of being part of a stronger, more competitive company, well positioned to meet the evolving video and broadband needs of the 21st century marketplace." The deal is expected to close within the next 12 months but is still subject to approval from DirecTV shareholders, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission, U.S. Department of Justice, a few U.S. states and some Latin American countries. Likewise, AT&T has a special out clause in their contract enabling them to terminate the deal if DirecTV fails to retain the rights to its NFL Sunday Ticket service beyond this season. Sources: AT&T, The VergePosted Mon May 19, 2014 at 01:00 PM PDT by: -
HDD Gear Deal Spotlight: HDTVs, Blu-ray Players, and Tablets[teaser]For a limited time, Amazon is offering special discounts on an ASUS tablet, a Samsung HDTV, and a Sony Blu-ray player. [/teaser] As part of the online retailer's ongoing sales and promotions, Amazon is running limited time deals on several home theater products. ASUS VivoTab 11.6-Inch 64 GB Tablet - Currently $400 (50 percent off its retail price). Samsung UN60F8000 60-Inch 1080p TV - Currently $2,298 (38 percent off its retail price). Sony BDPS790 3D Blu-ray Player - Currently $187 (25 percent off its retail price). 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 May 16, 2014 at 04:10 PM PDT by: -
Cambridge Audio Reveals New Products[teaser]The British audio company has announced a new music system along with upcoming speakers and receivers. [/teaser] Cambridge Audio has unveiled its latest collection of products at the High End show in Munich, Germany. The new lineup includes the Aeromax 2 and Aeromax 6 speakers, an all-in-one music system, and two new A/V receivers. The Aeromax 2 and 6 speakers feature gloss-black and gloss-white finishes along with the company's fourth generation BMR drivers. The Balance Mode Radiator technology creates sound using vibration modes allowing for much wider audio and uses a 250Hz crossover frequency for smooth and coherent performance. Meanwhile, the new Cambridge One music system offers CD player, DAC, FM tuner, 2x30-watt class AB amplifier and Bluetooth support in one device. Finally, the company also announced two new A/V receivers, the Azur 751R V2 and the Azur 551R V2. The 551R V2 is a 7x60 watts into 8 ohms receiver and the 751R V2 is a 7x120 watts into 8 ohms receiver. Both models include HDMI 2.0 support and 4K 60fps video pass through. Cambridge Audio's Aeromax 2 ($749/pair) and Aeromax 6 ( $1,499/pair) start shipping this month. The One music player will be available in June for a suggested retail price of $499. The Azur 551R V2 will also go on sale in June for $1,099 and the Azur 751R V2 will follow in July for $2,199. Sources: TWICE, Cambridge AudioPosted Fri May 16, 2014 at 02:07 PM PDT by: -
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VUDU Adds Movie Sharing Feature[teaser]The UltraViolet digital copy service now allows users to share movies and TV shows with friends. [/teaser] VUDU has announced the launch of the "Share My Movies" feature. The new option gives customers the ability to invite friends to watch titles from their UltraViolet library. With the new feature, all VUDU users with an UltraViolet library can now share their digital titles without lending out their passwords. Instead, the users can send special invites to up to five friends. The friends can then access the original's user's entire library of UltraViolet films and shows through their own VUDU accounts and connected devices, including smartphones, tablets and Smart TVs. The option also supports up to three simultaneous streams, letting multiple friends watch the same programing at the same time. The Share My Movies feature is now active on VUDU free of charge with no extra subscription fees. Source: VUDUPosted Thu May 15, 2014 at 05:00 PM PDT by: -
Sony Offers Pre-Order Discount for 4K Media Player[teaser]The FMP-X10 4K media player is now up for pre-order along with a $200 discount. [/teaser] Sony has announced pricing and availability for its upcoming FMP-X10 4K Ultra HD Media Player. The set-top box is the successor to the previously released FMP-X1. The proprietary set-top box only works with Sony brand Ultra HD televisions and projectors and gives users the ability to download, store, and stream a growing collection of 4K movies and TV shows. Sony's Video Unlimited 4K service currently offers over 200 titles, including recent hits like 'American Hustle,' upcoming releases like 'The Amazing Spider-Man 2,' and ongoing TV shows like 'The Blacklist.' In addition to Sony's service, the device offers support for Netflix 4K streaming as well, making it a perfect fit for early Sony 4K TVs that lack integrated H.265/HEVC decoding. The box also features 1 TB of storage and includes TRILUMINOS technology for expanded colors. The FMP-X10 will start shipping in July for a suggested retail price of $699. With that said, Sony is now offering a limited time pre-order promotion, giving customers who pre-order the player between May 15 and July 15 a special $200 discount. This brings the current price down to $498 on Amazon. Source: SonyPosted Thu May 15, 2014 at 10:30 AM PDT by:
