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HDD Gear Deal Spotlight: Roku LT Streaming Media Player[teaser]The popular streaming media player 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 the Roku LT Streaming Media Player. The device is currently on sale for $37 which is 26 percent off its retail price of $50. The Roku LT Streaming Media Player connects to users' televisions and provides access to several streaming media services. In total, the box offers more than 150,000 movies and TV shows in up to 720p resolution from Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon Instant Video, HBO GO, M-GO, VUDU, Redbox Instant by Verizon and more. In addition, music services from Spotify, Amazon Cloud Player, Pandora, MOG, Rdio, VEVO and TuneIn Radio are supported as well. This deal will only be active until 12 am PST while supplies last, so act fast if you want to snag a Roku at this price. The company also sells a more robust Roku 3 model (currently on sale for $89) and a compact Streaming Stick ($49). Make sure to stay tuned to High-Def Digest for more sales and special promotions!Posted Wed May 14, 2014 at 04:00 PM PDT by: -
LG Unveils New G Pad Tablets[teaser]The Korean electronics manufacturer has revealed a new lineup of G Pad tablets. [/teaser] LG has announced three new tablet models in its G Pad collection. The upcoming models include the G Pad 7.0, G Pad 8.0 and G Pad 10.1. "Customers tell us that they want a wider range of devices that offer sizable screens without compromising portability," said Dr. Jong-seok Park, president and CEO of the LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. "Unlike smartphones, tablets are not one size fits all. So we designed the G Pad Series for a diverse target audience, some who prioritize portability while others want the best multimedia experience possible. G Pad delivers on all counts." The tablets will use LG's QPair 2.0 technology for connecting to Android smartphones via Bluetooth and the company's Knock Code feature for powering on and unlocking the device with a customized knock pattern. Exact specs, pricing, and release dates have not been detailed yet, but the new G Pad lineup is now on display at the MedPI 2014 tech show in Monaco. The upcoming devices join the currently available G Pad 8.3 which is on sale for $266 on Amazon. Source: LGPosted Tue May 13, 2014 at 05:00 PM PDT by: -
Sony Suspends OLED Development[teaser]The electronics giant has reportedly pulled back from developing OLED displays. [/teaser] According to a report from Nikkei, Sony has put its commercial OLED development on hold. The company had previously announced the termination of a joint OLED partnership with Panasonic back in December. While Sony had originally intended to continue development on its own, it seems as if those plans have now changed. OLED televisions offer many benefits over traditional LCD technology, including superior black levels, better contrast, and fast response times. Unfortunately, the display tech is prone to low yield rates, expensive manufacturing costs and lifespan challenges, and Sony does not currently see enough demand for the product to warrant continued development. Instead, the company will continue to focus on LCD Ultra HD TVs, where it is the industry leader in the global 4K market. For now, LG remains the only major display company committed to OLED tech. The 55EA9800 curved-screen OLED and 55EA8800 flat-screen OLED are currently available and the company plans to release more models later this year. Meanwhile, Sony's 2014 lineup of LCD 4K displays are now up for pre-order, including the XBR49X850B, the XBR55X850B, the XBR65X850B, and the XBR70X850B. Source: Nikkei via EngadgetPosted Tue May 13, 2014 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
LG Releases UB9800 Series 4K TVs[teaser]The company's latest Ultra HD display series is now available. [/teaser] LG has announced the release of its newest 4K displays, the UB9800 series. The collection comes in 65, 79, and 84-inch models. "LG's goal is to help bring Ultra HD to the forefront for consumers in terms of excellent TV picture quality and its other outstanding benefits" said David VanderWaal, head of marketing for LG Electronics USA. "There’s no better way spread the word about Ultra HD than to offer consumers a way to experience it, and today's launch of the 79UB9800... is our first step in doing that for 2014." The UB9800 series use IPS LCD panels with an Ultra HD resolution of 3840 × 2160p. The sets also feature edge-lit LED backlighting with local dimming, webOS Smart TV capabilities, and True 4K Engine Pro for Ultra HD upscaling. In addition, the displays include support for the HDMI 2.0 spec and H.265 HEVC codec for 4K streaming. The 65UB9800 ($4,499), the 79UB9800 ($7,999), and the 84UB9800 ($14,999) are now available from Amazon. A 98-inch model is also planned for later this year. Source: LG via PR NewswirePosted Mon May 12, 2014 at 07:00 PM PDT by: -
Denon Details S-Series Home Theater Receivers[teaser]The new receivers feature Bluetooth streaming and HDMI 2.0 support. [/teaser] Denon has revealed its latest home theater receiver lineup, the S-Series. The upcoming collection includes the AVR-S500BT, the AVR-S700W and the AVR-S900W. "The S-Series models deliver an incredible home theater experience now and in the future with Bluetooth and wireless connectivity for streaming audio, a feature that undeniably is a must for today’s consumers. And each is loaded with the latest HDMI connectivity that includes pass-through for 4K Ultra HD 60 Hz, 4:4:4 Pure Color and 21:9 video content, making them compatible with 4K ultra high definition sources and displays. And in response to growing consumer demand, we’ve priced the S500BT at an all-time low price point for built-in Bluetooth streaming in an AVR at $249," said Paul Belanger, product manager for D+M. The AVR-S500BT is a 70 watts x 5 channel receiver with 5 HDMI inputs. Meanwhile, the AVR-S700W is a 75 watts x 7 channel receiver with 6 HDMI inputs. Finally, the AVR-S900W is a 90 watts x 7 channel receiver with 8 HDMI inputs. All three models include HDMI 2.0 support with 4K pass through and wireless Bluetooth for music streaming. In addition, the AVR-S700W and the AVR-S900W also feature built-in Wi-Fi connectivity. The Denon AVR-S500BT ($249), the AVR-S700W ($449), and the AVR-S900W ($599) are expected to ship to retailers and online stores in June. Source: DenonPosted Mon May 12, 2014 at 02:30 PM PDT by: -
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HDD Gear Deal Spotlight: Sharp HDTVs & Bose Audio[teaser]For a limited time, Amazon is offering significant discounts on select Sharp HDTVs and Bose Entertainment Systems! [/teaser] As part of the online retailer's ongoing electronics sales and promotions, Amazon is running limited time deals on several 2014 Sharp HDTVs and Bose Audio Systems. Sharp LC-70SQ15U 70-inch Aquos Q+ 1080p TV - Currently $2,208 (18 percent off its retail price of $2,700). Sharp LC-60SQ15U 60-inch Aquos Q+ 1080p TV - Currently $1,360 (32 percent off its retail price of $2,000). Bose Lifestyle 535 Series II Home Entertainment System - Currently $2,799 (15 percent off its retail price of $3,299). Bose Lifestyle 525 Series II Home Entertainment System - Currently $2,099 (16 percent off its retail price of $2,499). Bose Lifestyle 135 Series II Home Entertainment System - Currently $2,099 (16 percent off its retail price of $2,499). 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 9, 2014 at 04:30 PM PDT by: -
Netflix Price Increase Begins[teaser]The streaming media service is increasing its fee by $1 for new customers. [/teaser] After previously announcing plans to enact a price increase, Netflix is now raising its streaming subscription fee to $8.99 per month. The updated pricing will only be in effect for new customers. Existing customers will get to keep the original $7.99 monthly fee for two more years. Pricing in the UK has also increased from £5.99 to £6.99, and Europe pricing has gone up from €7.99 to €8.99. These price increases will help Netflix obtain more content, produce more original shows, and optimize its streaming experience. The company also recently announced expanded 4K support, with Ultra HD streaming in the works for all of its original series and select titles like 'Breaking Bad.' 4K streaming is already available for the second season of 'House of Cards.' At press time, the U.S. Netflix website still shows a monthly streaming fee of $7.99, but current users are already reporting emails about the new $8.99 pricing. Netflix is available on a variety of smart TVs and streaming media players, including the Roku 3, Apple TV, Chromecast, and Amazon Fire TV. Source: EngadgetPosted Fri May 9, 2014 at 06:42 AM PDT by: -
Bang & Olufsen Details BeoVision Avant Ultra HD Display[teaser]The innovative premium television model features a moving stand and unfolding sound panel. [/teaser] Danish company Bang & Olufsen have revealed their latest display, the BeoVision Avant. The edge-LED 4K set offers local dimming technology, unique mechanical stand options, and a descending sound panel that unfolds when the display is in use. According to CEO Tue Mantoni, BeoVision Avant was created to provide discerning homeowners the ultimate in authentic performance, intuitive simplicity and convenience. "Our research shows that consumers want more and more from their televisions," he explains. "People are pressed for time, and they want entertainment that just works so they can focus on it – and each other – rather than the technology itself. BeoVision Avant delivers on all counts. The name Avant is a nod to our most successful TV to date, the Avant launched in 1995. Just as the first Avant was a game changer in an analogue era, we believe the new BeoVision Avant will set the standard for what should be expected from a television in the future." The BeoVision Avant features moving wall, floor, and table stand options, allowing the set to discreetly reposition itself toward viewers when turned on, making the most of its place within a user's room. Likewise, the included sound panel unfolds when the set is powered on, moving in conjunction with the mechanical stand. In addition, the 3-channel sound system has three dedicated tweeters, three midrange units and two powerful bass drivers built-in. Meanwhile, a Chromatic Room Adaptation feature automatically adjusts the television's picture to compensate for ambient light and room color tones. Finally, the included BeoRemote One offers a "MyButtons" option, giving users the ability to program up to three personalized commands with one simple touch. The BeoVision Avant is now available in 55-inches at Bang & Olufsen stores for a suggested retail price of $7995. The various moving stand options start at an additional $895. Source: Bang & Olufsen via PR NewswirePosted Thu May 8, 2014 at 07:30 PM PDT by: -
Netflix to Stream 'Breaking Bad' in 4K[teaser]The entire series will be available to stream in Ultra HD resolution. [/teaser] Netflix has announced plans to add another title to its 4K streaming lineup: 'Breaking Bad.' All five seasons of the hit AMC show will be available for 4K streaming with 5.1 surround sound starting this June. In addition, the company also promises to include 4K support for all of its upcoming original programs, and Season Two of 'House of Cards' is already available in 4K. Likewise, Netflix is experimenting with supplemental materials for its shows as well, including a "Behind the Bars" interview feature for 'Orange is the New Black' that allows users to toggle between interviews and relevant scenes from the series. It's not clear yet if this extra will roll out to all Netflix users when the show's second season premieres on June 6. In order to watch 'Breaking Bad' or any other Netflix series in 4K, users will need to have a 2014 Ultra HD television model that supports the H.265/HEVC codec. This includes the majority of 2014 4K displays from most of the major manufacturers. Unfortunately, previous Ultra HD models without an integrated H.265/HEVC decoder will not be able to play the 4K streams at this time. Source: Pocket-lint via EngadgetPosted Thu May 8, 2014 at 11:00 AM PDT by: -
HDD Gear Deal Spotlight: Samsung 4K & Curved-Screen TVs[teaser]For a limited time, Amazon is offering up to $500 off select Samsung curved-screen and Ultra HD TVs! [/teaser] As part of the online retailer's ongoing electronics sales and promotions, Amazon is running limited time deals on several 2014 Samsung 4K and HDTVs, including several curved-screen models. Samsung UN65HU8550 65-Inch 4K TV - Currently $3,498 (13 percent off its retail price of $4,000). Samsung UN55HU8550 55-Inch 4K TV - Currently $2,498 (17 percent off its retail price of $3,000). Samsung UN65HU9000 Curved 65-Inch 4K TV - Currently $4,498 (10 percent off its retail price of $5,000). Samsung UN55HU9000 Curved 55-Inch 4K TV - Currently $3,498 (13 percent off its retail price of $4,000). Samsung UN65H8000 Curved 65-Inch 1080p TV - Currently $2,998 (12 percent off its retail price of $3,400). Samsung UN55H8000 Curved 55-Inch 1080p TV - Currently $2,298 (8 percent off its retail price of $2,500). 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 7, 2014 at 05:30 PM PDT by:
