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Samsung Offers Free 4K Movie Pack with Ultra HD TVs[teaser]For a limited time, Samsung is including eight free UHD movies with the purchase of select 4K TVs. [/teaser] Samsung has detailed a special new promotion for its recently released HU9000 Ultra HD displays, giving customers access to a free assortment of 4K movie content. Buyers who purchase a UN55HU9000, UN65HU9000, or UN78HU9000 between April 27 and June 30 are eligible to receive the company's UHD Video Pack that comes pre-loaded with eight 4K movies. The UHD Video Pack is a proprietary 1 TB hard drive that comes pre-loaded with full 4K resolution versions of 'Night at the Museum,' 'X-Men Origins: Wolverine,' 'The Counselor,' 'GI Joe: Retaliation,' and 'World War Z.' In addition, the device also includes UHD versions of three documentary films, 'The Last Reef,' 'Grand Canyon Adventure,' and 'Cappadocia.' Likewise, more titles are expected to become available for download in the future. The HU9000 series features curved-screen, edge-lit LED panels with a resolution of 3840x2160. The sets also feature Precision Black Local Dimming, Wide Color Enhancer Plus, Smart TV options, and 3D support with four Pairs of 3D Active Glasses. The UN78HU9000 is not yet available for purchase from Amazon, but the UN55HU9000 and UN65HU9000 are on sale for $3,498 and $4,498 respectively. Customers can visit https://vp.samsungrebate.com/ to redeem the free UHD Video Pack, which can also be purchased separately for a suggested retail price of $300. Source: SamsungPosted Tue Apr 29, 2014 at 02:00 PM PDT by: -
Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 Series Up for Pre-Order![teaser]The upcoming WXGA, quad-core tablets are now available for pre-order on Amazon! [/teaser] After finally revealing a May 1 release date for its latest collection of multimedia tablets, Samsung is now accepting pre-orders for the Galaxy Tab4 series. The tablets are available in 7-inch, 8-inch, and 10.1-inch models. All three tablets are powered by 1.2GHz quad-core CPUs and 1.5GB of RAM running Android 4.4. Each device also features a 16:10 1280x800 screen along with an integrated 3MP rear camera and a 1.3MP front camera. In addition, the tablets offer Samsung's Multi Window functionality for switching between apps, Group Play for sharing media with friends, Samsung Link for sharing content between multiple smart devices, and WatchON for TV and movie playback on any device in your home or on the go. The 10.1 model includes a 6,800mAh battery, while the 8.0 features a 4,450mAh battery, and the 7.0 includes a 4,000mAh battery. All three will be available in white or black. The Galaxy Tab 4 7-inch is up for pre-order at a suggested retail price of $200, the Tab 4 8-inch is up for $270, and the Tab 4 10-inch is selling for $350. In addition, mobile carriers like Sprint, Verizon,T-Mobile, and AT&T will be offering various 4G LTE versions of select models this summer.Posted Mon Apr 28, 2014 at 03:30 PM PDT by: -
LG Ultra HD TV & 21:9 Monitor Win Awards[teaser]TIPA has awarded two of the company's upcoming displays with top honors. [/teaser] LG has received two awards from the Technical Image Press Association (TIPA). The 34UM95 21:9 QHD monitor has been named the Best Photo Monitor, and the UB980 series of Ultra HD displays has been given the Best Photo TV award. "We are incredibly honored that TIPA has best owed its Best Photo Monitor award on the 34UM95," said Hyoung-sei Park, head of the IT Business Division at LG Electronics. "With its exceptional capabilities and amazing picture quality, our professional-grade monitor is setting new benchmarks for all-around excellence. LG will continue to develop the best possible display products for professionals and home users." The 34UM95 is a 34-inch IPS monitor with an UltraWide 21:9 display ratio and a Quad HD resolution of 3440 x 1440. The display is geared toward graphics professionals and promises superior color accuracy and image quality, including support for 99 percent of the sRGB color space and hardware calibration options. In addition, the monitor includes numerous connectivity options, including Thunderbolt 2 support. Meanwhile, the UB980 series of 4K TVs features a resolution of 3840 x 2160 for sharp and detailed images. Likewise, the sets use IPS technology for impressive viewing angles, making them perfect for viewing high resolution pictures. An exact release date and pricing for LG's award-winning UB980 series have not been announced yet, but the 34UM95 QHD monitor will be available on May 9 for $1,490. Source: LGPosted Mon Apr 28, 2014 at 11:30 AM PDT by: -
HDD Gear Deal Spotlight: ViewSonic 1080p Projector[teaser]For a limited time, Amazon is offering a 1080p 3D ViewSonic projector for 41 percent off! [/teaser] As part of the online retailer's ongoing electronics sales and promotions, Amazon is running a limited time deal on the ViewSonic PJD7820HD Projector. The projector is currently on sale for $650 which is 41 percent off of its retail price of $1,099. The ViewSonic PJD7820HD is a full-HD DLP 1080p projector with 3000 ANSI lumens, a 15000:1 contrast ratio, a 1.2x optical zoom lens, and a throw ratio of 1.25-1.5:1. In addition, the device also features 3D support and uses BrilliantColor technology and a 6-segment color wheel design. HDMI and VGA inputs are included as well and the lamp is rated for up to 6,000 hours. As always, this deal 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 Apr 25, 2014 at 06:00 PM PDT by: -
Netflix Officially Set to Arrive on US Cable Boxes[teaser]The streaming service will be incorporated into select TiVo set-top boxes. [/teaser] After announcing tentative plans to expand their cable box integration to the US earlier this week, details are now starting to emerge about Netflix's upcoming DVR availability. The streaming service has announced partnerships with Atlantic Broadband, Grande Communications and RCN to offer the Netflix app directly in the TiVo DVRs supplied by each cable company. Users of those cable companies will still need to be subscribers to Netflix in order to access the app, but the new integration will allow customers to simplify their setup, combining their live cable, on-demand, and Netflix streaming services into one device. Netflix previously rolled out similar TiVo cable integration in the European market. Subscribers to Atlantic Broadband, Grande Communications and RCN will be able to access Netflix through their TiVo devices as early as April 28. "Atlantic Broadband, Grande Communications and RCN are making it even easier for their customers to watch Netflix on their TVs," said Bill Holmes, head of business development at Netflix. "These three cable companies are leading innovators, offering more choices and a great experience to their customers. Not only are they the first U.S. cable providers to offer Netflix on their set-top boxes, they have also directly connected their networks to Netflix, enabling a better viewing experience with faster startup times and superior image quality." Though Netflix integration is currently limited to these select cable providers and TiVo DVRs, the company does plan to expand its support to more set-top box and cable services in the future. Source: Fierce Cable via EngadgetPosted Fri Apr 25, 2014 at 04:00 PM PDT by: -
LG Launches Latest SoundPlate System[teaser] The company has announced a release window for the upcoming LAB540 SoundPlate speaker system. [/teaser] After making its debut back at CES in January, LG has revealed launch details for the newest addition to its home audio lineup. The LAB540 SoundPlate will go on sale in Europe in May and then roll out to North America and other regions soon after. "Superb sound is just a small part of what the SoundPlate offers," said Byung-hoon Min, senior vice president of the LG Home Entertainment Company audio-video division. "This comprehensive system also delivers Smart TV and Blu-ray functionality with sleek styling and space-saving convenience. LG SoundPlate's refined aesthetics will complement any interior and augment the slender design of today’s advanced TVs." The LAB540W SoundPlate is a sleek audio device designed to be paired with 32 to 55-inch flat screen TVs. Measuring just 39.5mm high, the SoundPlate features 4.1 channel, 320 watt audio and an external wireless subwoofer, offering compact size without sacrificing powerful sound. In addition, the SoundPlate includes an integrated 3D Blu-ray player, Smart TV functions, and Wi-Fi and Bluetooth streaming. Pricing has not been detailed yet, but LG's previous SoundPlate models, the LAP240 and the LAP340, are currently on sale for $329 each. Source: LGPosted Fri Apr 25, 2014 at 02:30 PM PDT by: -
Japan Display Develops 10.1-inch 4K Tablet Panel[teaser] The display manufacturer is shipping prototypes of a new 10.1-inch Ultra HD screen. [/teaser] Japan Display has announced the development of a 10.1-inch 4K LCD screen for tablets. The panel joins the company's previously detailed 12.1-inch 4K tablet panel. The upcoming 10.1-inch screen has a resolution of 3840 x 2160 and an impressive 438 ppi, besting the 12.1-inch model's 365 ppi. The screen features an IPS LCD panel with a 1100:1 contrast ratio, 400 cd/m2 brightness, and a 160 degree viewing angle. In addition, the display uses low-temperature poly silicon technology to allow for lower power consumption. This translates into substantially improved battery life that rivals traditional 10.1-inch WQXGA LCD displays despite the increase to 4K resolution. Japan Display's 10.1-inch Ultra HD panel is currently still in the prototype stage, and no 4K tablet models using the screen have been announced yet. Source: Japan Display via EngadgetPosted Thu Apr 24, 2014 at 03:00 PM PDT by: -
Sony Readies New High-Res Audio Products[teaser]The company has detailed its upcoming lineup of A/V receivers, speakers, and home theater systems. [/teaser] Sony has revealed its new collection of home audio products, including several High-Resolution devices. The lineup consists of four A/V receivers, four speaker models, and one Blu-ray home theater system. "Sony's goal is to make the benefits of Hi-Res Audio accessible to every music lover," said Jeff Hiatt, director of home audio at Sony Electronics. "We're focused on providing a variety of Hi-Res solutions that fit every lifestyle need. Our latest additions are specifically developed to bring Hi-Res excitement to a broader audience." The STR-DN1050 (165 watts) and STR-DN850 (150 watts) are both 7.2 channel A/V receivers with 4K pass-through/upscaling, integrated Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and AirPlay, and high-res audio support. Meanwhile, the STR-DH750 is a 7.2 channel receiver with 145 watts per channel, Bluetooth connectivity, and 4K pass-through. Finally, the STR-DH550 is a 145 watt 5.2 channel receiver. The STR-DN1050 ($599) and STR-DN850 ($499) will be available in May and the STR-DH750 ($349) and STR-DH550 ($279) are currently available on Amazon. On the speaker front, Sony is also releasing the new CS series which consists of High-Res capable loudspeaker, bookshelf, center channel, and subwoofer models. The SS-CS3 floor standing speaker features a 5 ¼" woofer in a 3-way, 4 speaker bass-reflex design that can offer up to 145 watts with a max frequency response of 50 kHz. The SS-CS5 bookshelf model also features a 5 ¼" woofer, but this time with a maximum of 100 watts. The SS-CS8 is a center channel speaker with a 2-way, 3 speaker bass-reflex design and a 4" foamed mica cellular reinforced woofer. Finally, the SS-CS9 subwoofer uses an active, 115 watt amp and a 10" foamed-mica cellular reinforced woofer. The SS-CS3 ($239 per speaker), SS-CS5 ($219 per pair), SS-CS8 ($169) and SS-CS9 ($239) will all be available for purchase in May exclusively at Sony Stores and Best Buy. Last but not least, Sony is debuting the BDV-N7200W Hi-Res Blu-ray Home Theater system. The BDV-N7200W features a 1200W 5.1 channel speaker system with wireless surround sound speakers, a down-firing subwoofer, a Blu-ray player, and support for several High-Resolution audio formats. In addition, the system offers built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, and 4K and 3D pass through. The BDV-N7200W will launch in May for $699. Source: SonyPosted Thu Apr 24, 2014 at 11:30 AM PDT by: -
Amazon and HBO Announce Big Partnership[teaser]Select HBO shows are coming to Amazon Prime Instant Video, and HBO Go support is in the works for the Fire TV. [/teaser] Amazon and HBO have detailed a new multi-year licensing agreement that will bring a variety of HBO programing to the online retailer's streaming media service. This will make Prime Instant Video the exclusive online-only subscription source for several popular HBO series. "HBO has produced some of the most groundbreaking, beloved and award-winning shows in television history, with more than 115 Emmys amongst the assortment of shows coming to Prime members next month," said Brad Beale, Director of Content Acquisition for Amazon. "HBO original content is some of the most-popular across Amazon Instant Video—our customers love watching these shows. Now Prime members can enjoy a collection of great HBO shows on an unlimited basis, at no additional cost to their Prime membership." The agreement begins on May 21, giving Prime Instant Video members access to every season of select shows like 'The Sopranos,' 'The Wire,' 'Deadwood,' 'Rome,' 'Six Feet Under,' 'Eastbound & Down,' 'Enlightened,' and 'Flight of the Conchords'; acclaimed miniseries like 'Angels in America,' 'Band of Brothers,' 'John Adams,' 'The Pacific' and 'Parade’s End'; early seasons of series such as 'Boardwalk Empire,' 'Treme' and 'True Blood'; original movies like 'Game Change,' 'Too Big To Fail' and 'You Don’t Know Jack'; documentaries including the 'Autopsy' and 'Iceman' series, 'Ghosts of Abu Ghraib' and 'When the Levees Broke'; and comedy specials from Lewis Black, Ellen DeGeneres, Louis CK and Bill Maher. In addition, current seasons of all of the show listed above and early seasons of more shows like 'Veep,' 'Girls' and 'The Newsroom' will become available in the future. Finally, the two companies also announced plans to bring HBO Go to the Amazon Fire TV. The cable giant's streaming service is expected to launch on the Fire TV by the end of the year. "As owners of our original programming, we have always sought to capitalize on that investment. Given our longstanding relationship with Amazon, we couldn't think of a better partner to entrust with this valuable collection," said Glenn Whitehead, Executive Vice President of Business and Legal Affairs, who along with Schreger headed up HBO's negotiating team. "We're also excited to bring HBO GO to Amazon's Fire TV. The features like unified voice search will provide a compelling experience for HBO customers." 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. With this new deal, HBO joins a growing library of exclusive Prime Instant Video streaming content, including Fox's '24,' the BBC series 'Orphan Black,' FX's 'The Americans,' and NBC's 'Hannibal.' Source: AmazonPosted Wed Apr 23, 2014 at 12:30 PM PDT by: -
Samsung Reveals Pricing & Availability for Galaxy Tab4 Series[teaser]Full details for the upcoming WXGA, quad-core tablets have been announced. [/teaser] Samsung has finally revealed an official release date for its latest collection of multimedia tablets. The Galaxy Tab4 series will be available in 7, 8, and 10.1-inch models on May 1. All three tablets are powered by 1.2GHz quad-core CPUs and 1.5GB of RAM running Android 4.4. Each device also features a 16:10 1280x800 screen along with an integrated 3MP rear camera and a 1.3MP front camera. In addition, the tablets offer Samsung's Multi Window functionality for switching between apps, Group Play for sharing media with friends, Samsung Link for sharing content between multiple smart devices, and WatchON for TV and movie playback on any device in your home or on the go. The 10.1 model includes a 6,800mAh battery, while the 8.0 features a 4,450mAh battery, and the 7.0 includes a 4,000mAh battery. All three will be available in white or black. The Galaxy Tab4 7-inch will retail for $200, the Tab4 8-inch will retail for $270, and the Tab4 10-inch will cost $350. Pre-orders are expected to go live on April 24. In addition, mobile carriers like Sprint, Verizon,T-Mobile, and AT&T will be offering various 4G LTE versions of select models this summer. Source: CNETPosted Wed Apr 23, 2014 at 11:00 AM PDT by: