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Sanyo Details 2014 Display Lineup[teaser]Several new HD LED televisions are now available. [/teaser] Sanyo has announced its full collection of 2014 HDTVs. The lineup consists of several LED LCD displays that range in resolution from 1366x768 to full HD 1080p. "This new series of LED TVs can make a dramatic impact in the home with their slim design and easy set-up, excellent clarity of images and high-quality sound," said Yoshikuni Tamura, Product Planning Team Manager, SANYO TV division. "All models are designed with a beautiful high-gloss frame and a brilliant LED screen, making them ideal to enhance your viewing experience and take it to the next level." On the low-end, the collection starts out with the 24-inch DP24E14 and extends all the way up to the company's premium 65-inch DP65E34. The DP65E34 is a Roku Ready set that features a 1080p LED panel with a 120 Hz refresh rate, Motion Sync technology, 3 HDMI inputs, a USB port, and a built-in digital tuner. And for those looking for included smart TV functionality, the company's 50-inch FVF5044 comes complete with a Roku Streaming Stick. For a full rundown of all of the available models, click here. The entire lineup is now on sale at Walmart or Sam's Club stores. Source: Sanyo via PRNewswirePosted Tue Apr 22, 2014 at 05:30 PM PDT by: -
Fan TV Comes to Time Warner Cable[teaser] The compact set-top box with streaming media player features is now available to pre-order for Time Warner customers. [/teaser] Time Warner Cable has announced a partnership with Fan TV that will allow customers to use the device to watch Time Warner programming. The small puck-shaped player offers support for several streaming services and gives subscribers access to a growing collection of live TV and on-demand options. The Fan TV uses a Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection rather than a traditional coaxial hook up to tap into Time Warner's mobile app, letting customers watch up to 300 live streaming cable TV channels. Likewise, the device also offers support for Time Warner's on-demand library of up to 5000 titles. In addition, the Fan TV includes an assortment of streaming media apps like Redbox Instant, Target Ticket, Crackle, and Rhapsody. Though several big-name services like Netflix and Hulu are not available yet, support for more apps is planned for the future. A button-free touch remote is also included providing easy navigation throughout the player's convenient interface. The Fan TV does not currently offer DVR options, but a live pause feature is integrated as well. The Fan TV is now available for a special pre-order price of $99 to all Time Warner Cable customers, and is expected to start shipping in June. Sources: CNET, Fan TVPosted Tue Apr 22, 2014 at 03:00 PM PDT by: -
Apple TV Adds Three New Channels[teaser]Apple TV has added apps for Lifetime, The History Channel, and A&E. [/teaser] Apple has announced the addition of three new channels to its Apple TV lineup. The streaming media player now includes support for A&E, The History Channel, and Lifetime. Apple TV users can download the new apps to stream episodes of popular shows from each station. For now, however, each channel will only work for subscribers of DirecTV, Verizon FiOS, and Cablevision Optimum, though Apple does plan to expand its support to more providers soon. These three channels are just the latest to join Apple TV's growing library of services. In addition, a new version of the streaming media player is rumored to be in development for later this year, and could include gaming features similar to Amazon's Fire TV. Likewise, speculation about an Apple branded smart TV continues to heat up as well. The Apple TV is currently on sale for $93 on Amazon. Source: CNETPosted Mon Apr 21, 2014 at 04:30 PM PDT by: -
Netflix Plans to Increase Prices and Expand Cable Box Integration[teaser] Netflix has revealed plans to up its subscription price for new customers and integrate its service into cable DVRs. [/teaser] In the company's recent Q1 2014 earnings report to its shareholders, Netflix has detailed several interesting new developments. Along with impressive growth and profit stats, the streaming service also unveiled plans to increase its current monthly fee and extend its support for cable box DVRs to the US. According to the report, Netflix ended the first quarter of 2014 with 48 million members worldwide and over $1 billion in streaming revenue. Likewise, the company's US membership grew by 2.25 million net members and its international membership increased by 1.75 million. In addition, Netflix also announced tentative plans to enact a one to two dollar price increase for its monthly membership in the US. This revised pricing would only go into effect for new customers while existing users would get to keep the old fee for "a generous time period." This higher fee will allow the company to provide even more content and optimize its streaming experience. A similar decision was already put into effect in Ireland, where the price was increased from €6.99 to €7.99. Finally, the report also indicated that Netflix will be bringing its service to select US cable boxes. Some European DVRs already include Netflix built-in, and now the company plans to expand this integration to TiVo set-top boxes in the US. Support for more cable boxes is also planned for the future. For now, Netflix's monthly streaming fee remains $7.99, and the service is available on a vartiety of smart TVs and streaming media players, including the Roku 3, Apple TV, Chromecast, and Amazon Fire TV. Source: Netflix via EngadgetPosted Mon Apr 21, 2014 at 01:30 PM PDT by: -
HDD Gear Deal Spotlight: HP HD Tablets[teaser]For a limited time, Amazon is offering up to 36 percent off select HP tablets! [/teaser] As part of the online retailer's ongoing electronics sales and promotions, Amazon is running limited time deals on three HP HD tablets, including the HP Slate S 7-3400US 7-Inch Tablet, the HP Slate S10-3500US 10-Inch Tablet, and the HP Slate 10 HD 3600US 10-Inch Tablet. All three models feature 1280x800 screens, 1.2 GHz Dual-Core CPUs, 1GB of RAM, 16GB of storage, and the Android 4.2 operating system. HP Slate S 7-3400US 7-Inch Tablet - Currently $190 (36 percent off its retail price of $297). HP Slate S10-3500US 10-Inch Tablet - Currently $260 (33 percent off its retail price of $387). HP Slate 10 HD 3600US 10-Inch Tablet - Currently $300 (34 percent off its retail price of $452). 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 Apr 18, 2014 at 02:30 PM PDT by: -
Amazon Expands Fire TV Voice Search[teaser]The online retailer is integrating a slew of new apps into its voice search feature. [/teaser] After making its debut earlier this month, the Amazon Fire TV is now set to receive a very welcome upgrade to its popular voice search function. As noted by Mike Flacy in our full review, the streaming media player features a handy voice search option with impressive accuracy, but the launch software only offers full support for Amazon Instant Video search results. Thankfully, the company is now preparing to remedy this limitation. Soon Hulu Plus, Crackle, SHOWTIME ANYTIME, and VEVO will all be fully integrated into the Fire TV's voice search, allowing customers to search through their full catalogs by speaking their selections. The expanded voice search support is expected to launch this summer. In addition, Amazon also teased new Fire TV videogames and apps in development from companies like Telltale Games, Halfbrick, Pixowl, Disney Interactive, Minority Media, Paradox Interactive, Gaiam, AllRecipes, and Twitch. Likewise, a Fire TV smartphone and tablet app is on the way as well, allowing users to play touch-enabled games. Finally, the online retailer also announced several more upcoming features, including a New Prime browse for easier access to the Prime Instant Video library, and Amazon FreeTime and Amazon MP3 services via a future free software update. "We're excited and energized by the momentum we're seeing with Fire TV," said Dave Limp, Vice President, Amazon Devices. "Customers are telling us they love it, developers are building for it, and we’re working hard to expand existing features and build new ones. We're thrilled to have Hulu Plus, Crackle, and SHOWTIME integrating their full selection of movies and TV shows into Fire TV’s unified voice search." The Amazon Fire TV is now available for $99. Source: AmazonPosted Fri Apr 18, 2014 at 09:30 AM PDT by: -
LG Extends Mobile Experience to TV Screens with Connect SDK[teaser] The new software allows mobile developers to add second screen connectivity to smart TVs. [/teaser] LG has announced the release of its Connect SDK (software development kit). The open source software is designed for Google Android and iOS developers, giving them more options to connect mobile devices and apps to large screen TVs. "Connect SDK is breaking down barriers to enable apps and devices to work together harmoniously. The screen size, capabilities and social nature of Smart TVs enable experiences that consumers will absolutely love," said Samuel Chang, LG Electronics USA vice president and head of the LG Silicon Valley Lab. With LG's Connect SDK, developers can connect mobile apps with 2014 LG webOS Smart TVs, LG Smart TVs from 2012 and 2013, and Roku, Google Chromecast, and Amazon Fire TV media players. This will allow users to transmit photos, audio, video, and other media from various mobile devices and applications to numerous big screen television platforms. "We’ve already invested in making the best personal media viewing experience on the big screen across multiple platforms," said Scott Olechowski, Chief Product Officer and co-founder of Plex. "With Connect SDK, we were able to quickly extend that Plex experience to LG Smart TVs and we are now exploring ways we can integrate unique webOS capabilities." "The best way to enjoy your music collection with those around you is musiXmatch,” said Massimo Ciociola, CEO and founder of musiXmatch. “TV by nature is a social device, and we’ve spent a lot of time thinking about the best way to extend a big screen experience to our mobile users. The opportunity that is available with Connect SDK made the decision a very obvious one." Connect SDK is now available for iOS and Android developers to download at ConnectSDK.com. Source: LGPosted Thu Apr 17, 2014 at 03:00 PM PDT by: -
Onkyo Announces New "Emotion Delivered" Receivers[teaser]The THX-certified TX-NR737 and TX-NR838 A/V receivers offer high quality audio with HDMI 2.0 support. [/teaser] Onkyo has detailed two additions to its receiver lineup, the TX-NR737 and TX-NR838. Both models are being used to demonstrate the company's new "Emotion Delivered" slogan, highlighting the technology's ability to move the audience through high current sound. Both products are 7.2 channel receivers with THX Select2 Plus certification, ensuring a multiplex theater quality listening experience. Likewise, both models feature Wide Range Amplifier Technology, Three-Stage Inverted Darlington Circuitry amplification, DSP engines, 192 kHz/24-bit Burr-Brown D/A conversion, AccuEQ room calibration, and Built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and DLNA compatibility for music streaming. In addition, the receivers include support for HDMI 2.0 and HDCP 2.2 for 4K/60 Hz video and Qdeo 4K upscaling technology. Finally, the TX-NR838 also features a Pure Direct Analog Path mode for interference free playback of vinyl and SACD audio, and Zone 2 HD playback that allows users to watch 1080p content on a second screen. The Onkyo TX-NR737 ( $899) and TX-NR838 ($1,199) A/V receivers are expected to launch in May. Source: OnkyoPosted Thu Apr 17, 2014 at 10:30 AM PDT by: -
Sony Details Pricing & Availability for 2014 Ultra HD TVs[teaser]The electronics company has revealed prices and release dates for its new 4K display lineup. [/teaser] After making their debut at CES back in January, Sony's new collection of Ultra HD TVs are now available for pre-sale. The lineup includes the XBR-X950B, XBR-X900B, and XBR-X850B series. The XBR-X950B will be available in 65-inch ($7,999) and 85-inch ($24,999) models. Meanwhile, the XBR-X900B series will launch in 55-inch ($3,999), 65-inch ($4,999), and 79-inch ($8,999) sizes. Finally, the XBR-X850B will hit stores in 49-inch ($2,099), 55-inch ($2,999), 65-inch ($3,999), and 70-inch ($5,499) models. Select display use Sony's 4K X Reality PRO picture engine for 4K upscaling, TRILUMINOS tech for a wide color spectrum, and X-tended Dynamic Range PRO for a brighter picture with deep blacks. In addition, all of the new set support the HDMI 2.0 spec and offer HEVC decoding. Joining their TV lineup, Sony has also announced the FMP-X10, the successor to its FMP-X1 4K Ultra HD Media Player. The new player offers 1TB of storage and can download and stream 4K titles from Sony's Video Unlimited 4K service and Netflix. "We continue to be the only company that offers a complete line-up of consumer 4K products, including TVs, front projectors, cameras and camcorders, while also leading the industry in providing 4K content. Sony's new 4K Ultra HD TVs, 4K media player and new 4K content offerings continue to strengthen our growing ecosystem," said Mike Fasulo, president at Sony Electronics. "We strongly believe 4K is the future for entertainment and we remain committed to leading the 4K movement, from lens to living room, in a way that only a company like Sony can." Sony's new lineup of Ultra HD TVs will ship in June and pre-orders are now live on Sony's website. Source: SonyPosted Wed Apr 16, 2014 at 10:30 AM PDT by: -
Hulu Renews Criterion Streaming Deal[teaser]Hulu Plus will continue to offer exclusive streaming Criterion titles. [/teaser] Hulu and Criterion have announced the extension of their 2011 streaming deal. As part of the renewed agreement, Criterion will continue to offer a growing library of exclusive titles on Hulu Plus. Currently, Hulu Plus gives users access to more than 800 films and extra features from Criterion, including several acclaimed classics from celebrated filmmakers like Renoir, Kurosawa, Cocteau, Fellini, Bergman, Hitchcock, and Chaplin. Likewise, the streaming service is home to numerous rare titles and previously unreleased movies. Most recently, Hulu Plus premiered the streaming Criterion release of 'The Great Beauty.' Directed by Paolo Sorrentino, the Italian film won the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film at the 86th Academy Awards. Hulu Plus is available on a variety of streaming media players and smart TVs for $7.99 per month, including the recently released Amazon Fire TV. It's unclear how long Hulu's renewed agreement with Criterion will last, but the partnership is said to be a multi-year deal. Source: HuluPosted Tue Apr 15, 2014 at 03:30 PM PDT by:
