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OLED Market Growth Faces Challenges[teaser]OLED displays are experiencing slower industry growth than originally predicted. [/teaser] Though the technology offers many benefits over traditional LCD panels, OLED tech is facing some notable challenges causing delays in its market growth. The two major roadblocks remain high production costs and a lack of development breakthroughs. According to a new NPD DisplaySearch report, the forecast for 2014 OLED material revenue has been downgraded from $1 billion to $795 million. The report goes on to cite ongoing OLED TV shipment delays as the culprit behind the revised figure. Despite the slow growth and low yield rates, OLED tech remains popular in mobile screens and LG currently has a 55-inch curved and 55-inch flat screen TV model available. Likewise, Samsung released its own 55-inch OLED display last year, but has not announced any new models for the foreseeable future. "The OLED material industry and related investors are justifiably worried about where the OLED material market is headed in the near future," said Jimmy Kim, senior analyst for display materials and LED for NPD DisplaySearch. "If OLED TV shipments increase, the larger average unit area and lower yield rate will increase the overall consumption of raw materials for OLED TV panel manufacturing." This slow growth is disappointing news, but some OLED support is still on the way. LG recently announced several upcoming 2014 OLED TV models, and hopefully as the technology continues to develop manufacturers will be able to reduce costs. Source: Displaysearch via CNETPosted Tue Apr 15, 2014 at 11:30 AM PDT by: -
HDD Gear Deal Spotlight: Samsung 4K TV & Soundbar[teaser]For a limited time, Amazon is offering significant discounts on a Samsung soundbar and Ultra HD TV! [/teaser] As part of the online retailer's ongoing electronics sales and promotions, Amazon is running limited time deals on select Samsung products, including the Samsung UN65F9000 65-Inch 4K TV and the Samsung HW-H550 Soundbar. The UN65F9000 is a 65-inch LED Ultra HD display with a resolution of 3840x2160 pixels. Smart TV features and built-in Wi-Fi are included as well. In addition, the display uses Samsung's Micro Dimming Ultimate and Precision Black Local Dimming to deliver vivid detail, accurate colors, and superior contrast with deep black levels. The UN65F9000 is currently on sale for 59 percent off, bringing its price down to $3,498. Meanwhile, the HW-H550 is a 2.1-channel 320 watt soundbar. The device also includes a wireless subwoofer and features built-in Bluetooth connectivity for audio streaming. Dolby Digital Plus and DTS support are included as well, and the soundbar offers HDMI and USB connections. The HW-H550 is currently on sale for 20 percent off, bringing its price down to $358. 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 Mon Apr 14, 2014 at 04:30 PM PDT by: -
LG G3 to Feature Quad HD Screen[teaser]The company's latest flagship smartphone will use a Quad HD display. [/teaser] Rumors about the LG G3 have been swirling for several months, and now it looks like the company has finally confirmed one oft-speculated feature. According to Engadget, the G3 will indeed use a 2560 x 1440 display. If previous rumors pan out, this means that the G3 will feature a 5.5-inch Quad HD screen with about 530PPI, making it one of the first global smartphones to feature such a high resolution display. Recently, Oppo and Vivo detailed their own Quad HD mobile devices, and AUO just announced the world's first AMOLED Quad HD screen. Likewise, Samsung is said to be developing a 2560 x 1440 AMOLED mobile panel as well. Full specs, pricing, and availability for the G3 have yet to be revealed, but with this confirmation it appears as if 2560 x 1440 displays are about to get a big push from mobile manufacturers. Source: EngadgetPosted Mon Apr 14, 2014 at 12:30 PM PDT by: -
HDD Gear Deal Spotlight: Sony and Samsung HDTVs[teaser]For a limited time, Amazon is offering up to 46 percent off select Samsung and Sony HDTVs! [/teaser] As part of the online retailer's ongoing electronics sales and promotions, Amazon is running limited time deals on several HDTVs, including Sony's new lineup of 2014 1080p models. Samsung UN65F7100 65-Inch 1080p HDTV - Currently $2,198 (41 percent off its retail price of $3,699). Samsung UN75F7100 75-Inch 1080p HDTV - Currently $3,798 (46 percent off its retail price of $7,000). Sony KDL50W800B 50-Inch 1080p HDTV - Currently $998 (17 percent off its retail price of $1,198). Sony KDL55W950B 55-Inch 1080p HDTV - Currently $1,798 (10 percent off its retail price of $2,000). Sony KDL60W850B 60-Inch 1080p HDTV - Currently $1,798 (10 percent off its retail price of $2,000). Sony KDL70W850B 70-Inch 1080p HDTV - Currently $2,298 (12 percent off its retail price of $2,598). 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 11, 2014 at 04:00 PM PDT by: -
AUO Reveals First WQHD AMOLED Panel[teaser]The new 5.7-inch smartphone screen features a Quad HD resolution of 2560x1440. [/teaser] Taiwanese display manufacturer AUO has unveiled a new 5.7-inch AMOLED panel. With a 1440p screen and 513ppi, the screen is now the world's highest resolution panel of its type. Other company's such as Oppo, Vivo, and LG, have all been developing their own Quad HD smartphones, but those efforts feature traditional LCD panels. For now, AUO is the first company to officially reveal a Quad HD AMOLED screen, though Samsung is reportedly developing their own as well. AMOLED (active-matrix organic light-emitting diode) panels offer several benefits over standard LCD technology, including superior contrast and deeper blacks. The company also announced a 5-inch HD720 AMOLED screen that is only 0.57mm thick. Likewise, AUO plans to manufacture a 6-inch WQHD panel as well. Specific smartphone models that will use these new Quad HD and AMOLED displays have not been announced yet. Source: AUO via EngadgetPosted Fri Apr 11, 2014 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
Live Streams, Live TV, and Vudu Come to Chromecast[teaser]A slew of new apps and updated features are coming to Google's streaming dongle. [/teaser] Google has announced the addition of several new services and features for its Chromecast media player, including live YouTube streaming, Vudu support, and live TV playback. First up, is the arrival of live streaming support from YouTube. Users can now stream live video from YouTube directly to the Chromecast. Currently, the feature is only supported from desktop computers, but an Android update could be in the works. Likewise, Chromecast now allows users to share private videos from YouTube too. Meanwhile, Google has also announced the addition of Vudu to its lineup of compatible services. Chromecast users can now browse Vudu's entire library of HD movies and shows, giving customers access to a growing collection of media available to rent or purchase. Those with applicable codes can also redeem their UltraViolet digital copies through the service as well. Finally, Aereo has revealed plans to release a new version of its live TV streaming Android app with Chromecast support. The service allows users in select cities to stream and record live over-the-air television through their internet connection. Aereo for Chromecast is expected to launch on May 29. Google's Chromecast is currently available from Amazon for $30. Sources: Engadget 1, Engadget 2, Engadget 3Posted Thu Apr 10, 2014 at 02:30 PM PDT by: -
LG & Harman/Kardon Team Up for Ultra Surround Technology[teaser]The two companies have developed advanced audio tech for LG's upcoming displays. [/teaser] LG has announced a partnership with Harman/Kardon to implement a new immersive integrated speaker system into LG televisions. The audio technology, dubbed the Ultra Surround System, will be used in two upcoming LG OLED models and five upcoming LG Ultra HD models. "Nearly every epic entertainment experience combines a powerful auditory element with spectacular visuals," said In-kyu Lee, senior vice president and head of the TV Division at LG Electronics' Home Entertainment Company. "To help excite and move viewers, Harman/Kardon and LG developed an exceptionally powerful audio system together that is able to match our superior picture quality and fit within the sleek, slender frames of our premium TVs." The Ultra Surround System promises an enveloping auditory experience with distortion-free sound, deep low frequencies, and a wide dynamic range. Using an advanced algorithm, the technology creates an immersive soundscape that disperses sound from the integrated speakers in multiple directions. This allows the system to produce clear dialogue and balance foreground and background effects in tandem with the content. "We are delighted to have participated in this ground breaking project and to help revolutionize the sound quality of LG's phenomenal next generation TVs," said Michael Mauser, president of HARMAN's Lifestyle Division. "Whether watching epic movies, fast-paced sports programming or any other video entertainment, today's consumers deserve an immersive audio experience that matches the stunning visuals. Together, LG and Harman/Kardon will deliver that experience." Source: LGPosted Thu Apr 10, 2014 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
HDD Gear Deal Spotlight: ASUS VivoTab[teaser]For a limited time, Amazon is offering an ASUS 11.6-inch tablet for 40 percent off! [/teaser] As part of the online retailer's ongoing electronics sales and promotions, Amazon is running a limited time deal on the ASUS VivoTab 11.6-Inch 64 GB Tablet. The tablet is currently on sale for $480 which is 40 percent off of its retail price of $800. The ASUS VivoTab 11.6-Inch Tablet features a 1366x768 IPS display and runs Windows 8. The device is powered by an Intel Atom Z2760 1.8 GHz CPU and 2 GB of DDR3 RAM. An 8MP rear camera and a 2MP front camera are included as well. In addition, the tablet offers 8 hours of battery life, 64GB of Flash memory, and comes bundled with Microsoft Office Home and Student and a Wacom digitizer stylus. 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 Wed Apr 9, 2014 at 04:00 PM PDT by: -
Logitech Introduces New Home Theater PC Keyboard[teaser]The K830 is designed for use in the living-room and even features backlit keys. [/teaser] Logitech has announced its latest keyboard geared toward home theater PC users, the K830. The device uses backlit keys that automatically dim or brighten based on the amount of light in the room, making controlling your TV-connected PC simple even in the dark. "More and more consumers want an easy way to access movies, TV programs, music and photos with their PC connected to a TV," said Charlotte Johs, global vice president of brand development for PC accessories at Logitech. "Our new Illuminated Living-Room Keyboard K830 is designed with this setup in mind. Backlit keys and a premium aesthetic that blends into the living room make it a stand-out choice for people with connected TVs." The K830 also features a convenient lightweight design, soft-feel keys, a built-in touchpad, and an integrated rechargeable battery for up to 10 days of use. In addition, the keyboard includes 2.4GHz long-range wireless connectivity, allowing customers to use the device from the comfort of their couch at up to 33 feet away from their PC. Logitech's K830 Illuminated Living-Room Keyboard will launch this month for a suggested retail price of $100. Source: LogitechPosted Wed Apr 9, 2014 at 10:30 AM PDT by: -
Amazon Trumps Apple & Hulu in Streaming Usage[teaser]Amazon Instant Video has now surpassed Hulu and Apple in total video streaming traffic. [/teaser] According to a report from Qwilt, Amazon Instant Video now ranks third in total streaming traffic among US broadband subscribers. This puts the online retail giant ahead of Hulu and Apple, but still behind YouTube and current champ Netflix. "We’ve invested hundreds of millions of dollars in great TV shows and movies for Prime members and it’s working," said Bill Carr, VP of Digital Video and Music for Amazon. "As part of their membership, Amazon Prime members can watch their favorite movies and television shows on an unlimited basis, and as we add original content like 'Alpha House,' 'Bosch,' 'The After,' 'Mozart in the Jungle' and 'Transparent,' we have no doubt that customers will be even more delighted with the selection available. And now, with Fire TV, customers have the easiest way to access this content." Qwilt also points out that Amazon's streaming usage in the US has increased about 94% over the last 12 months and nearly 300% in specific US operator networks. This dramatic increase in its video streaming presence has allowed the company to climb ahead of Hulu and Apple, rising from fifth place in 2013 to third place in 2014. Amazon's Prime Instant Video is available on a variety of smart TVs and streaming devices, including the company's recently released Amazon Fire TV. The service currently charges $99 per year and gives users access to a growing library of streaming content, including many exclusives like Fox's '24,' the BBC series 'Orphan Black,' FX's 'The Americans,' and NBC's 'Hannibal.' Sources: Qwilt, AmazonPosted Tue Apr 8, 2014 at 05:30 PM PDT by:
