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Netflix Now Offers 4K Streaming[teaser]4K streaming is now available for 'House of Cards' and select nature documentaries. [/teaser] After previously announcing plans to support 4k streaming in 2014, Netflix has finally made good on its word. Season two of 'House of Cards' can now be streamed in full 4K resolution. Likewise, the company is also streaming a few nature documentaries in Ultra HD as well. In order to watch Netflix in 4K, users will need to have a 2014 Ultra HD television that supports the H.265/HEVC codec. This includes the majority of recently released and upcoming 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. The H.265 codec is an advanced compression format that allows for higher resolutions without the need for dramatically increased bitrates. Currently, Netflix is streaming its 4K content at about 15.6 Mbps. According to an eyes-on report from HDTVtest using the Netflix app on a Samsung UNH8500 Ultra HD TV, the 4K stream of 'House of Cards' does indeed yield noticeable improvements over the 1080p stream. With that said, even with the superior encoding technology, the site did notice some occasional compression artifacts, reinforcing some of the inherent limitations of streaming video. In addition to Netflix, companies like Amazon, Comcast/Xfinity, and DirecTV have also announced plans for 4K streaming apps, but so far Netflix is the first to follow through. Owners of Sony 4K Ultra HD displays can also use the company's proprietary FMP-X1 4K Ultra HD Media Player to watch 4K content, and Samsung recently revealed its own similar device. Meanwhile, though the BDA has confirmed that a 4K Blu-ray spec is in development, firm details and a release timetable remain elusive. Sources: CNET, HDTVtestPosted Tue Apr 8, 2014 at 09:30 AM PDT by: -
HP Announces DreamColor Displays[teaser]The company has detailed its latest DreamColor monitors with superior color accuracy. [/teaser] HP has unveiled two new additions to its DreamColor line of displays. The Z27x and Z24x monitors promise more pixels, thinner designs, and more accurate colors over their predecessor. "The HP DreamColor Engine and our line of DreamColor products have become the gold standards for professionals who demand color accuracy," said Jun Kim, vice president and general manager, PC displays and accessories, HP. "This next generation of HP DreamColor Displays will once again disrupt color technology, providing customers with richer and more accurate colors than ever before." The HP Z24x features a 24-inch 1920x1080 screen while the HP Z27x features a 27-inch 2560x1440 screen. Both displays offer 10-bit color accuracy, one-button access to sRGB D65, sRGB D50, Adobe® RGB, BT.709, BT.2020 and DCI-P3 color spaces, easy calibration, and up to 1.07 billion on-screen colors. In addition, the HP Z27x also produces 100 percent of sRGB, 100 percent of AdobeRGB and 99 percent of DCI-P3 color gamuts. Both monitors are designed with professionals and consumers in mind and promise unprecedented color accuracy and affordability. The HP Z24x is available now for a suggested retail price of $599. The HP Z27x is available now for a suggested retail price of $1,499. Source: HP via EngadgetPosted Mon Apr 7, 2014 at 04:30 PM PDT by: -
Korean Manufacturer Rumored to be Developing Apple iTVs[teaser]A Korean electronics company is reportedly developing 65-inch OLED sample panels for Apple's rumored iTV. [/teaser] Rumors have been circulating about a television from Apple for several years, and now a new report indicates that the company is finally making some traction in their plans. According to the Korea Herald, a Korean manufacturer is currently making sample OLED screens for Apple's upcoming iTV product. The Korea Herald also points out that Apple's original plan was to use LCD panels in 65-inch and 77-inch sizes for a release later this year, but now that launch window has been delayed. Apparently this holdup is due to the company's new interest in OLED technology. Though they suffer from lower yield rates and are more expensive than LCDs, OLED panels offer many benefits in picture quality, including superior black levels and contrast. The alleged iTV is still in its testing phase, however, and these sample OLEDs might not end up being used for mass production It's not clear yet which manufacturer may be producing the sample 65-inch OLEDs for Apple, but whether the company decides to go with the OLED tech or revert back to LCD, the Apple iTV is now rumored to launch sometime in 2015. Source: Korea Herald via CNETPosted Mon Apr 7, 2014 at 10:30 AM PDT by: -
HDD Gear Deal Spotlight: Denon, Marantz & Boston Acoustics Products[teaser]For a limited time, Amazon is offering discounts on select receivers, media players, and home audio bundles! [/teaser] As part of the online retailer's ongoing electronics sales and promotions, Amazon is running limited time deals on several home theater items from Denon, Marantz & Boston Acoustics, including full audio speaker system bundles. Marantz M-CR510 Wireless Network Receiver - Currently $499 (17 percent off its retail price of $599). Denon DBT-3313UDCI Universal Audio Video Player - Currently $799 (27 percent off its retail price of $1,100). Denon AVR-4520CI Networking Home Theater AV Receiver - Currently $1,999 (20 percent off its retail price of $2,499). Denon DRA-N5BK Desktop Networking Music System - Currently $399 (27 percent off its retail price of $550). Marantz NR1403 AV Receiver, Marantz UD5007 Universal Disc Player & Boston Acoustics XS 5.1 Speaker System Bundle - Currently $999 ($298.99 less than buying separately). Denon AVR-X1000 AV Receiver, Denon DBT-1713UD Super Audio Blu-ray DVD CD Player & Boston Acoustics XS 5.1 Speaker System Bundle - Currently $999 ($248.99 less than buying separately). These deals will only be active through April 26 while supplies last. Make sure to stay tuned to High-Def Digest for more deals and special promotions!Posted Fri Apr 4, 2014 at 01:30 PM PDT by: -
Paradigm Updates Soundbar Lineup[teaser]Two new soundbar audio systems are now available. [/teaser] Paradigm electronics has released two more fully powered soundbar models: the Soundscape 5.1 Soundbar and the Soundtrack 2 System. The Soundscape 5.1 features seven drivers at 50 watts peak, including four impressive 4" high-power bass/midrange woofers. In addition, the soundbar uses Paradigm Virtual Surround technology to simulate a true surround sound experience and offers Proprietary Class-D Amplification with Digital Signal Processing, a Bluetooth connection for audio streaming, and Dolby Digital support. Finally, a wireless subwoofer receiver is included as well, allowing users to add a separate subwoofer for dedicated low frequencies. The soundbar measures 5.5" × 42" × 5". Meanwhile, the Soundtrack 2 System is a 2.1 channel soundbar that includes a wireless subwoofer. The soundbar offers 2 x 50 watts peak power and the subwoofer is capable of 250 watts peak power. In addition, the soundbar features 2 x 4" bass/midrange woofers, 2 x 4" passive radiators, and 2 x 1" high-frequency ferro-fluid cooled dome tweeters. The subwoofer features an 8" polypropylene cone driver and a 1-1/2" aluminum-wire voice coil. Likewise, the Soundtrack 2 System includes Paradigm's Virtual Surround tech, Bluetooth connectivity, and Dolby Digital support. The soundbar measures 5.3" × 36.4" × 2.9". The Soundscape 5.1 is now available from Paradigm's website and select retailers for a suggested retail price of $1,500. The Soundtrack 2 System is also available for $900. Source: Paradigm via TWICEPosted Fri Apr 4, 2014 at 11:00 AM PDT by: -
Samsung Details Galaxy Tab4 Series[teaser]The upcoming tablets feature WXGA displays and quad-core processors. [/teaser] Samsung has revealed its latest collection of multimedia tablets. The Galaxy Tab4 series will be available in 7, 8, 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. Exact pricing and availability have not been detailed, but the Samsung Galaxy Tab4 series is expected to launch globally in the second quarter of 2014. Source: Samsung WXGA WXGA WXGA WXGAPosted Thu Apr 3, 2014 at 04:30 PM PDT by: -
Roku Adds Qello Concerts[teaser]The new channel gives users access to a growing collection of HD concerts and music documentaries. [/teaser] Roku has announced the addition of Qello Concerts to its channel lineup, offering the world's largest library of full-length concerts from a variety of musical artists, including The Rolling Stones, U2, Rush, Bob Marley, Mumford & Sons, Lady Gaga, BB King, Eric Clapton, Barbra Streisand, Placido Domingo, TobyMac, Queen, Beyonce, Imagine Dragons, and many more. An all-access pass to Qello Concerts costs $4.99 a month, and gives customers access to the channel's entire collection of on-demand streaming music concerts and documentaries, and the ability to create and watch setlists. Roku users can also take advantage of a free 7-day trial which can be canceled at anytime. The Qello Concerts channel is now available on all current generation Roku devices in the US, UK, and Canada, including the Roku 3 ($95) and the recently released Roku HDMI Streaming Stick ($49). Source: RokuPosted Thu Apr 3, 2014 at 12:30 PM PDT by: -
Sony Releases New Soundbars[teaser]Two new soundbars and one new sound system are now available. [/teaser] Sony has announced three additions to its growing home audio lineup: the HT-CT370 ($350) and HT-CT770 ($450) soundbars and the HT-XT1 ($300) TV sound system. All three audio products feature convenient, sleek designs and support for the latest HDMI spec. The HT-CT370 and the HT-CT770 are both 2.1 channel surround sound systems. The 370 uses a 300 watt S-Master amplifier while the 770 features a 330 watt S-Master amplifier. Likewise, the 370 includes a 100W wireless subwoofer and the 770 includes a 120W wireless subwoofer. Both models offer S-Force digital signal processing for virtual surround sound, Bluetooth connectivity for audio streaming, and three HDMI 2.0 inputs with 4K and 3D pass through. In addition, the soundbars include support for several HD audio formats, including Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD. Meanwhile, the HT-XT1 is a single unit 2.1 channel 170W sound system. The device uses S-force front surround-sound technology and includes an integrated dual subwoofer. Like the HT-CT370 and the HT-CT770, the HT-XT1 also features Bluetooth connectivity, three HDMI 2.0 inputs, and support for HD audio formats. The Sony HT-CT370 ($350), HT-CT770 ($450), and HT-XT1 ($300) are now available for purchase from Amazon and other retailers. Source: SonyPosted Wed Apr 2, 2014 at 03:30 PM PDT by: -
Amazon Announces Fire TV[teaser]Amazon has fully detailed its new streaming media player. [/teaser] After months of speculation, Amazon has finally revealed its long rumored set-top box. Dubbed the Amazon Fire TV, the device is a fully featured streaming media player with gaming capabilities. The Amazon Fire TV features a compact design and impressive specs. Under the hood, the media player is powered by a Qualcomm Krait 300 quad-core CPU, an Adreno 320 GPU, and 2GB of RAM, all running a version of Android. In addition, the box offers an HDMI output for full 1080p video and Dolby Digital Plus 7.1 surround sound. An optical out, Ethernet port, USB connection, and Wi-Fi are included as well. The Fire TV supports a wide array of apps and services, including Netflix, Prime Instant Video, Hulu Plus, and WatchESPN, offering over 200,000 movies and TV shows, as well as millions of songs. An advanced voice search feature is implemented too, allowing users to speak directly into the included remote in order to find content. But please, don't take my word for it. Take Gary Busey's! Finally, not just content to be a media player, the set-top box also includes gaming capabilities. Customers can purchase a separate Amazon Fire Game Controller ($40) and enjoy titles like 'Minecraft - Pocket Edition,' 'Asphalt 8,' and 'NBA 2K14.' Likewise, the company is also developing its own exclusive games through its Amazon Game Studios. The Amazon Fire TV is now available for purchase for $99. Likewise, the Amazon Fire Game Controller can be ordered for an additional $40. Stay tuned to High-Def Digest for full reviews of both products soon! Source: AmazonPosted Wed Apr 2, 2014 at 09:30 AM PDT by: -
'24' to Stream Exclusively on Amazon Prime[teaser]"The Jack Bauer Power Hour" is now an Amazon Prime Instant Video exclusive. [/teaser] Amazon and 20th Century Fox have signed a new deal giving Prime Instant Video the exclusive streaming rights to '24,' snagging the series away from rival Netflix. The agreement covers the show's entire run, including all eight seasons, 192 episodes, and the TV movie 24: Redemption. Likewise, the deal also grants Amazon the sole online-only subscription rights to the upcoming '24: Live Another Day' miniseries. “24 has been extremely popular with Amazon customers over the years,” said Brad Beale, Director of Digital Video Content Acquisition for Amazon. “Whether they are hard-core Jack Bauer fans or just discovering the series for the first time, Prime members are going to love catching up on the previous seasons of 24 as well as 24: Live Another Day.” Prime Instant Video is available on a variety of streaming devices and smart TVs. The service currently charges $99 per year. With this new deal, '24' joins a growing library of exclusive streaming content, including the BBC series 'Orphan Black,' FX's 'The Americans,' and NBC's 'Hannibal.' '24: Live Another Day' will premiere on Fox on May 5. Source: AmazonPosted Tue Apr 1, 2014 at 04:30 PM PDT by:
