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HDD Gear Deal Spotlight: Refurbished Soundbar and Blu-ray Player[teaser]For a limited time, Amazon is offering significant discounts on a refurbished Samsung soundbar and Sony Blu-ray player! [/teaser] Amazon seller DealFisher is currently offering a manufacturer refurbished Samsung HW-F450 2.1 Channel Soundbar for 48 percent off, bringing the total down to $170. Likewise, the retailer is also selling a factory refurbished Sony BDP-BX110/S1100 Blu-ray Player for 44 percent off, bringing the cost down to just $50. The Samsung HW-F450 Soundbar is a 2.1 channel 280 Watt soundbar that includes a wireless subwoofer. The audio system features support for Dolby Digital and DTS sound formats, and uses Samsung's 3D Sound Plus technology. Bluetooth streaming capabilities are included as well. The Sony BDP-BX110/S1100 Blu-ray Player offers full HD 1080p playback with DVD upscaling features. The device also includes Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD audio support. An HDMI cable is included with the player as well, and a front USB port is integrated, allowing users to view photos and videos, or listen to music from USB storage devices. 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 HD gear sales and promotions!Posted Mon Mar 3, 2014 at 11:00 AM PST by: -
Onkyo & Imagination Technologies Team Up for Wireless Audio[teaser]The electronics companies will collaborate on next-gen wireless audio systems. [/teaser] Onkyo and Imagination Technologies have announced a partnership aimed at developing high quality streaming wireless audio systems. As part of the agreement, Onkyo is licensing Imagination's proprietary Caskeid and FlowCloud audio technologies. "In the last decade we have witnessed a massive increase in music consumption. Unfortunately during this period audio quality has been lost in the rush for convenience. The time has come to raise the bar back up. By working with Imagination and its partners, who are at the centre of this movement, we will aggressively expand wireless audio music streaming and High Quality Audio out of Japan to the rest of the world," said Munenori Otsuki, president and CEO, Onkyo Corporation. Imagination's Caskeid tech enables synchronized wireless streaming to multiple rooms with multiple speakers grouped together through Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The tech promises hi-fi stereo playback with less than 25uS synchronization accuracy. Meanwhile, Imagination's FlowCloud allows devices to connect to the internet for updates, registration, and other partner-enabled apps. This includes the company's FlowAudio service which offers hundreds of thousands of cloud-based radio stations and on-demand audio content. "We are delighted to be working with such a technically capable audio company as Onkyo. Imagination's Caskeid and FlowCloud technologies are crucial to enabling both the Streaming Music and High Quality Audio revolutions. Onkyo is a brand that can engineer and carry these products to market. I am certain the music listening experience is going to change through collaborations of this kind," said Hossein Yassaie, CEO, Imagination. While these technologies are expected to find their way into Onkyo's upcoming wireless audio systems, no actual products have been announced at this time. Source: Imagination TechnologiesPosted Mon Mar 3, 2014 at 09:00 AM PST by: -
ABC Offers First Live Oscars Stream[teaser]Select cable providers in eight cities will live stream the 86th Academy Awards this Sunday. [/teaser] ABC has announced that it will be live streaming this Sunday's Oscars ceremony, allowing viewers to watch the entire show online and on mobile devices as it airs for the very first time. With that said, the stream will only be available in select cities with specific television providers. To watch the live Oscars stream, viewers must have one of eight approved pay-TV providers: Comcast, Cablevision, Cox Communications, Charter Communications, Midcontinent Communications, Verizon FiOS, Google Fiber and AT&T U-verse. In addition, the streaming telecast will only be available to customers in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Houston, Raleigh-Durham, N.C., and Fresno, Calif. All viewers will be able to access a special "Oscars Backstage" stream, however, which will offer more red carpet coverage and backstage peeks at the show, including footage from the press room and the "thank-you cam." Eligible ABC customers can watch the live Oscars stream this Sunday at 5:30 p.m. PST on Oscar.com, ABC.com, and WATCHABC.com, or through the Watch ABC app for Android and iOS devices. Source: CNETPosted Fri Feb 28, 2014 at 11:00 AM PST by: -
Vizio Launches E-Series HDTVs[teaser]The new lineup of affordable local dimming LED displays is now available. [/teaser] Vizio has announced the shipment of its latest collection of LCD TVs, the E-Series. Most of the LED backlit displays in the new line feature full-array local dimming capabilities, offering improved contrast and deep black levels. The E-Series is available in sizes ranging from 23-inches to 70-inches. Many of the E-Series displays include full-array local dimming with up to 18 active LED zones. This technology allows for superior black levels, contrast, and uniformity by "dynamic adjustment of the LED backlight in each Active LED Zone, based on the content displayed on screen." In addition, several models feature Vizio's Clear Action 180 for improved clarity during fast motion content. Finally, the smart TV models offer built-in Wi-Fi and the company's newest smart TV platform which includes support for apps like Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, iHeartRadio, HuluPlus, VUDU and YouTube, as well as second screen functionality for tablets and smartphones. "VIZIO is focused on presenting consumers with an entirely new value proposition by enhancing the picture quality and performance of the E-Series collection," said Matt McRae, Chief Technology Officer, VIZIO. "We are excited to bring advancements like Full-Array LED backlighting that doubles the Active LED Zones for the E-Series line-up and are already receiving great consumer feedback." The E-Series is now available online and in store at retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, Costco, Sam's Club, Target, VIZIO.com and Walmart. Source: VizioPosted Fri Feb 28, 2014 at 09:00 AM PST by: -
High-Def Digest's Essential Picks: February 2014by Steven Cohen Every month, dozens of Blu-rays hit shelves, littering stores with high-def temptation. New releases, catalog titles, complete TV seasons, and elaborate box-sets all vie for affection, and with so many worthy releases targeting our wallets, choosing which discs to spend our hard earned cash on can be rather tricky. To make things a little easier, we here at High-Def Digest thought it might be helpful to bring you our top three must own recommendations for the month. From important classics to contemporary blockbusters, these are the discs that we consider to be the absolute cream of the crop. High quality releases with great video, audio, and supplements, these are the Blu-rays that are truly worth every penny. Last month we spotlighted a high seas thriller, a complex character study, and a sensitive coming of age story. If you haven't already, be sure to check out the Essential Picks for November, December, January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November 2013, December 2013, and January 2014. [teaser]This month, we're covering a tense sci-fi thriller, an acclaimed HBO series, and a spirited biopic. [/teaser] Please be aware, that if you haven't already seen them, there are MAJOR SPOILERS for the discs listed. If you can only buy three titles that hit Blu-ray in February, here's what we suggest you pick up, starting with the most essential... 'Gravity - 3D' - In many ways, Alfonso Cuaron's 'Gravity' could be interpreted as a film about space -- but by space, I'm not simply referring to outer space. I'm referring to on-screen cinematic space as well. Not just an exceptional science fiction thriller, the movie is also a technical marvel that experiments with the spatial relationship between camera and audience, creating a 3D experience unlike anything that has come before. As the intricacies of outer space and screen space mingle before our eyes, the director and his collaborators weave a harrowing story of survival and rebirth that uses filmmaking innovation to enhance emotions in fascinating ways, gripping audiences into the narrative's own unrelenting pull. From the moment its unbroken, highly immersive opening shot slowly forms before our eyes, we know we're in for something truly special. Cuaron has displayed a great penchant for extended reframing camera movements before, heightening the tension of key sequences in previous efforts, and all of this past work seems to have been building toward this moment. Coupled with the movie's seamless 3D effects, the frequent long takes help to create the illusion of a living, breathing world, and just like the characters, the camera continues to gently drift throughout the frame, creating an utterly enveloping sense of space. It really seems as if Cuaron's lens has complete freedom, as if it could literally go anywhere in the three dimensional plane that it wishes, creating a boundless viewpoint that's not tied to the conventional restraints of filmmaking. And while all of this technical ingenuity is impressive on its own, the director takes it all one step further by using his groundbreaking form to enhance the visceral emotions and drama of his story. To this point, Cuaron actually ends up using 3D in a way that I haven't really seen before (at least, not to this extent). He uses 3D as a means to elicit empathy, as a way to further connect the audience to Sandra Bullock's character. Through frequent POV shots from Stone's perspective, or close-up angles where we are literally inside her helmet but still focused on her face, Cuaron places us directly in her dire situation, forcing us to experience what she experiences -- and with the added depth and texture achieved from the use of 3D and the lack of cuts, the director creates an unprecedented level of intimacy and immediacy, carrying us through Stone's entire, unrelenting ordeal as if we are right there with her. At times, 'Gravity' almost feels more like an interactive experience than a traditional film -- a high art thrill ride that evokes all of the best aspects of a great theme park attraction. To be honest, the script itself is actually rather lacking on several fronts, with very basic characterizations and obvious metaphors, but Cuaron's deeper visual and emotional achievements elevate the entire production tenfold, creating a genuinely unique and groundbreaking picture. While nothing can compare to watching the movie on an IMAX screen, this Blu-ray release comes pretty damn close. With breathtaking video and audio, this disc is reason enough to own a 3D TV, cementing itself as February's top must own title. 'Game of Thrones: The Complete Third Season' - It's not exactly uncommon for a television series to kill off major characters, but on HBO's 'Game of Thrones,' death is not just a shocking plot point or a ratings stunt. It's a fundamental fact of life, a tragic reality that even noble heroes can't escape. Traditional fantasy stories and fairy tales have taught us that knights always save their princesses, that happy endings are all but guaranteed, and even if one hero is defeated, another will surely rise to avenge his fallen brethren. Hell, this tried-and-true cycle is practically an unspoken rule at this point -- but the villains of Westeros don't follow rules, do they? And when our champions eventually fall, unceremoniously beheaded or violently impaled by treachery and deceit, their passing does not go unfelt. Instead, their loss hits us hard in the gut and reshapes the evolving narrative in devastating and irrevocable ways, helping to define a masterful season of television that fans won't soon forget. The infamous "Red Wedding" has managed to leave such a notable impression on audience members not just because of its shocking content, but because of just how much viewers have come to actually care about the characters and their story. Thanks to the series' impressive writing, directing, and acting, the inhabitants of Westeros all feel like real people, with complicated motivations, flaws, and goals. While the show's visuals and intricate plotting consistently impress, it's these multifaceted characterizations that really keep us coming back, fully investing viewers in all of show's political intrigue, backstabbing, sex, violence, and magic. It would be easy to simply haphazardly dispose of protagonists left and right, but 'Game of Thrones' makes us truly feel for Robb and his family, making the sudden and bloody end to his quest especially powerful. Since Ned's execution, we've been building toward a classic arc of revenge and justice, with the son poised to avenge his father's death, but the writers masterfully (and rather cruelly) undercut this convention, pulling the rug from right under our feet. Some might be frustrated by this abrupt end to the storyline, but the tragedy serves a greater purpose, elaborating on the show's continual punishment of love and honor in a murky world filled with corruption. And beyond episode nine's major developments, the season as a whole is packed with interesting character developments, furthering deeper themes tied to power, redemption, sacrifice, and the loss of innocence. To this end, Arya's slow descent into darkness proves to be one of the show's most heartbreaking, affecting, and perfectly realized arcs. A peerless example of serialized storytelling, the show continues to exhibit incredible nuance and depth, laying the groundwork for more incredible revelations yet to come. With demo worthy video and audio, and an exceptional collection of supplements, this is one of the most impressive television releases available on Blu-ray, making it a clear must own. Season four premieres on April 6, and if this new batch of episodes is anything like the last, viewers will be wise to remember one inescapable fact: "Valar morghulis… all men must die." 'Dallas Buyers Club' - What do you do when you're told by your doctors that you have just 30 days left to live? Well, if you're anything like Ron Woodroof (Matthew McConaughey), you prove them wrong. Very wrong. An emotional drama based on a true story, 'Dallas Buyers Club' manages to tell its heartfelt and inspirational story without devolving into overtly sentimental mush -- resulting in an affecting and lively film that never wallows in its inherent tragedy. Instead, like its determined main character, the film fights for its life with effortless charm. After being trapped in romantic comedy purgatory for far too long, Matthew McConaughey has entered a career defining renaissance with his last few pictures, crafting memorable characters in acclaimed films like 'Mud' and 'Killer Joe.' In 'Dallas Buyers Club,' the actor reaches entirely new heights, turning in a simply breathtaking performance. Woodroof starts off as nothing more than a homophobic hustler, but once he is diagnosed with AIDS, his entire perception of the world is shattered. While transformative stories that see jerks become good human beings are nothing new, the gradual and subtle growth that McConaughey reveals here is nothing short of masterful. The man doesn't simply become a saint overnight when he finds out that he's dying, and even when he does realize the error of his ways it doesn't occur in some sudden epiphany. It's a slow and natural progression, and the actor carries the role (and the movie) with palpable charisma and personality. Likewise, his much talked about physical transformation is startling, making it hard to believe that the frail, sickly cowboy hat-wearing man on the screen was once the ripped, hunky cowboy hat-wearing stripper in 'Magic Mike' (I think it's a contractual obligation that he has to wear a cowboy hat in all his films). And as amazing as McConaughey is, co-star Jared Leto is equally impressive. In the role of Woodroof's transgender partner Rayon, Leto reveals remarkable depth as an actor. The part could potentially come across as flashy and over-the-top in the wrong hands, but Leto imbues Rayon with striking soul and vulnerability. Director Jean-Marc Vallée balances the movie's heavy content with a fitting handheld shooting style and some much needed bursts of humor peppered throughout, creating an assured tone that treats the sensitive subject matter with respect without sacrificing a certain dynamic edge. Though the script takes some notable liberties with the true story that inspired it, the filmmakers use the basis of Woodroof's real life experiences to create a moving portrait of determination, survival, selflessness, and family. As days become months, and months become years, Woodroof defies the short term expectancy he was given, finding renewed purpose and meaning in his life -- and despite the weighty content, his bittersweet yet uplifting journey is always engaging. The movie's heavy subject matter does limit some its replay value, but this release is still easily one of the month's best discs, and rightfully earns a spot on this list. So, there you have it. While there are many titles worth picking up this February, those are our top three must own recommendations. We'll be back next month with three more essential picks, but for now, what do you think of our selection? What are your choices for February's must own titles?Posted Thu Feb 27, 2014 at 01:46 PM PST by: -
Taiwanese Companies Lead 4K Panel Manufacturing[teaser]A new report breaks down 4K panel production for 2014 by manufacturer. [/teaser] According to the NPD DisplaySearch Quarterly LCD TV Value Chain & Insight Report, Taiwanese manufacturers Innolux and AUO are set to lead 4K panel production and shipments in 2014. Combined, the two companies are poised to seize about 58 percent of the market. Meanwhile, global suppliers Samsung and LG are expected to hold about 25 percent of the 4K panel production market, and Chinese companies ChinaStar and BOE will take hold of about 14 percent. The report also notes that there is a growing difference in the Chinese and global manufacturers' approach to panel development. On the one hand, the Chinese companies are focusing on their own domestic market with cheaper, low cost panels, while global brands like LG and Samsung are placing their emphasis on high picture quality for expanded markets. "The 4K display demand from their related TV brands is critical to the ability of Samsung Display and LG Display to compete effectively within the growing 4K TV market," said Deborah Yang, research director for monitors and TV for DisplaySearch. "The ability of the Korean panel makers to expand 4K panel production is dependent on their success in securing more 4K display clients, beyond satisfying the needs of their own 4K TV brands." "The rise of the 4K TV market is mainly driven by the supply side, while leading TV brands are concerned about the value proposition of 4K TVs," Yang said. "While some TV brands are considering increasing their 4K TV shipment targets, we continue to see a mismatch between 4K TV panel supply plans and consumer purchasing expectations." Both Samsung and LG announced new 4K television lineups at CES in January. The companies plan to supply around 60 percent of their 4K panels from their individual in-house panel production. Sources: Display Search via TWICEPosted Thu Feb 27, 2014 at 09:00 AM PST by: -
Hisense Announces HD Phablet[teaser]The Maxe X1 smartphone features a massive 6.8-inch screen and impressive specs. [/teaser] During the Mobile World Congress being held in Spain this week, Hisense revealed a new large-screen handset, the Maxe X1. The mobile device combines the functionality of a smartphone with the display size of a tablet and the connectivity options of a set-top box. The Maxe X1 features a 6.8-inch 1080p display and is powered by a Snapdragon 800 2.3GHz quad-core CPU. In addition, the smartphone includes a 13MP rear camera that is capable of full HD video recording, a panoramic mode, and burst shooting options. The phone runs Android 4.4 and also features two front stereo speakers with Dolby Digital 5.1 virtual surround sound and three noise cancelling microphones. Finally, smart TV features are integrated as well with wired and wireless media sharing options that allow users to watch content from the phone on their televisions. Exact pricing and availability have not been announced yet, but the Hisense Maxe X1 is expected to launch globally next month with a US release planned for the near future. Sources: Hisense via PR NewswirePosted Wed Feb 26, 2014 at 11:00 AM PST by: -
HDD Gear Deal Spotlight: Soundbars[teaser]For a limited time, Amazon is offering discounts on select Philips and Boston Acoustics soundbars! [/teaser] As part of its special electronics sales promotions, Amazon is running limited time deals on several soundbar speaker systems. Current deals include discounts on: Boston Acoustics TVee 26 Soundbar - Currently $240 (31 percent off its retail price of $349). Boston Acoustics TVee 10 Soundbar - Currently $124 (38 percent off its retail price of $199). Philips HTL5110/F7 Soundbar - Currently $160 (20 percent off its retail price of $200). Philips CSS2123B/F7 SoundBar - Currently $80 (38 percent off its retail price of $130). Philips Fidelio Premium HTL7180/F7 SoundBar - Currently $690 (14 percent off its retail price of $800). 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 deals and special promotions!Posted Wed Feb 26, 2014 at 09:00 AM PST by: -
TiVo Co-Founders Develop New Streaming Experience[teaser]The Qplay streaming adapter and service aim to deliver the best internet video to any screen. [/teaser] Two of the original founders of TiVo have announced a brand new company and product, the Qplay. The streaming device and service allows users to watch, create, and share continuous personalized channels, dubbed Qs, filled with streaming content culled from a variety of internet sources. "With TiVo, Jim and I focused on creating a great consumer experience that put the viewer in control of the video they watched," said Mike Ramsay, CEO of Qplay. "We're applying the same focus to Internet video with Qplay and are creating a new kind of consumer experience that exploits the full potential of the Internet to give viewers a unique way to control their video entertainment." The system currently works through an iPad app, a TV adapter, and a cloud service. The app is used to find content and control the service, and the adapter connects to a display's HDMI port, allowing users to watch the playlists on their televisions. Meanwhile, since the streaming content is actually managed through the company's cloud service, video playback can continue even if the iPad is shut down. Currently, pre-made and user-generated Qs are compiled from free streaming sites or news sources like YouTube, Vimeo, and CNN, but support for premium services like Netflix and Hulu is also planned. Likewise, Android and smartphone versions of the Qplay app are also in the works. Qplay is now available in a special "early adopter phase." For a limited time, customers can purchase the app, TV adapter, and cloud service all bundled together for $49 from the company's website. Sources: Qplay via CNETPosted Tue Feb 25, 2014 at 11:00 AM PST by: -
Panasonic Unveils Toughpad Smartphones[teaser]The company is returning to the smartphone business with two new HD models. [/teaser] During the Mobile World Congress being held in Spain this week, Panasonic announced two new Toughpad smartphones. Though the company previously claimed that it was done with the consumer smartphone business, these premium handsets are instead geared toward corporate users. The Toughpad FZ-E1 and FZ-X1 essentially feature the same specs, save for their operating systems and processors. The former runs on Windows 8 with a Qualcomm MSM8974AB 2.3GHz Quad Core CPU, while the latter uses Android 4.2.2 with a Qualcomm APQ8064T 1.7GHz Quad Core CPU. Both devices have a 5-inch 720p display and 2GB of RAM. In addition, each phone comes equipped with an 8MP rear camera and a 1.3MP front camera. 32GB of integrated storage, a microSD slot, and a 6,200mAh battery are included as well. Finally, both models fully live up to their Toughpad namesake, and are designed to withstand drops, water, and dust. The Toughpad FZ-E1 and FZ-X1 are being marketed toward business clients and will be available in mid June and late August in Japan for about 130,000 yen (around $1300). A US release is expected to follow later in the year. Sources: Reuters via EngadgetPosted Tue Feb 25, 2014 at 09:15 AM PST by:
