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360-Degree Broadcasting in Development[teaser]A Japanese telecom company is experimenting with broadcasting live events through head-mounted displays with 360-degree viewing. [/teaser] The Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation is teaming up with the video network NicoNico Douga to develop live 360-degree broadcasting technology. Through the use of head mounted displays (like the Oculus Rift), the companies hope to replicate the experience of actually being at the live event. If successful, the 360-degree broadcasting system will enable users to fully immerse themselves in recorded live events like concerts. Through the use of a head-mounted display, audiences will be able to turn their heads and actually control their view of the show, simulating what it would be like to be there in person. The tech will optimize movements and streaming based on special processing aimed at ensuring a stable, high quality picture that keeps up with the user's shifting views. There's no word yet on exactly when the 360-degree broadcasting technology will actually debut, but the system is said to be in the stress-testing phase with future development hinging on the results. Source: EngadgetPosted Wed Feb 5, 2014 at 11:00 AM PST by: -
LG Details G2 Pro Video Capabilities and 4K Recording[teaser]Some of the upcoming smartphone's video capture features have been revealed, including 4K recording. [/teaser] While LG has yet to fully unveil its latest flagship smartphone, the G2 Pro, the company has shed some light on the mobile device's video recording and capture capabilities, highlighting some of the improvements made over the original G2 model. According to reports, the G2 Pro will feature new image stabilization software for its 13MP camera. The new tech is being dubbed "Electro Image System," and will work in tandem with hardware stabilization to create steady, clear images that reduce potential blurring from unwanted movement. In addition, LG has confirmed that the smartphone will feature 4K video recording, allowing users to capture videos at an Ultra HD resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels. Finally, a slow motion HD recording option and a 20-shot burst mode are also implemented into the new handset's camera. Full specs, pricing, and availability have not been detailed yet, but the LG G2 Pro is expected to be officially revealed at the Mobile World Congress being held February 24 - 27. Sources: Engadget, Android AuthorityPosted Wed Feb 5, 2014 at 09:00 AM PST by: -
Samsung Galaxy Note Pro and Tab Pro US Release Dates Announced[teaser]Samsung's latest tablet lineup is now up for pre-order in the US! [/teaser] Samsung has announced a February 13 release for its Galaxy Note Pro 12.2 and its Galaxy Tab Pro 10.1 in the US. Both models are currently up for pre-order at Amazon. Likewise, an 8.4-inch Tab Pro model is expected to release the same date, and a 12.2-inch model will follow in March. The Galaxy Note Pro 12.2 features a 12.2-inch LCD display with a resolution of 2560x1600. The tablet is powered by a 1.9GHz Samsung Exynos 5 Octa processor, 3GB of RAM, and a 9500mAh battery running Android 4.4. An 8MP rear camera and a 2MP front camera are included as well. In addition, the device comes packaged with an S Pen stylus and uses the company's new Magazine UX interface and Samsung's Multi Window technology allowing customers to use four different screen views at the same time. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Tab Pro 10.1 features a 10.1-inch 2560x1600 WQXGA Display. The device is also powered by a Samsung Exynos 5 Octa 1.9 GHz processor and uses 2GB of RAM running Android 4.4. Like the Note Pro, an 8MP rear camera and a 2MP front camera are included. Samsung's Multi Window technology is integrated as well, but this model only supports two apps at once. The tablet is rated for nine hours of battery life. The Galaxy Note Pro 12.2 is now available for pre-order starting at $750 for the 32GB model. The Galaxy Tab Pro 10.1 is now available for pre-order starting at $500 for the 16GB model. Both tablets are set for release on February 13. Source: EngadgetPosted Tue Feb 4, 2014 at 11:00 AM PST by: -
Amazon Offering Kindle Fire Discounts![teaser]The online retailer is taking as much as $80 off of select Kindle Fire tablets! [/teaser] As part of its Valentine's Day promotions, Amazon is running sales on select Kindle Fire tablets, making them the perfect gift for that special someone in your life. The models included in the sale are: Kindle Fire HD 8.9" Tablet - Currently $189 ($80 off its retail price of $269). Kindle Fire HDX 7" Tablet - Currently $199 ($30 off its retail price of $229). Kindle Fire HDX 8.9" Tablet - Currently $339 ($40 off its retail price of $379). As always, these deals will only be active for a limited time while supplies last, so act fast if you want to snag a Kindle Fire at these prices for your loved one. Make sure to stay tuned to High-Def Digest for more deals and special promotions!Posted Tue Feb 4, 2014 at 09:00 AM PST by: -
Rembrandt 3D Shows off Glasses-Free 3D 4K Display[teaser]The 3D technology company recently demoed a new glasses-free Ultra HD TV. [/teaser] Rembrandt 3D has announced its latest innovation in 3D displays -- a 55" 4K LCD with glasses-free 3D. The new set debuted during a special event held at the American Institute of Architects. In order to show off the TV's capabilities, the company demoed a special film, Frank Lloyd Wright's "Fallingwater in 3D." "Fallingwater in 3D" is a proof of concept pilot developed with the help of Emmy winner Ken Love. Using images of the famous 1935 house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, the film aims to show off Rembrandt's "Maestro" depth quality. Speaking about the project, Ken Love said, "The translation of Fallingwater as a 3 dimensional work of Art into a stereoscopic 3D image on a glasses free AS3D screen required a balancing of art and science to accurately capture the site's beauty and realism. I was amazed by the power of the 3D images conveyed by the Rembrandt 3D Maestro ™ 4K AS3D TV. The results were simply astounding." Rembrandt 3D CEO Steve Blumenthal elaborated, "With the introduction of the R3D 4K AS3D TV, we have arrived at a critical performance milestone. We can now say that the R3D Perfect Picture, Maestro™, with its unique image quality and user comfort control system, has been successfully market tested and is now, 'Ready for Prime Time.'" Pricing and availability for Rembrandt's new 55-inch 4K glasses-free TV have not been detailed. And while it's unclear if the set will be geared toward commercial or consumer use, Blumenthal did conclude the press release by stating, "Rembrandt 3D No glasses 3DTV has arrived, and its ground breaking advancements provide a natural, artifact free 3D experience second to none, and finally its coming soon to a 'home' near you." Source: Rembrandt 3D via PR NewswirePosted Mon Feb 3, 2014 at 11:00 AM PST by: -
High-Def Digest's Essential Picks: January 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 an adamantium laced action flick, an umbrella-flying nanny, and an emotionally charged mystery thriller. 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, and December 2013. [teaser]This month, we're covering a high seas thriller, a complex character study, and a sensitive coming of age story. [/teaser] Please be aware, that if you haven't already seen them, there might be some spoilers for the films listed. If you can only buy three titles that hit Blu-ray in January, here's what we suggest you pick up, starting with the most essential... 'Captain Phillips' - Marked by his trademark shaky-cam visual style and an overall penchant for building palpable tension, director Paul Greengrass' 'Captain Phillips' is a powerful and gut-wrenching viewing experience, thrusting audiences into a true tale of survival and courage. And while the film's version of the real-life events that inspired it has been met with some controversy, judged purely on its own merits as a motion picture, the movie is an undeniably masterful piece of filmmaking, bolstered by an incredible performance from Tom Hanks. Though Phillips may get his name in the title, in many ways this is actually the story of two captains, and Greengrass and company do a decent job of characterizing the Somali pirates as more than just big screen villains. Through early cross-cutting sequences, we catch a glimpse of Phillips and Muse's (Barkhad Abdi) dual stories, shedding some light on the circumstances that lead to piracy while setting up the fateful day when their paths eventually cross. With that said, this really is Tom Hanks' show, and the actor does an absolutely phenomenal job. His character's quick thinking and calm under pressure manage to keep him and his crew alive in a dire situation, and Hanks goes through a true roller coaster of emotion. The film's final scene in particular, is truly heart-wrenching, and the actor's moving breakdown has to be seen to be believed, perfectly decompressing the immense trauma Phillips has been through in an understated and utterly affecting moment of relief and shock. Beyond the acting, the visuals and sound also help to create an unrelenting air of escalating tension, with a thunderous score that not only rises but also falls at key moments to emphasize dramatic turns (the way the rousing music almost completely cuts out when the pirates finally attach their ladder to Phillips' boat is especially effective, further reinforcing an air of defeat and impending dread). And as the characters continue to scramble, so too does Greengrass' camera, creating a chaotic, quasi-documentary aesthetic that feels raw and cinematic at the same time. Visceral and persistently engaging, the movie manages to pull the audience headfirst into a harrowing high seas journey without over sensationalizing the events or violence. When the film's inevitable, bloody resolution finally hits the screen, there is indeed a clear sense of relief, but with it comes a pang of undiluted horror. This isn't a simple action flick or a video game, and though the antagonists have been defeated, lives are taken and it's not a pretty picture. Stirring, exciting, and complex, 'Captain Phillips' is an exceptional thriller that doesn't rely on easy tricks or simplistic morality. Coupled with demo worthy video and audio, and solid special features, this Blu-ray rises above the pack to earn January's top spot. 'Blue Jasmine' - Using Tennessee Williams' 'A Streetcar Named Desire' as a jumping off point, Woody Allen's latest foray into the increasingly blurred line between comedy and drama serves as an effectively wry, intelligent, and ultimately unsettling addition to his ever growing filmography. Through a seemingly effortless, tour-de-force performance from Cate Blanchett and great turns from all the supporting players, Allen's film shines a light on class disparities and the precarious stability of shallow affectations -- revealing the all too fragile core that rests beneath seemingly elegant facades. The narrative is clearly influenced by current hot button issues related to wealth disparity and financial corruption, but rather than wallow in political commentary, Allen instead decides to use this fiery climate as the backdrop for a fascinating character study -- and boy does Cate Blanchett's Jasmine prove to be one hell of a character to study. In a truly remarkable performance, the actress becomes the embodiment of upper class entitlement, dressing up her entire persona under a just barely secure blanket of haughty social airs and thick pretension. But as we gradually bear witness to the downfall of her once "perfect" existence through intermittent flashbacks and present day breakdowns, it quickly becomes clear that she may not have the tools necessary to keep afloat in the real world -- financially or mentally. Watching the once proud and increasingly unstable socialite repeatedly collide with working class culture leads to some dry humor and frustrating drama, and throughout it all, Blanchett manages to create a fully realized character that avoids caricature. Unable to cope with her situation, the woman is in a constant state of desperation, just barely held together by her last, dwindling remnants of high society composure, seemingly ready to crack entirely at any minute. And when she does finally succumb to the pressures of a common life, it appears that there might be nothing left at all behind her grand facade. That is, if there was ever anything there to begin with. But as unlikeable as Jasmine can be, Blanchett is still able to elicit sympathy for the woman, and her unhinged and at times almost possessed performance is startlingly natural and engrossing, allowing the actress to completely disappear into the complex and expertly written role. Layered with texture and nuance, the script and direction are clearly the products of a veteran filmmaker completely at home in his craft, and with 'Blue Jasmine,' Allen turns in some of his best contemporary work, easily cementing this disc as one of January's essential releases. 'The Spectacular Now' - Coming of age flicks seem to be a dime a dozen lately, especially on the festival circuit, but despite this oversaturation, there have actually been several strong efforts in the genre within the past few years. Titles like 'The Perks of Being a Wallflower' and 'The Way Way Back' have all tapped into the bittersweet pain and joy of adolescence, and now director James Ponsoldt's 'The Spectacular Now' joins the pack with another sensitive and affecting look at teenage woes and young love. Tackling many similar themes as his last effort, 'Smashed,' Ponsoldt's latest feature once again deals with alcoholism and personal growth, but this time through the prism of high school romance. And while that previous film was a very solid movie in its own right, here the director demonstrates notable improvement as an artist, offering a much more assured command of tone and style. Through long takes and gorgeous, gentle lighting designs, the movie perfectly evokes the wistful happiness and confusion of youthful passion, blending sweet comedy with delicate drama. Actors Miles Teller and Shailene Woodley are perfect in their roles, and unlike the typical model-types who often play parts like this, they are both very believable as actual teens -- imperfect skin and all. Teller, in particular, turns in a career making performance as the happy-go-lucky Sutter who hides deeper insecurities through his constant alcoholic buzz. In fact, much like the character, the movie itself masks a heavy wealth of sadness beneath an outward veneer of humor -- but even as this level of pathos rises more and more to the forefront, the tragedy is never overwhelming. It's sensitive, honest, and real. Though the story might be a bit predictable and familiar, to their credit, the filmmakers do actually go in slightly different directions, weaving an emotional narrative about learning not to just love others, but ourselves as well. A celebration of the ever-expanding now stretched out before us all, the film is both melancholic and full of limitless hope. This might not be the flashiest Blu-ray hitting stores this month, but the movie really is an enjoyable and heartfelt piece of cinema, and this disc from Lionsgate is very solid, helping to edge out the competition to earn the last spot on January's list. So, there you have it. While there are many titles worth picking up this January, 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 January's must own titles?Posted Fri Jan 31, 2014 at 04:00 PM PST by: -
Weekend Roundtable: Your First TVThis time every year, Super Bowl Sunday inspires countless people to run out and buy new televisions in order to experience the action on the largest screen possible. Of course, we home theater junkies should already be prepared for this. Sadly, we didn't always have things so good. In this week's Roundtable, we take a look back to our modest origins to remember the TVs we used to own back before we even had a concept of "home theater." Share your stories with us in the blog today.Posted Fri Jan 31, 2014 at 12:00 PM PST by: -
Amazon Prime Pricing Could Increase[teaser]The online retail giant is considering a price increase for its Prime subscription service. [/teaser] During Amazon's fourth quarter earnings conference call, the company revealed that it might need to reevaluate its Prime subscription pricing. Currently, Prime members pay $79 per year, but the proposed fee increase could see that price rise by $20 to $40. Amazon Prime benefits include free 2-day shipping, unlimited access to a growing library of streaming movies and TV shows, and one free Kindle book to borrow each month. Unfortunately, due to rising shipping fees and increased popularity for Prime Instant Video, the cost of maintaining the service might be too much to sustain the current $79 pricing. While a potential price increase for Amazon Prime membership has not been finalized, any new revisions to the subscription scheme could see fees rise to as high as $119 per year. It's also possible that the company will experiment with piecing out its services in order to offer less expensive plans for specific features. Source: The VergePosted Fri Jan 31, 2014 at 09:00 AM PST by: -
Samsung Galaxy NotePro 12.2 UK Release Date Set[teaser]Samsung's latest tablet is now available for pre-order in the UK. [/teaser] Samsung has announced a February 4 release for its Galaxy NotePro 12.2 in the UK. Pre-orders are now live on their website. The Galaxy NotePro 12.2 features a 12.2-inch LCD display with a resolution of 1600 x 2560. The tablet is powered by a Snapdragon 800 processor, 3GB of RAM, and a 9500mAh battery running Android 4.4. An 8MP rear camera and a 2MP front camera are included as well. In addition, the device comes packaged with an S Pen stylus and uses the company's new Magazine UX interface and Samsung's Multi Window technology allowing customers to use four different screen views at the same time. A US release date and pricing have not been announced yet, but the device is expected to make its way to the States soon. UK customers can pre-order the tablet now from Samsung for £649.00 (about $1071). Source: Samsung via Digital TrendsPosted Thu Jan 30, 2014 at 11:00 AM PST by: -
HDD Gear Deal Spotlight: Boston Acoustics Soundbar and Denon Receiver[teaser]In preparation for the Super Bowl, Amazon is offering discounts on select home theater items, including a Denon receiver and a Boston Acoustics soundbar! [/teaser] As part of its Super Bowl promotions, Amazon is running sales on several home theater and audio products, and for a limited time the company is taking $150 off of the Denon AVR-E400 7.1 Channel AV Receiver, taking its price down to $499 from $649. In addition, the site is also offering a $100 discount on the Boston Acoustics TVEE Model 26 Theater System, bringing its price down to $249 from $349 The Denon AVR-E400 7.1 AV Receiver features 185-watts per channel, Audyssey calibration technology, six HDMI inputs with 4K upscaling, and 3D pass through. Meanwhile, the 150-watt Boston Acoustics TVEE Model 26 Theater System includes a soundbar and wireless subwoofer, and features Digitally Optimized Virtual Surround with Dolby Digital 5.1 support, and a simple plug and play interface. 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 Thu Jan 30, 2014 at 09:00 AM PST by:
