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Weekend Roundtable: 2014 Home Theater WishesAs we close the books on 2013, let's look forward to the things we'd like to see in 2014. Do you have a favorite movie still waiting to be released on Blu-ray? Would you like to upgrade some of your home theater gear? Tell us about it in today's Roundtable.Posted Fri Dec 27, 2013 at 12:00 PM PST by: -
NanoTech's UltraFlix will Stream Moving Murals in 4K[teaser]The upcoming 4K streaming service will distribute Moving Murals' growing gallery of Ultra HD art. [/teaser] NanoTech and Epic Eye have signed an agreement to bring Moving Murals to UltraFlix. The 4K IPTV/OTT streaming service is the first of its kind and will offer users a variety of Ultra HD titles starting in January 2014. UltraFlix will be available through several devices, including NanoTech's Nuvola NP-1 and NP-C 4K streaming media players. The NP-1 consumer player will retail for $299, while the NP-C commercial player will cost $699. Both devices will be available in Q1 2014. "The power of UltraFlix and the Nuvola players to stream our murals in 4K without loss of quality is essential for delivering the rich imagery of our murals," said Susan Rees, President of Epic Eye. "We're very pleased to partner with the company that is setting the industry standard for 4K delivery." Through UltraFlix, users will be treated to Moving Murals' extensive library of over 500 4K murals. The art features a variety of content, including landscapes, cities, and abstract imagery. The murals are all comprised of more than 6,000 individual images captured at 4K that are then looped through time lapse photography. "Moving Murals are the 'Canvas of the Future' and NanoTech's UltraFlix and Nuvola products are 'The Future of Televisions'", said Jeff Foley, CEO of NanoTech Entertainment. "When you see the murals come alive with waves crashing on ocean rocks, tree branches swaying in the breeze, a herd of cattle wagging their tails while grazing, you'll understand why our partnership with Moving Murals was a priority." Details on other titles to be featured in NanoTech's UltraFlix service have not been announced yet, but the company will be demoing its players at CES in Las Vegas on January 7-10. Sources: Business Wire, NuvolaPosted Fri Dec 27, 2013 at 11:00 AM PST by: -
HDD Gear Deal Spotlight: Sound Bars, Receivers, and TVs[teaser]Amazon is offering end of the year savings on a variety of home theater items, including 55 percent off an Onkyo receiver! [/teaser] Though Black Friday and Cyber Monday might be over, great shopping deals are still in full swing. As part of their year-end sales promotions, Amazon is discounting several gear items. Onkyo TX-NR809 7.2-Channel A/V Receiver - Currently $499 (55 percent off its retail price of $1099). Pinnacle PBAR 2.1 Sound Bar - Currently $400 (50 percent off its retail price of $800). Panasonic SC-HTB550 2.1 Audio System - Currently $199.29 (50 percent off its retail price of $400). LG NB2530A Sound Bar - Currently $77.72 (54 percent off its retail price of $170). Toshiba 58L7350U 58-Inch 1080p TV - Currently $1010 (54 percent off its retail price of $2200). As always, these deals will only last for a limited time. Make sure to stay tuned to High-Def Digest for more end of the year deals, and don't forget to check out Amazon's Year-End Deals Page for all their latest sales and special promotions!Posted Fri Dec 27, 2013 at 09:00 AM PST by: -
Sony and Panasonic End OLED Partnership[teaser]Sony and Panasonic have decided to dissolve their joint venture in OLED development. [/teaser] After joining forces last year to develop and manufacture OLED televisions, Sony and Panasonic are once again going their separate ways. The electronics giants hoped to work together to bring OLED sets to the mass market, but production issues proved to be too problematic. The goal was to merge Panasonic's organic printing methods with Sony's OLED (organic light-emitting diode) technology, creating displays with vastly improved black levels and contrast over traditional LCD TVs. Unfortunately, reports indicate that the resulting panels were not durable or cost effective enough. Once their contract ends at the end of the year, the partnership will expire and both companies will resume their own independent OLED research and development. In the meantime, Sony and Panasonic have expressed continued interest in 4K television manufacturing and will be emphasizing Ultra HD LCD TVs in the coming year. This leaves LG's 55EA9800 and Samsung's KN55S9C 55-inch curved-screen TVs as the primary large-screen OLED displays commercially available in the US. More details regarding any potential future OLED and Ultra HD TV models from all the major electronics companies are expected to be announced at CES in Las Vegas from January 7-10. Source: Nikkei via EngadgetPosted Thu Dec 26, 2013 at 11:00 AM PST by: -
Samsung Updates Smart TV SDK[teaser]The company's latest Smart TV development software will provide developers with new tools to create enhanced apps. [/teaser] Samsung has announced the release of its latest Smart TV SDK (Software Development Kit).Version 5.0 offers improved features and design tools aimed at delivering more advanced Smart TV applications. SDK 5.0 includes expanded support for more devices and features a Web UI Framework that allows developers to use HTML 5 standards. In addition, the new kit makes use of PNaCL technology, giving developers the freedom to build apps for numerous Smart TV models without running into compatibility issues. Mulit-screen and browser-based IDE features have also been updated, providing app support for televisions and mobile devices, and development support through web browsers. Finally, the SDK's enhanced tools will let users control appliances like air conditioners, refrigerators, and even their home lighting through their Smart TVs. "With membership and SDK downloads increasing yearly, the Samsung Development Forum website is becoming one of the world's largest TV app developer communities," said YoungKi Byun, Vice President of Software Research & Development Team, Samsung Electronics. "We plan to provide more various platforms and improve a development environment to expand the Smart TV app ecosystem." Samsung's SDK 5.0 for Smart TV development will be available for download on January 6 from the Samsung Developers Forum website. Source: Samsung TomorrowPosted Thu Dec 26, 2013 at 09:00 AM PST by: -
LG Previews 2014 Audio Lineup[teaser]A sound bar and a streaming audio system are among the company's new products set to be demoed at CES. [/teaser] In anticipation for CES in Las Vegas next month, LG has unveiled details about several new audio products set to make their debut in 2014. The lineup includes the LAB540W SoundPlate, the NP8740 Wireless Audio System, and the NB5540 Sound Bar. "TV screens may get the majority of consumers' attention in the showroom but the unsung heroes of great home entertainment is sound," said Byung-hoon Min, Senior Vice President of the AV Division of LG's Home Entertainment Company. "At LG, we devote a significant portion of our TV research and development on the audio experience because we believe this will be the next battleground for winning the hearts and minds of home entertainment aficionados." The LAB540W SoundPlate is a sleek audio device designed to be paired with 32 to 55-inch flat screen TVs. Measuring just 39.5mm high, the SoundPlate features 4.1 channel, 320 watt audio and an external wireless subwoofer, offering compact size without sacrificing powerful sound. In addition, the SoundPlate includes an integrated 3D Blu-ray player, Smart TV functions, and Wi-Fi and Bluetooth streaming. The NP8740 Wireless Audio System uses mesh network technology to give consumers an abundance of home audio configurations with high quality music streaming. Multiple speakers can be set up throughout a user's home, and can be configured to play the same song or individual tracks. Likewise, the Wireless Audio System enables smartphone remote control support and features a dual-tweeter arrangement with 24 bit/192kHz audio for studio-like sound quality. Finally, the NB5540 is a 4.1 channel, 320 watt sound bar with a minimalist design perfectly suited for pairing with thin-bezel displays. The device features a Hi-Fi DAC and Analog Class D amplifier, along with two forward-facing and two rear-facing channels for clean, spacious sound. HDMI with ARC and Bluetooth support are also included for easy connectivity and streaming options. Exact pricing and availability for LG's home audio lineup have not been detailed yet, but all three audio devices will be on display at the company's booth at CES on January 7-10 in Las Vegas. Source: LGPosted Tue Dec 24, 2013 at 09:00 AM PST by: -
Hulu Plus Reaches 5 Million Subscribers[teaser]Hulu has released revenue and subscription numbers for 2013, revealing steady growth and plans for more original content. [/teaser] Hulu CEO Mike Hopkins announced details on the streaming service's year-end performance earlier this week. The company is expected to reach 1 billion dollars in revenue and 5 million total paying subscribers. Hulu Plus is now available on a variety of devices, including the Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Chromecast, Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo Wii, Windows Phone 8, Apple TV, Roku players, and Samsung products. In addition, Hulu Plus has the exclusive rights to current season content from five of the six biggest US networks, offering new episodes of shows like 'Modern Family,' 'The Voice,' 'The Blacklist,' 'Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.,' 'Scandal,' 'Grey’s Anatomy,' and 'Sleepy Hollow.' To coincide with the company's expanding growth in revenue, subscribers, and availability, Hulu also plans to produce more original programming, aiming for more than 40 new shows in the next few years. Details on potential new series have not been announced yet, but the company's current slot of original programming has proved to be popular with viewers. Though it still has a long way to go before it catches up with Netflix, this push for original content and renewed commitment to exclusive streaming rights for popular shows is certainly amping up the competition. Source: HuluPosted Mon Dec 23, 2013 at 11:00 AM PST by: -
Samsung to Demo Enhanced Smart TVs[teaser]Voice interaction and improved motion controls are among the updated features coming to Samsung's 2014 Smart TV lineup. [/teaser] Samsung has detailed plans to show off its brand new Smart TV technology at CES next month. With enhanced voice and gesture controls, the company's new models promise a more convenient and user friendly experience. "Samsung's 2014 Smart TV models deliver significantly improved voice interaction and motion control features so that our consumers will be able to enjoy our Smart TV more intuitively," said Kyungshik Lee, Senior Vice President of the Service Strategy Team of Visual Display Business, Samsung Electronics. "We will continue to develop content that integrates voice and motion recognition for added convenience." The improved voice support now allows users to change the channel by speaking the number out loud. Simple commands and shortcuts can also be used to access websites and apps. Likewise, the search tool has been updated and now consumers can search for stock, weather, and sports news through a pop-up menu while watching TV. In addition, motion controls have been refined, adding support for the "finger gesture" which enables users to change channels, adjust the volume, stop playback, and navigate menus by gesturing with their fingers. All of these advanced Smart TV features will be demoed at Samsung's booth during CES 2014 from January 7-10 in Las Vegas. Source: Samsung TomorrowPosted Mon Dec 23, 2013 at 09:00 AM PST by: -
Samsung Reveals 105-Inch 21:9 UHD TV[teaser]Hot on the heels of LG's similar announcement, Samsung has detailed its own ultra-wide Ultra HD display. [/teaser] Clearly not content to let LG have all the fun, Samsung has revealed plans to demo its own gigantic 105-inch ultra-wide, curved screen UHD TV. Like the similar LG offering, this display also features a 21:9 aspect ratio (as opposed to the traditional 16:9 ratio). "We are happy to unveil the 105-inch Curved UHD TV, the culmination of Samsung's advancements, following the world's first Curved UHD TV at IFA 2013," said HS Kim, executive vice president of Visual Display Business, Samsung Electronics. "You will experience a true curved TV optimized for consumer viewing environments at CES 2014." The Samsung model will feature a resolution of 5120X2160 giving it an impressive 11 million pixels. In addition, the company is touting a new proprietary picture algorithm that promises improved color and depth. The display also uses Samsung's Quadmatic Picture Engine for Ultra HD upscaling on all sources. Though details on pricing and availability have not been announced yet, the display will be demoed at Samsung's booth at CES 2014 in Las Vegas from January 7-10, putting it head-to-head with LG's nearly identical offering. Source: Samsung TomorrowPosted Fri Dec 20, 2013 at 11:00 AM PST by: -
HDD Gear Deal Spotlight: Samsung Tablet & Epson Projector[teaser]Amazon is offering limited time discounts on a Samsung Galaxy Tablet and an Epson projector! [/teaser] Though Black Friday and Cyber Monday might be over, great holiday shopping deals are still in full swing. Amazon has selected the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 32GB and the Epson EX7210 Projector to be part of their lightning deals of the day. As of 9:40AM EST this morning, the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 32GB is now on sale for $380, a 31 percent discount off of its retail price. The tablet features a 10.1-inch 1280 x 800 display powered by a 1.4 GHz Quad-Core Processor and 2GB of RAM running Android 4.1. In addition, the Epson EX7210 Projector will also go on sale at 1:00PM EST. The 3LCD projector features a 1280 x 800 resolution and is rated for 2800 Lumens of color and white brightness. As always, both lightning discounts will only last for a limited time while supplies last. Make sure to stay tuned to High-Def Digest for more holiday related deals, and don't forget to check out Amazon's Holiday Deals Page for all their latest sales and special promotions!Posted Fri Dec 20, 2013 at 07:00 AM PST by:
