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Netflix Readies 4K Streaming for 2014[teaser]According to reports, the company will stream the second season of its critically acclaimed series, 'House of Cards,' in 4K resolution. [/teaser] In an interview with Stuff.tv, Netflix Chief Product Officer Neil Hunt has revealed plans for the streaming service to launch 4K support next year. According to the report, the first program to be available in Ultra HD will be the company's own original series 'House of Cards.' Though details are still vague, it's been announced that Netflix 4K streaming will initially only be available via smart TV apps built into upcoming Ultra HD TVs. Official announcements regarding supported television models will likely be made next month at CES. In order to adequately stream content in 4K resolution without running into bandwidth issues or sacrificing quality, Netflix will be employing new encoding technology, specifically the H.265 codec. Also known as "HEVC," the advanced compression format allows for higher resolutions without the need for dramatically increased bitrates. According to Hunt, 4K HEVC streams will likely hover around the 15Mbps range. In addition to higher resolutions, the company is also planning to experiment with higher frame rates and expanded color spaces with its programming in 2015 and 2016. More details about Netflix's 4K plans and delivery methods, including which new television models will support Ultra HD streaming, are expected to be announced at CES which is being held in Las Vegas on January 7-10. Sources: Stuff.tv 1, Stuff.tv 2Posted Thu Dec 19, 2013 at 11:00 AM PST by: -
LG Announces 105-Inch 21:9 UHD TV[teaser]The world's first 105-inch curved-screen Ultra HD display will be revealed at CES. [/teaser] LG is set to debut the 105UB9 at CES in Las Vegas next month. The impressive display boasts a massive 105-inch panel with an ultra-wide 21:9 aspect ratio (as opposed to the traditional 16:9 ratio) and a curved-screen design, offering a more cinematic and immersive experience. The 105UB9 is now the largest curved-screen display in existence and features a 21:9 Ultra HD resolution of 5120 x 2160 giving its picture a whopping 11 million pixels. Though most previous curved-screen TVs have used OLED displays, this set will actually use a refined LCD panel that promises to avoid the uneven backlighting and color problems usually associated with the technology. "We're proud to reveal our 105-inch CURVED ULTRA HD TV at the world's largest technology event," said In-kyu Lee, Vice President and head of the Home Entertainment Company's TV division at LG Electronics. "Claiming the world's first and the world's largest titles, LG's 105UB9 employs cutting-edge technology to provide a truly unique viewing experience. We will continue to drive the next generation TV market and demonstrate that with LG, it's all possible." The 105UB9 will be demoed at LG's booth at CES 2014 on January 7-10 in Las Vegas. Source: LGPosted Thu Dec 19, 2013 at 09:00 AM PST by: -
Asus VivoTab Note 8 Details Leak[teaser]Alleged specs for the upcoming Windows tablet have been revealed. [/teaser] Supposed details for Asus' newest tablet have been leaked by Mobile Geeks. The website has posted an image and specs for the device. According to the report, the VivoTab Note 8 will feature an 8-inch 1280 x 800 IPS screen and a stylus. The tablet is powered by a 1.33GHz Bay Trail Atom processor and 2GB of RAM running Windows 8.1. 32GB and 64GB storage options will be available and the device includes MicroSD, MicroUSB, and 3.5mm audio inputs. In addition, the VivoTab Note 8 is expected to feature a 5MP rear camera, a 1.2MP front camera, and a 3,950mAh battery. While the leaked information implies a holiday release, an early 2014 debut looks more likely at this point. Exact pricing and availability have not been detailed yet, but the tablet is rumored to retail for $299. Sources: Engadget, Mobile GeeksPosted Wed Dec 18, 2013 at 11:00 AM PST by: -
YouTube Finally Comes to Roku[teaser]The Roku 3 now offers a full-fledged YouTube channel. [/teaser] Rectifying a rather conspicuous absence, the Roku 3 Streaming Media Player is finally offering users a YouTube channel. The app is now available in the US, Canada, UK, and Republic of Ireland on the Roku 3 only, but an expansion to more countries and Roku models is expected next year. The YouTube channel features HD streaming, "Send to TV" which lets customers use their mobile devices as a remote, and easy access to your YouTube account and subscriptions. In addition, the Roku 3 also includes support for many other popular media services like Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, Hulu Plus, and HBO GO with up to 1080p video. The Roku 3 is currently available for $89 and users can now install the YouTube Channel directly from the Roku Channel Store. Sources: YouTube, Roku, CNETPosted Wed Dec 18, 2013 at 09:00 AM PST by: -
LG to Debut New UltraWide and 4K Monitors[teaser]The company is set to demo new 21:9 and "Real 4K" monitors at CES. [/teaser] LG has detailed plans to show off its latest lineup of UltraWide and 4K monitors at CES 2014 next month. The new models include the UM95, which features a resolution of 3440 x 1440 and an ultra wide 21:9 aspect ratio (as opposed to the traditional 16:9 or 16:10 ratio). The UM95 will be available in 29-inch and 34-inch models, and features an IPS panel, True Color Finder calibration software, support for 99 percent of the sRGB color palette, and Thunderbolt 2 connectivity. In addition, LG will release the leaner and more economical UM65 in 25-inch, 29-inch, and 34-inch variants, and the 29-inch UB65 which is designed for office use. "LG IPS 21:9 UltraWide series was originally developed as user-centric PC monitors to enhance the computing experience, for both work and play," said Hyoung-sei Park, head of the IT Business Division at LG Electronics. "Our 21:9 aspect ratio monitors has proven to be a critical and commercial success and we forecast this market will continue to grow." Finally, the company is also spotlighting the 31MU95 "Real 4K" monitor which boasts a resolution of 4096 x 2160 (as opposed to the consumer television standard of 3840 × 2160). This puts the display in line with the Digital Cinema standard. The 31-inch IPS monitor comes hardware-calibration ready and is geared toward design and film applications. Pricing and availability for the monitors have not been detailed yet, but more information should be revealed when these models are fully demoed at CES on January 7-10. Source: LGPosted Tue Dec 17, 2013 at 11:00 AM PST by: -
Amazon Producing 2014 Original Programming in 4K[teaser]Amazon Studio has announced plans to shoot its upcoming slate of original series in the Ultra HD format. [/teaser] Amazon has committed to producing its 2014 lineup of original programming in 4K. The Ultra HD format offers a resolution of 3,840 x 2,160 pixels, four times the pixels of traditional high definition recordings. "As a premium original content creator, we're excited about 4K and the future of Ultra HD technology, particularly as we move into drama series next year," said Roy Price, Director of Amazon Studios. "All of the pilots and series we produce next year will be shot in 4K. That includes our first ever drama series that we will greenlight next year—we think customers are going to love watching these series in the highest resolution ever available to consumers and we can't wait to deliver it." The studio's upcoming lineup of pilots includes 'The After,' from 'X-Files' creator Chris Carter; 'Bosch,' an adaptation of the 'Harry Bosch' book series written by Michael Connelly; 'Mozart in the Jungle,' from Roman Coppola, Jason Schwartzman and Alex Timbers; 'The Rebels' from Kevin Iwashina, Jeremy Garelick, Constance Schwartz, Matt Alvarez and former NFL player Michael Strahan; and 'Transparent' from Jill Soloway. Amazon customers will then be able to vote on the pilots to help determine which series will receive full orders to air exclusively on Prime Instant Video. Any full series orders and new 2014 pilots will be shot in 4K. Source: AmazonPosted Mon Dec 16, 2013 at 11:00 AM PST by: -
HDD Gear Deal Spotlight: Roku Media Player & Panasonic Home Theater System[teaser]Amazon is offering limited time discounts on a streaming media player and a 5.1 speaker system! [/teaser] Though Black Friday and Cyber Monday might be over, great holiday shopping deals are still in full swing. Amazon has selected the Roku LT Streaming Media Player as its Gold Box Deal of the Day, cutting its price by 26 percent, bringing it down to just $36.99. The media player offers users access to a wide assortment of streaming entertainment, including free services like Pandora and Crackle and subscription apps like Netflix and Hulu Plus. Support for Android and iOS devices is also available, and the player streams at up to 720p. In addition, Amazon is also running a lightning deal on the Panasonic SC-BTT190 Home Theater System, bringing its price down 47 percent to $160. The package includes a 5.1 speaker system and a 3D Blu-ray player. Buyers who want to take advantage of the deal will have to act fast, as the discount will only last for the next 3 hours 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 Mon Dec 16, 2013 at 09:00 AM PST by: -
LG's Gesture and Speech Recognition Technology Receives UL Certification[teaser]The company's latest Smart TV tech has been tested and validated by inspection and certification company Underwriters Laboratories. [/teaser] LG has announced that its advanced speech and finger gesture recognition functions have been validated by Underwriters Laboratories, making it the first company to receive such a certificate for Smart TV technology. "Being the first to receive UL certificate of validation for Smart TV features is confirmation of our innovation's uniqueness and innovation," said Do-joon Lee, Vice President and head of the UX Division in LG's Home Entertainment Company. "We are committed to advancing the Smart TV experience to bring greater convenience to people's lives." For their testing, UL assessed how well LG's voice recognition technology interpreted vocal commands and how quickly it was able to process the information. Likewise, the company's gesture recognition feature was tested for tracking accuracy and the value of its special functions. Both new technologies will be available in LG's 2014 Smart TVs and will be demoed at LG's booth at the upcoming Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas next month. Source: LGPosted Fri Dec 13, 2013 at 11:00 AM PST by: -
DirecTV Considers Online Video Service[teaser]The satellite provider is considering developing its own online streaming service. [/teaser] According to a report in The Wall Street Journal, DirecTV is exploring the idea of creating its own online streaming service. The potential new platform would be geared toward young "price sensitive" customers who no longer subscribe to traditional pay-TV venues. Though the company previously attempted to buy the existing streaming website Hulu, this new venture is expected to be developed solely by DirecTV itself, and the company has already made strides toward licensing programming for online exhibition. Aimed at more of a niche market, the prospective streaming service would not be poised to compete directly with Netflix. Instead, the company wants to use the service to appeal to specific demographics like children and Hispanic viewers. Firm details on the proposed video streaming platform remain rather vague for the time being, but DirecTV Chief Executive Mike White says that more information about the company's online video plans will be made clear over the next year. Source: The Wall Street Journal via EngadgetPosted Fri Dec 13, 2013 at 09:00 AM PST by: -
SEEiT Twitter TV Platform Expands to New Partners[teaser]The Comcast developed Twitter enhanced TV watching experience is expanding to new providers and stations. [/teaser] Comcast has detailed plans to bring its SEEiT Twitter service to additional cable providers and networks. The social media platform integrates TV watching tools into Twitter, allowing users to watch, record, and stream programming straight from relevant tweets. "Millions of conversations around television occur on Twitter and SEEiT can turn that conversation into action," said Jana Messerschmidt, Vice President of Business Development & Platform at Twitter. "We're excited to see the continuing growth and momentum for the SEEiT platform and to welcome more network and distributor partners on board." Through the platform, a "SEEiT" button is added to relevant tweets about television programming. From there, users are then given advanced options to schedule recordings, set reminders, stream supported content, and even set their cable boxes to the appropriate channel for live viewing. Initially the service was only available for Comcast Xfinity subscribers and was limited to NBCUniversal stations, but now the platform is expanding to a bevy of new companies and channels. New supported providers include Time Warner Cable, Charter Communications and Cablevision's Optimum TV, while new supported channels include ABC, FOX, FX Networks, A&E, Discovery, FOX Sports 1, Hallmark Channel, National Geographic Channel and WE tv. "When we developed SEEiT, we always intended to share it with other video distribution partners, television networks, apps and websites," said Sam Schwartz, Chief Business Development Officer, Comcast Cable. "Twitter was an ideal launch partner for us given the number of TV-related conversations happening there, and we're encouraged by the early results during our 'preview' period. These new partners will help enhance the experience by allowing more consumers to conveniently tune, record, or watch their favorite shows and movies from the places they're discovering them." Source: Comcast via The VergePosted Thu Dec 12, 2013 at 11:00 AM PST by:
