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Dolby Digital Plus Comes to Fox and Anchor Bay UltraViolet Titles[teaser]20th Century Fox and Anchor Bay will now encode their UltraViolet releases in Dolby Digital Plus audio. [/teaser] Dolby Laboratories has announced that two more major studios have signed on to use their premium surround sound technology. Both 20th Century Fox and Anchor Bay will now encode digital copies for their films and television programs in the UltraViolet Common File Format (CFF) using Dolby Digital Plus audio. "These two studios have some of the most iconic and beloved titles in the industry, and represent the diversity of Hollywood content available in the UltraViolet ecosystem," said Ron Geller, Vice President, Worldwide Content Relations, Dolby Laboratories. "This is further validation that the industry trusts Dolby to deliver an optimized audio experience to any screen, across all content genres, to a broad range of movie lovers." UltraViolet enables users to stream and download movie and TV content to a variety of devices. Dolby Digital Plus is an advanced audio codec that enables improved bit rates and additional audio channels over standard Dolby Digital tracks. Now UltraViolet titles from 20th Century Fox and Anchor Bay will be available with Dolby Digital Plus Audio from a variety of digital services, including CinemaNow, Target Ticket, and VUDU. Source: DolbyPosted Thu Dec 12, 2013 at 09:00 AM PST by: -
ASUS Bringing PadFone to US Market[teaser]The smartphone that can convert into a tablet will make its way to the US next year. [/teaser] In an interview with Engadget, ASUS has announced plans to release a premium version of its unique PadFone mobile device in the United States. The transformable smartphones are capable of being docked into larger display shells, allowing them to convert into tablets. Up until now, the company has concentrated its PadFone products in Asian markets, but the recently released PadFone Infinity is currently available in several European countries as well. Thanks to their growing success, ASUS is poised to bring an updated model to the United States next year. The US variant is expected to be a high-end version of the PadFone Infinity. The current model features a 5-inch 1080p screen when in smartphone mode and can then be docked into the included PadFone Infinity Station to become a 10.1-inch tablet. Under the hood, the device is powered by a 1.7GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 quad-core processor and an Adreno 320 GPU all running Android 4.2. Exact specs, pricing, and availability for the US PadFone model have not been detailed yet, but ASUS did reveal that it is partnering with a "big operator" for the device and that it is expected to launch in Q2 2014. Source: EngadgetPosted Wed Dec 11, 2013 at 11:00 AM PST by: -
HDD Gear Deal Spotlight: Pioneer Receiver[teaser]Amazon is offering 50 percent off a Pioneer receiver as part of its Gold Box Deal of the Day! [/teaser] Though Black Friday and Cyber Monday might be over, great holiday shopping deals are still in full swing. Amazon has selected the Pioneer SC-1223-K 7.2-Channel Network A/V Receiver as its Gold Box Deal of the Day, cutting its price by 50 percent, bringing it down to just $549. The Pioneer SC-1223-K features 7.2 channel support rated at 120W @ 8 ohms, 1kHz and Class D3 amplification. The receiver also includes support for HD audio formats, Ultra HD pass-through and upscaling, AirPlay connectivity, and Android playback through MHL. In addition, the device features 8 HDMI inputs and uses Pioneer's Advanced Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration technology to help users setup their audio systems. This deal will only last for the rest of the day, so act fast if you want to snag the receiver at this heavily discounted price. 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 Wed Dec 11, 2013 at 09:00 AM PST by: -
NimbleTV Brings Streaming Cable to New York City Customers[teaser]NimbleTV is now offering a streaming companion and alternative to traditional cable services in New York City. [/teaser] Serving as a potential expansion or possible substitute to conventional cable subscriptions, NimbleTV has finally launched its streaming television service. The company is offering a variety of plans that provide various channel and DVR options allowing users to watch and record TV anywhere they have an internet connection. If you currently have a subscription to Cablevision, RCN, FiOS, or Time Warner Cable, customers can pay as little as $4 a month for the basic plan that includes streaming for supported channels and 20 hours of DVR storage. Buyers who don't already have a television service can pay as low as $30 a month for 31+ channels and 20 hours of DVR storage, or as much as $80 a month for 50+ HD channels and 90 hours of DVR storage. The streaming TV service is currently compatible with web browsers, iOS devices, and Roku players, and is only available in the New York City area. There's no word yet if NimbleTV has plans to expand to other markets, but Android support and the addition of international TV stations are in the works. Source: NimbleTV, EngadgetPosted Tue Dec 10, 2013 at 11:00 AM PST by: -
AllSeen Alliance Forms to Advance Seamless Device Sharing and Integration[teaser]Some of the electronics industry's top names are joining together to further universal connectivity between multiple devices. [/teaser] In an attempt to advance the "Internet of Everything" philosophy, where multiple cross-industry devices, electronics, and appliances are all able to freely integrate and communicate in homes and industry, several leading technology companies have banded together to form the AllSeen Alliance. The consortium's goal is to establish an open software framework that allows devices and services to connect with one another regardless of their brand, platform, or operating system. "Open source software and collaborative development have been proven to accelerate technology innovation in markets where major transformation is underway," said Jim Zemlin, executive director at The Linux Foundation. "Nowhere is this more evident today than in the consumer, industrial and embedded industries where connected devices, systems and services are generating a new level of intelligence in the way we and our systems interact. The AllSeen Alliance represents an unprecedented opportunity to advance the Internet of Everything for both home and industry. We are very happy to host and help guide this work." Some notable Premier members of the AllSeen Alliance include Haier, LG Electronics, Panasonic, Qualcomm, Sharp, Silicon Image, and TP-LINK. Qualcomm's AllJoyn technology will serve as the basis for the new software. Though still far from a reality, full implementation of a universal language between devices could create a seamless Smart home environment, where every electronic and appliance in a home is allowed to communicate and share information free from the barriers usually implemented by different brands and operating systems. Source: AllSeen AlliancePosted Tue Dec 10, 2013 at 09:00 AM PST by: -
Hisense Announces H6 Smart TV[teaser]The company's latest Smart TV runs Android 4.2.2 and will offer a new interface and advanced controls. [/teaser] Hisense has detailed a new addition to its TV lineup, the H6 Smart TV. The display will be powered by Google services for TV with Android 4.2.2, and will be available in 40-inch, 50-inch, and 55-inch models. Likewise, the company is also launching a separate Android set top box, the Pulse PRO, which will bring Smart TV functionality to any connected display. Under the hood, the H6 Smart TV features Marvell's latest ARMADA 1500 Plus HD Media processor, and offers a 120Hz refresh rate, Energy Star 6.0 qualification, 1GB RAM and 8GB ROM. In addition, the TV includes the Hisense Social TV App and Hisense Cloud Services Hi-Media Player and Receiver. The Pulse PRO set top box offers similar functionality, including support for Netflix, Vudu HD Movies, Amazon Instant Video, Chrome, YouTube, and Google Play, and features HDMI, Ethernet, and Bluetooth connectivity. "Android delivers on the promise of Smart. Today, by seamlessly coupling Hisense's television expertise, Marvell's high performing and innovative ARMADA 1500 Plus platform and Android's connectivity and interactivity, Hisense is delivering on the promise of a truly smart TV — and making it accessible to broad markets here in North America and across the globe," said Jonathan Frank, Vice President of Marketing, Hisense USA. "We are proud to bring Google services for Smart TV to the market with the H6 and the Pulse PRO. Hisense provides a comfortable, lean-back experience, with an elegant, simple remote with MIC for voice control and functionality that is simply phenomenal. And if you're not quite ready to invest in a new TV, but would like the latest and greatest Android platform, get the Pulse PRO set-top box." Exact pricing and availability for the H6 Smart TV and the Pulse PRO set top box have not been detailed yet. Source: HisensePosted Mon Dec 9, 2013 at 11:00 AM PST by: -
HDD Gear Deal Spotlight: Amazon Kindle One-Day Sale![teaser]Amazon is offering a special one-day 20 percent discount on its popular Kindle models! [/teaser] Though Black Friday and Cyber Monday might be over, great holiday shopping deals are still in full swing. As part of a special one-day promotion, Amazon is cutting the price of three of its Kindle models by 20 percent. Here's a rundown of the discounted models. Standard Kindle - Currently $55.20 (20 percent off its retail price of $69). Kindle Fire HD 7" 16GB - Currently $135.20 (20 percent off its retail price of $169). Kindle Fire HDX 7" 16GB - Currently $183.20 (20 percent off its retail price of $229). These deals are only good for the rest of the day, so act fast if you want to snag a Kindle at these prices. 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 9, 2013 at 09:00 AM PST by: -
Weekend Roundtable: 2013 Xmas Wish ListChristmas is almost upon us. Have you all been good boys and girls? If so, let's use today's Roundtable to remind Santa about all the goodies on our holiday wish lists this year. Share your wish list with us in the blog.Posted Fri Dec 6, 2013 at 12:00 PM PST by: -
Samsung Rumored to be Developing AMOLED Tablets[teaser]According to reports, new high end 8-inch and 10-inch AMOLED tablets are in the works. [/teaser] Rumors trickling out of South Korea indicate that Samsung is preparing to launch two new tablets using AMOLED screens. An 8-inch and a 10-inch model are both reportedly in the works. AMOLED (active-matrix organic light-emitting diode) technology offers superior contrast, higher refresh rates, and thinner sizes compared to traditional LCD screens. Production is expected to begin in early 2014, and the new models will be geared more toward high-end users. For now, traditional LCD panels will likely remain in use for the company's lower cost tablets. Both models are being groomed to compete directly with Apple's iPad Air and iPad Mini, and one of the tablets is rumored to launch early next year to coincide with the release of the Samsung Galaxy S5. Further specs and pricing have not been revealed yet, but stay tuned to High-Def Digest for more details when they become available. Source: SamMobile, CNETPosted Fri Dec 6, 2013 at 11:00 AM PST by: -
HDD Gear Cyber Monday Deals Week Roundup #3[teaser]With Cyber Monday Deals Week coming to a close, Amazon is offering more great deals on various gear items, including a 39-inch 4K TV for $500! [/teaser] As part of Amazon's Cyber Monday Deals Week, several home theater gear items are currently on sale. Here's a roundup of some of the most notable items. Panasonic DMP-BDT225 Smart Wi-Fi 3D Blu-ray Player - Currently $100 but an even better limited time discount will be offered at 12:00 PM EST. LG Electronics NB2530A Sound Bar - Currently $170 but an even better limited time discount will be offered at 3:00 PM EST. Seiki Digital SE39UY04 39-Inch 4K TV - Currently $500 (28 percent off its retail price). Sony STR-DH540 5.2 Channel 4K AV Receiver - Currently $198 (29 percent off its retail price). oCOSMO 40-inch 1080p TV - Currently $249 (38 percent off its retail price). Panasonic SC-HTB550 2.1-Channel Audio System - Currently $280 (30 percent off its retail price). As always, these prices will only last for a limited time. Make sure to stay tuned to High-Def Digest for more holiday and Cyber Monday related deals, and don't forget to check out Amazon's Cyber Monday Deals Week Page for all their latest sales and special promotions!Posted Fri Dec 6, 2013 at 09:00 AM PST by:
