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HDD Gear Deal Spotlight: Logitech Harmony Smart Control Remote[teaser]Amazon is offering the Logitech Harmony Smart Control Remote for 25 percent off today only! [/teaser] For Amazon's Black Friday Countdown Deal of the Day, the online retailer is discounting the Logitech Harmony Smart Control Remote by 25 percent, bringing the price down to $89.99 from $119.99. The Logitech Harmony Smart Control turns users' Android and Apple smartphones into a Harmony remote. The app offers one-touch universal control for home theater systems, providing access to volume, media playback, and more for up to eight components. A Harmony Hub is also included for closed cabinet support, and a basic Harmony remote is packed in as well for use when your smartphone is not available. The discount will only last for the next 15 hours. Make sure to stay tuned to High-Def Digest for more holiday and Black Friday related deals, and don't forget to check out Amazon's Black Friday Countdown Page for all their latest sales and special promotions!Posted Wed Nov 27, 2013 at 09:00 AM PST by: -
High-Def Digest's Essential Picks: November 2013by 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 spooky haunted house story, a golden age Hollywood classic with a 3D spin, and a big budget adolescent sci-fi fantasy come to life. 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, and October. [teaser]This month, we're covering the birth of a drug kingpin, a hilarious sci-fi pub crawl, and a masterpiece of world cinema.[/teaser] Please be aware, that if you haven't already seen them, there might be some big spoilers for the films listed. If you can only buy three titles that hit Blu-ray in November, here's what we suggest you pick up, starting with the most essential... 'Breaking Bad: The Complete Series' - From Mr. Chips to Scarface. That was the core of Vince Gilligan's concept for 'Breaking Bad,' and boy did he deliver. Though the show's universal praise might seem like hyperbole, Walter White's journey toward the dark side really is one of TV's shining achievements. A true testament to what can be accomplished over long form small screen storytelling, the hit series follows one man as he gradually loses his soul to unfettered pride and escalating greed. A powerful and multifaceted examination of hubris, family, and barrels full of money, the show is everything great drama is supposed to be: Emotional, surprising, gut-wrenching, utterly absorbing, and explosive. Sometimes literally. With his goatee, sunglasses, and fedora, the image of Heisenberg has become iconic, and Bryan Cranston's slow-build transformation is simply astonishing. Watching the man go from a feeble, meek chemistry teacher, to a powerful and deadly drug kingpin is like watching a monster grow before your eyes. Nuanced and organic, Walter White's rise (or decline, as the case may be) is full of tragedy, bloodshed, and aching pathos. At different points throughout the series, we go from feeling sympathy for Walter, to actively rooting for him, to eventually hating him. Indeed, for many viewers, the character ultimately reaches a point where he can no longer be related to or sided with, and this type of storytelling gamble rarely pays off. In fact, as far as TV goes, only 'The Shield' and its morally loose characterization of Vic Mackey comes close to equaling what Cranston and Gilligan have accomplished here. By the time the last season comes around, many fans will be actively rooting against Walter, but this doesn't hurt one's enjoyment of the show at all. It's simply a natural progression of where the story needs to go -- and the finale itself hits all the right beats, offering a fitting and possibly redemptive end for the infamous family man turned outlaw. His masquerade of selfishness under the guise of selflessness eventually run its course, and watching him finally admit his true motivations out loud is one of the most satisfying moments in television history. A man is diagnosed with terminal cancer and decides to start cooking meth to provide for his family. On its own, that's a pretty fantastic premise, but it really doesn't even begin to hint at how far this show really goes. One of the most consistently good series ever produced (seriously, there is no real "bad" episode of 'Breaking Bad') , every installment feels like a larger piece of a developing puzzle, taking us further and further down the river into Walter White's "heart of darkness." And the show manages to blend a bevy of different genres into an oddly cohesive whole -- offering shades of westerns, gangster flicks, action, horror, and even a healthy helping of quirky comedy. A unique and wholly satisfying character study steeped in suspense, violence, and heartbreak, the show is nearly flawless. In fact, now that all is said and done, the only real criticism I have involves the story's timeline. Up until season five, most of the series is supposed to unravel over about a year, and when held under scrutiny the events and emotional roller coasters that the characters go through seem a bit much for such a small period. Still, that's an incredibly minute nitpick, and technically the narrative does hold up, even if it is a little hard to buy. This complete series set includes every episode of the show and all of the supplements from the previous releases, along with some incredibly cool packaging, collectables, and an exclusive new documentary. Believe the hype, this is one of the greatest shows ever made, and it deserves to be on the shelf of every self-respecting fan of quality storytelling. A must own if there ever was one. 'The World's End' - When certain creative teams get together, viewers are almost always guaranteed a good time. Such is the case with Edgar Wright, Simon Pegg, and Nick Frost. The fun started with their imaginative sitcom, 'Spaced,' and then continued on as the three Brits made quite a name for themselves with their zombie comedy 'Shaun of the Dead,' and its followup, their equally fantastic love letter to action movies, 'Hot Fuzz.' And now with their third feature, the trio somehow manages to go three for three, offering another hilarious, exciting, and just plain awesome flick. An irreverently unique take on the traditional sci-fi body snatcher plotline, 'The World's End' is basically everything anyone could want out of a movie, fusing a witty and surprisingly affecting story about friendship and reclaimed youth with a kick ass feature length barroom brawl against robots. Err, sorry. I mean "blanks." Apparently, they don't like being called robots. Led by a wonderfully manic, intense, and downright unhinged performance from Simon Pegg, the film is full of energy and personality. Determined to reclaim the vigor of his youth, Pegg's Gary King is a classic stunted adult living in the past and his dream to drink a pint at all twelve pubs in his hometown with his three best childhood mates offers a great setup for laughs and even some genuine emotion. And if that wasn't enough, the filmmakers then decide to add in an alien invasion for good measure. Good times ensue. Director Edgar Wright films all the mayhem with his trademark penchant for kinetic thrills and comedic timing, creating a movie that is not only funny, but legitimately thrilling. Though there are plenty of quick cuts, Wright mostly opts to film his numerous fight scenes and action sequences with fast moving extended takes and whip pans, letting the audience see all of the cast's dizzying choreography and crazy stunts as they rip off robot heads and inexplicably continue to drink. That's right, despite finding themselves right in the middle of a sci-fi conspiracy, the ensemble actually decides to continue with their pub crawl. As the situation gets increasingly dangerous, they get increasingly drunk, and this turns out to be a comedic stroke of genius. The group's continuously numbed reactions to pain are especially amusing, and watching Pegg as he desperately tries to get a casual drink amidst severed alien appendages and gushing blue blood is hilarious. Add in an amusing debate on the definition of the word robot, my favorite mention of a crazy straw in any movie, a former Bond, and a former Bond Girl, and you've got a real recipe for success. With 'The World's Ends,' Pegg, Wright, and Frost cap off their 'Three Flavours Cornetto Trilogy' in style. Hilarious, action-packed, bursting with creativity and brimming with genuine emotion, this might actually be my favorite flick in the series. Thankfully, the Blu-ray itself comes with demo worthy video and audio that are sure to give your home theater a workout, and an arsenal of entertaining and informative supplements. As far as pure entertainment goes, this is easily one of November's top titles. Well done, Wright, now bring on 'Ant-Man!' 'Tokyo Story' - When it comes to classic films and art house cinema, I'd like to think that I'm fairly well versed -- but there is one very notable movie that has always alluded me. Though it's widely regarded as one of the greatest films every made, and is consistently featured on most top ten lists, up until recently, I had never actually seen 'Tokyo Story.' This wasn't on purpose, mind you. At least, not at first. But as I somehow made it out of film school without watching Ozu's masterpiece, and my committal to all things HD grew, I eventually decided to simply wait. I was saving it, you see. Holding out for an eventual Blu-ray release from Criterion so that I could experience the film for the first time as it was meant to be seen. Well, after years of waiting, that opportunity has finally presented itself, and after watching this disc in all its glory, I'm happy that I held off. A simultaneously heartbreaking and uplifting meditation on family, aging, and the constant winds of change, the film is a gentle and deceptively unassuming milestone of cinema. While I already covered what makes Ozu's approach to filmmaking so special in my full review, I failed to discuss the cast's incredible performances. After playing father and daughter in one of Ozu's previous and equally powerful efforts, 'Late Spring,' Chishu Ryu and Setsuko Hara are reunited here under similar circumstances. Once again, Ryu is cast in the aging father role, but this time Hara plays his widowed daughter in law. Hara's sweet and selfless Noriko is the movie's most likeable character, offering a sharp contrast to her other selfish and preoccupied brothers and sister-in-law. As always, the actress brings along her disarming smile, and her almost perpetual expression of happiness comes to carry subtle hints of deeper emotions. During key instances her smile eventually fades, revealing the greater sorrow that lurks just under the surface. It's a masterfully balanced performance, and Hara makes it all look so easy. Likewise, Ozu mainstay Chishu Ryu is fantastic as the elderly Shukishi Hirayama, and Chieko Higashiyama is also noteworthy as his ailing wife. Watching the aging couple become ignored by their adult offspring is heartbreaking, and both actors completely sell their politely veiled disappointment with their children. A momentary role reversal, where Ryu's character comes home drunk with his friends is also particularly amusing, and the actor does an amazing job of layering his character with pathos and humor. As tragedy strikes the film's third act, Ryu and Hara both rise to the script's challenges, offering subtle but potent portraits of loss and loneliness. Their scenes together are among the film's many highlights, and through Ryu's wise, friendly, tired, and quietly devastated eyes we see Ozu's entire worldview -- filling the screen with palpable pain, sorrow, and love. One of cinema's true masterpieces, 'Tokyo Story' is a sensitive and insightful work of art. A bittersweet picture of humanity at its best, worst, and everything inbetween, Ozu's simple story about everyday life and death touches upon all the facets of existence, revealing the careless pangs of selfishness, and the life-affirming touch of simple kindness. The Blu-ray from Criterion offers pleasing video and audio, and a great selection of comprehensive supplements. A masterful presentation for a masterful film, this is a true must own piece of world cinema and a defining example of moviemaking as art. So, there you have it. While there are many titles worth picking up this November, 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 November's must own titles?Posted Wed Nov 27, 2013 at 08:05 AM PST by: -
Give the Gift of Amazon Prime This Holiday Season![teaser]It's the gift that keeps on giving the whole year! [/teaser] Just in time for the holidays, customers can now give the gift of Amazon Prime to friends and family. In addition to unlimited Free Two-Day Shipping on more than 15 million items, when you give the gift of Prime, you are giving a year’s worth of unlimited entertainment with Prime Instant Video and Kindle Owners’ Lending Library. “Members have told us they want to give the gift of Prime and we are delighted to offer this new capability in time for the holidays.” said Greg Greeley, Vice President of Amazon Prime. “Our customers can now give the convenience of unlimited two-day shipping to family and friends - it's a gift that can be enjoyed all year long. When you add in the huge selection of popular movies, TV shows and Kindle books already included in the membership, giving Prime is giving a year’s worth of convenience AND entertainment." Purchasing Amazon Prime as a gift is simple and convenient. Customers can visit www.amazon.com/giftprime, add Prime to the shopping cart, enter the recipient’s email address and select a delivery date. Gift recipients will receive an email on that date, with redemption instructions to immediately start streaming quality digital content, borrowing books and shopping with fast, free shipping on millions of items. The annual prime membership is $79. Since the launch of Prime in 2005, Amazon continues to add more and more membership benefits, increasing the selection of items available for unlimited Free Two-Day Shipping by more than fifteen times, introducing Prime Instant Video, adding the Kindle Owners' Lending Library and recently introducing Kindle First which provides Prime members the chance to read a book from Amazon Publishing in advance of its publication each month for free.Posted Tue Nov 26, 2013 at 02:00 PM PST by: -
HDD Gear Deal Spotlight: Home Audio Deals[teaser]A Denon receiver, a Yamaha soundbar, and a JBL speaker system are all up to 71 percent off at Amazon! [/teaser] As part of Amazon's Black Friday and holiday deals, several home audio products are now on sale for a significant discount. Notable items include a Denon AVR-E300 5.1 AV Receiver, a Yamaha YHT-S401BL Front Surround Home Theater System, and a JBL CS6100BG High-Performance 6-Piece Home Theater Speaker System. The Denon AVR-E300 5.1 AV Receiver is currently on sale for 38 percent off, bringing its price down to $280. The receiver features 175 watts x 5 channels, Airplay streaming for Apple devices, and 3D pass through. Amazon is also offering a great deal on a Yamaha YHT-S401BL Front Surround Home Theater System which is now just $325, 54 percent of its $700 retail price. The soundbar includes a receiver with an integrated subwoofer, Air Surround Extreme technology for 7.1 sound, and full HD audio support. Finally, the online retailer is discounting a whopping 71 percent off the JBL CS6100BG High-Performance 6-Piece Home Theater Speaker System, bringing its price down to just $350 from its regular retail cost of $1199! The speaker system includes four satellites with 3/4" Titanium Tweeters and 3-1/2" PolyPlas Drivers, a center channel speaker, and a 10-inch 150 watt powered subwoofer. As always, these prices will only last for a limited time. Make sure to stay tuned to High-Def Digest for more holiday and Black Friday related deals, and don't forget to check out Amazon's Black Friday Countdown Page for all their latest sales and special promotions!Posted Tue Nov 26, 2013 at 11:00 AM PST by: -
HDD Gear Deal Spotlight: Samsung Galaxy Tablets[teaser]Amazon is offering up to $100 off select Galaxy Tablets. [/teaser] As part of Amazon's Black Friday and holiday deals, several Samsung Galaxy tablets are now on sale. Ranging from 20 percent to as much as 42 percent off, these deals won't last forever, so act fast. The Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 7-inch is being discounted 25 percent, bringing its price down to just $150. The 10-inch model can be purchased for only $299, $100 off its retail price. Likewise, The Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 has also been discounted $100, bringing its price down to $399. Finally, The Samsung ATIV Tab is also on sale, coming in at $374, 42 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 Black Friday related deals, and don't forget to check out Amazon's Black Friday Countdown Page for all their latest sales and special promotions!Posted Tue Nov 26, 2013 at 09:00 AM PST by: -
2013 HDD Gear & Demo Disc Guide[teaser]We've researched and tested the top equipment available, watched all the latest Blu-rays on the market, and scoured the net for the very best deals, all to give you HDD's 2013 Gift Guide to HD Gear & Demo Material![/teaser] by Michael S. Palmer Happy holidays, HDD Readers! The Christmas shopping season might have been cut short by a week, but decorations and trees are already for sale, my home office just got a new jazzy set of blue LED lights, and that one insane radio station in Los Angeles has been piping classic (and not-so-classic, ahem, Sir Paul) holiday tunes for at least a week. My question to you is this: are you ready for the back-to-back family reunions, forced workplace gatherings, and bloated parking lots? Neither am I. But, friends, here's our chance to live by the work hard, play hard motto. After busting our humps down the office and shopping for an endless list of family and friends, it's time for a little reward. It's time to get some new gear for the home theater. First, let's talk Black Friday. Our sister site, Ben's Bargains, was nice enough to put together an all-in-one page cataloging fliers from the largest stores (electronics and otherwise) as well as a list of Best In-Store deals. The interesting trend this year is that, in addition to opening on Turkey Day itself, many retailers are treating an entire week or two as one great Black Friday. Likewise, Amazon isn't even bothering to wait for the 28th, so you can head over there right now to shop for deals. And the only thing better than Black Friday Amazon deals are Cyber Monday Amazon Deals (another day-turned-week). However, as great as these deals seem, be cautious about so-called "Door Busters". Sure, it's fun to pick up some older Blu-rays at rock bottom prices, but generally the electronics themselves -- the displays, receivers, and Blu-ray players -- are at least year-old tech, and often lack features necessary for reproducing high quality picture and sound. That being said, as secondary setups for the home office or bedroom, these deals might be just right for you. Also, as we reported last month, Panasonic's long reign as the king of Plasma televisions will come to an end when the company stops producing the technology on March 31, 2014. If you have ever considered owning a Panny plasma -- and reaping the benefits of superior black levels, contrast, color reproduction, and refresh rates -- the 2013 Holiday Shopping Season may be your last chance. Long live the King, the King is Dead! Let's face it, the home cinema hobby has never been cheaper than it is these days, but not everyone can break the bank to get the biggest and the best. This annual HDD Gear Guide represents the finest products we've tested throughout the year at varying price points. Bargain 3D: Panasonic VIERA ST60 Series PRO: Other than a few filters and calibration menus like THX-mode, Panasonic's cheaper plasmas include most of the same technology from their current year flagship televisions. This means a 2013 ST60 is (in some ways) BETTER at reproducing inky black levels than my 2012 VT series. Pick up the 50-inch for less than a $1,000, a 55-inch model for under $1,300, a 60-inch version for under $1,500, or spring for the giant 65-incher for under $2200. The ST60 series also includes built-in WiFi with access to Viera Connect streaming services. There are certainly better televisions, and cheaper televisions, but there aren't any televisions that are bigger and better at these price points. CON: As always, plasmas are constructed with a reflective glass panel, which aren't great in overly bright rooms. Active shutter 3D glasses are not included. Screen Not Included: BenQ W1070 DLP Projector PRO: The BenQ W1070 is an extremely affordable entry-level 3D home theater projector that's getting a lot of great reviews. For Less than $900, you don't have to settle for a baby-sized 65, 70, or even 80-inch display. That's right, with a projector, you can have as big a screen as your room dimensions (plus the projector's throw limitations) will allow. This single-chip DLP projector features 2,000 lumens, a 10,000 to 1 contrast ratio, and 2 HDMI 1.4a inputs. DLP technology is the least susceptible to "cross talk" when projecting 3D. There's even a SmartEco mode to save power and lamp life, which is rated to 6,000 hours. CON: You have to purchase a screen and active shutter 3D glasses separately (screen prices vary; the glasses will run you $100 a pop). Projectors are best used in total or near darkness (dedicated home theaters, or space where you can control ambient light). And, according to AVS Forum, "being a single-chip DLP model, some people will see something called the rainbow effect—momentary red-green-blue rainbows trailing bright highlights on a dark background as you move your eyes around the screen." For Brighter Rooms: Samsung PNF8500 Series PRO: Cnet called this "Samsung's best TV ever." Available in three sizes -- 51-inches, 60-inches, and 64-inches -- Samsung's much loved PNF8500 plasmas do Full HD 3D and include a built-in popup camera for Skype and gesture controls, Internet browsers, and software that can interact with your cable box as well as stream movies and TV from Netlfix, Vudu, CinemaNow (and many more). 4 pairs of active 3D glasses are included, and an optional Evolution Kit will allow the TV to replace its entire operating system in the future. Black levels are nearly as good as the Panasonics, but the PNF8500 series is much brighter than the standard plasma, making it a viable choice for rooms where ambient light is an issue. CON: With a price range of $1,900 to $3,400 (at the time of this writing), the PNF8500 series is not cheap and its brightness abilities come at the sacrifice of black level performance. Best Plasma Ever: Panasonic VIERA ZT60 Series PRO: Finally! A TV with better black levels than the legendary Kuro. Panasonic's flagship ZT60 series is available in two sizes -- a 65-incher for under $3,400 and a 60-incher for under $2,900 and includes built-in WiFi, LAN, Bluetooth, THX 3D certification, ISFccc certification, VIERA Link for streaming content, and two pairs of active 3D glasses. Quite simply, this is the best plasma you can buy in 2013 and the best plasma Panasonic has ever made and this might be the last chance you will ever have to own a near-perfect display. Oh, and if you want to save a couple bucks, check out the Panasonic VT60 Series. CON: It's pricey, and there is minor crosstalk with some 3D content. Best Bang for Your Buck: Sony BDP-S5100 PRO: The Blu-ray player to beat in 2013. It costs less than $90, yet still features Full 3D 1080p playback, built-in "super Wi-Fi" (for faster speeds), DNLA certification, quick start & loading, and over 100 streaming apps like Netflix, Amazon Instant, Vudu, YouTube (new to Sony), Hulu Plus, Pandora, the Sony Entertainment Network (not new to Sony) and many more. CON: No Skype, 4K upscaling, and only one HDMI out. Oh, and if you stack your gear (not recommended), nothing could go on top of this. Super Streamers: Roku 3 & Apple TV PRO: The Roku 3 and Apple TV offer "1080p" HD video streaming for movies and television. Each has hundreds of "channels" like HBO Go, MLB, Netflix, Amazon Instant, Vudu, Hulu Plus. The Roku 3 includes dual band Wi-Fi, an Ethernet port, a remote control with a headphone jack, and 7.1/5.1 audio pass-through. It also supports formats like MP4 (H.264) & MKV (H.264) video / AAC & MP3 audio / JPG & PNG image. In fact, you could say the only thing Roku 3 does NOT do... is work with iTunes. For those who own Macs or have iTunes on their PCs, and have purchased music, TV, or movies through Apple, to stream this content to your HDTV and/or AV Receiver, you need the Apple TV. It doesn't have as many "channels" as Roku 3, but Apple boasts the largest rental inventory of HD movies on the net and over 90K TV episodes in HD. You can also connect an Apple TV to your iCloud account and use the Apple TV as a secondary display with the latest version of Mac OSX. The Apple TV also includes dual band Wi-Fi, an Ethernet port, a remote control, an HDMI out, and an optical digital audio out. It supports H.264 video, MPEG-4 video, Motion JPEG, AAC, protected AAC, MP3, Audible, Apple Losless, AIFF, WAV, and Dolby Digital 5.1 pass-through. CON: Plenty, actually. While both of these media streamers offer great value as accessories, neither can compete with Blu-ray's inherent video and audio capabilities. Both streamers are capped at Dolby Digital Plus audio, though the Roku 3 can pass-through the 7.1 version. Also, I don't think either media stream does any form of 3D (they definitely don't do Blu-ray's Full HD 3D). 3D for Older AVRs: Panasonic DMP-BDT330 PRO: For less than $170, Panasonic's BDT330 is an affordable and impressive Blu-ray Disc player capable of 3D playback and 4K upscaling for Ultra HD TVs. This DNLA certified player also features 2 HDMI outputs (one for audio to a pre HDMI 1.4 A/V Receiver), and built-in Wi-Fi for access to its own Internet browser as well as VIERA Connect for streaming services such as Netflix, Vudu, Amazon Instant, etc. The BDT330 is also NT File System (NTFS) compatible to stream all sorts of media -- Jpeg, FLAC, MP3, WMA, AVCHD, WVMV -- from connected external hard disk drives. CON: If you don't need 4K upscaling, NTFS, or dual HDMI outputs, the Sony model above is half the price with most of the same features and performance specs Platinum Performance: OPPO BDP-103D PRO: The BDP-103D Universal 3D Darbee Edition is a lot like last year's BDP-103 -- 3D playback, the ability to play just about any digital file, 7.1 analog audio outputs -- but now includes Darbee Visual Presence, or DVP, which enhances detail, color, and contrast. Oppo has long been the top tier choice for stand alone Blu-ray Disc players and this one is no different. It includes 4K upscaling, true 1080/24p and Full 3D video output, and dual HDMI outputs as well as dual HDMI inputs to run other sources through the player's video processor and DVP. Constant Height Image fans may also find use for the player's vertical stretch mode. CON: At $599, Oppo Blu-ray players are more expensive than many stand alone units and some think this sort of visual processing is nothing more than Blu-ray snake oil. Entry Level Bargain:Posted Mon Nov 25, 2013 at 12:15 PM PST by: -
HDD Gear Deal Spotlight: Sharp 1080p and 4K Displays on Sale[teaser]Amazon is offering sizable discounts on several Sharp displays, including its 70-inch 4K TV. [/teaser] As part of Amazon's Black Friday and holiday deals, several Sharp TV's are now on sale. The LC-60LE650 60-inch Aquos 1080p TV is being discounted 45 percent, bringing its price down to just $998. The 70-inch model can be purchased for only $1698, 32 percent off its retail price. Finally, the massive 80-inch set is now $2998, a significant 40 percent drop from its regular price of $5000. Sharp's impressive LC-70UD1U 70-Inch Aquos 4K TV is also on sale, coming in at $4998, 44 percent off the model's regular retail price. The Ultra HD display features a resolution of 3840 x 2160, and offers 3D support (with two Active Bluetooth Glasses included) and smart TV features. As always, these prices will only last for a limited time. Make sure to stay tuned to High-Def Digest for more holiday and Black Friday related deals, and don't forget to check out Amazon's Black Friday Countdown Page for all their latest sales and special promotions!Posted Mon Nov 25, 2013 at 11:00 AM PST by: -
HDD Gear Deal Spotlight: Sony 4K TVs[teaser]Select Sony Ultra HD displays are now on sale at Amazon along with other special promotional offers, including a free 4K media player! [/teaser] As part of the retailer's Black Friday and holiday sales, Amazon is now offering great discounts on four Sony Ultra HD sets. Likewise, specific models also feature additional promotional deals. The XBR55X850A 55-Inch 4K TV is now $2998, 33 percent off its retail price. Meanwhile, the larger XBR65X850A 65-Inch model is on sale for $4498, which includes a 31 percent discount. On top of the instant savings, for a limited time, both sets also feature 10% back in Amazon rewards, $300 off of a Sony HTST7 HD Sound Bar, and $200 off of a Sony FMP-X1 4K Ultra HD Media Player. Sony's more expensive 4K models which include front facing speakers are joining in on the savings as well. The XBR-55X900A 55-Inch 4K TV is marked down 30 percent, bringing its price to $3498. The set also features the same promotions for the Sony Soundbar and media player, along with a 6% Amazon rewards deal. Finally, the XBR-65X900A 65-Inch 4K TV is on sale for $4998, 29 percent off its retail price. While it features all of the same additional promotions as the 55-inch model, this set actually includes the Sony FMP-X1 4K Ultra HD Media Player completely free of charge. All of these discounts and special promotions will only run for a limited time. Make sure to stay tuned to High-Def Digest for more holiday and Black Friday related deals, and don't forget to check out Amazon's Black Friday Countdown Page for all their latest sales and special promotions!Posted Mon Nov 25, 2013 at 09:00 AM PST by: -
HDD Gear Deal Spotlight: LG 50-inch TV and Panasonic Soundbar[teaser]An LG 1080p display and a Panasonic 2.1 soundbar are part of today's limited time Amazon deals. [/teaser] As part of its countdown to Black Friday promotion, Amazon is offering numerous limited time deals all day long. For the next hour only, buyers can purchase an LG 50-inch 50LN5600 1080p smart TV for just $448, 34% off the retail price. But those interested have to hurry because there is only a limited supply available. Starting at 3pm EST, Amazon will also be offering a limited time discount on the Panasonic SCHTB370 2.1-Channel Soundbar. The 1000 watt compact speaker system comes with a wireless subwoofer and features wireless music streaming over Bluetooth. Supplies for the deal are limited and the sale will only last a couple of hours. Make sure to stay tuned to High-Def Digest for more holiday and Black Friday related deals, and don't forget to check out Amazon's Black Friday Countdown Page for all their latest sales and special promotions!Posted Fri Nov 22, 2013 at 11:00 AM PST by: -
HDD Gear Deal Spotlight: Samsung HD and Ultra HD Televisions on Sale[teaser]Amazon is offering significant discounts on select Samsung displays, including some 4K models. [/teaser] In conjunction with its holiday sales, Amazon is now offering up to 54% off several Samsung TVs. Currently the UN40F5500 40-inch 1080p smart TV is just $477.99, discounted 42% from $829. Likewise, the 50-inch UN50EH6000 LED 1080p set is on sale for just $697.99, 44% off its retail price. In addition, some 4K models are also on sale. The 55-inch UN55F9000 Ultra HD display has been discounted 54%, bringing its price down to $2,997.99. Even the larger 65-inch UN65F9000 4K set is getting in on the savings, coming it at $4,497.99 with a 47% mark down. And as a special added bonus, both models currently come with two free IMAX movies in 4K. Make sure to stay tuned to High-Def Digest for more holiday and Black Friday related deals, and don't forget to check out Amazon's Black Friday Countdown Page for all their latest sales and special promotions!Posted Fri Nov 22, 2013 at 09:00 AM PST by:
