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Samsung Announces iTunes & AirPlay 2 Support for 2019 & 2018 TVs[teaser]The iTunes app will be available on select Samsung displays later this year.[/teaser] Samsung has announced plans to bring the iTunes Movies and TV Shows app and Apple AirPlay 2 support to its upcoming lineup of 2019 TVs. This will mark the first time that the new app has been made available on a smart TV model. "We pride ourselves on working with top industry leaders to deliver the widest range of content services to our Smart TV platform," said Won-Jin Lee, Executive Vice President, Service Business of Visual Display at Samsung Electronics. "Bringing more content, value and open platform functionality to Samsung TV owners and Apple customers through iTunes and AirPlay is ideal for everyone." iTunes and AirPlay 2 support will be available via 2019 Samsung Smart TVs this spring. In addition, support will also be added to 2018 TVs through a future firmware update (date not specified yet). With the iTunes app on Samsung displays, users will be able to access their existing iTunes library and buy or rent new titles from the iTunes Store, including a growing collection of 4K HDR movies. Likewise, iTunes will integrate with Samsung’s Universal Guide, Bixby, and Search. Meanwhile, AirPlay 2 support will enable customers to wirelessly stream videos, photos, music, podcasts, and more from an Apple device to a compatible Samsung Smart TV. "We look forward to bringing the iTunes and AirPlay 2 experience to even more customers around the world through Samsung Smart TVs, so iPhone, iPad and Mac users have yet another way to enjoy all their favorite content on the biggest screen in their home," said Eddy Cue, senior vice president of Internet Software and Services at Apple. Source: SamsungPosted Sun Jan 6, 2019 at 11:22 AM PST by: -
Coming Soon to Streaming: THE PUNISHER, KINGDOM, and More[teaser]Frank Castle will return to Netflix later this month.[/teaser] Netflix and Amazon Prime Video have released new previews and info for several of their upcoming programs and films. Here's a full rundown of titles scheduled to arrive on each service: The Last Laugh (Netflix, January 11) - When retired talent manager Al Hart is reunited with his first client, Buddy Green, a comic who quit show business 50 years ago, he convinces Buddy to escape their retirement community and hit the road for a cross-country comedy tour. Sex Education (Netflix, January 11) - Meet Otis Milburn – an inexperienced, socially awkward high school student who lives with his mother, a sex therapist. Surrounded by manuals, videos and tediously open conversations about sex, Otis is a reluctant expert on the subject. When his home life is revealed at school, Otis realizes that he can use his specialist knowledge to gain status. He teams up with Maeve, a whip-smart bad-girl, and together they set up an underground sex therapy clinic to deal with their fellow students’ weird and wonderful problems. Through his analysis of teenage sexuality, Otis realises he may need some therapy of his own. Friends From College: Season 2 (Netflix, January 11) - In Season 2, It’s been a year since Ethan & Sam’s affair was exposed to the 4 other friends – including Lisa, Ethan’s wife – and the friend group is still fractured. No one has heard from Lisa, Ethan has been living a repentant year of writing a YA novel, and Sam has been trying to repair her marriage with her husband Jon. But with Max's wedding coming up, the friends won't be able to avoid each other much longer. Between the engagement party, bachelor party, and wedding, the six will have to overcome the destruction in their past and figure out how to function as a friend group again. Will they be able to move forward or will they regress back to their old destructive patterns once again? Marvel’s The Punisher: Season 2 (Netflix, January 18) - After exacting revenge on those responsible for the death of his wife and children, Frank Castle (Jon Bernthal) uncovers a conspiracy that runs far deeper than New York’s criminal underworld. Now known throughout the city as The Punisher, he must discover the truth about injustices that affect more than his family alone. Close (Netflix, January 18) - An adrenaline-pumping action thriller written and directed by Vicky Jewson (Born of War), is inspired by the life of the world’s leading female bodyguard, Jacquie Davis. The film stars Noomi Rapace as Sam, a counter-terrorist expert used to war zones, who takes on the job of protecting Zoe (Sophie Nélisse), a young and rich heiress — a babysitting job for her. But a violent attempted kidnapping forces the two to go on the run. Now they’ve got to take some lives — or lose theirs. Kingdom (Netflix, January 25) - In a kingdom defeated by corruption and famine, a mysterious rumor of the king’s death spreads, as does a strange plague that renders the infected immune to death and hungry for flesh. The crown prince, fallen victim to a conspiracy, sets out on a journey to unveil the evil scheme and save his people. Meanwhile, Netflix has also announced cast additions for its upcoming ice-skating drama series, Spinning Out. Johnny Weir, Sarah Wright Olsen, Will Kemp, Kaitlyn Leeb, Amanda Zhou, and Mitchell Edwards will join previously announced stars Kaya Scodelario, Willow Shields, and Evan Roderick. An exact release date for the show has not been announced yet, but here's a synopsis per Netflix: Kat Baker is an up-and-coming, high-level single skater who's about to turn in her skates after a disastrous fall took her off the competition track. When Kat seizes an opportunity to continue her career as a pair skater with a talented bad-boy partner, she risks exposing a fiercely kept secret that could unravel her entire life. On and off the ice, Kat and her new partner will face daunting odds, injury to body and soul, financial sacrifice, and even potential mental breakdown on their way to realizing their Olympic dream. In addition, Netflix has revealed the cast for its upcoming romance series, Virgin River, as well. The show will star Alexandra Breckenridge, Martin Henderson, Tim Matheson, Annette O’Toole, Jenny Cooper, David Cubitt, Lexa Doig, Daniel Gillies, Lauren Hammersley, Benjamin Hollingsworth, Colin Lawrence, and Ian Tracey. The show is based the Harlequin book series by Robyn Carr. Here's a synopsis per Netflix: Melinda Monroe answers an ad to work as a nurse practitioner in the remote California town of Virgin River thinking it will be the perfect place to start fresh and leave her painful memories behind. But she soon discovers that small-town living isn't quite as simple as she expected and that she must learn to heal herself before she can truly make Virgin River her home. The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle Season 1, Part 2 (Amazon Prime Video, January 11) - From executive producer Scott Fellows, the world-famous talking moose and flying squirrel are back in season 2 of The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle, a serialized comedy divided by unique arcs about two goofball best friends who routinely find themselves thrust into harrowing situations but end up saving the day time and again. The series was recently nominated for three Annie Awards, two for Character Design in an Animated Television/Broadcast Production and one for Production Design in an Animated Television/Broadcast Production. - A current Netflix subscription starts at $11 per month for HD streaming and $14 per month for Ultra HD streaming. - A current Amazon Prime subscription costs $119 per year or $13 per month. Likewise, Prime Instant Video is available as a standalone service for $9 per month. Sources: Netflix (YouTube), Amazon (YouTube)Posted Fri Jan 4, 2019 at 03:15 PM PST by: -
Monolith Reveals New Dolby Atmos & DTS:X Processor, Desktop Speakers, and THX Subwoofers[teaser]The company's CES 2019 lineup has been revealed.[/teaser] Monoprice, under its Monolith brand, has detailed several new products set to be demoed at CES 2019. The collection will include the HTP-1 16 Channel Dolby Atmos & DTS:X Home Theater Processor with Dirac ($3,999.99), the Monolith MM-3 Powered Multimedia Speakers ($199.99), and several Monolith THX Certified Sealed Subwoofers ($499.99 – $1,299.99). "Our continued mission for 2019 is providing greater accessibility to the sought-after product categories consumers are enthusiastic about but often discouraged by because of high costs," said Bernard Luthi, CEO at Monoprice. "With emerging technologies representing evolving consumer preferences on display at CES, the show is the perfect stage on which to introduce high-quality solutions that boldly disrupt industry price points. The Home Theater Processor we're debuting this year is a great example of this, which we're offering at one-third of the cost of the industry standard. We look forward to sharing our new products with the technology-focused audience CES is known for." The HTP-1 is a sleek 16 channel processor with a front panel 4.3 -inch touch screen and support for decoding up to a 9.1.6 Dolby Atmos or 7.1.4 DTS: X configuration. Likewise, the device also implements Dirac Live room correction technology. Under the hood, the unit features the latest generation AKM4493 DACs and extensive connectivity options, including 7 HDMI 2.0b video inputs with HDCP 2.2 HDR10, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision support (upgradable to HDMI 2.1 in the future); 16 Balanced XLR audio outputs; and more. In addition, the system supports Amazon Alexa control via a separate Alexa device. An exact release date has not been announced yet, but the HTP-1 is expected to launch in the fall of 2019. Meanwhile, the MM-3 Powered Multimedia Speakers are geared toward desktop use with computers, laptops, and other gear. The compact speakers feature a 50 watts combined Class D, DSP controlled bi-amplification system, along with ¾" silk dome tweeter and 3" composite, ultra stiff woofer. In addition, the units include a slotted rear bass port, enabling bass as low as 55Hz. Connectivity options include a front headphone jack, rear RCA inputs, a rear 3.5mm auxiliary input, and wireless Bluetooth support with aptx decoding. The speakers are expected to launch in February. Finally, Monolith has also detailed three new THX Certified Sealed Subwoofers. Models will be available in 10", 12", and 15" sizes with up to 1,000 watts of power. All three model utilize sealed cabinet constructions. The subwoofers are set to be released in late February. Monoprice's new lineup of Monolith audio gear will be on display at CES 2019 in Las Vegas on January 8 through January 11. Source: Monoprice via PR NewswirePosted Fri Jan 4, 2019 at 12:50 PM PST by: -
Samsung Announces 2019 4K, HDR, UltraWide, and Space-Saving Monitors[teaser]A trio of new monitors will be on hand at CES 2019.[/teaser] Samsung has detailed its 2019 collection of monitors. The lineup will include the minimalist Space Monitor, the CRG9 Super Ultra-Wide HDR Monitor, and the UR59C 4K UHD Curved Monitor. "Samsung's latest monitor lineup is incredibly versatile, and demonstrates our commitment to continued innovation and leadership in the category," said Seog-gi Kim, Executive Vice President of Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. "All of these monitors are part of our larger strategy this year, to keep giving you choices so you can get what you want— beautiful, hardworking devices that inspire you to do more." The Space Monitor features a unique space-saving design with a minimalist fully-integrated arm stand that can clamp to a user's desk, allowing customers to extend the display or push the screen back and store it flat against the wall. Models will be available in 27-inches with a QHD resolution or 32-inches with 4K UHD resolution. Meanwhile, the CRG9 Monitor is designed for gaming and features a 49-inch screen with a 32:9 super ultra-wide aspect ratio, a 1,800mm curvature, and a QHD resolution of 5120×1440. Likewise, the display supports HDR10 with a peak of 1,000 nits and incorporates quantum dot tech for wide color gamut capabilities. In addition, the panel offers a 120Hz refresh rate, a fast 4ms response time, and AMD Radeon FreeSync 2 HDR technology for smooth gaming performance. Finally, the UR59C Monitor is a 32-inch display geared toward content creators with a 4K UHD resolution of 3840×2160 and a 1500R curvature. In addition, the panel features a 2,500:1 contrast ratio and uses a super-slim, 3-sided bezel-less design with a depth of only 6.7mm and a fabric-textured rear casing. Pricing and availability have not been announced yet, but Samsung's new monitor lineup will be on display at CES 2019 in Las Vegas from January 8 through January 11. Source: SamsungPosted Fri Jan 4, 2019 at 10:25 AM PST by: -
LG Unveils New XBOOM Audio Lineup for CES 2019[teaser]The company's latest entertainment speakers have been detailed.[/teaser] LG has announced its 2019 lineup of XBOOM audio products. The collection will include the flagship XBOOM mini model CL98, the high-end XBOOM model OL100, the XBOOM freestyle speaker models RK7 and RL4, the XBOOM Go PK portable series, and more. "LG will continue to expand its XBOOM lineup to provide powerful sound that helps users create an enjoyable atmosphere, whatever the occasion," said Kim Dae-chul head of LG Home Entertainment Company’s audio and video business. "We are excited about the present and future of the LG XBOOM brand and will continue to strengthen our offerings and our position in the party-audio market." Designed for parties, the XBOOM lineup features support for DJ-style effects and flashing lights along with a Karaoke Star feature capable of suppressing the vocals on almost any track. The flagship XBOOM mini component (model CL98) is rated for 3,500W and uses a Compression Horn for superior higher frequencies. Meanwhile, the high-end XBOOM (model OL100) provides 2,000W output with a proprietary Blast Horn and Meridian Mode for improved highs, bass, and vocals. Offering more flexible placement options, the XBOOM RK7 and XBOOM RKL4 freestyle speakers include an X-grip handle for easy transport and the ability to be positioned either vertically or horizontally. Finally, the LG XBOOM Go PK series speakers feature high-fidelity sound and a compact, portable design with support for the aptX HD codec. Pricing and availability have not been announced yet, but LG's new XBOOM lineup will be on display at CES 2019 in Las Vegas from January 8 through January 11. Source: LGPosted Fri Jan 4, 2019 at 08:40 AM PST by: -
Klipsch Details New Sound Bars, Speakers, and Headphones for CES 2019[teaser]Several new products will debut at the upcoming show.[/teaser] Klipsch has announced its lineup of audio gear for CES 2019. The company's new collection will include a Dolby Atmos sound bar, in-ear headphones, wireless speakers, and more. First up, the company is set to highlight five new Sound Bar models at the show. Units will range from 40”-54” in width and all five have been designed with horn-loaded technology to look and sound more like the company's premium Reference speakers. Flagship models will include the Klipsch Bar 54A with Dolby Atmos support via discrete elevation drivers; the Klipsch Bar 40G with integrated Google Assistant functionality; and the Klipsch Bar 48W with Google Assistant, Alexa, AirPlay 2, and DTS Virtual:X compatibility. The lineup will range in price from $299-$1,599 and users can also choose to buy optional subwoofers. Models are set to launch in the spring and fall of 2019. Meanwhile, Klipsch has also announced plans to showcase its new T5 In-Ear Headphone Series. Models will feature Klipsch's patented oval ear tips, offering a comfy fit and optimal seal for noise isolation and bass performance. The collection will consist of four headphones, including True Wireless ear buds, Active Lifestyle and Professional versions, and a Wired model. The T5 Series is set to launch in spring 2019 with prices ranging from $59-$199. In addition, the company will demo a new version of its High Resolution Wireless Speakers with WiSA Technology. The speakers can receive wireless audio from WiSA Ready TV’s, gaming systems and computers (through a USB transmitter). The new Klipsch 5.1 Wireless Home Theater Speaker System is set to retail for about half the price of Klipsch's first generation model. Units are expected to be available in early 2019. Finally, Klipsch will introduce new Heritage Wireless Speakers as well with different finish options and smaller, portable designs. Prices will range from $149-$499 when they hit the market in spring and summer 2019. Klipsch's new lineup of audio gear will be on display at CES 2019 in Las Vegas from January 8 through January 11. For more details on the collection be sure to check out Klipsch's CES 2019 website. Source: KlipschPosted Thu Jan 3, 2019 at 11:00 AM PST by: -
LG Reveals New 4K & 8K ThinQ TVs with Alpha 9 Gen 2 Processor[teaser]The company has unveiled the first details for its 2019 display lineup.[/teaser] In advance of CES 2019, LG has announced several new OLED and LCD ThinQ TV models, including an 88-inch 8K OLED and a 75-inch 8K LCD. LG's 2019 flagship OLED lineup will consist of the 8K Z9, and 4K W9, 4K E9, and 4K C9 series TVs. All of the displays will use the company's new Alpha 9 Gen 2 Processor. Thanks to the processor's deep learning algorithm, the sets will be able to optimize picture and sound quality based on the source content being played, along with the ability to adjust their tone mapping curve and screen brightness to better match ambient lighting conditions in a user's room. Likewise, Dolby's latest imaging innovations will allow the TVs to intelligently configure Dolby Vision content for varying ambient light as well. In addition, the 88-inch 8K Z9 model will feature even higher processing capabilities to offer 8K upscaling. And beyond video, an intelligent algorithm can also be used to up-mix two-channel audio to virtual 5.1 surround sound, along with the ability to optimize sound output based on content type. Meanwhile, the company's α9 Gen 2 processor will also be incorporated in its flagship 75-inch SM99 8K NanoCell LCD TV. The new NanoCell branding will also apply to the SM8X 4K LCD TV Series, emphasizing the displays' use of NanoCell tech for expanded color (NanoColor), wide viewing angles (NanoAccuracy), and ultra-narrow thin bezels (NanoBezel). And when it comes to AI services, 2019 ThinQ TVs will once again feature built-in Google Assistant functionality, along with newly added support for Amazon Alexa. HDMI 2.1 ports will also be implemented on all 2019 OLED TVs and select NanoCell TVs, offering support for high frame rate (HFR) 120 fps playback and enhanced audio return channel (eARC). Likewise gaming features like variable refresh rate (VRR) and an automatic low latency mode (ALLM) will be supported as well. Pricing and availability for LG's 2019 display lineup have not been announced yet, but more details are expected to be announced at CES 2019 in Las Vegas from January 8 through January 11. Source: LGPosted Wed Jan 2, 2019 at 05:00 PM PST by: -
Netflix Announces STRANGER THINGS: SEASON 3 Premiere Date[teaser]Viewers can return to the Upside Down in July.[/teaser] Netflix has released a new date announcement teaser for Stranger Things: Season 3. New episodes are set to hit the streaming platform on July 4, 2019. Though full plot details have not been revealed yet, the new season will take place during the summer of 1985. The show comes from The Duffer Brothers and stars Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Finn Wolfhard, Noah Schnapp, Millie Bobby Brown, Caleb McLaughlin, Gaten Matarazzo, Cara Buono, Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, Joe Keery, Dacre Montgomery, and Sadie Sink. And beyond the returning cast, the season will also feature Maya Hawke as a new character named Robin. According to Netflix, Robin is "an alternative girl who is equal parts sharp and playful. Bored with her mundane day job, she just wants a little excitement in her life... and gets more than she bargained for when she uncovers a dark secret in Hawkins." Check out the date announcement teaser below! Season three of Stranger Things will consist of eight episodes. The recently revealed episode titles will be: "Suzie, Do You Copy?," "The Mall Rats," "The Case of the Missing Lifeguard," "The Sauna Test," "The Source," "The Birthday," "The Bite," and "The Battle of Starcourt." In addition, Netflix has also released the first poster for the new season playing off the summer and 4th of July setting. Check out the poster below! Stranger Things seasons one and two are now available to stream through Netflix. In addition, both seasons are also available on Blu-ray (S1, S2) and 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray (S1, S2). A current Netflix subscription starts at $11 per month for HD streaming and $14 per month for Ultra HD streaming. Source: Netflix (YouTube)Posted Tue Jan 1, 2019 at 10:30 AM PST by: -
Oppo Releases HDR10+ Firmware Update for UDP-203 & UDP-205 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Players[teaser]Though the company has ceased manufacturing new players, an update is now available for previously released models.[/teaser] Oppo has announced the release of a new public beta test firmware update for its UDP-203 & UDP-205 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Players. The 64-1221B upgrade adds HDR10+ support along with a few other tweaks. HDR10+ is an open, royalty free dynamic metadata platform for high dynamic range developed in partnership with Samsung, Panasonic, and 20th Century Fox. The format allows a compatible display to adjust brightness levels, color saturation, and contrast on a scene-by-scene or even frame-by-frame basis on specially graded HDR10+ content, producing images that are closer to the director's intent -- similar to the competing Dolby Vision dynamic HDR format. To watch HDR10+ content via Oppo's 4K Blu-ray players, customers will also need an HDR10+ TV. Compatible displays include 2018 and 2017 Samsung 4K HDR TVs in the US, along with select Panasonic models in Europe. Meanwhile, the first Ultra HD Blu-ray releases with HDR10+ support include A Beautiful Planet and Journey to the South Pacific. To install the public beta test firmware, users will need to download the update to a USB drive or disc. CLICK HERE for full instructions on how to upgrade. An official release version of the firmware downloadable via the player's internet connection is also expected to follow the beta update. Here's a full rundown of the firmware's upgrades via Oppo: Added the HDR10+ support. A HDR10+ enabled TV is required to view content in HDR10+. Added the "HDMI IN BYPASS" mode for Dolby Vision passthrough via HDMI In. General fixes and disc compatibility improvements based on recent and upcoming UHD Blu-ray releases as well as user-submitted samples. The UDP-203 & UDP-205 both provide 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc playback along with support for regular Blu-rays and DVDs. And in addition to the new HDR10+ upgrade, both models also support Dolby Vision, standard HDR10, and Wide Color Gamut capabilities. Sadly, however, both models are no longer being produced, as Oppo announced the end of its AV product business back in April. Sources: Oppo via AVNirvanaPosted Mon Dec 31, 2018 at 12:00 PM PST by: -
Everything Coming to Netflix in January 2019[teaser]Check out all the new streaming titles coming to Netflix throughout January.[/teaser] Netflix has revealed its January 2019 lineup of movies, series, and specials. Highlights include original shows like A Series of Unfortunate Events: Season 3, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt Season 4 Part 2, and Marvel's The Punisher: Season 2, along with several recent Disney films like Solo: A Star Wars Story, Ant-Man and the Wasp, and Incredibles 2. Likewise, the lineup also features a nice assortment of catalog titles like Black Hawk Down, City of God, Pan's Labyrinth, The Dark Knight, The Departed, the Indiana Jones series, and more. Here's a full rundown of Netflix's schedule for January 2019 per Netflix: January 1 A Series of Unfortunate Events: Season 3 (Netflix Original) Across the Universe Babel Black Hawk Down City of God COMEDIANS of the world (Netflix Original) Definitely, Maybe Godzilla Happy Feet Hell or High Water I Know What You Did Last Summer Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom It Takes Two Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back Jersey Boys Mona Lisa Smile Mr. Bean's Holiday Pan's Labyrinth Pinky Malinky (Netflix Original) Pulp Fiction Swingers Tears of the Sun The Addams Family The Boy in the Striped Pajamas The Dark Knight The Departed The Mummy The Mummy Returns The Strangers Tidying Up with Marie Kondo (Netflix Original) Watchmen xXx XXX: State of the Union January 2 Monty Python and the Holy Grail January 4 And Breathe Normally (Netflix Film) Call My Agent!: Season 3 (Netflix Original) El Potro: Unstoppable (Netflix Film) Lionheart (Netflix Film) January 9 GODZILLA The Planet Eater (Netflix Original) Solo: A Star Wars Story January 10 When Heroes Fly (Netflix Original) January 11 Friends from College: Season 2 (Netflix Original) ReMastered: Massacre at the Stadium (Netflix Original) Sex Education (Netflix Original) Solo (Netflix Film) The Last Laugh (Netflix Film) January 15 Revenger (Netflix Film) Sebastian Maniscalco: Stay Hungry (Netflix Original) January 16 American Gangster January 17 American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace January 18 Carmen Sandiego (Netflix Original) Close (Netflix Film) FYRE: The Greatest Party That Never Happened (Netflix Original) GIRL (Netflix Film) Grace and Frankie: Season 5 (Netflix Original) IO (Netflix Film) Soni (Netflix Film) The World's Most Extraordinary Homes: Season 2 Part B (Netflix Original) Trigger Warning with Killer Mike (Netflix Original) Trolls: The Beat Goes On!: Season 5 (Netflix Original) January 21 Justice (Netflix Original) January 24 Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes (Netflix Original) Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation January 25 Animas (Netflix Film) Black Earth Rising (Netflix Original) Club de Cuervos: Season 4 (Netflix Original) Kingdom (Netflix Original) Medici: The Magnificent (Netflix Original) Polar (Netflix Film) Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt Season 4 Part 2 (Netflix Original) January 27 Z Nation: Season 5 January 29 Gabriel "Fluffy" Iglesias: One Show Fits All (Netflix Original) Marvel Studios' Ant-Man and the Wasp January 30 DisneyPixar's Incredibles 2 Coming Soon Marvel's The Punisher: Season 2 (Netflix Original) Source: Netflix via ForbesPosted Fri Dec 28, 2018 at 12:40 PM PST by:
