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Netflix Offers Major Update to TV Experience[teaser]The streaming service is rolling out a new design with updated features and improved ease of use. [/teaser] Netflix has revealed the latest version of its TV service, offering the most substantial update in its history. The new design offers a more cinematic look, better personalization, improved search options, and a unified interface across several platforms. The updated interface has been optimized for viewing on a television screen, and three large images now join each show or movie along with more concise plot summaries. If users want a detailed look at a title, they are then treated to a longer synopsis and cast information. Television series now feature a more robust episode selector with individual images and descriptions as well. The search option has also been updated with a heavier emphasis on visuals and options for finding directors and actors. In addition, the redesign includes support for Netflix profiles across all devices, voice capability on Xbox 360, pointer navigation on smart TVs, and a refreshed version of the post-play feature that recommends titles after viewing movies and automatically plays the next episode of a show. The redesign is making its way across different Netflix platforms now, including PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Roku 3, Smart TVs, and Blu-Ray players. Roll out of the update is expected to take about two weeks, and support for even more devices is planned for the near future. Source: NetflixPosted Thu Nov 14, 2013 at 09:00 AM PST by: -
LG Demos Ultra HD OLED Display and Hints at Upcoming 4K Content[teaser]An impressive new 77-inch UHD display has been unveiled, and speculation about 4K content delivery heats up. [/teaser] LG showed off an impressive curved-screen 4K OLED display at the TWICE/CEA Ultra HD Conference held in New York yesterday. The 77-inch set features a resolution of 3,840 x 2,160 and uses OLED technology which offers superior contrast and black levels. Though likely only a proof of concept for the time being, the display offers a peek into what the near future has in store for television technology. According to TWICE, Jay Vandenbree, senior VP of LG Electronics USA's home entertainment division was on hand during the unveiling and addressed buyers' concerns about a lack of 4K content. While he emphasized the upscaling capabilities of LG Ultra HD displays as an immediate selling point, he also acknowledged the importance of true 4K content, and hinted that such media could be coming sooner rather than later. An industry panel held during the same conference also shed more light on the developing path toward 4K content. Currently, Sony is the only company offering 4K media delivery through its own proprietary device, but the panelists speculate that more over-the-top Ultra HD streaming options are on the way, including tentative support from Netflix in 2014. Furthermore, Marc Finer, technical director of the Digital Entertainment Group, predicts that the BDA will officially announce a 4K disc medium within the next 12 months. On the broadcast front, the Advanced Television Systems Committee is also working on a 4K compliant option, and the ATSC 3.0 broadcast standard could be finalized in 2016. For now, however, early adopters without Sony's media player will have to make do with upscaling 1080p content, but it's clear that the industry is actively preparing for a full Ultra HD evolution within the next few years. Sources: TWICE - LG OLED, TWICE - 4K PanelPosted Wed Nov 13, 2013 at 11:00 AM PST by: -
Hisense Releases 55-inch 4K TV[teaser]Another competitively priced UHD display is hitting the market, this time courtesy of Hisense electronics. [/teaser] Following Seiki's recent reveal of a new 55-inch budget 4K TV, Hisense has detailed its own low cost Ultra HD set, the XT880. The 55-inch LCD 4K display will retail for $2,000. While that's $500 more than Seiki's similar offering, the XT880 includes various smart TV features, something that's missing on Seiki's competing SE55UY04. The LCD LED backlit display features a resolution of 3,840 x 2,160 giving it about four times the pixels of a traditional 1080p HDTV. The television also includes four HDMI inputs, a USB port for viewing digital media, built-in Wi-Fi, a static contrast ratio of 4000:1, and support for apps like Netflix, Vudu HD Movies, YouTube, Vimeo, Pandora, Twitter, Facebook, Picasa, and AccuWeather. The XT880 is expected to go on sale in several retail stores, including Walmart, Costco, and hhgregg for a suggested retail price of $2,000. Sources: Hisense, EngadgetPosted Wed Nov 13, 2013 at 09:00 AM PST by: -
Seiki Reveals 55-inch Ultra HD Television[teaser]The company has added another competitively priced model to its growing 4K display lineup. [/teaser] Seiki has detailed a new addition to its affordable Ultra HD brand. The 55-inch SE55UY04 is now available exclusively from Sears for a suggested retail price of $1,500, making it the least expensive 55-inch 4K set on the market "In June, Seiki and Sears teamed up to introduce the 39-inch class 4K Ultra HD TV model, and demonstrated how it can be used for 4K digital entertainment as a TV or a PC monitor," said Frank Kendzora, executive vice president, Tongfang Global, Inc., for Seiki Digital brand. "Sears will be an exclusive authorized retailer offering the Seiki 55-inch class 4K model. With the new model and Sears, Seiki is staying at the forefront of introducing an immersive 4K Ultra HD experience to consumers, and offering the best value in large-screen 4K Ultra HD TVs with exceptional build quality." The LCD LED backlit display features a resolution of 3,840 x 2,160 giving it about four times the pixels of a traditional 1080p HDTV, a piano black bezel, integrated digital and analog tuning, support for the HDMI 1.4 standard, and a USB port for viewing 4K photos. The SE55UY04 can be purchased from Sears online and through its retail stores. The new model joins the company's already available 39-inch SE39UY04 and 50-inch SE50UY04 4K displays. A 65-inch model is also expected to launch early next month. Source: Seiki via PR NewswirePosted Tue Nov 12, 2013 at 11:00 AM PST by: -
Pioneer Returns to TV Business[teaser]The electronics company is partnering with Dixons Retail to develop LCD displays. [/teaser] After leaving the TV market behind for several years, Pioneer has announced plans to once again manufacturer consumer televisions. In an exclusive partnership with European retailer Dixons, the Japanese electronics company will produce new LCD displays. "We are very excited to be working with Pioneer, a legendary brand in the world of technology, on its return to the European TV market. Today's partnership reflects our reputation for excellence which we have worked hard to build during the last 40 years we have been operating in Hong Kong. This exclusive partnership is fantastic news, allowing us to offer the newest and latest TV technologies to our customers," said Sebastian James, Dixons Retail Group Chief Executive. Pioneer is expected to develop 1080p LCD LED backlit displays in 40-inch, 46-inch and 55-inch models. The new sets will also include smart TV features, 3D capabilities, wireless support, HDMI inputs, and USB connectivity. Sales will launch in the Nordic Region through Dixons Retail stores in December 2013, with hopes to later expand to the UK market. Unfortunately, while it's nice to see the company return to television manufacturing, Pioneer has no plans to restart its award winning Kuro plasma line. Though they offer many benefits over LCD panels, PDP displays have failed to capture enough of the market, and with rival company Panasonic's recent termination of its plasma business, it's very unlikely that Pioneer will want to re-enter such a disappointingly dwindling market. Sources: Dixons Retail, ERT Online via EngadgetPosted Mon Nov 11, 2013 at 11:00 AM PST by: -
Simple.TV Announces Latest Streaming DVR[teaser]The company's second generation streaming DVR device will be available next month. [/teaser] In a partnership with SiliconDust USA Inc., Simple.TV has detailed plans to release its newest DVR system. The device promises to deliver live and recorded over-the-air broadcast content to any supported connected device. "We're extremely pleased to be partnering with Silicondust, the leaders in networked TV tuners," said Mark Ely, CEO of Simple.TV. "Their exceptional hardware design, manufacturing, and distribution capabilities are a perfect match with our TV everywhere services and applications. Together, we will deliver an exceptional streaming DVR solution for consumers who are looking to combine the best of broadcast content with OTT streaming." The Simple.TV by SiliconDust features a dual tuner with an HDTV Antenna Input, a ClearQAM Cable Input, an Ethernet connection, and a USB 2.0 connection for recording media to external storage. Through supported iOS, Android, Roku and PC/Mac apps, you can stream live TV, record shows, and then watch them anywhere. The DVR's TV server capabilities allow for live and recorded streaming to up to 5 devices at the same time, and the dual tuner makes it possible to watch one show and record another simultaneously. The device is set to launch in the US on December 12 for $250. A bundle that comes with one year of premium service which offers remote access to media, offline viewing for mobile devices, and automatic series recording, will retail for $300. A third bundle with lifetime premium service will also be available for $400. Sources: Simple.TV, EngadgetPosted Mon Nov 11, 2013 at 09:00 AM PST by: -
Nokia Lumia 1520 and 2520 Release Date Announced[teaser]The Windows smartphone and tablet will be available later this month. [/teaser] Nokia has announced the launch date for its latest smartphone and tablet. Both devices are set to go on sale on Novemer 22. The Lumia 2520 tablet features a 10.1-inch 1080p IPS display that is geared toward providing optimal readability whether the user is indoors or outdoors. Meanwhile, the Lumia 1520 smartphone has a 6-inch 1080p LCD screen and has the distinction of being the first smartphone to support capturing photos in the RAW format. The Lumia 2520 is powered by a 2.2GHz Quad Core Qualcomm Snapdragon 800, 2GB of RAM, and an 8000 mAh battery that runs Windows RT 8.1. A 6.7MP rear camera with ZEISS optics and a 2MP front camera are included as well. The tablet also features 32GB of storage and microSD support for up to 32GB. The Lumia 1520 is powered by a 2.2GHz Quad Core Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 with 2GB of RAM and a 3400 mAh integrated battery. 16GB of internal storage is also included along with microSD support for up to 64GB and 7 GB of SkyDrive cloud storage. The smartphone also includes a 20MP rear camera with ZEISS optics and a 1.2MP front camera, and promises to support RAW pictures using Adobe Systems' DNG format. The Nokia Lumia 1520 will be available from AT&T on November 22 for $199.99 with a standard two year contract. The Lumia 2520 is also expected to launch on the same day from AT&T and Verizon for $499, but Verizon is rumored to be running a special Black Friday sale for $399. Sources: CNET, AT&TPosted Fri Nov 8, 2013 at 11:00 AM PST by: -
Panasonic Bringing 4K Tablet to US[teaser]The company's 20-inch Ultra HD tablet will be available for purchase early next year. [/teaser] After demoing a prototype at the IFA trade show and announcing plans for the European market, Panasonic has officially revealed a US release date for its impressive 20-inch 4K tablet. The large-screen UHD device is being targeted toward professional artists, designers, architects, museums, healthcare workers, and other businesses. With a resolution of 3,840 x 2,560, the Toughpad 4K UT-MB5 has about four times the pixels of a standard 1080p tablet. The 20-inch IPS LCD Alpha Panel also boasts an aspect ratio of 15:10 with 230 ppi and approximately 16.77 million colors. The device will run Windows 8.1 Pro 64 bit and is powered by an Intel Core i5-3437U vPro Processor, NVIDIA GeForce GT 745M Graphics, and 8GB of RAM. A 720p camera is also embedded into the tablet along with an SD card slot and USB 3.0 inputs. In addition, a 256GB SSD flash memory storage drive is featured as well. The tablet's interface offers a 10-finger multi-touch panel and will make use of an optional Anoto Live high resolution digital pen. The Toughpad 4K UT-MB5 will launch in the US in January 2014 for a suggested retail price of $5,999. Sources: Panasonic, EngadgetPosted Fri Nov 8, 2013 at 09:00 AM PST by: -
Marvel and Netflix Team Up to Develop Live-Action Shows[teaser]New shows based on several Marvel Comics characters are coming exclusively to the popular streaming service. [/teaser] In a partnership of truly super-heroic proportions, Disney and Netflix have announced a development deal that will see the launch of four new shows and a miniseries all based on Marvel Comics properties. The shows will center around the gritty superhero community of Hell's Kitchen, and culminate in a crossover miniseries event. The flagship series will focus on Daredevil, a blind lawyer turned fearless vigilante who was also the subject of a 2003 film starring Ben Affleck. Separate shows about related characters like Jessica Jones, Iron Fist, and Luke Cage will also follow. The goal is for the serialized programs to work in tandem toward a Defenders miniseries which will see the heroes join forces. "This deal is unparalleled in its scope and size, and reinforces our commitment to deliver Marvel's brand, content and characters across all platforms of storytelling. Netflix offers an incredible platform for the kind of rich storytelling that is Marvel’s specialty," said Alan Fine, President of Marvel Entertainment. "This serialized epic expands the narrative possibilities of on-demand television and gives fans the flexibility to immerse themselves how and when they want in what's sure to be a thrilling and engaging adventure." Netflix is committing to a minimum of four, thirteen episode shows and a miniseries that will all air over multiple years, starting in 2015. The shows will be produced by Marvel Television in association with ABC Television Studios, and will join Netflix's growing lineup of original programming which includes the critically acclaimed 'House of Cards' and 'Orange is the New Black.' In addition to these new programs in development, Marvel recently launched its first foray into TV with its 'Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.' series currently airing on ABC. Source: MarvelPosted Thu Nov 7, 2013 at 11:00 AM PST by: -
Dell Venue 11 Pro Now On Sale[teaser]The 10.8-inch 1080p Windows tablet is now available for purchase in the US. [/teaser] Dell is now taking orders for its new Venue 11 Pro. The tablet features a 10.8-inch 1,920 x 1,080 IPS display and runs Windows 8.1. The tablet is available with an Atom quad-core Bay Trail processor or more expensive 4th Generation Intel Core i3 and i5 processor options, with up to 4GB of RAM and Intel Gen7 or GT2 graphics. An 8MP rear camera and a 2MP front camera are included as well, along with WiFi support. A keyboard docking option is also available, giving the device the added benefits of an Ultrabook. The Dell Venue 11 Pro is available for purchase on the Dell website now starting at $499. Orders for the Atom model are expected to ship by December 5, and the Core i3 and i5 models are scheduled for December 12. Source: DellPosted Thu Nov 7, 2013 at 09:00 AM PST by:
