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KEF Releases High Performance Powered Sound System[teaser]The new ultra-slim speakers offer high quality sound without the need of an additional receiver. [/teaser] Geared as an alternative to soundbars, KEF's V300 Digital TV Sound System offers consumers a space saving 2.0 speaker system. The thin and slim speakers come with their own 2 x 50W activation module, doing away with the need for a separate amplifier or receiver. The speakers feature 1-inch tweeters and two 4.5-inch woofers with a frequency response of 80Hz - 30kHz, and can be wall mounted or stood upright on their included stands. Likewise, the external activation module can be attached to a television's VESA mount on the back of the display, saving even more space. For those looking for deeper bass, the module also includes a subwoofer out through a standard RCA connection. The unit can be connected to your television via an HDMI ARC output, HDMI-In, or optical cable. When using an HDMI 1.4 connection, users can also control the speakers with their existing TV remote, adding even more convenience. KEF's V300 Digital TV Sound System is now available for a suggested retail price of $900. Source: TWICE, KEFPosted Tue Sep 17, 2013 at 05:00 AM PDT by: -
Prepare to Travel Back in Time with Seiki's Retro Design HDTV[teaser]Another throwback television inspired by vintage designs is in the works, this time from Seiki Digital. [/teaser] Following in LG's footsteps, Seiki Digital has detailed its own upcoming Retro Design HDTV. The 22-inch SE22FR01 combines modern display technology with a nostalgic look inspired by classic tube TVs. The display is designed to resemble a vintage television set from yesteryear, complete with power and volume dials. Of course, this old-fashioned style is only superficial, and the TV comes complete with a 1080p LED screen, and HDMI, component, composite, and VGA ports. And in perhaps its biggest departure from the classic televisions it takes inspiration from, the model even includes a remote control! As an added bonus, the television also features an integrated subwoofer for superior sound. With its smaller size and compact design, the set is being geared toward dorm rooms, play rooms, and kitchens. "We affectionately call the Seiki Retro Design HDTV 'the showstopper' because of the amount of attention it has already garnered at tradeshows and retail events," said Frank Kendzora, executive vice president, Tongfang Global, Inc. for Seiki Digital brand. "The Retro Design HDTV stands alone in the TV market today with its brilliant design. It's a departure from other TVs on the market, but reflects Seiki brand statement of 'simply brilliant' and promise of delivering straightforward technology that makes lives less complicated." The SE22FR01 Retro Design HDTV will launch in "Retro Red" at select retailers including Amazon for a suggested retail price of $329. More color options, including Mid-century Yellow, Electric Blue, Doo-wop Purple, and Cadillac Pink will also be available. An exact release date has not been announced yet, but the display is expected to ship in time for holiday shopping. Source: Seiki via PR NewswirePosted Mon Sep 16, 2013 at 11:00 AM PDT by: -
Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Pre-Order Date Revealed[teaser]The new 1080p phablet will be available for pre-order from T-Mobile on September 18. [/teaser] Samsung has detailed its new Galaxy Note 3. With a 5.7-inch 1080p AMOLED screen and support for a stylus, the device combines many of the benefits of a tablet with a smartphone. The Galaxy Note 3 will be available in two versions, a model with a 2.3 GHz Quad-Core Processor and a model with a 1.9 GHz Octa Core Processor. All versions will run Android 4.3 (Jelly Bean), and come complete with a rear 13MP camera, a front 2MP camera, and 3GB of ram. In addition, the device is powered by a 3,200 mAh battery and will feature 32GB or 64GB of storage and a microSD slot. According to Samsung's latest marketing push, the Galaxy Note 3's unique features will allow users to "tell the stories of their lives." This is made possible thanks to the new S Pen stylus and various Air Command features. With this mode enabled, users can now use the S Pen to hand write notes in order to initiate commands, takes notes on snapshots of the screen, make sketches, and literally draw windows in order to open new applications. T-Mobile will start taking pre-orders for the 2.3 GHz Galaxy Note 3 on September 18 for an October 2 release. The smartphone will be available for $199 down plus 24 monthly payments of $21. In addition to T-Mobile, the device is also expected to hit AT&T on October 1, and Verizon, Sprint, and US Cellular in the coming weeks as well. Sources: Engadget, SamsungPosted Mon Sep 16, 2013 at 09:00 AM PDT by: -
Electronics Manufacturer Investigates Quantum Dot Technology[teaser]Quantum Materials Corp. has developed Tetrapod Quantum Dots for high resolution displays, promising superior picture and reduced costs. [/teaser] The company has reveiled that a sample of their technology has been shipped to an unspecified Asian electronics manufacturer, suggesting that LED backlit TVs using Tetrapod Quantum Dots could be on the way. The advanced nanoscale materials can glow red, green, or blue based on their size when exposed to light, allowing for increased picture quality and efficiency in high resolution LCD displays, including TVs and smartphones. Tetrapod Quantum Dot implementation in LCD LED TVs could lead to improved brightness, better contrast, a wider gamut of colors, and thinner screens. Stephen B. Squires, Quantum Materials Corp's Founder and CEO said, "Tetrapod Quantum Dots ultimately allow for lower display manufacturing costs due to their superior luminescence and much lower incidence of aggregation. Far fewer quantum dots are required to achieve the same level of performance. We believe this performance advantage coupled with our continuous-flow manufacturing technology will ensure the lowest quantum dot cost." A version of the display technology is currently used in Sony's XBR-55X900A and XBR-65X900A Ultra HD TVs, as well as its KDL-W900A HDTV, all under the company's TRILUMINOS branding. This announcement could mean that another television manufacturer has its eyes set on using quantum dots as well, but for now there is no mention of a specific company or display application. Source: EngadgetPosted Fri Sep 13, 2013 at 11:00 AM PDT by: -
Samsung Offers Video Tour of New Displays[teaser]The company has released a new video showing off its latest 4K and OLED TVs from the IFA trade show. [/teaser] Last week Samsung unveiled a new lineup of Ultra HD and OLED televisions at the IFA trade show, and while most of us weren't in Berlin to see the displays in person, we can now get a small taste of what all that buzz has been about. Samsung Tomorrow, the electronic company's official blog, has released a video tour of their booth, spotlighting all of their new innovations. Highlights include a good look at Samsung's new 110-inch and 98-inch UHD gigantic displays, giving viewers a great sense for their immense space. Also demoed, is the company's 55-inch curved screen OLED TV, showcasing the display's subtle curved design which is said to enhance immersion. Lastly, we also get a look at an actual 4K OLED set, which combines the benefits of both technologies, offering a glimpse at the future of the television market. There's still no word on official release dates or pricing for the 98-inch or 110-inch Ultra HD TVs, but the company's smaller UN55F9000, UN65F9000, and UN85S9 are all on sale now. Likewise, the 4K OLED is assumed to be a prototype for the time being, but Samsung's HDTV KN55S9C OLED is currently available for $9,000. Source:Posted Fri Sep 13, 2013 at 09:00 AM PDT by: -
ASUS Announces New Budget Tablets[teaser]The MeMO Pad 8 and MeMO Pad 10 have been detailed. [/teaser] Two new Android tablets from ASUS made their debut at the IFA trade show last week, and both are aimed at providing more affordable alternatives to other premium devices. The MeMO Pad 8 and MeMO Pad 10 each feature 1.6GHz quad-core processors with 1200 x 800 IPS LED backlit screens. The 8-inch MeMO Pad 8 also includes a rear 5MP camera, a front 1.2MP camera, and support for 720p video recording. The device is rated for 9 hours of battery life and features 8GB of internal storage along with a microSDXC card slot. Meanwhile, the 10-inch MeMO Pad 10 comes with a 2MP rear camera and 8GB or 16GB storage options. The tablet is rated for 9.5 hours of battery life and, like the MeMO Pad 8, also includes a front 1.2MP camera, support for 720p video recording, and a microSDXC card slot. Both budget tablets will be available by the end of the year, but an exact release date and pricing are still forthcoming. Source: ASUSPosted Thu Sep 12, 2013 at 11:00 AM PDT by: -
100GB Blu-ray Disc Hints at 4K Playback[teaser]Singulus Technologies, a manufacturer of optical disc production lines, has completed tests for 100GB Blu-ray discs, suggesting that a new Ultra HD disc standard might be forthcoming. [/teaser] With the recent influx of Ultra HD TV news and price reductions, many consumers have been wondering when we'll finally hear word about an actual physical disc medium for 4K playback. Well, we may now have our first indications that an announcement could be on the way. Singulus Technologies, a maker of optical disc production lines, has developed a method to produce triple-layer 100GB Blu-ray discs using a new line of production machines called BLULINE III. Currently, all Blu-ray discs used for movies are either single-layer (25GB) or dual-layer (50GB), which has been adequate for HD playback, but UHD content requires greater storage space. According to Singulus, this new 100GB option is ideally suited for 4K video. "Just in time for the market introduction of the new ultra-high definition television technology (4K or Ultra-HD), we completed the development of the production technology for the new triple-layer Blu-ray Discs with 100 GB storage capacity,” said Dr.-Ing. Stefan Rinck, Chief Executive Officer of the Singulus Technologies AG. Though the existence of triple layer Blu-rays is nothing new, the mass manufacturing potential of Singulus' new BLULINE III machines points to a possible consumer application. With that said, there is still no official word from the BDA about an update or revision to the Blu-ray standard that would support 4K video, but with the recently revealed HDMI 2.0 spec and the continued push for Ultra HD adoption from television manufacturers, an announcement seems likely. Until then, the only major source for 4K content remains Sony's FMP-X1 4K Ultra HD Media Player. Source: Singulus Technologies via CNETPosted Thu Sep 12, 2013 at 09:00 AM PDT by: -
Sony Debuts New High Resolution Audio Components[teaser]New music players, speakers, and headphones are all part of the company's push for high-resolution audio support. [/teaser] Sony has announced its upcoming lineup of high-resolution audio components, including a trio of devices aimed at giving consumers both quality and convenience. All of the new products are set for release this fall. The HAP-Z1ES Hi-Res HDD Music Player ($1,999) offers 1TB of storage and can playback and decode virtually all Hi-Res audio formats. The player also features a DSD Re-mastering Engine for converting music files to DSD (5.6M) quality. In addition, the device includes DSEE technology to restore frequencies lost through audio compression, and HAP music transfer software for syncing audio files from a PC or Mac. Joining the flagship HAP-Z1ES, is the HAP-S1 Hi-Res Music Player ($999), which supports several of the same features as its more expensive sibling, but comes with a smaller 500GB hard drive. The player also includes a 2-channel Class AB amplifier. Also part of the new lineup is the UDA-1 ($799), which is a USB Hi-Res DAC System for computers. The device connects to a PC and offers support for virtually all high-resolution audio formats and media players. It also includes a 2-channel amplifier. To complement these new audio components, the company is releasing new speakers and headphones as well, all optimized for high-resolution audio. The SS-HA1 ($599) and SS-HA3 ($349) speakers use a wide dispersion W-super tweeter and feature a baffle shape for diffraction effect reduction. On the headphone front, Sony is offering the over the ear MDR-10R ($200) in October, and the MDR-10RBT ($250) in November. In addition, the XBA-H3 ear bud headphones ($350) will be available in December. All three are designed with high resolution audio playback in mind. Lastly, those who are already owners of Sony's currently available STR-DA2800ES ($1,000) and 5800ES ($2,100) receivers will also be able to take advantage of high-resolution audio playback through a USB connection thanks to an upcoming firmware update. Source: SonyPosted Wed Sep 11, 2013 at 11:00 AM PDT by: -
3doo is Making Some Noise with its 3doo Player App[teaser]The 3doo Player App has won the "Best 3-D Product" award. [/teaser] When it comes to home theater entertainment, there are many supporters who remain steadfast in their enjoyment of 3D content. That being the case, those 3D consumers should be happy to learn that the International 3D & Advanced Imaging Society has awarded 3doo the "Best 3-D Product" award for 3doo's "Player App." From 3doo President Ingo Nadler, "3doo's Player App is an elegant, easy-to-use app delivering a growing library of 3-D content directly into the comfort of the user's living room. As the only source for all 3-D content, the only 3-D content market place, and the only complete 3-D eco-system, 3doo is the solution for easily connecting tens of millions of 3-D TV consumers around the world with hundreds of 3-D media producers." While the awards have been announced, the actual ceremony is not until September 18th. Regardless, 3doo is beaming with usage statistics that seem to indicate that they have unlocked the business potential of 3D where others have failed. "The rapid growth of 3doo has been marked by the availability of the Player App from 5% of all 3-D TVs worldwide in 2012 to more than 60% in 2013. Since its launch in April 2012, the 3doo Player App has featured 2.5 million film views to date, with 1,500 new unique users signing up daily." What is possibly more intriguing than awards and statistics are some of 3doo's stated goals. "The 3doo team developed the Player App as 3-D content for home television viewers was starting to build, but without 3-D broadcast channels and or an effective technical means for talented young 3-D film producers to get their content to interested audiences." "A great deal of design thought was applied to the Player App user interface, to provide Smart TV viewers with exciting 3-D content with as few clicks as possible. 3doo also devised the concept of a universal market place that connects producers and studios directly with owners of any 3-D device, independent of the technology." With further design iterations planned for their app, 3doo seems poised to dominate the 3D home theater market, a market whose demise may not be as automatic as many thought. Source: 3doo via PRNewswire Author: Brian HossPosted Wed Sep 11, 2013 at 06:30 AM PDT by: -
Sony Details Ultra HD Download Service and Expands 4K Display Lineup[teaser]The company's UHD video download service is now live and two new 4K TV models have been released. [/teaser] While recent price reductions for Ultra HD televisions have been appreciated, many potential consumers have been troubled by an overall lack of true 4K content. Thankfully, Sony has finally made steps to rectify this issue, fully launching its own UHD download service. Dubbed "Video Unlimited 4K," the service works through Sony's currently available FMP-X1 4K Ultra HD Media Player ($699 or $499 with the purchase of a Sony 4K TV), and allows users to rent or purchase select movies and TV shows in full Ultra HD resolution. Over 70 titles are currently available, including TV series like 'Breaking Bad,' contemporary blockbusters like 'The Amazing Spider-Man,' and classics like 'The Guns of Navarone.' In addition, the download service will offer new releases as well, including upcoming movies like 'This is the End' and 'Elysium.' The full selection is expected to expand beyond 100 titles by the end of the year. Video Unlimited 4K is only accessible through Sony Ultra HD televisions using the Sony FMP-X1 Media Player and will not work on other manufacturers' 4K displays. Pricing starts out at $3.99 for TV episodes, and then moves up to $7.99 for 24-hour movie rentals and $29.99 for movie purchases. In conjunction with the launch of its new Ultra HD download service, Sony has also announced the release of two new 4K TV models. The 55-inch XBR55X850A ($3,498) and the 65-inch XBR65X850A ($4,998) are both now available, offering buyers a more streamlined and affordable UHD display option. Beyond their cheaper prices, the new sets also do away with the space consuming integrated magnetic fluid speaker systems found on the company's other 4K models. Like its previous 4K units, these new sets also feature 3,840 x 2,160 displays, giving them about four times the pixels of a traditional 1080p HDTV. In addition, the televisions include Smart TV functions and are based on LED technology with edge-lit local dimming capabilities. Source: SonyPosted Tue Sep 10, 2013 at 09:00 AM PDT by:
