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Updated MHL 3.0 Spec Detailed[teaser]The latest revision to the Mobile High-Definition Link interface offers improved bandwidth and 4K capabilities. [/teaser] The MHL Consortium has revealed the new spec for its popular mobile audio/video connection interface found on many smartphones and tablets. MHL 3.0 brings several improvements over the 2.0 spec, including double the bandwidth enabling 4K video (up to 2160p30) and a wider color gamut. This will allow the transmission of content like movies and games from smartphones to big screen Ultra HD displays. "The new innovations in MHL 3.0 pave the way for the technology's expansion into a broader set of home, office, and automotive applications," said Judy Chen, president, MHL, LLC. "With an installed base of more than 330 million devices, MHL, as the world's most widely adopted mobile TV-out standard, will continue to evolve to meet consumer needs." Other features in the new spec include improved Remote Control Protocol with support for peripherals such as a touch screen, keyboard and mouse, power charging up to 10W, support for simultaneous multiple displays, and enhanced 7.1 surround sound with Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD. MHL 3.0 is fully backwards compatible with previous versions. The new spec will be available for download in early September. Source: EngadgetPosted Thu Aug 22, 2013 at 05:00 AM PDT by: -
Hardware Review: Panamorph CineVista Anamorphic LensIn the latest article in his series about Constant Image Height projection, our HD Advisor Josh Zyber puts the new, lower-cost Panamorph CineVista anamorphic lens through its paces and compares it to a more expensive model. Read about it in the blog today.Posted Wed Aug 21, 2013 at 01:00 PM PDT by: -
LG Creates First Quad HD Display for Smartphones[teaser]LG has developed the first 2560X1440 Quad HD panel for use with mobile devices. [/teaser] The Quad HD AH-IPS LCD panel is 5.5-inches and features an impressive resolution of 2560X1440 with 538ppi, offering four times the pixels of a 720p display along with superior pixel density, clarity, and sharpness. LG also states that the new panel is the world's slimmest and narrowest, measuring just 1.21mm thin with a 1.2mm bezel. In addition, the screen uses Low Temperature Poly-Silicon substrate, enabling improved brightness at 430nit. Though this is an exciting development in smartphone display technology, there's no word yet on any specific mobile devices or companies that might use the new screen. Source: EngadgetPosted Wed Aug 21, 2013 at 11:00 AM PDT by: -
Onkyo Unveils New Products in its Envision Cinema Line[teaser]A new soundbar and TV speaker system have been added to the company's lineup of audio gear. [/teaser] Onkyo has announced the upcoming release of two new audio products, the LS-B50 soundbar system and the LS-T10 TV speaker system. Both systems feature a 6.1 channel setup that uses DSP technology to convey panoramic sound, and offer support for regular TV remotes for simplified control. USB ports and wireless Bluetooth capabilities are also included. The LS-B50 features an eight-driver speaker array and comes complete with a 40 watt wireless subwoofer for dedicated bass support. In contrast, the LS-T10 includes six-full range drivers and an integrated 21 watt active subwoofer for a more convenient, all-in-one design. Both systems are powered by a six-channel digital amplifier and Onkyo's proprietary AuraSphere DSP technology for sound equalization and level balancing, creating a 3D audio environment from 2.0 PCM and Dolby Digital sources. The LS-B50 and the LS-T10 are both currently available for pre-order on Amazon for $599 and $399 respectively. The site lists an October 1 release date but Onkyo states the speaker systems should become available in September. Source: OnkyoPosted Wed Aug 21, 2013 at 09:00 AM PDT by: -
Sony Reveals Two New Color Options for the PS4's DualShock 4[teaser]Magma Red and Wave Blue bring a two tone look to Sony's new controller.[/teaser] Included with the PS4, which will arrive November 15th, will be Sony's three generation old default Jet Black controller choice. The DualShock 2, Sixaxis/DualShock 3, and now the DualShock 4, have all shipped with their respective systems in black. This time though, Sony has unveiled that there will be two more options available separately from the system. From Sony, "DUALSHOCK®4 in "Magma Red" and "Wave Blue" are the first color variations, representing two of the most popular colors among PlayStation® users. The two-toned look with the vivid Magma Red and Wave Blue along with black further enhances the stylish look of the DUALSHOCK®4. With the introduction of the new colors, users will be able to choose from 3 colors of DUALSHOCK®4 to enjoy gameplay or other entertainment content on PS4™." Unfortunately, it looks like the controller color variations won't be available at launch, at least not in the US. "(The) new color variations for PlayStation®4 (PS4™) Wireless Controller (DUALSHOCK®4) in "Magma Red" and "Wave Blue", (will be introduced) concurrently with the launch of PS4™ in Europe, at a recommended retail price (RRP) of € 59 / £ 54 (including tax). They will also become available in North America at a RRP of US$ 59 / Canada$ 59 (including tax) and Latin America* later this year." The PS4 is available to pre-order. Source: Sony Author: Brian HossPosted Wed Aug 21, 2013 at 07:30 AM PDT by: -
Netflix and The Weinstein Company Announce Exclusive Streaming Deal[teaser]Starting in 2016, the popular streaming service will hold first-run rights for new Weinstein Company films. [/teaser] Netflix and The Weinstein Company have announced a licensing agreement that will grant Netflix the exclusive U.S. TV subscription rights to The Weinstein Company's films. The multi-year deal will begin in 2016, granting Netflix users lone streaming access to all subsequent first-run theatrical releases from TWC and its Dimension Films division. The movies will be made available to Netflix subscribers during the pay TV window through the usual assortment of supported streaming platforms, including televisions, computers, and mobile devices. Speaking about the new agreement, TWC founder Harvey Weinstein said, "The deal that we've just completed with Netflix is probably the biggest deal in the history of The Weinstein Company and together, we are discussing ways to reinvent the pay TV experience so that the audience can get even more for their money." Several foreign and documentary films from TWC are already available on Netflix. A similar exclusive agreement between Netflix and Disney was announced last year and, coupled with its recent push for original content, the streaming service continues to compete directly with traditional cable providers and networks. Source: NetflixPosted Tue Aug 20, 2013 at 11:00 AM PDT by: -
HTC One Mini Coming to AT&T August 23[teaser]The new smartphone offers many of the same features as the HTC One in a more convenient, compact size. [/teaser] AT&T and HTC have detailed the release of their new smartphone, the HTC One mini. Serving as a little brother of sorts to the recently released 4.7-inch HTC One, the mini comes with a smaller 4.3-inch Super LCD 2 HD 720p display, along with a thinner and lighter aluminum body. The mobile device also includes a Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 dual-core 1.4 GHz processor, an UltraPixel camera, 1GB of ram, 16GB of internal memory, and an embedded 1800 mAh battery. In addition, the phone comes packed with many of the same features found on its larger sibling, including HTC BlinkFeed for convenient news and media updates, HTC Zoe for quick video editing, and HTC BoomSound for high quality audio. The HTC One mini will be available from AT&T starting August 23 for $99.99 with a two year agreement. Sources: AT&T, HTCPosted Tue Aug 20, 2013 at 09:00 AM PDT by: -
New HDBaseT 2.0 Spec Offers Mass Market Potential[teaser]The previously costly plug-and-play home theater technology has been revised with the average consumer in mind. [/teaser] The HDBaseT Alliance recently revealed the specs for HDBaseT 2.0. The technology allows for the transmission of video, audio, power, control, and Ethernet over a single, inexpensive Cat5e/6 LAN cable, greatly simplifying the usual multiple cable setups used with most home theater gear. The new spec also adds support for USB 2.0. HDBaseT 1.0 technology can currently be found in several expensive home theater components and it's frequently used in professional AV installations, but the tech's mass market appeal has been limited by cost. In contrast, the 2.0 "HomePlay" spec has been designed with consumers in mind, and the company has reduced costs enabling HDBaseT 2.0 implementation in mainstream products. In addition, affordable HDBaseT switchers could also become available, allowing the transmission of HDMI connected devices throughout a household's preexisting Ethernet network. Specific manufacturers and components using the technology have not been announced yet. Sources: TWICE, EngadgetPosted Mon Aug 19, 2013 at 11:00 AM PDT by: -
Samsung Galaxy Mega US Release Date Revealed[teaser]The upcoming 6.3 inch device offers many of the benefits of a tablet on a smartphone. [/teaser] Samsung has detailed its release plans for its latest phone, the Galaxy Mega. The mobile device will launch with AT&T on August 23 for $149.99 with a two-year agreement. In addition, wireless carriers Sprint and US Cellular will also offer the phone, but exact pricing and availability are still forthcoming. The smartphone features a large 6.3 inch 720p screen, an 8MP rear camera, 1.5GB of ram, 16GB of internal memory, and a microSD slot for additional storage. The Galaxy Mega runs Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean and is powered by a 1.7 GHz dual core CPU and a removable 3,200 mAh battery. With its expansive display, the phone offers many of the benefits of a tablet and comes packed with Samsung's trademark Galaxy features, including Air View for previewing content, Multi Window for split screen viewing, WatchON for TV remote control capabilities, and Easy Mode for a simplified interface. The Galaxy Mega will be offered in Nova Black and Polaris White. More details on Sprint and US Cellular's individual launch plans should be announced soon. Sources: CNET, EngadgetPosted Mon Aug 19, 2013 at 09:00 AM PDT by: -
Coming Soon in Dolby Atmos: Wong Kar Wai's 'The Grandmaster'by Michael S. Palmer I'm sure the Bonus View guys will have a full review heading your way in the coming weeks, but [teaser]Thursday night Dolby invited High-Def Digest to an advanced screening of Wong Kar Wai's new Kung Fu epic, 'The Grandmaster'. If you love crazy sound experiences and haven't heard Atmos just yet, this is the one you must-must-must check out (especially if you don't like 3D) if you live anywhere near an Atmos-equipped movie theatre.[/teaser] Staring Tony Leung, Ziyi Zhang, and Chang Chen, 'The Grandmaster' begins with the rise Wing Chun grandmaster, Ip Man, in 1930s Foshan, China, and takes us through his post war years in 1950s Hong Kong where he would ultimately teach Bruce Lee. I have to admit I knew nothing about the film, or Ip Man, until a few days ago, and the movie is quite different from the one trailer I checked out. An incredibly ambitious film, 'The Grandmaster' is a non-linear historical epic with fierce and beautifully choreographed action sequences, quirky comedy, and a haunting love story. To be honest, the film's structure jumped around so much, I literally lost the plot a couple times (I've heard the American version is missing 20 minutes versus the original International cut, so that might also be the reason), wishing we could have spent more time with the characters. But in the same way many of our readers fell in love with 'Drive', 'The Grandmaster' relishes in tone, music, a heightened style, and some amazing cinematography. I definitely want to see this one again. And when I do, I'm going to take my wife and friends to see it in Dolby Atmos. My last few Atmos experiences have been a little underwhelming. I say that knowing Atmos' capabilities well. And let's be honest, not every surround experience needs to be (or should be) highly directional and aggressive. It's the same with 7.1 Blu-rays, right? However, when I saw 'Elysium' this week, I wondered whether or not the the cinema was using Atmos or not. Then there's 'The Grandmaster'. It's not the most nuanced or technical Atmos track I've heard (see 'The Life of Pi'); , but wow, 'The Grandmaster' is an amusement park ride of sound. From the very first rain-soaked battle, this film's Atmos sound mix goes to war on your senses and never lets up. Rain pours, fists and feet explode, explosions roar, broken glass flies, and train whistles scream. The sound swirls around and above, and the entire time it feels like you're sitting right smack in the middle of the movie's orchestra. I've only heard it once, and since Atmos is so rare (only 200 cinemas world wide, as of last night), it's hard to compare and contrast without relying heavily on fading memory, but I would argue that 'The Grandmaster' may be the most aggressive theatrical sound mix of the last few years, next to something like a 'Transformers Dark of the Moon' (which wasn't Atmos). To be fair, that might not be something you're looking for in a cinema experience, and that's perfectly okay. But for me, and those who geek out about sound, this is a rocking good time. If the Blu-ray is half as good, it's still going to be on all the end of year demo lists. So, again, if you love awesome and unique sound experiences, and are looking to see a movie that isn't the same, endless CGI-characters-battling, check out Wong Kar Wai's 'The Grandmaster' in Dolby Atmos in New York and LA on August 23; cinemas nationwide on August 30.Posted Sun Aug 18, 2013 at 12:10 PM PDT by:
