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A&E Channels Go Streaming on the iPad[teaser]Included are A&E, Lifetime and The History Channel. [/teaser] You can debate how much "A" is actually being shown by the Arts and Entertainment network, but there is a slew of popular shows just waiting to be consumed. A&E, Lifetime and The History Channel have all been added for streaming on the iPad though annoyingly, they all use separate apps to do so. All of the apps are free, as is the streaming. The selection seems to be pretty comprehensive too, so if you're a fan of any of the three channels, you're in luck. A&E The History Channel LifetimePosted Fri Dec 14, 2012 at 09:00 AM PST by: -
High-Def Digest's Holiday Gift Guide 2012: HD Gear & Demo Material[teaser]We've once again 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 2012 Gift Guide to HD Gear & Demo Material![/teaser] by Michael S. Palmer Happy holidays, HDD Readers! Tis the season where you best be on the lookout for new HD gear for your loved ones (or yourself!). 2012 has been an exciting high definition year for me, personally. A few months ago, I purchased the 3D Plasma display of my dreams, a Panny VT50 along with a new 3D-capable AVR. For enthusiasts like us, other than your very first HD purchase, I'm not sure if there's anything better than swapping out aging gear for the latest and gee-whiz greatest. When I was a kid, we had the same TV for what felt like centuries, and then, when we did go out and get a new one, chances are we placed it right on top of the old TV because it was too heavy to remove. But everything changes so quickly these days... Blu-ray version 1.0 to 2.0. HDMI 1.1 to 1.4a. 3D. 4K capabilities. It's hard to keep up with the technology itself, let alone the cost of constant upgrades. So we wait. Years go by. Prices plummet. And finally, when we can't takes it no more, a trip to the store to research the 2012 HD Gear Gift Guide turns into an cat n' mouse dance of haggling and epic credit card bills. Enough about me, though. I want to let you guys know about some excellent 2012 gear at a few different price points. Everything here is top notch in terms of image and sound, and includes all the latest Internet connectivity, streaming, and 3D capabilities. Friends, I hope this is your year for an upgrade. I hope you love what you get. I hope you inspire passion in others to care about picture and sound. But most of all, thank you for reading our humble site. Thank you for loving film and television. DISPLAYS Bargain 3D: Panasonic's ST50 Series. What's to Love: Other than a few filters, calibration menus, appearance, and THX-mode, Panasonic's cheaper plasmas include most of the same technology from their flagship televisions. According to CNET, the ST50 series outperforms black levels on most 2011 plasmas, and you can pick up one for less than $1,000 (for the 50-incher) and less than $2,000 (for the 65-incher). They also include built-in WiFi with access to Vierra Connect streaming services. The ST50 series are available in the following sizes: 50-inches, 55-inches, 60-inches, and 65-inches. Potential Tradeoffs: There are certainly better televisions, and cheaper televisions, but there aren't any televisions that are bigger and better at these price points. As always, plasmas are constructed with a reflective glass panel, which isn't great in overly bright rooms. For the Bright Room: LG's Cinema Screen LM6700 Series. What's to Love: Light and bright, the beautifully styled LG LM6700 series TVs are Internet ready, ship with six pairs of passive 3D glasses, and features 4 HDMI inputs. They do need a bit of calibration to tone down the factory defaults, but once set up right, these TVs look sharp and don't suffer from terrible amounts of light bleed. The 55-inch LG-55LM6700 will set you back just under $1,500, and the smaller 47-inch LG-47LM6700 just over a grand. Potential Tradeoffs: Passive 3D technology may be a little easier on the eyes than Active Shutter glasses, but there's a trade off in resolution, which may be noticeable to some viewers. Best Overall Picture Quality: Panasonic VT50 Series. What's to Love: Panasonic's flagship VT50 series boasts the inkiest black levels of any plasma television available in 2012. It's still not quite KURO good, but it's damn close. The VT50 is built with a single sheet of glass, making the display appear slim and futuristic. The built-in ambient filter also helps reduce reflections. I just purchased one of these, and the 3D experience is truly immersive and breathtaking (check out the 3D demos listed below). I tested a passive 3D TV last year for this list, but didn't love the loss in resolution. Some active shutter glasses give me headaches, but I've watched full two to three hour movies on this TV and enjoyed every minute. Incredible picture and black levels, I can't recommend this display enough. The 65-inch TC-P65VT50 is under $3,400 and the 55-inch TC-P55VT50 is under $2,300. Potential Tradeoffs: It's pricy, does not come with any $80/pair 3D glasses, the included plastic stand is surprisingly flimsy, there is minor crosstalk with 3D content, and side-facing HDMI inputs are annoying. Better Black Levels than Kuro: Sharp Elite PRO-X5FD LED TVs. What's to Love: From what I've seen and read, this is the best looking LED TV on the market, with black levels and contrast that outperforms even the old Kuros. The massive 70-inch Pro-70X5FD, and the 60-inch Pro-60X5FD will set you back around $5,000 and $4,600, respectively, and includes two pairs of 3D glasses. Potential Tradeoffs: The most expensive model listed here, the X5FD might be overkill and it doesn't perform as well at off-angles than the aformentioned plasmas. BLU-RAY DISC PLAYERS Best Bang for Your Buck: Panasonic DMP-BDT220. What's to Love: Much like last year's BDT210, the Panasonic BDT220 loads Blu-rays faster than just about any standalone machine, plays back 3D content and, thru Viera Connect and built-in WiFi, includes all the best streaming services like Netflix, Hulu Plus, Vudu, Amazon, Pandora, Skype, and MLB.tv. There's also an front panel SD card slot and USB input. CNET calls it the "best Blu-ray value of 2012". Pick one up for less than $100. Potential Tradeoffs: No support for DivX, Xvid, or subscription music services like Spotify. The Gold Standard: OPPO BDP-103 What's to Love: Brand new for this year, the BDP-103 includes everything we love about Oppo BD players -- 3D playback, the ability to play just about any digital file, 7.1 analog audio outputs -- but its Marvell Qdeo video processor is capable of upscaling video to 4K. There are also dual HDMI outputs as well as dual inputs to take advantage of the audio and video processing on board. Through in unmatched build quality, Netflix/Pandora/Vudu streaming, and Vertical Stretch Mode for constant height projection setups, and this is an outstanding Blu-ray player. [FYI, if you're big on importing titles, for a few hundred dollars more, you can get a Region Free OPPO BDP-93.] Potential Tradeoffs: At $499, Oppo Blu-ray players are more expensive than many stand alone units. A/V RECEIVERS The Entry Level Bargain:Posted Thu Dec 13, 2012 at 01:30 PM PST by: -
Redbox Instant Details Announced - $9.00 for Streaming and Four Blu-ray Rentals[teaser]A beta test will be launching this month that includes 30 days of free service. [/teaser] After seeing a few leaked details for Rebox Instant we came away underwhelmed. Getting a look at the whole package though, we can say that this is pretty exciting – especially for Blu-ray fans. The service runs $8.00 a month for unlimited streaming and four DVD rental credits. If you want to upgrade those to Blu-ray, it's just a buck more. So for $9.00 a month you get four Blu-ray rental credits, each good for a one day rental – that's $1.50 each so the total comes to $6.00. That leaves $3.00 for unlimited streaming on iOS and Android devices, TVs and other gear from Samsung and LG as well as Google TV. Not a bad deal by any means, and a welcome alternative to Netflix. We'll let you know more about beta information as soon as we have it. Source: Home Media MagazinePosted Thu Dec 13, 2012 at 11:00 AM PST by: -
CALM Goes In Effect Today – Commercials are Getting Quieter[teaser]It's been a long time coming, but commercials are finally getting toned down. [/teaser] So there you are, watching your favorite show. You're really invested in the plot that's unfolding – the main character is going through some sort of emotional trauma and you're on the edge of tears. Then bam, a commercial comes on that's so loud it jolts you out of your mood. Commercials are interruption enough, but when they're significantly louder than the show you're watching, they can be downright infuriating. The Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation Act, otherwise known as CALM, is in effect as of today. This requires that ads be brought down to a level that's manageable and won't blow out your eardrums unexpectedly. The CALM act has no influence on the quality of ads though, so expect more talking babies and anthropomorphized animals. Source: EngadgetPosted Thu Dec 13, 2012 at 09:00 AM PST by: -
Apple Continues to Test TV Designs[teaser]Nothing's on the way just yet, and there might be any time soon, but that won't stop Apple from being prepared. [/teaser] There seems to be a constant rumor floating around of an Apple branded TV being released to consumers and there's plenty to support that – namely the fact that they seem to constantly be testing out new hardware. The Wall Street Journal has reported that Apple has been working on TV hardware for years with companies like Sharp and Foxconn. It seems like Apple wants to do more than just build a TV with an Apple TV interface built in – the company wants to make a fundamental shift to the way TV is consumed. That's going to take more than just a bit of hardware. So while Apple will certainly continue to play around with making the TV itself, we're guessing we won't see anything for quite some time. Source: EngadgetPosted Wed Dec 12, 2012 at 09:00 AM PST by: -
Verizon Patents a DVR That Watches You[teaser]The device uses a microphone and camera to track your actions for advertising purposes. [/teaser] We've all heard that old conspiracy theory that the government watches us through our TVs but, up until recently, the technology hasn't even been in place to allow that. Verizon's new patent reveals that it's not necessarily the government that wants to spy on our personal habits – it’s the advertisers. Verizon's patented DVR includes both a camera and a microphone so that your activities can be monitored. The DVR is programmed to recognize certain behaviors and target advertising to those participating in them. The patent suggests two such options. The sounds of an argument could prompt ads for marriage counseling while sounds of "cuddling" – the parentheses are theirs – would trigger ads for contraceptives. Verizon isn't the first company to patent this kind of products, but like Comcast and Google before them, they've yet to actually turn it into a real thing. Source: Electronic HousePosted Tue Dec 11, 2012 at 09:00 AM PST by: -
Netflix Upgrades 1080p Encoding for More Detail at Lower Bitrates[teaser]Some users, however, are reporting a softer picture from the new encoding. [/teaser] If you're a Netflix user, you may have noticed a change to the top-tier of HD streaming. The former top tier, known as X-High, has now been downgraded and another has taken its place. Netflix says that the new encoding allows for "a better picture quality at a lower bitrate," and that you'll find additional detail in things like trees, shadows, skies and faces. The company also says that thanks to the lower bitrate, those with slower internet connections will be able to enjoy HD. Some users, however, have reported that they're seeing a softer picture than they used to. If you've noticed a change, for better or for worse, hit up the forums and let us know. Source: EngadgetPosted Tue Dec 11, 2012 at 07:00 AM PST by: -
Silicon Image is Bringing Wireless HDMI to Tablets and Smartphones[teaser]According to the company, the chip needed will only cost around $10. [/teaser] While we do currently have the ability to send video from our phones to our TVs there isn't yet a truly elegant way to do so. We're limited to either plugging the phone in to the TV or dealing with a sub-par wireless connection that lacks in terms of quality. Silicon Image says that its new UltraGig 6400 WirlessHD transmitter is capable of granting wireless streaming from a phone to a TV at high quality. The chip itself is just 10mm by 7mm and takes up less power than most phone displays when in use. Silicon Image says we can expect 1080p video and a latency of merely 5ms. Source: EngadgetPosted Mon Dec 10, 2012 at 09:00 AM PST by: -
Disney and Netflix Announce a Huge Multi-Year Deal Starting in 2016[teaser]Disney has made Netflix the exclusive pay-TV service for first run feature films. That also includes Pixar, Marvel and, of course, Lucasfilm. [/teaser] Streaming services have been gaining a lot of traction as alternatives to traditional pay TV channels like HBO and Showtime, so much so that Disney has just signed a massive deal with the folks at Netflix. Starting in 2016, Netflix will be the place to go to watch new Disney films in the pay-TV window. That's the bit that happens a bit after DVDs and Blu-rays come out, but before the movie makes it to normal TV and other services. Adding a few great catalog titles like 'Alice in Wonderland' is nice and getting Disney films early is certainly a big deal, the real victory here is none other than 'Star Wars.' The deal starts in 2016, and we're expecting that the first big movie to make it to Netflix as part of this arrangement is the newest 'Star Wars' film – due out in 2015. Source: Home Media MagazinePosted Fri Dec 7, 2012 at 09:00 AM PST by: -
Redbox Instant Gets Delayed to 2013[teaser]The service, which was originally set to release this year, will now be coming in the spring of next year. [/teaser] Redbox Instant has been a hotly anticipated service since it was announced but it looks like those hoping for a Netflix alternative will have to wait at least another few months. Though Redbox Instant was set to come out before the end of this year, the company has announced that they'll be delaying things until the spring of 2013. Verizon chair Lowell McAdam says that Redbox Instant is still in private beta within the company and that in January they'll be opening up a public beta. "We’re cautiously optimistic [about its potential]," he says, "but [you don’t know] until you’re out in the market for six months or so." What might be telling about this delay is that it comes just days after the pricing structure was leaked online. Much of this could be based on the response of potential customers to the pricing and availability of films. Source: Home Media MagazinePosted Fri Dec 7, 2012 at 07:00 AM PST by:
