-
130 Domains Shut Down for Counterfeit Merchandise Including DVDs and Blu-rays[teaser]Faking it is bad business. Among the sites shut down were DVDHood.com, TVDVDSet.com and DVDSetShop.com. [/teaser] Cyber Monday was a big time for businesses and enforcement agencies alike. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency (ICE) shut down 130 domains that were selling counterfeit merchandise of one type or another. ICE worked with a variety of enforcement agencies around the world to get sites like DVDHood.com, TVDVDSet.com and DVDSetShop.com shut down. They had help from agencies in Belgium, Denmark, France, Belgium, Romania and the UK as well as the European Police Office. "Our partnerships enable us to go after criminals who are duping unsuspecting shoppers all over the world," says ICE director John Morton. "This is not an American problem, it is a global one." Source: Home Media MagazinePosted Thu Nov 29, 2012 at 09:00 AM PST by: -
Redbox Continues to Expand in Selling Live Event Tickets[teaser]With only $1 markup over the list price, we're happy to see them keep expanding. [/teaser] Redbox isn't just satisfied with Blu-rays, DVDs and videogames anymore. After testing things out in Philidelphia, the kiosk company is adding more kiosks that sell tickets for live events. Los Angeles is the next up for the live ticket treatment, with LA kiosks soon getting the upgrade. The first event, and thusfar the only one announced, that will take advantage of kiosk ticket sales will be a NASCAR race. Redbox says you'll only be paying $1.00 over list price, and if that means an end to massive service fees, we'll be happy to get all our tickets from kiosks. Source: Home Media MagazinePosted Thu Nov 29, 2012 at 07:00 AM PST by: -
An HDD Quick Look: The Dark Knight Rises FX Second Screen Appby Michael S. Palmer [teaser]While the Blu-ray earned top marks in picture and audio quality, at the time our review was published, The Dark Knight Rises FX App was not fully updated. Now that it is, we wanted to give our readers a quick preview of what they can expect from the Second Screen app -- what's ready now (for free) -- what will go live with the purchase of 'The Dark Knight Rises' Blu-ray.[/teaser] Available only for iOS devices, The Dark Knight Rises FX App is Warners' largest app release thus far, available worldwide in 9 different languages (subtitles for any audio or video, and if your iPad/Pod/Phone's setup in a non-English language, the app's text will be in that language). Funny enough, many of you might already own the app, because it's technically an updated version of the Gotham's Most Wanted app released when the film hit cinemas earlier this summer. If you do own GMW, you've most likely recieved a notice saying there's a new update, which keeps all of GMW's previous features while adding the ability to make a video where a desert cammo Tumbler drives through or you put yourself in the iconic "RISE" Bane poster, and, of course, it now includes content to sync with the Blu-ray. To use the new app when you pick up your Blu-ray on December 4th, simply select the Second Screen option on the Blu-ray's Disc One Main Menu. Your Blu-ray player then searches for any iOS Device on your home network with the installed app and, once found, launches the app and film simultaneously. Designed for both the causal viewer and the hardcore fans, there are two ways to explore the app: Timeline If you've ever used a Second Screen app before, Timeline will be very familiar to you. With the option to Sync Movie to App or Sync App to Movie always available, Timeline offers behind-the-scenes content of all types -- character backstories, featurettes, artwork, excerpts from the film's screenplay, etc -- via interactive thumbnails as the movie plays. And, at any point while watching the film, you can scroll ahead, or back, to access the various topics and special features. Index If you're the type that would rather control the experience than let the film guide you, Index is probably a better option. Setup more like a Special Features disc, everything from the Timeline is distilled into the following catagories: Interestingly, most, if not all, of the Featurette content and videos embedded in the other categories is actually from the Blu-ray combo pack's Disc Two. So you're not really getting new or extra content, but, in the absence of a special feature akin to a Picture-in-Picture track or feature length documentary, it's nice to overlay specific featurettes while watching the film itself. In fact, given what our reviewer said about navigating the vast quantities of Disc Two featurettes, I would say this Second Screen experience takes away any frustration and gives these bonus features added context. Some screens have a DC Comics logo embedded, which opens a web portal over the app so that you can learn more about the comic book origins of specific moments or characters in the film. Others include Flick to Screen content, which are, essentially, short videos and animatics housed on the Blu-ray like Easter Eggs accessible only via the app. Note: Flick to Screen content cannot be played alone (on the Blu-ray, or on the app) -- you must be running the app while a Blu-ray is playing the film. The Dark Knight Rises FX App is available now, and includes a preview of all of the Index categories. Once sync'd to a Blu-ray copy of the film, available on December 3, the app will unlock the rest of the content and then work with or without the Blu-ray (the exception being the Flick to Screen content, as mentioned above).Posted Wed Nov 28, 2012 at 01:10 PM PST by: -
Meridian is Upgrading its Audio Components and Speakers[teaser]Updated versions of the speakers and components will be available before the end of the year. [/teaser] Meridian is one of those "man, if I ever hit it big" kind of brands. They make the gear that most people will never be able to afford, but we still love to drool over – especially those massive speakers. The new DSP7200 L/R speakers and DSP7200 HC center channel certainly fit into that category, and pack a new tweeter as well as better low end audio response. You'll be able to pick these up for $19,000 per speaker in November. Also new are the $22,000 Signature Reference 808v5 CD player, $25,000 861v8 Reference Digital Sound Controller, and the $16,000 818v2 Reference Audio Core. These feature a variety of improvements and will be available in November. Those wishing to upgrade their existing gear will be able to, for a price, come December. Source: TWICEPosted Wed Nov 28, 2012 at 09:00 AM PST by: -
Sharp Announces 32-Inch 4K IGZO Monitors Shipping at $5,500[teaser]We've seen the new screen technology in smaller forms, but this is the biggest IGZO display yet. [/teaser] IGZO is a new tech that Sharp has been playing with for a few years and is finally ready to push out to larger forms. The acronym stands for indium gallium zinc oxide, which replaces the traditional silicon layer of a TV screen. This allows for a few different things, including smaller pictures, faster response times and better power efficiency. There have been a few IGZO products launched thusfar, including today's Aquos Phone Zeta, but none quite this large. The 32 inch PN-K321, which comes out in February, is just 35mm thick and offers up an Ultra HD resolution. Pricing is expected to be 450,000 yen or around $5,500 US. Source: EngadgetPosted Wed Nov 28, 2012 at 07:00 AM PST by: -
SVS Launches its First Sub-$500 Subwoofers[teaser]The SB-1000 and PB-1000 both come in at $499 and bring impressive frequency responses and plenty of power with them. [/teaser] SVS isn't known for having low priced subwoofers, but the SB-1000 and PB-1000 certainly qualify. They're the first subs to come in at less than $500 for SVS. Each sub brings something different to the table, but both bring a lot. The SB-1000 features a 12 inch, front-firing driver that allows for a frequency response from 24Hz to 260Hz. You'll also find a vented pole piece and a power efficient voice-coil that keep the subwoofer cool while its providing the bass. The PB-1000 utilizes a 10 inch driver, but adds a 3.5 inch flow port and brings a frequency response of 19Hz to 270Hz. Source: Electronic HousePosted Tue Nov 27, 2012 at 11:00 AM PST by: -
This Year's Black Friday is the Biggest Shopping Day on Record[teaser]Consumer electronics and media like Blu-rays and DVDs made up for a majority of purchases. [/teaser] As usual, Black Friday was a good day for stores and customers alike, with the former getting more foot traffic and the chance to earn return visits and the latter walking out with amazing deals on different items. Spending was up overall, by $25 per person on average. That number increased for both online and brick and mortar shopping alike. According to the National Retail Federation, media like books, Blu-rays and DVDs were purchased by 39 percent of buyers while consumer electronics were picked up by 37.7 percent. The highest category, as usual, was clothing. There's some debate about how worthwhile sales like these are for retailers, but Shawn DuBravac of the CEA says that retailers know how to make them work. They may be selling at or under cost, but the ability to sell high margin accessories, warranties and even gift cards makes a huge difference. Source: TWICEPosted Tue Nov 27, 2012 at 09:00 AM PST by: -
Sharp Reveals a New 90 Inch LCD[teaser]Don't get too excited though, this one's for commercial use. [/teaser] Every time televisions used for advertising gets bigger, the world gets a little more 'Blade Runner.' The latest is a 90 inch LCD from Sharp that's planned for use in malls, airports and anywhere else that will fit a monstrous LCD. The PN-R903 is made to be stood sideways, and stands six feet eight inches high, which means the people on the TV can easily be the same size as, well, people. That makes for an interesting opportunity, especially for clothing stores. It's an LCD display and is made to be incredibly bright, allowing the set to function in areas with high amounts of ambient light. The R903 is slated to ship in January at a price not yet disclosed. Source: EngadgetPosted Tue Nov 27, 2012 at 07:00 AM PST by: -
High-Def Digest's Favorite Deals for Black Friday 2012Black Friday is a very cool time to pick up cheap gear, but there's a lot to wade through to find the stuff that's actually worth buying. For the average shopper, a $300 TV from a no-name brand may be fine, but it becomes more difficult when you're looking for quality. [teaser]We've looked through the ads, parsed out the goods, and come up with a list of some of the best retail deals available this Black Friday.[/teaser] Keep in mind, this list doesn't include Amazon, which is constantly shifting its deals. Before getting in a 4am line outside your local big box store, make sure you check the net first. You just might find the same deal there, but without the hassle of waiting in the freezing cold. Best Buy Roku 2 XS - $79, XD - $59 Roku makes some of the best set-top streamers on the market, and Best Buy is knocking $20 off of the already low price for Black Friday. For $79, the Roku 2 XS gives you motion control, 1080p video, a free copy of Angry Birds and all of the streaming options you'd expect from Roku. Logitech Harmony 650 - $39 The Harmony 650 goes for around $60 during the rest of the year, so you're getting a good chunk off here. The remote handles up to five different devices and gives you a color screen to assist with control and setup. Denon AVR1613 5.1 Channel Receiver - $274 The AVR1613 is a fairly baseline home theater receiver, including more common features like AirPlay, USB connectivity and Ethernet networking, but for those simply looking for 5.1 channels of quality audio will find Denon's receiver more than adequate – especially at $120 off of its usual price. The Lord of the Rings Blu-ray Trilogy Extended Edition - $39 The whole purpose of the sentences written after each item is to give the reader context, and explain the benefits of something. If you need to know the benefits of picking up 'The Lord of the Rings' on Blu-ray for a surprisingly low price, nothing I write can help you. Panasonic TC-L55ET5 55” TV and SC-HTB350 Soundbar with Wireless Sub - $1,049 This is a pretty slick setup for the price, netting you not only a 55" Panasonic LED backlit set, but a soundbar with a wireless sub as well. The soundbar in question is one of Panasonic's, and it offers you the ability to split the bar apart to create left and right speakers or to recombine it for a simpler setup. Toshiba 40” 40E220U - $179 This is the one that's going to get attention. This is also the one that will almost certainly be available for a very small number of customers. $180 for a 40" set is a ridiculously inexpensive proposition, and one that we'd recommend checking out. HH Gregg Mitsubishi 73" WD73C12 - $799 You'll be hard pressed to find a TV of this size at a lower price. DLPs may have their flaws, but economy isn't one of them. Pioneer VSX822 5.1 Channel Receiver - $199 Normally priced at $379, Pioneer's receiver offers six HDMI inputs, 3D passthrough and the ability to stream from Pandora or straight from your iPhone thanks to AirPlay. It's also a cheaper introduction to entry level receivers than the Denon that Best Buy is selling. Sears Panasonic 50” TC-P50X5 - $299 Sears takes the cake when it comes to a big TV at a low price, helped on by the fact that the $300 Panasonic TC-P50X5 comes from a respectable name, especially in plasmas. The P50X5 isn't perfect though, and is said to cast a bit of green over everything. Sam’s Club LG BP325W 3D Blu-Ray Player $68 LG BP125 Blu-ray Player $38 Sam's Club has the cheapest Blu-ray players from a respectable manufacturer this year, with a pair from LG. The BP125 is the same one that Walmart will be selling for $38 and is about as simple a player as you're going to find in 2012. The BP325W has Wi-Fi built right in to let you access streaming services, plays back 3D Blu-rays and can be controlled by your Android or iOS device with a free app. Walmart Sharp 70” LC70LE640U Aquos LED - $1,798 You might not expect Walmart to top the list in terms of high-end sets but they do. The LC70LE640U is a 70 inch Aquos LED that usually retails at around $2,300. Some stores list it at $1,999 but Walmart beats them out by around $200.Posted Wed Nov 21, 2012 at 12:15 PM PST by: -
Apple TV's 5.1 Update Causing Problems – Customers Downgrading to Solve[teaser]Reports of issues include completely bricked systems thanks to the update. [/teaser] With every new update comes a host of solutions to former problems, but also a variety of new problems. With the 5.1 update to Apple TV though, there appear to be more problems than solutions. Users have been reporting issues ranging from a flaky Wi-Fi connection to completely bricked systems. The best solution at this point seems to be simply not updating, or rolling back your device to 5.0. Apple hasn't released an official comment on the issue as of yet, but with the amount of problems reported, we expect a hotfix will be released before too long. Source: EngadgetPosted Wed Nov 21, 2012 at 11:00 AM PST by:
