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Comcast Won't Count Xfinity Streams on Xbox 360 Against Data Caps[teaser]The company says that the traditional internet isn't used for the streams. [/teaser] The practice of limiting the amount of content that someone can download is a practice that more and more internet providers are adapting, and one that's certainly frustrating to power users and other people who stream and download more than the disappointing limit. The folks at Comcast have some good news for people streaming Xfinity content through their Xbox 360 – none of your activities will count against your data limit. Comcast says that this is because their service eschews the traditional internet and goes through Comcast's own private network. This doesn't apply to Xfinity content accessed through a computer though – that's still capped normally. Source: Home Media MagazinePosted Wed Mar 28, 2012 at 07:00 AM PDT by: -
Atlantic Launches In-Ceiling Speakers[teaser]Out of the five new models, four feature the Trim-Look design. [/teaser] Atlantic Technology's new ICTS-6HT is a new in-ceiling speaker that's available right now. It features a 6.5" woofer that's mounted at a 15 degree angle so you can direct it right toward the listener and a tweeter that pivots up to 30 degrees – it comes in at $400 per speaker. The four other speakers that will be shipping from Atlantic at the end of this month come from the Trim-Look line and all come equipped with thin, magnetically attached grilles that aim to allow the speaker to blend nearly seamlessly. The TLC-6.3 and TLC-8.3, are Tri-Mode speakers that feature dual-voice-coil woofers and two pivoting tweeters. The TLC-6.2 and TLC-8.2 are traditional, single channel speakers with dome tweeters that can be set at 30 degree angles. Source: AtlanticPosted Tue Mar 27, 2012 at 09:00 AM PDT by: -
Onkyo Announces Mid-Range Receivers for May[teaser]They come in at around the $1,000 range and offer 4K upscaling, home networking features, 3D support and more. [/teaser] The latest receivers from Onkyo were designed to offer the best possible quality at a still reasonable price and include quite a few new features. The TX-NR818 ($1,299) and TX-NR717($999) are both 7.2 channel receivers equipped with 4K upscaling for all eight HDMI inputs and you'll find Burr-Brown DACs on all the audio outputs. They sport new 1080p menus that give you a Quick Setup feature so you can get your receiver up and running in no time. The 818 kicks things into high thanks to a dual-core video engine that combines an HQV Vida 1900 processor with a Marvel Qdeo processor that can take you all the way up to a 4K resolution. It also includes Audyssey MultiEQ XT32 and a trio of sound processing modes including DTS Neo:X. Both of Onkyo's mid-range receivers will be shipping in May. Source: OnkyoPosted Tue Mar 27, 2012 at 07:00 AM PDT by: -
Netflix Secures Original Series From Writer/Director Eli Roth[teaser]13 episodes of the serialized murder-mystery-monster drama will be available in 2013. [/teaser] The man behind 'Cabin Fever,' 'Hostel' and the ridiculously wonderful propaganda film 'Nation's Pride' in 'Inglourious Basterds' is going to be making a drama series that's completely exclusive to Netflix. The series is called 'Hemlock Grove' and it's another in the continuing trend of dramatic shows based around magical and mythical creatures. When a young girl is found dead, suspects are everywhere, including a potential werewolf and others. The series stars Famke Janssen, and Bill Skarsgard and will be available to watch on Netflix in 2013. Source: Home Media MagazinePosted Mon Mar 26, 2012 at 07:00 AM PDT by: -
New Onkyo Receivers May Suffer From Defects – Free Repairs Offered[teaser]Onkyo says that the receivers that carry the non-safety related defect were made between November 2011 and January 2012. [/teaser] It's unfortunate, but it happens – products don't always come out flawlessly. Onkyo is dealing with that very problem, and ended up shipping out a good chunk of receivers that are suffering from technical issues. Onkyo wants you to end up with a quality product though, and is offering free repairs to anyone experiencing these issues. First and foremost, nothing is wrong with the receivers that's dangerous. There won't be fires or sparks or anything like that. Onkyo says that there are two big issues here. The first is that the unit may turn off automatically right as you turn it on. The second is that you may be experiencing noise from the speakers when at low volume. Hit up the Onkyo Support Page to find out if your receiver is affected based on the serial number. We've included the full list of receivers below. TX-8050 TX-8255 TX-SR309 TX-NR609 HT-RC360 TX-NR709 TX-NR809 TX-NR1009 TX-NR5009 HT-S3400 (HT-R390) HT-S7409 (TX-NR609) HT-S8409 (TX-NR609)Posted Fri Mar 23, 2012 at 10:40 AM PDT by: -
Blu-ray Player Penetration Exceeds a Quarter of Homes[teaser]We're up to 26%, up significantly from last year. [/teaser] Last year at this time, Blu-ray players were in 18% of homes – nearly one in five. As of the fourth quarter of 2011, we're sitting at a much more comfortable 26%, which shows a steady growth for the high definition format. One unexpected revelation from the 2,000 respondents is that the amount that owned DVD players grew from 87% to 91%. It's not clear from the data what counts as a DVD player though. If the PlayStation 3 counts as a Blu-ray player, would the Xbox 360, a personal computer or a laptop count as a DVD player? If so, that might explain the growth. HDTV and DVR penetration increased a bit too, while high definition cable and satellite service rose to 42% of households. That's a number that seems to go against the losses that cable companies have been taking recently. Source: Home Media MagazinePosted Thu Mar 22, 2012 at 09:00 AM PDT by: -
Sharp 7-Series Shipping Now – 8-Series Coming in Late March/Early April[teaser]Sharp's higher end sets are on their way to stores now, with the 80 behemoth coming later this month. [/teaser] This is a big month for Sharp. Early in March the company's 6-Series TVs shipped out and now their 7 and 8-Series sets are headed to stores. The 7-Series includes a 60" model at $2,299.99 and a 70" at $3,299.99. The sets incorporate built-in Wi-Fi for access to streaming content and social media through Sharp's SmartCentral. They offer active 3D and utilize LED edge lighting. The 8-Series steps it up by adding in the yellow pixel that Sharp has become known for. You'll find the same edge LED lighting in the $2,699.99 60" model and $3,799.99 70" model, but things really get impressive when you go to the largest set. For $5,999.99 you'll get 80" of screen with full array LED backlighting and AquoMotion for a 480Hz refresh rate. Source: ElectonistaPosted Thu Mar 22, 2012 at 07:00 AM PDT by: -
Amazon Secures ABC Family Shows for Streaming[teaser]You'll also be able to find TV shows available on CreateSpace for on-demand DVDs. [/teaser] Amazon has just secured a nice bit of ABC Family TV shows for streaming in its latest deal with Disney. The bit that they're hyping, though, is the availability of 'The Secret Life of the American Teenager' for their CreateSpace on Demand service. You can pick up Volume Seven of the season for $14.99 right now, though there's no Blu-ray currently available. Brad Beale, director of digital video content acquisition for Amazon says that Amazon is only too happy to help bring series to DVD for the first time. "We’re always working to offer our customers more great content," he says, "and The Secret Life of the American Teenager is another example of that." Source: Home Media MagazinePosted Wed Mar 21, 2012 at 09:00 AM PDT by: -
New Pro Control Remotes and Processors Shipping Now[teaser]Both controllers come equipped with a 2.4" LCD touchscreen and backlit buttons. [/teaser] If you're looking for a new controller, Pro Control's latest may be serious contenders. The Pro24.r and Pro 24.z - $249 and $449 respectively – both offer up touchscreen control and additional hard buttons. The Pro 24.z also packs a five-way programmable joystick. At the same price points are the ProLink.r and ProLink.z processors, which pair with the remotes. Each processor gives you complete control over your IR signal, but only the ProLink.z has a ZigBee antenna for use with the Pro24.z. Both controllers and processors are shipping now. An iOS app for the ProLink.z will be coming in April while iOS and Android apps for the remaining devices are due out later this year. Source: Electronic HousePosted Wed Mar 21, 2012 at 07:00 AM PDT by: -
Axiom Launches M100 Omnidirectional Speakers[teaser]You'll find 11 drivers controlled by two stereo DSPs in these speakers. [/teaser] Axiom's new M100 omindirectional, linear field radiating, floorstanding loudspeakers are designed to eliminate the problem of lack of specificity that's commonly associated with bipole/dipole designs. To that end, the rear speakers have been customized and designating left and right channels to better separate rear firing audio. The M100 packs a total of 11 drivers, including four 1" tweeters, four 5-1/4" mids and a trio of 6-1/2" woofers. It's just a half inch short of being four feet tall and comes in at 9-1/4" wide and 17" deep. Axiom M100 floorstanding speakers will be able to be purchased starting on June 15th, directly from Axiom. Pricing will be $3,760 a pair in Boston Cherry or Black Oak. Source: eCousticsPosted Tue Mar 20, 2012 at 11:00 AM PDT by:
