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RIVA Audio Reveals New Voice Series Wireless Speakers with Alexa Support[teaser]The company's first voice-controlled speakers have been unveiled.[/teaser] RIVA Audio has announced the latest additions to its wireless speaker lineup. The new Voice Series includes the RIVA CONCERT ($199) and RIVA STADIUM ($449). "The RIVA CONCERT and STADIUM speakers provide a powerful audio experience that combines high quality sound with smart, voice-forward features," said Pete Thompson, Vice President of the Alexa Voice Service. "We're excited to work with RIVA to bring customers a simple, more natural way to control their music and more." The CONCERT is a compact smart speaker model with an optional battery pack for mobile playback. Meanwhile, the STADIUM is a larger, full-range tabletop model for the home. Both speakers feature RIVA's patented Trillium audio tech marked by three discrete channels for stereophonic playback, along with custom-built ADX drivers. Likewise, the units offer multiple connectivity options, including Dual Band Wi-Fi, AirPlay, DLNA, Bluetooth, a USB input, a 3.5 mm analog input, and an optical input (STADIUM only), along with support for high-resolution music (24-bit/192kHz) playback. In addition, the speakers include integrated Alexa support with advanced voice control and communication options. Here's a full rundown of Alexa features per RIVA: Spotify Voice – use your voice to control Spotify; Multi-Room Playback – play your favorite music throughout the house by connecting multiple compatible Alexa-enabled speakers (coming soon); Alexa Skills – Alexa knows tens of thousands of skills so that you can play games, control smart home devices, hear the news, and more; [US] Alexa Calling and Messaging – use Alexa to call or messages almost anyone, for free [International] Alexa Calling and Messaging – call or messages friends and family on supported Alexa-enabled devices or the Alexa app; Alexa Drop In and Announcements – use Alexa as an intercom to open up instant two-way conversations between rooms or broadcast one-way announcements to compatible devices. "RIVA is delivering the award-winning sound born out of the stadiums, arenas and theaters of the world right into your smart home! We are thrilled to collaborate with Amazon to bring the power of Alexa to the Voice series. Coupled with RIVA's best-in-class audio and innovative features, these speakers deliver a sound so pure that you can hear the future," says Rikki Farr, Chairman and Chief Creative Officer of RIVA Audio. The RIVA Voice Series speakers will be available in the US this fall exclusively through Amazon and rivaaudio.com. In addition, the speakers will be demoed at Amazon's booth at IFA 2018 in Berlin from August 31 to September 5. Source: RIVAPosted Wed Aug 29, 2018 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
New Xbox All Access Plan Includes Console, Game Pass, and Xbox Live Starting at $22 per Month[teaser]Xbox console packages are now available for a monthly fee.[/teaser] Microsoft has announced the launch of its Xbox All Access Plan. The limited time 24-month financing option allows customers to pay for an Xbox One S or Xbox One X console along with a Game Pass and Xbox Live Gold subscription for a monthly price starting at just $22. The Xbox All Access Plan is available for purchase now via Microsoft Store locations. The 0% APR 24-month financing is powered by a Dell Preferred Account, and interested buyers will need to go through an approval process by submitting a DPA application. Here's a rundown of available base packages per Microsoft: Xbox One S All Access Plan Starting at $21.99/month Includes an Xbox One S console + 24 months of Xbox Game Pass and Xbox Live Gold 0% APR for 24 months. No upfront cost. Save 20% with Xbox All Access Powered by Dell Preferred Account Xbox One X All Access Plan Starting at $34.99/month Includes an Xbox One X console + 24 months of Xbox Game Pass and Xbox Live Gold 0% APR for 24 months No upfront cost Powered by Dell Preferred Account The Xbox Game Pass offers access to new games on the day they're released and unlimited access to over 100 more games. Meanwhile, an Xbox Live Gold membership offers online multiplayer capabilities. The Xbox One S and Xbox One X consoles both feature support for HDR gaming, along with integrated Ultra HD Blu-ray players with 4K HDR playback and Dolby Atmos capabilities. In addition, the Xbox One X features beefier specs for higher-res native 4K HDR gameplay. To find a Microsoft Store near you, CLICK HERE. The Xbox All Access Plan will only be available for a limited time while supplies last. Source: MicrosoftPosted Mon Aug 27, 2018 at 10:15 AM PDT by: -
This Week in Gear: LG Expands Google Assistant Support for ThinQ TVs, Yamaha Reveals New MusicCast Amp, and More[teaser]We've compiled the latest gear news, including the expansion of Google Assistant support for LG TVs, Yamaha's latest MusicCast device, and more.[/teaser] From product announcements and streaming app updates to general industry news and recent gear trends, keeping up with the latest tech news can be a daunting task. With that in mind, we're here to offer you a roundup of some of the latest gear and consumer electronics news that you may have missed. For this edition, we're covering the upcoming expansion of Google Assistant support for LG TVs to more markets, Yamaha's new MusicCast amp for custom install users, and the launch of the Dirac Live beta app. So, without further ado, here's a rundown of some of the latest gear and tech news: LG Expands Google Assistant Support for AI ThinQ TVs to More Regions LG has announced plans to expand Google Assistant integration for its 2018 lineup of ThinQ OLED & SUPER UHD TVS to seven more markets, including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, South Korea, Spain, and the United Kingdom. Likewise, the feature will be compatible with up to five languages. The tech launched in the US earlier this year and offers support for advanced AI functions directly through a TV's remote without the need for any additional hardware or devices. "LG's vision is to become a major name in all things AI based on our philosophy of open platform, open partnership and open connectivity," said Brian Kwon, president of LG Home Entertainment Company. "Beyond the unrivaled picture quality that LG’s premium TVs deliver, the Google Assistant offers even more consumers a new level of intelligence in the home, aligned with LG's mission to improve the daily lives of its customers through forward-thinking technology." The Google Assistant for LG ThinQ TVs uses advanced machine learning and natural language processing technologies to allow users to manage daily tasks, access information, and control other compatible smart home devices through the TV's voice functions. In addition, LG's own ThinQ tech allows users to control their displays, change settings, search for content, and activate playback through spoken commands. Users simply need to press and hold the mic button down on their remote, enabling quick access to TV options, content, and information via natural questions and commands like "Switch to Discovery channel," "Search for the soundtrack of this movie," "Turn off the TV when this program is over," or "What’s the weather this weekend?" And beyond integrated Google Assistant support, 2018 LG ThinQ TVs are also compatible with existing Google Assistant products (like the Google Home) in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada -- enabling voice control of the TV through separate Assistant devices. Support for this feature will also be expanded to France, Germany, Japan, and South Korea by the end of 2018. LG will be demoing Google Assistant on its ThinQ lineup at the company's IFA 2018 booth in Berlin from August 31 to September 5. Source: LG Dirac Research Releases New Dirac Live Beta Dirac Research has announced the launch of a beta version of its new Dirac Live room correction mobile and PC app. The beta is now available for users with Arcam, Lexicon, Audio Control, and NAD units. Dirac Live is a patented room correction technology that uses multiple measurement and mixed phase correction to fix the frequency response and impulse response of a room's speaker setup, resulting in a more natural and realistic sound. "Dirac Live has served as the industry’s reference room correction solution since it was first unveiled over five years ago," stated Thorin. "It established a new standard in room correction technology and allowed home theater systems to achieve a new degree in acoustical perfection. However, new UI design and technical advancements have inspired us to reimagine the Dirac Live solution for its second generation – combining the brilliance of the first-generation solution with recent market developments to usher in a new era of Dirac Live. We look forward to showcasing its beta at CEDIA 2018!" The new Dirac Live beta offers an upgrade UI design, along with improved system setup and technical performance. Likewise, the new version presents a more guided process to ensure users are taking the correct steps and that the best settings are being employed. In addition, the beta uses an enhanced phase correction algorithm for improved stereo reproduction. The new Dirac Live beta will be demoed at the company's CEDIA 2018 booth in San Diego from September 4 through September 8. Source: Dirac Research Yamaha Details New MusicCast Multi-Room Amplifier for Custom-Install Market Yamaha has revealed its latest MusicCast device. The XDA-QS5400RK MusicCast Multi-Room Streaming Amplifier is designed for the custom integration market. "Our AVENTAGE AV receiver line has long been a choice of custom integrators for building state-of-the-art surround sound systems. Now we're making it easier than ever for integrators to expand beyond the home theater, to bring Yamaha true sound and reliability to every room in a home," said Robert Goedken, general manager, AV division, Yamaha Corporation of America. "The Yamaha MusicCast ecosystem keeps getting better and custom integrators are going to love the QS." The XDA-QS5400RK offers support for four zones of streaming audio with eight channels of amplification, making it ideal for powering outdoor speakers or in-ceiling speakers throughout a user's home. The unit features an ultra-slim, space-efficient 1U-tall rack-mountable enclosure with removable rack ears and a faceplate. Under the hood, the device uses dual 384kHz/32-bit ESS Sabre digital-to-analog converters (DACs), and ultra-efficient ICEpower integrated circuits. The amp is rated for 50 watts/channel (8 ohms), a 10 Hz to 22 kHz (+0/-3 dB) frequency response, and 106 dB signal-to-noise ratio. Support for Yamaha's MusicCast wireless multiroom audio solution is integrated as well. With MusicCast, users can stream music through a simple Android or iOS app, and easily link to other MusicCast products like speakers, AV receivers, and Hi-Fi gear in other rooms to share music throughout the home. Likewise, MusicCast offers streaming support for services like Spotify, Pandora, SiriusXM Internet Radio, SiriusXM Music for Business, TIDAL, Deezer, and Napster. In addition, the platform includes high-resolution playback at up to 192kHz/24-bit. The Yamaha XDA-QS5400RK MusicCast Multi-Room Streaming Amplifier is set to launch in November for an MSRP of $2,699.95. Source: YamahaPosted Fri Aug 24, 2018 at 09:30 PM PDT by: -
Coming Soon to Streaming: Outlaw King, The Man In The High Castle, and More[teaser]A new film starring Chris Pine and the third season of The Man in the High Castle are among this week's crop of streaming trailers.[/teaser] Netflix and Amazon have released new previews and info for several of their upcoming programs and films. Here's a full rundown of titles scheduled to arrive on each service: Atypical: Season 2 (Netflix, September 7) - A coming of age story that follows Sam (played by Keir Gilchrist), an 18-year-old on the autistic spectrum as he searches for love and independence. While Sam is on his funny and emotional journey of self-discovery, the rest of his family must grapple with change in their own lives as they all struggle with the central theme: what does it really mean to be normal? Jennifer Jason Leigh stars as his mother, Elsa, who is on her own journey of self-discovery. Michael Rapaport plays his father, Doug. Brigette Lundy-Paine (Margot vs Lily, The Glass Castle) plays Sam’s sister, Casey, and Amy Okuda (How to Get Away with Murder) plays a therapist, Julia. Additional cast includes Nik Dodani (Alex Strangelove) who plays Sam's best friend, Zahid, and Jenna Boyd plays Paige, Sam's on again, off again girlfriend. Cable Girls: Season 3 (Netflix, September 7) - Welcome to the 30's. This season, they'll have to stand their ground. Coming 7 September. Watch Las Chicas Del Cable on Netflix: LINK Season 3 of Netflix's first original Spanish series features Blanca Suárez, Ana Fernández, Nadia de Santiago, Maggie Civantos, Ana Polvorosa, Yon González, and Martiño Rivas, among others. American Vandal: Season 2 (Netflix, September 14) - Milk, milk, lemonade…around the corner, justice is made. Filmmakers Peter Maldonado and Sam Ecklund point their investigative lens at St. Bernardine, a private high school recently terrorized by a vandal known only as The Turd Burglar. Kevin McClain, a junior, has been expelled and awaits trial for the crimes. But is justice being served? Is the system rigged against the disenfranchised? And who is The Turd Burglar? From creators Tony Yacenda and Dan Perrault, and showrunner Dan Lagana, comes the second season of the Emmy-nominated satirical true crime series, American Vandal. The Land of Steady Habits (Netflix, September 14) - Feeling trapped in the stifling, wealthy enclave of Westport, Connecticut, Anders Hill (Ben Mendelsohn) retires from his job in finance and leaves his wife (Edie Falco) in the hopes that it will renew his lust for life. However, he’s quickly faced with the startling reality of his choices; he spends his days looking for things to decorate his empty shelves, sleeping with strangers and feeling terribly lost. Ingobernable: Season 2 (Netflix, September 14) - Emilia Urquiza (Kate del Castillo) will become a true revolutionary leader. She will come to the realization that corruption is not only found in her country, but also within her own family. This awakening will be linked to a long quest to save her daughter María while still discovering what is really behind the Urquiza legacy. Ingobernable is produced by Argos and created by Epigmenio Ibarra, Veronica Velasco and Natasha Ybarra-Klor. Additionally, Epigmenio Ibarra, Veronica Velasco and Arturo del Rio serve as executive producers while Julian Meiojas and Natasha Ybarra-Klor as lead writers and co-executive producers for the series. The series is directed by Lucia Puenzo, Pedro Pablo “Pitipol" Ibarra and Carlos Carrera. Hold The Dark (Netflix, September 28) - Retired naturalist and wolf expert Russell Core (Jeffrey Wright) journeys to the edge of civilization in northern Alaska at the pleading of Medora Slone (Riley Keogh), a young mother whose son was killed by a pack of wolves. As Core attempts to help Medora track down the wolves who took her son, a strange and dangerous relationship develops between the two lonely souls. But when Medora's husband Vernon (Alexander Skarsgard) returns home from the Iraq War, the news of his child's death ignites a violent chain of events. As local cop, Donald Marium (James Badge Dale), races to stop Vernon’s vengeful rampage, Core is forced on a perilous odyssey into the heart of darkness. Outlaw King (Netflix, November 9) - The untold, true story of Robert The Bruce who transformed from defeated nobleman, to reluctant King, to outlaw hero over the course of an extraordinary year. Forced into battle in order to save his family, his people and his country from the oppressive English occupation of medieval Scotland, Robert seizes the Scottish crown and rallies a ragtag group of men to face off against the wrath of the world's strongest army lead by the ferocious King Edward 1 and his volatile son, the Prince of Wales. King Lear (Amazon Prime Video, September 28) - Set in the fictional present and starring Anthony Hopkins, the 80 year-old King Lear divides his kingdom among his daughters, Goneril, Regan and Cordelia, according to their affection for him. When his youngest daughter, Cordelia, refuses to flatter him, hurt and angry Lear banishes her. With that fateful decision, family and state collapse into chaos and warfare. The Man In The High Castle: Season 3 (Amazon Prime Video, October 5) - Based on Philip K. Dick’s award-winning 1962 alternate history novel, The Man in the High Castle explores what would have happened if the Allied Powers had lost World War II. Season three of the Emmy award-winning The Man in the High Castle finds Juliana Crain (Alexa Davalos) grappling with her destiny after seeking safety in the Neutral Zone. Realizing that their fates are intertwined, she works with Trade Minister Tagomi (Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa) to interpret the mystery of the last remaining films. Meanwhile, as tensions between the Reich and the Empire continue to rise, Joe Blake (Luke Kleintank) returns from Berlin and is sent on a diplomatic mission to San Francisco, where he and Juliana reunite and come to a turning point in their relationship. Also in the new season, Obergruppenfuhrer John Smith (Rufus Sewell) finds himself celebrated by Nazi high society, but political forces are closing in as North American Reischsmarschall Lincoln Rockwell and J. Edgar Hoover plot against him. Helen (Chelah Horsdal) takes drastic action to protect her family while they struggle with the aftermath of Thomas’ death, and Smith learns of a shocking and ambitious new Nazi program that has personal and global ramifications. - A current Netflix subscription starts at $11 per month for HD streaming and $14 per month for Ultra HD streaming. - A current Amazon Prime subscription costs $119 per year or $13 per month. Likewise, Prime Instant Video is available as a standalone service for $9 per month. Sources: Netflix (YouTube), Amazon (YouTube)Posted Fri Aug 24, 2018 at 04:30 PM PDT by: -
Samsung Debuts CJG5 Curved Gaming Monitor[teaser]The company's latest curved-screen monitor has been revealed.[/teaser] To coincide with the Gamescom 2018 trade show, Samsung has introduced its new CJG5 Curved Gaming Monitor. The display will be available in 32-inch (C32JG5) and 27-inch (C27JG5) models. The CJG5 features a three-sided bezel-less design with a curved 1800R VA panel, WQHD (2,560 x 1,440) resolution, a 3,000:1 contrast ratio, and a 144Hz refresh rate. In addition, the display offers game and cinema modes to automatically optimize the black gamma level, contrast, sharpness, and saturation. Settings can also be checked and adjusted via a game-dedicated On Screen Display (OSD) dashboard menu with game style UI. "Due to the rapidly increasing demands of gaming monitors, we sought to offer competitively-priced gaming monitors for more users to benefit from premium technology," said Seog-gi Kim, Executive Vice President of Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. "With the technological expertise that we have accumulated throughout the years, we are making efforts to accelerate the gaming features such as 144Hz and high WQHD resolution, which will be appreciated by the mass market." Here's a full rundown of key specs per Samsung: Model: CJG5 Size: 27”, 32” Design: Curved Display Color: Dark Silver Resolution: 2,560 x 1,440 Aspect Ratio: 16:09 Curvature: 1,800R Panel Type: VA Curved Brightness (Typ.): 300 cd/m2 Viewing Angle: 178o(H)/ 178o(V) Refresh Rate: 144Hz Contrast Ratio (Typ.): 3,000: 1 Response Time: 4ms (GTG) Input Signal: 2x HDMI (1x 2.0, 1x 1.4), 1x DP 1.2, Headphone Exact pricing and availability for the Samsung CJG5 Curved Gaming Monitor have not been announced yet, but the display is expected to launch in the third quarter of 2018 for a "reasonable and affordable price." The monitor is now being demoed at Gamescom 2018 in Cologne, Germany through August 25. Source: SamsungPosted Fri Aug 24, 2018 at 01:40 PM PDT by: -
Pioneer Details Two New Wireless Headphones[teaser]Two new headphone models are now available.[/teaser] Pioneer has announced the latest additions to its headphone lineup. The new models include the C8 (SE-C8TW) and the C7 (SE-C7BT). Both headphones offer support for Bluetooth 4.2 wireless playback, along with the ability to sync with the Pioneer Notification App for Android. Likewise, the units feature a mic to access Siri or Google Assistant functionality from a smartphone. The C8 In-Ear Headphone features a completely cable-free design with ergonomic earbuds and unique L/R shapes. The left earbud controls Power On/Off, Play/Pause, and Previous Track. Meanwhile, the right earbud offers Power On/Off, Play/Pause, Next Track, Receive/End Call, and Voice Assistant controls. In addition, the earbuds feature body-agnostic charging ports, textured silicon sleeves, and an LED battery indicator on the case. Likewise, the case can re-charge the earphones in about one hour. Here's a full rundown of key specs and features per Pioneer: No cables, truly wireless design Built-in Bluetooth® Version 4.2 Pioneer Notification App for Android™ devices About 3 hours continuous playback Included Charging Case with 1-hour recharging The C7 In-Ear Headphone features a soft neckband design with a housing and base made from solid aluminum. In addition, the device is rated for 7 hours of playback and a 1.5 hour recharge time. Likewise, the unit supports Near Field Communication (NFC) to pair the headphones with a compatible device by touching them together. Here's a full rundown of key specs and features per Pioneer: Soft and Comfortable Neckband Design Built-in Bluetooth® Version 4.2 Pioneer Notification App for Android™ devices Approx. 7 hours playback and 1.5-hour Recharge In-Line mic and control for music and calls Available in Black, White, Red, and Gold Pioneer's C8 ($119.99) and C7 ($59.99) are now available for purchase. Source: PioneerPosted Fri Aug 24, 2018 at 08:50 AM PDT by: -
RHA Unveils World’s First Planar Magnetic Wireless In-Ear Headphone[teaser]The new headphones are now available for pre-order.[/teaser] RHA has revealed its latest audio device. The new CL2 Planar Wireless In-Ear Headphone is the first of its kind to use planar magnetic technology. “The combination of industry-leading technology and remarkable materials used in the CL2 Planar results in a headphone like no other," said Colum Fraser, Marketing Manager, RHA. "The miniaturisation of planar magnet technology is a feat of engineering and the sound generated reflects this. As well as being technologically advanced and sounding great, the CL2 Planar is hi-fi Bluetooth compatible. We believe this creates a very special offering for people who love amazing audio and want that experience wherever they are." The CL2 Planar uses the most compact planar magnetic driver ever released. The driver features a ten millimeter diameter with a planar coil and 16-micrometer diaphragm suspended above two matched magnetic fields. Meanwhile, zirconium dioxide provides a near-indestructible housing for the device. Connectivity options include detachable 3.5mm and balanced 2.5mm cables, along with a modified version of RHA's SecureFlex 12-hour Bluetooth neckband for wireless playback. Likewise, the Bluetooth neckband supports aptX and AAC streaming. In addition, the neckband includes a universal remote to switch between music, calls, and digital assistant functions. "At the start of the design process for the CL2 Planar, my team were faced with the challenge of creating a new standard in acoustic engineering," said Kyle Hutchison, Head of Product Design, RHA. "We spent years researching and testing, and what we have produced is a world-first in magnetic driver technology - a true testament to the creativity and innovation at RHA. We needed to develop something strong and aesthetically superior to protect the incredibly intricate driver. The precision-engineered, injection-moulded zirconium dioxide housings are light, durable and scratch resistant. These beautiful pieces are the result of our inventive design, superior workmanship, and years of experience in true-to-life audio." Here's a full rundown of key specs and accessories for the CL2 Planar per RHA: Weight: 9g (housings only) Material: Zirconium Frequency range: 16Hz – 45,000 Hz (wired connections) Driver: Planar Magnetic Bluetooth version: 4.1 Range: 10m (unobstructed) Bluetooth codecs: SBC, AAC, aptX Battery: Lithium polymer rechargeable Battery life: 12 hours (60%) Charging: USB C 1.5 hours from 0% Remote & mic: 3-button, universal Braided Ag4x silver coated cable: MMCX – 2.5mm balanced Braided oxygen-free copper (OFC) cable: MMCX – 3.5mm SecureFlex Bluetooth neckband: MMCX Flight case Carry pouch Stainless steel ear tip holder USB C charging cable Flight adapter Dual density silicone ear tips: 2xS, 2xM, 2xL Double flange silicone ear tips: 1xS, 1xL Comply™ Foam Tsx400 ear tips: 3xM Sports clip The RHA CL2 Planar Wireless In-Ear Headphone is now available for pre-order for $899.95. The device is expected to start shipping on September 12. Source: RHA AudioPosted Thu Aug 23, 2018 at 10:55 AM PDT by: -
HDD Gear Deals: Up to $600 Off VIZIO P-Seres Quantum 4K HDR TV[teaser]The company's premium 4K TV is now on sale![/teaser] As part of a special Labor Day promotion, VIZIO is offering up to $600 off its flagship 2018 65-inch P-Series Quantum 4K HDR Smart TV, bringing the price down to as low as $1,499.99. The discount is now live via retailers like Best Buy, Costco, and Sams Club, and is set to remain active through September 24. The P-Series Quantum 4K HDR TV features a bezel-less design with 4K Ultra HD resolution and Active Full Array Max powered by 192 zones of local dimming. Likewise, the set includes support for Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG high dynamic range formats with UltraBright 2,000 for up to 2,000 nits of peak brightness and advanced Quantum Color Spectrum technology with a quantum dot film to offer close to 100% P3 wide color gamut coverage and about 82% coverage for the Rec. 2020 gamut. And unlike the company's 2017 display lineup, VIZIO's 2018 models do include TV tuners. In addition, the display uses VIZIO's SmartCast OS with integrated access to popular apps like Netflix, Prime Video, Vudu, iHeartRadio, Crackle and Xumo directly through the TV screen using the included remote. Meanwhile, customers can also download the free SmartCast Mobile app to use their smartphone as a touchscreen remote, and Google Chromecast built-in allows users to cast thousands of Chromecast-enabled apps to the display from their supported mobile device. Finally, voice-control support for Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant is offered as well. Order from Best Buy "The P-Series Quantum combines the best VIZIO picture quality technologies and wraps them in a beautifully modern aesthetic," said Bill Baxter, Chief Technology Officer, VIZIO. "With up to 2,000 nits of peak brightness, 192 zones of local dimming and advanced quantum dot technology, viewers enjoy the ideal blend of brightness, contrast and color for a home-theater experience that rivals the cinema. Our 2018 SmartCast OS opens the door to an expansive collection of streaming options while also allowing the P-Series Quantum to fit seamlessly into Amazon and Google smart home ecosystems thanks to voice-control support." Beyond the P-Series Quantum, VIZIO also recently launched its 2018 E-Series, M-Series, and P-Series 4K HDR TV lineups. Source: VIZIOPosted Wed Aug 22, 2018 at 01:18 PM PDT by: -
JBL Link Bar with Android TV Support Now Available for Pre-Order[teaser]The unique sound bar offers integrated media player and smart speaker capabilities.[/teaser] Per a listing recently posted on B&H Photo, pre-orders are now live for the JBL Link Bar. The sound bar/set-top box/smart speaker hybrid is set to start shipping on October 16 for an MSRP of $399.95. The JBL Link Bar is a stereo sound bar unit rated for up to 100W of total power. In addition to audio playback, the device also features integrated set-top box functionality powered by the Android TV OS, allowing users to stream content from various services. Meanwhile, Google Assistant capabilities and a far-field microphone are built-in as well, enabling voice search and voice control. Likewise, the included remote control also features an integrated microphone for spoken commands. Connectivity options include three 4K compatible HDMI inputs, one HDMI output with ARC, an optical port, an 1/8" AUX input, and an Ethernet port, along with wireless Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support. And beyond integrated Android TV streaming, the Link Bar also includes Chromecast built-in functionality, allowing users to cast music, radio, or podcasts from compatible mobile devices to the sound bar. Likewise, the unit offers high-definition audio streaming support for up to 24-bit / 96 kHz media. In addition, the sound bar can be used in multi-room configurations to stream the same audio in multiple rooms throughout a user's home. Finally, an optional wireless subwoofer is also set to be available. Here's a full rundown of key specs and features per JBL and B&H Photo: Stereo Configuration Up to 100W of Total Power Android TV & Google Assistant Built-In Built-In Wi-Fi & Ethernet Connectivity Chromecast built-in Bluetooth Audio Streaming Optical, 1/8", 3x HDMI-In 1x HDMI Out with ARC High-Resolution Audio Playback PrivacySwitch for Far-Field Microphone Source: B&H Photo via EngadgetPosted Tue Aug 21, 2018 at 04:00 PM PDT by: -
Hisense Releases R6E 4K UHD Roku TV Lineup[teaser]The affordable entry-level 4K HDR Roku TV Series is now available.[/teaser] Hisense has announced the launch of its latest Roku TV collection. The R6E Series starts at just $298 and includes models ranging in size from 43-inches to 65-inches. "After such a positive response from consumers about the R7, we are excited to bring our loyal customers another option that will excel in terms of connectivity and user experience," says Peter Erdman, VP of Marketing and Business Development, Hisense USA. "We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Roku and provide their exceptional smart TV platform to our customers." The R6E Roku TV collection features 4K UHD resolution, HDR10 support and 10-bit colorimetry. In addition, the displays offer Motion Rate processing and up to 30 watts of sound with DTS Studio Sound tech. Dual-Band Wi-Fi connectivity is integrated as well, and the TVs use the Roku OS platform with access to more than 500,000+ movies and TV episodes, including The Roku Channel and the Roku 4K Spotlight Channel. Likewise, users can download the Roku mobile app for iOS or Android, enabling TV control through a smartphone with keyboard access, voice search, private listening with headphones, and more. Here's a full rundown of key specs and pricing for the Hisense 4K UHD R6E Roku TV Series: 4K Ultra HD Resolution HDR-10 UHD Upscaling Motion Rate 120 10-bit colorimetry 5,000+ streaming channels 500,000+ movies and TV episodes to stream 30 watts of sound on the 65” 20 watts of sound on the 50” and 55” 14 watts of sound on the 43” 43” MSRP: $298 50” MSRP: $328 55” MSRP: $398 60” MSRP: $498 65” MSRP: $648 Hisense's R6E Roku TV Series is now available at Walmart stores and through Walmart.com. The collection joins the previously released R7 Series (full review here). Source: HisensePosted Mon Aug 20, 2018 at 02:25 PM PDT by:
