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iTunes tvOS 12 Beta Launches UHD & HD Dolby Atmos Support on Apple TV 4K[teaser]The first iTunes titles with Dolby Atmos audio are now available.[/teaser] With the launch of the tvOS 12 beta in June, Dolby Atmos support finally arrived on the Apple TV 4K. And though initial playback was limited to VUDU streaming titles, Apple has now started to add Atmos audio to several films through its iTunes app. Per a tip from HDD reader Bobby Stryker, iTunes now offers a growing collection of Dolby Atmos titles via the tvOS 12 beta on the Apple TV 4K. Atmos support is available whether streaming supported titles in HD or 4K HDR (when available). Likewise, Atmos tracks appear to be available for compatible titles regardless of how they were added to a user's library. This includes Blu-ray digital code redemptions, Ultra HD Blu-ray digital code redemptions, and iTunes store purchases. The initial selection includes a mixture of 4K and HD movies. For instance, Gravity is currently playable with a Dolby Atmos soundtrack but is not yet available in 4K. With that said, some titles known to have Dolby Atmos mixes, like Wonder Woman, are still only playable in 5.1. Likewise, the current iTunes spec details for some titles are not fully accurate just yet, as some movies are listed as having Atmos but still only play in 5.1 or 7.1. This will likely be corrected once the official release of tvOS 12 is launched in the fall. Here's a rundown of some notable titles currently listed with Dolby Atmos audio through iTunes: Ready Player One A Quiet Place Red Sparrow War for the Planet of the Apes Deadpool 2 Transformers: Age of Extinction The Shallows Leon the Professional Pacific Rim Man of Steel The Martian Mad Max: Fury Road Logan Kong Skull Island Kingsman: The Golden Circle John Wick In the Heart of the Sea Alien Covenant The Greatest Showman Annihilation The Fifth Element John Wick 2 La La Land American Sniper Bram Stoker's Dracula Blade Runner 2049 Deadpool Fury Gravity Beyond iTunes, the tvOS 12 beta also currently offers Atmos support through the VUDU app on the Apple TV 4K. Likewise, Atmos support is also set to be available for select Netflix titles. For more information on the beta, be sure to check out our initial impressions HERE. The full version of tvOS 12 is expected to launch in September. The Apple TV 4K utilizes the A10X Fusion chip and offers 4K playback capabilities at up to 60 frames per second with support for Dolby Vision and HDR10 content. In addition, the device includes 4K scaling for HD sources, Siri voice search, iCloud support for media sharing, standard AirPlay capabilities, and the ability to serve as a smart home hub for HomeKit accessories with remote access and automated control. Apple TV 4K models are now available in 32GB ($179) and 64GB ($199) versions. Source: iTunesPosted Mon Aug 20, 2018 at 10:05 AM PDT by: -
Coming Soon to Streaming: Marvel's Iron Fist, Alfonso Cuarón's Roma, and More[teaser]The latest film from the director of Gravity and the second season of Marvel's Iron Fist headline 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. In addition, Hulu has announced the streaming debut of Jeopardy! with Alex Trebek on its platform. Here's a full rundown of titles scheduled to arrive on each service: Follow This (Netflix, August 23) - In partnership with BuzzFeed, this pop-doc series takes viewers behind-the-scenes of BuzzFeed’s award-winning journalism — exploring stories through the lens and personalities of its diverse editorial team. Each episode will immerse viewers in a variety of topics and settings worldwide — from unexpected underground phenomenons to evergreen global conversations. Follow This is produced by BuzzFeed News; Jessica Harrop serves as Showrunner. Bert Kreischer: Secret Time (Netflix, August 24) - Comedian Bert Kreischer is ready to take his shirt off and “party hardy” with his debut Netflix Original stand-up special, Bert Kreischer: Secret Time. Considered one of the best storytellers of his generation, Bert regales the audience at the Trocadero Theatre in Philadelphia with stories about zip-lining with his family, his daughter practicing softball with an imaginary ball, and upstaging ex-NBA player Ralph Sampson at a childhood basketball camp. Marvel’s Iron Fist: Season 2 (Netflix, September 7) - Billionaire Danny Rand (Finn Jones) returns to New York City after being missing for years, trying to reconnect with his past and his family legacy. He fights against the criminal element corrupting New York City with his martial arts mastery and ability to summon the awesome power of the fiery Iron Fist. City of Joy (Netflix, September 7) - Follows the unlikely friendship that develops between Congolese doctor Dr. Denis Mukwege (2016 Nominee for the Nobel Peace Prize), The Vagina Monologues playwright Eve Ensler, and a charismatic Congolese human rights activist who join forces to create a safe haven for women survivors in the middle of violence-torn Eastern Congo. Next Gen (Netflix, September 7) - A friendship with a top-secret robot turns a lonely girl's life into a thrilling adventure as they take on bullies, evil bots, and a scheming madman. Starring John Krasinski, Charlyne Yi, and Jason Sudeikis. From directors Kevin R. Adams, Joe Ksander. The Angel (Netflix, September 14) - Directed by Ariel Vromen, The Angel is the true story of Ashraf Marwan, who was Egyptian President Nasser's son-in-law, and special advisor and confidant to his successor Anwar Sadat, while simultaneously one of Israeli Intelligence's most precious assets of the 20th century. Wild District (Netflix, October 19) - Jhon Jeiver, a lethal guerrilla fighter who escapes the jungle after the signing of the Colombian Peace Agreements. He arrives in Bogotá escaping from his past, and tries to reinsert himself in society while looking to reconnect with his long lost family. But he soon finds himself wrapped in a web of crime and corruption, struggling to understand the ways of the concrete jungle, protect his family from his past, and faced with the moral dilemma of choosing what side of the law he wants to be on Roma (Netflix, Coming Soon) - The most personal project to date from Academy Award-winning director and writer Alfonso Cuarón (Gravity, Children of Men, Y Tu Mama Tambien), ROMA follows Cleo (Yalitza Aparicio), a young domestic worker for a family in the middle-class neighborhood of Roma in Mexico City. Delivering an artful love letter to the women who raised him, Cuarón draws on his own childhood to create a vivid and emotional portrait of domestic strife and social hierarchy amidst political turmoil of the 1970s. Cuarón’s first project since the groundbreaking Gravity in 2013, ROMA will be available in theaters and on Netflix later this year. In addition, Netflix and Sky Dance Media have revealed two new cast additions to Michael Bay's upcoming original film 6 Underground starring Ryan Reynolds. Mélanie Laurent and Payman Maadi will join the previously announced ensemble, which also includes Reynolds, Corey Hawkins, Adria Arjona, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, Ben Hardy, Lior Raz, and Dave Franco. Though full plot details have not been revealed yet, the action film is based on an original idea from writers and executive producers Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick (Deadpool, Deadpool 2). Director Michael Bay will produce, along with David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, Don Granger, and Ian Bryce The Romanoffs (Amazon Prime Video, October 12) - From the creator of Mad Men, The Romanoffs is a contemporary anthology series set around the globe featuring eight separate stories about people who believe themselves to be descendants of the Russian royal family. Starring Aaron Eckhart, Diane Lane, Isabelle Huppert, Christina Hendricks, John Slattery, Amanda Peet, Jack Huston, Kathryn Hahn, Noah Wyle, Paul Reiser, Andrew Rannells and more. Finally, Jeopardy! is now available to stream on Hulu. As part of the game show's streaming debut, the platform is now offering curated collections of some of the series' flagship special events, including a Tournament of Champions, a College Championship, a Kids Week, and the Battle of the Decades. In addition, Hulu will continue to offer a refreshed selection of popular Jeopardy! episodes with host Alex Trebek. - 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. - A current Hulu subscription starts at $8 per month with commercials. In addition, ad-free playback is available for $12 per month. Sources: Netflix (YouTube), Hulu (YouTube), Amazon (YouTube)Posted Fri Aug 17, 2018 at 12:35 PM PDT by: -
Samsung Details Pricing & Availability for New Dolby Atmos & DTS:X Sound Bars[teaser]Two new immersive audio sound bars have been revealed.[/teaser] Samsung has announced the launch of its latest premium sound bar lineup. The new HW-N950 and HW-N850 have both been developed in partnership with Harman Kardon, and are set to start shipping on August 20. "Our collaboration with Harman Kardon – an audio leader for 65 years – is a major leap forward as we continue to push the boundaries of premium sound and design for our consumers," said Jongsuk Chu, Senior Vice President of Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. "Samsung’s market leading display technology and design paired with premium sound quality of Harman Kardon products is a winning combination for consumers." Both sound bar modes feature support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X immersive audio formats. The HW-N950 features a main sound bar unit with up-firing and side-firing speakers, two wireless surround sound speakers with up-firing drivers, and a wireless subwoofer to complete a full 7.1.4 system. Meanwhile, the HW-N850 features a main sound bar unit with up-firing and side-firing speakers and a wireless subwoofer to complete a 5.1.2 channel system. In addition, both models have been certified by Harman Kardon through objective and subjective testing. "Samsung is the world leader in soundbars and we are extremely proud that they are enlisting HARMAN to enhance their audio quality and play a key role in growing their premium soundbar business," said Dave Rogers, President of Consumer Audio at HARMAN. "Partnering with Samsung, one of the most admired brands in the world, will broaden the reach and appeal of Harman Kardon and help us build our business in other consumer and car audio branded solutions. Introducing the new co-branded Samsung Harman Kardon premium soundbars is a win for Samsung, HARMAN and consumers, who now will have the best of video, sound and design altogether in one striking package." The HW-N950 7.1.4 Sound Bar carries an MSRP of $1,700 and the HW-N850 5.1.2 Sound Bar carries an MSRP of $1,198. Source: SamsungPosted Thu Aug 16, 2018 at 08:20 AM PDT by: -
Denon Launches AVR-X3500H Receiver & Apple AirPlay 2 Support[teaser]The company's latest receiver is now available along with an update for AirPlay 2 support.[/teaser] Denon has announced the release of its newest X-Series receiver. The AVR-X3500H is now available for an MSRP of $999. In addition, Denon has also launched a firmware update for Apple AirPlay 2 compatibility on select receivers, including the AVR-X3500H. "Denon consumers are on the technological forefront. They turn to us to ensure they have the latest and greatest features in their AVRs to stay in sync with industry trends, formats and content," said Yoshinori Yamada, technical category director for audio and video at Sound United. "The AVR-X3500H does not deter from this path. Our classic discrete power amplifier design paired with custom-made high current transistors on all channels, compatibility with nearly every advanced AV format, and the added benefit of Amazon Alexa and Apple AirPlay 2 really drive home our dedication to delivering the best home theater experience possible." The 7.2 channel receiver is rated for 105 watts per channel (8ohms, 20Hz-20kHz, 0.08% THD). In addition, the unit offers Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support for 5.1.2 immersive audio systems, along with DTS Virtual:X tech to create virtual height effects in 5.1, 7.1 or even 2.1 configurations. Likewise, the device features an AKM 32-bit DAC with support for ALAC, FLAC and WAV files at up to 24-bit/192-kHz, and 2.8/5.6-MHz DSD files. Video passthrough support for 4K Ultra HD 60Hz video, 4:4:4 Pure Color sub sampling, Dolby Vision, High Dynamic Range (HDR10), Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG), and BT.2020 content is included as well via HDMI with HDCP 2.2. Here's a full rundown of key specs and features per Denon: 7.2 channel AV receiver with 105W per channel (8ohms, 20Hz-20kHz, 0.08% THD) Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and DTS Virtual:X Supports Apple's AirPlay 2 Amazon Alexa voice control compatibility 8 HDMI inputs with full HDCP 2.2 support and 3 HDMI outputs (Main, Sub, Zone 2) Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) (via future firmware update) 4k/60 Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG, 4:4:4 color resolution and BT.2020 Award-winning Denon guided setup assistant and graphical user interface Supports "ihiji Invision" and "Domotz Pro" remote system monitoring and management technology Auto Low Latency Mode for best Xbox one gaming experience (via August 2018 firmware update) Supports Spotify, Pandora, TuneIn, Sirius XM, TIDAL, Amazon Music, Deezer and more Built-in HEOS wireless multi-room audio technology Built-in Wi-Fi with 2.4GHz/5GHz dual band support, plus built-in Bluetooth® High-resolution DSD (2.8/5.6MHz), FLAC, ALAC and WAV support Audyssey MultEQ XT32, Dynamic Volume and Dynamic EQ, LFC and Sub EQ HT CI friendliness - IP control, Web UI, remote management capability via ihiji invision or Domotz pro, HDMI diagnostics mode for on-site trouble-shooting, RS-232C, IR remote in/out, 12 V Trigger output Meanwhile, Denon has also launched Apple AirPlay 2 support for select devices through a new firmware update, including the AVR-X3500H. Apple AirPlay 2 allows users to stream audio from Apple Music, YouTube, Netflix, and more via any iPhone, iPad, Mac or Apple TV to a supported receiver. Likewise, the tech also offers Siri voice control via iPhone/iPad/Mac/Apple TV/HomePod to play Apple Music in a specific room or throughout the house. In addition, users can group Apple AirPlay 2 devices with Apple Music or the Apple Home App for multi-room control. CLICK HERE for a full list of AirPlay 2 compatible Denon, Marantz, and HEOS products. Sources: Denon, Denon via Home Theater ReviewPosted Wed Aug 15, 2018 at 10:45 AM PDT by: -
Ethan Peck Cast as Spock on Star Trek: Discovery[teaser]The iconic character will be featured in the show's upcoming second season.[/teaser] CBS has announced a new cast addition to Star Trek: Discovery. Actor Ethan Peck is set to appear as Spock on the CBS All Access streaming show. The role was first played by Leonard Nimoy in Star Trek: The Original Series and is also currently played by Zachary Quinto in Paramount's big-screen Star Trek franchise. "Through 52 years of television and film, a parallel universe and a mirror universe, Mr. Spock remains the only member of the original bridge crew to span every era of Star Trek," said Executive Producer Alex Kurtzman. "The great Leonard Nimoy, then the brilliant Zachary Quinto, brought incomparable humanity to a character forever torn between logic and emotion. We searched for months for an actor who would, like them, bring his own interpretation to the role. An actor who would, like them, effortlessly embody Spock’s greatest qualities, beyond obvious logic: empathy, intuition, compassion, confusion, and yearning. Ethan Peck walked into the room inhabiting all of these qualities, aware of his daunting responsibility to Leonard, Zack, and the fans, and ready to confront the challenge in the service of protecting and expanding on Spock's legacy. In that spirit, we're thrilled to welcome him to the family." The second season of Star Trek: Discovery is set to premiere on CBS All Access in early 2019. Spock serves as the half human, half Vulcan Science Officer of the U.S.S. Enterprise. Likewise, the character is the foster brother of Michael Burnham (Sonequa Martin-Green), the main character of Discovery. In addition to Spock, season two will also feature actor Anson Mount as Christopher Pike, the original captain of the Enterprise. A current CBS All Access subscription costs $5.99 per month with reduced commercials or $9.99 per month for a commercial-free plan. A new Star Trek series starring Patrick Stewart as Captain Jean-Luc Picard is also in the works for the streaming platform. Source: CBS All AccessPosted Tue Aug 14, 2018 at 12:20 PM PDT by: -
This Week in Gear: Samsung Releases Galaxy Tab S4, Onkyo Distributes TEAC Products, and More[teaser]We've compiled the latest gear news, including the launch of Samsung's new Galaxy tablet, Onkyo's acquisition of TEAC product distribution, 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 launch of Samsung's Galaxy Tab S4 tablet, Onkyo's acquisition of TEAC product distribution in the US, and the integration of Dirac Live into miniDSP's new Streaming HD devices. So, without further ado, here's a rundown of some of the latest gear and tech news: Samsung Releases Galaxy Tab S4 Tablet Samsung has announced the launch of its latest Galaxy tablet. The Galaxy Tab S4 is now available for an MSRP of $650. "At Samsung, we believe tablets play an increasingly important role in making lives easier and improving the mobile experience for everyone," said DJ Koh, President and CEO of Samsung Electronics. "With the Galaxy Tab S4, we’re introducing a premium tablet, equipped with Samsung DeX that helps consumers perform their absolute best wherever they go. We look forward to providing our customers with a sense of leisure and comfort knowing that this new addition to our ecosystem of connected devices is also packed with features to help them stay entertained." The tablet features a 10.5” WQXGA Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 2560x1600, 287 pixels per inch (PPI), and a 16:10 aspect ratio. Under the hood, the device is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 Octa Core (2.35GHz + 1.9GHz) CPU, 4G RAM, and a 7,300mAh Fast Charging battery, all running Android 8.1. 13MP AF rear camera and an 8.0MP front camera are integrated as well. In addition, the unit includes four speakers tuned by AKG, along with Dolby Atmos immersive sound technology. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Tab S4 also offers support for an optional Book Cover Keyboard, allowing customers to switch to the Samsung DeX desktop experience. Likewise, users can connect the tablet to an external monitor with a compatible HDMI to USB-C multi-port adapter. Finally, the unit comes with Samsung's S Pen for note-taking and other productivity tasks. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 is now available in 64GB ($650) and 256GB ($750) models in gray or black. Source: Samsung Onkyo Snags Distribution Rights for TEAC Products in US & Latin America Onkyo USA has announced the acquisition of exclusive distribution rights for TEAC home entertainment products in the US and Latin America. "TEAC is a world-renowned brand with high-quality offerings across a variety of price points that give the line retail flexibility as well as access to a wide audience – from the professional recording studio right down to the casual listener," said Jason Sausto, CEO of Onkyo USA. "Onkyo USA has built its reputation on excellent customer service and channel expertise, and TEAC’s newly refreshed and diverse lineup should benefit from both." The first TEAC products set to be distributed by Onkyo include: NR-7CD Network CD Player / Integrated Amplifier: Reference 7 series all-in-one amplifier, network player and CD player. Supports high-res master audio sources like DSD 5.6MHz and PCM 384kHz/32-bit, MQA formats through online services like TIDAL, and Bluetooth playback. NT-505 USB DAC Network Player: Flagship dual monaural USB DAC with network playback capabilities. Uses AKM VERITA DACs geared towards network audio from PC or NAS (Network Attached Server) devices and controlled via free TEAC apps for iOS and Android smartphones and tablets. Supports services like TIDAL and Qobuz, is Roon compatible, and also features a built-in MQA decoder. CG-10M Master Clock Generator: Master clock generator (MCG) for Hi-Res Audio. Features a crystal oscillator encased in in a temperature-controlled "oven." This creates an accurate 10MHz clock signal which is within ±3 ppb of frequency temperature characteristics and within ±0.1 ppm of frequency precision. TEAC now joins Onkyo USA's existing portfolio of consumer electronics brands, including Onkyo, Pioneer, Pioneer Elite, Integra, and Esoteric. Source: Onkyo MiniDSP Streaming HD (SHD) Series Integrates Dirac Live Tech Dirac Research has announced the inclusion of its Dirac Live room correction platform into miniDSP’s new Streaming HD (SHD) series stereo processor. "Few in the industry are as passionate about audio as those at miniDSP, which is why our years of extensive collaboration have yielded such astounding results," stated Niklas Thorin, Dirac's GM of High Performance. "The Streaming HD series is the ideal product to introduce Dirac Live to the streaming market, as it truly captures the full potential of our room correction capabilities. With this SHD series introduction, the bar has now been raised for high definition audio streaming." 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. The miniDSP SHD series implements this tech into a powerful stereo processor and streamer. The device features a floating point processor, 32bit converters, quad core ARM streamer, multichannel USB audio, and Volumio network audio support. The embedded Volumio network audio music player allows for streamed audio to be controlled through a user's smartphone, tablet, or desktop-based app. The SHD series will include two versions: the SHD full rack mount unit, which is an analog and digital All-In-One-Does-It-All unit; and the SHD Studio, which is a compact, all-digital solution better suited for buyers who already own a DAC. "Regardless of hardware design and sophistication, certain external variables are always going to negatively impact audio quality – that is unless you implement a digital room correction solution like Dirac Live," stated Antoine Rouget, CEO at miniDSP. "Dirac Live reduces these variables and equips our products with the degree of performance consistency necessary to satisfy the discerning ears of the miniDSP community. We're excited to work yet again with Dirac to introduce its Dirac Live room correction solution to the streaming processor market." Source: Dirac Research, miniDSPPosted Tue Aug 14, 2018 at 10:15 AM PDT by: -
Coming Soon to Streaming: Castlevania, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and More[teaser]Vampires, stand-up comics, and a double dose of Paul Rudd are all heading to various streaming platforms.[/teaser] Netflix, Hulu, 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: Magic For Humans (Netflix, August 17) - From baffling people on the street to orchestrating elaborate tricks, Justin Willman blends good-natured magic with grown-up laughs. Stay Here (Netflix, August 17) - Designer Genevieve Gorder and real estate expert Peter Lorimer show property owners how to turn their short-term rentals into moneymaking showstoppers. The After Party (Netflix, August 24) - When an aspiring rapper goes viral for all the wrong reasons, he thinks his career is over. But when his best friend gets them into a wild NYC after party, he gets one more chance to make the impossible happen. The Innocents: Little Secrets (Netflix, August 24) - When teenagers Harry and June run away from their repressive families to be together, they’re derailed by an extraordinary discovery - June’s ability to shape-shift. As the star-crossed lovers struggle to control this strange new power, a mysterious professor reveals that June is not alone: there are more shifters out there like her, and he promises to cure June and reunite her with the mother who deserted her three years ago. But as their journey becomes increasingly fraught with danger, Harry and June's love for each other is tested to breaking point and they're faced with a choice: keep their innocent dream alive, or embrace that their lives have changed and risk everything. Created and written by Hania Elkington and Simon Duric, who also executive produce, The Innocents stars Sorcha Groundsell as June, Percelle Ascott as Harry and Guy Pearce as Halvorson. Elaine Pyke, Charlie Pattinson, and Willow Grylls of New Pictures serve as Executive Producers, along with Farren Blackburn. Blackburn directed six of the eight episodes. Maniac (Netflix, September 21) - Set in a world somewhat like our world, in a time quite similar to our time, Maniac tells the stories of Annie Landsberg (Emma Stone) and Owen Milgrim (Jonah Hill), two strangers drawn to the late stages of a mysterious pharmaceutical trial, each for their own reasons. Annie’s disaffected and aimless, fixated on broken relationships with her mother and her sister; Owen, the fifth son of wealthy New York industrialists, has struggled his whole life with a disputed diagnosis of schizophrenia. Neither of their lives have turned out quite right, and the promise of a new, radical kind of pharmaceutical treatment—a sequence of pills its inventor, Dr. James K. Mantleray (Justin Theroux), claims can repair anything about the mind, be it mental illness or heartbreak—draws them and ten other strangers to the facilities of Neberdine Pharmaceutical and Biotech for a three-day drug trial that will, they’re assured, with no complications or side-effects whatsoever, solve all of their problems, permanently. Things do not go as planned. Maniac is created by Patrick Somerville, and directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga. The Kindergarten Teacher (Netflix, October 12) - Maggie Gyllenhaal plays a Staten Island kindergarten teacher who, when she discovers what may be a gifted five-year-old in her class, becomes fascinated and obsessed with the child, spiraling downward on a dangerous and desperate path in order to nurture his talent. Castlevania: Season 2 (Netflix, October 26) - Inspired by the classic video game series, Castlevania is a dark medieval fantasy following the last surviving member of the disgraced Belmont clan, trying to save Eastern Europe from extinction at the hand of Vlad Dracula Tepe himself. The animated series is from Frederator Studios, a Wow! Unlimited Media company, written by best-selling author and comic book icon Warren Ellis and executive produced by Warren Ellis, Kevin Kolde, Fred Seibert and Adi Shankar. In addition, Netflix is also prepping a new 8-episode comedy series called Living With Yourself. The show stars Paul Rudd as a man struggling with his life who undergoes a novel treatment to become a better person, and finds he’s been replaced by a new and improved version -- revealing that his own worst enemy is himself. Timothy Greenberg serves as creator, showrunner, and executive producer. An exact release date has not been announced yet. Safe Harbour (Hulu, August 24) - On a yachting holiday from Darwin to Indonesia, five Australians come across a broken-down fishing boat, full of desperate asylum seekers. The Australians decide to help, towing the refugees, but when they wake the next morning the fishing boat is gone. Five years later they meet some of the refugees again and learn the truth. Someone cut the rope between the two boats and, as a result, seven people died when the fishing boat sank. The revelation drives a wedge of mistrust between the Australians, as they grapple with protecting themselves and doing the right thing. The refugees struggle with their desire for justice and, possibly, revenge. Old secrets come to light, relationships are shattered and lives are put in danger. And one question hangs over it all – who cut the rope? The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel: Season 2 (Amazon Prime Video, Coming Soon) - In 1958 New York, Midge Maisel's life is on track- husband, kids, and elegant Yom Kippur dinners in their Upper West Side apartment. But when her life takes a surprise turn, she has to quickly decide what else she's good at - and going from housewife to stand-up comic is a wild choice to everyone but her. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel is written and directed by Amy Sherman-Palladino (Gilmore Girls). - 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. - A current Hulu subscription starts at $8 per month with commercials. In addition, ad-free playback is available for $12 per month. Sources: Netflix (YouTube), Hulu (YouTube), Amazon (YouTube)Posted Fri Aug 10, 2018 at 09:45 PM PDT by: -
Epix Launches 4K Ultra HD Support on DISH, T-Mobile’s Layer3 TV, and Apple TV[teaser]The premium cable network now offers on-demand 4K content.[/teaser] Epix has announced the launch of 4K Ultra HD support for select video-on-demand titles. 4K content is currently available to subscribers who use DISH or Layer3 TV services with 4K set-top boxes. Likewise, all Epix users with authenticated pay-TV accounts can also access 4K content through the Epix Apple TV 4K app. "EPIX is committed to embracing new technologies to provide subscribers with the best viewing experience of our premium original programming and movies," said Monty Sarhan, EVP and General Manager of EPIX. "We are pleased to partner with DISH and Layer3 TV to deliver this advanced offering to a wider audience, and look forward to working with more distributors to include 4K Ultra HD as part of their entertainment packages." 4K Ultra HD titles currently available via Epix VOD include movies like Arrival, The Magnificent Seven, Star Trek Beyond, Ben Hur, and Transformers: The Last Knight. In addition, Die Another Day, GoldenEye, Licence To Kill, Tomorrow Never Dies, Goldfinger, From Russia With Love, and The Spy Who Loved Me will be added later this year. With that said, it doesn't look like the network's initial offerings support high dynamic range, though Epix is reportedly considering HDR playback for the future. "While 4K televisions have become a staple in households throughout the U.S., 4K shows and movies are still a bit of a rarity," said Vivek Khemka, DISH executive vice president and chief technology officer. "That's why we're continuously working to bring more of this content into our customers' homes, and are pleased to work with EPIX so subscribers can access more TV in crystal-clear clarity, directly from their Hopper 3 and 4K Joey set-top boxes." Beyond DISH and Layer3 TV, the Epix network is currently available through a variety of cable and satellite packages. Likewise, subscribers with an authenticated pay-TV subscription can watch standard live and on demand Epix content through iPhones, iPads, Apple TV, Amazon Fire Tablets, Amazon Fire TV, Android phones and tablets, Desktop and Laptop Computers (via web browser), Chromecast, Honda, PlayStation 4, Roku devices, Android TVs, TiVo (Premiere, Mini, Roamio, Bolt), and Xbox One. Source: EpixPosted Thu Aug 9, 2018 at 05:15 PM PDT by: -
Roku Channel Free Streaming Service Expands to More Devices[teaser]The company's free streaming channel is no longer exclusive to just Roku products.[/teaser] Roku has announced the expansion of its Roku Channel service to more connected devices. Though previously only available on Roku media players and Roku TVs, The Roku Channel is now accessible with a free Roku account through the web via PCs, laptops, smartphones, and tablets. Likewise, the app is also rolling out to select Samsung Smart TVs. The Roku Channel offers access to a library of free, ad-supported movies and TV shows, including a mix of contemporary titles and classics like The Matrix Trilogy, School of Rock, 50 First Dates, 3rd Rock from the Sun, In the Line of Fire, Blown Away, The Misfits, Bewitched, The Evil Dead, and more -- in HD and surround sound when available. Likewise, the platform also includes access to live TV content from ABC News, Cheddar, Newsy, and PeopleTV. And in addition to expanded Roku Channel support, Roku has also announced a new "Featured Free" category for the Home Screen on its Roku OS. This section offers direct links to free current season TV shows, classic series, and movies from The Roku Channel, ABC, The CW, CW Seed, FOX, Freeform, Pluto TV, Sony Crackle, Tubi and more. Featured Free is now rolling out to Roku devices via a phased software update. "We want to be the best destination for free streaming entertainment. We're delighted to deliver even more value to our customers without subscriptions, complicated logins or fees," said Rob Holmes, Roku’s Vice President of Programming and Engagement. "By expanding The Roku Channel to the Web, we're broadening the access points to high-quality, free streaming entertainment. With Featured Free, we're making it easy for our customers to see the great, free content already available on the Roku platform in one place, while creating value for our content providers by connecting them with Roku’s growing audience." Source: Roku via BusinessWirePosted Thu Aug 9, 2018 at 01:35 PM PDT by: -
Samsung Reveals Galaxy Note9 Smartphone with Dolby Atmos[teaser]The new premium smartphone has been detailed.[/teaser] Samsung has unveiled the latest addition to its Galaxy lineup of mobile devices. The new Galaxy Note9 offers several advanced features, including an intelligent camera, an all-day battery, and more. "The Note has always been our showcase for premium technology and industry-defining innovation, and Galaxy Note9 is no exception. It's designed for a level of performance, power and intelligence that today’s power users want and need," said DJ Koh, President and CEO of IT & Mobile Communications Division, Samsung Electronics. "Note fans are Samsung’s most loyal; we know they want it all, to get the most out of work and play, and Galaxy Note9 is the only phone that can keep up with their busy lives." The smartphone features a 6.4-inch Quad HD+ Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 2960x1440 and 516ppi. Under the hood, the device is powered by a 10nm 64-bit Octa-core processor (Max. 2.8 GHz + 1.7 GHz) running Android 8.1 (Oreo). In addition, the unit features a 4,000mAh battery for long-lasting use and stereo speakers tuned by AKG with Dolby Atmos capabilities to simulate multi-dimensional, 360-degree audio through the speakers or connected headphones. Meanwhile, the Note's S Pen has been upgraded with new Bluetooth Low-Energy (BLE) support, allowing users to take pictures, present slides, play music, and more with just the click of a button. A Rear 12MP Dual Camera with Dual OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) and a Front 8MP camera are integrated as well. The main camera includes advanced noise reduction tech and a Dual Aperture lens which can adjust to light like the human eye. Likewise, the camera offers several advanced intelligent features, including a Scene Optimizer to automatically optimize a photo's saturation, white balance, brightness, and contrast; and Flaw Detection to automatically notify users when a shot is blurry, a subject blinked, there is a smudge on the lens, or backlight issues are degrading the picture quality. Samsung's Galaxy Note9 will be available for pre-order starting August 10. The 128GB model will start hitting carriers and retailers on August 24 for an MSRP of $999.99. Meanwhile, the 512GB model will carry a suggested price of $1,249.99. Carrier and unlocked versions will both be available in Ocean Blue and Lavender Purple colors. Source: SamsungPosted Thu Aug 9, 2018 at 09:30 AM PDT by:
