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Amazon Prime Day Deals: Xbox One S, 4K Displays, Nintendo Switch, and More[teaser]Prime Day continues with even more great discounts![/teaser] Amazon Prime Day is still in full swing and the deals keep coming. Here's another rundown of some notable discounts on electronics: Sony KD49X720E 49-Inch 4K Ultra HD Smart LED TV (2017 Model) - $438 (37% off) Hisense 43 Inches 4K Smart LED TV 43H6080E - $240 (31% off) Xbox One S 1TB Console - Starter Bundle - $230 (23% off) Nintendo Switch + SanDisk 64GB + $20 eShop Gift Card - $300 (12% off) Nintendo New 3DS XL - Super NES Edition - $150 (25% off) Samsung U28E590D 28-Inch UHD LED-Lit Monitor - $250 (21% off) Acer G276HL Kbix 27" Full HD VA Zero Frame Monitor - $115 (32% off) VIZIO SB3621n-E8C 2.1 Soundbar (Manufacturer Certified Refurbished) - $100 (33% off) These deals will only be active for a limited time while supplies last. Make sure to check back with High-Def Digest for more Prime Day sales and special promotions!Posted Tue Jul 17, 2018 at 08:35 AM PDT by: -
Amazon Prime Day Deals: Roku TVs, HDR Monitors, Speakers, Projectors, and More[teaser]Projectors, speakers, monitors, and more are on sale for Prime Day![/teaser] Amazon Prime Day has officially begun. Here's a rundown of some upcoming discounts on various electronics set to launch throughout the day: Fluance RT80 High Fidelity Vinyl Turntable Record Player - Starts at 12:14pm PT TCL 43S305 43-Inch 1080p Roku Smart LED TV (2017 Model) - Starts at 12:24pm PT Mpow 059 Bluetooth Headphones Over Ear - Starts at 12:24pm PT WOWOTO DLP LED Video Projector - Starts at 12:29pm PT DBPOWER T21 Mini Projector - Starts at 12:44pm PT Edifier R980T 4" Active Bookshelf Speakers - Starts at 1:09pm PT LG 34UC98-W 34-Inch Curved UltraWide Monitor - Starts at 2:44pm PT ViewSonic PJD7828HDL Projector - Starts at 2:59pm PT VAVA Voom 21 Wireless Bluetooth Speaker - Starts at 4:34pm PT BenQ EX3501R 35" UWQHD HDR10 Curved Monitor - Starts at 5:04pm PT These deals will only be active for a limited time while supplies last. Make sure to check back with High-Def Digest for more Prime Day sales and special promotions!Posted Mon Jul 16, 2018 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
Amazon Prime Day Deals: Fire TV Devices, Echo Products, Tablets, and More[teaser]Several Amazon devices are now up to 50% off![/teaser] Though Amazon Prime Day doesn't officially start until 12pm PT/3pm ET, the online retailer is currently offering some big early access deals in advance of the main event. Here's a rundown of the current discounts: Fire TV Cube with 4K Ultra HD & Alexa - $90 (25% off) Fire TV with 4K Ultra HD and Alexa Voice Remote - $35 (50% off) Fire TV Stick with Alexa Voice Remote - $20 (50% off) Toshiba 50-inch 4K Fire TV Edition Display with HDR - $290 (28% off) Echo Dot (2nd Generation) - $30 (40% off) Echo (2nd Generation) - $70 (30% off) Echo Plus with built-in Hub - $100 (39% off) Echo Spot - $100 (23% off) Fire 7 Tablet with Alexa - $30 (40% off) Fire HD 8 Tablet with Alexa - $50 (38% off) Fire HD 10 Tablet with Alexa - $100 (33% off) These deals will only be active for a limited time while supplies last. Make sure to check back with High-Def Digest for more Prime Day sales and special promotions!Posted Mon Jul 16, 2018 at 09:15 AM PDT by: -
Roku Reveals New Roku TV Wireless Speakers[teaser]The speakers are specially designed for Roku TVs.[/teaser] Roku has announced its latest home entertainment product. The Roku TV Wireless Speakers have been developed exclusively for Roku TVs, and are currently available for a limited time introductory pre-order price of $150. "Picture quality, a tremendous selection of content, value, and ease of use make Roku TVs some of the most popular smart TVs on the market today," said Roku CEO Anthony Wood. "Adding great audio dramatically enhances the way people experience their favorite entertainment. With Roku TV Wireless Speakers, we're able to offer our customers a simple and affordable way to further immerse themselves into the TV, movies and music they love, while providing them with a better whole home entertainment experience." The Roku TV Wireless Speakers offer superior stereo separation from Roku TVs. Set up is simple via wireless pairing through Roku Connect. The speakers can then play audio from streaming channels, live TV broadcasts with an antenna, or other components connected to the TV like a cable set-top box. In addition, the speakers support Bluetooth streaming from mobile devices. Likewise, an Automatic Volume Leveling feature and a Dialog Enhancement feature are integrated as well, allowing the speakers to lower or raise the volume according to the scene and make speech easier to hear. Here's a full rundown of what's included in the package per Roku: - (2) Roku TV Wireless Speakers- Roku TV Voice Remote- Roku Touch tabletop remote- (2) Power Cables- (4) AAA Batteries The Roku TV Wireless Speakers are exclusively compatible with Roku TV models from brands like TCL, Hisense, Philips, Sharp, Insignia, Hitachi, RCA, and Element. The speakers are set to start shipping in late October. Pre-orders are now available through Roku for an introductory price of $150 today through July 23. Meanwhile, from July 24 through October 15, the pre-order price will be $180. Finally, the standard price of $200 will kick in on October 16. Source: Roku via BusinessWire, RokuPosted Mon Jul 16, 2018 at 08:15 AM PDT by: -
Coming Soon to Streaming: 'Castle Rock,' 'Orange is the New Black,' and More[teaser]A spooky new Hulu series from Stephen King and J.J. Abrams is among this week's collection of streaming trailers.[/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: Duck Duck Goose (Netflix, July 20) - From the team who brought you Shrek and Home comes a funny and heart warming film about an unlikely trio's journey to find their flocks. Featuring voice actors Jim Gaffigan, Zendaya, Natasha Leggero, Reggie Watts, and Craig Ferguson. Orange is the New Black: Season 6 (Netflix, July 27) - The outrageous and critically-acclaimed series from Emmy Award-winner Jenji Kohan is about a diverse group of inmates serving time in a women's prison. The show stars Taylor Schilling, Uzo Aduba, Kate Mulgrew, Laura Prepon, Laverne Cox, Dascha Polanco, Danielle Brooks, Selenis Leyva, Samira Wiley, Taryn Manning, Yael Stone, Jackie Cruz, Lea DeLaria, Adrienne C. Moore and Elizabeth Rodriguez, along with Michael Harney and Nick Sandow. The series is based on the best-selling memoir of the same name by Piper Kerman. Extinction (Netflix, July 27) - A father has a recurring dream of losing his family. His nightmare turns into reality when the planet is invaded by a force bent on destruction. Now, fighting for their lives, he comes to realize an unknown strength to keep them safe from harm. Starring Michael Peña, Lizzy Caplan and Mike Colter. Cupcake & Dino: General Services (Netflix, July 27) - An enterprising cupcake and his cheerful dinosaur brother take on jobs of all sorts as they work to help friends and strangers in their eccentric city. Starring Justin Collette, Mark Little, and Kyle Dooley. The Bleeding Edge (Netflix, July 27) - What you don't know, can hurt you. From the Academy Award nominated filmmakers Kirby Dick and Amy Ziering (The Invisible War, The Hunting Ground) comes a groundbreaking investigation into the crimes of Big Medical. America has the most technologically advanced health care system in the world, yet medical interventions have become the third leading cause of death, and the overwhelming majority of high-risk implanted devices never require a single clinical trial. The Package (Netflix, August 10) - When five teens go on a spring break camping trip, an unfortunate accident sets off a race against time to save their friend's most prized possession. From the creators of Workaholics and Tropic Thunder. Insatiable (Netflix, August 10) - A dark, twisted revenge comedy starring Debby Ryan, Dallas Roberts, and Alyssa Milano. For years, Patty (Debby Ryan) has been bullied, ignored, and underestimated by those around her because of her weight. But now that she finds herself suddenly thin, Patty is out for payback against anyone who has ever made her feel bad about herself. Bob Armstrong (Dallas Roberts), a disgraced attorney whose true passion is coaching beauty pageant contestant, is the only one who sees Patty’s potential, and takes her under his wing -- first as a legal client, and then as a pageant contestant whom he coaches toward becoming the top pageant queen in the country. But Bob and his wife Coralee (Alyssa Milano) have no idea how deep Patty’s rage goes, or how far she will go to exact revenge on anyone who has ever wronged her. Bullies beware: payback’s a bitch, revenge is sweet, and if you cross Patty, you’ll be her next treat. Sierra Burgess Is A Loser (Netflix, September 7) - A modern rom-com retelling of the Cyrano de Bergerac story set in high school. The story centers on Sierra (Shannon Purser), an intelligent teen who does not fall into the shallow definition of high school pretty but, in a case of mistaken identity that results in unexpected romance, must team with the popular girl (Kristine Froseth) in order to win her crush (Noah Centineo). Ballet Now (Hulu, July 20) - From executive producer Elisabeth Moss, Ballet Now follows New York City Ballet’s Prima Ballerina Tiler Peck as she endeavors to become the first woman to curate The Music Center’s famed BalletNOW program. With only a week to pull it all off, it’s a race against time for Tiler Peck and her troupe of world-class dancers to pull off her unique vision of combining tap, Hip-Hop, ballet and other styles. Castle Rock (Hulu, July 25) - A psychological-horror series set in the Stephen King multiverse, Castle Rock combines the mythological scale and intimate character storytelling of King’s best-loved works, weaving an epic saga of darkness and light, played out on a few square miles of Maine woodland. The fictional Maine town of Castle Rock has figured prominently in King’s literary career: Cujo, The Dark Half, IT and Needful Things, as well as novella The Body and numerous short stories such as Rita Hayworth and The Shawshank Redemption are either set there or contain references to Castle Rock. Castle Rock is an original suspense/thriller — a first-of-its-kind reimagining that explores the themes and worlds uniting the entire King canon, while brushing up against some of his most iconic and beloved stories. Ordeal By Innocence (Amazon Prime Video, August 10) - based on the best-selling Agatha Christie novel, an aristocratic family begins to rebuild their life after their matriarch was brutally murdered, old wounds reopen when a man turns up to provide an alibi for the convicted killer: Jack. With Jack’s name cleared, the family realizes the murderer is still out there and may be one of them. - A current Netflix subscription starts at $11 per month for HD streaming and $14 per month for Ultra HD streaming. - A current Hulu subscription starts at $8 per month with commercials. In addition, ad-free playback is available for $12 per month. - 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), Hulu (YouTube), Amazon (YouTube)Posted Fri Jul 13, 2018 at 04:25 PM PDT by: -
Dolby Vision Streaming Support Heads to Xbox One S & Xbox One X[teaser]Support for the dynamic HDR format is rolling out to Xbox One systems.[/teaser] Microsoft has announced the addition of Dolby Vision streaming support to the Xbox One S and Xbox One X. The feature is set to roll out to users over the coming weeks as part of the recently released System Update 1810 Preview. Dolby Vision is a proprietary end-to-end High Dynamic Range (HDR) format. The process uses expanded brightness to improve contrast between dark and light aspects of an image, bringing out deeper black levels and more realistic details in specular highlights -- like the sun reflecting off of an ocean -- in specially graded Dolby Vision material. Likewise, Dolby Vision also offers a Wide Color Gamut (WCG), providing a greater range of colors than those found in the previous Rec. 709 color standard. In addition, the Dolby Vision process takes advantage of dynamic metadata, allowing it to adjust brightness levels on a scene-by-scene or even frame-by-frame basis to create a more accurate HDR experience compared to static metadata formats like HDR10. For now, it appears that Xbox One S & X Dolby Vision support will be limited to Netflix streaming. In order to watch Dolby Vision Netflix content through the console, users will need a Dolby Vision compatible display and a Netflix Premium subscription. It's not yet clear if Microsoft also plans to add Dolby Vision support for Xbox One S & X Ultra HD Blu-ray playback. The Xbox One S 1TB Starter Bundle is now available for $298. Meanwhile, the Xbox One X is now available for $478. Finally, a Netflix Premium subscription with 4K Ultra HD and HDR streaming support currently costs $14 per month. Source: Xbox WirePosted Thu Jul 12, 2018 at 08:50 AM PDT by: -
AT&T's Acquisition of Time Warner Could Lead to Big Changes at HBO[teaser]The premium cable network's content strategy is being reassessed.[/teaser] As reported by The New York Times and The Atlantic, HBO could be going through some pretty big changes as it transitions to new corporate leadership. AT&T recently acquired the network's parent company, Time Warner, and quotes from a June meeting imply that the telecommunications giant is hoping to tweak HBO's strategy to better compete with Netflix and its ever-growing streaming lineup. The town hall meeting with HBO employees was spearheaded by new Warner Media chief executive John Stankey. Speaking to the group and HBO's chief executive Richard Plepler, Stankey outlined a difficult road ahead along with a revised game plan for the network seemingly geared toward a broader outreach and a sizable uptick in content output. According to reports based on audio recorded from the event, Stankey hopes to grow HBO's subscriber base through more hours of engagement per day, ostensibly expanding its original programming library beyond the channel's standard Sunday night schedule to more timeslots throughout the week. Up to this point, HBO has been known to take a more selective and measured approach to its lineup, but this proposed emphasis on increased content output would put the network more in line with Netflix's increasingly aggressive style of development, pumping out more and more shows to maintain audience engagement. According to Stankey, that increased engagement could then be used to mine valuable viewer data, helping the company to use new subscription and advertising methods. Though this broader strategy could potentially diminish the prestige brand HBO has carefully built over the years through award-winning and critically-acclaimed series like The Sopranos, Game of Thrones, and Big Little Lies, the new approach isn't entirely bent on completely reworking the already popular and profitable network. As Recode points out, Stankey also made sure to emphasize the healthy amount of autonomy HBO will continue to operate with and the increased resources it will be given to meet AT&T's expected increases in growth. For now, it remains to be seen just how much the acquisition will change HBO. Hopefully, the company can find the right balance between growth and value, offering a higher output of content without sacrificing quality in the service of empty engagement and data mining. Sources: The New York Times, The Atlantic, RecodePosted Tue Jul 10, 2018 at 08:40 PM PDT by: -
Countdown to Amazon Prime Day Deals: Marshall Bluetooth Speaker & Fire Tablets[teaser]A Bluetooth speaker and refurbished Amazon tablets are all on sale![/teaser] Though Amazon Prime Day doesn't officially start until 12pm PT/3pm ET on July 16, the online retailer is currently offering a few deals in advance of the main event. Here's a rundown of the current discounts: Marshall Stanmore Bluetooth Speaker - $170 Deal of the Day (51% off) Certified Refurbished Fire HD 8 Tablet 16 GB - $40 (43% off) Certified Refurbished Fire HD 8 Tablet 32 GB - $65 (28% off) Certified Refurbished Fire HD 10 Tablet 32 GB - $90 (25% off) Certified Refurbished Fire HD 10 Tablet 64 GB - $130 (19% off) Certified Refurbished Kindle Paperwhite E-reader - $70 (30% off) These deals will only be active for a limited time while supplies last. Make sure to check back with High-Def Digest for more Countdown to Prime Day sales and special promotions!Posted Tue Jul 10, 2018 at 03:10 PM PDT by: -
Shinola & Barefoot Sound Unveil New Bookshelf Speakers with Bluetooth Support[teaser]The new speakers aim to bring studio quality sound into the home.[/teaser] Shinola Audio has announced the launch of a new Bookshelf Speaker System. Developed in partnership with Barefoot Sound, the stereo speakers feature integrated Bluetooth support. "We couldn't think of a better partner to help re-launch our bookshelf speakers," said Shinola’s CEO, Tom Lewand. "Thomas Barefoot’s know-how and reputation in the pro-audio world married with our commitment to quality and our design ethos has produced a stunning speaker system. We are so proud of what Barefoot and our audio team have created and can't wait for our customer to hear it." Utilizing Barefoot Sound's expertise in the professional mixing industry, the speakers are designed to bring studio-quality sound to the home audio market. The Bookshelf speakers each feature a 1.5" soft dome tweeter and a 6.5" woofer. The system is rated for 300W peak power total (100W RMS per channel) and a frequency response of 60Hz - 22kHz +-3dB, 40Hz - 22kHz -10dB. In addition, the units include Bluetooth support for wireless audio streaming, along with RCA, Aux, S/PDIF, and USB connectivity. Finally, the speakers both feature a hand finished, uniform density, oak composite cabinet design and a removable magnetic grille. "Working with Shinola has been an amazing experience," says Barefoot Sound founder Thomas Barefoot. "I grew up in Pittsburgh which has a similar riches-to-rust story as Detroit. Creating US jobs while building incredible products is Barefoot Sound’s mission. I can't think of a better way to enter the consumer space than partnering with a company that so deeply shares our core values. I'm very excited about this collaboration and bringing studio level sound to a wider audience with this new bookshelf speaker." The new Shinola Bookshelf Speakers with Bluetooth are set to launch on July 12 for an MSRP of $1,500 per pair. Units will be available in black or a natural oak finish. Source: ShinolaPosted Tue Jul 10, 2018 at 09:55 AM PDT by: -
Coming Soon to Streaming: 'How It Ends,' 'Ozark,' and More[teaser]A new post apocalyptic thriller and the latest season of Ozark are among this week's collection 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: How It Ends (Netflix, July 13) - As a mysterious apocalypse causes the spread of misinformation and violence, a man and his estranged father-in-law race across a chaotic and fractured country to save his pregnant wife. Starring Theo James, Forest Whitaker and Kat Graham. Sugar Rush (Netflix, July 13) - The new, relentlessly fast-paced baking competition that challenges brilliant bakers to create sweet treats that look and taste amazing – all against the clock. Who will race to the finish and win $10,000? Hunter March hosts while world-class pastry chefs Candace Nelson and Adriano Zumbo judge. All About The Washingtons (Netflix, August 10) - An autobiographical scripted family sitcom that follows Joey Washington (Rev Run aka Joseph Simmons) and his wife Justine Washington (Justine Simmons), playing fictionalized versions of themselves raising a family of family kids. After Joey decides to retire from a long career as legendary hip-hop royalty, his wife Justine, takes advantage of the opportunity to pursue a career of her own now that Joey is available to focus on raising the kids and keeping the house in order. Their kids are portrayed by rising stars Kiana Ledé, Nathan Anderson, Leah Rose Randall and Maceo Smedley. Ozark: Season 2 (Netflix, August 31) - In its much-anticipated second season, Ozark continues to follow Marty Bryde and his family as they navigate the murky waters of life within a dangerous drug cartel. With Del out, the crime syndicate sends their ruthless attorney Helen Pierce to town to shake things up just as The Byrdes are finally settling in. Marty and Wendy struggle to balance their family interests amid the escalating dangers presented by their partnerships with the power-hungry Snells, the cartel and their new deputy, Ruth Langmore, whose father Cade has been released from prison. The stakes are even higher than before and The Byrdes soon realize they have to go all in before they can get out. 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. The Good Cop (Netflix, September 21) - Tony Danza plays Tony Sr., a disgraced, former NYPD officer who never followed the rules. He lives with his son, Tony Jr., an earnest, obsessively honest NYPD detective who makes a point of always following the rules. This “odd couple” become unofficial partners as Tony Sr. offers his overly-cautious son blunt, street-wise advice on everything from handling suspects to handling women. Aggretsuko: Season Two (Netflix, Coming in 2019) - Retsuko is a 25-year-old red panda who is an office associate in the accounting department of a trading company in Tokyo. All she wants is to do her job and get through the day, but when frustrations reach a boiling point, she vents through death metal. In addition, Netflix is currently filming Dolemite Is My Name! starring Eddie Murphy and Keagan-Michael Key. The upcoming biopic is based on the life of Rudy Ray Moore and comes from director Craig Brewer (Hustle & Flow). An exact release date has not been announced yet, but the movie is set to hit Netflix in 2019. Additional cast members include Wesley Snipes (Blade trilogy, The Expendables 3), Mike Epps (Next Friday, The Hangover), Craig Robinson (Brooklyn Nine-Nine, The Office), Tituss Burgess (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt) and Da’Vine Joy Randolph (Office Christmas Party). Here's a logline per the press release: Real life story of the irreverent Rudy Ray Moore, a "larger than life" comedian, musician, singer, actor, and film producer in the 1970’s. When he couldn’t get work in Hollywood, he simply created his own - including the most well-known Blaxploitation film of all time, Dolemite. Eat. Race. Win. (Amazon Prime Video, July 27) - Go behind the scenes for an on and off-the-bike adventure into the biggest annual sporting event on the planet: The Tour de France. Chef Hannah Grant, the Queen of Performance Cooking, takes you on her race within the race sourcing fuel-packed food across this rich culinary landscape for Australia's pro cycling team, Orica-Scott, as Sports Director Matthew White encourages his riders to victory. Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan (Amazon Prime Video, August 31) - When CIA analyst Jack Ryan stumbles upon a suspicious series of bank transfers his search for answers pulls him from the safety of his desk job and catapults him into a deadly game of cat and mouse throughout Europe and the Middle East, with a rising terrorist figurehead preparing for a massive attack against the US and her allies. - 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 Jul 6, 2018 at 01:00 PM PDT by:
