-
Yamaha Details YAS-108 Sound Bar with DTS Virtual:X[teaser]The affordable sound bar model is set to start shipping next month.[/teaser] Yamaha has revealed the latest addition to its home audio lineup. The new YAS-108 Sound Bar will serve as the successor to the popular YAS-107 model. "Entertainment, music and gaming enthusiasts looking for a sound bar in the price range of the YAS-108 are awash in choices from TV brands and from companies offering commodity products. However, thanks to our six decades of leadership in home theater systems, the best sound will come from Yamaha," said Robert Goedken, general manager, AV division, Yamaha Corporation of America. "The enhancements on the YAS-108 reflect our commitment to offering exceptional sound quality and value." The sound bar features a low profile, ultra-slim, single-chassis design with rounded ends. At just over 2-inches high, the unit can be placed in front of a TV without blocking the screen or mounted to a wall through integrated keyholes. Under the hood, the device incorporates two built-in subwoofers, a bass-reflex port, two dome tweeters, and two woofers. In addition, the sound bar ships with DTS Virtual:X post-processing tech, allowing the system to simulate 3D sound without separate front, surround, or height speakers. Likewise, Yamaha's Clear Voice technology is implemented as an option as well, enabling easier to hear dialogue. Connectivity options include HDMI (ARC), optical, analog audio, and wireless Bluetooth. Here's a full rundown of key features per Yamaha: - Built-in subwoofers for deep bass in one slim sound bar- Clear Voice for enhanced dialogue clarity- DTS Virtual:X virtual 3D surround sound- Bluetooth streaming that allows easy switching between two devices- Simple setup with HDMI®, optical or aux connection The Yamaha YAS-108 Sound Bar is set to launch in July for an MSRP of $199.95. Source: YamahaPosted Mon Jun 18, 2018 at 04:00 PM PDT by: -
Coming Soon to Streaming: 'Jack Ryan,' 'Luke Cage,' and More[teaser]Check out the latest crop of trailers for new streaming shows and movies.[/teaser] Netflix and Amazon have released new trailers and info for several of their upcoming programs and films, including the latest season of Luke Cage and a new series based on Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan books. Here's a full rundown of titles scheduled to arrive on each service: Hannah Gadsby: Nanette (Netflix, June 19) - In her hilarious debut Netflix Original stand-up special, comedian Hannah Gadsby gets up close and personal about her life and growing up gay on the small island of Tasmania. Recently hailed by the New York Times as a “major new voice in comedy,” Hannah keeps her audience at the Sydney Opera House laughing with her sharp observations as she takes aim at everything from pride parades, unsolicited opinions and the whole history of art before she turns her punchlines into sucker punches, silencing the laughs and flipping the art of comedy completely on its head. Marvel's Luke Cage: Season 2 (Netflix, June 22) - After a sabotaged experiment leaves him with super strength and unbreakable skin, Luke Cage (Mike Colter) becomes a fugitive trying to rebuild his life in modern day Harlem, New York City. But he is soon pulled out of the shadows and must fight a battle for the heart of his city – forcing him to confront a past he had tried to bury. Brain On Fire - (Netflix, June 22) - One morning, 24-year-old Susannah Cahalan woke up in a hospital bed. She couldn't speak. She couldn't move. And she had no idea how she got there. Derren Brown: Miracle (Netflix, June 22) - Illusionist Derren Brown reinvents the concept of 'faith healing' through a series of stunts that debunk the confines of fear, pain, and disbelief. GLOW: Season 2 (Netflix, June 29) - Season 2 follows the women of GLOW as they become local celebrities, confronting the good, the bad, and the ugly realities of their newfound fame. As Ruth and Debbie settle into the day-to-day of making a season of TV together, they confront lingering issues at the heart of their friendship. Sam is still Sam, but now he has a teenage daughter living with him and twenty episodes to churn out. The wrestling is harder, the stakes are higher, and the hair is even bigger. Kiss Me First (Netflix, June 29) - Tells the story of Leila, a lonely 17 year old girl who is addicted to a fictional online gaming site called Agora. While in Agora, Leila meets Tess, a cool and confident party girl who harbours a dark secret. In the real world, the two girls become friends, but after Tess disappears Leila decides to assume her friend’s identity and in doing so is quickly drawn into unravelling the mystery behind her disappearance. Recovery Boys (Netflix, June 29) - In the heart of America's opioid epidemic, four men attempt to reinvent their lives and mend broken relationships after years of drug abuse. Recovery Boys, from Academy Award nominated director Elaine McMillion Sheldon (Heroin(e)), is an intimate look at the strength, brotherhood, and courage that it takes to overcome addiction and lays bare the internal conflict of recovery. In an effort to break the cycle of generational addiction and trauma, the young men let go of painful pasts as they live in the present, and build a new community in a farming-based rehab. After rehab, they experience life's trials and tribulations sober, but struggle to find their place and purpose in an often unforgiving society. In today’s world, where shocking statistics about the opioid crisis make headlines daily, Recovery Boys gives a deeply personal look into the unseen lives of those working toward transformation. Sacred Games (Netflix, July 6) - A policeman, a criminal overlord, a Bollywood film star, politicians, cultists, spies, and terrorists—the lives of the privileged, the famous, the wretched, and the bloodthirsty interweave with cataclysmic consequences amid the chaos of modern-day Mumbai. The series is based on the critically-acclaimed best-selling novel Sacred Games by author Vikram Chandra. Anne With An E: Season 2 (Netflix, July 6) - Inspired by the timeless Canadian novel ”Anne of Green Gables” by Lucy Maud Montgomery, the second season of Anne with an E continues to chart bold new territory, adding new characters and storylines while further exploring themes of identity, prejudice, feminism, bullying, gender parity and empowerment through the lens of its fierce, starry-eyed, irrepressible 14-year-old protagonist. The House of Flowers (Netflix, August 10) - In this satirical comedy, the seemingly perfect De La Mora household deals with the dark secrets uncovered by the sudden death of the patriarch's mistress, while learning that their flower shop shares its name with a cabaret that was secretly owned by the father of the family. 13 Reasons Why: Season 3 (Netflix, Coming in 2019) - A third season of the popular series has been ordered. The first two seasons follow teenager Clay Jensen, in his quest to uncover the story behind his classmate and crush, Hannah, and her decision to end her life. Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan (Amazon Prime Video, August 31) - Jack Ryan, an up-and-coming CIA analyst, is thrust into a dangerous field assignment for the first time. He soon uncovers a pattern in terrorist communication that launches him into the center of a dangerous gambit with a new breed of terrorism that threatens destruction on a global scale. - 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 Jun 15, 2018 at 11:00 AM PDT by: -
Hisense Launches H9E Plus ULED 4K TV Series with Dolby Vision HDR[teaser]The company's latest 4K HDR TVs are now available.[/teaser] Hisense has announced pricing and availability for its H9E Plus ULED 4K Android Smart TV lineup. 55-inch ($700) and 65-inch ($1,200) models are now available from retailers like Best Buy and Walmart. "We are thrilled to bring Android TV with Google Assistant to the premium H9E Plus," said Peter Erdman, Hisense USA Vice President of Marketing and Business Development. "We recognize that consumers are looking for amazing picture quality, great content along with top-notch sound, all in an intuitive and customizable voice-controlled system." The H9E Plus series features 4K Ultra HD resolution with Hisense's proprietary ULED technology. In addition, the display supports Dolby Vision HDR, HDR10, Wide Color Gamut capabilities, Motion Rate 240, and edge-lit Local Dimming. In addition, the TV incorporates Harman/Kardon audio tech and uses a sleek, bezel-less edge design. Meanwhile, smart TV functions are powered by Android TV with Google Assistant, offering access to 3,000+ apps through the Google Play Store and voice control/search via an included Bluetooth remote. Likewise, the unit is compatible with Alexa devices. Here's a full rundown of key specs and features per Hisense: -Dolby Vision HDR & HDR10 (HDR viewing experience will vary by model, content availability and internet connection)-Wide Color Gamut-Motion Rate 240-Local Dimming-UHD Upscaler-Android TV-4K Media Player-30w Harman/Kardon Sound (Available in 55" model)-dbx-tv Audio Technology-Bluetooth Audio Out-Android TV with Google Assistant "Android TV re-imagines the living room entertainment experience by offering users a wide variety of content including Google Play Movies, YouTube and over 3,000 Google Play apps built for the big screen,: said Shalini GovilPai, Director of Product Management, Android TV. "We're excited about working with partners like Hisense who match our level of excitement about building the future of TV experiences." And beyond the H9E Plus series, Hisense also recently launch its R7 Roku TV lineup with models ranging in size from 43-inches to 65-inches. Source: HisensePosted Tue Jun 12, 2018 at 01:30 PM PDT by: -
Pengo 4K HDMI Grabber Offers Support for Lag-Free Gameplay Video Capture[teaser]The unit supports 4K passthrough and 1080p capture for live game streams.[/teaser] Pengo has announced the release of its 4K HDMI Grabber. The device is compatible with 4K enabled gaming consoles, allowing users to capture video at 1080p 60 fps to a connected USB 3.0 computer or laptop for live gameplay streaming. The Pengo 4K HDMI Grabber supports 4096x2160 pass-through @ 60 Hz and UYV12 4:4:4 from HDMI 2.0 sources. Users can then capture lag-free video of their gaming sessions while they play in uncompressed 1080p 60Hz video over USB 3.0 to a connected computer for recordings and live streams without any performance impact. Meanwhile, older hardware with USB 2.0 connections can receive 1080p content with light color space compression. Compatible input devices include 4K enabled gaming consoles like the Xbox One, Xbox One S, Xbox One X, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation4 Pro. Any UVC enabled application can then be used to capture and stream, including OBS, XSplit, and Bandicam. In addition, the 4K HDMI Grabber has a separate headphone and microphone connector, enabling users to create voice-over and commentary for their streaming videos. Here's a full rundown of specs and features per Pengo: - Support HDMI 2.0 and UHD resolution up to 4K at 60 frames per second.- Support HDMI 2.0 loop-through output- USB 3.0 Video capture at 1080P @60 fps- Video capture in FHD at 60 frames per second- Support USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 data uplink- Audio capture mixed with external line-in audio at 48 kHz sampling rate- Support true 24-bit color and provides consistent frame rate performance regardless of video content- Support UVC 1.0- Support stereo microphone input and stereo headphone output- Captures PS4 Pro and Xbox One X game display- GUI control interface for Windows- No external power supply required- Plug-n-play The Pengo 4K HDMI Grabber is now available is Titanium Gray for $250. Source: PengoPosted Tue Jun 12, 2018 at 11:30 AM PDT by: -
HDD Gear Deals: Up to $100 Off VIZIO 4K HDR Ultra HD TVs[teaser]New VIZIO TVs are on sale now![/teaser] As part of a special Summer Savings Promotion for Dads and Grads, VIZIO is offering discounts on select 2018 4K HDR TV models. Here's a rundown of current deals through Best Buy: VIZIO P-Series 55” 4K HDR Smart TV (P55-F1) - Currently $800, MSRP $900 VIZIO P-Series 65” 4K HDR Smart TV (P65-F1) - Currently $1,200, MSRP $1,300 VIZIO E-Series 55" 4K HDR Smart TV (E55-F1) - Currently $480, MSRP $500 VIZIO E-Series 65" 4K HDR Smart TV (E65-F1) - Currently $750, MSRP $800 The premium P-Series displays feature a bezel-less industrial design with 4K Ultra HD resolution and Active Full Array Pro tech powered by up to 120 local dimming zones. In addition, the units include support for Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG high dynamic range formats with UltraBright 1,000 for up to 1,000 nits of peak brightness and Ultra Color Spectrum for nearly 100% coverage of the P3 wide color gamut and about 72% coverage of the Rec. 2020 wide color gamut. Meanwhile, the entry-level E-Series offers 4K Ultra HD resolution and full array local dimming powered by up to 16 zones. Likewise, Dolby Vision support is also included along with HDR10 and HLG high dynamic range playback. With that said, this series does not provide wide color gamut capabilities. These deals will only be active for a limited time while supplies last. Make sure to stay tuned to High-Def Digest for more sales and special promotions! Source: VIZIOPosted Mon Jun 11, 2018 at 07:30 AM PDT by: -
This Week in Gear: Onkyo Releases Sonos Update, MSI Details New Monitors, and More[teaser]We've compiled the latest gear news, including the release of Onkyo's "Works with Sonos" firmware update, Dirac's new 3D audio tech for gaming, 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 Onkyo's "Works with Sonos" update for select receivers, a new Dirac 3D audio solution for gaming headsets, and several upcoming monitors from MSI. So, without further ado, here's a rundown of some of the latest gear and tech news: Onkyo Releases "Works with Sonos" Update for Onkyo, Pioneer, and Integra Receivers Onkyo has announced the launch of its "Works with Sonos" firmware update for select network receivers under the Onkyo, Pioneer, Pioneer Elite, and Integra brands. Users with supported models can now download the upgrade. "Onkyo has a well-deserved reputation for innovation in the home theater category and is a welcome ecosystem partner, adding Sonos' functionality to their line-up of premium brands," said Andrew Volyanetes, Director of the US Installed Solutions channel for Sonos. "Working with Onkyo and Onkyo USA demonstrates steps we are taking in our larger partner strategy. We want to work closely with the manufacturers that custom installers use most, like Onkyo. We also love that the integration allows our customers to decrease their time to music and get that magical Sonos experience when using a non-Sonos speaker." Once updated, the "Works with Sonos" feature allows compatible receivers to integrate into a user's existing Sonos ecosystem through a Sonos Connect device. When the receiver is paired to a Sonos Connect, customers can send any music or source from the Sonos app to the unit. Likewise, users can group their receiver to other Sonos devices on the network. Here's a full rundown of receiver models eligible for the update: ONKYO TX-NR585TX-NR686TX-RZ630TX-RZ730TX-NR787TX-RZ830TX-RZ920TX-8270TX-RZ1100TX-RZ3100PR-RZ5100TX-8260 PIONEER ELITE SC-LX901ELITE SC-LX801ELITE SC-LX701ELITE VSX-LX503ELITE VSX-LX303ELITE VSX-LX103Pioneer VSX-933 INTEGRA DRX-3.2DRX-4.2DRX-5.2DRX-7.1DRX-R1.1DRC-R1.1DTM-7DTM-6DRX-7DRX-R1DRC-R1 Source: Onkyo Dirac 3D Audio Tech Expands to Gaming Headsets Dirac Research has announced a licensing deal to bring its new 3D audio surround sound solution to the gaming market. The tech will be implemented in an upcoming gaming headset from a leading Chinese consumer technology company. "Dirac only enters a new market when we are completely confident that we have a solution that delivers a truly best-in-class experience for its end-users," stated Isaksson. "This is true of Dirac Unison in the automotive market, Dirac Live in the home theater market, Dirac Panorama Sound in the mobile market, and is most certainly true of our new 3D audio surround sound solution for the headset market. Our reputation is hard-earned, well-deserved, and will only be further bolstered as the gaming headset market experiences our 3D audio technology." The licensed 3D audio solution has been designed to create an immersive and externalized surround sound experience tailored toward gaming, even on power-constrained devices. Likewise, the new gaming headset will also feature Dirac HD Sound tech for powerful and crisp music performance. "With the flip of a switch, users of the new headset can toggle between two sound modes based on their activity – gaming or music listening," continued Isaksson. "The reality is that convincing a gamer that a helicopter is flying over their head or a hockey puck just hit the glass requires a different solution than reproducing music in the way the artist intended it – and this new headset delivers consumers the highest quality, most convincing audio in both scenarios." Full details on the upcoming gaming headset have not been revealed yet, but the device is set to hit the market in the second half of 2018. Source: Dirac Research MSI Details New Gaming Monitors MSI has announced several new additions to its lineup of gaming products, including a new Oculux series eSports Gaming Monitor with NVIDIA G-SYNC Technology and new Optix MAG271CR/ MAG241CR Series Curved Gaming Monitors. "MSI has always had a reputation for delivering high-end gaming products designed to provide a wholly enrapturing gaming experience for gamers," says Sam Chern, MSI Assistant Vice President of Global Marketing, "This year, MSI has elevated our gaming lineups to elite level with Intel's new 8th-generation CPUs laptops and desktops, gaming monitors, gaming motherboards and MSI Streaming Boost, gaming graphics card as well as gaming gears." The Oculux NXG251 is a 25-inch 1080p monitor with a TN LED panel. In addition, the display features a 240Hz refresh rate and a 0.5 ms response time, making it a great fit for fast-paced games. NVIDIA G-SYNC is implemented as well, allowing the screen to synchronize its refresh rate to the game being played, enabling a highly responsive, smooth, tear-free experience. Finally, the monitor also offers Mystic Light Sync tech, enabling personalized RGB lighting on the back of the unit. Availability has not been announced yet, but the NXG251 is expected to carry an MSRP of $599. Meanwhile, the Optix MAG271CR/ MAG241CR series monitors use curved VA LED 1080p panels with a 144Hz refresh rate and a 1ms response time. In addition, the displays include the company's new Gaming Echo feature, which allows the RGB zone on the back of the panel to react to in-game audio and lighting effects. Finally, the monitors also implement Gaming OSD (on screen display) software, allowing users to control monitor settings like contrast, brightness, and black equalizer directly through the Windows desktop. Pricing and availability have not been detailed yet. And rounding out the company's upcoming lineup is the new Optix MAG491C 49-inch monitor with an ultra-wide resolution of 3,840 x 1,080, a 144Hz refresh rate, and 3ms response time. The display is set to launch for an MSRP of $999. Source: MSI, EngadgetPosted Fri Jun 8, 2018 at 10:30 PM PDT by: -
_MDC_LS@171102@L.jpg)
Pioneer Announces Elite VSX-LX503 9.2-Channel AV Receiver[teaser]The company's newest Elite receiver model is now available for pre-order.[/teaser] Pioneer has detailed the latest addition to its Elite line of AV receivers. The new VSX-LX503 9.2-Channel AV Receiver is now available for pre-order for $999 (MSRP $1,099) through Amazon. The VSX-LX503 is rated for 120W (8 ohms, 20 Hz–20 kHz, THD 0.08%, 2-ch driven, FTC) and features 9.2 channel support for 5.2.4 and 7.2.2 Dolby Atmos or DTS:X speaker layouts. Likewise, the unit offers 11.2-channel pre-outs for 7.2.4 configurations with an external stereo amp. In addition, the receiver uses direct Energy amplification, a quad-core 32-bit chip, Aureus floating-point DSP chip, and a high-grade 384 kHz/32-bit DAC (AK4458) produced by AKM. 4K/60p/4:4:4/24-bit, BT.2020, HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision video passthrough are supported as well via HDCP 2.2 compliant HDMI connections. Dual-band 5 GHz/2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, FlareConnect, DTS Play-Fi, and Chromecast built-in connectivity are all included as well. Finally, the VSX-LX503 also features "Works with Sonos" certification, allowing the receiver to integrate into a user's existing Sonos ecosystem with a Sonos Connect. When the receiver is paired to a Sonos Connect, customers can send any music or source from the Sonos app to the unit. Likewise, users can group their receiver to other Sonos devices on the network. Here's a full rundown of key specs and features per Pioneer: - Dolby Atmos/Dolby Surround Upmixing- DTS:X/DTS Neural:X Upmixing- Powered Zone 2/Zone 3 Audio- Supports pass-through for HDR10, HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma), and Dolby Vision signals- 120 W/ch (8 ohms, 20 Hz-20 kHz, THD 0.08 %, 2ch Driven, FTC)- 230 W/ch (6 ohms, 1 kHz, THD 10 %, 1ch Driven)- Apple AirPlay Certified- 2 x 12 V trigger outputs, IR input, and IR output- RS-232C-compliant with IP control for PC setup and home automation- Assignable component and composite video inputs- Zone 2 and Zone 3 pre-/line outputs Amazon pre-orders for the VSX-LX503 9.2-Channel AV Receiver are scheduled to go out by June 17. Source: PioneerPosted Fri Jun 8, 2018 at 09:25 AM PDT by: -
Amazon Reveals Fire TV Cube 4K HDR Media Player with Alexa & Dolby Atmos[teaser]A new Fire TV device has been detailed.[/teaser] Amazon has unveiled the latest addition to its Fire TV lineup. The new Fire TV Cube is a hands-free 4K Ultra HD media player with HDR support and advanced Alexa voice control. Pre-orders are now live for $120. "We believe voice makes it easier for customers to control their entertainment systems and watch the TV and movies they care about,” said Marc Whitten, Vice President of Fire TV. "And, it's just the beginning. Amazon Fire TV Cube will only get better over time with the Alexa service always getting smarter." The Fire TV Cube features far-field voice recognition with eight microphones to provide advanced Alexa voice control. Likewise, the device uses multi-directional infrared technology, cloud based protocols, and HDMI CEC in combination with Alexa to enable voice commands for compatible TV, sound bar, A/V receiver, and cable/satellite boxes. In addition, the player offers 4K streaming at up to 60fps with HDR10 and Dolby Atmos audio support. The growing app library provides over 500,000 movies and TV episodes from services like Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, HBO, SHOWTIME, NBC, and more. And outside of traditional playback and voice control, the Fire TV Cube also includes a built-in speaker allowing users to check the weather, listen to the news, control compatible smart home devices, and more. The Fire TV Cube is set to start shipping on June 21 with an IR extender cable, Ethernet adapter, and Alexa Voice Remote for $120. And as part of a special promotion, Prime members can receive a $30 discount on pre-orders placed on June 7 and 8, bringing the price down to just $90. Source: AmazonPosted Thu Jun 7, 2018 at 08:45 AM PDT by: -
Sonos Details New Beam Smart Sound Bar with Amazon Alexa[teaser]The new smart speaker is now available for pre-order.[/teaser] Sonos has revealed its latest audio device, the Sonos Beam. The smart sound bar is now available for pre-order for an MSRP of $399. Initial units are scheduled to be delivered by July 17. "In a smart speaker category increasingly filled with tech clutter, poor audio quality and ulterior motives, Beam is the best example yet of what makes Sonos different," said Sonos CEO Patrick Spence. "Our open approach, obsession with design, maniacal focus on quality and commitment to building a system that's easy to use and gets better over time are at the heart of everything we do. We believe we've created the best, most versatile, smart speaker in the world." The Sonos Beam uses four custom-built elliptical full-range woofers, three passive radiators, and a single tweeter. In addition, the device features a low profile, compact design measuring 25.6 inches long. A five linear far-field microphone array is integrated a well for advanced noise suppression and multi-channel echo cancellation, and the speaker offers integrated Amazon Alexa voice control functions. Support for additional voice assistants is planned for the future as well. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi, Apple AirPlay 2 (via update in July), and HDMI-ARC. Likewise, the unit comes with an Optical Audio Adapter for displays that don't support HDMI-ARC. Meanwhile, the Sonos Beam can also be paired with two additional Sonos One speakers for surround sound and a Sonos SUB for extra bass. Likewise, the sound bar can be integrated into a user's existing Sonos multi-room set-up. The Sonos Beam will be available in black or white fabric with a matte finish. Source: Sonos via PR Newswire, SonosPosted Wed Jun 6, 2018 at 04:15 PM PDT by: -
Father's Day Gear & Gadgets Gift Guide for 2018June has begun, which means Father's Day is just around the corner. And what's the perfect way to show your appreciation for dear old dad? Well, some of the latest and greatest home theater gear and gadgets, of course! For many dads, a sweet home theater setup can offer a welcomed respite from the pressures of daily work and parenting. And with one of those fancy new smart speakers, he might not ever need to leave the couch again. Well, except for bathroom breaks, of course. But with TVs, media players, sound bars, and other gadgets all varying wildly in quality and price, figuring out which products are right for your dad can be a little tricky. With that in mind, we've put together a special gift guide full of worthy gear items and accessories for any tech-loving father at every budget level. [teaser]Whether you're going all-in on an OLED display or opt for a more affordable streaming stick, these suggestions will all let dad know you care.[/teaser] Please note: prices are subject to change, and do not include taxes or shipping. Displays Sure to provide dad with endless hours of 4K HDR entertainment, these two display recommendations cover both ends of the Ultra HD TV spectrum, offering a killer bang-for-your buck Roku TV option from TCL and an industry-leading flagship OLED from LG. TCL 6-Series 55R617 55-Inch 4K Ultra HD Roku TV ($650) - Packed with several advanced features normally reserved for more expensive sets, TCL's 6-Series just might offer the best performance to price ratio of any new display for 2018, cementing itself as one of, if not the, top 4K TV in its price range. The display includes Dolby Vision and HDR10 support, along with the Roku OS smart TV platform. In addition, the set uses full array local dimming with 96 zones (120 on the 65-inch model) for improved black levels and contrast. Likewise, the panel incorporates NBP Photon technology with LED phosphors to provide Wide Color Gamut support. A 65-inch model is available as well for an introductory price of just $1,000. Order from Best Buy (Note: Best Buy model does not include Voice Remote) LG OLED65C8PUA 65" 4K Ultra HD OLED TV ($3,462) - If money is no object, few home theater items would make a better gift for dad than one of LG's top-of-the-line 2018 OLED TVs. With some of the best overall picture quality on the market, this set offers perfect blacks and the company's new α (Alpha) 9 intelligent processor for improved image and color performance over last year's models. In addition, the panel also supports onboard Dolby Atmos audio and LG's 4K Cinema HDR suite of high dynamic range formats with wide color gamut capabilities, including Advanced HDR by Technicolor, Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma). Meanwhile, the TV's new ThinQ AI tech gives dad the option to take advantage of advanced voice assistant features by speaking directly into the remote. 55-inch ($2,497) and 77-inch ($8,997) C8 models are available as well. Order from Best Buy Sound Bars If you're tired of watching poor dad settle for wimpy integrated TV speakers, these sound bar suggestions should all offer a sizeable upgrade without breaking the bank or upsetting mom by taking up the entire living room. VIZIO SB2820n-E0 Sound bar Home Speaker ($71) - Basic but still a solid improvement over TV speakers, this 28" model might not include a subwoofer or advanced audio features, but it provides a simple, inexpensive 2-channel solution. The sound bar is rated for 95 dB with less than 1% Total Harmonic Distortion and a frequency response of 70 Hz - 19 KHz, and offers Dolby Digital playback and DTS sound enhancement through a digital optical connection. And though HDMI and Wi-Fi are not included, the device does support Bluetooth streaming. Polk Command Sound Bar with Amazon Alexa Voice Control ($300) - Offering added convenience, this sound bar model actually features built-in far-field microphones atop the device, enabling integrated Amazon Alexa support. With the Polk Connect Skill, users can control the speaker's master volume, mute, bass, sound modes, and source selection through voice commands. Likewise, customers can also ask Alexa to play music, control compatible smart home devices, provide news and weather, set alarms, read audiobooks from Audible, control a connected Amazon Fire TV, and more. The sound bar system incorporates two 1.25 x 3.25-inch full-range drivers, two 1-inch tweeters, and a ported, wireless 6.5-inch subwoofer. Connectivity options include dual HDMI 2.0b inputs with 4K Dolby Vision HDR passthrough, an optical input, an HDMI ARC out, a USB port, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. Finally, Dolby and DTS audio decoding are offered as well. Samsung HW-K950/ZA 5.1.4 Channel Soundbar with Dolby Atmos Technology ($1,000) - Though a new 2018 HW-N950 7.1.4 model is set to arrive later this year, this 2016 5.1.4 sound bar system still has a lot to offer, providing a compact immersive audio solution. The package includes a 3.1.2-channel 47.6" sound bar unit with eleven built-in speakers, including two upward-firing drivers, along with two separate wireless rear satellite speakers with upward-firing drivers of their own. With that said, while the unit can properly decode Dolby Atmos tracks, it does not include DTS:X support, resulting in upconverted DTS mixes. Finally, the 500-watt system also includes a wireless subwoofer, Bluetooth connectivity, Wi-Fi, and HDMI with 4K pass-through. Media Players While it's likely that most of your dad's TVs already offer access to some apps, these dedicated streaming players will make sure that he's not missing out any digital content. And if dad does somehow still happen to have an old "dumb" HDMI TV, these set-top boxes and dongles will up its IQ in no time. Amazon Fire TV Stick ($40) - Amazon's compact streaming stick is limited to 1080p SDR video, but the affordable streaming solution offers access to over 15,000 apps, games, and Alexa skills including Netflix, Hulu, HBO NOW, YouTube, Prime Video, NBC, WatchESPN, Disney, and more. Likewise, the device includes the Alexa Voice Remote, allowing users to control functions through spoken commands. Roku Ultra ($99) - As the company's current flagship media player, the Roku Ultra offers support for 4K Ultra HD streaming and HDR10 (but not Dolby Vision) with access to 450,000+ movies and TV episodes across 4,500+ paid or free channels. A Dolby Digital Plus decoder with support for Dolby Atmos bitstreaming, USB input, Optical Digital Out, enhanced point anywhere remote with voice search, premium headphones for private listening, and gaming buttons are all integrated as well. Apple TV 4K ($179) - Marked by 4K playback capabilities at up to 60 frames per second with support for HDR10 and Dolby Vision, and an upcoming Dolby Atmos update set for the fall, the Apple TV 4K just might be the most well-rounded media streamer on the market. In addition, the device is powered by the A10X Fusion chip and 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. Smart Speakers Though a flesh-and-blood personal assistant is likely not an option for most dads, you can still get him the next best thing with a voice-controlled smart speaker -- offering hands-free access to music streaming, weather updates, football scores, smart home control, and more. Echo Dot ($40) - This compact, hands-free smart speaker is powered by Alexa -- allowing customers to ask questions, play music, turn on the lights, set timers, give sports updates, check the weather, access over 3,000 Alexa skills, and much more. The product is designed to be connected to existing speakers through a 3.5mm stereo cable or Bluetooth, enabling users to add voice control to their sound systems. In addition, the device also includes a small integrated speaker for use as an alarm clock or a voice assistant for smart home devices. The Echo Dot uses the same array of seven microphones found in the larger Amazon Echo, and this 2nd generation model features a more powerful speech processor for improved far-field speech recognition accuracy. Finally, the device also includes Amazon's new ESP (Echo Spatial Perception) tech. This feature automatically determines which Echo device should respond to a user's request when multiple Echo products are within hearing distance. Echo ($100) - Amazon's 2nd generation flagship smart speaker model features an updated design with a dedicated tweeter, a 2.5" down-firing woofer, and Dolby processing to deliver 360 degree omnidirectional audio. Likewise, Alexa support allows users to play music, make calls, set music alarms and timers, ask questions, control smart home devices, and more through spoken commands. In addition, the device uses the company's second generation far-field technology, offering improved wake word processing, beamforming technology, and enhanced noise cancellation. Supported music services include Amazon Music, Pandora, Spotify, iHeartRadio, TuneIn, and more. Google Home ($99) - Google's smart speaker features a high-excursion driver with a dual passive radiator design, offering clean highs and deep lows for Hi-Fi streaming audio. The device also includes hidden LED lights and a capacitive touch surface on its top face, and buyers can customize the base with different colors and finishes. Using the new Google Assistant experience, Google Home lets customers ask questions, enjoy entertainment, stream music, and manage everyday tasks through conversational speech commands. Music support includes playback from services like Google Play Music, Pandora, Spotify, TuneIn, and YouTube Music (with additional platforms like iHeartRadio coming soon). Likewise, users can also stream audio directly from a smartphone to their Google Home by casting tracks from 100+ Chromecast-enabled apps on Android or iOS devices. In addition, customers can get real-time answers to various questions through their Google Home using integrated Google Search, offering easy access to weather forecasts, stock market info, traffic updates, sports news, and more. Order from Best Buy Accessories The perfect complement to many of the devices listed above, these last few suggestions will ensure that dad's living room experience is complete with OTA broadcasts, all the necessary cables, and voice-controlled light bulbs. Philips Hue White A19 Dimmable LED Smart Light Bulb Starter Kit ($69) - After years of child-rearing and hard work, should your dad really still have to get up to turn off the lights? A great addition to any smart speaker purchase, this Smart Bulb kit includes 2 A19 60W White Bulbs and 1 Bridge designed to control up to 50 Hue lights without slowing a user's Wi-Fi. Once installed, customers can control the lights via the Philips Hue App or through voice control with an Alexa, Apple HomeKit, or Google Assistant device. Winegard FlatWave FL-5000 Indoor HDTV Antenna ($34) - Streaming apps offer access to tons of content, but some cord-cutting dads may still want to tune into live local broadcasts, especially when their favorite sports team is on TV. Thankfully this digital antenna should cover most needs offering a 35 mile long range, and an extra long coaxial cable (15'), AmazonBasics High-Speed HDMI Cable, 6 Feet, 3-Pack ($12) - All those fancy displays and media players are pretty useless without some trusty cables to connect them all with, and AmazonBasics HDMI cables get the job done for a great price. This pack includes three 6 feet cables with support for up 18 Gbps, 4K@50/60, and HDR video. So, there you have it, those are our top gear and gadget picks for Father's Day. What do you think about the selection? Do you have suggestions of your own? Let us know your thoughts in the forum!Posted Wed Jun 6, 2018 at 11:00 AM PDT by:
