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LG Adds NVIDIA G-SYNC Support to 2019 OLED TVs[teaser]The new feature is designed to offer a superior gaming experience.[/teaser] LG has announced the addition of NVIDIA G-SYNC support to its 2019 C9 and E9 OLED TV models. The G-SYNC firmware update will launch in select markets over the coming weeks. "It's no secret LG OLED TVs are coveted by gamers globally and we are committed to optimizing the experience for them," said Tim Alessi, head of home entertainment product marketing at LG Electronics USA. "With NVIDIA G-SYNC adoption, we are showing that OLED TVs have the support and backing of the world's top gaming hardware brand to make their products look the best." NVIDIA G-SYNC tech is designed to reduce flickering, tearing, and stuttering during gameplay via compatible hardware, enabling a smoother gaming experience. And beyond the new addition of G-SYNC, LG OLED TVs already offer several other gaming friendly features, including an ultra-fast response time, refresh rates of up to 120Hz, and low input lag rates. Likewise, the displays support HDR10 and Dolby Vision gaming, along with HDMI 2.1 features like auto low latency mode (ALLM), enhanced audio return channel (eARC), and variable refresh rate (VRR). "We are excited to bring G-SYNC Compatible support to LG’s 2019 OLED TVs and HDMI Variable Refresh Rate support to our GeForce RTX 20-Series GPUs," said Matt Wuebbling, head of GeForce marketing at NVIDIA. "Gamers will be blown away by the responsiveness and the lifelike visuals on these TVs when playing the latest PC games featuring real-time ray-tracing powered by GeForce." LG's C9 OLED TV (full review HERE) is now available in 55-inch, 65-inch, and 77-inch screen sizes. Meanwhile, the company's E9 OLED TV is available in 55-inch and 65-inch screen sizes. Source: LGPosted Mon Sep 9, 2019 at 06:45 PM PDT by: -
Vinyl Record Sales on Track to Surpass CDs for the First Time Since 1986[teaser]Vinyl is continuing its come back in a big way.[/teaser] As reported by Rolling Stone, vinyl records are on track to earn more revenue than CDs for the first time since 1986. The anticipated milestone is based on recent market data that continues to reveal declining CD sales and growing consumer interest in vinyl. According to the Recording Industry Association of America's (RIAA) 2018 mid-year report, CD sales are declining about three times as fast as vinyl record sales are growing. This takes us to the RIAA's most recent 2019 mid-year report, which indicates that vinyl record sales generated $224.1 million from 8.6 million units sold in the first half of 2019, while CD sales accounted for $247.9 million from 18.6 million units sold over that same time period. And though revenue from CDs still edges out vinyl, if trends continue at the same pace as they have been, revenue from vinyl sales will soon overtake CDs to become the top selling physical format for music. Of course, as impressive as vinyl's resurgence is, both vinyl record and CD sales pale in comparison to digital streaming numbers. Per the RIAA 2019 mid-year report, vinyl sales amounted to 4% of total industry revenues, while paid streaming music subscriptions covered 62%. Add in all streaming service revenues, including those from free ad-supported platforms, and that number rises to a whopping 80%. So while it's great to see some form of physical media regaining popularity in the market, streaming still continues to dominate the way we listen to music in the 21st century. Sources: RIAA, Rolling Stone via CNETPosted Mon Sep 9, 2019 at 11:55 AM PDT by: -
Polk Audio Reveals New Legend Series Flagship Speaker Lineup[teaser]The company's latest speaker collection has been detailed.[/teaser] Polk Audio has announced its new flagship Legend Series speaker lineup. The series features six models, including two tower speakers, two bookshelf speakers, one center speaker, and an Atmos height module. "The Legend Series is the culmination of decades' worth of acoustic engineering and loudspeaker development. Whether placed in a traditional two-channel orientation or home theater system, the new flagship series offers incredible imaging, perfectly balanced mids and deep lows," said Michael Greco, senior director of global brand management at Polk Audio. "We're confident these are the speakers that will remind Polkies and enthusiasts why they love Polk Audio." Serving as the company's most advanced speaker collection so far, the Legend Series includes the L100 5.25" bookshelf speakers, L200 6.5" bookshelf speakers, L400 center channel speaker, L600 tower speakers, L800 SDA tower speakers, and L900 Height/Elevation module -- giving buyers options for various configurations from 2-channel stereo setups to more robust Dolby Atmos and DTS:X home theater systems. Key technologies employed across the lineup include Polk Audio's new 1-inch high definition Pinnacle ring radiator tweeter for crisp highs, a new Turbine cone for natural mid-range, upgraded Power Port technology for enhanced low-end, and an Advanced Cabinet Construction to help minimize vibration and distortion. In addition, the L800 tower speakers also incorporate the latest iteration of Polk Audio's SDA-PRO technology. This feature is designed to reduce interaural crosstalk (IAC) -- a natural distortion that occurs in passive stereo loudspeakers when the speakers' channels cross before they reach the listener's ears. To combat this, SDA tech is able to acoustically isolate the two stereo channels, enabling more effective stereo separation. Polk Audio Legend Series speakers will be available in brown Walnut or black Ash real wood veneer finishes. Here's a full rundown of pricing and availability for each model: L100 bookshelf speakers (5.25”) - $1,199 / pair, October 1 L200 bookshelf speakers (6.5”) - $1,799 / pair, October 1 L400 center channel - $1,799 / each, October 1 L600 tower speakers - $1,999 / each, October 1 L800 SDA tower speakers - $2,999 / each, November 3 L900 Height / Elevation (Atmos) module - $599 / pair, October 1 Source: Polk AudioPosted Fri Sep 6, 2019 at 01:15 PM PDT by: -
Coming Soon to Streaming: JACK RYAN, BETWEEN TWO FERNS, and More[teaser]The second season of Amazon's Tom Clancy series headlines this week's roundup of streaming trailers.[/teaser] Netflix and Amazon have released new previews and info for several of their upcoming shows and films. Here's a full rundown of titles scheduled to arrive on each service: Jack Ryan: Season 2 (Amazon Prime Video, November 1) - After tracking a potentially suspicious shipment of illegal arms in the Venezuelan jungle, CIA Officer Jack Ryan heads down to South America to investigate. As Jack’s investigation threatens to uncover a far-reaching conspiracy, the President of Venezuela launches a counter-attack that hits home for Jack, leading him and his fellow operatives on a global mission spanning the United States, UK, Russia, and Venezuela to unravel the President’s nefarious plot and bring stability to a country on the brink of chaos. The Aeronauts (Amazon Prime Video, December 20) - In 1862, daredevil balloon pilot Amelia Wren (Felicity Jones) teams up with pioneering meteorologist James Glaisher (Eddie Redmayne) to advance human knowledge of the weather and fly higher than anyone in history. While breaking records and advancing scientific discovery, their voyage to the very edge of existence helps the unlikely pair find their place in the world they have left far below them. But they face physical and emotional challenges in the thin air, as the ascent becomes a fight for survival. Tall Girl (Netflix, September 13) - Jodi (Ava Michelle) has always been the tallest girl in school — and she's always been uncomfortable with it. After slouching her way through life for 16 years and being made fun of by classmates, Jodi meets Stig (Luke Eisner), a seemingly perfect Swedish foreign exchange student who's even taller than she is. Jodi's new crush turns her world upside down and throws her into a surprising love triangle, but with the help of her two best friends (Griffin Gluck, Anjelika Washington) as well as her beauty queen sister Harper (Sabrina Carpenter), Jodi comes to realize that she's far more than her insecurities about her appearance have led her to believe. Tall Girl, director Nzingha Stewart’s first feature film, is a heartfelt and hilarious coming-of-age story about finding the confidence to stop slouching and stand tall. Top Boy (Netflix, September 13) - The new episodes pick up as Dushane (Ashley Walters) returns from exile to his home in London to reclaim his throne in the highly lucrative drug market. He teams up with Sully (Kane Robinson), his spiritual brother, partner and sometime rival who is also returning to the same streets after his own form of exile – prison – comes to an end. Awaiting them both is Jamie (Micheal Ward), the young, hungry and ruthless gang leader whose ambitions leave no place for Dushane and Sully. The Chef Show: Volume 2 (Netflix, September 13) - Cooking is a journey. And making a meal is about more than just food. It’s about appreciating friends, family and tradition. An opportunity to come together. To learn, to share and to celebrate different flavors, cultures and people. In The Chef Show actor/director Jon Favreau and award-winning Chef Roy Choi reunite after their critically acclaimed film Chef to embark on a new adventure. The two friends experiment with their favorite recipes and techniques, baking, cooking, exploring and collaborating with some of the biggest names in the entertainment and culinary world. Hello, Privilege. It's Me, Chelsea (Netflix, September 13) - Follows comedian Chelsea Handler as she confronts and explores her personal and cultural impacts around white privilege. Handler travels around the country speaking with a wide range of people on the topic of race including fellow comedians Kevin Hart, Tiffany Haddish, and W. Kamau Bell, anti-racism writer and activist Tim Wise, a Republican women’s group in Orange County, CA, college students at an open mic night, and her former high school boyfriend in New Jersey. Between Two Ferns: The Movie (Netflix, September 20) - Zach Galifianakis dreamed of becoming a star. But when Will Ferrell discovered his public access TV show "Between Two Ferns" and uploaded it to Funny Or Die, Zach became a viral laughing stock. Now Zach and his crew are taking a road trip to complete a series of high-profile celebrity interviews and restore his reputation. Directed by Scott Aukerman, and produced by Funny Or Die’s Mike Farah and Caitlin Daley, and Aukerman and Galifianakis, Between Two Ferns: The Movie is a laugh-out-loud comedy that gives new insight into the curmudgeonly, beloved outsider Zach Galifianakis has created over the years. Disenchantment: Part 2 (Netflix, September 20) - In Disenchantment, viewers will be whisked away to the crumbling medieval kingdom of Dreamland, where they will follow the misadventures of hard-drinking young princess Bean, her feisty elf companion Elfo, and her personal demon Luci. Along the way, the oddball trio will encounter ogres, sprites, harpies, imps, trolls, walruses, and lots of human fools. The Laundromat (Netflix, Fall) - When her idyllic vacation takes an unthinkable turn, Ellen Martin (Academy Award winner Meryl Streep) begins investigating a fake insurance policy, only to find herself down a rabbit hole of questionable dealings that can be linked to a Panama City law firm and its vested interest in helping the world's wealthiest citizens amass even larger fortunes. The charming — and very well-dressed — founding partners Jürgen Mossack (Academy Award winner Gary Oldman) and Ramón Fonseca (Golden Globe nominee Antonio Banderas) are experts in the seductive ways shell companies and offshore accounts help the rich and powerful prosper. They are about to show us that Ellen's predicament only hints at the tax evasion, bribery and other illicit absurdities that the super wealthy indulge in to support the world's corrupt financial system. The Two Popes (Netflix, December) - From Fernando Meirelles, the Academy Award-nominated director of City of God, and three-time Academy Award-nominated screenwriter Anthony McCarten, comes an intimate story of one of the most dramatic transitions of power in the last 2,000 years. Frustrated with the direction of the church, Cardinal Bergoglio (Jonathan Pryce) requests permission to retire in 2012 from Pope Benedict (Anthony Hopkins). Instead, facing scandal and self-doubt, the introspective Pope Benedict summons his harshest critic and future successor to Rome to reveal a secret that would shake the foundations of the Catholic Church. Behind Vatican walls, a struggle commences between both tradition and progress, guilt and forgiveness, as these two very different men confront elements from their pasts in order to find common ground and forge a future for a billion followers around the world. - 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 Netflix subscription starts at $13 per month for HD streaming and $16 per month for Ultra HD streaming. Sources: Netflix (YouTube), Amazon (YouTube)Posted Thu Sep 5, 2019 at 05:00 PM PDT by: -
Klipsch Announces Updated Cornwall IV Speaker[teaser]A refreshed version of the company's iconic Heritage Series speaker has been revealed.[/teaser] Klipsch has detailed the latest iteration of its Cornwall IV speaker. The new fourth-generation model offers several new design and acoustic upgrades. The speaker features a three-way design with horn-loaded compression drivers and a 15-inch direct-radiating woofer. In addition, the updated model now uses a new K-702 midrange compression mated to a modified proprietary Tractrix horn with patented Klipsch Mumps technology; a new high-fidelity, steep slope network; new ports with Tractrix flares; a newly designed wide dispersion high frequency phase plug; premium aluminum input panels; high-quality speaker cables; binding posts with support for bi-wiring or bi-amping; and a refreshed passive network with premium grade AudioQuest internal wiring. The new Klipsch Cornwall IV is now on display at the Rocky Mountain Audio Fest in Denver, Colorado. Interested buys can purchase the speakers via authorized Heritage dealers in satin black ash, American walnut, or natural cherry real-wood veneer finishes for an MSRP of $2,999. Each unit is handcrafted in the USA and grain-matched using wood veneer panels from the same timber, creating pairs that sound virtually identical. Here's a full rundown of key specs and features for the Cornwall IV per Klipsch: Three-way, 15” horn-loaded loudspeakers All new mid-range compression driver, mid-horn with mumps, and Tractrix® ports A premium, aluminum input panel to accommodate large, high-quality speaker cables for bi-wiring or bi-amping A best-in-class, highly durable speaker enclosure assembled with pride in Hope, Arkansas as part of the Klipsch Heritage Series Available in Natural Cherry, Satin Black Ash and American Walnut book-matched wood veneers to complement any space Sold in pairs Source: KlipschPosted Thu Sep 5, 2019 at 03:40 PM PDT by: -
Integra Unveils New 11.2 and 9.2 Channel AV Receivers[teaser]Three new immersive audio devices have been detailed.[/teaser] Integra has announced the latest additions to its lineup of "Dot 3" series home theater components. The new collection includes the DRC-R1.3 11.2-Channel Network A/V Processor ($2,499), DRX-R1.3 11.2-Channel Network A/V Receiver ($3,299), and the DRX-7.3 9.2-Channel Network A/V Receiver ($2,399). All three components include Dolby Atmos and DTS:X immersive audio capabilities, along with IMAX Enhanced support and multi-zone processing. In addition, the lineup offers 4K/60p, HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG, BT.2020, WCG (Wide Color Gamut), 4:4:4/24-bit color, HDCP 2.3, and eARC pass-through. Connectivity options include Chromecast built-in with Google Assistant voice control, Works with Sonos, AirPlay 2, and DTS Play-Fi. The DRC-R1.3 is an 11.2-Channel Network A/V Processor designed to pair with a separate power amp via gold-plated 11.2-channel balanced XLR audio or single-ended pre-outs. Under the hood, the device offers 384 kHz/32-bit D/A conversion with AK4490 768 kHz/32-bit stereo DAC for Front L/R, 2 x AK4458 768 kHz/32-bit multichannel DACs (main channels), and separate AK4388 DAC for Zone audio. In addition, the unit includes DSD Direct 256 decoding and a dedicated phono input. Meanwhile, the DRX-R1.3 is an 11.2-Channel Network A/V Receiver rated for 140W per channel (8 ohms, 20 Hz–20 kHz, 0.08% THD, 2 channels driven, FTC). In addition, the unit features floating circuit boards, multiple 32-bit DSPs and DACs, a custom shielded power supply, shielded amplification, and a custom-made magnetic-flux low-hum EI power transformer. Finally, the DRX-7.3 is a 9.2-Channel Network A/V Receiver rated for 135W per channel (8 ohms, 1 kHz, 0.08% THD, 2-ch driven, FTC). The device features a NXP iMX8 network processor, Zone-B lineout for wireless headphones, Zone 2 D/A converter for HDMI/SPDIF/NET/BT, and Zone 3 D/C converter for NET/BT. In addition, users can opt to add an external stereo amplifier to expand the system's immersive audio channel support from 5.2.4 to 7.2.4. Integra's new receiver and processor lineup is now on display at the company's CEDIA 2019 booth in Denver, Colorado. Source: IntegraPosted Thu Sep 5, 2019 at 12:30 PM PDT by: -
Sony Details Xperia 5 Smartphone with 21:9 OLED HDR Display and Dolby Atmos Audio[teaser]The company's new mobile device offers advanced display, audio, and camera tech.[/teaser] Sony has unveiled the latest addition to its flagship series of Xperia smartphones, the Xperia 5. The new mobile device is set to launch in November for an MSRP of $799.99. "With Xperia 5 we’ve brought what our customers loved from Xperia 1 into a smaller design with the latest award-winning technology from Sony," said Mitsuya Kishida, President, Sony Mobile Communications. "Xperia 5 continues to bring uncompromised performance and leading experiences to a smartphone, only possible with Sony." The Xperia 5 features a 6.1-inch FHD+ (1080 x 2520) HDR OLED display with a 21:9 CinemaWide aspect ratio. In addition, the screen supports HDR via BRAVIA TV technologies powered by the X1 for mobile engine. A special Creator Mode for accurate color reproduction is also offered, along with 100% coverage of the DCI-P3 wide color space. Under the hood, the phone uses a Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 Mobile Platform, an X24 LTE Modem, 6 GB RAM, and a 3,140 mAh battery running Android 9 Pie. And when it comes to audio, the unit includes Dolby Atmos support via headphones or the smartphone's built-in stereo speakers, along with Hi-Res audio playback and DSEE HX. Finally, the smartphone also includes an advanced triple camera system powered by Sony's BIONZ X image processor for mobile and Optical SteadyShot image stabilization. The rear camera array utilizes three 12MP modules, including a 16mm lens, a 26mm lens, and a 52mm lens. In addition, the device also incorporates Eye AF technology from Sony's alpha cameras and continuous burst shooting at up to 10 fps with AF/AE tracking calculations happening at up to 30 fps. 4K HDR movie recording is supported as well, along with a Cinema Pro "powered by CineAlta" feature for producing different video settings with professional Look color management presets and more advanced adjustments for white balance, manual focus, and audio recording levels. Source: SonyPosted Thu Sep 5, 2019 at 11:15 AM PDT by: -
Amazon Reveals New Fire TV Cube, OLED Fire TV Edition Display, & Fire TV Sound Bar[teaser]Several new Fire TV devices have been detailed.[/teaser] Amazon has announced a new lineup of Fire TV products. The collection includes an updated Fire TV Cube, the Nebula Sound Bar Fire TV Edition from Anker, and several new Fire TV Edition displays, including an OLED model from Grundig for the European market. "Fire TV Cube was the first hands-free streaming media player powered by Alexa, and since launching last year we have gathered a wealth of feedback from customers about how they use voice in the living room," said Marc Whitten, Vice President of Amazon Fire TV. "Over the past year, we have continued to expand and advance the Fire TV Cube experience based on this feedback with dozens of new features including Multi-Room Music, Follow-Up Mode, and Alexa Communications. These key learnings carried over and guided the development of the second-generation Fire TV Cube, and we are excited to introduce this new-and-improved experience to customers around the world." Serving as an updated version of the previously released model, the new second-generation Fire TV Cube is a streaming media player with integrated far-field voice control and access to tens of thousands of channels, apps, and Alexa skills. The device features a hexa-core processor with support for 4K Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HDR10+ playback at up to 60 frames per second, along with Dolby Atmos audio capabilities. In addition, the unit offers a new Local Voice Control feature for faster response to frequent voice commands. The new Fire TV Cube is now available for pre-order for $119.99. Shipments are expected to go out by October 10. Meanwhile, Amazon has also teamed up with Anker to develop the Nebula Sound Bar - Fire TV Edition. Designed to serve as a sound bar and media player in one, the device features 2.1 channel output with two speakers, dual built-in subwoofers, and 100W of sound. Likewise, the unit includes Fire TV media player functionality with 4K HDR10, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision support. In addition, the system comes with an Alexa voice remote. The Nebula Sound Bar - Fire TV Edition is now available for pre-order for $229.99. Shipments are expected to begin on November 21. Finally, Amazon announced several new Fire TV Edition displays as well, including a new Toshiba 65-inch 4K Fire TV Edition with Dolby Vision support for the US market, and a new Grundig OLED Fire TV Edition for the German and Austrian markets. The Grundig OLED will also be the first Fire TV Edition with integrated far-field voice control via eight built-in microphones and Alexa. "Our new Grundig Fire TV Edition television range redefines how people think about their TV experience. Customers not only have access to all their favorite content through live broadcast and video-on-demand, but can also control their compatible smart home products and access thousands of apps, channels, and Alexa skills. We’re excited to be able to offer our customers the world’s first Fire TV Edition television with far-field voice control, making it even easier for users to control their television and elevate their smart TV experience," said Mario Vogl, Grundig’s Northern Europe Regional Director and Managing Director Germany. The Toshiba 65-inch 4K Fire TV Edition is set to launch at Best Buy in the US next month for $599. The Grundig OLED Fire TV Edition is now available for pre-order in 55-inch and 65-inch screen sizes via Amazon.de. Sources: Amazon 1, Amazon 2Posted Wed Sep 4, 2019 at 01:50 PM PDT by: -
Samsung Set to Support 8K HDR10+ Streaming Playback[teaser]The company is expanding its HDR10+ ecosystem to support 8K streaming.[/teaser] Samsung has revealed plans to enable 8K HDR10+ playback via its 8K TVs. Though 8K HDR10+ content is not yet available, the company has announced partnerships with several European streaming services -- including CHILI, The Explorers, and MEGOGO -- to provide 8K HDR10+ titles. "With HDR emerging as one of the most important technologies for ultra-high picture quality, our HDR10+ format enables every image to be accurately displayed on screen just as the creator intended," said Hyogun Lee, Executive Vice President of the Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. "We will continue to strengthen our industry leadership through establishing partnerships with top streaming service providers and equipping our televisions with the technology needed to support the world's first 8K HDR10+." HDR10+ is an open, royalty free dynamic metadata solution for high dynamic range developed in partnership with Samsung, Panasonic, and 20th Century Fox. The format allows a compatible display to adjust brightness levels, color saturation, and contrast on a scene-by-scene or even frame-by-frame basis on specially graded HDR10+ content, producing images that are closer to the director's intent -- similar to the competing Dolby Vision dynamic HDR format. Currently, HDR10+ is only available in 4K via Amazon Prime Video streaming and select 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray discs from studios like 20th Century Fox, Warner Bros., and Universal. HDR10+ playback is supported by all 2019 Samsung HDR TVs, including the company's 4K and 8K QLED models. Samsung's Q900 8K QLED TV lineup is available in sizes ranging from 55-inches to 98-inches. The Q900 features a native 7,680 x 4,320 resolution 8K panel, quantum dot tech, Direct Full Array Elite local dimming, and AI-powered 8K Upscaling technology, along with HDR10 and HDR10+ playback. An exact launch date for the first 8K HDR10+ content has not been revealed. Likewise, no US streaming services have announced support for 8K HDR10+ yet. Source: SamsungPosted Wed Sep 4, 2019 at 10:35 AM PDT by: -
Roku Details New Smart Sound Bar and Wireless Subwoofer[teaser]The new sound bar is a speaker and Roku media player in one.[/teaser] Roku has announced two new audio devices, the Roku Smart Sound Bar ($179.99) and the Roku Wireless Subwoofer ($179.99). Both units are available for pre-order now via Roku.com with shipments expected to launch in October. "We’ve been very successful in delivering best-in-class streaming experiences to our customers and we’re constantly innovating in order to deliver on our promise of making TV better," said Mark Ely, Vice President, Players and Whole Home Product Management at Roku. "The Roku Smart Soundbar is a great value and makes it easier than ever to add incredible sound and powerful streaming to any TV. In addition, if you want heart-pounding bass you can easily add that too." The Roku Smart Sound Bar is designed to serve as an external TV speaker and media player in one device. The unit is powered by the Roku OS with access to more than 500,000 movies and TV episodes, along with support for 4K and HDR10 streaming through compatible apps. When it comes to audio components, the sound bar includes four 2.5" full range drivers, advanced volume modes, and Dolby playback. In addition, the device includes a Roku Voice Remote and supports Roku Connect, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. Meanwhile, wired connectivity options include HDMI ARC and Optical. Finally, the sound bar is also compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa devices. And for users who want to add more bass to their system, the optional Roku Wireless Subwoofer is designed to easily pair with the Sound Bar. The subwoofer features a sealed cabinet design with a 10-inch driver and 250W peak power/125W RMS. In addition to the new Smart Sound Bar, the subwoofer will also be compatible with the company's previously released Roku TV Wireless Speakers via an upcoming software update. Source: Roku via BusinessWirePosted Wed Sep 4, 2019 at 09:30 AM PDT by:
