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Sennheiser Introduces New Headphones[teaser]New headphones models have been detailed.[/teaser] Sennheiser has revealed its headphone lineup for CES 2018. The collection includes the HD 820 closed-back dynamic stereo headphones, the CX 6.00BT Bluetooth in-ear headphones, and the HDV 820 headphone amplifier. "Whether on the move, at work or at home, the passionate audiophile will always want to appreciate their music to the full," said Axel Grell, Portfolio Management Consumer at Sennheiser. "Usually, high-end headphones require an open-back design, which has placed limits on where you can enjoy true audiophile sound. The HD 820 is a game changer that delivers exceptional sound while insulating the listener from their environment. I consider them to be the most transparent-sounding closed-back headphones in the world." The HD 820 closed-back dynamic stereo headphones feature Sennheiser Ring Radiator transducers with new unique glass covers. The patent-pending curved Gorilla glass is able to reflect the sound waves from the rear of the transducer to two absorber chambers in order to minimize resonance. In addition, the device uses a robust metal headband with an inner damping element, silver-cladded OFC cables, gold-plated plugs, and high-quality non-allergic synthetic leather ear pads with microfiber cushions. And to complement the headphones, Sennheiser also has the HDV 820 amplifier with symmetrical signal processing, low harmonic distortion, and a specially tuned symmetrical, impedance matching cable with low capacitance. Meanwhile, the CX 6.00BT Bluetooth in-ear headphones feature Bluetooth 4.2 and Qualcomm apt-X Low Latency compatibility. Likewise, the device uses Sennheiser's high-quality proprietary speaker system with an enhanced bass response. Multi-connection capability with support for pairing with up to two devices simultaneously, an integrated microphone with cVc noise cancellation technology, and a 3-way calling mode are offered as well. In addition, the headphones incorporate an around-the-neck cable design and a three button remote. Finally, battery life is rated for six-hours. "We have created the CX 6.00BT to deliver everything you need to enjoy excellent sound on the go," said Nan Chen, Product Manager at Sennheiser. "Thanks to the latest wireless technologies you can enjoy this unspoilt audio experience with the flexibility of supremely compact, lightweight and comfortable Bluetooth headphones." Sennheiser's HD 820 closed-back dynamic stereo headphones are set to launch in early summer 2018 for an MSRP of $2,399.95, and the CX 6.00BT in-ear Bluetooth headphones are expected to be available this month for an MSRP of $99.95. Source: SennheiserPosted Mon Jan 8, 2018 at 01:30 PM PST by: -
Panasonic Unveils 2018 OLED TV Lineup with HDR10+ Support[teaser]The company's latest OLED displays have been detailed.[/teaser] Panasonic has revealed its 2018 OLED 4K TV lineup. The new collection includes the FZ950 and FZ800 Series. The TVs both feature new OLED panels and an Absolute Black Filter. Likewise, the displays will be the first OLED TVs to include support for the HDR10+ dynamic metadata high dynamic range format, which is currently used on a growing collection of streaming titles from Amazon Prime Video. A Dynamic Scene Optimizer function to simulate dynamic metadata when playing standard HDR10 content will be implemented as well. With that said, there is no mention of Dolby Vision support. In addition, the TVs will use Panasonic's newest Hollywood-tuned HCX video processor with support for almost 100 percent of the DCI color space. The updated HCX processor also offers a new "Dynamic LUT" (Look Up Table) system, allowing the HCX to automatically monitor the average brightness level of a scene and then use picture analysis to dynamically load an appropriate LUT. Color accuracy for shadows and the transition from pure black have also been improved thanks to added layers of LUT data in darker levels. Panasonic has also worked to refine its calibration tools, offering finer adjustment options. And beyond picture quality features, the FZ950 series also includes a "Tuned by Technics" Dynamic Blade Speaker. The thin audio system features four larger woofers, four squawkers, two tweeters, and a quad passive radiator. Pricing and availability for Panasonic's upcoming FZ950 and FZ800 Series Ultra HD TVs have not been announced yet, but both series will be available in 55-inch and 65-inch screen sizes. Likewise, Panasonic is working to get Ultra HD Premium and THX certification for each model as well. Source: Panasonic, ForbesPosted Mon Jan 8, 2018 at 12:30 PM PST by: -
Hisense & Sharp Announce 2018 4K Ultra HD TVs[teaser]More 4K Ultra HD TVs are on the way.[/teaser] Hisense and Sharp have detailed their upcoming display lineups for 2018. The new collection includes 4K HDR LCD models with sizes ranging from 43-inches to 86-inches. First up, Hisense has announced its new H10E, H9E Plus, H9E H8E, and H6E 4K Ultra HD TV Series. The displays all include HDR10 support, and the flagship H10E and H9E Plus both add Dolby Vision capabilities. In addition, the H10E also offers a wide color gamut with quantum dots and full array local dimming. Meanwhile, the company is also highlighting its recently released 4K Laser TV. Not really a traditional television at all, the $9,999 Hisense 4K Laser TV actually uses an ultra-short throw projector unit powered by a Texas Instruments DLP 4K UHD DMD chip and Hisense’s proprietary light source technology, along with a super-thin, lightweight, 100-inch Screen Innovations Anti-Glare Screen. A larger 150-inch edition is planned for late 2018 as well. Though pricing has not been announced yet, here's a full rundown of specs and expected availability for each Hisense 2018 4K Ultra HD TV model: H10E Series (April 2018) - 75-inches - ULED Engine - Quantum Dot WCG - Dolby Vision & HDR10 - 1,000+ backlit zones - Full array local dimming - 2200 NITs - Android TV - Alexa & Google Home compatible - Bluetooth audio - 120hz H9E Plus Series - 65-inches & 55-inches - ULED Engine - WCG >90% P3 - Dolby Vision & HDR10 - Edge lit local dimming - Android TV - Alexa & Google Home compatible - Bluetooth Audio H9E Series (March 2018) - 86-inches, 75-inches, 65-inches, 55-inches, 50-inches - ULED Engine - WCG - HDR10 - Edge lit local dimming - Motion Rate 120 - 60hz - Hisense Smart TV - Alexa compatible H8E Series (April 2018) - 43-inches, 50-inches, 55-inches, 65-inches - HDR10 - Local dimming - Hisense Smart TV - Alexa compatible - 40% thinner than 2017 H6E Series (March 2018) - 43-inches, 49-inches, 55-inches, 60-inches, 65-inches - HDR10 - Motion Rate 120 - Hisense Smart TV - Direct-lit And outside of Hisense, the Sharp brand has also announced new 4K TVs for 2018. The lineup will include the Q8000 and Q7000 Series. Here's a full rundown of key specs and availability for each model: Q8000 Series (April 2018) 43-inches, 50-inches, 55-inches, 65-inches - HDR10 - Local dimming - Motion rate 120 - Bluetooth audio - Smart TV - Alexa compatible Q7000 Series (April 2018) 43-inches, 50-inches, 55-inches, 60-inches, 65-inches - HDR10 - Motion rate 120 - Smart TV Source: HisensePosted Mon Jan 8, 2018 at 11:30 AM PST by: -
Optoma Details New 4K UHD Projectors with HDR[teaser]Several upcoming projector models have been announced.[/teaser] To coincide with CES 2018 in Las Vegas this week, Optoma has announced its new projector lineup. The collection includes the UHD51A, UHD50, LH150, the 4K UHD HDR Laser UST, and the LED Pocket Projector. "Optoma is continually focused on introducing more innovations to the home theater space, with everything from resolution and light sources, to form factor, features, and mobility – and now voice integration – to simplify the experience for consumers and deliver an inch-for-inch entertainment experience that TVs simply can't match," said Brian Soto, head of product management at Optoma Technology. "With smart home adoption on the rise, consumers are looking at non-traditional technology options that bring them a better entertainment experience, and Optoma home theater projection delivers this in spades." The Optoma UHD51A uses TI DLP tech with support for 4K UHD projection, along with Amazon Alexa Smart Home and Custom Skills integration. In addition, the device offers 2,400 lumens, a 500,000:1 contrast ratio, and an RGBRGB color wheel with HDR10 and Rec.2020/DCPI-3 wide color gamut capabilities. The UHD51A is set to hit stores in Q1 2018 for an expected street price of $1,699. In addition, Optoma is also set to release a UHD50 model with similar specs minus Alexa support for $1,499. Meanwhile, the Optoma LH150 offers a mobile 1080p HD LED projector solution with a battery pack. The device features 1,300 lumens, a 40,000:1 contrast ratio, multiple HDMI and USB ports, dual integrated speakers, and connectivity support for WiFi and Bluetooth 4.0. Pricing has not been detailed yet, but the projector is set to arrive in Q2 2018. In addition, the company has announced the Optoma 4K UHD HDR Laser UST. The projector uses a laser light source with 4K UHD resolution and short throw capabilities. The device features 2,300 lumens, a 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio, HDR support, and 0.25 throw to create a 100-inch image from just 8-inches away. Optoma's 4K UHD HDR Laser UST is set to launch in Q2 2018 for a target price point of $4,999. Finally, Optoma has revealed its new LED Pocket Projector as well. This ultra portable pocket projector uses a .2 LED RGB light source with a lifetime of 20,000 hours, and offers WVGA (854x480) resolution and 300 lumens. Battery life is rated for 2+ hours in eco-mode. The projector is expected to arrive in Q2 2018 got a target street price of $279. Source: OptomaPosted Mon Jan 8, 2018 at 10:30 AM PST by: -
LG 2018 OLED and SUPER UHD TVs Set to Include CalMAN Auto Calibration[teaser]LG's upcoming 4K TVs will offer auto calibration capabilities.[/teaser] Portrait Displays has announced a new partnership with LG to incorporate an auto calibration options for LG's 2018 OLED and SUPER UHD TV lineup. The feature is being demoed this week at CES in Las Vegas using a pre-release version of Portrait's flagship software CalMAN by SpectraCal. "The LG TVs with CalMAN AutoCal blur the distinction between the professional reference monitor and the consumer television," said Martin Fishman, Co-CEO of Portrait Displays. With auto calibration, users can connect CalMAN software on their computer to a supported LG TV model using Wi-Fi or Ethernet. From there, the feature allows CalMAN's AutoCal to determine the picture setting adjustments in minutes, greatly simplifying what is usually a much more complicated and time consuming process under the typical manual method. In addition, the AutoCal feature also allows the software to access the display's internal look-up tables (1D and 3D LUTs) enabling the process to go beyond the adjustment ranges of manual on screen controls, resulting in color accuracy precision that could rival professional reference monitors. "The addition of the world's leading auto calibration software from Portrait Displays to our 2018 LG OLED and SUPER UHD TV models will greatly streamline the process for professional calibrators and ensure that consumers will be able to enjoy the full potential of their LG OLED or SUPER UHD television," said Neil Robinson, LG's Director of Technology Partnerships. CalMAN AutoCal by SpectraCal for 2018 LG TVs will offer support for standard dynamic range (SDR), HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision calibrations. The AutoCal solution is expected to launch in tandem with LG's 2018 OLED and SUPER UHD TV lineup later this year. Source: LGPosted Mon Jan 8, 2018 at 09:30 AM PST by: -
Samsung Reveals 8K QLED TV & Modular MicroLED Display[teaser]Two new premium TVs have been announced.[/teaser] In advance of CES 2018 which is set to officially kick off this week, Samsung has revealed two of its biggest display innovations for 2018: the 8K Q9S and the MicroLED "Wall" TV. "At Samsung, we are dedicated to providing consumers with a wide range of cutting-edge screen experiences," said Jonghee Han, President of Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. "As the world's first consumer modular MicroLED television, 'The Wall' represents another breakthrough. It can transform into any size, and delivers incredible brightness, color gamut, color volume and black levels. We're excited about this next step along our roadmap to the future of screen technology, and the remarkable viewing experience it offers to consumers." "The Wall" is a MicroLED TV based on tech used in the company's commercial Cinema Screens. The display uses self-emitting picture technology with micrometer (µm) scale LEDs that do not require a backlight or color filters, offering superior contrast, deep black levels, and close-to-perfect viewing angles. Likewise, the screen also features a modular, bezel-free design with support for up to a 146-inch display size, allowing users to make the TV larger or smaller by adding or removing modules in any configuration with no impact on performance. Though full specs have not been detailed just yet, the MicroLED TV has already been named a "Best of Innovation Award" winner at CES. In addition to "The Wall," Samsung has also announced its upcoming 85-inch QLED Q9S TV. The display will feature 8K resolution, offering four times the number of pixels found on a standard 4K Ultra HD display. Likewise, the set will incorporate AI upscaling technology. This feature uses a proprietary machine learning algorithm to intelligently upscale the resolution of the content being displayed, allowing the TV to produce advanced upscaled 8K images from any source. And beyond the new 8K set, the remaining 2018 QLED lineup will also offer notable improvements over last year's collection. Though specific models have not been detailed yet, here's a roundup of some key features that are set to be included on 2018 QLED displays: - 100% color volume - Improved efficiency - Full array local dimming (FALD) - Enhanced contrast with an anti-blooming algorithm - 16bit color mapping - HDR10+ support - Bixby voice assistant capabilities - Universal browsing of all online content - SmartThing Dashboard app with control for all Samsung devices and appliances Exact pricing and availability for Samsung's Q9S 8K QLED TV and MicroLED TV are still pending, but more details on both displays are expected to be revealed at CES 2018 in Las Vegas this week, along with more information on the company's full 2018 AV lineup. Source: SamsungPosted Sun Jan 7, 2018 at 06:00 PM PST by: -
Warner Bros. Announces HDR10+ Support[teaser]Another studio has pledged support for the new HDR format.[/teaser] Though exact titles and platform specifics have not been detailed yet, Warner Bros. has announced plans to start offering HDR10+ content. In addition, updates to the format's associated certification and logo program have also been detailed, allowing more manufacturers and content creators to begin implementing the tech into their titles and products. "Warner Bros. has always strived to provide the best next gen home entertainment experience to consumers," said Jim Wuthrich, President of the Americas and Global Strategy, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment. "With HDR10+ dynamic metadata, WB can continue to more accurately bring the filmmakers' vision of our 2018 releases and our vast catalog of over seventy-five 4K HDR titles to the home across a broad range of HDR10+ capable TV’s." Currently, the standard HDR10 format uses static metadata that does not change during playback, offering a fixed picture enhancement across an entire piece of content. This can lead to inconsistent HDR quality in certain scenes, especially if a movie has an overall bright color palette mixed in with a few dimly lit sequences. But with HDR10+, the format is now introducing dynamic metadata which will allow a compatible display to adjust brightness levels, color saturation, and contrast, on a scene-by-scene or even frame-by-frame basis, producing images that are closer to the director's intent. Likewise, this upgrade makes the new HDR10+ standard more in line with the competing Dolby Vision HDR process, which already incorporates dynamic metadata along with higher specs for max color and brightness performance compared to HDR10. "It was important for us to create an open system that is flexible and offers a viewing experience much closer to the filmmaker’s creative intent for the film," said Danny Kaye, Executive Vice President of 20th Century Fox, and Managing Director of the Fox Innovation Lab. "Together with Samsung and Panasonic, we aim to standardize the licensing process making it easy for partners, including content creators, television and device manufacturers, to incorporate this technology and improve the viewing experience for all audiences." As part of the new license program, manufacturers and content creators will gain access to the technical and testing specifications needed to properly implement HDR10+ technology into various Ultra HD TVs, Blu-ray disc players/recorders, set-top boxes, and SoCs. In addition, the associated certification program will then ensure that products that earn the HDR10+ logo meet the format's standards for picture quality. Beyond the newly announced support from Warner Bros., HDR10+ is also supported by 20th Century Fox, Samsung, and Panasonic. Likewise, Amazon Prime Video is already streaming a growing collection of HDR10+ titles through 2017 Samsung QLED and UHD TVs. "Samsung is committed to technological innovation across our TVs and HDR10+ represents an evolution in display quality for the best possible viewing experience," said Jongsuk Chu, Senior Vice President of Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. "We have also designed the HDR10+ platform to encourage future development in order to deliver further enhanced technology in the years to come." HDR10+ content and devices will be demoed at CES 2018 on January 9-12 in Las Vegas. Source: SamsungPosted Sun Jan 7, 2018 at 03:45 PM PST by: -
This Week in Gear: AT&T Preps 5G Network, Magnavox Readies Roku TVs, and More[teaser]We've compiled the latest gear news, including the AT&T's plans for mobile 5G, new Roku TVs, 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 AT&T's plans for mobile 5G support in 2018, new Roku TVs from Magnavox, a new Raspberry Rose edition of the LG V30 smartphone, the arrival of ESPN and Freeform streaming on 2017 Samsung smart TVs, and the release of BuddyPhones WAVE headphones. So, without further ado, here's a rundown of some of the latest gear and tech news: AT&T Preps Mobile 5G Launch AT&T has announced plans to launch mobile 5G service in a dozen markets by late 2018. The move is poised to make AT&T one of the first US companies to introduce widespread 5G support. "5G will change the way we live, work and enjoy entertainment," said Melissa Arnoldi, president, AT&T Technology and Operations. "We're moving quickly to begin deploying mobile 5G this year and start unlocking the future of connectivity for consumers and businesses. With faster speeds and ultra-low latency, 5G will ultimately deliver and enhance experiences like virtual reality, future driverless cars, immersive 4K video and more." AT&T will u se the industry standard for 5G as a basis for its 5G services. On that note, 3GPP (the international wireless standards body) recently completed key elements of 5G new radio standards, and these specs will allow hardware, chipset, and device manufacturers to start developing 5G products. And beyond an increase in connection speed, 5G is also set to offer much lower latency, reducing the delay that occurs between the moment a user starts requesting data from a network and the moment the network actually starts sending that data. In addition to upcoming mobile 5G offerings to consumers, AT&T also plans to trial 5G tech with businesses. Likewise, the company is working on other network technologies as well, including LTE upgrades, Fixed Wireless Internet, AT&T Fiber, and G.fast. Source: AT&T Magnavox Joins Roku TV Program Roku has announced the addition of Magnaox to its Roku TV program. Other manufacturers and brands already part of the program include TCL, Hisense, Philips, Insignia, Element, Sharp, RCA, and Hitachi. As part of the new agreement, Funai Electric will start producing Roku smart TVs under the Magnavox brand. Though exact models have not been announced yet, Magnavox Roku TVs will all run the Roku OS, offering access to more than 500,000 movies and TV episodes and more than 5,000 streaming channels, along with automatic software updates to make sure that the sets remain up to date with all of Roku's latest features. An firm release date for Magnavox's first slate of Roku TVs has not been announced yet, but the initial lineup is set to debut in the US sometime in Spring 2018. In addition to new smart TVs, Roku also recently announced a new wireless whole home entertainment feature dubbed Roku Connect and a new voice assistant feature dubbed Roku Entertainment Assistant. Source: Roku LG Reveals Raspberry Rose Edition V30 Smartphone LG has revealed the latest version of its flagship V30 smartphone. The upcoming Raspberry Rose edition debut at CES 2018 next week, and will feature an eye-catching red design scheme geared toward fashion-conscious buyers. The LG V30 smartphone features a 6-inch 18:9 QuadHD+ OLED FullVision Display with a resolution of 2880 x 1440 and 538ppi. Under the hood, the device is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 with 4GB LPDDR4x RAM. A rear dual 16MP/13MP camera and a front 5MP camera are integrated as well, along with a non-removable 3,300 mAh battery. In addition, the phone includes support for HDR10 playback from apps like Netflix. HDR is an advanced display and image mastering technology that offers 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 HDR material. An exact release date for the new Raspberry Red LG V30 has not been announced yet, but the device is expected to roll out in Korea following CES before expanding to additional key markets in Europe and Asia. The new model joins the previously available Aurora Black, Cloud Silver, Moroccan Blue and Lavender Violet color options. Source: LG Samsung Adds ESPN and Freeform Streaming Apps to Smart TV Lineup ESPN and Disney have announced the arrival of their Freeform and ESPN streaming apps on the Samsung smart TV platform. As part of the launch, all 2017 Samsung smart TV will support the apps. The ESPN streaming app allows users with an authenticated pay-TV subscription to stream live sports events, clips, highlights, and on-demand sports programming, including the upcoming Alabama-Georgia College Football Playoff National Championship presented by AT&T, and ESPN's MegaCast production, the Titans-Chiefs NFL Wild Card game, and the NBA. Meanwhile, the Freeform app allows users with an authenticated pay-TV subscription to access 24/7 live viewing of the network, along with on-demand content, including series like grown-ish, Alone Together, and The Fosters. Beyond 2017 Samsung Smart TVs, the ESPN and Freeform apps are also available via computers, smartphones, tablets, and an assortment of streaming devices. Source: ESPN BuddyPhones Details WAVE Wireless Headphones for Kids BuddyPhones has detailed its latest headphone model. The WAVE is a wireless and waterproof headphone with a volume-limiting feature designed for kids. The headphones are currently available on Amazon for $80 and are set to be on hand at CES 2018 next week in Las Vegas. The headphones include four listening modes geared toward different age groups and surroundings, including a Toddler Mode (75Db), Kids Mode (85Db), Travel Mode (94Db), and Study Mode (94Db). The latter mode uses proprietary technology pioneered by ONANOFF to offer clearer vocals and speech to help kids focus on educational videos or streaming lectures. In addition, the device features Bluetooth wireless connectivity and over 24 hours of battery life. An optional travel kit including a protective hard case with a water-resistant zipper and an airplane plug is also available. Source: BuddyPhonesPosted Fri Jan 5, 2018 at 05:30 PM PST by: -
Coming Soon to Streaming: 'Narcos,' 'Animaniacs,' and More[teaser]Yakko, Wakko, Dot, and more are all coming to your favorite streaming device.[/teaser] Netflix and Amazon have released new trailers or info for several of their upcoming shows and movies, including My Next Guest Needs No Introduction With David Letterman, Somebody Feed Phil, Disjointed - Part 2, The Open House, Step Sisters, Narcos: Season 4, and The Widow. In addition, Hulu and Warner Bros. have announced plans to develop a new version of the 90s cartoon, Animaniacs. Steven Spielberg will return to executive produce the new series which has already been given a two season straight-to-series order set to premiere in 2020. In addition, Hulu will also now be the exclusive streaming home to all 99 episodes of the original Animaniacs, along with Pinky and the Brain, Pinky, Elmyra and the Brain, and Tiny Toon Adventures. Here's a synopsis for the new series per Hulu: The Warner brothers, Yakko and Wakko, and the Warner sister, Dot — three inseparable, irascible siblings — have a great time wreaking havoc and mayhem in the lives of everyone they meet. They have been locked away in the Warner Bros. water tower for a very long time, but they have found a way to escape. And escape they do — every day! Causing chaos and comic confusion, Yakko, Wakko and Dot run loose in the city, turning the world into their personal playground. And fan-favorite characters Pinky and the Brain will also return to make appearances in each episode. "We cannot wait to work with Steven Spielberg and the entire Amblin and Warner Bros. teams to bring more sketches, catchphrases, songs and laughs from the Animaniacs to kids and adults everywhere," said Craig Erwich, SVP of Content, Hulu. "Now one of the most beloved, inventive and funny animated franchises in history, Animaniacs and its cast of witty characters can live on, on Hulu. This marks yet another big move for us as we continue our efforts to be the #1 streaming destination for premium animated content." My Next Guest Needs No Introduction With David Letterman (Netflix, January 12) - The six-episode series has Letterman combining two interests for which he is renowned: in-depth conversations with extraordinary people, and in-the-field segments expressing his curiosity and humor. In each hour-long episode, Letterman will conduct a long-form conversation with a singular guest - and will also explore topics on his own, away from the studio. Dave's lineup of influential guests includes George Clooney, Malala Yousafzai, Jay-Z, Tina Fey, Howard Stern and President Barack Obama. Somebody Feed Phil (Netflix, January 12) - The new original documentary series from the creator of Everybody Loves Raymond, Phil Rosenthal, takes viewers on a goodwill eating tour of the world (Tel Aviv, Lisbon, Saigon, Mexico City, New Orleans and Bangkok.) Along for the ride are Phil's friends, family and his trademark sense of humor. Disjointed: Part 2 (Netflix, January 12) - A workplace comedy starring Kathy Bates as a lifelong advocate for legalization who’s finally living her dream as the owner of an L.A.–area cannabis dispensary. Joining her are three budtenders, her twenty-something son and a deeply troubled security guard. All of them are more or less constantly high. The Open House (Netflix, January 19) - A teenager (Dylan Minnette) and his mother (Piercey Dalton) find themselves besieged by threatening forces when they move into a new house. Step Sisters (Netflix, January 19) - Jamilah Bishop (Megalyn Echikunwoke) seems to excel at everything: She's president of her sorority, captain of the step dance crew, liaison to the college dean and a star student who is on her way to Harvard Law School. But when Jamilah is asked to teach a misbehaving, mostly white sorority how to step, success seems impossible. Without telling her own sorority sisters, Jamilah begins training rivals Sigma Beta Beta (SBB) for the "Steptacular" competitive dance competition. Narcos: Season 4 (Netflix, Coming Soon) This raw, gritty series chronicles the gripping real-life stories of the drug kingpins of the late 1980s and the corroborative efforts of law enforcement to meet them head on in brutal, bloody conflict. It details the many, often-conflicting forces - legal, political, police, military and civilian - that clash in the effort to control cocaine, one of the world's most valuable commodities. Finally, Amazon and ITV have greenlit a new eight-episode original series called The Widow. The show comes from writers Harry and Jack Williams (The Missing, Fleabag), and is set to star Kate Beckinsale. An exact release date has not been announced yet, but The Widow will premiere on ITV in the UK and on Prime Video in the US and more than 200 countries and territories. Here's a synopsis per Amazon: The Widow follows Georgia Wells (Beckinsale) who has cut herself off from her previous life and is no longer the woman she once was. After seeing her “late” husband on the news, she is pulled back to face the world and will stop at nothing until she gets the truth about her past. This emotionally gut-wrenching thriller will take Georgia into the depths of the African Congo where danger and revelation will greet her at every turn. "We are thrilled to continue our existing relationship with Kate Beckinsale on the heels of her incredible performances in Amazon Studios' critically acclaimed films," said Brad Beale, Vice President, Worldwide TV Content Acquisition, Amazon Prime Video. "Harry and Jack Williamshave created a powerful story, which will be brought to life by one of the world's most talented actresses, and we are excited to bring this thrilling series to Prime members around the world." - 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 $99 per year or $11 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 ($6 limited time promotional price now available). In addition, ad-free playback is available for $12 per month. Sources: Netflix (YouTube), Amazon, HuluPosted Fri Jan 5, 2018 at 04:30 PM PST by: -
Roku Announces Roku Connect Whole Home Entertainment Solution[teaser]The company has announced a new wireless multi-room audio platform.[/teaser] Roku has detailed its latest tech innovation. Dubbed Roku Connect, the new whole home entertainment system will allow users to connect supported audio devices together and to their TVs. "We've always focused on making it incredibly simple for consumers to find and enjoy streaming entertainment on their TVs, and with an expanded Roku ecosystem, consumers will be able to add great sound to their TVs and audio around the whole home in a modern way," said Roku CEO Anthony Wood. "Consumers will love the benefits of a home entertainment network, such as having more affordable options, adding one device at a time, using their voice, having a simplified set up and Wi-Fi connectivity, and holding just one remote control. And, of course, OEM brands benefit by offering their products in a more appealing way to our already large and engaged audience of millions of active accounts." Roku Connect can be implemented by OEM brands into various sound bars, smart speakers, surround sound systems, and multi-room audio setups to create a home entertainment network. Different Roku Connect audio devices can then connect wirelessly to each other with support for voice command controls from a single remote. OEM brands will also be able to license smart sound bar and smart speaker reference designs and the Roku OS. In addition, a new voice assistant feature, dubbed Roku Entertainment Assistant, is also in the works for Roku devices. The Roku Entertainment Assistant will allow customers to access content on voice-supported Roku products through verbal commands like "Hey Roku, play jazz in the living room." Roku Connect and Roku Entertainment Assistant support are both set to be available via free software updates to the Roku OS this Fall on most Roku TV models and Roku players. And though specific audio devices with Roku Connect have not been revealed yet, Roku has announced that TCL will be one of its main OEM partners and the company plans to unveil its first Roku Connect product at CES 2018 on January 8. Source: RokuPosted Fri Jan 5, 2018 at 02:30 PM PST by:
