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Klipsch Details Reference Premiere Designer On-Wall Speakers[teaser]The new speaker lineup is designed to complement flat panel displays.[/teaser] Klipsch has announced the release of its new Reference Premiere Designer On-Wall Speaker Series. The collection includes RP-140D, RP-240D, RP-640D, and RP-440SB. "We created Klipsch Reference Premiere Designer On-Wall speakers to bring the dynamics, detail, and power of our critically acclaimed Reference Premiere box speakers in slim on-wall solution - for attractive, elegant and décor-friendly performance," said Michael Buratto, product manager for Klipsch Group, Inc. The speakers all feature slim, on-wall designs with a black matte finish, a wrap around magnetic grille, four-way keyholes for horizontal or vertical wall mounting, and an attachable glass base for placement on a table or bookshelf. Likewise, each unit incorporates Reference Premiere acoustic technologies with Exclusive Tractrix Horn tech, a Linear Travel Suspension titanium tweeter, and Klipsch's signature copper Cerametallic woofers. The RP-140D features a single 1" Titanium Dome Linear Travel Suspension (LTS) tweeter and a single 3.5" Cerametallic Woofer. Meanwhile, the RP-240D features a single 1" Titanium Dome Linear Travel Suspension (LTS) tweeter and dual 3.5" Cerametallic Woofers. In addition, the RP-640D features a single 1" Titanium Dome Linear Travel Suspension (LTS) tweeter, dual 3.5" Cerametallic Active Woofers, and Quad 3.5" Cerametallic Passive Radiators. Finally, the RP-440SB Passive Sound Bar features triple 1" Titanium Dome Linear Travel Suspension (LTS) tweeters and quad 3.5" Cerametallic Woofers. The Klipsch Designer On-Wall speaker series is now available via the professional integrator market. Pricing is not currently listed on the company's website. In addition to the new on-wall speakers, Klipsch also recently launched its new Reference Theater Pack for an MSRP of $999. The compact 5.1 pre-packaged surround system uses the same tech, materials, and acoustics as the company's Reference Series speakers. Source: KlipschPosted Wed Dec 6, 2017 at 07:00 AM PST by: -
Apple TV Adds Amazon Prime Video Support[teaser]Amazon's streaming service has finally arrived on Apple's media player.[/teaser] Apple and Amazon have officially launched Amazon Prime Video support for the Apple TV. The Prime Video tvOS app is now available through 3rd Generation and later Apple TV models. In addition, Amazon HDR playback support is also available on the Apple TV 4K. "There is nothing that excites us more than delighting our customers, and we are thrilled for them to stream Prime Video on Apple TV," said Mark Eamer, Vice President of Prime Video. "The app arrives just in time for the highly anticipated new season of The Grand Tour, which launches on December 8th, and Prime Video members streaming on the Apple TV 4K will have the exceptional viewing experience of 4K HDR." Previously, the only way for Amazon users to access Prime Video on the Apple TV was through an AirPlay connection to a separate iOS device with the app, like an iPhone or iPad. The lack of an official Amazon Prime Video app on the Apple TV until now has often been attributed to Amazon and Apple's competing interests in the media player and streaming services market. In fact, Amazon still does not offer Apple streaming devices for purchase through its site -- though that could change now that the Apple TV offers Prime Video. The latest gen Apple TV, dubbed Apple TV 4K, utilizes the A10X Fusion chip and offers 4K playback capabilities at up to 60 frames per second with support for HDR10 and Dolby Vision content. Users can currently view 4K HDR titles from iTunes, Amazon, and Vimeo, and HDR support for other services like Netflix is expected to be added in the coming months. In addition, the device includes 4K scaling for HD sources, Siri voice search, iCloud support for media sharing, standard AirPlay capabilities, and the ability to serve as a smart home hub for HomeKit accessories with remote access and automated control. Apple TV 4K models are in 32GB ($179) and 64GB ($199) versions. Meanwhile, an 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. Source: Amazon, iTunes via EngadgetPosted Wed Dec 6, 2017 at 06:35 AM PST by: -
HDD Gear Deals: Up to 41% off Receivers & Projectors[teaser]Select projectors and AV receivers are now on sale through Amazon![/teaser] As part of the retailer's holiday deals store, Amazon is running a sale on select projectors from ViewSonic and receivers from Sony and Pioneer. Sony STRDH550 5.2 Channel 4K AV Receiver - Currently $148 (41% off). Pioneer VSX-1131 7.2-Channel AV Receiver - Currently $299 (34% off). Sony STRDH130 2 Channel Stereo Receiver - Currently $98 (35% off). ViewSonic PJD6352 3500 Lumens XGA HDMI Projector - Currently $433 (18% off). ViewSonic PRO8530HDL 5200 Lumens 1080p Projector - Currently $1,500 (17% off). 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!Posted Tue Dec 5, 2017 at 10:25 PM PST by: -
Netflix Reveals Episode Trailers and Release Date for 'Black Mirror' Season 4[teaser]Several trailers have been released for the new season.[/teaser] Netlifx has released an official full season and separate episode trailers for the upcoming fourth season of Black Mirror. The lineup includes "Crocodile," "Arkangel," "Hang the DJ," "USS Callister," "Metalhead," and "Black Museum." All six episodes are set to hit the streaming service on December 29. Black Mirror is an anthology series that taps into our collective unease with the modern world, with each stand-alone episode a sharp, suspenseful tale exploring themes of contemporary techno-paranoia. Without questioning it, technology has transformed all aspects of our lives; in every home; on every desk; in every palm - a plasma screen; a monitor; a Smartphone – a Black Mirror reflecting our 21st Century existence back at us. The series is created and written by Charlie Brooker, and executive produced by Brooker and Annabel Jones. And be sure to check out all of the individual episode trailers below! Arkangel - The key to good parenting is control. Directed by Jodie Foster. Starring Rosemarie DeWitt, Brenna Harding and Owen Teague. Crocodile - Picture what you saw. Directed by John Hillcoat. Starring Andrea Riseborough, Andrew Gower and Kiran Sonia Sawar. Black Museum - If it did something bad, chances are it's in here. Directed by Colm McCarthy. Starring Douglas Hodge, Letitia Wright and Babs Olusanmokun. Hand the DJ - Find your perfect match. Directed by Tim Van Patten. Starring Georgina Campbell, Joe Cole and George Blagden. Metalhead - Beware of Dogs. Directed by David Slade. Starring Maxine Peake, Jake Davies and Clint Dyer. U.S.S. Callister - Join Captain Daly and his trusty crew as they explore the galaxy and the dangers of unknown alien planets. Directed by Toby Haynes. Starring Jesse Plemons, Cristin Milioti, Jimmi Simpson and Michaela Coel. Seasons one, two, and three of Black Mirror are now available to stream on Netflix. A current Netflix subscription starts at $11 per month for HD streaming and $14 per month for Ultra HD streaming. Source Netflix (YouTube)Posted Tue Dec 5, 2017 at 09:20 PM PST by: -
HDD Gear Deals: Up to 46% off Sound Bars[teaser]Several sound bar systems are now on sale through Amazon![/teaser] As part of the retailer's holiday deals store, Amazon is running a sale on select sound bar models from Polk, VIZIO, Definitive Technology, and Leviton. Polk Audio Omni SB1 Plus Sound Bar System (Certified Refurbished) - Currently $215 (46% off). VIZIO SB3820-C6B 2.0 Sound Bar, Black, 38" (Certified Refurbished) - Currently $64 (31% off). Definitive Technology W Studio Sound Bar (Certified Refurbished) - Currently $500 (29% off). VIZIO SB4051-C0 40-Inch 5.1 Sound Bar System (Certified Refurbished) - Currently $200 (21% off). VIZIO SB3851-C0 38-Inch 5.1 Channel Sound Bar System (Certified Refurbished) - Currently $170 (21% off). Leviton LAESB Cinema SB250 Bluetooth Sound Bar with Wireless Subwoofer - Currently $240 (20% off). VIZIO SB2920-C6 Sound Bar Home Speaker Certified Refurbished - Currently $57 (15% off). 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!Posted Mon Dec 4, 2017 at 08:15 PM PST by: -
Disney Still Considering 21st Century Fox Acquisition[teaser]Negotiations between the two companies are reportedly back on.[/teaser] According to a report from The Wall Street Journal, Disney is once again in talks to purchase parts of 21st Century Fox. News of the potential acquisition broke last month but the discussions had apparently stalled. Now, it seems as if a potential deal is back on the table. In addition to Disney, other interested buyers reportedly include Comcast, Sony, and Verizon Communications. The proposed sale would include various assets of the Murdoch family's 21st Century Fox company, including the 20th Century Fox film and TV studio, FX Networks and National Geographic cable group, and Fox's various stakes in streaming platforms and international TV channels like Hulu, Star India, and Sky. A sale to Disney would greatly bolster the company's already massive film and TV reach. Of special note to Marvel fans, could be the addition of currently Fox-owned Marvel film/TV properties to Disney's MCU, including the X-Men and Fantastic Four franchises -- allowing Wolverine and The Human Torch to pal around with The Avengers on the big screen for the first time. Likewise, though Disney purchased Lucasfilm and the Star Wars franchise back in 2012, the distribution rights to A New Hope remain with Fox in perpetuity. If the studio were to acquire Fox's film division that could give those rights to Disney -- which would make any future re-releases of the original trilogy easier to accomplish. For now, these discussions remain ongoing and there is no guarantee that any sale will actually go through, but the Murdochs will likely decide whether or not to proceed by the end of the year. Sources: The Wall Street Journal via VarietyPosted Mon Dec 4, 2017 at 07:50 AM PST by: -
This Week in Gear: LG Highlights Super UHD Display Viewing Angles, Oppo Adds MQA Support, and More[teaser]We've compiled the latest gear news, including details on the viewing angle benefits of LG IPS screens, the arrival of MQA audio on the Oppo UDP-205, 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 results of DisplayMate's viewing angle test using LG and Samsung displays, the addition of MQA audio support for the Oppo UDP-205, and the arrival of several new and updated streaming apps on Samsung Smart TVs. So, without further ado, here's a rundown of some of the latest gear and tech news: DisplayMate Highlights Viewing Angle Benefits of LG Super UHD IPS LCDs DisplayMate has conducted a test to see how much LCD TV picture quality changes from different viewing angles on IPS and VA panels. As part of the test, the company examined changes in color, contrast, and brightness from different angles on an LG 65SJ9500 4K Ultra HD TV and a Samsung 65Q8 4K Ultra HD TV. The LG display uses an IPS LCD panel along with Nano Cell tech to achieve a wide color gamut. Meanwhile, the Samsung display uses a VA LCD panel along with Quantum Dot tech to achieve a wide color gamut. After conducting a few tests, DisplayMate concluded that the LG models maintained color and picture quality from off-center angles much better than the Samsung model. Here are some key stats from the test per LG: - The LG IPS LCD TV shows only small and barely noticeable Color Shifts and changes between the 0° and 45° viewing angle positions. - The LG IPS LCD TV shows only small Color Shifts within the entire 4K Wide DCI-P3 Color Gamut. The Average Color Shift is 2.1 JNCD and the Maximum Color Shift is 4.8 JNCD, which are barely noticeable visually. So every viewer watching the LG IPS LCD TV should see the same high picture quality regardless of their viewing position and angle, up through at least 45°. It should be noted, however, that while IPS panels are known for superior viewing angles, VA panels still tend to offer much better black levels, which can make them better suited for home theater use depending upon a user's priorities. Source: DisplayMate via LG Oppo UDP-205 Ultra HD Blu-ray Player Adds MQA Audio Support Oppo has announced the addition of MQA audio decoding support to its UDP-205 Ultra HD Blu-ray player. With the new firmware update, users can now identify and play files encoded with MQA through the device's "Music" app. "Delivering reference audio performance has always been the core feature of the OPPO UDP-205 universal player. We are thrilled to work with MQA to incorporate MQA decoding into the player," said Jason Liao, CTO of OPPO Digital. "Our audiophile customers will enjoy the lifelike and engaging listening experience with the studio master sound quality provided by MQA." MQA is an end to end audio tech that provides authenticated master quality audio in a file that's small enough to stream or download. The UDP-205 is capable of playback for 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray, Blu-ray, Blu-ray 3D, DVD-Video, DVD-Audio, SACD, Audio CD, and many other formats, including HEVC, H.264, VP9 4K, and Hi10P video codecs. In addition, the UPD-205 includes HDR10, Dolby Vision, and Wide Color gamut support. Dual HDMI outputs with HDMI 2.0 for UHD and HDMI 1.4 for audio, and an HDMI 2.0 input port for external streaming devices or set-top boxes are integrated as well. Likewise, the device offers advanced audio features with 7.1-channel analog audio output, two ES9038PRO DACs, and a massive toroidal power supply. The new MQA firmware update for the UDP-205 is now available for download directly through the player's update feature or from the company's website. Source: Oppo YouTube TV, Amazon Prime Music, and Hulu Live TV Arrive on Samsung Smart TVs Samsung has announced the addition of several new or updated apps to its Smart TV lineup. The collection includes YouTube TV, Amazon Prime Music, Hulu's new interface, and Hulu Live TV. Amazon Prime Music allows Prime users to stream a growing collection of ad-free music tracks, including songs from popular artists like Daft Punk, Bruno Mars, Blake Shelton, The Lumineers, Bruce Springsteen and Madonna. The service also offers pre-programmed playlists and personalized recommendations. The app is now available on 2015 and newer Samsung Smart TVs. Meanwhile, YouTube TV offers access to more than 40 live streaming networks, regional sports channels, and cable stations, including ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, The CW, ESPN, Fox News, MSNBC, USA, Syfy, FX, Disney Channel, Sprout, E!, Bravo, and more for $35 per month. The app is now available on 2016 and 2017 Samsung Smart TVs. In addition, the updated Hulu experience and Hulu Live TV service are both now available on 2017 Samsung Smart TVs. The upgraded Hulu app features a new highly personalized UI and the option to create up to six user profiles. Finally, Hulu Live TV is available for $40 per month and includes access to content from ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC with local live broadcast affiliate programming immediately available in many markets, along with additional channels like CBS Sports, ESPN, Fox Sports, NBC Sports, TNT, CNN, CNBC, Fox News, Fox Business, MSNBC, Bravo, E!, Food Network, HGTV and Travel Channel, A&E, Cartoon Network/Adult Swim, Disney Channel, Freeform, FX, HISTORY, Lifetime, National Geographic, TBS, USA Network, Viceland, and more. Live TV subscribers also get to enjoy Hulu's existing streaming plan with limited commercials and more than 3500 TV and film titles. In addition, users can subscribe to add-on packages for HBO, Cinemax, and Showtime. Source: Hulu, Engadget, GooglePosted Sat Dec 2, 2017 at 11:35 AM PST by: -
Disney Sues Redbox for Selling Digital Copy Codes[teaser]The rental company is being sued by Disney.[/teaser] According to a report from Variety, Disney is suing Redbox for reselling digital copy codes of its films. Redbox obtains the codes from inserts that are included with the discs the company buys for its DVD and Blu-ray rental kiosks. Redbox began selling digital copy codes for Disney films in October and charges between $5 and $15 per code. The selection of movies includes many popular titles like Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, The Jungle Book, Moana, and more. After buying a code, users can pick-up a printout with the code and info on how to use it from one of Redbox's kiosks. The codes can then be used to redeem a digital copy of the selected movie through various supported services and devices. For its part, Disney claims that by reselling these codes Redbox is now violating its contracts and copyrights. As such, the company filed a lawsuit against Redbox on November 30 in a federal district court in Los Angeles for copyright infringement. Disney is seeking an injunction on the sale of its digital codes through Redbox and is asking for damages of up to $150,000 per title sold. Likewise, the studio is also asking for all the money Redbox has made from the sale of its films. Redbox does not currently have a direct distribution agreement with Disney, which means that the company actually buys all of the Disney DVDs and Blu-rays that it rents from the retail market. These discs frequently come with digital codes, but Disney states that the packaging indicates that they are not for resale. Outside of these new legal worries, Redbox recently renewed rental deals with Sony and Lionsgate. Likewise, the company is currently adding new rental kiosks across the country and is set to have more than 41,500 kiosks nationwide. Redbox DVD rentals start at $1.50 per night and Blu-ray rentals start at $2 per night. Source: VarietyPosted Fri Dec 1, 2017 at 01:15 PM PST by: -
Vimeo Now Supports HDR & 8K Videos[teaser]The streaming service now offers high dynamic range uploading and playback.[/teaser] Vimeo has announced the addition of HDR support for its platform. As part of the update, users can now upload videos in HDR. Meanwhile, Vimeo HDR playback is currently supported through the HDR10 format on the iPhone X, iPad Pro, and the Apple TV 4K. HDR10 is an open standard High Dynamic Range content and playback solution for displays and content. The process uses expanded brightness to improve contrast between dark and light aspects of an image, bringing out deeper black levels and more realistic details in specular highlights -- like the sun reflecting off of an ocean -- in specially graded HDR10 material. In addition, to go along with HDR, Vimeo is also supporting 10-bit video, up to the BT.2020 color gamut, and up to 8K video resolution. In order to add HDR videos, Vimeo users simply need to upload their HDR content through the Vimeo panel for Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro X, Dropbox, or directly from the upload page. To watch HDR videos, Vimeo users will need a display with support for HDR10 and the HEVC codec, along with an Apple TV 4K. Likewise, users can also watch Vimeo HDR content through an iPhone X or an iPad Pro. Support for more devices and codecs will be added in the future. The Apple TV 4K is currently available for $180. The device utilizes the A10X Fusion chip and offers 4K playback capabilities at up to 60 frames per second with support for HDR10 and Dolby Vision content. Meanwhile, the iPhone X features a Super Retina HD 5.8-inch all-screen OLED Multi-Touch display with a resolution of 2436x1125-pixels and support for Dolby Vision and HDR10. Source: VimeoPosted Fri Dec 1, 2017 at 12:00 PM PST by: -
SVS Details 4000 Series Subwoofers[teaser]Three new subwoofer models have been revealed.[/teaser] SVS has announced the latest additions to its subwoofer collection. The new 4000 Series includes the SB-4000 sealed cabinet subwoofer, PB-4000 ported cabinet subwoofer, and the PC-4000 ported cylinder cabinet subwoofer. "While the rest of the industry is chasing benchmarks SVS established with the 16-Ultra Series, we raised the bar and redefined what is possible at even lower price points, taking the finest technology available and applying it in a way that lets more people than ever enjoy the breathtaking benefits of reference quality bass," said Gary Yacoubian, SVS President and Managing Partner. "Audiophiles and home theater fans who understand high performance audio will recognize what a genuine accomplishment the 4000 Series is after the first bassline drops or action movie erupts to life. And for the price, there's simply nothing in the same area code." The 4000 Series subwoofers are powered by a Sledge STA-1200D amplifier along with 50-MHz Analog Devices Audio DSP with 56-bit filtering. Each unit also features a dual ferrite magnet motor assembly with a 13.5-inch drive unit and long-throw parabolic surround. The SB-4000 uses a sealed cabinet design and offers a Frequency Response of 19-310Hz +/-3 dB, and a Max Low Frequency Output of 126.8 dB @ 32Hz 1/8 space 1m. Meanwhile, the PB-4000 uses a ported cabinet design and offers a Frequency Response of 16Hz to 200Hz +/-3 dB in standard mode, 13Hz to 200Hz +/-3 dB in extended mode), and 18Hz to 200Hz +/-3 dB in sealed mode, along with a Max Low Frequency Output of 134.5 dB @ 32Hz 1/8 space 1m. Finally, the PC-4000 uses a ported cylinder cabinet design and offers a Frequency Response of 17Hz to 200Hz +/-3 dB in standard mode, 15Hz to 200Hz +/-3 dB in extended mode, and 16Hz to 200Hz +/-3 dB in sealed mode, along with a Max Low Frequency Output of 133.1dB @ 32Hz 1/8 space 1m. The SVS 4000 Series Subwoofers will start shipping this month. Here's a rundown of pricing for each model per SVS: SB-4000: Premium Black Ash - $1,499.99, Piano Gloss Black - $1,599.99 PB-4000: Premium Black Ash - $1,899.99, Piano Gloss Black - $1,999.99 PC-4000: Piano Gloss Black - $1,799.99 Source: SVS via Home Theater ReviewPosted Fri Dec 1, 2017 at 11:15 AM PST by:
