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Coming Soon to Streaming: 'Jack Ryan,' 'Runaways,' 'Castle Rock,' and More[teaser]Superheroes, cowboys, Jean-Claude Van Damme, and more are all coming to your favorite streaming device.[/teaser] Hulu, Netflix, and Amazon have released new trailers for several of their upcoming shows and movies, including Lady Dynamite, Longmire, Jim & Andy: The Great Beyond, Godless, She's Gotta Have It, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Jean-Claude Van Johnson, Jack Ryan, Philip K. Dick's Electric Dreams, The Tick, Runaways, and Castle Rock. Lady Dynamite: Season Two (Netflix, November 10) - Series is based on what Maria Bamford has accepted to be "her life." The occasionally surreal episodes, refracted across multiple periods inspired by the actor/comedian’s life, tell the story of a woman who loses- and then finds- her s**t. Longmire: The Final Season (Netflix, November 17) - This contemporary crime thriller focuses on a Wyoming sheriff who is rebuilding his life and career following the death of his wife. In the sixth and final season, there’s unfinished business in Absaroka County, and the Sheriff's Department is back on the case. Jim & Andy: The Great Beyond (Netflix, November 17) - Director Chris Smith’s fascinating deep dive into actor Jim Carrey’s time spent portraying famed and complicated comedian Andy Kaufman. Using approximately 100 hours of footage shot on the set of Man on the Moon documenting Carrey’s transformation into Kaufman for four months. Jim Carrey earned critical acclaim and a Golden Globe for the performance, but many of the production’s most Kaufmanesque moments played out behind the scenes, thankfully captured on video by Andy’s former girlfriend, Lynne Margulies and former writing partner, Bob Zmuda. In Jim & Andy, Carrey looks back at the resulting footage 18 years later, reflecting on how he and Andy came up in oddly parallel universes, his experience channelling Andy and Tony and more broadly the spiritual journey of his career. Godless (Netflix, November 22) - A seven-part Netflix limited series from Steven Soderbergh and Scott Frank, written and directed by Scott Frank, starring Jack O’Connell, Michelle Dockery, and Jeff Daniels. Frank Griffin, an outlaw terrorizing the 1880s American West, hunts down Roy Goode, his partner turned enemy. Roy hides out at a ranch as Frank's chase leads him to La Belle, New Mexico - a town mysteriously made up entirely of women. She's Gotta Have It (Netflix, November 23) - The 10-episode series is a contemporary update of Spike Lee's revolutionary debut independent film. She's Gotta Have It centers on Nola Darling, a Brooklyn-based artist in her late twenties struggling to define herself and divide her time amongst her Friends, her Job and her Three Lovers: The Cultured Model, Greer Childs, The Protective Investment Banker, Jamie Overstreet and Da Original B-Boy Sneakerhead, Mars Blackmon. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (Amazon Prime Video, November 29) - From the Creator of Gilmore Girls, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel tells the story of Miriam "Midge" Maisel a woman who has everything she's ever wanted—the perfect husband, two kids, and an elegant Upper West Side apartment. But her perfect life suddenly takes an unexpected turn and Midge discovers a previously unknown talent—one that changes her life forever. Jean-Claude Van Johnson (Amazon Prime Video, December 15) - Stars global martial arts & film sensation Jean-Claude Van Damme playing "Jean-Claude Van Damme," a global martial arts & film sensation, also operating under the simple alias of "Johnson" as the world's most dangerous undercover operative. Unhappily retired, a chance encounter lures him back into the game, forcing him to confront the greatest enemy he’s ever faced. The Tick (Amazon Prime Video, February 23) - In a world where superheroes have been real for decades, an accountant with mental health issues and zero powers comes to realize his city is owned by a global super villain long-thought dead. As he struggles to uncover this conspiracy, he falls in league with a strange blue superhero. Jack Ryan (Amazon Prime Video, Coming in 2018) - When CIA analyst Jack Ryan stumbles upon a suspicious series of bank transfers his search for answers pulls him from the safety of his desk job and catapults him into a deadly game of cat and mouse throughout Europe and the Middle East, with a rising terrorist figurehead preparing for a massive attack against the US and her allies. Philip K. Dick's Electric Dreams (Amazon Prime Video, Coming in 2018) - Based on the short stories from one of science fiction’s most prolific authors, Philip K. Dick's Electric Dreams explores humanity in 10 standalone episodes. From 5 to 5000 years in the future, each story in the anthology will question what it means to be human in uniquely ambitious, grounded, yet fantastical worlds. Marvel's Runaways (Hulu, November 21) - After discovering their parents are super-villains in disguise, a group of teenagers band together to run away from their homes in order to atone for their parents' actions and to discover the secrets of their origins. Castle Rock (Hulu, Coming in 2018) - A psychological-horror series set in the Stephen King multiverse, Castle Rock combines the mythological scale and intimate character storytelling of King’s best-loved works, weaving an epic saga of darkness and light, played out on a few square miles of Maine woodland. The fictional Maine town of Castle Rock has figured prominently in King’s literary career: Cujo, The Dark Half, IT and Needful Things, as well as novella The Body and numerous short stories such as Rita Hayworth and The Shawshank Redemption are either set there or contain references to Castle Rock. Castle Rock is an original suspense/thriller — a first-of-its-kind reimagining that explores the themes and worlds uniting the entire King canon, while brushing up against some of his most iconic and beloved stories. - 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 (YouTube), Hulu (YouTube)Posted Sat Oct 21, 2017 at 09:30 PM PDT by: -
BenQ Launches EW277HDR Full HD Monitor with HDR for $269[teaser]The company's new 1080p monitor features high dynamic range support.[/teaser] BenQ has announced the launch of its latest E-Series monitor. The EW277HDR is a budget friendly 27-inch display with HDR (high dynamic range) capabilities. "Today, users expect the full cinematic experience on all their screens, including their monitors," said Steve Yang, senior director at BenQ America Corp. "The EW277HDR is engineered to bring scenes to life and delight users with the most advanced enhancements that guarantee satisfaction, whether watching a movie or other video content, or playing a video game. It also fits right into any environment with its elegant design." The EW277HDR features a 27-inch VA LED LCD panel with a Full HD resolution of 1920x1080 and a 16:9 aspect ratio. In addition, the monitor includes HDR10 support with 400 nits of brightness, 100% Rec. 709 color gamut coverage, and 93% coverage of the DCI-P3 wide color gamut. An emulated HDR mode is also included for enhancing SDR content. Likewise, the display offers a 3000:1 native contrast ratio and a 12ms/4ms (GtG) response time. The unit also incorporates BenQ's exclusive Eye-Care tech for reducing eye fatigue, enhanced productivity, and workplace safety during extended use. Finally, Brightness Intelligence Plus Technology, integrated 2Wx2 speakers, and connectivity options for HDMI 2.0, VGA, and DisplayPort inputs are all provided as well. Here's a full rundown of key features and specs per BenQ: - 27 inch Full HD High Resolution- High Dynamic Range (HDR)- 93% DCI-P3 Wide Color Gamut- Brightness Intelligence Plus Technology- Eye-care Technology The BenQ EW277HDR 27-inch monitor is now available for a manufacturer suggested retail price of $269. Source: BenQPosted Fri Oct 20, 2017 at 06:50 PM PDT by: -
Klipsch Announces Reference R-28PF and R-14PM Powered Speakers[teaser]Two new powered speaker models have been detailed.[/teaser] Klipsch has announced the latest additions to its Reference Powered speaker series. The new models include the Klipsch Reference R-28PF powered floorstanding speakers and the Klipsch Reference R-14PM powered monitors. "We've taken the complication and guesswork out of premium home audio. These powered speakers combine the bold sound Klipsch is legendary for with the easiest set-up and use on the planet," said Andre LaRouce, director of product development, integrated systems for Klipsch Group, Inc. The powered speakers support a wide range of audio sources via integrated digital, analog, and wireless inputs, allowing simple playback without the need for speaker wire or external electronics like a receiver. In addition, the units feature a 24-bit/192kHz digital-to-analog converter (DAC), RIAA-equalized phono pre-amplifier, a subwoofer out, and Bluetooth connectivity. The Reference R-28PF floorstanding speakers use dual 8" copper spun magnetically shielded IMG woofers, 1" linear travel suspension (LTS) in Tractrix horns, and a bi-amplified ultra low-noise 260W amplifier to provide a complete 2-channel stereo speaker system. Meanwhile, the Reference R-14PM powered monitor speakers use a 4" copper spun magnetically shielded IMG woofer, ¾" LTS tweeters in Tractrix horns, and an individual ultra low-noise 80W amplifier. Here's a full rundown of key specs and features per Klipsch: - 260W total system power (R-28PF) / 80W total system power (R-14PM)- Bluetooth® wireless technology with aptX- Phono Preamp built in with ground screw terminal- 3.5mm / RCA analog line inputs - USB and optical digital inputs- Sub output- Remote Control Klipsch's Reference R-28PF (MSRP $1,199/pair) and R-14PM (MSRP $399/pair) are available now in a black brushed polymer finish. Source: KlipschPosted Fri Oct 20, 2017 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
Netflix Reveals Release Date and New Trailer for Marvel's 'The Punisher'[teaser]Frank Castle will seek vengeance on Netflix in November.[/teaser] Netflix has finally announced the premiere date for Marvel's The Punisher, along with debuting a new trailer. The series stars Jon Bernthal as Frank Castle, reprising the role he originated on Daredevil, and is set to hit the streaming platform on November 17 -- the same day that Warner Bros. and DC will be releasing Justice League in theaters. After exacting revenge on those responsible for the death of his wife and children, Frank Castle (Jon Bernthal) uncovers a conspiracy that runs far deeper than New York’s criminal underworld. Now known throughout the city as The Punisher, he must discover the truth about injustices that affect more than his family alone. Check out the new trailer below! "We want to thank the fans who are clamoring for more of Jon's stunning and powerful performance as Frank Castle from ‘Marvel’s Daredevil," said Executive Producer/Head of Marvel TV, Jeph Loeb, "Now combined with Showrunner Steve Lightfoot's compelling writing, we're thrilled to bring Marvel's The Punisher to Netflix." The Punisher is now the sixth Marvel series set to debut on Netflix, following Daredevil, the Peabody Award-winning Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, Iron Fist, and the team-up mini-series The Defenders. Executive Producer Steve Lightfoot also serves as showrunner and writer for the series' first two episodes. In addition to Jon Bernthal, the show also features Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Ben Barnes, and Jason R. Moore. Likewise, Deborah Ann Woll will star as Karen Paige, reprising her role from Daredevil. Marvel's The Punisher is produced by Marvel Television in association with ABC Studios for Netflix. A current Netflix subscription starts at $11 for HD streaming and $14 for Ultra HD streaming. Source: Netflix (YouTube)Posted Thu Oct 19, 2017 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
This Week in Gear: Oculus Go Headset, New Focal Speakers, and More[teaser]We've compiled the latest gear news, including the latest VR headset from Oculus, new audio products from Focal, and the arrival of Plex Live TV streaming for Roku.[/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 Oculus Go virtual reality headset, new speakers and headphones from Focal, and the addition of Plex Live TV streaming for Roku devices. So, without further ado, here's a rundown of some of the latest gear and tech news: Oculus Go Standalone VR Headset Revealed Oculus has detailed its first standalone virtual reality headset, the Oculus Go. Unlike most other VR headset models, the Oculus Go does not require an additional smartphone, PC, or game console to work. Instead, the device has its own integrated display and CPU. The Oculus Go features a fast-switch LCD screen with a WQHD resolution of 2560X1440. In addition, the headset offers a super lightweight form factor that uses adjustable straps and a new soft, breathable fabric for the facial interface. Optimized 3D graphics and spatial audio support are integrated as well, along with built-in speakers. Likewise, the device includes a 3.5mm headphone jack for private listening. A motion controller similar to the Gear VR model will also be included. Apps designed for the Gear VR will be compatible with the Oculus Go as well, and the best of the company's mobile VR content library will be available to users on launch day -- offering access to over 1,000 VR games, social apps, 360° experiences. An exact release date and more detailed specs have not been announced yet, but the Oculus Go is set to arrive in early 2018 with a starting price of $199. Source: Oculus, Engadget Focal Details New Kanta Loudspeaker and Clear Headphones French audio company, Focal, has announced the latest additions to its audio lineup. The new products include the Kanta floor-standing loudspeaker and the Clear open-back headphones. The Kanta floor-standing speakers will join the Focal Classic Home Audio collection and are designed for music lovers. The compact 3-way speakers combine the company's Flax sandwich cone speaker driver system with its Beryllium tweeter, all housed within a new cabinet. Pricing is not currently listed, but the Kanta speakers are set to be available this month. Here's a full rundown of specs per Focal: - Type 3 way bass-reflex floor standing loudspeaker- Drivers Two 61/2‘’ (16.5cm) Flax woofer with NIC motor 61/2‘’ (16.5cm) Flax midrange with TMD suspension and NIC motor 11/16’’ (27mm) ‘IAL3’ pure Beryllium inverted dome tweeter - Sensitivity (2,83V/1m) 91dB - Frequency Response (+/-3dB) 35Hz - 40kHz - Low Frequency Point (- 6dB) 29Hz - Nominal Impedance 8Ω- Minimum Impedance 3.1Ω- Recommended Amplifier Power 40 - 300W- Crossover Frequency 260Hz - 2,700Hz- Dimensions (H x W x D) 441/64 x 1825/32 x 1241/64 (1,118 x 477 x 321 mm) - Net weight (with front grille) 77.2lbs (35kg) - Packaging dimensions (HxWxD) 4939⁄64 x 2711⁄64 x 1617⁄32’’ (1,260 x 690 x 420mm) - Total weight (including packaging) 88.2lbs (40kg) Meanwhile, Focal has also announced its new Clear reference circumaural open-back headphones. The headphones feature a new generation full-range 'M'-shape Aluminum/Magnesium dome speaker driver along with a frameless copper voice coil with a diameter of 25.5mm, a proprietary 75-micronthick suspension capable of high elongation, and 20mm memory foam ear cushions covered with a perforated microfibre fabric. Here's a full rundown of specs per Focal: - Type Circum-aural open-back headphones- Impedance 55 Ohms - Sensitivity 104dB SPL / 1mW @ 1kHz- THD 0,25% @ 1kHz / 100dB SPL- Frequency response 5Hz-28kHz- Loudspeaker 1.6" (40mm) Aluminum/Magnesium 'M'-shape dome- Weight 0.99lb / 450g- Cables provided 3m balanced cable (XLR 4-pin) 3m unbalanced cable (1/4" TRS jack) 1.2m unbalanced cable (1/8" TRS jack) 1/8" jack to 1/4" stereo jack adapter- Hard-shell carrying case provided 9.8"x9.4"x4.7" (250x240x120mm) The Clear Headphones will be available this month for a suggested retail price of $1,500. And in addition to the company's new Kanta loudspeaker and Clear headphones, Focal also recently released the Sib Evo 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos system (full review here). Source: Focal Plex Brings Live TV Support to Roku Devices Plex has announced the expansion of its live OTA TV streaming feature for Plex Pass users to the Roku platform. With Plex Live TV and DVR, users can now watch and record high definition, over-the-air TV broadcasts from a supported digital tuner and antenna through Plex's intuitive and customizable program guide. The feature supports channels in more than 70 countries, including shows from all major US networks like ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, and CW, as well as local programming, news, and sports (encrypted channels currently not supported). In addition to newly added support for Roku products, Live TV streaming through Plex is also available through the company's Android TV, Apple TV, and iOS apps. To use the feature, customers will also need a digital antenna and a supported TV tuner, including models from HDHomeRun, Hauppauge, AVerMedia, DVBLogic and more (complete list here). Plex Live TV for Roku devices is now available through a beta release with support for all Plex Pass users set to arrive soon. The Plex Pass service starts at $5 per month or $40 per year, and customers can also sign up for a lifetime membership for $120. Beyond new Plex Live TV support, Roku also recently unveiled its latest streaming lineup, including the Roku Express, Roku Express+, and Roku Streaming Stick models, along with the new 4K HDR Roku Streaming Stick+, and a cheaper price point for the Roku Ultra. Source: PlexPosted Mon Oct 16, 2017 at 09:55 PM PDT by: -
HDD First Look: LG OLED TV Cinema House Powered by Dolby[teaser]The pop-up entertainment experience offers visitors a chance to demo LG's Wallpaper 4K OLED TV with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos.[/teaser] LG has announced the launch of its new OLED TV Cinema House Powered by Dolby. The traveling home theater installation is designed to show off the company's flagship OLED display using the latest video and audio technologies from Dolby. "Watching TV on LG’s award-winning OLED TVs is truly an 'other-worldly' spectacle, and we created Cinema House so everyone can see and believe," said Michelle Fernandez, head of home entertainment marketing, LG Electronics USA. "The unrivaled picture quality of LG OLED display technology fused with Dolby Vision high dynamic range imaging and Dolby Atmos immersive sound creates an immersive experience that delivers viewers their favorite content exactly as the director intended. It’s the pinnacle of home entertainment for a new breed of TV viewer – the Serious TV Watcher." And to help celebrate the launch, LG invited us to come check out the experience for ourselves in NYC, along with a short preview clip of Stranger Things: Season Two, and a panel discussion about the evolving home entertainment market held at the Paley Center for Media. Going Behind the Screen: Bringing the Magic of Hollywood into the Home Moderated by the Wall Street Journal's Joshua Fruhlinger, the panel featured a lineup of several industry experts and professionals, including Steven Bodner, Supervising Colorist for Light Iron; Rob Caroll Sr., Director of Content Solutions at Dolby; Ron Simon, Curator of the Paley Center for Media; and Matt Durgin, Head of Content Innovation for LG Electronics USA. Throughout the discussion and Q&A session, the participants covered a wide range of topics related to evolving viewing habits and technologies. When it comes to TV watchers themselves, the panel elaborated on how modern audiences are now becoming more engaged than ever before with the content they watch, citing some amusing statistics about viewers skipping social events or even cutting vacations short just to catch their favorite shows. Likewise, the participants described a new trend toward "cord-shaving" rather than complete "cord-cutting," as more and more users are reducing their pay-TV packages without all-together cancelling them while then receiving additional content through various internet services. And beyond the viewer side of things, the panel also offered some insights into the color grading process for Dolby Vision HDR , elaborating on the added technical and creative benefits of the wider gamut of colors and contrast that come with the format. To this point, Rob Caroll addressed a common misconception that HDR is supposed to create a radically brighter picture all the time. Instead, he stressed that Dolby Vision is more about enabling a greater range with more intensity meant for only the brightest highlights and darkest shadows of an image. As a whole, the average scene brightness of HDR content should actually be more or less on par with the average scene brightness of SDR content -- it's just that HDR allows for the brightness to kick up considerably when something specific on screen -- like a flame -- calls for it. Speaking of which, Steven Bodner talked about how directors and cinematographers are now having to adjust to how certain elements appear in HDR versus SDR, citing a project he's working on now where a scene featured several flickering candles. During the color grading process the filmmakers were actually taken aback by how intense the flames appeared on screen as they were a lot brighter than they were used to seeing with SDR post production. But while there will be a learning curve at first, the added color and contrast range opens up new storytelling choices, allowing directors to emphasize specific aspects of an image like never before. On future display advancements, the panel also spoke about the possibilities of displays with higher nit peformance and the full Rec. 2020 color gamut. And though they admitted that the appreciable difference between P3 and Rec. 2020 will be less than between Rec. 709 and P3, they still feel that the added range will be able to yield benefits for certain types of content. Specifically, they used animation, fantasy and sci-fi films that feature deliberately unreal and exaggerated worlds as an example of an instance where the added gamut could come in handy. LG OLED TV Cinema House Powered by Dolby After the panel, LG transported us to their new OLED TV Cinema House experience set up at Plaze 33 near Madison Square Garden in NYC. As its name implies, the home theater installation takes the form of a tiny house that a few guests can enter at a time. Once inside the cozy white room, attendees will find a comfy couch parked right in front of the company's amazingly thin (around one-fifth of an inch) 77-inch W7 "Wallpaper" 4K OLED TV which is attached to the wall with magnets. And in addition to the beautiful TV, the room also features a Dolby Atmos sound bar (included with the display) and an array of projectors mounted to the ceiling to create an enhanced sense of immersion during the demo. For the demonstration, guests are shown a reel of video clips, including a few LG promo pieces and scenes from several Netflix shows in Dolby Vision and, in some cases, Dolby Atmos as well. Likewise, as the videos play on the TV, the projectors display a corresponding environment related to the clip on the walls around the room, making it feel as if you're fully surrounded by the content. During our experience, we were treated to a scene from Okja where Mija (Seo-Hyun Ahn) plays around with the film's title creature in a forest setting. I've had the pleasure of seeing LG's OLED sets at other events, and the picture quality here was just as impressive, offering a gorgeous image with lush greens and sharp detail. Likewise, the Dolby Atmos sound bar filled the space with surprisingly enveloping and deep sound, often making it seem as if there were more speakers in the room. A falling rain effect at the end of clip gave off a convincing sense of overhead audio as well. All the while, the projectors extended the scene's atmosphere to the walls of the house, surrounding us with mountains on all sides. A clip from Marvel's The Defenders was similarly engaging, showing off the team during an argument that pit Iron Fist (Finn Jones) against the others. The show features a fairly dark palette and the shadowy cinematography was great for highlighting the OLED's inky black level performance. Once again, the projectors extended the show's environment around the room, making it seem as if we were in the abandoned theater with the characters -- and when Iron Fist unleashed his powerful punch at the end of the clip, the projected walls around us crumbled and collapsed. Finally, the demo also included a short preview scene from the upcoming second season of Stranger Things. The sequence features Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) roaming the halls of the school in the Upside Down world and served as an extended version of the scene briefly shown at the end of the first season two trailer. After coming across a small portal in one of the walls, she places her hand through, pulls it back, and then starts to use her powers to shake the wall, making it seem as if she's either trying to break open a bigger hole or possibly collapse the portal entirely. And then... the clip sadly ended making the wait for the season two premiere on October 27 that much harder. Though pretty short, the LG OLED Cinema House experience offers a fun demo of the company's latest top-of-the-line OLED with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos tech. The roadshow installation will be making several stops across the country, so readers who've been wanting to check out the impressive Wallpaper display in an immersive home theater setting should definitely stop by. Here's a rundown of currently scheduled locations and dates: · Oct 11-12: New York, NY Plaza33 near Madison Square Garden · Oct 19-20: Los Angeles, CA Dolby Theater at Hollywood & Highland · Oct 28-29: Lawndale, CA Video and Audio Center · Nov 11-12: Glenview, IL Abt Electronics Retail Store · Nov 18: Bellmore, NY P.C. Richard & Son And here's a full rundown of LG's 2017 OLED lineup: LG SIGNATURE OLED TV Picture-on-Wall W7 Series77-inch class (76.7-inches diagonal) model 77W7, $14,99965-inch class (64.5-inches diagonal) model 65W7, $7,999 LG SIGNATURE OLED TV Picture-on-Glass G7 Series77-inch class (76.8-inches diagonal) model 77G7, $9,99765-inch class (64.5-inches diagonal) model 65G7, $4,997 LG OLED TV Picture-on-Glass E7 Series65-inch class (64.5-inches diagonal) model 65E7, $3,497 55-inch class (54.6-inches diagonal) model 55E7, $2,497 LG OLED TV C7 Series65-inch class (64.5-inches diagonal) model 65C7, $2,997 55-inch class (54.6-inches diagonal) model 55C7, $1,997 LG OLED TV B7 Series65-inch class (64.5-inches diagonal) model 65B7, $2,797 55-inch class (54.6-inches diagonal) model 55B7, $1,797Posted Fri Oct 13, 2017 at 04:45 PM PDT by: -
Netflix Releases Final 'Stranger Things' Season Two Trailer[teaser]A new trailer for the show's second season has been revealed.[/teaser] Netflix has debuted the final trailer for Stranger Things season two. The new season is set to start streaming exclusively through Netflix on October 27. It's 1984 and the citizens of Hawkins, Indiana are still reeling from the horrors of the demogorgon and the secrets of Hawkins Lab. Will Byers has been rescued from the Upside Down but a bigger, sinister entity still threatens those who survived. Check out the final trailer below! Returning cast members for season two include Winona Ryder ('Show Me a Hero'), David Harbour ('Suicide Squad'), Finn Wolfhard ('The 100,' 'Aftermath,' 'The Resurrection'), Millie Bobby Brown (BBC's 'Intruders,' 'Once Upon A Time,' 'NCIS'), Gaten Matarazzo ('The Blacklist'), Caleb McLaughlin ('The Lion King on Broadway'), Noah Schnapp ('Bridge of Spies,' 'The Peanuts Movie'), Natalia Dyer ('After Darkness,' 'Hannah Montana: The Movie'), Charlie Heaton ('Shut In,' 'Urban and the Shed Crew'), and Joe Keery. In addition, new cast members will include Sean Astin, Paul Reiser, Linnea Berthelsen, Sadie Sink, and Dacre Montgomery. The show comes from creators Matt Duffer and Ross Duffer ('Wayward Pines,' 'Hidden') Season two of Strangers Things is set to include nine episodes. Meanwhile, all eight episodes of the show's first season are now available to stream globally through Netflix. The first season is set in 1983 Indiana, where a young boy vanishes into thin air. As friends, family and local police search for answers, they are drawn into an extraordinary mystery involving top-secret government experiments, terrifying supernatural forces and one very strange little girl. Following a recent price increase, a current Netflix subscription starts at $11 for HD streaming and $14 for Ultra HD streaming. Source: Netflix (YouTube)Posted Fri Oct 13, 2017 at 09:10 AM PDT by: -
Movies Anywhere Digital Service Launches with Disney, Fox, Universal, Sony, & Warner Bros.[teaser]The new digital movie service features support from five studios and four major digital retailers.[/teaser] Following an initial report by Bloomberg, Movies Anywhere has now officially launched. The new platform allows users to buy, redeem, and store digital movies from various studios and then sync their library across multiple devices and digital retailers. "Movies Anywhere is a massive step forward for the consumer digital media experience, bringing the incredible film libraries of five studios together in a virtual one-stop movie-watching shop," said Karin Gilford, General Manager, Movies Anywhere, who leads an independent, dedicated cross-functional team of product, technology, marketing and other professionals. "Movies Anywhere means that consumers never have to remember where they purchased a film or which device they can watch it on, because all of their eligible movies will be centralized within their Movies Anywhere library and available across platforms through the Movies Anywhere app and website and also available at their connected digital retailers. And as Movies Anywhere continues to add more studios, retailers and platforms, the entertainment possibilities are endless." With the Movies Anywhere app and website customers can now redeem digital copies, purchase digital titles, and watch their movies across multiple devices with the ability to link to their existing VUDU, Amazon Video, iTunes, and Google Play accounts, allowing users to access and expand their library through multiple services. The Movies Anywhere platform includes support for a growing collection of over 7,300 digital titles from Disney, 20th Century Fox, Warner Bros., Universal, and Sony (Paramount and Lionsgate have not yet signed on). And as an added bonus, new users who sign up and link their account with Amazon Video, Google Play, iTunes or Vudu, can receive a limited time free digital copy of Sony Pictures' Ghostbusters (2016) and Twentieth Century Fox's Ice Age. Likewise, if new users link to a second participating digital retailer they can also receive a limited time free digital copy of Disney's Big Hero 6, Universal's Jason Bourne and Warner Bros.' The LEGO Movie. It should be noted, however, that users are required to agree to share Video Data analytics and other info related to their accounts and movie libraries with the retailers, studios, and participating service providers in order to sign up. In addition, as of press times, there is currently an issue preventing the service from linking to VUDU accounts, but this is expected to be fixed by 10AM PT. As we've covered in the past, there have been some notable kinks when it comes to redeeming digital titles with the previous systems in place, especially when it comes to new 4K releases, so hopefully this new joint venture from the studios will end up offering a simpler and more cohesive platform for users. We'll have more detailed impressions of Movies Anywhere soon, so stay tuned to High-Def Digest for more updates! Source: Movies Anywhere via PR NewswirePosted Thu Oct 12, 2017 at 08:51 AM PDT by: -
Hulu Offers Limited Time $6 Subscription Plan for New Users[teaser]The service has temporarily lowered its entry-level price for new customers.[/teaser] Hulu has announced a limited time price reduction for its base subscription streaming plan. The company's Limited Commercials option is now available for $6 per month for the first year of service, bringing the price down $2 from the usual $8 per month fee. The adjusted pricing is only available for new customers who sign up now and will only be offered for a limited time. After the first year of service (including trial period), the subscription plan will increase to the standard $8 per month cost. The promotion comes after rival streaming service, Netflix, recently increased its own subscription plans, taking its Standard option to $11 per month and its Premium Plan to $14 per month. Beyond Hulu's entry-level option with limited commercials, the company also offers a No Commercials streaming plan for $12 per month. Likewise, the company has a new Live TV beta for $40 per month, which combines a live/on-demand TV service with Hulu's standard streaming collection. The Live service includes access to content from ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC, with local live broadcast affiliate programming immediately available in many markets; live sporting events from top pro and college leagues on channels like CBS Sports, ESPN, Fox Sports, NBC Sports and TNT; regional sports networks in many markets; news channels like CNN, CNBC, Fox News, Fox Business and MSNBC; lifestyle programming from Bravo, E!, Food Network, HGTV and Travel Channel; additional networks like 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. The reduced $6 per month Limited Commercial Hulu plan is now available. New customers have until January 9, 2018 to sign up for the promotion. New subscribers can also receive a free one-month trial. Source: Hulu via USA TodayPosted Tue Oct 10, 2017 at 08:25 AM PDT by: -
Luxury Technology Show Fall 2017: Premium Headphones, Speakers, and Sound Bars[teaser]Yes, it's that time of year again. The time to bask in the glittering glow of all the latest and greatest premium tech products at the Luxury Technology show.[/teaser] Held at Metropolitan West in New York City earlier this week, the Fall 2017 event spotlighted several new high-end electronics, gadgets, and other expensive toys from a variety of brands, showcasing all of the latest innovations in indulgent tech, ranging from high-end speaker systems and headphones to decidedly stranger items like smart mirrors, smart showers, and... smart toilets. Thankfully, our focus here remains on home theater gear and not bathroom appliances or other distractions. With that said, no Luxury Tech Show could be complete without a brand new car! And since one is clearly just not luxurious enough anymore, Lexus decided to bring two to the show. With the requisite fancy $75,000 car now out of the way, it's time to move on to the top AV products and brands from the show, highlighting some great new audio gear, including some models with surprisingly affordable price tags. Helm Audio Formerly known as Tidal Force, the newly christened Helm Audio brought its lineup of Planar Magnetic headphones to the show. Serving as a kind of mix between standard dynamic drivers and electrostatic drivers, the company's implementation of Planar Magnetic technology uses a diaphragm layered with micro conductors to interact with an array of magnetics, creating even, balanced vibrations. The products on display at the show included the current Wave 5 model ($299), along with the upcoming larger Wave 10 headphones and in-ear Wave 2 headphones. The Wave 5 headphones feature an open-backed design with 56 mm Planar Diaphragms, an all metal construction, and extreme comfort ear pads. While I already got to take a listen to this particular model at the previous Spring 2017 Luxury Tech Show, for this demo the company offered something a little more unique. Instead of playing back a standard pre-recorded song, Helm Audio's own CEO, Grammy Award Winning Producer Mike Dean, was on hand to play a live keyboard synth track fed into the headphones. Marked by escalating tones and beats, and a cool electronic quality to the sound, the instrumental piece came through with spacious depth, making it easy to forget that I was in a noisy tradeshow environment. Of course, I'd need more quality time with the headphones in a quiet setting to really make a firm judgement, but I once again came away impressed by the Wave 5's performance. Sadly, the new Wave 10 and Wave 2 models were only on hand for display purposes, but both models are due for release in January. The Wave 10 headphones ($499) are poised to serve as a big brother model to the Wave 5s, offering larger 100 mm Planar Magnetic Drivers along with rotating ear cups, connection options for either channel, and a durable metal design, making them ideal for DJs, sound designers, and serious audiophiles. Meanwhile, the Wave 2 is set to become the world's smallest planar in-ear headphone on the market. Units will be available in both wired and Bluetooth-ready wireless versions. MarkAudio-SOTA With its premium Viotti One Loudspeakers and Tozzi One Single-Driver Bookshelf Loudspeakers on hand, MarkAudio-SOTA also made a notable impression at the show. The Viotti One is the company's beautiful flagship two-way stand-mount loudspeaker model with one 50mm (2") low mass mixed alloy symmetrical sound field cone unit, and one 110mm (4.4") low mass, long throw mix allow symmetrical sound field cone unit, delivering a range of 40Hz-25Khz. Though HDD has already had the opportunity to review the Viottie One speakers in depth (check out Michael Palmer's review here), this was my first time getting to hear them. Of course, as I must mention about nearly every tradeshow demo I attend, the room was not ideal for critical listening (there was some pretty distracting bass booming from a separate booth nearby), but considering the loud setting, the speakers filled the space quite admirably. For the demonstration, I listened to singer Eva Cassidy's rendition of "Fields of Gold" playing from a CD connected to the speakers via a compact PS Audio Sprout Amp ($499). Despite the environment, the vocals came through with a pleasingly full yet intimate presence. The Viotti One loudspeakers are available now for $2,495 per pair with matching stands. Meanwhile, though I didn't get a chance to hear the Tozzi One Single-Driver Loudspeakers, they offer a much more compact and affordable option for smaller spaces and more casual lifestyle applications at just $445 per pair. The speakers feature an advanced 50mm Sota 5 all-range driver, a rigid composite enclosure constructed from 3 sub-structures, and a waveguide front baffle. Domigo Hoping to demonstrate its "Beyond Hifi" philosophy in full force, Domigo Acoustics brought its upcoming debut lineup of speakers to the show. The collection includes the A9 Smart Home Theater Speaker and the A7 Minimalist Wireless Speaker, developed in partnership with world-renowned Danish acoustic engineer Peter Larsen. Designed to be used with music or as a sound bar for movie watching, the A9 features a bold, modern design with four integrated speakers, wireless connectivity, and support for DSD hi-res playback. Likewise, the unit includes an HDMI out and doubles as an integrated Android TV solution with 4K support (but no current plans for HDR), allowing users to connect the speaker to their displays in order to access various streaming apps directly from the A9's built-in smart TV platform. Likewise, though not yet finalized, the company is working to include some kind of support for Dolby Atmos to offer simulated immersive audio (there are no actual upward firing drivers). For demo purposes, I navigated through the pre-retail unit's preliminary open Android UI and selected a few movie trailers, including Wonder Woman and Thor: Ragnarok. The A9 brought some solid heft to the room and robust low-end for its size, filling the noisy space quite well with fairly dynamic sound. It's too early to tell how well the app integration will end up working, but the Smart Sound Bar concept has a lot of potential. Meanwhile, the A9's smaller sibling, the A7 features two integrated speakers and Bluetooth wireless support but ditches the integrated smart TV solution. During the show I got to listen to a Pearl Jam track via TIDAL, first over Bluetooth, and then over a wired connection. The Bluetooth playback was pretty solid but a had flatter quality compared to the wired playback which resulted in a cleaner, fuller sound. Again, it's hard to really form a full opinion on the audio quality based on how loud the room was, but both the A7 and A9 look like products to watch out for as they prep for launch next year. Como Audio Bringing multi-room audio support to the party, Como Audio had its lineup of Hi-Fi systems on display with support for connecting up to 5 units together around the home. The product collection included the Solo ($299), Duetto ($399), Amico ($399), and Musica ($599). The Solo features a nearly half inch-thick MDF wood case with TFT color display, a .75 inch soft dome tweeter and custom 3 inch long-throw, 4-layer voice coil woofer with oversized magnet. Likewise, the device uses a custom digital signal processor, 30 watts per channel RMS digital amplifier, and offers support for FM radio, internet radio, Bluetooth streaming, Wi-Fi connectivity, and even an optical port for connecting to a TV. For demo purposes, I listened to a music track through Spotify, and though the speaker sounded a tad boomy pumped up to compete with the loud room its audio output was pretty solid considering its tiny size and the conditions. Meanwhile, the Duetto model steps things up with two .75 inch soft dome tweeters, two custom 3 inch long-throw, 4- layer voice coil woofers with oversized magnets, and a custom Digital Signal Processor (DSP), 60 watt RMS Class D digital amplifier. Likewise, the upcoming Musica model even adds integrated support for Tidal, Deezer, Napster, and Amazon Music (to be added in the Fall of 2017), along with a built-in CD player with the ability to stream CDs to other Como Audio devices. Lastly, the Amico offers many of the same features as the Solo but in a battery-powered, portable form. IQbuds Finally, one of the more unique products I demoed at the show was Nuheara's IQbuds ($299). More than just your run-of-the-mill wireless earbuds with noise cancelation, the IQbuds also offer advanced speech amplification and augmented hearing capabilities. This allows users to choose exactly how much ambient sound to cancel out when listening to music, along with the ability to specifically isolate speech around them while still blocking out other unwanted noises. With that in mind, this is perhaps the very first time I can confidently say that the noisy show room atmosphere was actually the ideal setting to test out the device! With the IQbuds firmly placed in each ear I listened to my surroundings with the "Restaurant Mode" activated. This setting notably dulled out the loud commotion of the show while amplifying speech around me. Sure, people's voices now had a noticeable electronic tinge to them, but I could definitely hear people near me a lot better. Standard Bluetooth playback for music was pretty solid too, and I could even keep the speech amplification on while listening to tracks, allowing me to hear the music and people around me while still canceling out much of the loud background noise. Serving as a rather unique cross between wireless earbud and hearing aid tool, the IQbud has a lot of practical applications, making it an ideal fit for users who want a little more control over what sounds they have to endure on a daily basis. I'm not sure how well it holds up over longer use and in other settings, but my brief time with the device has certainly left me intrigued. So, there you have it. Those were some of the top products on hand at the Fall 2017 Luxury Tech Show. What do you think about the show's luxurious gear? Will you be saving up for any of the items on display? Let us know your thoughts in the forum!Posted Fri Oct 6, 2017 at 05:50 PM PDT by:
