Posted Fri Feb 16, 2018 at 10:30 PM PST by Steven Cohen
We've compiled the latest gear news, including details on new 4K monitors from HP, updates for the YouTube TV service, and more.
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 HP's newest 4K monitors, the addition of more channels to the YouTube TV platform, the release of VLC 3.0, and expanded support for Plex's Live TV feature.
So, without further ado, here's a rundown of some of the latest gear and tech news:
HP has announced four new 4K monitors geared toward business use. The lineup includes the HP EliteDisplay S270n, HP Z27, HP Z32, and HP Z43.
All four models offer a 4K UHD resolution of 3840 x 2160. The 27-inch S270n is the company's first 4K EliteDisplay to include a USB-C connection capable of pulling video and data, and sending up to 60W of power to the PC with just one cable connection. Meanwhile, the 27-inch Z27 and 31.5-inch Z32 both feature IPS LED panels with factory color calibration. In addition, the 42.5-inch Z43 also uses an IPS LED panel, and all three 4K Z models feature 10-bit color and a USB-C connection for video and data connections, along with support for sending 65W of power back to the PC.
The HP EliteDisplay S270n (MSRP $549), HP Z32 (MSRP $899), and HP Z43 (MSRP $799) are now available for purchase. Meanwhile, the HP Z27 is set to launch in April for an MSRP of $559.
Source: HP
Google has announced the addition of several new channels to its YouTube TV streaming service, along with an expansion to even more markets. Likewise, the company is also prepping a $5 price increase for new members starting March 13.
The new channel lineup includes the addition of TNT, Adult Swim, TBS, CNN, Cartoon Network, truTV, and Turner Classic Movies. Meanwhile, NBA TV and MLB Network will also be added soon. And when it comes to availability, the service will be expanding to all top 100 US markets in the coming weeks.
Though YouTube TV currently costs $35 per month, the price will be increasing to $40 per month for new members who sign up on or after March 13. Beyond the new channels detailed above, the platform offers access to more than 40 other 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. Likewise, the service also includes an unlimited Cloud DVR feature, allowing users to record as many shows as they want at the same time with no storage limitations. Each recording will be available across supported playback devices and will be stored for nine months. In addition, the internet TV service provides access to YouTube Red original series and movies as well, along with the option to add Showtime or Fox Soccer Plus to the channel lineup for an extra fee.
The YouTube TV app is supported on Apple TV (4th generation), Apple TV 4K, Roku products, Android and iOS mobile devices, computers, Google Chromecast, Chromecast built-in TVs, the NVIDIA SHIELD, Sony smart TVs, Xbox One, Xbox One S, and Xbox One X consoles, and smart TV models from LG and Samsung.
Source: YouTube Blog
VideoLAN has announced the release of the newest version of its VLC media player. VLC 3.0.0 offers several new features, including HDR playback and support for the Google Chromecast.
Here's a rundown of key features for VLC 3.0 per VideoLAN:
- VLC 3.0 activates hardware decoding by default, to get 4K and 8K playback!
- It supports 10bits and HDR
- VLC supports 360 video and 3D audio, up to Ambisonics 3rd order
- Allows audio passthrough for HD audio codecs
- Can stream to Chromecast devices, even in formats not supported natively
- Can play Blu-Ray Java menus: BD-J
- VLC supports browsing of local network drives and NAS
VLC 3.0 is available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Android TV, Chromebooks, Windows RT 8.1, Windows Phone 8.1, Windows 10 Mobile, Xbox One, GNU/Linux, and Ubuntu platforms.
Source: VideoLAN
Plex has announced the expansion of its Live OTA TV streaming feature for Plex Pass users to the Xbox One. In addition, the company has upgraded the Plex Live TV experience on Roku devices to include a new full time shifting feature, a current time/place marker above the progress bar on the player controls, an instant replay option, and a closed captioning mode. Likewise, live TV with full time shifting is also available via the Plex Web App and PMP desktop client.
With Plex Live TV and DVR, users can 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 Xbox One, Plex Web App, and PMP desktop client, Live TV streaming through Plex is also available via the company's Roku, Android TV, Apple TV, and iOS apps. To use the feature, customers will need a digital antenna and a supported TV tuner, including models from HDHomeRun, Hauppauge, AVerMedia, DVBLogic and more (complete list here). Likewise, users will need a Plex Pass subscription which starts at $5 per month or $40 per year. Alternatively, customers can also sign up for a lifetime membership for $120.
Source: Plex
The latest news on all things 4K Ultra HD, blu-ray and Gear.