Posted Fri Dec 15, 2017 at 09:45 PM PST by Steven Cohen
We've compiled the latest gear news, including the release of new Optoma projectors, Sling TV support for Samsung TVs, 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 Optoma's latest projectors, the expansion of Sling TV to Samsung displays, new markets with YouTube TV support, and the addition of new features for Hulu's Live TV service on the web.
So, without further ado, here's a rundown of some of the latest gear and tech news:
Optoma has announced its latest lineup of high brightness projectors designed for classrooms, corporate boardrooms, and multipurpose offices. The collection includes the WU465, EH465, EH460ST, W460, and X460.
"When designing projectors for classrooms and corporate installations, we wanted to offer a number of high-brightness, PC-free options that deliver incredibly sharp images and allow for seamless, wireless media sharing and viewing," said Brian Soto, head of product management, Optoma Technology. "Our channel partners and end users have asked for high performance projectors that deliver big on brightness and meet all of their presentation needs, and this line does just that and more."
The Optoma WU465 (ESP $1,299) and Optoma EH465 (ESP ($1,199) offer super bright WUXGA and 1080p HD projection with 4,800 lumens of brightness. In addition, both models feature a 20,000:1 contrast ratio and a 1.5x zoom. Meanwhile, the Optoma EH460ST (ESP $1,099) features 1080p HD projection with high brightness and a short throw ratio. The device offers a 20,000:1 contrast ratio and 4,200 lumens with support for projecting a 152-inch image from only 5.5-feet away. Finally, the Optoma W460 (ESP $849) and Optoma X460 (ESP $799) offer WXGA and XGA resolution respectively with a 20,000:1 contrast ratio and 1.2x zoom. The W460 features 4,600 lumens of brightness while the X460 features 4,500 lumens.
In addition, all of the projectors offer 2xHDMI (with MHL), VGA-in/out, Audio-in/out, RJ-45, USB reader, RS-232C, and a 10-watt speaker. Likewise, the units feature USB display screen mirroring and wireless screen mirroring capabilities for Android, iOS, PC, Mac OS X and Windows devices.
Source: Optoma
Samsung has announced the addition of the Sling TV app to its 2017 smart TV lineup. The app previously launched on 2016 Samsung smart TVs a few weeks ago.
To access Sling TV, owners of Samsung 2017 or 2016 smart TVs simply need to find the Sling TV app in the Samsung Smart Hub. Sling TV offers a variety of live streaming and on-demand programming packages. The base Sling TV Orange plan currently costs $20 per month and features more than 30 channels, including Disney/ESPN stations. Meanwhile, the base Sling TV Blue plan costs $25 per month and features more than 40 channels, including FOX and NBC stations. Finally, customers can also opt to combine both plans for $40 per month.
In addition, new subscribers can receive a 7-day free trial.
Source: Sling TV
Google has announced expanded availability for its YouTube TV live streaming service. As part of the expansion, the platform is now available in 34 new metro areas for a total of 83 locations. Click here for a full list of supported cities.
YouTube TV costs $35 per month and 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. Likewise, the platform 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 service is currently available through 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, smart TV models from LG and Samsung. Likewise, support for more smart devices and the Apple TV is coming soon.
Source: YouTube TV (Twitter) via Engadget
Hulu has announced the addition of several new features for its live TV streaming service on the web. The new features include My Stuff, picture-in-picture, and a more extensive Search option.
The My Stuff section allows users to add shows and movies that they want to keep track of. Meanwhile, the picture-in-picture mode lets customers continue watching content while they browse the rest of the UI. Users just need to click the "minimize" button which will enable multitasking with a small video player window that can be moved anywhere on the screen. Finally, the improved search now offers results for episodes and sporting events. Likewise, the search will also now populate results based on movie descriptions if you forget the title.
Hulu's Live TV service 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.
The new features are now available through beta.hulu.com for live TV subscribers and Hulu users who have HBO or Cinemax premium add-ons.
Source: Hulu
See what people are saying about this story in our forums area, or check out other recent discussions.
The latest news on all things 4K Ultra HD, blu-ray and Gear.