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Apple Details New iPhone 11 & iPhone 11 Pro with HDR, Dolby Vision, & Dolby Atmos[teaser]The company's latest flagship smartphones have been revealed.[/teaser] Apple has announced the newest additions to its mobile lineup, the iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max. The new smartphones will be available for pre-order starting September 13, with shipments set to launch on September 20. "iPhone 11 is the next generation of iPhone, packed with great new capabilities in an incredible design, including new Ultra Wide and Wide cameras for gorgeous videos and photos, the power and ease of use of iOS 13, and A13 Bionic — the fastest chip ever in a smartphone that quickly handles the tasks that matter most to people every day," said Phil Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. "With the tight integration between hardware, software and services, the advancements in iPhone 11 bring an unparalleled user experience at an affordable price to even more customers. We think people will love it." The iPhone 11 features a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina HD IPS display with a resolution of 1792 x 828 at 326 ppi, a 1400:1 contrast ratio, P3 wide color support, and 625 nits max brightness. In addition, the screen supports Dolby Vision and HDR10 playback. Under the hood, the device is powered by Apple's new A13 Bionic chip with Third‑generation Neural Engine, offering up to 20% faster CPU and GPU performance over the company's previous A12 chip. In addition, the unit also includes Spatial Audio tech and Dolby Atmos support to simulate a surround sound experience. Meanwhile, the iPhone 11 incorporates an advanced dual-camera system as well, with a rear 12MP Ultra Wide lens (ƒ/2.4 aperture and 120° field of view) and a rear 12MP Wide lens (ƒ/1.8 aperture). Users can seamlessly switch between both cameras, enabling 2x optical zoom out. In addition, the cameras offer a new Night Mode for capturing brighter images with less noise in low-lit environments. Likewise, the system can support 4K video recording at up to 60fps with extended dynamic range and cinematic video stabilization. A new Deep Fusion feature will also be added later this fall. This mode takes nine pictures and then uses advanced machine learning to construct a single image with optimized detail and texture on a pixel-by-pixel level. Finally, a front-facing 12MP TrueDepth camera is integrated with support for new slow-mo selfies. Offering the same A13 bionic chip, imaging capabilities, HDR support, and audio features found on the standard iPhone 11 model, the new iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max take performance even further with more advanced designs, OLED displays, and triple-camera systems. The iPhone 11 Pro features a 5.8-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with a resolution of 2436 x 1125 at 458 ppi, a 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio, P3 wide color support, and 800 nits peak brightness. Meanwhile, the iPhone 11 Pro Max features a 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with a resolution of 2688 x 1242 at 458 ppi, a 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio, P3 wide color support, and 1,200 nits peak brightness, In addition, both Pro models incorporate a triple-camera system with a rear 12MP Ultra Wide lens (ƒ/2.4 aperture and 120° field of view), a rear 12MP Wide lens (ƒ/1.8 aperture), and a rear 12MP Telephoto lens (ƒ/2.0 aperture). Users can seamlessly switch between the cameras, enabling 2x optical zoom in and 2x optical zoom out. A front 12MP TrueDepth camera is included as well. "iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max are the most powerful and advanced smartphones we have ever made. They are packed with sophisticated technology that pros can count on to get their work done, and for anyone who wants the very best device made, even if they are not a pro," said Phil Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. "iPhone 11 Pro has the first triple-camera system in iPhone and is far and away the best camera we’ve ever made, it provides our customers with great range of creative control and advanced photo and video editing features in iOS 13. The Super Retina XDR is the brightest and most advanced display in iPhone and the A13 Bionic chip sets a new bar for smartphone performance and power efficiency." The iPhone 11 will start at $699 with models set to be available in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB storage options, and purple, green, yellow, black, white, and PRODUCT(RED) color options. The iPhone 11 Pro will start at $999 and the iPhone 11 Pro Max will start at $1,099. Both will be available in 64GB, 256GB and 512GB models with midnight green, space gray, silver and gold color options. Source: ApplePosted Tue Sep 10, 2019 at 11:45 AM PDT by: -
Apple TV+ Streaming Service Set to Launch November 1 for $4.99 Per Month[teaser]Pricing and availability for Apple's new streaming platform have finally been revealed.[/teaser] Apple has officially announced a launch date and subscription price for Apple TV+. The new ad-free digital video service will be available November 1 for a monthly subscription price of $4.99. In addition, customers who purchase an iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, iPod touch or Mac can also now receive one year of Apple TV+ for free. "With Apple TV+, we are presenting all-original stories from the best, brightest and most creative minds, and we know viewers will find their new favorite show or movie on our service," said Zack Van Amburg, Apple’s head of Worldwide Video. "Each Apple TV+ original offers its own unique story, fresh perspective and powerful message — all meant to entertain, connect and inspire cultural conversations." Apple TV+ content will be available through the company's existing Apple TV app, offering access to exclusive movies, shows, and documentaries from an impressive roster of filmmakers, writers, and performers. Exclusive shows and movies will be added regularly starting November 1, and all content will be available to stream online or to download for offline playback via the Apple TV app. Here's a rundown of some of the launch titles set to premiere exclusively through Apple TV+ on November 1 per Apple: See - An epic drama starring Jason Momoa and Alfre Woodard, is set 600 years in the future after a virus has decimated humankind and rendered the remaining population blind. When all humanity has lost the sense of sight, humans must adapt and find new ways to survive. The Morning Show - A cutthroat drama starring and executive produced by Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Aniston, and starring Steve Carell, explores the world of morning news and the ego, ambition and the misguided search for power behind the people who help America wake up in the morning. Dickinson - A darkly comedic coming-of-age story, explores the constraints of society, gender and family through the lens of rebellious young poet, Emily Dickinson. For All Mankind - A new series from Ronald D. Moore, imagines what would have happened if the global space race never ended and the space program remained the cultural centerpiece of America’s hopes and dreams. Helpsters - A new children’s series from the makers of “Sesame Street,” stars Cody and a team of vibrant monsters who love to help solve problems. It all starts with a plan. Snoopy in Space - A new original from Peanuts Worldwide and DHX Media, takes viewers on a journey with Snoopy as he follows his dreams to become an astronaut. Together, Snoopy, Charlie Brown and the Peanuts crew take command of the International Space Station and explore the moon and beyond. Ghostwriter - A reinvention of the beloved original series, follows four kids who are brought together by a mysterious ghost in a neighborhood bookstore, and must team up to release fictional characters from works of literature. The Elephant Queen - An acclaimed documentary film and cinematic love letter to a species on the verge of extinction, follows a majestic matriarch elephant and her herd on an epic journey of life, loss and homecoming. Oprah Winfrey Projects - Winfey joins the world’' most compelling authors in conversation as she builds a vibrant, global book club community and other projects to connect with people around the world and share meaningful ways to create positive change. The Apple TV app is currently available on Apple TV 4K as well as iPhone and iPad devices, and select Samsung TVs. In addition, customers can use AirPlay2 to stream content from the app on iOS mobile devices to select Samsung, VIZIO, and LG TVs. Likewise, access is also set to expand to smart TVs from Sony, along with Roku and FireTV devices in the future. Source: ApplePosted Tue Sep 10, 2019 at 10:30 AM PDT by: -
007: THE DANIEL CRAIG COLLECTION Bound for 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray[teaser]The four James Bond films featuring Daniel Craig as Agent 007 are getting a 4K upgrade this October. [/teaser] Amazon has listed 007: The Daniel Craig Collection on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray for release on October 22. The release will include Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace, Skyfall, and Spectre. UPDATE: Casino Royale will be extended/unrated and all four films will be presented in Dolby Vision HDR, however there will only be DTS-HD Master Audio audio tracks (no Atmos) and special features will be limited. You can find the latest specs for 007: The Daniel Craig Collection - 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray linked from our 4K Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under October 22. Order the 4K Blu-rayPosted Tue Sep 10, 2019 at 08:07 AM PDT by: -
LG Adds NVIDIA G-SYNC Support to 2019 OLED TVs[teaser]The new feature is designed to offer a superior gaming experience.[/teaser] LG has announced the addition of NVIDIA G-SYNC support to its 2019 C9 and E9 OLED TV models. The G-SYNC firmware update will launch in select markets over the coming weeks. "It's no secret LG OLED TVs are coveted by gamers globally and we are committed to optimizing the experience for them," said Tim Alessi, head of home entertainment product marketing at LG Electronics USA. "With NVIDIA G-SYNC adoption, we are showing that OLED TVs have the support and backing of the world's top gaming hardware brand to make their products look the best." NVIDIA G-SYNC tech is designed to reduce flickering, tearing, and stuttering during gameplay via compatible hardware, enabling a smoother gaming experience. And beyond the new addition of G-SYNC, LG OLED TVs already offer several other gaming friendly features, including an ultra-fast response time, refresh rates of up to 120Hz, and low input lag rates. Likewise, the displays support HDR10 and Dolby Vision gaming, along with HDMI 2.1 features like auto low latency mode (ALLM), enhanced audio return channel (eARC), and variable refresh rate (VRR). "We are excited to bring G-SYNC Compatible support to LG’s 2019 OLED TVs and HDMI Variable Refresh Rate support to our GeForce RTX 20-Series GPUs," said Matt Wuebbling, head of GeForce marketing at NVIDIA. "Gamers will be blown away by the responsiveness and the lifelike visuals on these TVs when playing the latest PC games featuring real-time ray-tracing powered by GeForce." LG's C9 OLED TV (full review HERE) is now available in 55-inch, 65-inch, and 77-inch screen sizes. Meanwhile, the company's E9 OLED TV is available in 55-inch and 65-inch screen sizes. Source: LGPosted Mon Sep 9, 2019 at 06:45 PM PDT by: -
Vinyl Record Sales on Track to Surpass CDs for the First Time Since 1986[teaser]Vinyl is continuing its come back in a big way.[/teaser] As reported by Rolling Stone, vinyl records are on track to earn more revenue than CDs for the first time since 1986. The anticipated milestone is based on recent market data that continues to reveal declining CD sales and growing consumer interest in vinyl. According to the Recording Industry Association of America's (RIAA) 2018 mid-year report, CD sales are declining about three times as fast as vinyl record sales are growing. This takes us to the RIAA's most recent 2019 mid-year report, which indicates that vinyl record sales generated $224.1 million from 8.6 million units sold in the first half of 2019, while CD sales accounted for $247.9 million from 18.6 million units sold over that same time period. And though revenue from CDs still edges out vinyl, if trends continue at the same pace as they have been, revenue from vinyl sales will soon overtake CDs to become the top selling physical format for music. Of course, as impressive as vinyl's resurgence is, both vinyl record and CD sales pale in comparison to digital streaming numbers. Per the RIAA 2019 mid-year report, vinyl sales amounted to 4% of total industry revenues, while paid streaming music subscriptions covered 62%. Add in all streaming service revenues, including those from free ad-supported platforms, and that number rises to a whopping 80%. So while it's great to see some form of physical media regaining popularity in the market, streaming still continues to dominate the way we listen to music in the 21st century. Sources: RIAA, Rolling Stone via CNETPosted Mon Sep 9, 2019 at 11:55 AM PDT by: -
Final DOCTOR SLEEP Trailer Previews Terrifying Return to the Overlook Hotel[teaser]"The world will shine again."[/teaser] Warner Bros. has released a new trailer for Doctor Sleep, revealing more details about the plot along with more footage set at the infamous Overlook Hotel. The film is based on the book by Stephen King, which serves as a sequel to the author's horror masterpiece, The Shining. Still irrevocably scarred by the trauma he endured as a child at the Overlook, Dan Torrance has fought to find some semblance of peace. But that peace is shattered when he encounters Abra, a courageous teenager with her own powerful extrasensory gift, known as the "shine." Instinctively recognizing that Dan shares her power, Abra has sought him out, desperate for his help against the merciless Rose the Hat and her followers, The True Knot, who feed off the shine of innocents in their quest for immortality. Forming an unlikely alliance, Dan and Abra engage in a brutal life-or-death battle with Rose. Abra's innocence and fearless embrace of her shine compel Dan to call upon his own powers as never before—at once facing his fears and reawakening the ghosts of the past. Check out the final trailer below! The movie stars Ewan McGregor as Dan Torrance, Rebecca Ferguson as Rose the Hat, and Kyliegh Curran as Abra. Additional cast members include Carl Lumbly, Zahn McClarnon, Emily Alyn Lind, Bruce Greenwood, Jocelin Donahue, Alex Essoe, and Cliff Curtis. Doctor Sleep comes from writer/director Mike Flanagan (Hush, Oculus, Netflix's The Haunting of Hill House). Trevor Macy and Jon Berg serve as producers on the film. Meanwhile Roy Lee, Scott Lumpkin, Akiva Goldsman and Kevin McCormick are all on board as executive producers. The movie is set to hit theaters on November 8, 2019. Source: Warner Bros. (YouTube)Posted Sun Sep 8, 2019 at 11:15 AM PDT by: -
Polk Audio Reveals New Legend Series Flagship Speaker Lineup[teaser]The company's latest speaker collection has been detailed.[/teaser] Polk Audio has announced its new flagship Legend Series speaker lineup. The series features six models, including two tower speakers, two bookshelf speakers, one center speaker, and an Atmos height module. "The Legend Series is the culmination of decades' worth of acoustic engineering and loudspeaker development. Whether placed in a traditional two-channel orientation or home theater system, the new flagship series offers incredible imaging, perfectly balanced mids and deep lows," said Michael Greco, senior director of global brand management at Polk Audio. "We're confident these are the speakers that will remind Polkies and enthusiasts why they love Polk Audio." Serving as the company's most advanced speaker collection so far, the Legend Series includes the L100 5.25" bookshelf speakers, L200 6.5" bookshelf speakers, L400 center channel speaker, L600 tower speakers, L800 SDA tower speakers, and L900 Height/Elevation module -- giving buyers options for various configurations from 2-channel stereo setups to more robust Dolby Atmos and DTS:X home theater systems. Key technologies employed across the lineup include Polk Audio's new 1-inch high definition Pinnacle ring radiator tweeter for crisp highs, a new Turbine cone for natural mid-range, upgraded Power Port technology for enhanced low-end, and an Advanced Cabinet Construction to help minimize vibration and distortion. In addition, the L800 tower speakers also incorporate the latest iteration of Polk Audio's SDA-PRO technology. This feature is designed to reduce interaural crosstalk (IAC) -- a natural distortion that occurs in passive stereo loudspeakers when the speakers' channels cross before they reach the listener's ears. To combat this, SDA tech is able to acoustically isolate the two stereo channels, enabling more effective stereo separation. Polk Audio Legend Series speakers will be available in brown Walnut or black Ash real wood veneer finishes. Here's a full rundown of pricing and availability for each model: L100 bookshelf speakers (5.25”) - $1,199 / pair, October 1 L200 bookshelf speakers (6.5”) - $1,799 / pair, October 1 L400 center channel - $1,799 / each, October 1 L600 tower speakers - $1,999 / each, October 1 L800 SDA tower speakers - $2,999 / each, November 3 L900 Height / Elevation (Atmos) module - $599 / pair, October 1 Source: Polk AudioPosted Fri Sep 6, 2019 at 01:15 PM PDT by: -
IT: CHAPTER TWO 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray and Blu-ray Pre-Orders Up[teaser]The Stephen King adaptation starring Bill Skarsgård, Jessica Chastain, James McAvoy, and Bill Hader is now up for pre-orders at Amazon. [/teaser] Amazon has already listed Warner Brothers' It: Chapter Two for 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray and Blu-ray pre-orders. In the sleepy town of Derry, the evil clown Pennywise returns 27 years later to torment the grown-up members of the Losers' Club, who have long since drifted apart from one another. No details are available at this time. You can find the latest specs for It: Chapter Two linked from our 4K and Blu-ray Release Schedules, where it is indexed under PENDING. Order the 4K Blu-ray Order the Blu-rayPosted Fri Sep 6, 2019 at 08:18 AM PDT by: -
PAN'S LABYRINTH 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Dated[teaser]The acclaimed fantasy film from Guillermo Del Toro is coming to 4K UHD this October. [/teaser] As previously reported, Warner/New Line Cinema is preparing Pan's Labyrinth for 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray sometime later this year, and now it looks like it will be available on October 1. In the aftermath of the Spanish Civil War, Ofelia and her ailing mother arrive at the post of her mother’s new husband, a sadistic army officer, in the Spanish countryside. As Ofelia’s mother lies immobilized in anticipation of her forthcoming child, and her high-ranking stepfather attempts to fulfill his orders of crushing a nearby guerrilla uprising, the young girl ventures into an elaborate stone labyrinth presided over by the mythical faun Pan. Convinced by Pan that she is a legendary lost princess, Ofelia sets off on a quest to complete three dangerous tasks and reclaim her kingdom and immortality. Features include: Audio commentary by Guillermo del Toro Video prologue by Guillermo del Toro The Power of Myth The Faun and the Fairies The Color and the Shape The Director's Notebook Optional English and Spanish subtitles for the main feature You can find the latest specs for Pan's Labyrinth - 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray linked from our 4K Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under October 1. Order the 4K Blu-rayPosted Fri Sep 6, 2019 at 07:29 AM PDT by: -
Coming Soon to Streaming: JACK RYAN, BETWEEN TWO FERNS, and More[teaser]The second season of Amazon's Tom Clancy series headlines this week's roundup of streaming trailers.[/teaser] Netflix and Amazon have released new previews and info for several of their upcoming shows and films. Here's a full rundown of titles scheduled to arrive on each service: Jack Ryan: Season 2 (Amazon Prime Video, November 1) - After tracking a potentially suspicious shipment of illegal arms in the Venezuelan jungle, CIA Officer Jack Ryan heads down to South America to investigate. As Jack’s investigation threatens to uncover a far-reaching conspiracy, the President of Venezuela launches a counter-attack that hits home for Jack, leading him and his fellow operatives on a global mission spanning the United States, UK, Russia, and Venezuela to unravel the President’s nefarious plot and bring stability to a country on the brink of chaos. The Aeronauts (Amazon Prime Video, December 20) - In 1862, daredevil balloon pilot Amelia Wren (Felicity Jones) teams up with pioneering meteorologist James Glaisher (Eddie Redmayne) to advance human knowledge of the weather and fly higher than anyone in history. While breaking records and advancing scientific discovery, their voyage to the very edge of existence helps the unlikely pair find their place in the world they have left far below them. But they face physical and emotional challenges in the thin air, as the ascent becomes a fight for survival. Tall Girl (Netflix, September 13) - Jodi (Ava Michelle) has always been the tallest girl in school — and she's always been uncomfortable with it. After slouching her way through life for 16 years and being made fun of by classmates, Jodi meets Stig (Luke Eisner), a seemingly perfect Swedish foreign exchange student who's even taller than she is. Jodi's new crush turns her world upside down and throws her into a surprising love triangle, but with the help of her two best friends (Griffin Gluck, Anjelika Washington) as well as her beauty queen sister Harper (Sabrina Carpenter), Jodi comes to realize that she's far more than her insecurities about her appearance have led her to believe. Tall Girl, director Nzingha Stewart’s first feature film, is a heartfelt and hilarious coming-of-age story about finding the confidence to stop slouching and stand tall. Top Boy (Netflix, September 13) - The new episodes pick up as Dushane (Ashley Walters) returns from exile to his home in London to reclaim his throne in the highly lucrative drug market. He teams up with Sully (Kane Robinson), his spiritual brother, partner and sometime rival who is also returning to the same streets after his own form of exile – prison – comes to an end. Awaiting them both is Jamie (Micheal Ward), the young, hungry and ruthless gang leader whose ambitions leave no place for Dushane and Sully. The Chef Show: Volume 2 (Netflix, September 13) - Cooking is a journey. And making a meal is about more than just food. It’s about appreciating friends, family and tradition. An opportunity to come together. To learn, to share and to celebrate different flavors, cultures and people. In The Chef Show actor/director Jon Favreau and award-winning Chef Roy Choi reunite after their critically acclaimed film Chef to embark on a new adventure. The two friends experiment with their favorite recipes and techniques, baking, cooking, exploring and collaborating with some of the biggest names in the entertainment and culinary world. Hello, Privilege. It's Me, Chelsea (Netflix, September 13) - Follows comedian Chelsea Handler as she confronts and explores her personal and cultural impacts around white privilege. Handler travels around the country speaking with a wide range of people on the topic of race including fellow comedians Kevin Hart, Tiffany Haddish, and W. Kamau Bell, anti-racism writer and activist Tim Wise, a Republican women’s group in Orange County, CA, college students at an open mic night, and her former high school boyfriend in New Jersey. Between Two Ferns: The Movie (Netflix, September 20) - Zach Galifianakis dreamed of becoming a star. But when Will Ferrell discovered his public access TV show "Between Two Ferns" and uploaded it to Funny Or Die, Zach became a viral laughing stock. Now Zach and his crew are taking a road trip to complete a series of high-profile celebrity interviews and restore his reputation. Directed by Scott Aukerman, and produced by Funny Or Die’s Mike Farah and Caitlin Daley, and Aukerman and Galifianakis, Between Two Ferns: The Movie is a laugh-out-loud comedy that gives new insight into the curmudgeonly, beloved outsider Zach Galifianakis has created over the years. Disenchantment: Part 2 (Netflix, September 20) - In Disenchantment, viewers will be whisked away to the crumbling medieval kingdom of Dreamland, where they will follow the misadventures of hard-drinking young princess Bean, her feisty elf companion Elfo, and her personal demon Luci. Along the way, the oddball trio will encounter ogres, sprites, harpies, imps, trolls, walruses, and lots of human fools. The Laundromat (Netflix, Fall) - When her idyllic vacation takes an unthinkable turn, Ellen Martin (Academy Award winner Meryl Streep) begins investigating a fake insurance policy, only to find herself down a rabbit hole of questionable dealings that can be linked to a Panama City law firm and its vested interest in helping the world's wealthiest citizens amass even larger fortunes. The charming — and very well-dressed — founding partners Jürgen Mossack (Academy Award winner Gary Oldman) and Ramón Fonseca (Golden Globe nominee Antonio Banderas) are experts in the seductive ways shell companies and offshore accounts help the rich and powerful prosper. They are about to show us that Ellen's predicament only hints at the tax evasion, bribery and other illicit absurdities that the super wealthy indulge in to support the world's corrupt financial system. The Two Popes (Netflix, December) - From Fernando Meirelles, the Academy Award-nominated director of City of God, and three-time Academy Award-nominated screenwriter Anthony McCarten, comes an intimate story of one of the most dramatic transitions of power in the last 2,000 years. Frustrated with the direction of the church, Cardinal Bergoglio (Jonathan Pryce) requests permission to retire in 2012 from Pope Benedict (Anthony Hopkins). Instead, facing scandal and self-doubt, the introspective Pope Benedict summons his harshest critic and future successor to Rome to reveal a secret that would shake the foundations of the Catholic Church. Behind Vatican walls, a struggle commences between both tradition and progress, guilt and forgiveness, as these two very different men confront elements from their pasts in order to find common ground and forge a future for a billion followers around the world. - A current Amazon Prime subscription costs $119 per year or $13 per month. Likewise, Prime Instant Video is available as a standalone service for $9 per month. - A current Netflix subscription starts at $13 per month for HD streaming and $16 per month for Ultra HD streaming. Sources: Netflix (YouTube), Amazon (YouTube)Posted Thu Sep 5, 2019 at 05:00 PM PDT by: