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Polk Audio Unveils Signa S2 Universal TV Sound Bar System[teaser]The company's newest sound bar model has been detailed.[/teaser] Polk Audio has revealed the latest addition to its Signa Series of audio products, the Signa S2. The sound bar system serves as the successor to the Signa S1 and now joins the previously released Signa Solo sound bar. "The Signa Series sound bars from Polk Audio are incredibly popular because they’re easy to use, sound excellent and are very flexible. In an effort to improve on an already great experience, we've beefed up the Signa S2 in just the right places to ensure consumers have an affordable option from one of the industry’s most trusted audio brands," said Michael Greco, global brand director, Polk Audio. "The Signa S2 adds HDMI ARC for a streamlined, single-cable experience with smart TVs as well as improved sound quality for great audio from a product under $200." The Signa S2 features a sound bar unit with a 2” tall, low-profile design and a separate slim wireless ported 5.25" subwoofer. In addition, the system uses a performance-tuned driver array and includes Dolby Digital 5.1 decoding support. Likewise, the device takes advantage of Polk Audio's patented Voice Adjust tech to provide clear dialogue reproduction. Bluetooth wireless connectivity, an HDMI ARC port, an optical port, and an analog 3.5mm mini-jack are integrated as well. Finally, the sound bar offers one-button EQ settings with preset modes for "Movies," "Music" and "Night" playback. The Polk Audio Signa S2 is currently on display at the company's CEDIA 2018 booth in San Diego. The sound bar is set to launch in October for an MSRP of $199.95. Source: Polk AudioPosted Wed Sep 5, 2018 at 06:55 PM PDT by: -
LG Announces New 21:9 UltraGear Gaming Monitor[teaser]The new monitor features an UltraWide screen.[/teaser] At IFA 2018, LG has revealed the latest addition to its lineup of monitors. The flagship 34GK950G UltraGear Monitor is a 2018 Red Dot Design Award and 2018 iF Design Award winner. "LG's monitors have been setting standards in the industry for many years and LG UltraGear will be no exception," said Chang Ik-hwan, head of LG’s IT Business Division. "Announcing our UltraGear monitors at Europe's largest industry event is demonstration of our confidence and excitement about this new brand." The 34GK950G features a 34-inch curved Nano IPS panel with a QHD resolution of 3440 x 1440 and an UltraWide 21:9 aspect ratio. Likewise, the display is capable of covering 98 percent of the DCI-P3 color space and over 135 percent of the sRGB color space. In addition, the unit includes support for a 120Hz (overclocked) refresh rate and NVIDIA G-Sync graphic processing technology, enabling smooth motion with reduced screen tearing and stuttering during gameplay. Finally, a Sphere Lighting option with six color settings is also offered. Here's a full rundown of key specs per LG: Size (Inch)- 34" Curved Panel Type- IPS Nano IPS™ Technology - Yes Color Gamut (CIE1976) - 98% Color Depth (Number of Colors) - 8bits, 16.7M Aspect Ratio - 21:9 Resolution - 3440x1440 Brightness (Typ.) - 400 cd/m² Contrast Ratio(Original) - 1000:1 Contrast Ratio (DFC) - Mega Response Time (GTG) - 5ms Viewing Angle(CR≥10) - 178/178 Surface Treatment - Anti-Glare, 3H Exact pricing and availability for the LG 34GK950G UltraGear Monitor have not been announced yet. Meanwhile, beyond gaming monitors, the company also recently debuted a new 88-inch 8K OLED TV and a 173-inch MicroLED display. Source: LGPosted Wed Sep 5, 2018 at 05:15 PM PDT by: -
Go Behind-the-Scenes of Jurassic World: Fallen KingdomJurassic World: Fallen Kingdom arrives on September 18, and to celebrate the home video release of the science fiction blockbuster starring Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas and we've been sent a sneak peek at three clips that will be included as part of more than an hour's worth of bonus content found on each release. "Chris's Stunts": "Blue Animatronics": "Aboard the T-Rex": You can find the latest specs for Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom linked from our Blu-ray and 4K Release Schedules, where it is indexed under September 18. Order the 4K Blu-ray Order the Blu-ray Order the Blu-ray 3D Order the 4K SteelBook Order the SteelBook Order the 4K CollectionPosted Wed Sep 5, 2018 at 04:14 PM PDT by: -
Denon & Marantz Reveal First IMAX Enhanced Audio Components[teaser]The first receivers and pre-processor with IMAX Enhanced functionality have been detailed.[/teaser] At CEDIA 2018, Denon and Marantz have announced several new audio components with IMAX Enhanced support. The collection includes the Denon AVR-X6500H ($2,199) and Denon AVR-X4500H ($1,599), and the Marantz AV7705 ($2,199). IMAX Enhanced capabilities will be available for all three components as part of a free firmware update in early 2019. The IMAX Enhanced certification & licensing program is designed to offer premium 4K HDR and immersive audio performance across home theater gear and content. "Denon is a natural leader in the audio space. With more than 100 years of innovation, the industry looks to Denon as a bellwether for the latest and greatest listening and video technologies to help consumers push the boundaries of the home theater experience," said Yoshinori Yamada, technical category director of AVRs at Sound United. "As part of our legacy of firsts, the newest Denon IN-Command X-Series AV receivers – AVR-X6500H and AVR-X4500H – are the first IMAX Enhanced AVRs to be released and are built around our engineering expertise and focus on audio quality. In addition, we’re continuing to offer added benefits for custom installers by integrating Domotz Pro and ihiji Invision compatibility with custom tiles, which we know are critical for today’s business needs." The AVR-X6500H is an 11.2 channel AV receiver rated for up to 140W per channel (8 Ohms, 20Hz-20kHz, 0.05% THD). The unit can support up to a 7.2.4 speaker configuration. Meanwhile, the AVR-X4500H is a 9.2 channel AV receiver rated for 125W per channel (8 ohms, THD 0.05%, 20Hz~20kHz). The device can support up to a 5.2.4 speaker configuration. In addition, both models offer Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Auro-3D capabilities, along with video passthrough support for 4K Ultra HD 60Hz, 4:4:4 Pure Color sub-sampling, Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG, and BT.2020 content. Likewise, the receivers will support HDMI 2.1 features like Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) via a future firmware update. Built-in Amazon Alexa Voice Control and whole-house HEOS music compatibility are integrated as well. And beyond the new Denon receivers, sister brand Marantz has detailed its new AV7705 pre-processor. The device features 11.2 channel XLR and RCA pre-outs along with support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X (up to 7.1.4), Auro-3D, and DTS Virtual:X formats. Under the hood, the unit houses 32-bit AKM D/A converters on all channels, along with the company's Hyper Dynamic Amplification Module (HDAM) circuits to offer analog pre-amplifier support. 24-bit/192-kHz ALAC, FLAC, WAV, DSD 2.8MHz, and 5.6MHz playback support is also provided via the unit's front panel USB port and network sources. In addition, like the Denon receivers, the pre-processor offers advanced 4K HDR passthrough, Alexa compatibility, and HEOS multi-room support, along with HDMI 2.1 features through a future firmware update. "Marantz sets the standard for music lovers and critical listeners around the world, so everything we do and build starts with ensuring we’re providing optimum fidelity for beautiful, natural sounding music," said Emmanuel Millot, global brand director at Marantz. "Fans of Marantz technology will see familiar features, like HDAM technology and the ability to decode lossless files with exceptional signal quality. However, the AV7705 does more than recreate music; it provides the ultimate home theater experience. We've integrated brand new IMAX Enhanced technology, support for the latest audio and video formats, multi-room audio functionality—including Apple Airplay2—and several options to make custom integrators lives easier than ever." The Denon AVR-X6500H ($2,199), Denon AVR-X4500H ($1,599), and Marantz AV7705 ($2,199) are now available from Amazon and other retailers. Sources: Denon, MarantzPosted Wed Sep 5, 2018 at 12:25 PM PDT by: -
Definitive Technology Details Studio Advance & Studio Slim Sound Bars[teaser]Two new sound bar models have been revealed.[/teaser] At CEDIA 2018, Definictive Technology has announced the latest additions to its home theater lineup. The collection includes the new Studio Advance ($1,299) and Studio Slim ($899) Chromecast-enabled Sound Bar Systems. The Studio Advance is a 5.1 channel sound bar model with virtual surround sound tech. The unit features nine discrete transducers and amplifiers with three one-inch aluminum dome tweeters, six three-inch oval drivers, and a separate eight-inch downward firing subwoofer. In addition, the device offers 4K HDR passthrough and an HDMI ARC port. Finally, the sound bar includes Chromecast-enabled support. Meanwhile, the Studio Slim is a 3.1 channel sound bar model with an ultra-low profile. The unit features seven individual transducers and amplifiers with three one-inch aluminum dome tweeters, four three-inch oval drivers, and a separate eight-inch subwoofer. And though 4K HDR passthrough is not included, the device does feature HDMI ARC support. Finally, like the Studio Advance, the sound bar is Chromecast-enabled. "Definitive Technology has produced several award-winning audio products over the past several years. However, we're not resting on our laurels and have tuned into customer feedback to produce two new sound bars that we believe will surprise and delight consumers all over the globe," said Skylar Gray, global brand director, at Definitive Technology. "We built the Studio Advance and Studio slim sound bars to address sound, technology and design needs from the audiophile as well as TV, movie, music and sports enthusiasts. The addition of HDMI ARC, Chromecast and 4K pass through, paired with Definitive Technology’s ultra-accurate, room-filling sound, make these sound bars an easy choice for anyone serious about quality content." Exact availability has not been announced yet, but the Definitive Technology Studio Advance and Studio Slim sound bars are now on display at the company's CEDIA 2018 booth in San Diego until September 8. Source: Definitive TechnologyPosted Wed Sep 5, 2018 at 09:25 AM PDT by: -
Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray & Blu-ray Dated & Detailed[teaser]The musical sequel is dancing toward 4K later this October.[/teaser] As previously reported, Universal is prepping Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again for 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray and Blu-ray, and now the date has been set for October 23. Taking place five years after the original film, Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) is pregnant while running her mother Donna’s (Meryl Streep) villa. Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, tells the story of how a young Donna (Lily James) came to start up her villa, met each one of Sophie’s dads, and raised Sophie on her own. Sophie is also faced with an unexpected visit from someone she had not invited or expected to see: her grandmother, Ruby Sheridan (Cher). MAMMA MIA! Here We Go Again, a Littlestar/Playtone production, is produced by Judy Craymer and Gary Goetzman, producers of the original film. Craymer is also the creator and producer of the worldwide smash hit stage musical. Ol Parker, writer of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, writes and directs the sequel from a story by Catherine Johnson, Richard Curtis and Ol Parker. Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus return to provide music and lyrics and serve as executive producers. The original cast members multi-award winner Meryl Streep (Florence Foster Jenkins, Into The Woods), Pierce Brosnan (The World is Not Enough), Oscar® winner Colin Firth (The King's Speech), Stellan Skarsgård (Good Will Hunting), Julie Walters (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows), Dominic Cooper (Avengers: Infinity Wars), Amanda Seyfried (Les Miserables) and Christine Baranski (The Good Wife) return alongside new additions Lily James (Cinderella, Baby Driver), Oscar® winner Cher (Moonstruck, Burlesque) and Andy Garcia (Ocean's Eleven, The Godfather: Part III). Both releases will feature Dolby Atmos, the 4K edition will include Dolby Vision/HDR10, and supplements include: Deleted/Extended Songs and Scenes with Commentary by Director/Screenplay Writer Ol Parker Enhanced Sing-Alongs Cast Meets Cast Cast Chats High Jinks Sophie's Story - Of all the characters, Amanda Seyfried's Sophie has developed the most since the first movie. Here we will chart how Sophie has gone from a vulnerable young girl to a confident young woman following life-changing events. Choreographing MAMMA MIA! HERE WE GO AGAIN - Choreographer Anthony Van Laast and his team will reveal some of the secrets behind the highly original dance routines. Dancing Queen: Anatomy of a Scene - The most famous piano roll in musical history opens one of ABBA'S biggest hits, "Dancing Queen." The number is the biggest and most complex sequence. Ol Parker will discuss where and how he wanted to use the song in the story. Performing for Legends - Here the Young Dynamos will discuss the daunting prospect of stepping into the recording booth at Air Studios to sing ABBA to ABBA. Class of '79 - The story of the Young Dads and Dynamos is told against the backdrop of Oxford, Paris and the Greek Islands of 1979, when hairstyles were wackier and the fashions were bolder. This featurette will focus on the Young Dads and Dynamos and their experience bringing these characters to life. Deleted Songs and Scenes with Commentary by Director/Screenplay Writer Ol Parker Enhanced Sing-Alongs The Story - Producer Judy Craymer reveals how the MAMMA MIA! legacy began, evolved into the first feature film and how she teamed with executive producer/co-story writer Richard Curtis and director/screenplay writer Ol Parker to develop the perfect sequel. MAMMA MIA! Reunited - Focusing on the legacy performers and their excitement at reuniting a decade later, the filmmakers discuss the paths they've paved for the characters since we last saw them. Playing Donna - This piece centers on Meryl Streep's cameo performance and Lily James' preparation for filling this iconic role. Meeting Cher - The Queen of pop reveals her excitement at joining the MAMMA MIA! family as Ruby Sheridan – Sophie's glamorous grandmother. Fellow cast members will share their delight at meeting and watching a legend on set. Costumes and The Dynamos - The Young Dynamos have some pretty cool costumes in MAMMA MIA! HERE WE GO AGAIN, and of course so does Cher. And who could forget those trademark dungarees? We will join costume designer Michelle Clapton as she highlights some of her favorite outfits from the movie. Curtain Call - Who can forget the finale to MAMMA MIA! when the cast danced onto cinema screens in full spandex for one final number? Ol Parker has chosen "Super Trouper" to close his movie and it features all 16 key cast members. NBC's TODAY Show Interview with Cher & Judy Craymer Feature Commentary with Director/Screenplay Writer Ol Parker Feature Commentary with Producer Judy Craymer You can find the latest specs for Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again linked from our Blu-ray and 4K Release Schedules, where it is indexed under October 23. Order the 4K Blu-ray Order the Blu-rayPosted Wed Sep 5, 2018 at 09:06 AM PDT by: -
IMAX & DTS Announce New IMAX Enhanced Certification & Licensing Program[teaser]The program is designed to offer premium 4K HDR and immersive audio performance across home theater gear and content.[/teaser] IMAX and DTS have announced a new partnership to launch the IMAX Enhanced program. The new certification and licensing program covers consumer electronics and content creation, ensuring support for optimal 4K HDR and immersive sound performance in the home. "While the IMAX theatrical experience continues to be the gold standard in blockbuster movie-going, today we are launching an exciting new program that applies components of IMAX's and DTS' technology and expertise to deliver consumers a level of quality never before experienced at home," said IMAX CEO Richard L. Gelfond. "This is a natural extension of our core business in experiential entertainment. By partnering with a well-established consumer electronics licensing leader, we can leverage both our brand and key technology innovations through DTS’ global licensing platform, without having to make the direct investments often necessary to build a new revenue stream. DTS will build that new business and we will share in the benefits from the program. We’re encouraged by the strong interest from our launch partner companies and look forward to working with DTS to grow the program further over time." To receive IMAX Enhanced certification, 4K HDR TVs, AV receivers, sound systems, and other home theater gear need to meet a specific set of audio and video performance standards determined by IMAX and DTS engineers and leading Hollywood technical specialists. In addition, the companies are designing a special IMAX Mode for enhanced devices to optimize playback of digitally re-mastered titles, offering a home experience closer to what the director intended. Meanwhile, on the content side, IMAX Enhanced movies will use a proprietary post-production process and an advanced algorithm to provide high-quality 4K HDR images through the accurate reduction of noise and grain under the filmmaker's supervision. Likewise, select IMAX Enhanced titles shot with IMAX cameras or specially formatted for IMAX theatres will feature an expanded aspect ratio as well. Finally, IMAX Enhanced content will also use a special variant of the DTS:X codec for immersive audio. "DTS has a rich history in delivering premium entertainment experiences to the theater and at home, and the IMAX Enhanced program is an exciting opportunity to stay at the forefront of home entertainment," said Xperi CEO Jon Kirchner. "Through the combined engineering and licensing efforts of the DTS and IMAX teams, as well as support from a number of the world's leading device and content partners, the IMAX Enhanced program will bring a completely new, enhanced experience to the home while also supporting the continued penetration of DTS decoders, bringing premium sound to consumers’ devices." Initial partners for the IMAX Enhanced program include Sony Electronics, Sony Pictures, Paramount Pictures, and Sound United (parent company to Denon and Marantz). On that note, Denon and Marantz are the first manufacturers to announce IMAX Enhanced-ready products. Beyond those audio components, no other IMAX Enhanced products, titles, or platforms have been revealed yet. Sources: IMAX & DTS via BusinessWire, IMAX EnhancedPosted Tue Sep 4, 2018 at 01:55 PM PDT by: -
Henry Cavill Cast as Lead in Netflix's The Witcher[teaser]Looks like Henry Cavill will be growing more facial hair.[/teaser] Netflix has cast Henry Cavill as the lead role in its upcoming series, The Witcher. Cavill will play Geralt of Rivia in the show based on the fantasy series of novels and video games from Polish writer Andrzej Sapkowski. "Andrzej Sapkowski has created a rich and memorable world, at once magical and familiar," said Erik Barmack, Netflix Vice President, international series. "We couldn’t be more excited about bringing The Witcher saga to Netflix members around the world." Here's a logline for the series per Netflix: Based on the best-selling fantasy series, The Witcher is an epic tale of fate and family. Geralt of Rivia, a solitary monster hunter, struggles to find his place in a world where people often prove more wicked than beasts. But when destiny hurtles him toward a powerful sorceress, and a young princess with a dangerous secret, the three must learn to navigate the increasingly volatile Continent together. Lauren Schmidt Hissrich (Marvel’s Daredevil, Marvel’s The Defenders, Umbrella Academy) will serve as showrunner and executive producer for the eight-episode series. Meanwhile, Alik Sakharov (House of Cards, Game of Thrones), Alex Garcia Lopez (Marvel’s Luke Cage, Utopia), and Charlotte Brändström (Outlander, Counterpart, Disparue) are all on board as directors. Henry Cavill is best known for playing Clark Kent / Superman in Warner Brothers' Man of Steel, Batman v. Superman, and Justice League. In addition, the actor recently starred opposite Tom Cruise in Paramount's Mission: Impossible - Fallout. Production for that film led to an unexpected and rather absurd conflict, now playfully known as "Mustache-Gate," when the actor's facial hair became a problem for Justice League reshoots. An exact release date for The Witcher has not been announced yet. A current Netflix subscription starts at $11 per month for HD streaming and $14 per month for Ultra HD streaming. Source: NetflixPosted Tue Sep 4, 2018 at 10:30 AM PDT by: -
Law Abiding Citizen Bound for 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray[teaser]The 2009 thriller starring Gerard Butler and Jamie Foxx will be getting a 4K release in November. [/teaser] Lionsgate has just announced that Law Abiding Citizen is being prepped for 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray on November 6. Clyde Shelton (Gerard Butler) is an upstanding family man whose wife and daughter were brutally murdered during a home invasion. When the killers are caught, Nick Rice (Jamie Foxx), a hotshot, young Philadelphia prosecutor, is assigned to the case. Against his will, Nick is forced to offer one of the suspects a light sentence in exchange for testifying against his accomplice. Fast forward ten years. The man who got away with murder is found dead and Clyde Shelton coolly admits his guilt. Then he issues a warning to Nick: Either fix the flawed justice system, or key players in the trial will die. Soon Shelton follows through on his threats, orchestrating, from his jail cell, a string of spectacularly diabolical assassinations that can be neither predicted nor prevented. Nick finds himself in a desperate race against time facing a deadly adversary who always seems to be one step ahead. The release will feature Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos and supplements include: • “The Justice of Law Abiding Citizen” Featurette • “Law in Black and White: Behind the Scenes” Featurette • “Preliminary Arguments: The Visual Effects of Law Abiding Citizen” Featurettes • The Verdict: Winning Trailer Mash-Up • Theatrical Trailer • Audio Commentary with Producers Lucas Foster and Alan Siegel You can find the latest specs for Law Abiding Citizen - 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray linked from our 4K Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under November 6.Posted Tue Sep 4, 2018 at 08:48 AM PDT by: -
Pioneer Unveils ELITE UDP-LX500 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Player with Dolby Vision Support[teaser]A new premium 4K Blu-ray player has been detailed.[/teaser] To coincide with this week's CEDIA 2018 tradeshow in San Diego, Pioneer has announced its new ELITE UDP-LX500 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Player. The device will be on display at the company's booth from September 4 to September 8. "The UDP-LX500 offers a variety of integration-friendly features. For connection flexibility, two HDMI outputs are onboard, allowing for a direct video connection to the display input of your choice, while still delivering Hi-Res sound to your AVR using the dedicated 'Audio-Only' HDMI output," said Rob Vieira, Product Planning & Training Manager. "One of the unit's distinct advantages is its ability to calibrate the display’s input specifically for the UHD player for optimal video performance. On the control side of things, two-way RS-232 and IP control allows for enhanced driver options via major control system partners such as Control4 and Crestron." Pioneer's UDP-LX500 offers 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray playback with HDR10 and Dolby Vision capabilities, along with regular Blu-ray, DVD, SACD, and audio CD support. Likewise, the device features automatic SDR/HDR presets and separate video parameters for "Reference," "LCD TV,” "OLED TV," or "Projector" to better suit video quality to a user's specific display type. Connectivity options include two HDMI outputs, a coaxial output, a digital optical output, 2-channel analog out, and an Ethernet port. In addition, the player uses a low resonance chassis design to provide high-quality signal transmission with a 6-layered main circuit board for high S/N ratio. Meanwhile, the 1.6 mm-thick chassis base is also reinforced with a 3 mm-thick steel plate, resulting in reduced vibrations. Finally, the unit also includes advanced audio features like Pioneer’s PQLS (Precision Quartz Lock System) for superior digital-to-analog conversion. Exact availability has not been announced yet, but the Pioneer ELITE UDP-LX500 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Player will carry an MSRP of $1,099. Source: PioneerPosted Tue Sep 4, 2018 at 08:30 AM PDT by:
