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'Ocean's 8' Blu-ray and 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Pre-orders Live[teaser]The movie starring Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, and Anne Hathaway is up for pre-order on both formats at Amazon. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Warner Brothers says 'Ocean's 8' will be available on Blu-ray and 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray on June 12. In this all-female heist film, Debbie Ocean gathers a crew to attempt an impossible heist at New York City's yearly Met Gala. The film also stars Sarah Paulson, Awkwafina, Rihanna, and Helena Bonham Carter and is directed by Gary Ross. Specs and supplements have yet to be revealed. You can find the latest specs for Ocean's 8 linked from our Blu-ray and 4K Release Schedules, where it is indexed under PENDING. Order the Blu-ray Order the 4K Blu-rayPosted Mon Jun 11, 2018 at 10:34 AM PDT by: -
HDD Gear Deals: Up to $100 Off VIZIO 4K HDR Ultra HD TVs[teaser]New VIZIO TVs are on sale now![/teaser] As part of a special Summer Savings Promotion for Dads and Grads, VIZIO is offering discounts on select 2018 4K HDR TV models. Here's a rundown of current deals through Best Buy: VIZIO P-Series 55” 4K HDR Smart TV (P55-F1) - Currently $800, MSRP $900 VIZIO P-Series 65” 4K HDR Smart TV (P65-F1) - Currently $1,200, MSRP $1,300 VIZIO E-Series 55" 4K HDR Smart TV (E55-F1) - Currently $480, MSRP $500 VIZIO E-Series 65" 4K HDR Smart TV (E65-F1) - Currently $750, MSRP $800 The premium P-Series displays feature a bezel-less industrial design with 4K Ultra HD resolution and Active Full Array Pro tech powered by up to 120 local dimming zones. In addition, the units include support for Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG high dynamic range formats with UltraBright 1,000 for up to 1,000 nits of peak brightness and Ultra Color Spectrum for nearly 100% coverage of the P3 wide color gamut and about 72% coverage of the Rec. 2020 wide color gamut. Meanwhile, the entry-level E-Series offers 4K Ultra HD resolution and full array local dimming powered by up to 16 zones. Likewise, Dolby Vision support is also included along with HDR10 and HLG high dynamic range playback. With that said, this series does not provide wide color gamut capabilities. These deals will only be active for a limited time while supplies last. Make sure to stay tuned to High-Def Digest for more sales and special promotions! Source: VIZIOPosted Mon Jun 11, 2018 at 07:30 AM PDT by: -
This Week in Gear: Onkyo Releases Sonos Update, MSI Details New Monitors, and More[teaser]We've compiled the latest gear news, including the release of Onkyo's "Works with Sonos" firmware update, Dirac's new 3D audio tech for gaming, and more.[/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 launch of Onkyo's "Works with Sonos" update for select receivers, a new Dirac 3D audio solution for gaming headsets, and several upcoming monitors from MSI. So, without further ado, here's a rundown of some of the latest gear and tech news: Onkyo Releases "Works with Sonos" Update for Onkyo, Pioneer, and Integra Receivers Onkyo has announced the launch of its "Works with Sonos" firmware update for select network receivers under the Onkyo, Pioneer, Pioneer Elite, and Integra brands. Users with supported models can now download the upgrade. "Onkyo has a well-deserved reputation for innovation in the home theater category and is a welcome ecosystem partner, adding Sonos' functionality to their line-up of premium brands," said Andrew Volyanetes, Director of the US Installed Solutions channel for Sonos. "Working with Onkyo and Onkyo USA demonstrates steps we are taking in our larger partner strategy. We want to work closely with the manufacturers that custom installers use most, like Onkyo. We also love that the integration allows our customers to decrease their time to music and get that magical Sonos experience when using a non-Sonos speaker." Once updated, the "Works with Sonos" feature allows compatible receivers to integrate into a user's existing Sonos ecosystem through a Sonos Connect device. When the receiver is paired to a Sonos Connect, customers can send any music or source from the Sonos app to the unit. Likewise, users can group their receiver to other Sonos devices on the network. Here's a full rundown of receiver models eligible for the update: ONKYO TX-NR585TX-NR686TX-RZ630TX-RZ730TX-NR787TX-RZ830TX-RZ920TX-8270TX-RZ1100TX-RZ3100PR-RZ5100TX-8260 PIONEER ELITE SC-LX901ELITE SC-LX801ELITE SC-LX701ELITE VSX-LX503ELITE VSX-LX303ELITE VSX-LX103Pioneer VSX-933 INTEGRA DRX-3.2DRX-4.2DRX-5.2DRX-7.1DRX-R1.1DRC-R1.1DTM-7DTM-6DRX-7DRX-R1DRC-R1 Source: Onkyo Dirac 3D Audio Tech Expands to Gaming Headsets Dirac Research has announced a licensing deal to bring its new 3D audio surround sound solution to the gaming market. The tech will be implemented in an upcoming gaming headset from a leading Chinese consumer technology company. "Dirac only enters a new market when we are completely confident that we have a solution that delivers a truly best-in-class experience for its end-users," stated Isaksson. "This is true of Dirac Unison in the automotive market, Dirac Live in the home theater market, Dirac Panorama Sound in the mobile market, and is most certainly true of our new 3D audio surround sound solution for the headset market. Our reputation is hard-earned, well-deserved, and will only be further bolstered as the gaming headset market experiences our 3D audio technology." The licensed 3D audio solution has been designed to create an immersive and externalized surround sound experience tailored toward gaming, even on power-constrained devices. Likewise, the new gaming headset will also feature Dirac HD Sound tech for powerful and crisp music performance. "With the flip of a switch, users of the new headset can toggle between two sound modes based on their activity – gaming or music listening," continued Isaksson. "The reality is that convincing a gamer that a helicopter is flying over their head or a hockey puck just hit the glass requires a different solution than reproducing music in the way the artist intended it – and this new headset delivers consumers the highest quality, most convincing audio in both scenarios." Full details on the upcoming gaming headset have not been revealed yet, but the device is set to hit the market in the second half of 2018. Source: Dirac Research MSI Details New Gaming Monitors MSI has announced several new additions to its lineup of gaming products, including a new Oculux series eSports Gaming Monitor with NVIDIA G-SYNC Technology and new Optix MAG271CR/ MAG241CR Series Curved Gaming Monitors. "MSI has always had a reputation for delivering high-end gaming products designed to provide a wholly enrapturing gaming experience for gamers," says Sam Chern, MSI Assistant Vice President of Global Marketing, "This year, MSI has elevated our gaming lineups to elite level with Intel's new 8th-generation CPUs laptops and desktops, gaming monitors, gaming motherboards and MSI Streaming Boost, gaming graphics card as well as gaming gears." The Oculux NXG251 is a 25-inch 1080p monitor with a TN LED panel. In addition, the display features a 240Hz refresh rate and a 0.5 ms response time, making it a great fit for fast-paced games. NVIDIA G-SYNC is implemented as well, allowing the screen to synchronize its refresh rate to the game being played, enabling a highly responsive, smooth, tear-free experience. Finally, the monitor also offers Mystic Light Sync tech, enabling personalized RGB lighting on the back of the unit. Availability has not been announced yet, but the NXG251 is expected to carry an MSRP of $599. Meanwhile, the Optix MAG271CR/ MAG241CR series monitors use curved VA LED 1080p panels with a 144Hz refresh rate and a 1ms response time. In addition, the displays include the company's new Gaming Echo feature, which allows the RGB zone on the back of the panel to react to in-game audio and lighting effects. Finally, the monitors also implement Gaming OSD (on screen display) software, allowing users to control monitor settings like contrast, brightness, and black equalizer directly through the Windows desktop. Pricing and availability have not been detailed yet. And rounding out the company's upcoming lineup is the new Optix MAG491C 49-inch monitor with an ultra-wide resolution of 3,840 x 1,080, a 144Hz refresh rate, and 3ms response time. The display is set to launch for an MSRP of $999. Source: MSI, EngadgetPosted Fri Jun 8, 2018 at 10:30 PM PDT by: -
Check Out This In-Depth Documentary About the Making of Kubrick's 'The Shining'[teaser]Kubrick's horror masterpiece is examined in this comprehensive documentary.[/teaser] Few movies are as obsessed about or as intricately analyzed by passionate film buffs as Stanley Kubrick's The Shining. Since its release in 1980, dedicated viewers have poured over every shot and every bit of larger-than-life trivia tied to the movie's fascinating production. And now there's a comprehensive documentary chronicling the oral history of the film's shoot streaming for free on Vimeo. Directed by Howard Berry, Staircases to Nowhere: Making Stanley Kubrick's 'The Shining' is a 55-minute documentary endorsed by The Kubrick Estate and Warner Brothers. The film features interviews from nine crew members who worked on The Shining, along with material from Stanley Kubrick's widow, Christiane -- all detailing their experiences from the shoot, offering fans an in-depth account of the production. Check out the full documentary below! Crew members interviewed above include Brian Cook - 1st AD, Jan Harlan - Producer, Mick Mason - Camera Technician, Ray Merrin - Post-Production Sound, Doug Milsome - 1st AC and Second Unit Camera, Kelvin Pike - Camera Operator, Ron Punter - Scenic Artist, June Randall - Continuity, and Julian Senior - Warner Bros. Publicity. The Shining was originally released on June 13, 1980 and stars Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall, and Danny Lloyd. The film is currently available on Blu-ray as a standalone disc, part of a triple feature with 2001: A Space Odyssey and A Clockwork Orange, and as part of Amazon's exclusive Stanley Kubrick: The Masterpiece Collection. Meanwhile, Kubrick will make his 4K home video debut later this year when 2001: A Space Odyssey arrives on Ultra HD Blu-ray. Source: Vimeo via No Film SchoolPosted Fri Jun 8, 2018 at 04:30 PM PDT by: -
'Christine' Announced for 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray[teaser]The 1983 thriller directed by John Carpenter will park on 4K UHD this September. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Sony is set to release 'Christine' on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray on September 11. John Carpenter brings Stephen King’s best-selling novel to life in this chilling thriller. She was born in Detroit ... on an automobile assembly line. But she is no ordinary automobile. Deep within her chassis lives an unholy presence. She is CHRISTINE – a red and white 1958 Plymouth Fury whose unique standard equipment includes an evil, indestructible vengeance that will destroy anyone in her way. She seduces 17-year-old Arnie Cunningham (Keith Gordon), who becomes consumed with passion for her sleek, rounded chrome-laden body. She demands his complete and unquestioned devotion and when outsiders seek to interfere, they become the victims of Christine’s horrifying wrath. The 4K release will feature 2160p video in HDR with Dolby Atmos audio and supplements include: Deleted Scenes, Commentary with Director John Carpenter and Keith Gordon, “Christine: Ignition”, “Christine: Fast and Furious”, and “Christine: Finish Line”. You can find the latest specs for Christine - 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray linked from our 4K Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under September 11.Posted Fri Jun 8, 2018 at 02:24 PM PDT by: -
HBO Greenlit a 'Game of Thrones' Prequel Series Pilot[teaser]The premium cable network isn't done with the Seven Kingdoms just yet.[/teaser] HBO has ordered a pilot episode for its first Game of Thrones spinoff series. The potential show comes from George R.R. Martin and Jane Goldman and is set to be a prequel. Here's an official synopsis per HBO and EW: Taking place thousands of years before the events of Game of Thrones, the series chronicles the world's descent from the golden Age of Heroes into its darkest hour. And only one thing is for sure: From the horrifying secrets of Westeros' history to the true origin of the white walkers, the mysteries of the East, to the Starks of legend… it's not the story we think we know. George R. R. Martin, the author behind the Song of Ice and Fire book series, co-wrote the story for the pilot with Jane Goldman (Kingsman, X-Men: First Class). Goldman also handled the teleplay and is set to act as the showrunner for the still untitled pilot. The prequel script is the first Game of Thrones spinoff project to receive a pilot order so far. Four other potential spinoffs are also in development from different creative teams and are all reportedly still under consideration as well. It's not yet clear when the new show would premiere if the pilot does end up being picked up as a series, but HBO has previously stated that no spinoffs will air until after Game of Thrones ends its run with its eighth and final season next year. Current Game of Thrones showrunners David Benioff and Dan Weiss are expected to receive producer credits but will not be directly involved with the new show. Instead, the pair are moving on from Westeros to a galaxy far, far away to develop a new series of Star Wars movies. Sources: EW, The Hollywood Reporter, The New York TimesPosted Fri Jun 8, 2018 at 02:05 PM PDT by: -
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Pioneer Announces Elite VSX-LX503 9.2-Channel AV Receiver[teaser]The company's newest Elite receiver model is now available for pre-order.[/teaser] Pioneer has detailed the latest addition to its Elite line of AV receivers. The new VSX-LX503 9.2-Channel AV Receiver is now available for pre-order for $999 (MSRP $1,099) through Amazon. The VSX-LX503 is rated for 120W (8 ohms, 20 Hz–20 kHz, THD 0.08%, 2-ch driven, FTC) and features 9.2 channel support for 5.2.4 and 7.2.2 Dolby Atmos or DTS:X speaker layouts. Likewise, the unit offers 11.2-channel pre-outs for 7.2.4 configurations with an external stereo amp. In addition, the receiver uses direct Energy amplification, a quad-core 32-bit chip, Aureus floating-point DSP chip, and a high-grade 384 kHz/32-bit DAC (AK4458) produced by AKM. 4K/60p/4:4:4/24-bit, BT.2020, HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision video passthrough are supported as well via HDCP 2.2 compliant HDMI connections. Dual-band 5 GHz/2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, FlareConnect, DTS Play-Fi, and Chromecast built-in connectivity are all included as well. Finally, the VSX-LX503 also features "Works with Sonos" certification, allowing the receiver to integrate into a user's existing Sonos ecosystem with a Sonos Connect. When the receiver is paired to a Sonos Connect, customers can send any music or source from the Sonos app to the unit. Likewise, users can group their receiver to other Sonos devices on the network. Here's a full rundown of key specs and features per Pioneer: - Dolby Atmos/Dolby Surround Upmixing- DTS:X/DTS Neural:X Upmixing- Powered Zone 2/Zone 3 Audio- Supports pass-through for HDR10, HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma), and Dolby Vision signals- 120 W/ch (8 ohms, 20 Hz-20 kHz, THD 0.08 %, 2ch Driven, FTC)- 230 W/ch (6 ohms, 1 kHz, THD 10 %, 1ch Driven)- Apple AirPlay Certified- 2 x 12 V trigger outputs, IR input, and IR output- RS-232C-compliant with IP control for PC setup and home automation- Assignable component and composite video inputs- Zone 2 and Zone 3 pre-/line outputs Amazon pre-orders for the VSX-LX503 9.2-Channel AV Receiver are scheduled to go out by June 17. Source: PioneerPosted Fri Jun 8, 2018 at 09:25 AM PDT by: -
Michael Myers Is Back in Terrifying New 'Halloween' Trailer[teaser]The infamous killer will return to theaters in October.[/teaser] Universal has released the first trailer for Halloween. The upcoming horror flick serves as a sequel to John Carpenter's 1978 film of the same name, and is set to terrorize audiences on October 19, 2018. Jamie Lee Curtis returns to her iconic role as Laurie Strode, who comes to her final confrontation with Michael Myers, the masked figure who has haunted her since she narrowly escaped his killing spree on Halloween night four decades ago. Check out the official trailer below! The movie comes from director David Gordon Green (Pineapple Express, Joe, Stronger) with a script written by Green and Danny McBride. Ignoring previous sequels in the franchise, the story is set to offer a new continuation of John Carpenter's original film. Carpenter serves as executive producer and creative consultant. Meanwhile, Jason Blum (Get Out, Split, The Purge, Paranormal Activity) is on board as a producer along with Malek Akkad and Bill Block. Beyond returning star Jamie Lee Curtis, the cast also features Judy Greer, Andi Matichak, Will Patton, Virginia Gardner, and Nick Castle. Though only recognizing the 1978 film as part of its continuity, this will technically be the eleventh movie in the Halloween franchise, following Halloween (1978), Halloween II, Halloween III: Season of the Witch, Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers, Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers, Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers, Halloween H20: 20 Years Later, Halloween: Resurrection, Halloween (2007), and Halloween II (2009). Other upcoming Universal releases include J.A. Bayona's Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom starring Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard. The film is set to hit theaters on June 22, 2018. Source: Universal (YouTube)Posted Fri Jun 8, 2018 at 08:25 AM PDT by: -
'National Parks Adventure' and 'Dream Big: Engineering Our World' Announced for 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray (Including Blu-ray 3D)[teaser]Both IMAX releases will be available in July. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Shout Factory is set to release 'National Parks Adventure' and 'Dream Big: Engineering Our World' on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray on July 24. The power of America’s national parks is undeniable. Millions have packed up the family to hike through impossibly lush forests, to gaze upon towering cliffs and deep-plunging canyons, to witness the breathtaking arcs of natural history, and, most of all, to share moments of wonder amid the protected treasures of this land. A MacGillivray Freeman film produced in association with Brand USA and narrated by Academy Award® winner* Robert Redford, National Parks Adventure is acclaimed filmmaker Greg MacGillivray’s most visually ambitious giant-screen film to date — a film that offers not only a sweeping overview of the national parks’ history, but is equal parts adrenaline-pumping odyssey and soulful reflection on what the wilderness means to us all. Narrated by Academy Award® winner Jeff Bridges (Crazy Heart), Dream Big: Engineering Our World is a spectacular look at man-made marvels that will forever transform the way you think about engineering. It celebrates the human ingenuity behind engineering marvels big and small and shows how engineers push the limits of innovation in unexpected and amazing ways. It is more than a movie — it’s part of a movement aimed at bringing engineering into the forefront of our culture. Dream Big is the first giant-screen film to answer the call of the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) initiative, which aims to inspire kids of diverse backgrounds to become the innovators who will improve the lives of people across our entire planet as we head into the twenty-first century and beyond. That’s why the film will be accompanied by ongoing educational, museum and community efforts to expose young people from all backgrounds to what engineering is … and what it can conjure in the world. Specs and supplements have yet to be revealed, but each release will be a 4K UHD, Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray, Digital Copy combo pack. You can find the latest specs for National Parks Adventure - 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray and Dream Big: Engineering Our World - 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray linked from our 4K Blu-ray Release Schedule, where they are indexed under July 24. Order the 4K Blu-ray Order the 4K Blu-rayPosted Thu Jun 7, 2018 at 10:59 AM PDT by: -
Amazon Reveals Fire TV Cube 4K HDR Media Player with Alexa & Dolby Atmos[teaser]A new Fire TV device has been detailed.[/teaser] Amazon has unveiled the latest addition to its Fire TV lineup. The new Fire TV Cube is a hands-free 4K Ultra HD media player with HDR support and advanced Alexa voice control. Pre-orders are now live for $120. "We believe voice makes it easier for customers to control their entertainment systems and watch the TV and movies they care about,” said Marc Whitten, Vice President of Fire TV. "And, it's just the beginning. Amazon Fire TV Cube will only get better over time with the Alexa service always getting smarter." The Fire TV Cube features far-field voice recognition with eight microphones to provide advanced Alexa voice control. Likewise, the device uses multi-directional infrared technology, cloud based protocols, and HDMI CEC in combination with Alexa to enable voice commands for compatible TV, sound bar, A/V receiver, and cable/satellite boxes. In addition, the player offers 4K streaming at up to 60fps with HDR10 and Dolby Atmos audio support. The growing app library provides over 500,000 movies and TV episodes from services like Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, HBO, SHOWTIME, NBC, and more. And outside of traditional playback and voice control, the Fire TV Cube also includes a built-in speaker allowing users to check the weather, listen to the news, control compatible smart home devices, and more. The Fire TV Cube is set to start shipping on June 21 with an IR extender cable, Ethernet adapter, and Alexa Voice Remote for $120. And as part of a special promotion, Prime members can receive a $30 discount on pre-orders placed on June 7 and 8, bringing the price down to just $90. Source: AmazonPosted Thu Jun 7, 2018 at 08:45 AM PDT by:
