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Integra Reveals New A/V Components with Dolby Atmos & DTS:X[teaser]Four new A/V products have been detailed.[/teaser] Integra has announced the latest additions to its A/V lineup. The upcoming collection includes the HDB-RX1 4K HDBaseT Receiver; DRC-R1.1 11.2-Channel Network A/V Controller; DRX-R1.1 11.2-Channel Network A/V Receiver, and the DRX-7.1 9.2-Channel Network A/V Receiver. The new Dot 1 Series AV receivers and controller all offer support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X object-based audio formats, along with Chromecast built-in/Google Assistant voice control, DTS Play-Fi multi-room tech, and 4K HDR passthrough with Dolby Vision compliancy. The DRC-R1.1 is a THX Certified Ultra 11.2-channel A/V controller with audio processing for 7.2.4 channels. Meanwhile, the DRX-R1.1 is an 11.2-channel THX Certified Select network receiver with 140W per channel (8 ohms, 20 Hz–20 kHz, 0.08% THD, 2 channels driven, FTC). Finally, the DRX-7.1 is a 9.2-channel THX Certified Select receiver with 140W per channel (8 ohms, 20 Hz–20 kHz, 0.08% THD, 2 channels driven, FTC), and 11.2 multi-channel pre-outs for up to 7.2.4 support with an external 2-channel amp. In addition, Integra is also prepping the HDB-RX1 4K HDBaseT Receiver. The device allows users to transmit uncompressed 4K / 60 p / 4:4:4 video, including HDR10 and Dolby Vision content, at a full 18GB per second to existing AVR or A/V processors through new-generation 4K HDR HDBaseT LAN and HDCP 2.2-compliant HDMI output. Pricing has not been announced for the new Integra lineup. but all four products are set to launch in late fall. And beyond the aforementioned models with integrated Dolby Vision support, Integra has announced plans to release a Dolby Vision firmware update for the following devices by the end of the year: - DRC-R1 11.2-channel Network AV Pre-Amp - DRX-R1 11.2-channel Network AV Receiver - DRX-7 9.2-channel Network AV Receiver - DRX-5 7.2-channel Network AV Receiver - DRX-4 7.2-channel Network Receiver - DRX-3 7.2-channel Network Receiver - DRX-2 7.2-channel Network AV Receiver Source: IntegraPosted Thu Sep 28, 2017 at 05:00 PM PDT by: -
'The Hitman's Bodyguard' Blu-ray and 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Dated & Detailedp>[teaser]The action-comedy starring Ryan Reynolds and Samuel L. Jackson is heading for home video this November. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Lionsgate is working on 'The Hitman's Bodyguard' for a Blu-ray and Ultra HD Blu-ray release on November 21. The world's top protection agent (Ryan Reynolds) is called upon to guard the life of his mortal enemy, one of the world's most notorious hit men (Samuel L. Jackson). The relentless bodyguard and manipulative assassin have been on the opposite end of the bullet for years, and are thrown together for a wildly outrageous 24 hours. During their raucous and hilarious adventure from England to the Hague, they encounter high-speed car chases, outlandish boat escapades, and a merciless Eastern European dictator (Gary Oldman) who is out for blood. Salma Hayek joins the mayhem as Jackson's equally notorious wife. Each release will feature a Dolby Atmos soundtrack and supplements include: “Big Action in a Big World” Featurette Director’s Commentary Outtakes (Blu-ray Exclusive) Deleted, Extended, and Alternate Scenes (Blu-ray Exclusive) “The Hitman’s Bodyguard: A Love Story” Featurette (Blu-ray Exclusive) “Hitman vs. Bodyguard” Featurette (Blu-ray Exclusive) “Dangerous Women” Featurette (Blu-ray Exclusive) Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $39.99 and the 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray is $42.99. You can find the latest specs for The Hitman's Bodyguard linked from our Blu-ray and 4K Release Schedules, where it is indexed under November 21. Order the Blu-ray Order the 4K Blu-rayPosted Thu Sep 28, 2017 at 11:32 AM PDT by: -
Amazon Announces New Echo Product Lineup with Alexa Support[teaser]Several new Echo devices have been detailed.[/teaser] Amazon has announced the upcoming launch of its updated Echo lineup. The collection includes the 2nd-Generation Echo, Echo Plus, Echo Connect, and Echo Spot. "Three years ago we introduced the first Echo, powered by Alexa, with a goal to fundamentally simplify and improve the way customers interact with their homes," said Tom Taylor, Senior Vice President, Amazon Alexa. "Today, Alexa can make calls, play music in every room, turn on your lights, and even order you a pizza. But it's still day one, and today we're making Echo and Alexa even better. The all-new Echo and Echo Plus deliver better sound, all new far-field technology, and new features we think customers will love." The new Echo features an updated, compact design with an upgraded speaker architecture, a dedicated tweeter, a 2.5" down-firing woofer, and Dolby processing to deliver 360 degree omnidirectional audio. In addition, the device uses the company's second generation far-field technology, offering improved wake word processing, beamforming technology, and enhanced noise cancellation. Supported music services include Amazon Music, Pandora, Spotify, iHeartRadio, TuneIn, and more. Amazon's 2nd Generation Echo is now available for pre-order for $100. Shipments will begin on October 31. The Echo Plus features a built-in smart home hub, allowing customers to easily connect their smart devices. Users can simply say, "Alexa, discover my devices," and the Echo Plus will automatically find and set up compatible lights, locks, plugs, switches, and more without any additional hubs or apps, with support for a variety of ZigBee products from brands like Philips Hue, GE, Kwikset, and more. Likewise, the unit also incorporates enhanced 360 degree omni-directional audio with Dolby processing, along with music playback support from services like Amazon Music, Pandora, Spotify, iHeartRadio, TuneIn, and more. Amazon's Echo Plus is now available for pre-order for $150 with a Philips Hue smart lightbulb included while supplies last. Shipments are expected to launch on October 31. The Echo Connect is a new Alexa accessory that allows users to turn their Echo into a hands-free speakerphone for their existing landline or VoIP home phone service, enabling users to call contacts and answer incoming calls through voice commands. Amazon's Echo Connect is now available for pre-order for $35. Units are set to ship on December 13. The Echo Spot is a new compact Alexa device with a circular screen and second generation far-field technology with four microphones, acoustic beam-forming technology, and enhanced noise cancellation. Ideal for nightstands, desks, or kitchen counters, the Spot offers support for Alexa voice commands, smart alarm clock features, calendars, shopping lists, smart home control, and video playback for news, weather, and more. Likewise, the unit includes a front-facing camera and built-in 2W speaker for video calls. In addition, users can connect external speakers to the Echo Spot through Bluetooth or a 3.5mm stereo cable. "Echo Spot combines the popular small design of Echo Dot, the display of Echo Show, and the features you love about Alexa into an all-new, stylish and compact device," said Tom Taylor, Senior Vice President, Amazon Alexa. "See the weather, watch video news briefings, glance at your alarm clock, check on your kids, and more—we think customers will find lots of places for Echo Spot in their homes." Amazon's Echo Spot is now up for pre-order for $130. The device is set to launch on December 19. Sources: Amazon 1, Amazon 2Posted Thu Sep 28, 2017 at 10:10 AM PDT by: -
Coming Soon the Blu-ray: 'American Horror Story,' 'Speed Racer,' and More[teaser]Terrifying cultists, speeding cars, and more are all heading to Blu-ray.[/teaser] New info has been revealed for several upcoming Blu-ray releases from Sony, Shout Factory, Acorn Media, Zeitgeist, Paramount, Image Entertainment, Cleopatra, 20th Century Fox, FUNimation, and Universal. Here's a full rundown of recently revealed details and title announcements: First up, Sony is set to release Park Kwang-Hyun's Fabricated City starring Shim Eun-kyung and Ji Chang-wook on October 3. No other details have been announced at this time. Order the Blu-ray Acorn Media has announced plans to release Loch Ness: Series 1 starring Laura Fraser, Siobhan Finneran, William Ash, Jack Bannon, and Don Gilet on October 3. Supplements will include: - Cast interviews (19 min.)- Behind-the-scenes featurettes (12 min.)- Photo Gallery Order the Blu-ray Zeitgeist is prepping Daniel Raim's documentary Harold and Lillian: A Hollywood Love Story for Blu-ray on October 3. Supplements will include: - Deleted Scenes- Lillian's Life Lessons- Harold's Film School Seminar: Camera Angle Projection- Bonus Short Film: Storyboarding The Graduate- Booklet Featuring Original Art and Filmmaker Magazine Interview with Director Daniel Raim- U.S. Theatrical Trailer Order the Blu-ray As previously reported, Image Entertainment will release Brendan Muldowney's Pilgrimage starring Richard Armitage, Jon Bernthal, Stanley Weber, John Lynch, Ruaidhri Conroy, Hugh O'Conor, and Tom Holland on October 10. Newly announced supplements will include: - Five behind-the-scenes featurettes- Interviews with the cast and crew- Photo gallery- Poster gallery Order the Blu-ray As previously reported, Paramount is prepping Bonni Cohen and Jon Shenk's Cinema An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power and now the release date has been announced as October 24. Recently announced supplements will include: - Effecting Change: Speaking Truth to Power- OneRepublic – Truth to Power (Lyric Video)- Truth in Ten – The Facts About Climate Change Order the Blu-ray As previously reported, Shout Factory is bringing Zack Snyder's Dawn of the Dead: Collector's Edition starring Mekhi Phifer, Ving Rhames, and Sarah Polley to Blu-ray on October 24. Newly revealed supplements will include: - NEW Take A Chance on Me – an interview with actor Ty Burrell- NEW Gunn for Hire – an interview with writer James Gunn- NEW Punk, Rock & Zombie – an interview with actor Jake Weber- NEW Killing Time at the Mall: The Special Effects of Dawn of the Dead – an interview with special makeup effects artists David Anderson and Heather Langenkamp Anderson- Deleted Scenes with optional commentary by director Zach Snyder and producer Eric Newman- Audio Commentary with director Zach Snyder and producer Eric Newman (Unrated)- Splitting Headaches: Anatomy of Exploding Heads- Attack of the Living Dead- Raising the Dead- Andy's Lost Tape- Special Report: Zombie Invasion- Undead and Loving It: A Mockumentary- Drawing the Dead featurette- Storyboard Comparisons- Hidden Easter Egg- Still Gallery- Theatrical Trailer In addition, the label will release Sunao Katabuchi's In This Corner of the World starring Non, Megumi Han, and Yoshimasa Hosoya on November 14. Supplements will include: - A Look at Post-Screening Q&As with director Sunao Katabuchi and producer Taro Maki featurette- A 16-page preview of the graphic novel that inspired the film- Trailer Likewise, Shout Factory is prepping Digimon Adventure Tri.: Confession starring Joshua Seth, Colleen O'Shaughnessey, and Cherami Leigh for Blu-ray on December 5. Supplements have not been detailed yet. Order the Blu-ray Order the Blu-ray Order the Blu-ray FUNimation has announced plans to release a new Collector's Edition version of Speed Racer: The Complete Series on November 7. The package will include: - Speed Racer (the 1967 broadcast version), the original 34 episodes of the Japanese version, and the 1992 Restart.- Speed Racer Bust with moveable visor and sound effects (5 phrases from the original Speed Racer) and a Key Chain featuring art from the Mach Go Go Go series.- 2017 Interview with Corinne Orr voice of Trixie Order the Blu-ray Universal is preparing Cal Brunker's The Nut Job 2: Nutty By Nature starring Will Arnett, Gabriel Iglesias, Jeff Dunham, and Katherine Heigl for Blu-ray on November 14. Supplements will include: - Deleted Scene- Animation Progression Reels: Watch as two key scenes are brought to life, from storyboard and pre-visualization, to final animation, lighting and effects.- Concept Art Reel: See the concept art that inspired animators to create the world of The Nut Job 2.- Feature Commentary with Director/Co-Writer Cal Brunker and Producer/Co-Writer Bob Barlen In addition, the studio has launched pre-orders for Hallie Meyers-Shyer's Home Again starring Reese Witherspoon, Lake Bell, Michael Sheen, and Candice Bergen. Supplements and a release date have not been announced yet. Order the Blu-ray Order the Blu-ray Cleopatra will bring Culture Club: Live at Wembley to Blu-ray on December 8. Supplements on the concert disc will include - Exclusive interviews with the band members as they discuss their illustrious career and the significance of this iconic live performance Order the Blu-ray VCI is prepping Eddie Romero's The Twilight People starring John Ashley, Pat Woodell, Jan Merlin, Charles Macaulay and Pam Grier as The Panther Woman for Blu-ray on January 23. Supplements will include: - Video Interview with the director, Eddie Romero - Full commentary by film historian, Toby Roan - Original Theatrical Trailer Order the Blu-ray Finally, 20th Century Fox has announced plans to release American Horror Story: Cult starring Sarah Paulson, Evan Peters, Cheyenne Jackson, Adina Porter, Frances Conroy, Emma Roberts, Chaz Bono, and John Carroll Lynch. Supplements and a release date have not been announced yet. Order the Blu-ray You can find the latest specs for all of the titles listed above linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule.Posted Wed Sep 27, 2017 at 02:15 PM PDT by: -
Amazon Details New Fire TV with 4K HDR Support[teaser]The latest Fire TV model has been revealed.[/teaser] Amazon has announced its newest Fire TV model. The upcoming media player is forty percent more powerful than Fire TV Stick, and offers support for 4K Ultra HD playback with HDR (high dynamic range). "The all-new Fire TV delivers a great entertainment experience with the best picture quality on a Fire TV, 4K Ultra HD, HDR, and an unbeatable selection of content – all at an affordable price," said Marc Whitten, Vice President, Amazon Fire TV. "With Alexa, the new Fire TV makes it easier to navigate content and discover great movies and TV shows, all by using your voice." Amazon's new Fire TV offers access to a growing collection of channels, apps, and Alexa skills, including over 500,000 TV episodes and movies from services like Netflix, Hulu, HBO, SHOWTIME, STARZ, Amazon Video, and more. Under the hood, the device is powered by an Amlogic Quad-core 1.5GHz processor and Mali450 MP3 GPU, along with 2GB of memory, dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi, and 8 GB of storage. The player also features a new compact dongle-like design that fits behind a user's TV. In addition, the unit includes support for up to 60fps 4K Ultra HD playback with HDR and Dolby Atmos audio (though there is no mention of Dolby Vision compatibility). An Alexa Voice Remote is included as well, allowing customers to find, launch, and control content through voice commands. Likewise, customers can also pair the new Fire TV to any of their Echo devices to enable hands-free, far-field voice control powered by Alexa. The new Fire TV is now available for pre-order for $70. Units are expected to start shipping on October 25. Source: AmazonPosted Wed Sep 27, 2017 at 12:40 PM PDT by: -
Crunchyroll Debuts 'Blade Runner 2049' Anime Prequel Short Film[teaser]The final prequel short has been released.[/teaser] Crunchyroll has debuted a new anime prequel short film for Blade Runner 2049. The piece, titled Blade Runner: Blackout 2022, is the last of three prequel clips produced to help fill in the gaps between the original Blade Runner set in 2019 and the upcoming sequel set in 2049. The short follows the previously released 2036: Nexus Dawn and 2048: Nowhere to Run. Unlike the previous live action videos directed by Luke Scott, this new short is a 15-minute anime directed by Shinichiro Watanabe (Cowboy Bebop, Samurai Champloo). The film takes place in 2022 and focuses on an EMP detonation that has caused a global blackout with dangerous consequences. Check out a behind-the-scenes preview for the short below, and click here to watch the entire video on Crunchyroll! Blade Runner 2049 will hit theaters on October 6. Set thirty years after the events of the first film, the movie focuses on a new blade runner, LAPD Officer K (Ryan Gosling), as he unearths a long-buried secret that has the potential to plunge what’s left of society into chaos. K’s discovery leads him on a quest to find Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford), a former LAPD blade runner who has been missing for 30 years. The film comes from executive producer Ridley Scott (Blade Runner, Alien, Alien Covenant) and director Denis Villeneuve (Arrival, Prisoners, Sicario). Blade Runner 2049 stars Ryan Gosling, Harrison Ford, Ana De Armas, MacKenzie Davis, Sylvia Hoeks, Lennie James, Carla Juri, Robin Wright, Dave Bautista and Jared Leto. In addition, the Final Cut Edition of the original Blade Runner is now available on Ultra HD Blu-ray. Based on the novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick, the first film follows a 21st-century detective, Rick Deckard, (Harrison Ford). In a future of high-tech possibility soured by urban and social decay, Deckard hunts for fugitive, murderous replicants - and is drawn to a mystery woman whose secrets may undermine his soul. The movie also stars Rutger Hauer, Sean Young, Edward James Olmos, Daryl Hannah, Joanna Cassidy, William Sanderson, M. Emmet Walsh, Joe Turkel, and James Hong. Order the 4K Blu-ray Source: CrunchyrollPosted Wed Sep 27, 2017 at 08:10 AM PDT by: -
McIntosh Reveals MHA50 Portable Decoding Amplifier with $700 MSRP[teaser]The amplifier is designed to improve the quality of portable music through headphones.[/teaser] McIntosh has announced its latest audio component. The new MHA50 Portable Decoding Amplifier is set to start shipping in October for a suggested retail price of $700. The amplifier features a sleek and light-weight design built primarily from durable extruded aluminum with a form factor similar to a smartphone. A glass front panel with a touch sensitive volume control knob reminiscent of the classic McIntosh knob found on several of the company's other products is integrated as well. Under the hood, the MHA50 uses a high-performance 32-bit digital-to-analog converter (DAC), improving playback quality from almost any digital source. Likewise, the unit supports 32-bit/192kHz hi-res audio, DSD256 and DXD384 files, and asynchronous USB audio. A 3,000 mAh rechargeable battery is integrated as well, providing up to 6 hours of use on a single charge when connected through Bluetooth or even longer playback through a wired connection. Wired inputs for Apple iOS devices and Android devices compatible with USB On-The-Go technology are built-in, along with support for Mac and Windows computers. In addition, the amplifier can also wirelessly connect to playback deices via Bluetooth 4.1 with aptX technology. Thanks to the device's two gain settings, the MHA50 has been designed to work with all headphone types, including small in-ear models and large over-ear studio models via a gold plated 3.5mm jack. The unit can drive headphones with impedances ranging from 8-600 ohms. An optional Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD) setting is also offered to add dimension to music. In addition, the MHA50's output jack can connect to powered desktop speakers as well for stationary use as a desktop DAC. The MHA50 Portable Decoding Amplifier includes three USB adapter cables, a leather carrying case, and a wall mount charger with USA plug and adapters for Europe and Japan. Source: McIntoshPosted Wed Sep 27, 2017 at 07:35 AM PDT by: -
Martin Scorsese Will Teach Online MasterClass on Filmmaking[teaser]The Academy Award-winning director will teach his first online class next year.[/teaser] MasterClass, an online education platform, has announced that Martin Scorsese will serve as the instructor for an upcoming online class on film and filmmaking. The class is set to be held in early 2018 and pre-enrollment is now live. "I was excited by this project because it gave me a chance to pass down my own inspirations and experiences and practices and evolutions, not as a blueprint for how to make movies but as a guidepost, an offering to young people attempting to find their own way. It was so important for me to have people that passed down their own knowledge when I was young, and MasterClass has given me an opportunity to try it myself," said Martin Scorsese, MasterClass instructor. In the class, Scorsese will discuss film history and his storied career directing movies like Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, Goodfellas, The Departed, The Wolf of Wall Street, and more -- elaborating on his approach to all aspects of filmmaking in order to help students learn how to develop their own artistic voice and style. Likewise, the director will dissect movies, opening up participants to new ways of watching film. “Scorsese is one of the most influential filmmakers of all-time, but he’s also an eternal student. What makes him such a great teacher isn’t just his mastery, but his love of learning. This is a once in a generation opportunity,” said David Rogier, CEO and Co-Founder of MasterClass. The Martin Scorsese MasterClass is set to include over 20 exclusive pre-recorded lessons. Pre-enrollment is now open for $90. In addition to Scorsese, previous MasterClass instructors have included director Werner Herzog, writer Aaron Sorkin, actor Dustin Hoffman, and composer Hans Zimmer. Source: MasterClassPosted Tue Sep 26, 2017 at 06:10 PM PDT by: -
LG Set to Integrate Comcast Xfinity Cable Access into 2017 & 2018 webOS Smart TVs[teaser]Xfinity users with select LG displays will soon be able to ditch their cable boxes.[/teaser] Comcast and LG have announced the addition of LG to the Xfinity Partner Program. As part of the agreement, Xfinity subscribers will be able to access their cable service through the Xfinity TV Partner app on 2017 and 2018 LG webOS Smart TVs. "With our award-winning webOS user experience, Comcast customers will be able to take advantage of an easy-to-use interface and fast application performance on 2017 and 2018 webOS-enabled TVs," said Matt Durgin, Head of Content Innovation for LG Electronics USA. "Working with Comcast will bring these experiences to our customers so they can seamlessly enjoy their favorite content on our award-winning 4K Ultra HD TV line-up without the need for a set-top box." The Xfinity TV Partner app on LG displays will use open standard HTML5 technology, allowing subscribers to watch live and on demand programming via the X1 guide over Comcast's secure private managed network, including access to local broadcast and Public, Educational and Governmental channels, and cloud DVR recordings -- all directly through their TVs without the need to lease a separate Comcast set-top box. "We remain committed to giving Xfinity TV customers more options for watching their favorite programming in the home, so we’re thrilled to partner with LG to bring our app to their TVs," said Michael Gatzke, Vice President, Video Subscription Services, Comcast Cable. "We recognize that today's consumers are looking for more choices in how, when and where they access their entertainment, and via partners like LG we can expand the range of devices they can use in the home to do just that." A beta launch of the Xfinity TV Partner app for LG Smart TVs is expected to roll out early next year, starting with webOS 2017 models. Source: LGPosted Tue Sep 26, 2017 at 08:30 AM PDT by: -
This Week in Gear: Netflix Brings Dolby Vision Support to iPhones, NVIDIA Lowers Shield TV Price, and More[teaser]We've compiled the latest gear news, including the launch of Netflix Dolby Vision support for iOS mobile devices and a price reduction for the NVIDIA Shield TV.[/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 arrival of Dolby Vision support for Netflix on select iOS mobile devices, a cheaper base price for the NVIDIA Shield TV media player, and Hulu updates for Roku products. So, without further ado, here's a rundown of some of the latest gear and tech news: Netflix Launches Dolby Vision Streaming on New iPhone Models Netflix has announced the addition of mobile Dolby Vision HDR (high dynamic range) streaming playback for the Apple iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X, and iPad Pro (2nd generation). The new devices join the LG G6 as the only mobile products to currently support Dolby Vision through Netflix. Beyond Dolby Vision, the Samsung Galaxy Note 8, LG V30, Sony Xperia XZ1, and Sony Xperia XZ Premium all support HDR10 Netflix playback. In order to watch Dolby Vision streaming content on the newly supported mobile devices, users will need the latest Netflix app and the newest version of iOS. Likewise, subscribers will need the premium $12 per month Netflix plan. Dolby Vision is an advanced display and image mastering technology that offers expanded brightness to improve contrast between dark and light aspects of an image, bringing out deeper black levels and more realistic details in specular highlights -- like the sun reflecting off of an ocean -- in specially graded Dolby Vision material. The iPhone 8 features a 4.7-inch widescreen LCD IPS Multi-Touch Retina display with a resolution of 1334x750, 326 ppi, wide color, and 1400:1 a contrast ratio. Meanwhile, the iPhone 8 plus features a 5.5-inch widescreen LCD IPS Multi-Touch Retina HD display with a resolution of 1920x1080, 401 ppi, and a 1300:1 contrast ratio. Finally, the iPhone X features a Super Retina HD 5.8-inch all-screen OLED Multi-Touch display with a resolution of 2436x1125-pixel, 458 ppi, wide color, a 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio, and 625 cd/m2 max brightness. Under the hood, all three models are powered by an A11 Bionic chip with 64-bit architecture, Neural Engine, and an Embedded M11 motion coprocessor. Dolby Vision, and HDR10 playback are all supported as well, along with 4K video recording and optimization for augmented reality. The iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus are available now in the US with prices starting at $699. The iPhone X will launch on November 3 with prices starting at $999. Sources: Netflix via Engadget NVIDIA Reduces Shield TV Media Player Starting Price NVIDIA has announced a new cheaper option for its NVIDIA Shield TV media player. Previously, the device was available at a starting price of $200 with a gaming controller and remote, but now the company is set to offer a $179 option that only includes the remote. The Shield TV features support for up to 4K HDR playback at 60 FPS, along with Dolby Atmos and DTS-X surround sound pass through over HDMI and high-resolution audio playback up to 24-bit/192 kHz over HDMI and USB. Under the hood, the device is powered by an NVIDIA Tegra X1 processor with a 256-core GPU and 3 GB RAM running Android 7.0. Supported services include Amazon, Netflix, YouTube, Google Play Movies, VUDU, Plex, and more. In addition, the system offers robust gaming capabilities, voice search, and several AI functions. The new 16GB NVIDIA Shield TV Remote Only Edition is now available for pre-order for $179 with an expected ship date of October 18. Meanwhile, the 16GB Shield TV with remote and gaming controller is available for $200, and the 500GB Shield TV Pro model is available for $300. Sources: NVIDIA via Engadget Hulu Brings Live TV Streaming and Updated Interface to Roku Devices Hulu has announced the launch of its new Live TV Beta and updated User Interface on the Roku platform. The new UI features support for creating personal profiles along with improved navigation features, including Home, My Stuff, Browse, and Search categories. Meanwhile, the Hulu with Live TV beta costs $40 per month and combines a live/on-demand TV service with Hulu's standard streaming collection. The Live service includes access to content from ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC, with local live broadcast affiliate programming immediately available in many markets; live sporting events from top pro and college leagues on channels like CBS Sports, ESPN, Fox Sports, NBC Sports and TNT; regional sports networks in many markets; news channels like CNN, CNBC, Fox News, Fox Business and MSNBC; lifestyle programming from Bravo, E!, Food Network, HGTV and Travel Channel; additional networks like A&E, Cartoon Network/Adult Swim, Disney Channel, Freeform, FX, HISTORY, Lifetime, National Geographic, TBS, USA Network, Viceland, and more. Likewise, Live TV subscribers also get to enjoy Hulu's existing $8 premium 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. Roku devices with support for the new Hulu interface and Live TV beta include: - Roku Streaming Stick (3600)- Roku Express- Roku Express+- Roku Premiere+- Roku Premiere- Roku Ultra- Roku 3- Roku 4- All Roku TV models The Hulu Live TV Beta is also currently available on the Xbox 360, Apple TV, Xbox One, iOS and Android mobile devices, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, and Fire TV Stick. A current standard Hulu subscription starts at $8 per month with commercials. In addition, ad-free playback is available for $12 per month. Source: HuluPosted Sat Sep 23, 2017 at 08:55 PM PDT by:
