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HD Gear News Roundup: Week of April 9th, 2017 – Onkyo Receiver, BenQ Monitor, and More[teaser]This week's roundup includes a new stereo receiver, a QHD monitor, 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 weekly roundup of some of the latest gear and consumer electronics news that you may have missed. This week, we're covering a new Network Stereo Receiver from Onkyo, a BenQ 27-inch QHD monitor, the terminated LeEco/VIZIO merger deal, Showtime mobile downloads, and Sling TV Cloud DVR support. So, without further ado, here's a rundown of the latest gear and tech news for the week of April 9, 2017: Onkyo TX-8270 Network Stereo Receiver Onkyo has announced its latest home audio product, the TX-8270 Network Stereo Receiver. The 2-Channel stereo receiver is set for release later this month for a suggested retail price of $599. The TX-8270 is rated for 2 x 100 W (8 Ohms, 20 Hz–20 kHz, 0.08%, 2 channels driven, FTC), and features Dynamic Audio Amplification, non-phase-shift circuitry, and an AKM 384 kHz/32-bit DAC enhanced with VLSC (Vector Linear Shaping Circuitry) filtering technology. In addition, processing is optimized for Hi-Res Audio playback, including DSD 5.6 MHz/2.8 MHz and PCM formats up to 192 kHz/24-bit in popular file formats. Likewise, the device also includes Dolby Vision signal pass-through; four 4K High Dynamic Range HDMI inputs and one output with Audio Return Channel (ARC); a rear USB input (5V/500mA) with support for HDMI dongles that require power; a front-panel USB input for music playback from USB flash-memory devices; a moving magnet (MM) phono input; three line inputs; three digital audio inputs (two optical and one coaxial); speaker A/B outputs; and line outputs for Zone 2 (with separate DAC for distributed Net/USB/analog audio). The TX-8270 also incorporates robust wireless connectivity, including 5 GHz/2.4 GHz Wi-Fi supporting AirPlay and Spotify, along with Chromecast built-in and DTS Play-Fi capabilities through a firmware upgrade. FireConnect multiroom tech powered by Blackfire and Bluetooth wireless connectivity with Music Optimizer enhancement for compressed audio are integrated as well. Finally, the receiver features access to streaming services like TIDAL, Pandora, Deezer, and TuneIn directly through the device and Onkyo Controller app. Source: Onkyo BenQ PD2710QC QHD Designer Monitor BenQ has announced the release of its new PD2710QC monitor. The 27-inch display is geared toward creative professionals and is the world's first design monitor to include a USB-C(TM) Docking Station for MacBook and PC users. "The PD2710QC is engineered to meet the highest standards for color performance, ensuring the very best creation process for designers -- from start to finish," said J.Y. Hu, vice president, business line management at BenQ America Corp. "But we didn't stop there: The USB-C Docking Station is a one-of-a-kind innovation that makes the monitor a powerhouse of productivity to ease the creative process." The PD2710QC features a 27-inch QHD (2560x1440) IPS LED display with 100% sRGB and Rec.709 color accuracy, a wide viewing angle, and Technicolor Color-Certification. In addition, the monitor uses an anti-glare screen and includes BenQ's Eye-Care technology with Zeroflicker and Low Blue Light. Darkroom, CAD/CAM and Animation display modes are offered as well. The panel is rated for 350 brightness and a 1000:1 native contrast ratio. DisplayPort, Mini DisplayPort, and HDMI inputs are included as well. Finally, the monitor incorporates a USB-C Docking Station allowing users to charge devices (up to 61 watts of power to a laptop or mobile device), transfer data, transmit audio and video, and connect to the internet, all through a single cable. The BenQ PD2710QC is available for a suggested retail price of $599. Source: BenQ via TWICE LeEco and VIZIO Abandon Merger Agreement As previously reported, LeEco was set to acquire VIZIO in a $2 billion deal, but the merger agreement has now been called off due to "regulatory headwinds." Despite the setback, the companies have formed a new partnership. As part of the new agreement, LeEco and VIZIO will explore opportunities to incorporate the Le app and content within the VIZIO connected CE platform, and engage in a collaboration to use LeEco's EUI (Ecosystem User Interface) platform, along with the brand's exclusive content and distribution channels, to bring VIZIO products to the Chinese market. Outside of their partnership with VIZIO, LeEco recently announced a special Tax Refund Sales Event for its Ultra HD TV lineup. Meanwhile, VIZIO recently revealed its new 2017 D-Series HD and Ultra HD display collection. Sources: LeEco, VIZIO Showtime Adds Download Feature for Mobile Streaming App Showtime has announced the addition of a download feature for its Showtime standalone and Showtime Anytime mobile apps. With the new option, mobile users can now download content for offline viewing on smartphones and tablets at no extra cost to their subscriptions. "Making our wide variety of SHOWTIME content available to consumers at any time and any place has been a top priority for us," said Tom Christie, Chief Operating Officer, Showtime Networks Inc. "With our new download feature, subscribers now have the freedom to watch their favorite Showtime programming anywhere they are, regardless of the available Internet or wireless connection. We have truly become a network you can watch on the go." To start downloading Showtime content, mobile users simply need to update their Showtime or Showtime Anytime apps. Once updated, subscribers can download a program by tapping the "Download" button on the title's detail page. Smartphone users can select either standard definition (540p) or high definition (720p) quality, while tablet users also have the option for Full HD downloads (1080p). The Showtime downloads feature is now available on iOS devices (iPhone and iPad), Android phones and tablets, and Amazon Fire Tablets. The Showtime standalone streaming service is currently available through Apple, Roku, Amazon, Google and Samsung. Likewise, customers can also subscribe to Showtime through Hulu, YouTube TV, Sling TV, Sony PlayStation Vue, and Amazon Channels. Meanwhile, access to the Showtime Anytime app is available as part of a traditional authenticated Showtime cable or satellite subscription. Source: Showtime Sling TV Expands Cloud DVR Feature to Roku and Android Devices Sling TV has announced an expansion of its Cloud DVR First Look Program to Roku streaming players, Roku TVs, Android TVs, and Android mobile devices. Previously, the program was only available through Amazon devices. With the Sling TV Cloud DVR First Look Program, subscribers with a supported device can purchase 50 hours of storage for $5 per month with any Sling TV package. And in addition to Roku and Android, Cloud DVR support is set to arrive on Apple TV in the coming weeks. Here's a rundown of Sling TV Cloud DVR features: - Watch anytime, anywhere: Record your favorites and watch whenever you want across all Amazon Fire TVs and Fire tablets, Android mobile devices, Android TVs, Roku streaming players and Roku TVs. AirTV is not currently compatible with Cloud DVR. - Conflict-free recording: Record multiple programs simultaneously, and forget about recording conflicts. - Keep recordings as long as you want: With Sling TV, your recordings won’t expire as long as you remain a Sling subscriber with Cloud DVR. - Auto-managed recordings: Sling TV will make room for new recordings by deleting your old recordings as you reach capacity, starting with your oldest ‘watched’ recording, so you can binge on your new favorite show. Source: Sling TVPosted Thu Apr 13, 2017 at 03:00 PM PDT by: -
LeEco Announces Tax Refund Deals Event for Ultra HD TVs & Smartphones, Sale Starts April 14[teaser]Several Ultra HD TVs and smartphones will be on sale from April 14 through April 18.[/teaser] LeEco has announced an upcoming Tax Refund Sales Event. As part of the promotion, the company will be offering special instant rebates on its products through LeEco.com, including $200 off the Super4 X65 and X55 4K Ultra HD smart TVs. The sale kicks off on April 14 at 12:01 a.m. EDT and runs through April 18, 11:59 p.m. EDT. And in addition to the instant rebates listed below, customers can also spin the LeEco Wheel for even bigger savings, including chances to win an extra $20 off smartphones, $50 to $150 off X65 and X55 TVs, or even $1,000 off the flagship uMax85 4K Ultra HD TV. Likewise, all smartphone and TV purchases also come with a three-month subscription to DIRECTV NOW, which includes access to 60+ channels. Here's a rundown of the upcoming sale prices: - Super4 X55 4K Ultra HD TV: $599 (regularly $799 - $200 instant rebate) and three months of DIRECTV NOW - Super4 X65 4K Ultra HD TV: $999 (regularly $1,199 - $200 instant rebate) and three months of DIRECTV NOW - Le S3 Smartphone: $169 (regularly $199 - $30 instant rebate) and three months of DIRECTV NOW - Le Pro3 Smartphone: $299 (regularly $349 - $50 instant rebate) and three months of DIRECTV NOW - All Metal Earphones: $11.99 (regularly $19.99 - $8 instant rebate) - Bluetooth Headphones EB20 (black): $14.99 (regularly $39.99 - $25 instant rebate) And here's a rundown of extra coupons set to be offered through the LeEco Spin to Win Wheel: - An additional $20 off phones - An additional $50 off Super4 X55 - An additional $150 off Super4 X65 - $1,000 of uMax85 - $20 off CDLA Earphones Beyond the Tax Refund Sales Event, LeEco has also announced new retailer partnerships with HSN and Walmart. Likewise, the brand can also be found through Amazon.com, Target.com, Best Buy (in-store and online), Fry's (in-store and online), BrandsMart USA (in-store and online), and Red Pocket Mobile. Source: LeEcoPosted Thu Apr 13, 2017 at 12:30 PM PDT by: -
'The LEGO Batman Movie' Announced for Blu-ray, Blu-ray 3D, and 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray[teaser]The animated comedy arrives on all three formats in June.[/teaser]In an early announcement to retailers, Warner Brothers is preparing 'The LEGO Batman Movie' for Blu-ray, Blu-ray 3D, and 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray on June 13. In the irreverent spirit of fun that made "The LEGO Movie" a worldwide phenomenon, the self-described leading man of that ensemble—LEGO Batman—stars in his own big-screen adventure. But there are big changes brewing in Gotham City, and if he wants to save the city from The Joker's hostile takeover, Batman may have to drop the lone vigilante thing, try to work with others and maybe, just maybe, learn to lighten up. Each release will feature a Dolby at mos soundtrack and supplements include: Original Animation Shorts (Dark Hoser, Batman is Just Not That Into You, and Cooking with Alfred); Movie Sound Effects: How Do They Do That?; The Master: A LEGO Ninjago Short; Deleted Scenes; One Brick at a Time: Making the Lego Batman Movie; Inside Wayne Manor; Brick by Brick: Making of the LEGO Batman; Behind the Brick; Me and My Mini Fig; Comic Con Panel; Rebrick Contest Winners; Film Trailers; Lego Life Trailer; Social Promos; and Director and Crew Commentary. You can find the latest specs for 'The LEGO Batman Movie' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under June 13. Order the Blu-ray Order the 3D Blu-ray Order the UHD Blu-rayPosted Thu Apr 13, 2017 at 10:32 AM PDT by: -
Paramount Reveals New Trailer for 'Transformers: The Last Knight'[teaser]The fifth entry in the Transformers franchise is smashing its way toward theaters in June.[/teaser] Paramount has released the latest trailer for Transformers: The Last Knight. The movie is set to premiere on June 23. The Last Knight shatters the core myths of the Transformers franchise, and redefines what it means to be a hero. Humans and Transformers are at war, Optimus Prime is gone. The key to saving our future lies buried in the secrets of the past, in the hidden history of Transformers on Earth. Saving our world falls upon the shoulders of an unlikely alliance: Cade Yeager (Mark Wahlberg); Bumblebee; an English Lord (Sir Anthony Hopkins); and an Oxford Professor (Laura Haddock).There comes a moment in everyone’s life when we are called upon to make a difference. In Transformers: The Last Knight, the hunted will become heroes. Heroes will become villains. Only one world will survive: theirs, or ours. Check out the new trailer below! Transformers: The Last Knight stars Mark Wahlberg, Josh Duhamel, Anthony Hopkins, Laura Haddock, Isabella Moner, Stanley Tucci, and John Turturro. Michael Bay once again returns to direct from a script by Art Marcum & Matt Holloway & Ken Nolan with a story by Akiva Goldsman. The movie follows previous entries in the franchise: Transformers, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, Transformers: Dark of the Moon, and Transformers: Age of Extinction. Other recently released trailers include Thor: Ragnarok, Spider-Man: Homecoming, and It. Source: Paramount (YouTube)Posted Wed Apr 12, 2017 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
Hong Sangsoo's Critically-Acclaimed 'Right Now, Wrong Then' Headed for Blu-ray[teaser]The winner of the Golden Leopard Award at the 2015 Locarno International Film Festival will be getting the Blu-ray treatment next month. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Grasshopper Film is working on 'Right Now, Wrong Then' for Blu-ray on May 2. Quite by accident, a film director arrives in town a day early. With time to kill before his lecture, he stops by a restored palace and meets a fledgling artist. She's never seen any of his films, but knows he's famous. They talk, they go to her workshop to look at her paintings, and they have sushi and soju. More conversation follows, along with more drinks, and then an awkward get-together with friends where all sorts of secrets are revealed. All the while, they may or may not be falling for each other. Then, quite unexpectedly, we begin again, but now things appear somewhat different. An uncanny romantic comedy, Right Now, Wrong Then is a deliciously intricate masterwork from filmmaker Hong Sangsoo. Specs have yet to be revealed, but supplements include: Lost in the Mountains (2009, 31 minutes), a short film by Hong Sang-soo; Video introduction by filmmaker/critic Dan Sallitt (25 minutes); Press Conference with director Hong Sangsoo and actress Kim Minhee at the 68th Locarno Film Festival (19 minutes); and Original Theatrical Trailer. You can find the latest specs for 'Right Now, Wrong Then' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under May 2.Posted Wed Apr 12, 2017 at 08:33 AM PDT by: -
'South Park: The Complete Twentieth Season' Dated and Detailed for Blu-ray[teaser]The 20th season of Comedy Central's animated comedy series arrives on Blu-ray in June. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Paramount is preparing to bring 'South Park: The Complete Twentieth Season' for Blu-ray on June 13. South Park is an Emmy Award-winning animated series about four boys living in a screwed-up Colorado town. Between tragedies global and local, as well as parental and celebrity interference, Stan, Kyle, Cartman and Kenny manage to have themselves a time. The 4-disc set will feature 1080p video, lossless 5.1 audio, and supplements include: South Park: By The Numbers; South Park: The Fractured But Whole - E3 2016 Game Trailer; South Park: We've Been There; Comic Con 2016 - Extended Panel with Matt & Trey; Deleted Scenes; Season Commentary; and #Social Commentary (Blu-ray exclusive). Best Buy will also be offering an exclusive edition with LP-sized packaging. You can find the latest specs for 'South Park: The Complete Twentieth Season' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under June 13.Posted Tue Apr 11, 2017 at 09:45 AM PDT by: -
Blue Underground Preps Dario Argento's 'The Stendhal Syndrome' for a Limited Edition Blu-ray Release[teaser]The 3-disc set will feature a new 2K restoration and will be available this summer. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Blue Underground says 'The Stendhal Syndrome' return to Blu-ray in a limited edition release later this year. When beautiful police detective Anna Manni follows the bloody trail of a sophisticated serial murderer/rapist through the streets of Italy, the young woman falls victim to the bizarre "Stendhal Syndrome" - a hallucinatory phenomenon which causes her to lose her mind and memory in the presence of powerful works of art. Trapped in this twilight realm, Anna plunges deeper and deeper into sexual psychosis, until she comes to know the killer's madness more intimately than she ever imagined. Horror maestro Dario Argento (Suspiria, Opera) reaches new heights of florid fantasy and Grand Guignol with this warped work of art starring Maxim Magazine's "Sexiest Woman in the World" Asia Argento (Land Of The Dead, XXX), Thomas Kretschmann (King Kong, Blade II) and Marco Leonardi (From Dusk Till Dawn 3). Previously edited outside of Italy. Specs and complete supplemental details have yet to be finalized, but the 3-disc release will feature a 2K restoration and a 1.85:1 aspect ratio, along with a video interview with Asia Argento. You can find the latest specs for 'The Stendhal Syndrome' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under PENDING.Posted Tue Apr 11, 2017 at 08:59 AM PDT by: -
Elliott Lester's 'Aftermath' Starring Arnold Schwarzenegger Blu-ray Bound[teaser]The thriller co-starring Scoot McNairy, Maggie Grace, and Kevin Zegers will be available on home video in June. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Lionsgate is working on 'Aftermath' for Blu-ray on June 6. Roman's (Arnold Schwarzenegger) life changes forever when he loses his wife and daughter in a plane crash. He attempts to move on from the tragedy but soon finds that he cannot face life without confronting Jake (Scoot McNairy), the air traffic controller responsible for the accident. Specs have yet to be revealed, but supplements include: Audio Commentary with Director Elliott Lester and Producer Eric Watson and Interviews with Director Elliott Lester and Director of Photography Pieter Vermeer. You can find the latest specs for 'Aftermath' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under June 6.Posted Tue Apr 11, 2017 at 07:57 AM PDT by: -
'The Bridge on the River Kwai' and 'The Godfather' Prepped for 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray[teaser]Both classic films are being prepared for a UHD release in 2017. [/teaser] As reported on The Digital Bits, Sony is working on David Lean's 'The Bridge on the River Kwai' for Ultra HD Blu-ray sometime later this year. When British P.O.W.s build a vital railway bridge in enemy-occupied Burma, Allied commandos are assigned to destroy it in David Lean's epic World War II adventure The Bridge On The River Kwai. Spectacularly produced, The Bridge On The River Kwai captured the imagination of the public and won seven 1957 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor (Alec Guinness), and Best Director. Even its theme song, an old WWI whistling tune, the "Colonel Bogey March," became a massive wordwide hit. The Bridge On The River Kwai continues today as one of the most memorable cinematic experiences of all time. Paramount is also preparing Francis Ford Coppola's 'The Godfather' for Ultra HD Blu-ray. The Godfather, starring Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan and Talia Shire, tells an epic tale of Mafia life in America during the '40s and '50s. Vito Corleone (Brando) is the family patriarch balancing a love of his family with an ambitious criminal instinct. At the wedding of the Don's daughter, Connie (Talia Shire), youngest son Michael (Pacino) is reunited with his family. A subsequent assassination attempt leaves the Don too ill to run the family business, forcing Michael and Sonny (Caan), with the help of consigliere Tom Hagen (Robert Duvall), to lead the Corleones into a vendetta-filled war with other mob families. Violent revenge ensues as the family tries to change from its old criminal ways into legitimacy. No other details have been revealed at this time. You can find the latest specs for 'The Bridge on the River Kwai - Ultra HD Blu-ray' and 'The Godfather - Ultra HD Blu-ray' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where they are indexed under PENDING.Posted Mon Apr 10, 2017 at 11:39 AM PDT by: -
HDD Gear Deals: Up to 62% off 4K Ultra HD TVs from Sony, Samsung, and LG[teaser]Amazon is offering big discounts on select 4K displays, including models with HDR and Dolby Vision![/teaser] As part of the online retailer's ongoing deals, Amazon is running a sale on Ultra HD TVs from Sony, Samsung, and LG. Sony XBR55X930D 55-Inch 4K Ultra HD 3D TV (2016 Model) - Currently $1,256 (62% off). Sony XBR65X850D 65-Inch 4K Ultra HD TV (2016 model) - Currently $1,493 (57% off). Sony XBR43X800D 43-Inch 4K Ultra HD TV (2016 Model) - Currently $648 (50% off). LG OLED65C6P Curved 65-Inch 4K Ultra HD OLED TV (2016 Model) - Currently $3,497 (42% off). LG 65UH9500 65-Inch 4K Ultra HD LED TV (2016 Model) - Currently $2,497 (38% off). Samsung UN78KS9800 Curved 78-Inch 4K Ultra HD LED TV (2016 Model) - Currently $5,865 (41% off). Samsung UN49KU7500 Curved 49-Inch 4K Ultra HD LED TV (2016 Model) - Currently $737 (43% off). 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!Posted Mon Apr 10, 2017 at 11:00 AM PDT by:
