-
Verizon Preps 4K Ultra HD Content Tests for Fios Service[teaser]The company is planning Ultra HD trials for its TV platform.[/teaser] Verizon has announced a partnership with SES S.A. to trial Ultra HD delivery for the Fios platform. SES offers a satellite-based Ultra HD content solution with a growing collection of 4K channels. "Verizon's network is uniquely positioned to bring its customers the most innovative content solutions, including 4K/UHD." said Erin McPherson, VP of Programming & Content Strategy. "We look forward to driving the technology and delivering premier video experiences through our collaboration with SES." Under the agreement, Verizon will test and receive 4K content from SES's pre-packaged Ultra HD platform, which includes reception equipment and nine linear Ultra HD channels delivered over scalable satellite capacity. Provided through dedicated satellite bandwidth, the SES Ultra HD solution offers superior quality over current internet-based 4K platforms, which can be prone to bottlenecks, buffering, and network congestion. "This collaborative agreement between SES and Verizon marks an important milestone in the development of our Ultra HD solution. Leading television services providers, such as Verizon, are evaluating our platform as a way to integrate scalable and dedicated satellite bandwidth into their Ultra HD launch plans," explained Steve Corda, Vice President of Business Development for SES in North America. "With more than 4.5 million video subscribers, Verizon Fios represents an exciting addition to our overall effort aimed at making Ultra HD more affordable and faster to market for TV services providers across the region." An exact launch date for the Verizon Fios 4K Ultra HD content trial has not been announced yet. The Fios platform uses a fiber-optic communications network for TV, internet, and telephone services. Outside of Verizon, both the DISH and DirecTV satellite TV services currently offer select live 4K Ultra HD content and channels. Source: SES via BusinessWirePosted Fri Mar 31, 2017 at 07:30 AM PDT by: -
Dick Maas' 'Down (The Shaft)' Blu-ray Bound[teaser]The 2001 remake of 1983's 'The Lift' will be getting the Blu-ray treatment this summer. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Blue Underground is working on 'Down (The Shaft)' for Blu-ray later this year. When the elevator in the 102-story Millennium Building starts to malfunction the management sends in a mechanic to solve the problem, but not everyone is happy about it-especially the elevator. After several of New York's finest are killed, the government, fearing terrorism, seals off the building. Now it is up to the mechanic and a reporter (Naomi Watts) to face an enemy whose bloodthirst is only met by its unpredictability...an enemy that is determined to fight off any intruder looking for the dark secret that lurks inside the belly of The Shaft. No other details have been revealed at this time, although Blue Underground is planning to release 'The Lift' as well sometime in 2017. You can find the latest specs for 'Down (The Shaft)' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under PENDING.Posted Fri Mar 31, 2017 at 07:19 AM PDT by: -
'Death Line: Collector's Edition' Blu-ray Dated and Detailed[teaser]The 1972 horror flick also known as 'Raw Meat' coming to high-definition this summer has now been fully detailed. [/teaser] As previously reported, Blue Underground is working on 'Death Line: Collector's Edition' for Blu-ray in 2017, and now the date has been set for June 27. For generations they've lingered beneath the streets of London. But now their last survivor has emerged, driven by a desperate hunger for human flesh! Donald Pleasence stars in this daring horror classic that dishes out heart-stopping jolts and hair-raising thrills. When a prominent politician and a beautiful young woman vanish inside a London subway station, Scotland Yard's Inspector Calhoun (Pleasence) investigates and makes a horrifying discovery. Not only did a group of 19th-century tunnel workers survive a cave-in, but they lived for years in a secret underground enclave by consuming the flesh of their own dead. Now the lone descendant of this grisly tribe has surfaced, prowling the streets of London for fresh victims...and a new mate. The release will feature a BRAND NEW 2K RESTORATION from the original uncensored camera negative approved by Director Gary Sherman, a lossless mono soundtrack, and supplements include: Audio Commentary with Co-Writer/Director Gary Sherman, Producer Paul Maslansky, and Assistant Director Lewis More O'Ferrall; Tales From The Tube – Interview with Co-Writer/Director Gary Sherman and Executive Producers Jay Kanter & Alan Ladd Jr.; From The Depths – Interview with Star David Ladd and Producer Paul Maslansky; Mind The Doors – Interview with Star Hugh Armstrong; DEATH LINE Trailer; RAW MEAT Trailer; RAW MEAT TV Spots; RAW MEAT Radio Spots; Poster & Still Gallery; and a collectable booklet featuring new writing by authors Michael Gingold and Christopher Gullo. You can find the latest specs for 'Death Line: Collector's Edition' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under June 27.Posted Fri Mar 31, 2017 at 06:49 AM PDT by: -
Amazon Readies Untitled McLaren Racing Docuseries[teaser]The upcoming doc is speeding toward Prime Video.[/teaser] Amazon has greenlit an untitled McLaren racing docuseries. The show will provide unprecedented access to the McLaren racing team as it competes in the 2017 FIA Formula 1 World Championship. "The series will take Amazon Prime members inside what it takes to compete at the highest level of Formula 1 racing," said Conrad Riggs, Head of Unscripted, Amazon Originals. "It will combine unparalleled access with exciting and dramatic storytelling that will appeal to racing fans and non-racing fans alike." The series follows McLaren, founded in 1963, as they prepare to challenge for the 2017 World Championship, with new Executive Director and former racer Zak Brown leading the famed racing organization. Featuring exclusive access from McLaren to the technically competitive and secretive world of racing, the series will let Prime members embed with the team and its drivers: rookie Stoffel Vandoorne and former double world champion Fernando Alonso. The show features coverage of the physical and mental preparation of a Formula 1 crew, including exclusive footage of how McLaren builds and tests a Formula 1 car, and behind-the-scenes, never-before-seen coverage of the sponsor and partnership deals that finance the team. An exact release date has not been announced yet, but the limited series will be available globally exclusively through Prime Video. "McLaren dominated F1 in the modern era, creating champions like Ayrton Senna and Lewis Hamilton. But they are also a family who have recently gone through difficult times, both on track and off," said Executive Producer Manish Pandey. "And like all families, we will watch them pull together to regain their rightful place at the head of F1." A current Amazon Prime subscription costs $99 per year or $11 per month. Likewise, Prime Instant Video is available as a standalone service for $9 per month. Sources: Amazon, McLarenPosted Fri Mar 31, 2017 at 06:30 AM PDT by: -
HDD Gear Deals: Up to 50% off Klipsch Reference Speakers![teaser]Klipsch is offering limited time discounts on select audio gear![/teaser] In celebration of March Madness, Klipsch is running a special "March Loudness" sale on its Reference Speaker lineup. These are all limited time discounts, with most of the deals set to end on April 1. Klipsch R-20B Bluetooth Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer - Currently $399 (50% off). Klipsch Klipsch R-24F Floorstanding Speaker (Each) - Currently $179 (28% off). Klipsch R-15M Bookshelf Speaker (Pair) - Currently $199 (20% off). Klipsch R-26F Floorstanding Speaker (Each) - Currently $279 (20% off). Klipsch Reference R-10SW Surround Subwoofer - Currently $279 (20% off). Klipsch Reference RSB-11 Sound Bar with Wireless Subwoofer - Currently $499 (17% off). Klipsch R-12SW 12-Inch Front-Firing Subwoofer - Currently $389 (14% off). Klipsch Reference RSB-6 Sound Bar with Wireless Subwoofer - Currently $349 (13% 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 Thu Mar 30, 2017 at 05:00 PM PDT by: -
Netflix Presents Full Trailer for 'War Machine' Starring Brad Pitt[teaser]The war film from director David Michôd will hit Netflix in May.[/teaser] Following an initial teaser, Netflix has released a full trailer for its latest original film, War Machine. The movie stars Brad Pitt and is set to start streaming exclusively through Netflix on May 26. In a film for our times, writer-director David Michôd (Animal Kingdom) recreates a U.S. General's roller-coaster rise and fall as part reality, part savage parody – raising the specter of just where the line between them lies today. His is an anti-establishment, pro-soldier exploration in the form of an absurdist war story of a born leader's ultra-confident march right into the dark heart of folly. At the story's core is Brad Pitt's sly take on a successful, charismatic four-star general who leapt in like a rock star to command NATO forces in Afghanistan, only to be taken down by his own hubris and a journalist’s no-holds-barred expose. War Machine addresses the debt we owe to soldiers to question the purposes to which they are being directed. Check out the official trailer below! The movie is inspired by the book "The Operators: The Wild & Terrifying Inside Story of America's War in Afghanistan" by the late journalist Michael Hastings. The cast also includes Tilda Swinton, Sir Ben Kingsley, Anthony Michael Hall, Topher Grace, Will Poulter, Lakeith Stanfield, Emory Cohen, John Magaro, RJ Cyler, Alan Ruck, Scoot McNairy and Meg Tilly. Other upcoming Netflix premieres include The Discovery on March 31, 13 Reasons Why on March 31, Girlboss on April 21, Bill Nye Saves the World on April 21, Dear White People on April 28, Casting JonBenet on April 28, Master of None season two on May 12, Anne on May 12, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt season three on May 19, House of Cards season five on May 30, Orange is the New Black season five on June 9, GLOW on June 23, Naked on August 11, Death Note on August 25, and Stranger Things season two on October 31. A current Netflix subscription starts at $10 for HD streaming and $12 for Ultra HD streaming. Source: Netflix (YouTube)Posted Thu Mar 30, 2017 at 04:30 PM PDT by: -
Pioneer Reveals VSX-832 5.1 Channel Receiver with 3.1.2 Dolby Atmos & DTS:X Support[teaser]The latest Pioneer AV receivers have been detailed.[/teaser] Pioneer has announced the upcoming release if its VSX-832 5.1-Channel AV Receiver. The device will be the company's first to support Dolby Atmos and DTS:X through a 2.1.2 or 3.1.2 configuration. In addition, Pioneer has also detailed its new entry-level VSX-532 5.1-Channel AV Receiver. The VSX-832 is a 5.1 channel receiver with 165 W/ch (6 ohms, 1 kHz, THD 10 %, 1ch Driven) or 80 W/ch (8 ohms, 20 Hz-20 kHz, THD 0.08 %, 2ch Driven FTC). In addition, the device uses digital signal processing technology developed by Dolby. With this Surround Enhancer tech, 2.1.2 or 3.1.2 Dolby Amtos setups can be virtually expanded to simulate 5.1.2, creating an immersive sound field. Likewise, the receiver also supports 2.1.2 or 3.1.2 DTS:X setups. The VSX-832 includes Dolby Vision support as well, along with robust connectivity options like FireConnect, DTS Play-Fi, Chromecast built-in, Apple AirPlay, and built-in dual band Wi-Fi. Meanwhile, both the VSX-832 and entry-level VSX-532 offer Bluetooth and Ultra HD Pass-through with HDCP 2.2 (4K/60p/4:4:4) and HDR10 support. When it comes to output, the VSX-532 provides 150 W/ch (6 ohms, 1 kHz, THD 10 %, 1ch Driven) or 80 W/ch (8 ohms, 20 Hz-20 kHz, THD 0.08 %, 2ch Driven FTC). Pioneer's VSX-832 5.1 Channel Network AV Receiver will be available in April for an MSRP of $479, and the VSX-532 5.1 Channel AV Receiver will be available later this month for an MSRP of $379. Outside of Pioneer, sister brand Onkyo recently announced two new mid-range receiver models with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. The upcoming TX-NR676 7.2-Channel Network A/V Receiver ($649) and TX-NR575 7.2-Channel A/V Network Receiver ($549) are set for release in May. Source: PioneerPosted Thu Mar 30, 2017 at 02:10 PM PDT by: -
Samsung Announces April 21 Launch Date for New Gear VR Headset with Controller[teaser]The 2017 edition of the Gear VR with new controller will be available next month.[/teaser] Samsung has announced pricing and availability for the latest version of its Gear VR. The new model with controller will be available on April 21 for $130. Likewise, customers will also be able to purchase the controller separately that same day for $40. "At Samsung, we are focused on setting and exceeding the standard for VR experiences, making them even more accessible and delivering the highest in quality," said Younghee Lee, Executive Vice President of Mobile Communications Business, Samsung Electronics. "The Gear VR with Controller expands our VR ecosystem to help consumers get more engaged and immersed in VR content – whether it’s games or videos." The Gear VR headset features 42mm lenses with a 101-degree FOV (Field of View), and advanced distortion correction technology to minimize motion sickness. The device supports both micro USB and USB Type-C port with a converter in-box. In addition, the 2017 headset comes with a new controller for better motion interaction along with a strap to hold it in place when not in use. Here's a rundown of key features for the controller per Samsung: - Various Motion Input for a Better VR Experience: The Touchpad provides quicker selection and interaction in VR apps, enabling various forms of motion, including the ability to point, drag and drop, tilt, shoot, among other actions, while the Trigger allows for enhanced gaming experiences. - Minimized Movement for Long-time Use: The Home, Volume and Back keys located on the Controller give users everything they need in easy reach so that they can keep their focus on immersive content. - A Secure Grip for Comfortable Play: Even during the most active movements, the Controller’s wrist strap offers a secure grip for comfortable and secure play. The new Gear VR with Controller is compatible with the Galaxy S8, S8+, S7, S7 edge, Note5, S6 edge+, S6 and S6 edge. Customers can also use the controller with previous versions of the Gear VR headset, including the 2016 Samsung Gear VR model which is currently available for $80. Source: SamsungPosted Thu Mar 30, 2017 at 01:30 PM PDT by: -
Andrew Goth's 'Mindgamers' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]The science fiction thriller will be available on home video in May. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Universal Studios says 'Mindgamers' will be available on May 2. Starring Sam Neill (Jurassic Park) and Tom Payne (The Walking Dead), MindGamers takes the mind-bending thriller to the next level. A group of brilliant young students create a wireless neural network, linking multiple minds via a quantum computer. Capable of transferring motor skills from one brain to another, they have brought into existence the first shareware for human motor skills. They freely spread this technology, believing it to be a first step towards a new equality and intellectual freedom. But they soon discover that they themselves are part of a much greater and more sinister experiment, as dark forces emerge that threaten to subvert this technology into a means of mass-control. The release will feature 1080p video, lossless 5.1 audio, and supplements include The Making of Mindgamers. You can find the latest specs for 'Mindgamers' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under May 2. Order the Blu-rayPosted Thu Mar 30, 2017 at 10:22 AM PDT by: -
Oscar-Nominated 'My Life as a Zucchini' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]The critically-acclaimed animated feature will be available on Blu-ray in May. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Universal Studios says 'My Life as a Zucchini' will be available on May 23. Nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and beloved by audiences and critics alike, My Life as a Zucchini is a delightful and touching tale about the uplifting power of friendship in the face of adversity. After befriending a kind police officer, nine-year-old Zucchini is taken to a foster home filled with other orphans his age. Though he struggles to find his place at first, with the help of his new friends, Zucchini learns to trust and love again as he searches for a new family of his own. With a band of unforgettable characters you'll be cheering for, My Life as a Zucchini stands as a testament to the resilience of the human heart. The combo pack will feature 1080p video, lossless 5.1 audio, and no supplements have been revealed at this time. You can find the latest specs for 'My Life as a Zucchini' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under May 23. Order the Blu-rayPosted Thu Mar 30, 2017 at 09:44 AM PDT by:
