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Onkyo Details TX-SR373 5.2-Channel A/V Receiver, MSRP Set for $349[teaser]The new entry-level AV receiver is now shipping.[/teaser] Onkyo has announced the release of its latest AV receiver model. The TX-SR373 is now shipping for a suggested retail price of $349. The 5.2 channel entry-level receiver features discrete analog amplification capable of 155 W/ch into 6 Ohms (1 kHz, 10% THD, 1-channel driven) or 80 W/Ch into 8 Ohms (20 Hz–20 kHz, 0.08% THD, 2-channels driven, FTC). In addition, the device offers two pre-outs for sub-woofer connections; HDMI inputs with support for HDR10, HDCP 2.2, and 4K/60p video pass-through; two composite video inputs for legacy consoles or VCRs; AM/FM radio tuner with 30 memory presets; and a full-sized remote control. DTS-HD Master Audio and Dolby TrueHD playback are provided as well, and the unit uses Qualcomm aptX audio tech for CD-quality streaming from compatible Bluetooth devices. Likewise, the TX-SR373 includes an Advanced Music Optimizer DSP listening program for enhancing compressed audio like MP3/AAC/WMA formats stored on USB memory devices or streaming Bluetooth tracks. Finally, the receiver also comes with Onkyo's AccuEQ Room Calibration technology, which sets speaker distances according to the listening position; adjusts output; selects crossover for the subwoofer, and performs audio equalization. Outside of the new TX-SR373, Onkyo also recently released the SBT-A500 Network Surround Soundbar System with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support. The three-piece system includes a low 2.1" profile soundbar, a slim Network A/V Receiver, and a wireless subwoofer. The soundbar features precision drivers with two speakers each for the left, right, and center channels, plus single height speakers for overhead sound with support for object based immersive audio formats. The SBT-A500 is now on sale for $899. Source: OnkyoPosted Mon Mar 27, 2017 at 11:45 AM PDT by: -
'It's the Old Army Game' and 'Running Wild' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]The W.C. Fields comedies are heading to the high-definition format later this year. [/teaser] Kino has revealed that 'It's the Old Army Game' and 'Running Wild' will be available on Blu-ray later this year. 'It's the Old Army Game' - Elmer Prettywillie, the village druggist, is awakened by a woman who needs a 2-cent stamp in the middle of the night. Seeking again a state of somnolence, Prettywillie must contend with the clamorous collectors of garbage, and with those of his own castle who have caught forty winks and then some. The letter-carrying lady, in trying to post her missive, manages to summon the city's fire department to the pharmacy where, unable to find a fire, they sit and sip sodas while Prettywillie panders to their every want. When they leave, a bit of a blaze does erupt, but Prettywillie is forced to his own resources. Meanwhile, George Parker is smitten with Elmer's buxom assistant and uses the storefront to promote a bogus land deal. The Prettywillie fortune is thus inflated, enabling the purchase of a flivver, but Elmer ends up wrecking a Florida estate and finally the flivver, foiling the schemers and delighting the denizens of the town, whose jubilation Elmer takes for an acute case of distemper. He jails himself for safekeeping. Also starring Louise Brooks, Blanche Ring, William Gaxton, and Mary Foy. 'Running Wild' - Cowardly Elmer Finch is browbeaten by his wife, daughter, fat son and the family dog. After hypnosis he is domineering. He enters a contract with a fifteen-thousand dollar payoff, so his courage can last beyond the hypnosis. Also starring Marie Shotwell, Mary Brian, Claude Buchanan, and Frederick Burton. The Blu-ray will feature a new high-definition transfer, lossless 5.1 audio, and supplements include The Real People in the Garden - Interviews with the people depicted in the book and movie; and the Original Theatrical trailer. You can find the latest specs for 'It's the Old Army Game' and 'Running Wild' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where they are indexed under PENDING.Posted Mon Mar 27, 2017 at 07:37 AM PDT by: -
'Is Genesis History?' Blu-ray Bound[teaser]The documentary is set to arrive on home video next month. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Virgil Films & Entertainment is working on 'Is Genesis History?' for Blu-ray on April 11. Is Genesis History? is a comprehensive documentary featuring over a dozen scientists and scholars looking at the world and explaining how it intersects with the history recorded in Genesis. From rock layers to fossils to lions to stars, this fascinating film will challenge and change the way you see the world. Is Genesis History? shines new light on our origins, providing a positive argument for Biblical Creation and the Flood. Dr. Del Tackett, creator of The Truth Project, serves as your guide—hiking through canyons, climbing up mountains, and diving below the sea—in an exploration of two competing views... one compelling truth. Specs have yet to be revealed, but supplements include: Q&A with Del Tackett & Scientists - 13min; The Ice Age & Climate Change: Larry Vardiman, PhD - 15min; Engineering the Universe: Stuart Burgess, PhD - 18min; The Church and Creation - Douglas Kelly, PhD - 12min; and Meet the Scientists, Del Tackett, Production Company - 15min. You can find the latest specs for 'Is Genesis History?' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under April 11. Order the Blu-rayPosted Mon Mar 27, 2017 at 07:12 AM PDT by: -
Mill Creek Entertainment Announces May 2017 Blu-ray Titles[teaser]Two titles are coming to Blu-ray in May.[/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Mill Creek Entertainment is preparing Spacehunter: Adventures in the Forbidden Zone and Payback Time: Triple Feature for Blu-ray in May. Spacehunter: Adventures in the Forbidden Zone (May 2) - In the year 2136, Wolff (Peter Strauss), a wily salvage pilot and intergalactic bounty hunter, answers a distress signal on Terra Eleven. Agreeing to pick up three women who've been shipwrecked, he lands on the planet only to discover they've been kidnapped. Following their trail, Wolff soon encounters Niki (Molly Ringwald), a spunky orphan who agrees to guide him across the Forbidden Zone, a vast wasteland populated by plague-infested mutants. After many battles, Wolff and Niki finally reach the lair of Overdog (Michael Ironside), the planet's half-man/half-machine ruler. Discovering the women are held captive in Overdog's slave pens, Wolff's rescue mission finally begins. Specs and supplements have not been detailed yet. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $14.98. Order the Blu-ray Payback Time: Triple Feature (May 16) - Three film collection includes: Blind Fury - He's lucky he can't see what he's up against. Blinded and left to die in Vietnam, Nick Parker returns to the States and uses his highly-tuned senses to help an old Army buddy in an action-packed cross-country battle. Silent Rage - Science created him. Now Chuck Norris must destroy him. Sheriff Stevens (Norris) is faced with stopping a crazed murderer, made virtually indestructible through genetic engineering. White Line Fever - In the 1970s Arizona, a young married man becomes an independent long-haul driver and he risks his life fighting the corruption in the local long-haul trucking industry. Specs and supplements have not been detailed yet. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $14.98. Order the Blu-ray You can find the latest specs for all three titles listed above linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where they are indexed throughout May.Posted Mon Mar 27, 2017 at 07:00 AM PDT by: -
Vinegar Syndrome Releases Edwin Brown's 'China Girl' on Blu-ray[teaser]The 1975 X-rated film is now available on Blu-ray.[/teaser] Vinegar Syndrome is now shipping copies of China Girl on Blu-ray. Though the release date was set for March 28, Amazon now lists the title as in stock. The incredible Annette Haven stars as renowned biochemist, Teresa Hardgrave. Assigned to work with top government agent, David Chase (Tom Douglass), to infiltrate a sinister organization determined to rule the world through sexual dominance, Teresa soon finds herself kidnapped and held in in the clutches of evil mastermind, Madame Woo and her vicious boss, Y.C. Chan (James Hong) who doses her with 'love serum' and forces her to undergo a series of excruciating erotic punishments. Will David be able to save her before the serum drives her to the brink of sexual insanity? Written and produced by Edwin and Summer Brown (A THOUSAND AND ONE EROTIC NIGHTS), and directed by Paul Aratow (DOCTOR DRACULA), CHINA GIRL is a slickly made, well acted and searingly erotic caper classic, taking nods from kung fu films to 60s spy thrillers. A critical success and blockbuster upon its original release, Vinegar Syndrome presents this drive-in movie inspired hit newly restored in 2k from its original camera negative! The Blu-ray/DVD combo pack will feature a transfer that was scanned and restored in 2k from the 16mm original camera negative and supplements include: Extensive Audio Interview with Actress Annette Haven, Reversible Cover Artwork, and the Original Theatrical Trailer. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $29.98. You can find the latest specs for China Girl linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under March 28. Order the Blu-rayPosted Mon Mar 27, 2017 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
Kim Jee-woon's 'The Age of Shadows' Blu-ray Announced and Supplements Detailed[teaser]The acclaimed South Korean period thriller is headed for Blu-ray in May. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, CJ Entertainment is working on 'The Age of Shadows' for Blu-ray on May 2. The 1920s, when Korea has fallen under Japanese rule. Lee Jung-chool (Song Kang-ho), a Korean police captain in the Japanese police force, is given a special mission to infiltrate the armed resistance fighting for Korean independence. He approaches Kim Woo-jin (Gong Yoo), a leader of the resistance. These two men who stand on opposite sides of their historical era, each knowing the identity and intentions of the other, become close without revealing their inner thoughts. Meanwhile intel is being leaked on both sides, and no one knows who the informants are. Members of the resistance meet in Shanghai to obtain explosives that will be used to destroy facilities of the Japanese Headquarters in Seoul, while the Japanese police follow them and gather in Shanghai. The pursued and the pursuers, locked in an operation where each side uses the other and is thrown into a confusion of secret enmity and conciliation. Meanwhile, a train carrying explosives passes the border and heads towards Seoul... Specs have yet to be revealed, but supplements will include interviews and trailers. You can find the latest specs for 'The Age of Shadows' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under May 2. Order the Blu-rayPosted Sat Mar 25, 2017 at 08:56 AM PDT by: -
Luxury Technology Show Spring 2017 Roundup: VR, Headphones, Speakers, and More![teaser]Yes, it's that time of year again. The time to bask in the glittering glow of all the latest and greatest premium tech products at the Luxury Technology show.[/teaser] Held at the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York City, the event spotlighted high-end electronics, gadgets, and other decidedly expensive toys from a variety of brands like Sony, LG, Tidal Force, Meridian, THIEL, and more, showcasing all of the newest innovations in indulgent tech, ranging from virtual reality headsets and OLED Ultra HD TVs to integrated home theater solutions and $6,000 headphones. But while our focus remains on AV gear, no Luxury Tech Show could be complete without -- yep, you guessed it -- a brand new car! Fancy $86,000 Teslas aside, here's a rundown of some of the show's top consumer electronics and product demos! PlayStation VR Demo with LG OLED Ultra HD TV Bringing together some of the industry's hottest current tech trends, this cool virtual reality demo put together by Wired Magazine featured a PS4 VR headset (full review here!) with a pair of MrSpeakers headphones (more on those below) and a 2016 LG OLED Ultra HD TV (full review here!). Though I later saw some attendees playing a fully controllable racing game, the experience I sampled featured an eyes-on only descent into the ocean's depths while in a shark cage. There was no actual hands-on interaction, but the Ocean Descent demo (included as part of the PlayStation VR Worlds disc) allowed users to look around in all directions with the headset, creating an impressively immersive experience as various schools of fish and other spectacular sea life filled the screen. All the while, the LG OLED mirrored my VR view, giving spectators a front row seat to my near demise at the hands (or rather teeth) of a great white shark. Compared to other VR headsets I've demoed (HTC Vive, Samsung Gear VR, Google Daydream View), the PS4 VR headset holds its on very well with solid specs and a convincing sense of immersion -- even if there are some quirks with long-term use. The PlayStation VR is currently available for $400. Meanwhile LG's 2016 OLED lineup currently starts at $1,997, and the company's new 2017 OLED collection is hitting stores now with prices starting at $3,499. Planar Magnetic Headphones When it comes to headphones, the buzzword at the show was definitely planar magnetic -- with a trio of companies all showing off their own models, including MrSpeakers, HIFIMAN, and Tidal Force. Serving as a kind of crossbreed between traditional dynamic drivers and high-end electrostatic drivers, planar magnetic drivers offer less distortion while producing very spacious sound. And unlike premium electrostatic drivers, planar magnetics typically do not require additional external power and amplification -- though an amp will still yield the best performance. Included as part of the VR demo above and highlighted separately at their own booth, MrSpeakers brought a few of its premium, light-weight planar magnetic headphones, including the ETHER Flow ($1,800 -$1,850), ETHER C Flow ($1,800 -$1,850), ETHER C ($1,500 -$1,550), and upcoming entry-level Aeon ($700, April release). The flagship Flow models use the company's V-Planar driver with TrueFlow tech, Ultralight NiTinol metal headbands, and Italian NAPPA lamb leather ear pads and head straps, resulting in a very attractive, light-weight, comfortable, and surprisingly sturdy design. Seriously, the rep was able to bend, twist, and contort the metal band before my eyes without any signs of breakage. For my demo, I sampled some high-res Daft Punk tracks on the ETHER C Flow and the Aeon -- and though the noisy show environment was not ideal for listening, the benefits of the planar magnetic drivers were immediately apparent, creating a pleasingly dimensional and vivid sound. Marking the company's entry into the high performance AV market, Tidal Force brought its upcoming, comparatively budget friendly Wave 5 planar magnetic headphones ($299). The open-backed headphones feature 560 mm Planar Diaphragms, an all metal construction, and extreme comfort ear pads. For my quick demo, I listened to a high-res Queen track and a lower bitrate file of Hotel California -- and even with the lower quality track, the headphones produced an enveloping sound, especially at this price range. The Wave 5 headphones are now available for pre-order and are set for an April release. Finally, HIFIMAN brought its particularly luxurious HE1000 V2 ($3,000) which boasts the world's first diaphragm in nanometer thickness. Though I can't say I'm totally sold on the model's design aesthetic, the sound quality speaks for itself -- and once it starts you won't want it to shut up. Even on the loud show floor, the headphones created an extremely smooth, textured, and intimate sound with some high-res jazz tracks that I sampled. Likewise, I also tested the company's new top-of-the-line SUSVARA prototype headphone model set for release in the second quarter for $6,000. And while I can't quite confirm whether the sonics justify that hefty price tag, based on my limited listen... I certainly do wish I had an extra $6,000 lying around. Earphones Of course, planar magnetic headphones didn't get to have all the fun at the show, as Echobox brought its collection of audiophile geared earphones as well, including the Traveler T1 ($99), the Finder X1 ($229), and the Nomad N1 ($399). The lineup features the company's PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone) drivers and sturdy all-titanium shells, resulting in attractive designs and quite pleasing sonics. After being fitted with some comfy Comply tips, I got to listen to a few high-res Bob Marley tracks on all three models. And though the Nomad had a fuller presence, considering its price to performance ratio, I actually found the Traveler to be the most impressive of the bunch, offering rather strong quality for $99 earphones. And in addition to its earphones, the company also sells its own high-res digital audio player, the Explorer ($599). Crafted from genuine hardwood available in Mahogany, Maple, Zebra Wood, and Ebony finishes, the Android powered DAP features a handsome aesthetic along with a 3.5 inch 720p LCD display, 64GB of internal memory, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and a 4,000 MAH Lithium-Ion battery. Wireless Speakers Outside of headphones, the show was also home to some cool new lifestyle multi-room speakers, including textile clothed models from Danish company Vifa and customizable units from Nashville based company THIEL. Marked by distinct Nordic design, Vifa's lineup aims to deliver high quality sound with a simple yet premium aesthetic, allowing its multi-room speakers to serve as home decoration pieces in addition to audio devices. This unique look is punctuated by the units' use of high-quality wool fabric covering. The collection includes the company's Stockholm home theater soundbar ($1,199), along with the Copenhagen ($800), Oslo ($549), and Helsinki ($379) portable wireless speakers. The two more expensive models include both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, while the two cheaper models only include Bluetooth. Sadly, while they certainly looked rather lovely, it was pretty much impossible to hear them in any substantial way during the noisy show. With its new Aurora Lifestream Home ($900) and battery-powered Lifestream Tour ($600) speakers, THIEL is entering the wireless, multi-room audio market with a customizable design twist. The speakers both feature sections that are interchangeable with a line of accessories in different finishes, allowing the consumer to match the product's look with the décor of their room. In addition, both models include DTS Play-Fi connectivity, Apple Airplay, Bluetooth, 3.5mm AUX inputs, and upcoming support for Amazon Alexa. And beyond wireless models, THIEL also had its traditional wired 40.1 Reference bookshelf speakers on display as well with a 1 inch Titanium Dome Tweeter and 6.5 inch Glass Fiber Cone Woofer. Home Automation Systems Finally, no Luxury Tech Show would be worth its name without a look at a fancy, all-encompassing integrated home theater system. To show off what a high-end connected room could look like, ACS and Crestron were on hand with a living room setup complete with an LG OLED Ultra HD TV, Meridian 5200.2 Loudspeakers, and a Crestron TS-1542 touchpad, all running with music streaming and high quality digital 4K Ultra HD HDR movie playback through Kaleidescape. While it was hard to hear some of the other smaller speakers during the show, the Meridian 5200.2s were a completely different story. Despite the noisy environment, the beefy towers still managed to rock the room, offering rather striking clarity and presence considering the circumstances. Likewise, the LG Signature OLED display ($5,997) looked magnificent, with beautifully inky blacks while playing an HDR copy of Elysium. And since every playback device and source was integrated via ACS and Crestron solutions, this tiny corner of the show floor really was a home theater fan's paradise -- minus a complete Dolby Atmos and DTS:X system, of course. As I bid adieu to Matt Damon's shiny bald head (even shinier in HDR), my time at the Spring 2017 Luxury Tech Show came to a close, forcing me to once again leave all of the glitz, glamour, fancy tech, and swanky celebrities behind (apparently I somehow missed meeting John Oliver!). For now, though, what do you think about the show's luxurious gear? Could these high-end products really be worth their equally high-end price tags? Will you be saving up for any of the items on display? Let us know your thoughts in the forum!Posted Fri Mar 24, 2017 at 10:30 PM PDT by: -
Netflix Extends Feature Film Deal with Adam Sandler[teaser]Four more Sandler flicks are coming exclusively to Netflix.[/teaser] Netflix has announced an expansion of its earlier multi-picture deal with Adam Sandler. As part of the extended agreement, the streaming platform will now finance the development and production of four more feature length films from Happy Madison Productions -- all with Sandler set to star. "Adam Sandler is one of the leading comedians in the film world, and his movies have proven to be extremely successful with our subscribers around the world," said Ted Sarandos, Netflix Chief Content Officer. "We are thrilled at the opportunity to extend our partnership with Adam and his entire team at Happy Madison and keep the world laughing." Currently available Netflix exclusive Adam Sandler films include Ridiculous 6 and The Do-Over. Likewise, the service is set to debut its third Happy Madison flick, Sandy Wexler, on April 14. Check out the trailer below! "Love working with Netflix and collaborating with them. I love how passionate they are about making movies and getting them out there for the whole world to see. They've made me feel like family and I can't thank them enough for their support," said Adam Sandler. 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, War Machine on May 26, 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: NetflixPosted Fri Mar 24, 2017 at 04:00 PM PDT by: -
Amazon Expands Lineup of Unlocked Prime Exclusive Phones with New Alcatel A30 and Moto G5 Plus[teaser]Two smartphones have been added to the discounted Prime Exclusive collection.[/teaser] Amazon has announced the launch of two more smartphones in its lineup of Unlocked Prime Exclusive handsets. The Alcatel A30 is now available for pre-order for $59.99 for Prime members ($40 off the full retail price), and the Motorola Moto G5 Plus is up for pre-order starting at $184.99 for Prime members ($45 off the full retail price). "Prime Exclusive Phones consistently rank in our best-sellers list, and are some of the most highly rated unlocked phones available on Amazon—the program has exceeded expectations," said Laura Orvidas, Vice President, Consumer Electronics, Amazon.com. "Our goal is to give Prime members a wide variety of offers on unlocked phones at affordable prices, so we are thrilled to welcome a new manufacturer, Alcatel, to the program. As we continue to expand Prime Exclusive Phones with the launch of the Alcatel A30 and the Moto G5 Plus, Prime members now have more options to choose from, with a range of prices starting at $49.99." The Alcatel A30 features a 5-inch HD 720p display running Android 7.0. Under the hood, the smartphone is powered by a 1.1 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 210 quad-core processor, 16 GB Internal memory, and 2 GB RAM. An 8MP rear camera is included as well along with a 5MP front camera. Meanwhile, the Moto G5 Plus features a 5.2-inch Full HD 1080p display running Android 7.0. Under the hood, the smartphone is powered by a 2.0 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 octa-core processor, along with either 2 GB of RAM with 32 GB of internal storage, or 4 GB of RAM with 64 GB of internal storage. A 12MP rear camera and a 5MP front camera are integrated as well. As part of the Unlocked Prime Exclusive lineup, both phones are available with discounted pricing, supported by personalized offers and ads, including deals and product recommendations, displayed on the phones' lock screens. Both models are also available to all Amazon customers without offers and ads for their full retail price. Source: AmazonPosted Fri Mar 24, 2017 at 03:15 PM PDT by: -
Hulu Debuts Full Trailer for 'The Handmaid's Tale,' Streaming Premiere Set for April 26[teaser]A new trailer for the upcoming streaming series has been released.[/teaser] Following several teasers, Hulu has revealed a full trailer for The Handmaid's Tale. The streaming show is based on the novel of the same name by Margaret Atwood and is being produced by MGM Television. The Handmaid's Tale is the story of life in the dystopia of Gilead, a totalitarian society in what was formerly part of the United States. Facing environmental disasters and a plunging birthrate, Gilead is ruled by a twisted religious fundamentalism that treats women as property of the state. As one of the few remaining fertile women, Offred (Elisabeth Moss) is a Handmaid in the Commander's household, one of the caste of women forced into sexual servitude as a last desperate attempt to repopulate a devastated world. In this terrifying society where one wrong word could end her life, Offred navigates between Commanders, their cruel Wives, domestic Marthas, and her fellow Handmaids – where anyone could be a spy for Gilead -- all with one goal: to survive and find the daughter that was taken from her. Check out the official trailer below! In addition to Moss, the cast also includes Joseph Fiennes, Yvonne Strahovski, Samira Wiley, and Alexis Bledel. The drama series is created, executive produced, and written by Bruce Miller (The 100). Daniel Wilson, Fran Sears, and Warren Littlefield (Fargo) also serve as executive producers. The 10-episode first season is set to premiere through Hulu on April 26. Other upcoming Hulu series include Marvel's Runaways, a reimagining of Foxy Brown starring Meagan Good, Castle Rock from J.J. Abrams & Stephen King, and Future Man from executive producers Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, Matt Tolmach, and James Weaver. A current Hulu subscription starts at $8 per month with commercials. In addition, ad-free playback is available for $12 per month. Source: Hulu (YouTube)Posted Fri Mar 24, 2017 at 09:25 AM PDT by:
