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CES 2017: HDMI Forum Announces HDMI 2.1 Spec with Increased Bandwidth, 8K Support, and More[teaser]The latest HDMI spec has been detailed.[/teaser] The HDMI Forum has announced the upcoming launch of the HDMI 2.1 spec. The new specification will be backward compatible with earlier versions of the spec, and is set to be released in early Q2 2017. "This new release of the Specification offers a broad range of advanced features for enhancing the consumer entertainment experience, as well as providing robust solutions to the commercial AV sector," said Robert Blanchard of Sony Electronics, president of the HDMI Forum. "This is part of the HDMI Forum's continuing mission to develop specifications for the HDMI eco-system that meet the growing demand for compelling, high-performance and exciting features." HDMI 2.1 will offer increased bandwidth with new 48G cables along with support for higher refresh rates and resolutions, including 8K60, 4K120, and Dynamic HDR video. Here's a full rundown of HDMI 2.1 features per the press release: • Higher Video Resolutions support a range of higher resolutions and faster refresh rates including 8K60Hz and 4K120Hz for immersive viewing and smooth fast-action detail. • Dynamic HDR ensures every moment of a video is displayed at its ideal values for depth, detail, brightness, contrast, and wider color gamuts—on a scene-by-scene or even a frame-by-frame basis. • 48G cables enable up to 48Gbps bandwidth for uncompressed HDMI 2.1 feature support including 8K video with HDR. The cable is backwards compatible with earlier versions of the HDMI Specification and can be used with existing HDMI devices. • eARC supports the most advanced audio formats such as object-based audio, and enables advanced audio signal control capabilities including device auto-detect. • Game Mode VRR features variable refresh rate, which enables a 3D graphics processor to display the image at the moment it is rendered for more fluid and better detailed gameplay, and for reducing or eliminating lag, stutter, and frame tearing. Source: HDMI ForumPosted Wed Jan 4, 2017 at 03:00 PM PST by: -
CES 2017: TCL Reveals New 2017 Roku Ultra HD TVs with Dolby Vision HDR[teaser]Three new 4K Ultra HD TV series have been announced.[/teaser] TCL has revealed its upcoming 2017 Roku Ultra HD TV lineup. The upcoming collection will include the C, P, and S series. "TCL is taking the TV viewing experience to a whole new level with an array of models boasting leading technology like Dolby Vision for the best HDR experience in the market," said Chris Larson, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, TCL North America. "Consumers consistently rank picture quality as one of the most critical factors when it comes to buying televisions and TCL is listening. We believe the importance of HDR will continue to intensify in 2017 and our new TCL Roku TVs will deliver on this technology, allowing us to maintain our rapid growth in the U.S." The C and P series displays offer support for Dolby Vision and HDR10 high dynamic range formats. Likewise, both series feature a wide color gamut with advanced LED phosphor technology. The sets include TCL 4K Creative Pro up-scaling, an advanced remote offering voice search and a headphone jack for private listening, high-speed 802.11ac wireless and Ethernet networking, and three HDMI 2.0a ports with HDCP 2.2. In addition, the C-Series offers a super slim, elegant design, while the P-Series offers HDR Contrast Control Zones, allowing contrast to be individually optimized across 72 zones to achieve deeper blacks and brighter whites. Finally, the entry-level S-Series provides 4K UHD picture performance, HDR, and Creative Pro 4K upscaling for value prices. All three series will also incorporate the latest Roku OS smart TV platform. TCL's new C-Series will be available this spring with sizes ranging from 49 to 75 inches. Meanwhile the P-Series will be available in sizes ranging from 50 to 65 inches and prices starting at just $500. Finally, the S-Series will be available this spring with sizes ranging from 43 to 65 inches. Source: TCLPosted Wed Jan 4, 2017 at 02:09 PM PST by: -
'Sing' Blu-ray & Ultra HD Blu-ray Pre-Orders Live[teaser]The animated film is heading to Blu-ray and Ultra HD Blu-ray later this year.[/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Universal is preparing 'Sing' for Blu-ray, Blu-ray 3D, and Ultra HD Blu-ray. In addition, a Best Buy Exclusive Ultra HD Blu-ray Steelbook will also be available. Set in a world like ours but entirely inhabited by animals, Illumination Entertainment's Sing stars Buster Moon (Academy Award winner Matthew McConaughey), a dapper koala who presides over a once-grand theater that has fallen on hard times. Buster is an eternal—some might even say delusional—optimist who loves his theater above all and will do anything to preserve it. Now faced with the crumbling of his life's ambition, he has one final chance to restore his fading jewel to its former glory by producing the world's greatest singing competition. Specs and supplements have not been detailed yet. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $34.98. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray 3D is $44.98. Suggested list price for the Ultra HD Blu-ray is $44.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Sing' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule and our Ultra HD Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under PENDING. Order the Ultra HD Blu-ray Order the Blu-ray Order the Blu-ray 3DPosted Wed Jan 4, 2017 at 12:00 PM PST by: -
CES 2017: Panasonic Introduces EZ1000 OLED Ultra HD TV[teaser]The new 4K OLED display includes HDR support and professional grade image processing.[/teaser] Panasonic has announced its newest Ultra HD OLED display for the European market. The upcoming 65-inch EZ1000 offers key improvements over the company's previous CZ950 OLED. According to Panasonic, the new flat-screen OLED display is capable of around double the peak brightness of a typical OLED and is able to produce almost the full DCI color space. In addition, the TV features an Absolute Black Filter to reduce ambient light and reflections on the screen. Likewise, the display uses Panasonic's new Studio Colour HCX2 processor to deliver accurate colors and retain details in near black picture areas. HDR10 and Hybrid Log Gamma HDR format support are included as well, for high dynamic range content playback from streaming services and Ultra HD Blu-ray discs. In addition, Panasonic has submitted the display for THX and Ultra HD Premium certification. Finally, the EZ100 also includes a Dynamic Blade Speaker: a deceptively slim audio system that houses no less than 14 multiple speaker units (eight woofers, four squawkers and two tweeters, plus a quad passive radiator to boost bass). Here's a rundown of key features per the press release: - Around double conventional OLED level - Almost full DCI colour coverage - Improved HCX2 video processor - 3DLUT upload functionality + ISF Calibration - Absolute Black screen filter - 80W Dynamic Blade Speaker integrated into stand -Improved My Home Screen 2.0 interface The 65-inch EZ100 OLED Ultra HD TV will be available in Europe in June. Sadly, potential US availability has not been announced. Beyond the new OLED display, Panasonic also just announced three new Ultra HD Blu-ray players the DMP-UB400, UB310 and UB300. Source: PanasonicPosted Wed Jan 4, 2017 at 11:45 AM PST by: -
CES 2017: Panasonic Details New Ultra HD Blu-ray Players[teaser]Three new Ultra HD Blu-ray players have been revealed.[/teaser] Panasonic has announced three additions to its Ultra HD Blu-ray player lineup. The new models include the DMP-UB400, UB310 and UB300. The players all feature a new processor developed by the Panasonic Hollywood Laboratory (PHL) Blu-ray R&D facility. Likewise, the units are capable of using Panasonic's multi-tap process to interpolate the decoded 4K (4:2:0) signals of Ultra HD Blu-ray content to 4K (4:4:4). In addition, the devices include a 4K Direct Chroma Up-scaling function to deliver 4K-quality pictures from 2K content. Finally, the new players offer 4K VOD support and high resolution audio playback as well. Here's a full rundown of features for each model per the press release: DMP-UB400 High-Quality Picture ● Ultra HD Blu-ray Playback (4K) ● HCX Processor for Ultra HD Blu-ray ● 4K Direct Chroma Up-scaling ● 4K 60p/50p Output ● Multi Content 4K Up-scaling ● Full-HD 3D Blu-ray DiscTM Playback ● Picture Type Presets High-Quality Sound ● TWIN HDMI PURE AV (Twin Isolated Output） ● High Clarity Sound Premium ● HDMI Low Clock Jitter Process ● Digital Tube Sound with Up-sampling ● High-resolution Audio Playback (DSD (2.8 MHz/5.6 MHz), ALAC, FLAC, WAV) ● 192-kHz/96-kHz Surround Re-master Smart Features ● 4K VOD Supported*1 ● 4K Networking (4K Video/ 4K Jpeg Playback) ● Internet Apps*1 ● Network Drive Access ● External HDD Playback ● Mirroring with Smartphone / Tablet ● Web Browser*1 ● Wireless LAN Built-in ● Stylish GUI ● Quick Start ● Home Screen Wallpaper ● VIERA Link Design ● 3D Cut Design ● Compact Design DMP-UB310/300 High Quality Picture ● Ultra HD Blu-ray Playback (4K) ● HCX Processor for Ultra HD Blu-ray ● 4K Direct Chroma Up-scaling ● 4K 60p/50p Output ● Multi Content 4K Up-scaling ● Full-HD 3D Blu-ray DiscTM Playback ● Picture Type Presets High-Quality Sound ● HDMI Low Clock Jitter Process ● High-resolution Audio Playback (DSD (2.8 MHz/5.6 MHz), ALAC, FLAC, WAV) Smart Features ● 4K VOD Supported ● 4K Networking (4K Video/ 4K Jpeg Playback) ● Internet Apps*1 ● Network Drive Access ● External HDD Playback ● Web Browser*1 ● Wireless LAN Built-in*2 ● Stylish GUI ● Quick Start ● Home Screen Wallpaper ● VIERA Link Design ● 3D Cut Design ● Compact Design *1 Requires broadband Internet service. *2 Only the DMP-UB310 Pricing and availability for the new Ultra HD Blu-ray players have not been announced yet. Source: PanasonicPosted Wed Jan 4, 2017 at 11:00 AM PST by: -
CES 2017: Lionsgate, Universal, and Warner Bros. Prep Dolby Vision Ultra HD Blu-ray Titles[teaser]Dolby Vision Ultra HD Blu-ray titles are in the works.[/teaser] Lionsgate, Universal, and Warner Bros. have all announced plans to release Ultra HD Blu-ray titles mastered in Dolby Vision. The format is currently supported on several digital on-demand and streaming platforms. "Commitment from Lionsgate, Universal Pictures Home Entertainment, and Warner Bros. Home Entertainment for Dolby Vision Ultra HD Blu-ray content is a major milestone for expanded choice and accessibility for consumers," said Curt Behlmer, Senior Vice President, Content Solutions and Industry Relations, Dolby Laboratories. "With Ultra HD Blu-ray, we are able to scale faster to meet the growing demand for Dolby Vision content globally." The Dolby Vision process combines high dynamic range mastering and an expanded color palette to produce enhanced brightness and contrast along with more life-like colors. The format is currently supported by several TV models from VIZIO, LeEco, and LG, including LG's newly announced 2017 OLED lineup and 2017 SUPER UHD TV lineup. "Lionsgate is committed to being at the forefront of cutting edge technology for expanding the choices and enriching the experience of our home entertainment consumers," said Ron Schwartz, President, Lionsgate Home Entertainment "We're pleased to partner with our friends at Dolby to bring Dolby Vision Ultra HD Blu-Ray to our consumers, delivering state-of-the-art images across a broad range of platforms." "The Ultra HD Blu-ray format is poised to experience an exciting proliferation of cross-industry support in 2017," said Eddie Cunningham, President, Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. "Combining an impactful selection of Universal films with the spectacular dynamic range of Dolby Vision creates the best possible proposition for consumers with Dolby Vision-capable TVs." "With the largest library of 4K Ultra HD films with Dolby Vision available digitally, consumers will now be able to own their favorite Warner Bros. titles on Ultra HD Blu-ray with the spectacular dynamic range of Dolby Vision," said Ron Sanders, President, Warner Bros. Worldwide Home Entertainment Distribution. Specific Dolby Vision Ultra HD Blu-ray titles have not been announced yet, but the first discs will be released in early 2017. Source: DolbyPosted Wed Jan 4, 2017 at 10:30 AM PST by: -
CES 2017: Samsung Unveils QLED Ultra HD TV Series[teaser]The new displays use advanced quantum dot technology.[/teaser] Samsung has revealed its newest Ultra HD TV lineup. The upcoming QLED Series offers improved colors and brightness thanks to the displays' new metal quantum dot technology. "2017 will mark a major paradigm shift in the visual display industry, ushering in the era of QLED," said HyunSuk Kim, President of the Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. "With the advent of QLED TV, we provide the most true-to-life picture on screen. We have been successful in solving for past inconsistencies in the viewing experience and consumer pain points while redefining the fundamental value of TV." The QLED series consists of the Q9, Q8, and Q7 Ultra HD TVs. The displays offer accurate reproduction of the DCI-P3 color space and are capable of presenting 100 percent color volume, allowing the TVs to produce all colors at any brightness level. In addition, QLED peak luminance is rated between 1,500 and 2,000 nits. These color and brightness performance improvements are a result of the displays' new metal quantum dot materials which can "express deep blacks and rich detail regardless of how light or dark the scene is, or whether the content is being played in a brightly lit or darkened room." Meanwhile, the QLED series also includes several design and usability improvements as well, including a transparent "Invisible Connection" cable, through which all of the peripheral devices can be gathered and connected to the TV, a "no-gap wall-mount," and two TV stand options. FInally, the displays also offer Samsung's updated smart TV platform with its Smart Hub interface and Smart Remote. Pricing and availability for the Samsung QLED Series Ultra HD TVs have not been announced yet, but the new lineup is now on display at CES 2017 in Las Vegas. Source: SamsungPosted Wed Jan 4, 2017 at 10:00 AM PST by: -
'Guess Who's Coming to Dinner: 50th Anniversary Edition' Blu-ray Supplements Detailed[teaser]Stanley Kramer's classic film will celebrate its 50th anniversary on Blu-ray in February. [/teaser] As previously reported, Sony is preparing 'Guess Who's Coming to Dinner: 50th Anniversary Edition' for Blu-ray on February 7. Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn (who won the Academy Award(r) for Best Actress for her performance) are unforgettable as perplexed parents in this landmark 1967 movie about mixed marriage. Joanna (Katharine Houghton), the beautiful daughter of crusading publisher Matthew Drayton (Tracy) and his patrician wife Christina (Hepburn), returns home with her new fiance John Prentice (Sidney Poitier), a distinguished black doctor. Christina accepts her daughter's decision to marry John, but Matthew is shocked by this interracial union; the doctor's parents are equally dismayed. Both families must sit down face to face and examine each other's level of intolerance. In GUESS WHO'S COMING TO DINNER, director Stanley Kramer has created a masterful study of society's prejudices. Specs have yet to be revealed, but supplements include: Introductions by Tom Brokaw, Quincy Jones, Karen Kramer and Steven Spielberg; "A Love Story of Today" Featurette; "A Special Kind of Love" Featurette; Stanley Kramer: A Man's Search for Truth; 2007 Producers Guild of America "Stanley Kramer" Award Presentation to Al Gore; Stanley Kramer Accepts The Irving Thalberg Award; Photo Gallery; and Theatrical Trailer -- all in special Digibook packaging. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $19.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Guess Who's Coming to Dinner: 50th Anniversary Edition' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under February 7. Order the Blu-rayPosted Wed Jan 4, 2017 at 10:00 AM PST by: -
CES 2017: LG's New OLED UHD TVs Better Than Ever with Dolby Vision & Dolby AtmosAfter arguably producing last year's best displays, [Teaser]LG has announced their entire 2017 LG OLED Ultra HD TV lineup at CES.[/Teaser] In a world where premium display sales are up by over 20% for both $2,000+ and $3,000+ models, LG has made their best... better. The perfect black level performance, Ultra HD Premium certification, and model naming structure may be similar -- B7, C7, E7, G7 and W7 -- but there are a few dramatic changes and upgrades. First, LG is done with both 3D and curved-screen displays, so if you're a fan of either and were waiting for OLED pricing to drop before buying one, grab a 2016 model as prices drop this spring (the E6 we reviewed was awesome). Next, 2017-model peak luminance will be improved by 25% -- these OLEDs will be the first capable of hitting 1000 nits of brightness, albeit in small patches. Further, these new models will be able to reproduce 99% of the DCI P3 color space, up from 97% in 2016. (Interestingly enough, due to variances in panel production, some units will, in fact, hit 100%.) These improvements come on top of the fact that OLED technology is, according to LG, 13,000 more precise when dimming pixels than high-end LCDs.All 2017 LG OLEDs will support Dolby Vision and HDR10 out of the box with an HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma) firmware update coming at a later date. These displays are also capable of supporting Technicolor's Advanced HDR and will feature a new Technicolor Expert Mode, which allows for complex calibration and color rendering. New for this year, LG has added Active HDR, a post-processing feature that analyzes HDR10 and HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma) content, extrapolating dynamic metadata akin to how Dolby Vision is natively encoded. LG says HDR10's use of static metadata can degrade luminance as well as lead to black and color distortion, which they hope Active HDR will correct. After testing out two displays with both Dolby Vision and HDR10 capability, I wholeheartedly agree; Dolby Vision is the standard bearer, and I hope Active HDR proves to be more than a gimmick (worst case, we can just turn it off). [UPDATED 1/10/2017 with some clarification from Dolby... Another new feature for this year: Dolby Atmos capability (honestly my biggest gripe with the last year's lineup). Not only will 2017 models be capable of bitstreaming Dolby Atmos via HDMI ARC, but each display will deliver a Dolby Atmos experience via its internal speakers, including the E7 and G7's Sound Bar Stands as well as the W7's "detatched external speaker" (it is not a true sound bar as this external unit also includes power and processing circuitry along with various inputs and outputs). Please note the W7 does NOT include "a version of the LG SJ9 5.1.2 Soundbar" as previously written.]LG's WebOS graphical user interface is also getting a boost for 2017. Dubbed WebOS 3.5, LG has vowed to "make TV simple again" by speeding up navigation as well as the number of steps required to access content. For example, you'll be able to program the Magic Remote's numerical buttons to specific apps like Netflix, VUDU, and Amazon. LG has also improved its keyword search functionality and seamlessly integrated available content from your subscriptions alongside free digital content.Oh, and one last thing before we jump into specific model features, LG made a point of saying they're currently working on a way to improve OLED lag times for gamers. The current plan is to implement this change in time for the 2017 models as well as send out a firmware update for the 2016 models. LG 2017 OLED MODELS & FEATURES B7. LG's new entry-level OLED, taking the place of the B6. It includes all the performance specs we discussed above -- perfect black levels, perfect color, Active HDR, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos -- in a design LG calls "Blade Slim. Screen sizes include 65" and 55". C7. Now a flat-panel, the C7 adds a premium aluminum stand and bezel. Screen sizes included 65" and 55". E7. Much like last year's E6, offers the stunning Picture On Glass design with a built-in Sound Bar Stand. Screen sizes include 65" and 55". LG SIGNATURE G7. The G-level won't be this year's flagship model, but like the G6 it replaces, it includes a "foldable" Sound Bar Stand, which effectively allows you to turn the TV's stand into its own wall mount. The G7 will be available in 77" or 65" screen sizes. LG SIGNATURE W7. The 2017 flagship and will be available in 77" and 65" sizes. At 2.57mm thin (1/10th of an inch) and weighing 18lbs (for the 65"), LG describes the W7 design as Picture On Wall. A window into another wall. It attaches to your wall with magnetic brackets, ultimately sitting less than 4mm from your wall, so close it doesn't even cast a shadow. And it comes bundled with a Dolby Atmos Soundbar that handles the display's power and inputs. PRICING & AVAILABILITY While no specific pricing info has been announced, we can expect LG's 2017 OLED UHD TVs to be in showrooms shortly and available to purchase in March. The B6 MSRP'd around $3,200 last year with a Black Friday sale price of $2,700, while the flagship model cost $8,000 and $20,000 for the 65" and 77" models, respectively. My guess is that that pricing structure will carry over, though the W7 may be even pricer. If we're lucky we'll see a sub $3,000 MSRP on the B7, which is poised to be one of 2017's best Ultra HD TVs. Personally, I can't wait. I fell in love with the 2016 OLEDs, don't mind the lack of 3D or curved screen options, and can't wait to get one in for review ASAP. WHAT DO YOU THINK? Is 2017 the year you finally spring for an OLED? Let us know below or in the forums.Posted Wed Jan 4, 2017 at 08:19 AM PST by: -
'Battle for Incheon: Operation Chromite' Blu-ray Dated[teaser]The war drama starring Liam Neeson is planned For Blu-ray in January. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, CJ Entertainment is working on 'Battle for Incheon: Operation Chromite' for Blu-ray on January 24. In this suspenseful, action-packed, military adventure based on death-defying, real-life events, U.S. Army General Douglas MacArthur (Liam Neeson, the Taken trilogy, The Dark Knight Rises, Star Wars: Episode I, Batman Begins, Schindler's List) is appointed head of the United Nations Command at the height of the Korean War and conducts a covert operation to infiltrate North Korean headquarters far behind enemy lines. Led by Navy Lieutenant Jang Hak-soo (Lee Jung-jae, Assassination, New World, The Thieves, The Housemaid), the courageous X-Ray intelligence unit finds themselves pitted against not only ruthless North Korean commander Lim Gye-jin (Lee Bum-soo, The Divine Move, IRIS: New Generation, The City of Violence) and his men, but the Russian and Chinese troops supporting them. No other details have been revealed at this time. You can find the latest specs for 'Battle for Incheon: Operation Chromite' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under January 24.Posted Wed Jan 4, 2017 at 08:00 AM PST by:
