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LG Announces 2017 SUPER UHD TV Lineup with Nano Cell Technology & Dolby Vision HDR[teaser]Three new SUPER UHD TV models have been revealed.[/teaser] LG has announced the latest additions to its SUPER UHD TV lineup. The 2017 collection includes the new SJ9500, SJ8500 and SJ8000. "Our 2017 SUPER UHD TV lineup with LG’s proprietary Nano Cell technology is a breakthrough in display technology that advances the LCD TV viewing experience by combining an expanded color gamut with the ability to more accurately create those colors, resulting in superior picture quality regardless of viewing angle," said Tim Alessi, head of product marketing at LG Electronics USA. "Nano Cell is another example of how LG is innovating and pushing the boundaries of display technology to meet the evolving needs of our customers." The new lineup features Nano Cell LCD technology which, according to LG uses " uniformly-sized particles approximately one nanometer in diameter to create more subtle, accurate colors that can be viewed from wider angles than other LCD TVs." In addition, the displays will include a Technicolor Expert Mode to deliver the most accurate colors possible. Likewise, the sets offer improved ULTRA Luminance technology and include Active HDR with Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma) support (and are ready to support Advanced HDR by Technicolor). An HDR Effect feature is included as well, allowing the TVs to simulate HDR with SDR content. Finally, the displays also feature LG's webOS 3.5 smart TV platform with an improved Magic Remote and new Magic Link feature. Magic Link provides users with instant recommendations for finding their favorite content and accessing information about actors and characters on-screen. More details on LG's upcoming 2017 SUPER UHD TV lineup will be announced at CES 2017 on January 5-8 in Las Vegas. Source: LGPosted Mon Jan 2, 2017 at 12:00 PM PST by: -
High-Def Digest Essentials: December 2016Every month, dozens of Blu-rays hit shelves, littering stores with High-Def temptation. New releases, catalog titles, complete TV seasons, and elaborate box-sets all vie for attention, and with so many worthy releases targeting our wallets, choosing which discs to spend our hard earned cash on can be rather tricky. To make things a little easier, we here at High-Def Digest thought it might be helpful to bring you our top three must own recommendations for the month. From important classics to contemporary blockbusters, these are the discs that we consider to be the absolute cream of the crop. High quality releases with great video, audio, and supplements, these are the Blu-rays that are truly worth every penny. Last month we spotlighted a stop-motion fairy tale, a slippery lawyer, and the approaching winds of winter. Be sure to check out the Essential Picks for November 2012, December 2012, January 2013,February 2013, March 2013, April 2013, May 2013, June 2013, July 2013, August 2013, September 2013, October 2013, November 2013, December 2013, January 2014, February 2014, March 2014, April 2014, May 2014, June 2014, July 2014, August 2014, September 2014, October 2014, November 2014,December 2014, January 2015, February 2015, March 2015, April 2015, May 2015, June 2015, July 2015, August 2015, September 2015, October 2015, November 2015, December 2015, January 2016, February 2016, March 2016, April 2016, May 2016, June 2016, July 2016, August 2016, September 2016, October 2016, and November 2016. [teaser]For December, we're covering a classic Hollywood heist flick, a miracle on the Hudson, and a bittersweet comedy.[/teaser] Please be aware, that if you haven't already seen them, there are some SPOILERS for the discs listed. If you only buy three titles that hit Blu-ray in December, here's what we suggest you pick up, starting with the most essential... 'The Asphalt Jungle' - I've never attempted to pull off a complicated jewel robbery, but if I ever did, I'd probably give 'The Asphalt Jungle' a few more viewings beforehand. One of Hollywood's quintessential heist flicks, the film has helped to lay the groundwork for an entire subset of crime cinema, offering a veritable checklist of classic caper conventions. But more than just an enduring blueprint for silver screen burglary, the film remains one of the genre's very best efforts … even if its characters prove to be a little less successful in their getaway. Directed by the great John Huston, the movie is marked by an appropriately noir-influenced narrative and shooting style mixed in with a few more naturalistic flourishes, adding a surprisingly human element to the runtime's carefully escalating caper thrills. To this end, the film offers a healthy dose of shadowy imagery and hardboiled slang along with more restrained images and nuanced character moments, allowing us to get to know the gang a bit more beyond their standard heist flick archetypes. For instance, Huston often lingers on smaller, fleeting details to add a little personality to the proceedings, including a moment where one character flips through a bikini calendar and another wipes her fake eyelashes off as she cries. These personal, comparatively raw elements and interactions all help to flesh out the ensemble's quirks as we follow them through the crime's careful planning, gripping theft, and suspenseful aftermath -- complete with plenty of double-crosses and bullet holes. A truly pioneering crime flick, 'The Asphalt Jungle' cements many of the heist genre's defining elements (several of which were later expanded upon and arguably perfected in Jules Dassin's very similar 1955 classic, 'Rififi') while still retaining powerful characterizations and thoughtful themes. And thankfully, this Blu-ray release from Criterion gives the movie the special treatment it deserves with a stellar technical presentation and an extensive collection of supplements. A clear must own, this is required viewing for any film buff… or burgeoning jewel thief. Buy the Blu-ray 'Sully' - When adapting true life tales to the big screen, there's always a fine line between respecting the source material and creating an engaging experience. On the one hand, you want to make sure that the runtime is cinematically potent, but on the other, you don't want to run the risk of overly sensationalizing real events. Skirting this line with effortless poise, Clint Eastwood's 'Sully' offers a refreshingly modest and sobering account of the "Miracle on the Hudson," fully paying tribute to the film's subjects without sacrificing affecting drama. Played with quiet dignity and low-key depth, Tom Hanks anchors the movie beautifully as the title character, imbuing the role with a kind of everyman grandeur. But as powerful as Sully's steadfast competency and calmness under pressure prove to be, the film does not shy away from his pangs of self-doubt and stress, illuminating the personal strains caused by the media storm and investigation following the crash. On this note, the runtime mixes subtle character study with courtroom drama, brief flashbacks to Sully's youth and, of course, the harrowing water landing itself. But rather than show us the crash in just one chunk, Eastwood actually chooses to piece it together in extended fragments from different perspectives, offering a powerfully understated approach to the action that feels real and visceral without becoming overly bombastic for the cameras, letting the incredible reality of the event speak for itself. Avoiding unnecessary flash in its performances, narrative, and aesthetic approach, 'Sully' offers an atypically subdued and delicate look at a truly extraordinary event, creating a gently affecting and inspiring tale about understated heroism and working together. Coupled with a great video transfer and Dolby Atmos soundtrack, this disc easily lands a spot on December's essentials. Buy the Blu-ray Buy the Ultra HD Blu-ray 'Don't Think Twice' - Fully playing up the bitter and sweet in bittersweet, Mike Birbiglia's 'Don't Think Twice' is one of the most biting and insightful dramedies I've seen in quite some time. Through the story of a New York improv group, the director examines the precarious effects of success on friendship while probing deeply into general concepts related to jealousy, self-worth, adulthood, growth, happiness, and failure. When one member of an improvisational comedy troupe, Jack (Keegan-Michael Key), books a gig on a Saturday Night Live-esque show, the once happy gang is suddenly overwrought with turmoil. As the group gradually turns on itself, Birbiglia blends a generous helping of cringe-worthy laughs with poignant bursts of heartbreaking pathos, revealing the deep flaws and insecurities that rest at the heart of his characters. In Jack's success, all his friends can see are their own failures, causing each member to question their life trajectory. Increasingly engaging as the runtime goes on, the evolving (or devolving) friendships create a striking portrait of artistic struggle, delusion, self-absorption, and envy, without ever making any of the characters unlikeable or one dimensional. Instead, Birbiglia and the stellar cast allow us to understand their choices and motivations. And going along with the improv premise, the filmmakers employ a complementary visual style, using free flowing camera movements that constantly sway about the stage during the group's performances, keeping the framing just as unpredictable and fluid as the comedy. A raw, honest, and heartfelt look at mounting resentment, dwindling dreams, strained relationships, and persistent passion, 'Don't Think Twice' reveals the hardships of comedy. Funny and poignant, the film runs the full emotional gamut, all while maintaining a consistent and unique voice. In other words, for comedy aficionados this is one release that you don't have to "think twice" about purchasing… yeah, there's a reason I don't do improv. Buy the Blu-ray So, there you have it. While there were many titles worth picking up this December, those are our top three must own recommendations. We'll be back next month with three more essential picks, but for now, what do you think of our selection? What are your choices for December's must own titles?Posted Mon Jan 2, 2017 at 10:00 AM PST by: -
Samsung Readies CH711 Quantum Dot Curved Monitor[teaser]The new quantum dot display will be introduced at CES 2017 this week.[/teaser] Samsung has announced the latest addition to its monitor lineup. The upcoming CH711 Quantum Dot Curved Monitor will be available in 27 inch and 31.5 inch models. "Today's multimedia consumers, quite rightly, have high expectations and demand a truly cutting edge, totally immersive experience that realizes the full potential of whatever they are playing or watching," said Seoggi Kim, Senior Vice President of Samsung Electronics' Visual Display Business. "This year's line-up of curved Quantum Dot monitors offers brilliant design, richer color and deeper contrast than ever before. We can't wait to share them with the world at CES 2017 in Las Vegas." The CH711 features a 1,800R curvature and an ultrawide 178-degree viewing angle. Likewise, the quantum dot display offers a WQHD resolution of 2,560 x 1,440 and support for nearly 125 percent sRGB color coverage. In addition, the company will also preview the new UH750 and SH850 monitors as well. The 28 inch UH750 features an ultrafast 1 m/s response time, Quantum Dot picture display, and high-quality UHD resolution. Meanwhile, the 23.8 inch and 27 inch SH850 feature a WQHD resolution and DP daisy chain connectivity. Outside of the upcoming CH711, UH750, and SH850, Samsung will also be highlighting its recently released CFG70 and CF791 Quantum Dot curved monitors. The CFG70 and CF791 both feature a 125-percent sRGB color spectrum and environmentally safe cadmium-free designs. Likewise, both models ship with factory calibration for optimized picture settings. The CFG70 uses a "Super Arena" design with an 1800R curvature and sound interactive LED lighting. In addition, the monitor offers a 1 m/s moving picture response time and a rapid refresh rate of up to 144 Hz. Meanwhile, the CF791 uses a 1500R curvature design and an ultra-wide 21:9 aspect ratio. In addition, the display features a 100 Hz refresh rate and integrated AMD FreeSync support, allowing users to synchronize the monitor's screen refresh rate with their AMD graphics cards. Samsung's new monitor lineup will be on display at CES 2017 from January 5-8 in Las Vegas. Source: SamsungPosted Mon Jan 2, 2017 at 09:30 AM PST by: -
Samsung Reveals New 2017 Galaxy A Smartphone Series[teaser]Three new Galaxy A mobile devices have been detailed.[/teaser] Samsung has announced the latest additions to its Galaxy A line of smartphones. The new collection includes the 5.7-inch A7, 5.2-inch A5, and 4.7-inch A3. "At Samsung, we are always trying to ensure our customers have the most advanced products on the market," said said DJ Koh, President of Mobile Communications Business, Samsung Electronics. "The latest Galaxy A series is a testament to this. We integrated our unique approach to design as well as the features Galaxy customers have come to love to provide added performance without compromising on style." The Galaxy A series smartphones feature a premium metal frame design with a 3D glass back. Likewise, the mobile devices include a reversible USB Type-C port, an Always on Display, and IP68 water and dust resistance. Models will be available in Black Sky, Gold Sand, Blue Mist and Peach Cloud. Here's a full rundown of specs for each model: Galaxy A7 - Network :LTE Cat.6 * May differ by markets and mobile operators: - Display :5.7” FHD Super AMOLED - AP:1.9GHz Octa Core - OS :Android 6.0.16 (Marshmallow) - Camera :Rear : 16MP (F1.9), Front : 16MP (F1.9) - Video:MPEG4, H.265(HEVC), H.264(AVC), H.263, VC-1, MP43, WMV7, WMV8, VP8, VP9 - Audio :MP3, AAC LC/AAC+/eAAC+,AMR-NB, AMR-WB, WMA, FLAC, Vorbis, Opus - Additional features:MST technology(Samsung Pay), Samsung KNOX, S-Voice, Dual SIM option - Connectivity :Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth® v 4.2, ANT+, USB Type-C,NFC (UICC, eSE) - Sensor :Accelerometer, Proximity, Geomagnetic, RGB Light, Hall - Fingerprint scanner, Barometer - IP Code :IP68 - Memory :3GB RAM + 32GB Storage - Micro SD slot (up to 256GB) - Dimension :156.8 x 77.6 x 7.9mm, - Battery :3,600mAh, Fast Charging Galaxy A5 - Network :LTE Cat.6 * May differ by markets and mobile operators: - Display :5.2” FHD Super AMOLED - AP:1.9GHz Octa Core - OS :Android 6.0.16 (Marshmallow) - Camera :16MP (rear), 16MP (front) - Video:MPEG4, H.265(HEVC), H.264(AVC), H.263, VC-1, MP43, WMV7, WMV8, VP8, VP9 - Audio :MP3, AAC LC/AAC+/eAAC+,AMR-NB, AMR-WB, WMA, FLAC, Vorbis, Opus - Additional features:MST technology(Samsung Pay), Samsung KNOX, S-Voice, Dual SIM option - Connectivity :Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth® v 4.2, ANT+, USB Type-C, NFC (UICC, eSE) - Sensor :Accelerometer, Proximity, Geomagnetic, RGB Light, Hall - Fingerprint scanner, Barometer - IP Code :IP68 - Memory :3GB RAM + 32GB Storage - Micro SD slot (up to 256GB) - Dimension :146.1 x 71.4 x 7.9mm - Battery :3,000mAh, Fast Charging Galaxy A3 - Network :LTE Cat.6 * May differ by markets and mobile operators : - Display :4.7” HD Super AMOLED - AP:1.6 GHz Octa Core - OS :Android 6.0.16 (Marshmallow) - Camera :Rear : 13MP (F1.9), Front : 8MP (F1.9) - Video:MPEG4, H.265(HEVC), H.264(AVC), H.263, VC-1, MP43, WMV7, WMV8, VP8, VP9 - Audio :MP3, AAC LC/AAC+/eAAC+,AMR-NB, AMR-WB, WMA, FLAC, Vorbis, Opus - Additional features:MST Technology (Samsung Pay) Option, Samsung KNOX, S-Voice, Dual SIM option - Connectivity :Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth® v 4.2, ANT+, USB Type-C, NFC (UICC) - Sensor :Accelerometer, Proximity, Geomagnetic, RGB Light, Hall, Fingerprint Scanner, Barometer - IP Code :IP68 - Memory :2GB RAM + 16GB Storage - Micro SD slot (up to 256GB) - Dimension :135.4 x 66.2 x 7.9mm - Battery :2,350mAh The new Galaxy A will launch in Russia in early January and is then set to expand to global markets. Source: SamsungPosted Mon Jan 2, 2017 at 08:30 AM PST by: -
Wendell Pierce, Dina Shihabi, and Ali Suliman Join Cast of Amazon's 'Jack Ryan' Series[teaser]Three more cast members have been announced for the upcoming Tom Clancy streaming series.[/teaser] According to a report from Deadline, Amazon has added Wendell Pierce, Dina Shihabi, and Ali Suliman to the cast of 'Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan.' The upcoming streaming series comes from Paramount and Skydance Television, and is set to star John Krasinski ('13 Hours,' 'The Office') as the title character and Abbie Cornish as Dr. Cathy Mueller, Jack's love interest. 'Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan' follows an up-and-coming CIA analyst thrust into a dangerous field assignment for the first time. Set to executive produce are Carlton Cuse ('Lost,' 'Bates Motel') and Graham Roland ('Almost Human'), who wrote the pilot based on a story he and Cuse developed. The series follows Ryan (Krasinski) as he uncovers a pattern in terrorist communication that launches him into the center of a dangerous gambit with a new breed of terrorism that threatens destruction on a global scale. Jack Ryan is set to be co-produced with Paramount and Skydance Television, executive produced by Platinum Dunes’ Michael Bay, Brad Fuller, and Andrew Form ('Transformers,' 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles'), as well as Skydance's David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and Marcy Ross, along with Mace Neufeld ('Patriot Games,' 'Clear and Present Danger,' 'The Sum of All Fears' and 'Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit') and Lindsey Springer. Wendell Pierce ('The Wire,' 'Treme') will play James Greer, Jack Ryan's new boss. Meanwhile, Ali Suliman ('Lone Survivor,' 'Homeland') will star as Suleiman, who is described as a charismatic Islamic activist whose life has taken a wrong turn. Finally, Dina Shihabi ('Amira & Sam') is on board to portray Hani, Suleiman's wife and an independent Muslim who is dedicated to protecting her children. An exact release date has not been announced yet, but the series will consist of 10, one hour episodes with shooting locations anticipated for US, Europe, and Africa. 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. Source: DeadlinePosted Mon Jan 2, 2017 at 07:30 AM PST by: -
Seeso Renews 'Take My Wife' for Second Season[teaser]The streaming comedy series will return for a second season.[/teaser] According to a report from Deadline, Seeso has announced a second season order for its original show, 'Take My Wife.' New episodes of the half-hour, single-camera romantic comedy series are set to premiere through Seeso later this year. In Take My Wife, Cameron Esposito and Rhea Butcher find that daily struggles make for good comedy -and stand-up makes for good couples therapy -in this charming and personal show created, starring and produced by an actually gay, actually married couple. The cast includes Ron Funches, Janet Varney, Laura Kightlinger, Matt Braunger, Zeke Nicholson, Rhea Butcher, and Cameron Esposito. Check out the first episode of the show's first season for free below! All six season one episodes of 'Take My Wife' are now available to stream through Seeso. Seeso is an ad-free subscription based digital streaming platform that focuses on curated comedy shows, clips, and original material. The platform includes catalog content from NBC's collection, including series like 'The Office,' '30 Rock,' and 'Parks and Recreation,' as well as next day TV from 'The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,' 'Late Night with Seth Meyers,' and 'SNL.' Likewise, the service is home to several exclusive classic comedy titles remastered in HD like 'Monty Python’s Flying Circus' and 'The Kids in the Hall,' and numerous British comedies like 'The IT Crowd,' 'The Mighty Boosh,' 'Fawlty Towers,' 'The Office (UK),' 'A Bit of Fry and Laurie,' and more. A current Seeso membership costs $4 per month. The platform is available through iOS and Android devices, Roku players and Roku TVs, Amazon Fire TV, Fire TV Stick, and Fire tablets, and directly through the Amazon Video app for connected devices. Source: DeadlinePosted Mon Jan 2, 2017 at 06:30 AM PST by: -
LG Unveils TONE Studio Wearable Speakers & TONE Free Earphones[teaser]The new audio devices will be revealed at CES 2017.[/teaser] LG has announced the latest additions to its lineup of wireless, wearable audio gear. The new collection includes the TONE Studio Wearable Speakers and the TONE Free Earphones. "LG has a rich legacy of innovating in the wearable audio market, and our products have become the standard by which all other earphones are judged," said Michael Park, vice president of Innovative Personal Devices Business Division at LG Electronics. "We are committed to leading the way in this fast moving market by developing exciting new products which appeal to every music-loving and convenience-seeking individual." The HBS-W120 TONE Studio is a personal wearable audio system with two full range speakers on the top and two vibrating speakers on the bottom. Developed in collaboration with DTS, the device is designed to offer a theater-like, cinematic surround sound experience. The system also utilizes a Hi-Fi DAC (Digital to Analog Converter) for accurate sound reproduction. In addition, the device includes a Dual Play feature, allowing customers to connect two LG TONE Studio wearable speakers in order to share the sound from a movie, playlist or more. Meanwhile, the HBS-F110 TONE Free includes a pair of wireless earbuds and a neckband. The earbuds can charge whenever they are stored in the neckband, offering extra battery power and a convenient place to store the earbuds when not in use. In addition, the neckband provides vibration alerts for incoming calls and text messages, and the TONE Free is capable of answering or ignoring calls with voice commands. Customers can also add an optional charging cradle for more power in sutations when the neckband can't be used. Beyond the upcoming TONE Studio and TONE Free, LG's wireless Bluetooth headset lineup also includes the TONE Infinim, TONE Ultra, TONE Platinum, TONE Active+, TONE Pro, and LG FORCE. The full collection will be on display at CES 2017 from January 5-8 in Las Vegas. Source: LGPosted Fri Dec 30, 2016 at 12:30 PM PST by: -
Mel Gibson's 'Hacksaw Ridge' Announced for Blu-ray and 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray[teaser]Both releases will be available in stores this February. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Lionsgate is preparing 'Hacksaw Ridge' for Blu-ray and 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray on February 21. 'Hacksaw Ridge' is the extraordinary true story of Desmond Doss (Andrew Garfield) who, in Okinawa during the bloodiest battle of WWII, saved 75 men without firing or carrying a gun. He was the only American soldier in WWII to fight on the front lines without a weapon, as he believed that while the war was justified, killing was nevertheless wrong. As an army medic, he single-handedly evacuated the wounded from behind enemy lines, braved fire while tending to soldiers, was wounded by a grenade, and hit by snipers. Doss was the first conscientious objector to ever earn the Congressional Medal of Honor. Both releases will feature a Dolby Atmos soundtrack and supplements include: The Soul of War: Making Hacksaw Ridge Documentary; Veterans Day Greeting with Mel Gibson; and Deleted Scenes. You can find the latest specs for 'Hacksaw Ridge' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under February 21. Order the Blu-ray Order the UHD Blu-rayPosted Fri Dec 30, 2016 at 10:00 AM PST by: -
Farren Blackburn's 'Shut In' Blu-ray Bound[teaser]The thriller starring Naomi Watts arrives on Blu-ray in February. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, 20th Century Fox is working on 'Shut In' for Blu-ray on February 28. 'Shut In' is a heart-pounding thriller starring Naomi Watts as a widowed child psychologist who lives an isolated existence in rural New England. Caught in a deadly winter storm, she must find a way to rescue a young boy before he disappears forever. No other details have been revealed at this time. You can find the latest specs for 'Shut In' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under February 28.Posted Fri Dec 30, 2016 at 08:00 AM PST by: -
Amazon Announces 24-Hour Digital Day Sales Event for December 30[teaser]The online retailer is offering a special one-day sales event for digital movies, TV shows, games, and more![/teaser] Amazon has announced its new Digital Day promotion. The 24-hour sales event will begin on Friday, December 30, offering a variety of discounts on select digital titles for all of your latest tech gadgets and devices. Amazon Digital Day is the deal event for your devices. On Friday, December 30, enjoy up to 80% off hundreds of video game titles, 50% off on top movies and TV shows, 75% off on hundreds of digital comics, and other great deals on popular content for your devices. Whether you're gifting or receiving gadgets this year, this 24-hour sale is one of the best times of the year to shop for must-have digital content. Digital titles set to go on sale include films like 'Bolt,' 'Storks,' and 'The Lego Movie,' along with games like 'Rocket League,' 'Fifa 17,' 'Titanfall 2,' and 'Madden 17.' In addition, discounts will also be available for digital comics from Marvel, music titles from various artists, e-books, software, and apps. The deals are set to go live starting at 12:00am PST on December 30. Beyond the retailer's new Digital Day sales event, Amazon also recently expanded Prime Video support to more countries around the world. The video streaming platform is now available in more than 200 countries and territories worldwide. Likewise, the service is continuing to bolster its original content with upcoming movies and shows like 'Gleason,' 'Z: The Beginning of Everything,' and 'Sneaky Pete.' A current US Amazon Prime subscription costs $99 per year or $11 per month. Likewise, Prime Video is available as a standalone service for $9 per month. Source: AmazonPosted Thu Dec 29, 2016 at 02:00 PM PST by:
