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Samsung Details New H7 Wireless Speaker & MS750 Soundbar[teaser]Two new audio products will be revealed at CES 2017.[/teaser] Samsung has announced the latest additions to its home audio lineup, the H7 Wireless Speaker & MS750 Soundbar. Both devices incorporate the company's new UHQ 32bit Audio Technology. "Delivering clear, crisp, immersive sound is very important to Samsung, and we always strive to create new products that further complement the user experience," said Jurak Choi, Senior Vice President of Samsung Electronics. "This year, we focused on the audiophile who wants a single, simple solution that not only fits their lifestyle, but that simultaneously delivers an unparalleled home audio experience." The H7 Wireless Speaker features a sleek, contemporary metal finish along with an intuitive wheel control system, allowing users to adjust the volume and select music by turning the wheel. In addition, the speaker uses Samsung's new proprietary UHQ 32bit Audio Technology which enables upscaled 32bit sound from any wired or wireless source that provides 8 to 24bit audio. Likewise, the device offers a bass response going down to 35Hz, resulting in a wide range from low to high frequencies. Meanwhile, the new MS750 Soundbar features a "one body" design with integrated subwoofer performance. In addition, the device offers superior up-firing capabilities with overhead sound that uses vertical tweeters with upmixing technology. Likewise, the soundbar also includes support for Samsung's UHQ 32bit audio technology. Full details, including pricing and availability for the H7 Wireless Speaker & MS750 Soundbar are expected to be announced at CES 2017 on January 5-8 in Las Vegas. Beyond the new audio products, Samsung also recently announced plans to debut its new M9500 Ultra HD Blu-ray player at the show as well. Source: SamsungPosted Thu Dec 29, 2016 at 01:30 PM PST by: -
Twitter Adds Support for Live 360 Degree Videos Through Periscope[teaser]The social media platform is now offering 360 degree video playback.[/teaser] Twitter has announced the addition of live 360 degree video support through Periscope. All Twitter and Periscope users can now watch the available 360 content, but only select partners can currently broadcast live in 360 through Periscope. With live 360 degree videos on Twitter, users can experience an immersive live viewing experience from an even more personal vantage point. 360 videos are marked by a "LIVE 360 badge" and when played users can change the point of view by moving their phone or tapping and scrolling around the screen to see up, behind, above, or below the broadcaster's view -- all while the video is streamed live, allowing viewers to enjoy front row access to exclusive events, travel to places across the globe, and get up close with well known personalities. Check out the sample 360 degree video tweet below! 360 Sunset in Florida. First ever #Periscope360 with @Brandee_Anthony https://t.co/AZWbnnT15S — Alex Pettitt (@Alexpettitt) December 28, 2016 Periscope is currently testing 360 broadcasts with a small group of partners. Expanded support for the new feature will be rolled out in the coming weeks, and users can apply to join the waitlist here. Beyond new 360 video support, Twitter recently released its streaming app for the Android TV platform. In addition to Android TV, the Twitter Live Streaming app is also available on Xbox One, Amazon Fire TV, Fire TV Stick, and Apple TV (4th generation). Likewise, the service will also be livestreaming 'The HFPA Presents: Globes Red Carpet Live.' The official red carpet pre-show for the '74th Annual Golden Globe Awards' will start streaming on January 8 from 6-8 pm ET (3-5 pm PT). Sources: Twitter, PeriscopePosted Thu Dec 29, 2016 at 01:00 PM PST by: -
Pioneer & Onkyo Preview CES 2017 Home Entertainment Lineup[teaser]Several new audio products will be on display at the show.[/teaser] Pioneer and Onkyo have announced plans to showcase their latest home entertainment products at CES 2017. The lineup will include wireless speakers, headphones, soundbars, digital audio players, and more. "The products on display at CES 2017 clearly demonstrate the innovation and commitment to providing consumers with the features and functionality they want," said Hiro Izutani, President of Onkyo USA Corporation. "From freeing consumers of traditional wires and cables, to offering whole home audio and portable hi-res music solutions, our lineup shows the depth and detail that have been the hallmark of both brands." Multi-room wireless speakers planned for the show include the Onkyo NCP-302 Wireless Multi-Room Speaker and the Pioneer MRX-3 Wireless Speaker. The NCP-302 is a Wi-Fi certified multi-room wireless speaker with dual 3-inch woofers and a 1-inch tweeter housed in a wood cabinet. Multi-room connectivity options include FireConnect and Play-Fi, along with music streaming support through Google Cast, AirPlay, and Bluetooth. When it comes to sound bars, the companies will be highlighting the Onkyo SBT-A500 Network Surround Sound Bar System and the Pioneer Elite FS-EB70 Network Sound Bar System with 360 degree DTS:X and Dolby Atmos surround sound support along with full 4K Ultra HD HDR 10 passthrough. Meanwhile, high-resolution audio devices will include Pioneer's next-generation XDP-300R digital audio player and Onkyo's DP-X1A digital audio player, along with new entry level models from both companies. Likewise, Pioneer will also showcase its new line of hi-res Bluetooth/wireless headphones, and Onkyo will reveal an early look at its new hi-res smartphone. Full details on the products above and information regarding even more new products will be announced at CES 2017 on January 5-8 in Las Vegas. Source: Pioneer, OnkyoPosted Thu Dec 29, 2016 at 12:30 PM PST by: -
'Come What May' Blu-ray Detailed[teaser]Christian Carion's war drama coming to Blu-ray in February has now been fully detailed.[/teaser] As previously reported, Cohen Media Group is preparing 'Come What May' for Blu-ray on February 7. May 1940. To escape the imminent German invasion, the inhabitants of a small village in northern France flee their homes, like so many millions of their compatriots. Max, a German boy, travels with them. His father, Hans, opposed the Nazi regime and was imprisoned in Arras for having lied about his nationality. Hans is eventually set free and sets off to find his son, accompanied by a Scottish soldier who is trying to get back home. The release will feature 1080p video, lossless 5.1 audio, and supplements include: Original Theatrical Trailer; Making of Come What May; Behind the Scenes Featurette with legendary composer Ennio Morricone; Audio Commentary with director Christian Carion; and Video Interview with director Christian Carion and Richard Pena, Former Program Director of the Film Society of Lincoln Center. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $30.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Come What May' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under February 7. Order the Blu-rayPosted Thu Dec 29, 2016 at 12:00 PM PST by: -
Dario Argento's 'Opera' Blu-ray Bound[teaser]The 1987 horror film is getting a Deluxe Collector's Edition in the new year. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Scorpion Releasing is working on 'Opera: Deluxe Collector's Edition' for Blu-ray in the new year. When a young opera singer takes over the leading role in an avant-garde presentation of Verdi's Macbeth, she triggers the madness of a crazed fan who repeatedly terrorizes the diva to watch the brutal murders of her friends. Will the woman's recurring nightmare hold the key to the identity of this psychopath or does an even more horrific evil lay waiting in the wings? The Blu-ray will feature a new 2K scan of the original camera negative with extensive color correction - exclusive to this release; two different English tracks and the Italian track with English Subtitles; the film presented in two aspect ratios, each on their own dual layered discs - 2.35:1 and 1.78:1; and supplements include: NEW audio commentary with film historian Nathaniel Thompson; NEW interviews with stars William McNamara, Barbara Cupisti, Coralina Cataldi-Tassoni , Urbano Barberini and make up artist Franco Casagni; Interviews with director Dario Argento, composer Claudio Simonetti, screenwriter Franco Ferrini, special fx artist Sergio Stivaletti, press agent Enrico Lucherini, and movie historian Fabrizio Spurio; The U.S/Orion Pictures cut; Original Theatrical Trailers; and more! You can find the latest specs for 'Opera: Deluxe Collector's Edition' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under PENDING.Posted Thu Dec 29, 2016 at 10:00 AM PST by: -
Dennis Hopper's 'Colors: Collector's Edition' Blu-ray Announced[teaser]The 1988 crime drama starring Sean Penn, Maria Conchita Alonso and Robert Duvall is planned for Blu-ray in March. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Shout Factory is preparing 'Colors: Collector's Edition' for Blu-ray on March 7. In the 'hood, all that matters are your colors... Bob Hodges (Robert Duvall) is a seasoned street cop who has learned a lot from long experience while his new, young partner, Danny McGavin (Sean Penn), has learned nothing - yet knows it all. Forced to work together in the L.A.P.D.'s renowned C.R.A.S.H. anti-gang unit, they set out to investigate a brutal gang murder. Hated and hunted by both sides, the cops soon find themselves trapped in the middle of a turf war. With nowhere to turn, they are ambushed, double-crossed and shot at in a take-no-prisoners street battle. As the violence escalates, these two diametrically opposed men must come to terms with one important fact - to stay alive they must come together! The release will will feature the Unrated Cut of the Film, including footage restored from the International Cut and the original Home Video Cut. Supplements include: A Cry of Alarm – An interview with screenwriter Michael Schiffer; and Cops and Robbers – An interview with Technical Advisor/Ex-L.A.P.D. Gang Division Dennis Fanning. You can find the latest specs for 'Colors: Collector's Edition' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under March 7. Order the Blu-rayPosted Wed Dec 28, 2016 at 12:00 PM PST by: -
Samsung Reveals New M9500 Ultra HD Blu-ray Player[teaser]A new Samsung UHD Blu-ray player is in the works.[/teaser] Samsung has revealed its latest Ultra HD Blu-ray player. The upcoming M9500 will join the company's previously released UBD-K8500 (review here). Though full details have not been announced yet, the M9500 will feature Ultra HD Blu-ray disc playback along with HDR (high dynamic range) support. Likewise, the player will include Bluetooth wireless streaming connectivity and Samsung Smart Remote integration across the UHD ecosystem. In addition, the device can automatically optimize a customer's TV screen and audio levels by analyzing the content source being played -- such as HDR, Atmos or DTS-X -- enabling users to enjoy the content they want without changing their TV or audio settings. A new Private Cinema Mode is offered as well, which allows TV audio to be transferred to personal Bluetooth headphones. Finally, the M9500 also provides expanded mobile integration, letting users watch Blu-ray titles on their mobile devices, along with support for watching 360-degree mobile content through the player on the big screen. More details, including potential pricing and availability, are expected to be announced at CES 2017 on January 5-8 in Las Vegas. In addition to the upcoming Samsung M9500, currently available US consumer Ultra HD Blu-ray players include the Samsung UBD-K8500 Ultra HD Blu-ray Player ($198), the Oppo UDP-203 Ultra HD Blu-ray player ($549), the Philips BDP7501 Ultra HD Blu-ray player ($230), the Panasonic DMP-UB900 Ultra HD Blu-ray player ($649), and the Microsoft Xbox One S ($249). Likewise, Oppo is prepping the UDP-205 Audiophile Ultra HD Blu-ray player for 2017, and Sony has announced its upcoming ES Series UBP-X1000E Ultra HD Blu-ray which will be exclusive to the custom installer market. Source: SamsungPosted Wed Dec 28, 2016 at 10:00 AM PST by: -
Michael Mann's 'Ali' Commemorative Blu-ray Announced[teaser]The sports drama starring Will Smith as the legendary Mohammed Ali will take another jab at Blu-ray this January. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Sony says 'Ali: Commemorative Edition' is heading to Blu-ray on January 17. Muhammad Ali thrilled the world as the wildly outrageous heavyweight champion. At the same time, he did battle with a political establishment aggressively opposed to his political positions while he was grappling with a tumultuous romantic life. Filmmaker Michael Mann evokes Ali in his fullest human dimension in this new cut. Experience the epic drama from Academy Award nominees Will Smith (Ali, The Pursuit of Happyness) and director, writer, producer Michael Mann (The Insider, The Aviator) on Blu-ray for the first time. The release will feature 1080p video, lossless 5.1 audio, and supplements include: "On Set with The Greatest" featurette (NEW); "The Making of Ali" Featurette; and Theatrical Trailer. You can find the latest specs for 'Ali: Commemorative Edition' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under January 17. Order the Blu-rayPosted Wed Dec 28, 2016 at 10:00 AM PST by: -
DirecTV Expands 4K Ultra HD Content Support to Businesses[teaser]Businesses can now offer 4K programming from DirecTV.[/teaser] AT&T has announced the availability of 4K Ultra HD content for businesses through DirecTV. The expansion makes DirecTV the first provider in the US to offer Ultra HD content to commercial venues. "Many of our bar and restaurant customers cater to sports fans. Now, with 4K UHD, they can 'up their game.' This is also an incredible opportunity for local businesses – waiting rooms, gyms and salons – to differentiate themselves through enhanced entertainment." said Doug Eichler, vice president of commercial sales, AT&T Entertainment Group. "Watching 4K UHD video makes waiting, working out and watching sports more enjoyable." 4K Ultra HD content set to be available for customers and patrons visiting businesses with 4K UHD DirecTV access will include live sports and concerts. Previous sporting and music events broadcast in Ultra HD through DirecTV in 2016 included The Masters at Augusta National, MLB games, NCAA Football, UFC fights, PGA tournaments, the Rio Olympics, an NBA game, the Country Music Awards, and a Garth Brooks concert. Businesses interested in offering live 4K Ultra HD content through DirecTV will need to: - Upgrade to the DIRECTV COMMERCIAL XTRA PACK /BUSINESS XTRA PACK package or higher, which includes 4K UHD account authorization and professional installation - Upgrade to the latest DIRECTV HR54 Receiver - Offer access to either a DIRECTV 4K UHD Ready TV or a compatible 4K UHD TV connected to the DIRECTV C61K 4K client In addition to expanded Ultra HD support, AT&T also recently launched its new DirecTV Now streaming service. The stand-alone subscription platform offers live channels and demand content through various supported tablets, smartphones, media players, and TVs. Programming packages start at $35 per month. Likewise, users can add HBO and Cinemax for an additional $5 each per month. Source: AT&TPosted Wed Dec 28, 2016 at 08:30 AM PST by: -
Well Go USA Preps 'Cold War II' for Blu-ray[teaser]The action sequel is heading to Blu-ray in March.[/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Well Go USA is preparing 'Cold War II' for Blu-ray on March 7. Picking up some time after the events in the first movie, Sean Lau is now the Commissioner of Police after the successful rescue operation. However, things turn bad when his wife and daughter are kidnapped. Sean has to seek help from former rival and retired DCP, Waise Lee, to return to his job to help save Sean's wife and child. Specs, supplements, and a suggested list price have not been detailed yet. You can find the latest specs for 'Cold War II' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under March 7. Order the Blu-rayPosted Wed Dec 28, 2016 at 08:00 AM PST by:
