-
VIZIO Launches SmartCast Crave Pro & Crave 360 Multi-Room Speakers[teaser]Pricing and availability have been revealed for the company's new multi-room speakers. [/teaser] VIZIO has announced the latest additions to its SmartCast collection. The new SmartCast Crave Pro & Crave 360 are designed for whole-home audio entertainment. "We set out to create the most easy-to- use multi-room streaming audio solutions for consumers that deliver high quality audio performance," said Matt McRae, Chief Technology Officer, VIZIO. "The Crave collection allows consumers to seamlessly cast to any of the speakers or even a VIZIO SmartCast sound bar, and control their audio right from their mobile device using the VIZIO SmartCast app. Coupled with premium industrial design that enhances any room, the VIZIO SmartCast speakers offer the easiest way to create a whole-home audio system that works with apps consumers already use on their smartphones." The SmartCast Crave Pro is a stationary 2.1 speaker with custom crafted drivers for up to 102 dB of sound and dual integrated subwoofers capable of bass as low as 40 Hz. Meanwhile, the SmartCast Crave 360 is a 2.1 360-degree omnidirectional speaker with custom crafted drivers for up to 95 dB of sound and 50Hz bass. A wireless charging base is also included and the device is rated for up to 8 hours of playback. Both speakers are part of the VIZIO SmartCast ecosystem and include built-in support for Google Cast. With Google Cast, users can wirelessly stream music to the speakers from Google Cast-enabled apps on WiFi connected mobile devices. Likewise, both models can be controlled through the VIZIO SmartCast app for iOS or Android. In addition, the speakers also offer seamless multi-room functionality, letting customers cast the same song, or send a different song, to multiple cast-enabled speakers and soundbars connected to a home WiFi network. Finally, Bluetooth support is integrated as well. The VIZIO SmartCast Crave 360 ($250) is now available from VIZIO.com and SamsClub.com. Meanwhile, the SmartCast Crave Pro ($300) will be available through VIZIO.com soon. Source: VIZIOPosted Wed Sep 7, 2016 at 05:00 AM PDT by: -
Amazon Updates Fire TV & Fire TV Stick with Expanded Alexa Voice Search & Recommendations[teaser]New features are now available on Amazon's media players. [/teaser] Amazon has announced a new update for its Fire TV and Fire TV Stick. As part of the upgrade, users will now have access to expanded voice search and content recommendation features. "Customers have told us they love having access to the wide selection of apps, games, and Alexa skills on Amazon Fire TV, and they love how easy it is to find their favorite shows with universal voice search," said Marc Whitten, Vice President, Amazon Fire TV. "Now, we're making it easier than ever for customers to find their favorite content with universal voice search across 75 apps and channels, and a new, simple way to see recommendations from Netflix, HBO GO, and HBO NOW right on the home screen." The update includes Alexa voice search support for even more apps, along with personalized recommendations from more services, like HBO GO and Netflix, directly through the homepage. The Fire TV and Fire TV Stick update is now rolling out to customers via a free, over-the-air software update. Here's a full rundown of new features per the press release: - Universal Search expanded to over 75 apps and channels. Use your voice to search across 75+ apps and channels, including Netflix. With support for universal search across more apps and content providers than any other streaming media player, Fire TV makes it easy to find and watch your favorite TV shows and movies. In addition, if a TV show or movie is available on multiple apps, Fire TV will now show you viewing options – watch, stream, rent, or purchase – so you can choose an app or channel based on convenience and value. - Customized content that’s easy to find. With Fire TV, you don’t have to launch multiple apps to see what’s new or get recommendations. Now, subscribers to popular providers like Netflix or HBO can quickly see personalized recommendations in custom rows available directly from the Fire TV home page. Fire TV gives customers a fast, easy way to access content they want with custom rows for popular apps and channels, including HBO, Netflix, and more in the coming months. - Alexa voice control for Amazon Video. Using just your voice, Alexa support for Amazon Video now lets you advance or go back in a video any amount of time you specify. Say “skip ahead 2 minutes” to jump past the opening credits. Miss something because you were interrupted? Just try “rewind 30 seconds.” Ready for the next episode? Just say “next.” - Sports Updates. Using Alexa, just say “give me my sports update” to see the latest scores and game info from your favorite sports teams right from your Fire TV. To select your favorite sports teams, simply go to Settings within the Alexa app, using a browser or your Fire tablet, iOS or Android device. "At Netflix, we are always seeking new ways to help connect people with stories they’ll love," said Scott Mirer, Vice President of device partner ecosystem at Netflix. "Now, Fire TV customers have more ways to discover great TV shows and movies on Netflix through personalized recommendations available in a custom row right on the home page or through universal voice search – making it more convenient for them to find their favorite show on Netflix." The Amazon Fire TV is currently on sale for $85. Meanwhile, the Fire TV Stick is currently on sale for $45. Source: AmazonPosted Tue Sep 6, 2016 at 04:15 PM PDT by: -
'The Hunger Games' Series Dated & Detailed for Ultra HD Blu-ray[teaser]The blockbuster franchise will arrive on Ultra HD Blu-ray in November.[/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Lionsgate is preparing 'The Hunger Games,' 'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire,' 'The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1,' and 'The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2' for Ultra HD Blu-ray on November 8. 'The Hunger Games' - Katniss Everdeen voluntarily takes her younger sister's place in the Hunger Games, a televised competition in which two teenagers from each of the twelve Districts of Panem are chosen at random to fight to the death. The Ultra HD Blu-ray/Blu-ray/Digital HD combo pack will feature 2160p video, a Dolby Atmos soundtrack, and supplements will include: Audio Commentary with Editor Stephen Mirrione, Visual Effects Supervisor Sheena Duggal, and Supervising Sound Editor Lon Bender (4K only); "Game Maker: Suzanne Collins and The Hunger Games Phenomenon" Featurette; "The World Is Watching: Making The Hunger Games" Featurette; and "Letters from the Rose Garden" Featurette. Suggested list price for the Ultra HD Blu-ray is $22.99. Order the Ultra HD Blu-ray 'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire' - Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark become targets of the Capitol after their victory in the 74th Hunger Games sparks a rebellion in the Districts of Panem. The Ultra HD Blu-ray/Blu-ray/Digital HD combo pack will feature 2160p video, a Dolby Atmos soundtrack, and supplements will include: Audio Commentary with Director Francis Lawrence and Producer Nina Jacobson; "Surviving the Game: Making The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" Documentary; and Deleted Scenes. Suggested list price for the Ultra HD Blu-ray is $22.99. Order the Ultra HD Blu-ray 'The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1' - Katniss Everdeen is in District 13 after she shatters the games forever. Under the leadership of President Coin and the advice of her trusted friends, Katniss spreads her wings as she fights to save Peeta and a nation moved by her courage. The Ultra HD Blu-ray/Blu-ray/Digital HD combo pack will feature 2160p video, a Dolby Atmos soundtrack, and supplements will include: Audio Commentary with Director Francis Lawrence and Producer Nina Jacobson; "The Mockingjay Lives: The Making of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1" Documentary; "Straight from the Heart: A Tribute to Philip Seymour Hoffman" Featurette; "Songs of Rebellion: Lorde on Curating the Soundtrack" Featurette; Lorde "Yellow Flicker Beat" Music Video; and Deleted Scenes. Suggested list price for the Ultra HD Blu-ray is $22.99. Order the Ultra HD Blu-ray 'The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2' - As the war of Panem escalates to the destruction of other districts, Katniss Everdeen, the reluctant leader of the rebellion, must bring together an army against President Snow, while all she holds dear hangs in the balance. The Ultra HD Blu-ray/Blu-ray/Digital HD combo pack will feature 2160p video, a Dolby Atmos soundtrack, and supplements will include: "Pawns No More: Making The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2" Documentary; The Hunger Games: A Photographic Journey; Cinna's Sketchbook: Secrets of the Mockingjay Armor; Panem on Display: The Hunger Games: The Exhibition; Jet to the Set (Blu-ray only); and Audio Commentary with Director Francis Lawrence and Producer Nina Jacobson. Suggested list price for the Ultra HD Blu-ray is $42.99. Order the Ultra HD Blu-ray You can find the latest specs for all of the titles listed above linked from our Ultra HD Blu-ray Release Schedule, where they're indexed under November 8.Posted Tue Sep 6, 2016 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
Samsung Unveils New Curved-Screen Quantum Dot Monitors[teaser]Three new monitors have been detailed. [/teaser] Samsung has revealed a new lineup of curved-screen displays. The collection includes the CFG70 (24- and 27-inch models) and CF791 (34-inch model) gaming monitors. "As the gaming market continues to enjoy rapid worldwide growth, gamers expect advanced display technologies that can bring out the latest video game features and optimize the gameplay experience," said Seog-gi Kim, Senior Vice President, Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. "By enhancing our pioneering curved gaming monitors with quantum dot technology, our CFG70 and CF791 displays further surround players and make them feel as if they are part of the game. We are excited to demonstrate this futuristic and immersive gaming environment at IFA 2016." The CFG70 and CF79 both feature curved-screen panels with quantum dot technology, 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 CF79 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 24-inch CFG70 ($399), 27-inch CFG70 ($499), and 34-inch CF791 ($999) gaming monitors are now on display at IFA 2016 in Berlin and are expected to hit stores before the end of the year. Beyond their new monitors, Samsung also incorporates quantum dot technology into their Ultra HD TVs as well, including the company's 2016 SUHD TV lineup. Sources: Samsung, EngadgetPosted Tue Sep 6, 2016 at 11:30 AM PDT by: -
Netflix Readies 'Bill Nye Saves the World' Talk Show for 2017[teaser]The new science themed talk show will hit Netflix next year. [/teaser] Netflix has announced its latest original series, 'Bill Nye Saves the World.' The talks how will be hosted by scientist, engineer, comedian, author and inventor, Bill Nye. "Since the start of the Science Guy show, I've been on a mission to change the world by getting people everywhere excited about the fundamental ideas in science," said Bill Nye. "Today, I'm excited to be working with Netflix on a new show, where we'll discuss the complex scientific issues facing us today, with episodes on vaccinations, genetically modified foods and climate change. With the right science and good writing, we'll do our best to enlighten and entertain our audience. And, perhaps we'll change the world a little." Each episode will tackle a topic from a scientific point of view, dispelling myths, and refuting anti-scientific claims that may be espoused by politicians, religious leaders or titans of industry. In Bill's unfiltered style, he will bring in special guests, conduct experiments and demonstrations, and ultimately let the facts lead the argument. The series is being produced for Netflix by Bunim/Murray Productions with Gil Goldschein and Julie Pizzi serving as Executive Producers. Michael Naidus ('The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson') is on board as showrunner and Executive Producer. Likewise, Mike Drucker is listed as Head Comedy Writer and Phil Plait will serve as Head Science Writer. An exact release date has not been announced yet, but 'Bill Nye Saves the World' is set to start streaming on Netflix in spring 2017. Other upcoming Netflix premieres include 'Easy' on September 22, 'Longmire' season five on September 23, 'The Ranch' on October 7, 'Black Mirror' on October 21, 'The Crown' on November 4, 'Lovesick' on November 17, and 'Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life' on November 25. Likewise, the streaming platform is also prepping new seasons of 'Chelsea,' 'Lady Dynamite,' and 'Real Rob,' a new sci-fi series called 'Travelers' from writer Brad Wright, the second season of 'Stranger Things' for 2017, the third season of 'Bloodline' for 2017, new episodes of the documentary series 'Making a Murderer,' and a feature film adaptation of the manga 'Death Note.' In addition, the service recently announced premiere dates for its upcoming stand-up comedy lineup, including shows from Cedric the Entertainer, Russell Peters, Joe Rogan, Dana Carvey Colin Quinn, Michael Che, Reggie Watts and Gabriel Iglesias. A current Netflix subscription starts at $10 for HD streaming and $12 for Ultra HD streaming. Source: NetflixPosted Tue Sep 6, 2016 at 07:30 AM PDT by: -
Sony Details MDR-1000X Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones[teaser]The company's new flagship headphones are now available for pre-order. [/teaser] Sony has announced the latest addition to its portable audio lineup. The MDR-1000X are premium wireless headphones with industry leading noise cancellation tech and high-res audio support. "The MDR-1000X are not just Sony’s best-ever noise-cancelling headphones," said Dunja LaRosa, Director, and Head of Mobile Audio at Sony Electronics. "They are also great looking, and most importantly, fantastic sounding headphones worthy of the Sony name and tradition." The headphones use 40mm, dome type drivers and offer premium noise cancelling performance with advanced signal processing, an upgraded filtering process, optimized dual noise sensor technology, and newly developed ear pads. Likewise, the device includes a personal NC optimizer feature, allowing users to customize the noise cancelling technology to suit their specific ears through the company's new SENSE ENGINE which can analyze the shape of a customer's head and their wearing style. In addition, the headphones provide high-res audio playback support through wired connections and LDAC Bluetooth streaming for high quality wireless playback. DSEE HX is integrated as well, letting customers upscale compressed music like MPS files from any source (including wireless) to near high-res quality. Users can also activate a "Quick Attention" mode by placing their hand on the side of the headphone shell, enabling natural sound to come through. Finally, an "Ambient Sound" mode lets customers hear ambient sound while still enjoying their music. Battery life is rated for up to 20 hours in wireless mode with noise cancelling activated. Sony's flagship MDR-1000X are premium wireless headphones are now available for pre-order in Black or Ivory for a suggested retail price of $400. The headphones are expected to start shipping in October. Source: SonyPosted Tue Sep 6, 2016 at 06:30 AM PDT by: -
'Star Trek: The Original Series - The Roddenberry Vault' Blu-ray Dated[teaser]The collection includes a dozen classic episodes and will take fans behind-the-scenes with never-before-seen footage. [/teaser] As previously reported, CBS and Paramount will be releasing 'Star Trek: The Original Series - The Roddenberry Vault' on Blu-ray, and now the date has been set for December 13. During the production of Star Trek: The Original Series, bits and pieces of episodic footage were left on the cutting room floor, then stored away in film cans for decades by the Gene Roddenberry Estate. Now, in celebration of the show's 50th Anniversary, The Roddenberry Vault has finally been opened. Along with 12 of their favorite episodes, fans can see and own behind the scenes footage from the making of the series as well as alternate takes, deleted scenes, omitted dialogue, outtakes, and original visual FX elements. 'Star Trek: The Original Series - The Roddenberry Vault' Blu-ray set includes newly-produced special feature documentaries that incorporate the “Vault” materials and feature all-new interviews with cast and production personnel, including new insights from William Shatner (Captain James T. Kirk), writers Dorothy "D.C." Fontana, David Gerrold, & John D.F. Black, director Ralph Senensky, casting director Joseph D'Agosta, visual effects artist Richard Edlund, and more. Also featured is an exploration into the series’ long-lasting appeal through interviews with some of Star Trek’s biggest fans including The Big Bang Theory co-creator Bill Prady, The Simpsons writer/producer David Mirkin, Family Guy writer/producer David A. Goodman, NASA's Bobak Ferdowsi, Bill Nye (The Science Guy), and many more. 'Star Trek: The Roddenberry Vault includes 12 classic Star Trek episodes in high-definition Blu-ray chosen for their relevance to the Vault's lost/unseen material: · The Corbomite Maneuver · Arena · Space Seed · This Side of Paradise · The Devil in the Dark · The City on the Edge of Forever · Operation: Annihilate! · Metamorphosis · Who Mourns for Adonais? · Mirror, Mirror · The Trouble With Tribbles · Return to Tomorrow Special features include: Inside The Roddenberry Vault – A multi-part glimpse at classic episodes from new angles and perspectives; Star Trek: Revisiting A Classic – A look at life on the set during production; Strange New Worlds: Visualizing The Fantastic – An inside look at the groundbreaking work of the series’ designers and visual effects artists; three episode commentaries, and isolated music tracks for most of the episodes. You can find the latest specs for 'Star Trek: The Original Series - The Roddenberry Vault' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under December 13.Posted Tue Sep 6, 2016 at 06:25 AM PDT by: -
Rick Sloane's 'Hobgoblins' Blu-ray Bound[teaser]The 1988 horror flick is headed for the high-definition format. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Vinegar Syndrome says they are working on 'Hobgoblins' for Blu-ray. A young security guard must track down diminutive aliens who kill people even as they make their fantasies come true. No other details have been revealed at this time. You can find the latest specs for 'Hobgoblins' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under PENDING.Posted Tue Sep 6, 2016 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
FOX Sports GO Live Streaming App Launches on Roku Platforms[teaser]The sports streaming platform is now available on Roku devices. [/teaser] FOX Sports has announced the addition of FOX Sports GO to the Roku channel lineup in the US. The app offers access to FOX Sports' live events and studio programming. "Roku players are some of the most popular connected streaming devices in the industry, and it's a significant step towards completing full distribution of FOX Sports GO," said Clark Pierce, Senior Vice President, TV Everywhere, FOX Sports. "Roku now gives sports fans greater choice when streaming their favorite FOX Sports programming." With FOX Sports GO, Roku users who receive FOX Sports TV networks through their pay-TV subscription can now access FOX Sports, FS1, FS2, FOX Sports Regional Networks, FOX College Sports, FOX Deportes, and FOX Soccer Plus on their Roku products directly through the app. In total, users can watch more than 3,000 live events -- including content from the NFL, MLB, UFC, NASCAR, Big 12 and Pac-12 Football, Big East Basketball, FIFA World Cup, and UEFA Champions League soccer -- along with hundreds of hours of studio shows and original content. In addition, "FOX Sports GO is a critical addition to the Roku channel lineup, giving Roku customers access to some of today's most anticipated sports programs," said Ed Lee, vice president, content acquisition, Roku. "We're extremely excited to expand our sports offering with FOX Sports GO and bring more live sports programming to the Roku platform." FOX Sports GO is now available through the "Sports" section of the Roku channel store on Roku media players and Roku TVs. In addition to Roku platforms, the FOX Sports GO also recently launched on Apple TV. Source: FOX SportsPosted Tue Sep 6, 2016 at 05:30 AM PDT by: -
Klipsch Details IFA 2016 Audio Lineup, Including New Wireless Speakers & Soundbars[teaser]New audio products are now on display at the show. [/teaser] Klipsch has announced the debut of several new audio products at the IFA 2016 tradeshow in Berlin. The lineup includes the new Klipsch Stream Wireless Multi-Room Audio Series with DTS Play-Fi support. "We are fired up to introduce Klipsch Stream to the market. This game-changer finally brings legendary Klipsch sound to multi-room audio with DTS Play-Fi technology. It is one prong of a multi-faceted wireless audio strategy that also includes high-resolution audio systems such as Reference Premiere HD Wireless and flexible, Bluetooth® Wireless Technology solutions like Heritage Wireless and the Klipsch Groove®," said Steve Jain, Vice President and General Manager of Digital, Streaming and Portable Audio Solutions for Klipsch. The new Klipsch Stream Wireless Multi-Room Audio Series offers an ecosystem of sound bars, wireless speakers, legacy audio converters, and USB DAC amplifiers with DTS Play-Fi whole-home technology. Likewise, Klipsch Stream products can be controlled by the Klipsch Stream app for iOS and Android platforms. Recently announced Klipsch Stream products include the RW-1 wireless speaker and the RSB-14 and RSB-8 Reference soundbars. Meanwhile, Klipsch has also revealed two more Reference soundbars at the show -- the RSB-11 and RSB-6. All four soundbar models offer HDMI 2.0 connectivity with 4K Ultra HD video passthrough. In addition to the Klipsch Stream series, the company is also introducing its new Heritage Wireless Speaker lineup with premium woods and metals, timeless designs, and best-in-class acoustics. Likewise, the company is highlighting 70th Anniversary editions of the Cornwall III and La Scala II speakers. Outside of speakers, six new headphone models have also been revealed: the upgraded Reference On-Ear (II), Reference On-Ear with Bluetooth Wireless Technology, Reference Over-Ear, Reference Over-Ear with Bluetooth Wireless Technology, and the R6 and X12 Neckbands with Bluetooth Wireless Technology. Finally, Klipsch is demonstrating its previously released Reference Premiere Dolby Atmos enabled speakers and the Reference Premiere HD Wireless system as well. Klipsch's new audio products will be on display at the company's booth at IFA 2016 in Berlin from September 2-6. Source: KlipschPosted Fri Sep 2, 2016 at 04:30 PM PDT by:
