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Roku App Heads to Windows 10 Tablets and Laptops[teaser]Windows 10 users can now control their Roku devices through their tablets and laptops. [/teaser] Roku has announced the launch of its Roku App on Windows 10 tablets and laptops. With the Windows 10 Roku app, customers can now control their Roku devices and navigate through 3,000 channels and 300,000 movies and TV episodes directly through a Windows 10 laptop or tablet. The app has been designed specifically to work with the larger screens found on tablets and laptops, and features a new Homepage with quick access to a user's "My Channels" list. Likewise, the app provides standard playback controls and includes Roku search with Cortana integration, allowing users to easily find streaming content through voice control. In addition, "Play on Roku" support is also featured, letting customers view their photos or listen to music stored on their laptops and tablets through their TV. Roku currently offers a variety of media players and streaming sticks, including the flagship Roku 4. The Roku 4 is powered by a Quad-Core processor and features support for 4K Ultra HD playback at up to 60 fps, 4K upscaling of HD content, and audio support for up to Dolby Digital Plus 7.1 surround sound. HDCP 2.2 compliancy is integrated as well, along with 802.11ac MIMO dual-band wireless, 10/100 Base-T Ethernet, an Optical Audio Out, a microSD slot, and a USB port. Likewise, the device includes an enhanced remote with voice search, point anywhere use, a headphone jack, motion-control for gaming, and a speaker for Remote Finder alerts. The Roku 4 is now on sale for a suggested retail price of $130. The Roku Windows 10 app is now available in the US through the Windows App Store. The app will expand to international markets soon. Source: RokuPosted Mon Jun 27, 2016 at 11:30 AM PDT by: -
Amazon Launches Dolby Vision Streaming -- LG 2016 SUPER UHD & OLED TVs First to Offer Dual HDR10 & Dolby Vision Amazon Support[teaser]The streaming platform now offers titles in Dolby Vision. [/teaser] Amazon has announced the arrival of Dolby Vision HDR support for select streaming titles. Currently, LG's SUPER UHD TVs and 2016 OLED TVs are the first to include support for both HDR10 and Dolby Vision Amazon playback. "The Dolby Vision ecosystem is garnering momentum, affirming that the best way to enjoy stunning content with expanded dynamic range and ultra-vivid colors is with Dolby Vision," said Curt Behlmer, SVP, Content Solutions and Industry Relations, Dolby Laboratories. "With the increased number of Dolby Vision enabled TVs now in market, Amazon's commitment to deliver Dolby Vision content to consumers marks another leap forward in providing viewers around the world with access to exceptional movies and original content that come to life on screen." Dolby Vision is an end-to-end video technology that uses high dynamic range and wide color gamuts to create and display content with superior brightness and contrast, resulting in more realistic highlights and shadow detail on supported TVs. The process is currently integrated into several display lines, including LG's SUPER UHD TVs and 2016 OLED TVs -- which also include HDR10 support. The initial lineup of Dolby Vision Amazon titles includes the second season of the Amazon Original Series 'Bosch,' and several Sony Pictures Home Entertainment films like 'The Smurfs 2,' 'After Earth,' 'Men in Black 3,' 'Hancock,' 'Salt,' 'Pineapple Express,' 'Fury,' 'The Amazing Spider-Man 2,' 'Chappie,' and 'Elysium.' "We're thrilled that starting today customers have access to titles, including our binge-worthy Amazon Original Series, in Dolby Vision HDR," stated Jim Freeman, Vice President of Amazon Video. "Today is just the beginning. We will continue to expand our selection, adding more movies and TV series for our customers to watch and enjoy in the premium picture quality of HDR." In addition to Amazon titles in Dolby Vision and HDR10, LG SUPER UHD TVs and 2016 OLED TVs also offer playback support for HDR10 and Dolby Vision Netflix titles, and Dolby Vision HDR content from VUDU. Sources: Dolby, LGPosted Mon Jun 27, 2016 at 10:30 AM PDT by: -
Rouben Mamoulian's 'Silk Stockings' Dances to Blu-ray[teaser]The classic 1957 musical is planned for Blu-ray. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Warner Archive will be releasing 'Silk Stockings' on Blu-ray later this year. You'd think chilled borscht pulses in her veins. She's Ninotchka Yoshenka, a lovely yet severe Soviet envoy sent to Paris to rescue wayward comrades from the perils of champagne and capitalism. But there may be a thaw in Ninotchka's Cold War. She meets Steve Canfield, a smoothly brash American who won't take "nyet" for an answer. Fred Astaire and Cyd Charisse recapture the magic of their The Band wagon pairing in this musical based on the same-titled 1955 Broadway hit and on the famed 1939 Greta Garbo comedy Ninotchka. Set to witty Cole Porter tunes, spiked with laughs and featuring the two leads dancing the Eugene Loring-Hermes Pan choreography into timeless emotion, Silk Stockings shows why elegance and fun never go out of style. Specs have yet to be revealed, but supplements include: Cole Porter in Hollywood: Satin and Silk, hosted by Cyd Charisse; Vintage Theatrical Shorts; and Theatrical Trailer. You can find the latest specs for 'Silk Stockings' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under PENDING.Posted Mon Jun 27, 2016 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
Ding Sheng's 'Saving Mr. Wu' Planned for Blu-ray[teaser]The action-packed crime thriller will be available on Blu-ray this August. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Well Go USA says 'Saving Mr. Wu' will hit Blu-ray on August 2. Four devious criminals, one chilling scam: pose as cops, kidnap a victim, and if no ransom comes in 24 hours, the target dies. Tonight they caught a movie star (Andy Lau) and the countdown begins. Based on actual events. Specs have yet to be revealed, but supplements include a 4-Part "Making Mr. Wu" Featurette and Deleted Scenes. You can find the latest specs for 'Saving Mr. Wu' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under August 2. Order the Blu-rayPosted Mon Jun 27, 2016 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
Jay Roach Takes Blu-ray 'All the Way' with Bryan Cranston[teaser]The acclaimed drama co-starring Anthony Mackie and Melissa Leo will be getting the Blu-ray treatment in September. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, HBO is preparing 'All the Way' for Blu-ray on September 6. Following its critically acclaimed, award-winning Broadway run, All the Way (starring four-time Emmy® winner Bryan Cranston who reprises his Tony Award-winning role, is a riveting behind-the-scenes look at President Lyndon B. Johnson’s (LBJ) tumultuous first year in office in the wake of President Kennedy’s assassination. Hailed as “dramatically dazzling” (Baltimore Sun) and “powerful” (Chicago Sun-Times), All the Way follows LBJ during his early administration, as he stakes his presidency on what would be a historic, unprecedented Civil Rights Act. Johnson finds himself caught between the moral imperative of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the expectations of the southern Democratic Party leaders who brought Johnson to power. As King battles to press Johnson while controlling more radical elements of the Civil Rights movement, Johnson navigates the bill through Congress, winning a landslide victory against Barry Goldwater, but causing the South to defect from the Democratic Party. Specs have yet to be revealed, but supplements include: Historical Featurette and Bryan Cranston’s Transformative Video becoming LBJ. You can find the latest specs for 'All the Way' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under September 6.Posted Mon Jun 27, 2016 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
'Traded' Blu-ray Dated and Detailed[teaser]The gritty period western starring Michael Paré, Kris Kristofferson, and Trace Adkins will debut on Blu-ray this summer. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Cinedigm has revealed 'Traded' will be available on Blu-ray on August 2. In 1880s Kansas, sharpshooter turned rancher, Clay Travis (Michael Paré), goes from happily married father of two to a man on a mission after the disappearance of his 17 year-old daughter, Lily. Determined to protect what little family he has left, Clay leaves his quiet ranch and heads to Wichita where, after confronting the ruthless Ty Stover (Trace Adkins), he discovers that Lily's been traded away into an underground sex ring in Dodge City. And it's there, with the help of an unlikely companion -- hardened old barkeep Billy (Kris Kristofferson) -- that Clay makes a stand to bring his daughter home, leaving a trail of gunsmoke and bodies in his wake. 'Traded' delivers "cinematic comfort food to fans of the venerable genre," says Frank Scheck of The Hollywood Reporter. And Amanda Gilroy of Pop Matters.com says, "[Traded] turns out to have all the compensatory pleasures of an old-fashioned Western". Filled with dramatic vistas and sweeping panoramas, "'Traded' looks authentic. From the Rusty Spur Saloon and the drab 1880s couture and cuisine, to the characters' imperfect skins, these look like real people in real places at a particular historical moment[1]." The gritty Western, directed by Timothy Woodward Jr. (Weaponized, 4Got10) was shot in California and New Mexico, utilizing locations in the Yucca Valley, Paramount Ranch and Big Sky Movie Ranch that have been the backdrops to westerns such as Gunfight at the OK Corral, The Virginian and many other classics of the genre. TRADED co-stars include Tom Sizemore, Martin Kove, Quinton Aaron and, in her theatrical debut, Kris' daughter, Kelly Kristofferson. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, a lossless 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements include a making-of featurette and deleted scenes. You can find the latest specs for 'Traded' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under August 2. Order the Blu-rayPosted Mon Jun 27, 2016 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
HDD Attends Value Electronics 2016 Ultra HD TV Shootout at CE Week[teaser]All hail the new "King of TV!" [/teaser] How does the idea of being holed up in a dark room for hours while the industry's best TVs are tested against each other with various patterns and clips in order to crown a winner sound? Well, if you answered "awesome," then you just might be a true AV enthusiast... and my new best friend! Earlier this week, High-Def Digest was invited to attend the 2016 Value Electronics TV Shootout held at CE Week in New York City. The annual event, put together by Value Electronics, a leading independent audio video retailer in Westchester County, NY, places the year's top TVs side by side in order to choose the new "King of UHD TV." The four selected Ultra HDTV models were measured and compared against each other based on various display aspects, including black level, perceived contrast, color accuracy, motion resolution, HDR/WCG, and more. The audience then voted on the different picture quality attributes to determine a winner. Joel Silver of the Imaging Science Foundation hosted the event, along with remarks from Value Electronics owner, Robert Zohn, and special guest speakers from LG and various AV websites. Likewise, several more professional TV reviewers, professional ISF certified calibrators, product specialists, industry analysts, and AV enthusiasts were also on hand. Preview sessions were conducted on June 22 and two full sessions were held on June 23. I attended the first preview session on June 22 and the concluding afternoon full session on June 23. Below, I'll offer details on the competing displays used and the tests conducted, along with my own impressions of each TV and my feelings on the winners. Let the shootout begin! The Tests To properly test and compare the competing displays, each TV was calibrated to SDR standards using high-end meters and software. Unfortunately, HDR calibration tools are still being finalized and are not available for each television (the very first HDR calibration software option was actually launched during the show), so each display used its manufacturer defaults for HDR testing. The four competing displays included: - LG 65-inch G6 OLED - Samsung 78-inch KS9800 FALD LCD - Sony 75-inch X940D FALD LCD - VIZIO 65-inch Reference Series FALD LCD All of the Ultra HDTVs were placed side-by-side in alphabetical order from left to right. And as an added point of reference, a Pioneer Kuro plasma HDTV (once hailed as the absolute best TV on the market) was placed all the way to the left of the Ultra HD TVs. Throughout the shootout, various test patterns were used to judge the different voting categories, including: - Black Quality - Perceived Contrast - Color Accuracy - Moving Resolution - Off-Axis Performance - Screen Uniformity - HDR/WCG Likewise, several tests were conducted with the lights on and then with the lights off in order to determine which display had the best Overall Day and Overall Night performance. Each category was rated on a scale of 1-10 for each TV and voters could also list their overall pick for best TV. All tested panels were concurrently fed through a professional HDMI distribution amp from a 4K media server, 4K streaming, USB, and the latest 4K signal generator for test patterns. Ultra HD Blu-ray material was played back through the upcoming Panasonic DMP-UB900. Those familiar with typical display calibration software should have a good idea of what the process was like. Host Joel Silver walked us all through the different test patterns -- including numerous pluges, an 8-bit Ramp, checkerboards, and color bars -- pointing out what we should look for while occasionally bringing out the meters to indicate specific results. Likewise, tests for local dimming (a thin white line scrolled across a black background) and 1080i deinterlacing were employed as well. As the various tests were conducted, Silver encouraged all of the voting participants to get up close and personal with each TV, and so we all took turns walking down the display line to fully evaluate their performance. In addition to SDR, the TVs were all placed in their HDR mode as well for several test patterns, allowing them to really strut their stuff while letting us see how each display handled the enhanced color gamuts, brightness, and contrast. Unfortunately, since the VIZIO Reference Series display doesn't support HDR10, it was not able to show the test patterns in HDR. Finally, after all the charts and bars and pluges were done, we got to see clips from the Ultra HD Blu-ray release of 'Kingsman: The Secret Service' playing side-by-side in HDR. Once again, since the VIZIO isn't capable of HDR10 Ultra HD Blu-ray playback, clips from Netflix's 'Marco Polo' were demoed in Dolby Vision on that display instead. And to cap the shootout off, we were treated to one final clip, this time from a standard Blu-ray concert disc featuring B.B. King, giving us a great comparison of how each TV handles SDR content and 4K upscaling. Impressions Before going into my individual impressions for each display, I do think it's important to note just how impressive and similarly well performing each of the competing models really was. At times, it was actually quite hard to spot specific differences or true weaknesses between the TVs. With that said, the test patterns and demo material did reveal a few key pros and cons, and ultimately there was a fairly clear overall winner. So, without further ado, let's weigh in the contenders and detail my personal results from the fight! LG 65-inch OLED65G6P OLED ($8,000) - LG's flagship Signature Ultra HD TV features an OLED panel to deliver perfect blacks and wide viewing angles. Likewise, the model includes an integrated soundbar speaker system, 3D playback, and a thin Picture-on-Glass design. In addition, the TV has been certified as "Ultra HD Premium" and includes wide color gamut support and full HDR compatibility with support for HDR10 and Dolby Vision (the only display in the shootout to support both formats). Pros - Thanks to its OLED screen, the LG had a rather sizable advantage over its competitors when it came to black levels. As the only TV capable of displaying true black on a pixel by pixel level, the G6 was the clear winner for that deep inky look. To this end, the local dimming test was one of the most telling. Since the G6 doesn't have a backlight or have to rely on local dimming it passed this test perfectly, making the others look like amateurs. Likewise, the TV offered very strong performance for perceived contrast in a dark room, uniformity, off-axis viewing, and HDR. With all of these attributes combined, the LG offered the most balanced performance for actual content in a dark setting. Cons - As impressive as the OLED was, the display was not without a few quirks of its own. Despite all of the competing displays achieving (roughly) the same color and grayscale measurements after calibration, the LG set had a comparatively cool cast to it during some test patterns that the other models did not exhibit. This slightly teal tinge was not really apparent during actual content, however. Likewise, though all of the other colors looked great on the color bar test, yellow did have a faintly green tinge to it. Finally, though uniformity and off-angle viewing were noticeably superior to the LCD models, both still weren't quite up to par with some of the best plasmas (RIP) that I've seen. Samsung 78-inch KS9800 FALD LCD ($10,000) - Samsung's flagship LCD Ultra HD TV features a cadmium free 10-bit, curved-screen Quantum Dot Display with 1,000-nits and full-array local dimming. In addition, the display meets the "Ultra HD Premium" specs and includes support for HDR10 and 96% of the DCI-P3 color gamut. Sadly, however, like all of Samsung's new displays, the TV does not include 3D. Pros - The Samsung really excelled when it came to bright room viewing, and offered the best perceived contrast for daytime watching. To this end, the set also provided the punchiest HDR playback (with the lights on) and rendered very impressive and accurate colors when viewing from the center. Cons - Unfortunately, as jaw-dropping as the Samsung display was with the lights on, the set suffered in a dark room, leaving a bit to be desired when it came to black level performance. The local dimming test also produced the most egregious and wide ranging blooming. Likewise, though decent, off-angle viewing was among the worst of the bunch, and while colors were fantastic from dead on, they tended to wash out quite strongly from the side, especially red which veered more toward orange. Sony 75-inch X940D FALD LCD ($8,000) - Sony's flagship LCD Ultra HD TV features slim full-array direct backlight local dimming. Likewise, the display supports TRILUMINOS tech for wide color gamut playback, 3D, and comes branded with the company's "4K HDR Ultra HD" logo ensuring compliance with the Consumer Technology Association's (CTA) HDR definition with HDR10 support. Pros: The Sony display was among the strongest overall performers, and it managed to almost always stay near the top of the pack for every test. To this end, the Sony produced an even grayscale, accurate colors, great HDR performance, and solid black levels. Likewise, the set offered better local dimming implementation than the Samsung with less blooming during the torture test. Viewing angles and uniformity were also quite good for an LCD, though not on par with the LG. Cons: Like all LCDs, colors and contrast did still suffer from off-axis and the panel had some issues with the Red Blue Color Multiburst test, offering the worst performance of the group. And, as pleasing as the picture was, the LG still bested the TV with the lights off and the Samsung had a slight edge with the lights on (but only from a centered position). VIZIO's 65-inch Reference Series FALD LCD ($6,000) - VIZIO's premium LCD Ultra HD TV features an 800-nit panel and full-array local dimming with 384 active zones. Likewise, the display uses quantum dot technology for wide color gamut support and comes equipped with Dolby Vision High Dynamic Range playback (but not HDR10). In addition, the TV incorporates an integrated 3-channel soundbar with separate rear satellites and a wireless subwoofer. Pros: For an LCD set, the VIZIO really excelled when it came to black levels. With that in mind, the results from the local dimming test were especially eye-opening. While the Sony and Samsung both produced a relatively wide dispersion of blooming, the VIZIO managed to maintain comparatively small light bleeding localized to just around the scrolling line. Colors, grayscale, uniformity, and off-angle viewing were also very solid in most instances. And though HDR10 material could not be played, the Dolby Vision clips of 'Marco Polo' looked absolutely spectacular. Cons: Sadly, since the VIZIO doesn't support HDR10 it made some comparisons for color and perceived contrast rather hard (though SDR performance was about on par with the pack). And while off-angle viewing was decent, a red test pattern quickly became orange from off-axis -- much more so than the other displays. Furthermore, the TV was not capable of displaying above white. Final Thoughts Once the dust settled, LG's 65-inch G6 OLED was crowned the winner for "Best Overall Night" and "Best Overall" performance, making it the new "King of TV" -- a result I fully agree with. Meanwhile, Sony's 75-inch X940D FALD LCD snagged the highest score for "Best Overall Day," and though I do think the Samsung was punchier in a bright room, when factoring in uniformity and off-angle viewing, I also completely agree with this result. With that said, I do think some of the scoring for the VIZIO display is a little low compared to my own impressions, and I can't help but feel like the set's inability to play HDR10 content made it difficult to fully judge its picture quality against the other sets. To view the full results from the Value Electronics 2016 TV Shootout, click here! High-Def Digest would like to extend a big thanks to Robert Zohn and Joel Silver for hosting the event and inviting us to participate! While I would have preferred a little more focus on actual content comparisons from movies and TV shows, the shootout was an enlightening experience and an overall great time for any AV geek like myself. We're looking forward to seeing what next year's shootout has in store, but for now, the LG G6 is definitely the Ultra HD TV to beat. What do you think about the Value Electronics 2016 TV Shootout results? Do you own or plan to buy any of the participating displays? Let us know your thoughts in the forums!Posted Fri Jun 24, 2016 at 01:30 PM PDT by: -
Netflix Sets August 26 Premiere Date for Original Film 'XOXO'[teaser]The upcoming film will make its streaming debut in August. [/teaser] Netflix has announced a release date for its latest original movie. 'XOXO' will premiere exclusively through Netflix on August 26 at 12:01am PST. The film was directed by Christopher Louie and written by Dylan Meyer 'XOXO' is an ensemble comedy about a group of 20-somethings on a crazy adventure to the biggest EDM festival in America, XOXO. The film follows six strangers whose lives collide in one frenetic, dream-chasing, hopelessly romantic night. At the center is Ethan, a young DJ who gets a last minute slot to perform after his tracks go viral online days before the festival. This is a huge opportunity… if he can just make it there in one piece. The cast includes Sarah Hyland ('Modern Family'), Graham Phillips ('The Good Wife'), Brett DelBuono, Chris D’Elia ('Undateable'), Haley Kiyoko ('Jem & The Holograms'), Colin Woodell ('Masters of Sex'), Ryan Hansen ('Party Down,' '2 Broke Girls'), Ian Anthony Dale ('Hawaii Five-0') and Ione Skye ('Say Anything'). Max Leitman, Joe Russell p.g.a., Christopher Louie p.g.a., Pete Tong, and Dan Shafer are all on board as producers. In addition, Pete Tong is also serving as Music Supervisor. Other upcoming Netflix premieres include 'Marco Polo' season two on July 1, the documentary 'Tony Robbins: I Am Not Your Guru' on July 15, season three of 'BoJack Horseman' on July 22, 'The Little Prince' on August 5, 'Project Mc2' season two on August 12, and 'The Crown' on November 4. Likewise, the streaming platform is also prepping a new sci-fi series called 'Travelers' from writer Brad Wright. A current Netflix subscription starts at $10 for HD streaming and $12 for Ultra HD streaming. Source: NetflixPosted Fri Jun 24, 2016 at 01:00 PM PDT by: -
Howard Hawks' 'To Have and Have Not' Blu-ray Bound[teaser]The 1944 film starring Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall is coming to Blu-ray. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Warner Archive will be releasing 'To Have and Have Not' on Blu-ray later this year. Help the Free French? Not world-weary gunrunner Harry Morgan (Humphrey Bogart). But he changes his mind when a sultry siren-in-distress named Marie asks, "Anybody got a match?" That red-hot match is Bogart and 19-year-old first-time film actress Lauren Bacall. Full of intrigue and racy banter (including Bacall's legendary whistling instructions), this thriller excites further interest for what it has and has not. Cannily directed by Howard Hawks and smartly written by William Faulkner and Jules Furthman, it doesn't have much similarity to the Ernest Hemingway novel that inspired it. And it strongly resembles Casablanca: French resistance fighters, a piano-playing bluesman (Hoagy Carmichael) and a Martinique bar much like Rick's Cafe Americaine. But first and foremost, it showcases Bogart and Bacall, carrying on with a passion that smolders from the tips of their cigarettes clear through to their souls. The release will feature a new master and supplements include: Vintage Merrie Melodies Short "Bacall to Arms" (Remastered in HD); "A Love Story: the Story of To Have and Have Not" featurette; Lux Radio Broadcast starring Bogart and Bacall; and Theatrical Trailer. You can find the latest specs for 'To Have and Have Not' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under PENDING.Posted Fri Jun 24, 2016 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
'The Walking Dead: The Complete Sixth Season' Blu-ray Detailed[teaser]The sixth season of the hit AMC series brings even more Negan this August. [/teaser] As previously reported, Starz/Anchor Bay will be releasing 'The Walking Dead: The Complete Sixth Season' on Blu-ray on August 23. Season Six starts with Alexandria's safety shattered by multiple threats. To make it, the people of Alexandria will need to catch up with our survivors’ hardness while many of Rick’s people will need to take a step back from the violence and pragmatism they've needed to embrace. These reversals won't happen easily, or without conflict. But now Rick’s group is fighting for something more than survival... They're fighting for their home, and they will defend that at any cost, against any threat, even if that threat comes from within. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, lossless 5.1 audio, and supplements include: Including never-before-heard audio commentaries, deleted scenes, six new featurettes, additional extras and the highly anticipated Alternate Negan Scene. You can find the latest specs for 'The Walking Dead: The Complete Sixth Season' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under August 23. Order the Blu-rayPosted Fri Jun 24, 2016 at 10:00 AM PDT by:
