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DISH Launches Hopper 3 Whole-Home DVR with 4K Support[teaser]The company's latest DVR with 4K support is now available [/teaser] DISH has announced the release of the Hopper 3. The DVR was first revealed at CES last month and includes support for 4K on-demand playback. "Packed with industry firsts, Hopper 3 is the most advanced DVR in the world. It provides our customers with the innovative features they loved on our legacy Hopper DVRs, while additionally delivering the ultimate, conflict-free entertainment experience," said Vivek Khemka, DISH Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer. "Since the introduction of our first-generation Hopper only four years ago, we have continued to invest in innovation. DISH has a history of being at the forefront of consumer entertainment technology, and I’m proud to say that Hopper 3 offers no exception." The Hopper 3 features 16 tuners, allowing customers to watch shows in multiple rooms, remotely view live content through DISH Anywhere, and schedule multiple recordings at the same time without any pesky conflicts. Under the hood, the device runs a Broadcom BCM7445 quad-core ARM application processor at 1.5 GHz, 21K DMIPS and features a 2TB hard drive for up to 500 hours of high-definition recording (or 2,000 hours of standard definition recording). For 4K playback, the Hopper 3 can decode and output 60 FPS and 10-bit color and can support H.264 and H.265. The device also supports HDMI 2.0 with HDCP 2.2, USB 3.0, and HDR10/BDA 2.0 encoded streams. In addition, DISH has announced partnerships with Sony Pictures, The Orchard and Mance Media to offer on-demand Ultra HD content to the Hopper 3 and 4K Joey, including popular titles like 'The Amazing Spiderman' and 'American Hustle.' Likewise, the unit will add a Netflix app in the coming weeks with 4K playback and integration into the Hopper's universal search results. Finally, the DVR also features a new 4K Sports Bar Mode which divides the screen into four quadrants, enabling customers to watch four different HD feeds at the same time. According to the press release, "Qualified new and existing customers can receive one Hopper 3 at no upfront cost. The Hopper 3 system requires a whole-home DVR fee of $15 per month and $7 per month for each Joey, including the newly available 4K Joey." Source: DISHPosted Mon Feb 1, 2016 at 02:00 PM PST by: -
Samsung Teases Galaxy S7 Reveal, Launch Event Set for February 21[teaser]The company's latest Galaxy products will be unveiled later this month. [/teaser] Samsung has released a teaser video announcing plans to detail its newest line of Galaxy branded products right before the Mobile World Congress kicks off in Barcelona. Rumors suggest that the conference will include the debut of the Galaxy S7 smartphone. Official specs for the Galaxy S7 have not been confirmed, but as many as three different S7 models are expected to be revealed, including flat and curved edge versions. Likewise, reports indicate that the upcoming device could have a touchscreen capable of detecting the force of a user's touch. A fast-charging feature is also rumored. To mark the upcoming announcement, Samsung has uploaded a teaser video featuring its Gear VR Headset, implying that VR could play a big role in the company's future mobile plans. Check out the teaser below! Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked Launch Event is scheduled for February 21 at 1pm EST in Barcelona, Spain. The conference will be live streamed on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/SamsungMobile. Sources: Samsung, Android Central, EngadgetPosted Mon Feb 1, 2016 at 01:30 PM PST by: -
'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' Blu-ray Dated[teaser]J.J. Abrams' Star Wars: Episode VII looks to be coming in April. Blu-ray pre-orders are now up at Amazon! [/teaser] As previously reported, Disney/Buena Vista will be releasing 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' on Blu-ray, and now Amazon says the release date will be April 5. Thirty years after the defeat of the Galactic Empire, the galaxy faces a new threat from the evil Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) and the First Order. When a defector named Finn crash-lands on a desert planet, he meets Rey (Daisy Ridley), a tough scavenger whose droid contains a top-secret map. Together, the young duo joins forces with Han Solo (Harrison Ford) to make sure the Resistance receives the intelligence concerning the whereabouts of Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), the last of the Jedi Knights. No other details have been revealed at this time. You can find the latest specs for 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under April 5. Order the Blu-rayPosted Mon Feb 1, 2016 at 12:20 PM PST by: -
High-Def Digest's Essential Picks: January 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 groundbreaking sci-fi series, a very tiny superhero, and an impossible mission. 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, and December 2015. [teaser]For January, we're covering a harrowing trip to the "Red Planet," a heart-pumping crime thriller, and an inspiring true life story... in 3D! [/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 January, here's what we suggest you pick up, starting with the most essential... 'The Martian' - The late, great David Bowie once asked the world through song, "Is there life on Mars?" And now, thanks to director Ridley Scott and writers Andy Weir and Drew Goddard, we finally have an answer. Yes. Yes there is. And it's a person. A person who looks a lot like Matt Damon. But he might not be alive for long, and his only hope… is science! An effortlessly entertaining and gripping tale about survival and extraterrestrial potato farming, 'The Martian' is easily one of the year's most enjoyable films, turning a mild-mannered botanist into a genuine big-screen badass. Based on Weir's novel of the same name, Scott and company transport audiences to the surface of The Red Planet where a lone astronaut, Mark Watney (Matt Damon), has been stranded. Through his harrowing struggle to stay alive, we bear witness to the man's inspirational ingenuity, highlighting his scientific knowledge and keen problem solving abilities as he remains determined to survive against all odds. But as miraculous as his solo skills prove to be, he must eventually also rely on help from his Earth-bound crewmates and NASA back at home -- demonstrating both the power of the individual and the power that comes from working together. And despite how dire his situation becomes, Watney and the filmmakers always manage to keep one potentially life and film saving trait alive: their sense of humor. As the climax culminates in a beautifully dramatic image of Watney literally tangled up together with his rescuer (Jessica Chastain), both desperately clutching hold of each other within the vacuum of space, the director gives perfect visual form to the film's rousing humanist themes. Thankfully, whether in 2D or 3D, this Blu-ray release from 20th Century Fox preserves that visual form wonderfully, along with 5-star audio. Funny, heartfelt, suspenseful, and genuinely educational, 'The Martian' reminds us of the nearly impossible feats that human beings are capable of accomplishing… and the seemingly limitless applications for duct tape. Buy the Blu-ray Buy the Blu-ray 3D 'Sicario' - Throughout most of 'Sicario's runtime, Benicio Del Toro's enigmatic Alejandro skirts toward the periphery of the narrative, slowly navigating the edges of the film, making his presence known without drawing too much attention, like a calculated predator circling his prey -- until suddenly, he pounces. And in that moment, the film's true scope finally comes into focus. A dark crime thriller marked by continuously building suspense and momentary bursts of visceral action, the movie weaves a pulse-pounding narrative about wolves and the so-called sheep that get in their way. Entrenched in a violent plot dealing with Mexican drug cartels and illegal government operations, the story follows an ethical FBI Agent named Kate (Emily Blunt) who finds herself struggling to do the right thing while everyone else around her clearly has different plans -- plans that involve shooting first and asking questions later. And at the center of that trigger happy dynamic eventually emerges Alejandro (Benicio Del Toro), an ambiguous figure on Kate's task force with an agenda all his own. The manner in which the man's true mission and true nature are slowly revealed becomes paramount to the film's ultimate success, and Del Toro turns in one of his best and most quietly unnerving performances. Blunt also does excellent work as the determined Kate, and Roger Deakin's gritty cinematography achieves a certain guttural lyricism, guiding audiences through the script's perilous drama with striking images. Complex, thrilling, and impeccably crafted, Dennis Villeneuve's 'Sicario' ultimately reveals the subject of its title (which translates to "hitman"), offering a fittingly ambiguous and tense conclusion that leaves a lingering impression. Lionsgate has included a stellar technical presentation with a strong Dolby Atmos soundtrack and worthwhile special features, making this a must own disc worth devouring for any hungry wolf. Buy the Blu-ray 'The Walk' - Though I've gotten a bit better over the years, at the end of the day, I'm still rather afraid of heights. Just approaching the ledge of a tall building sends a shiver down my spine, so, it should go without saying that high wire walking has never been on my list of active hobbies. But after watching Robert Zemeckis' 'The Walk,' I now feel like I've almost experienced the real thing. And almost is more than enough for me. A moving testament to impossible dreams and impossible dreamers, the movie tells the true life story of Philippe Petit's famous walk between the Twin Towers -- successfully balancing emotion, humor, and drama across a cinematic wire of magic and spectacle. Despite being directed by the man responsible for two of my favorite films ('Who Frame Roger Rabbit' and 'Back to the Future'), I must admit that 'The Walk' had quite a bit going against it before I finally sat down to watch it. Namely, unavoidable comparisons to James Marsh's Academy Award winning documentary 'Man on Wire' (which covered the same material), and… Joseph Gordon-Levitt's silly French accent. Thankfully, the filmmakers manage to mostly overcome these two potential roadblocks, creating an engaging biopic that evolves into a breathtakingly unconventional heist flick. One where the main culprit doesn't wish to steal anything at all. Instead, he just wants to suspend a wire across two 1,300 foot tall buildings and walk across it. No big deal, right? Throughout it all, Zemeckis maintains a whimsical, almost fairy tale like quality, playing up the inherent magic of his subject with clever cinematic touches and awe-inspiring visuals. Speaking of which, the climactic walk among the clouds is truly breathtaking, and is sure to elicit a genuine feeling of vertigo in acrophobic viewers like me. Fueled by a reverent sense of awe, 'The Walk' becomes a stirring celebration of passion, dedication, and that rare breed of dreamer who is willing to risk everything to make the impossible possible. Marked by gorgeous, demo worthy 3D cinematography, exceptional audio, and solid supplements, this disc is easily one of January's must own titles. And please don't even bother trying to argue that with me… the carrots are cooked! Buy the Blu-ray Buy the Blu-ray 3D So, there you have it. While there were many titles worth picking up this January, 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 January's must own titles?Posted Mon Feb 1, 2016 at 12:10 PM PST by: -
'The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2' & 'The Hunger Games Complete 4-Film Collection' Dated and Detailed for Blu-ray[teaser]The worldwide phenomenon comes to a close on Blu-ray in March. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Lionsgate will be releasing 'The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2' on Blu-ray on March 22. Jennifer Lawrence stars as Katniss Everdeen, who began her journey fighting to survive the brutal Hunger Games, and rose to lead the rebellion against Panem's tyrannical president (Donald Sutherland). Now, Katniss and a team of rebels from District 13 prepare for the epic battle that will decide Panem's future. The Blu-ray combo pack will feature 1080p video, Dolby Atmos audio, and supplements include: Audio Commentary with Director Francis Lawrence and Producer Nina Jacobson; "Pawns No More: Making The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2" 8-Part Documentary; The Hunger Games: A Photographic Journey; Cinna's Sketchbook: Secrets of the Mockingjay Armor; Panem on Display: The Hunger Games: The Exhibition; and Jet to the Set. A 6-disc collection containing all four films in the franchise will also be available on the same date which will include: 12 Never-Before-Seen Deleted Scenes from The Hunger Games; 6 Deleted Scenes from The Hunger Games: Catching Fire – Including 1 Never Before Seen; 9 Deleted Scenes from The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1; 2 All-New Featurettes: "Picturing Panem" and "Capitol Cuisine"; 70 Additional Featurettes; Audio Commentaries, Music Videos and More. You can find the latest specs for '21 Jump Street' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under March 22. Order the Blu-ray Order the Blu-rayPosted Mon Feb 1, 2016 at 12:00 PM PST by: -
Apollo's Legacy Lives in 'Creed' on Blu-ray[teaser]The boxing film starring Michael B. Jordan and Sylvester Stallone in his Academy Award-nominated and Golden Globe-winning role will knock out Blu-ray in March. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Warner Brothers has revealed 'Creed' will arrive on Blu-ray on March 1. Adonis Johnson (Jordan) never knew his famous father, world heavyweight champion Apollo Creed, who died before he was born. Still, there's no denying that boxing is in his blood, so Adonis heads to Philadelphia, the site of Apollo Creed's legendary match with a tough upstart named Rocky Balboa. Once in the City of Brotherly Love, Adonis tracks Rocky (Stallone) down and asks him to be his trainer. Despite his insistence that he is out of the fight game for good, Rocky sees in Adonis the strength and determination he had known in Apollo—the fierce rival who became his closest friend. Agreeing to take him on, Rocky trains the young fighter, even as the former champ is battling an opponent more deadly than any he faced in the ring. With Rocky in his corner, it isn't long before Adonis gets his own shot at the title…but can he develop not only the drive but also the heart of a true fighter, in time to get into the ring? Creed also stars Tessa Thompson as Bianca, a local singer-songwriter who becomes involved with Adonis; Phylicia Rashad as Mary Anne Creed, Apollo's widow; and English pro boxer and former three-time ABA Heavyweight Champion Anthony Bellew as boxing champ "Pretty" Ricky Conlan. Ryan Coogler directed the film from a screenplay he wrote with Aaron Covington, based on a story by Coogler. The film is produced by Irwin Winkler, Robert Chartoff, Charles Winkler, William Chartoff, David Winkler, Kevin King-Templeton and Sylvester Stallone, alongside executive producer Nicolas Stern. Specs have yet to be revealed, but supplements include: Know the Past, Own the Future; Becoming Adonis; and Deleted Scenes. You can find the latest specs for 'Creed' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under March 1. Order the Blu-rayPosted Mon Feb 1, 2016 at 10:00 AM PST by: -
Blu-ray Will Start a 'Riot' in April[teaser]The crime thriller starring Matthew Reese, Chuck Liddell and Dolph Lundgren will be available on Blu-ray in April. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Universal will be releasing 'Riot' on Blu-ray on April 5. Copper Jack Stone (Matthew Reese) purposefully orchestrates a bank robbery in order to be thrown into prison with the notorious Russian kingpin, Balam (Chuck Liddell). Balam is more than just a mob criminal, he's a very cunning and dangerous lord who controls the police force from behind bars. Balam lives in prison as a cover for his real power, which is King of the city. His cell is a lavish private room built specifically for him, inaccessible to most in the depths of the prison structure. Even the warden fears venturing into his area of the prison. However, even surrounded by his loyal henchmen and guards in his sectioned off fortress, Balam doesn't know Jack is coming for him to avenge his family, whom Balam murdered in cold blood. Balam is tough... but Jack is tougher. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, lossless 5.1 audio, and supplements have yet to be revealed. You can find the latest specs for 'Riot' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under April 5. Order the Blu-rayPosted Mon Feb 1, 2016 at 08:00 AM PST by: -
LG Releases Super Bowl 50 OLED Ultra HD TV Commercial Starring Liam Neeson[teaser]"The Man from the Future" has arrived. [/teaser] LG has unveiled its first Super Bowl commercial ahead of the big game. The ad is produced by Ridley Scott's production company, RSA Films, and is directed by Jake Scott. LG's Super Bowl commercial features Liam Neeson as "The Man from the Future" and focuses on the company's Signature OLED Ultra HD TVs. Recently announced at CES back in January, the new Signature OLED TVs offer perfect blacks and Picture-on-Glass designs. In addition, the flagship 77-inch and 65-inch class models have been certified as "Ultra HD Premium" and include full HDR compatibility with support for HDR10 and Dolby Vision. Check out the full Super Bowl commercial below! In celebration of the ad, LG is also offering customers a chance to win an OLED TV through a new Twitter promotion. Followers of the #ManFromTheFuture campaign on Twitter can get details about the sweepstakes and learn how to participate by visiting @LGUS on Twitter or www.lg.com/us/man-from-the-future. Likewise, LG recently announced a special Super Bowl sale on select TVs as well, including several OLED models. The current discounts include: 65-inch class 65EF9500 OLED 4K Ultra HD TV - $4,999 (17% off). 65-inch class 65EG9600 OLED 4K Ultra HD TV - $4,999 (17% off). - Beginning 2/7 above deals also include choice of 43UF6400 / LAS855M / LAS851M / or $300 Gift Card. 55-inch class 55EG9600 OLED 4K Ultra HD TV - $2,999 (25% off). 55-inch class 55EF9500 OLED 4K Ultra HD TV - $2,999 (25% off). - Beginning 2/7 above deals also include choice of 42LF5600/43LF5400/ LAS551H / LAS454B / or $200 Gift Card. 55-inch class 55EG9100 OLED 4K Ultra HD TV - $1,998 (20% off). - Beginning 2/7 above deal also includes choice of LAS454B/ or $100 Gift Card. 65-inch class 65UF9500 LED 4K Ultra HD TV - $2,499 (45% off). 70-inch class 70UF7700 LED 4K Ultra HD TV - $2,499 (38% off). LG's Super Bowl promotions will run through February 13 online and in retail stores. In addition, LG's Super Bowl 50 commercial will air during the game on February 7. Full pricing has not been announced for LG's G6 Signature Series OLED TVs, but the displays are expected to start hitting stores in the first quarter of 2016. Meanwhile, the company's similarly featured OLED65E6P Flat 65-Inch 4K Ultra HD Smart OLED TV is currently available for pre-order at $7,000. Source: LGPosted Mon Feb 1, 2016 at 07:00 AM PST by: -
Ramin Bahrani's '99 Homes' Blu-ray Best Buy Exclusive Announced[teaser]The acclaimed dramatic thriller will be available on Blu-ray only at Best Buy next month. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Broad Green Pictures will be releasing '99 Homes' on Blu-ray as a Best Buy exclusive on February 9. In this timely thriller, single father Dennis Nash (Andrew Garfield) is evicted from his home and his only chance to win it back is to go to work for Rick Carver (Michael Shannon), the charismatic and ruthless businessman who evicted him in the first place. It's a deal-with-the-devil that provides security for his family; but as Nash falls deeper into Carver's web, he finds his situation grows more brutal and dangerous than he ever imagined. Specs haven't been revealed yet, but supplements include: Director's Commentary with Ramin Bahrani and a deleted scene. You can find the latest specs for '99 Homes' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under February 9. Order the Blu-rayPosted Mon Feb 1, 2016 at 06:00 AM PST by: -
HDD Gear Deal Spotlight: Up to 46% off Speakers & Kindle Fire Tablets[teaser]Amazon is offering discounts on select tablets and speakers! [/teaser] As part of the online retailer's ongoing deals, Amazon is running a special sale on select fire tablets and speakers from Polk and Pioneer. Polk Audio Monitor-65T Three-Way Floorstanding Speaker - Currently $190 (46% off). Polk Audio T15 Bookshelf Speakers, Pair, Black - Currently $75 (25% off). Pioneer SW-8MK2 Andrew Jones 100-Watt Subwoofer - Currently $139 (13% off). Kindle Fire HDX 7", 16 GB (Previous Generation - 3rd) - Currently $150 (30% off). Fire HD 6 Kids Edition, 6", 8 GB - Currently $120 (20% off). Fire HDX 8.9, 64 GB - Currently $430 (10% off). These deals will only be active for a limited time while supplies last. Make sure to stay tuned to High-Def Digest for more sales and special promotions!Posted Sat Jan 30, 2016 at 01:30 PM PST by:
