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HDD Gear Deal Spotlight: HDTVs & Home Theater Systems for up to 30 Percent Off![teaser]For a limited time, Amazon is offering deals on select TVs and audio gear! [/teaser] As part of the online retailer's ongoing electronics sales and promotions, Amazon is running limited time deals on a Yamaha home theater system and HDTVs from Sony and Sharp. Sharp LC-70LE660 70-Inch Aquos 1080p TV - Currently $1,398 (30 percent off). Sharp LC-60LE660 60-Inch Aquos 1080p TV - Currently $869 (28 percent off). Sony KDL70W850B 70-Inch 1080p TV - Currently $1,998 (23 percent off). Yamaha YHT599UBL 115W 5.1 Channel USB Home Theater System - Currently $500 (23 percent off). As always, 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 Mon Jan 12, 2015 at 06:30 PM PST by: -
Samsung Announces Slim Galaxy A7 Smartphone with HD OLED Screen[teaser]The new smartphone features a slim design and a focus on social experiences. [/teaser] Samsung has revealed the latest addition to its Galaxy line of mobile devices. The upcoming Galaxy A7 is one of the slimmest smartphones from the company and features a multicore processor. "We strive to develop devices that appeal to a broad range of consumers and are ahead of the next big social trend," said JK Shin, CEO and Head of IT & Mobile Communication at Samsung Electronics. "Combining both a stunning metallic design and a powerful performance, the Galaxy A7 is stylish while delivering the superior user experience." The Galaxy A7 uses a 5.5-inch HD AMOLED display. Under the hood, the device is powered by a 1.8GHz Quad-Core + 1.3GHz Quad-Core CPU, 2GB of RAM, 16GB of storage, and a 2,600mAh battery all running Android 4.4. A 13MP rear camera and a 5MP front camera are included as well. In addition, the smartphone features Ultra Wide Shot and Auto Selfie modes for taking pictures through voice commands and gestures, an Always Clear Voice Auto Control to reduce environmental noise, Multi Screen app functions, and a Private Mode for added security. Pricing and availability have not been revealed. Source: SamsungPosted Mon Jan 12, 2015 at 05:30 PM PST by: -
Netflix Confirms 'Wet Hot American Summer' Series with Original Cast, including Paul Rudd, Amy Poehler & Bradley Cooper[teaser]David Wain's cult comedy will return as a Netflix series. [/teaser] Get ready for another stay at Camp Firewood! Netflix has officially announced via tweet a new 8-episode limited series based on the 2001 film, 'Wet Hot American Summer.' Set on the last day of camp, in the hot summer of 1981, the movie follows a group of counselors trying to complete their unfinished business before the day ends. Though a box office failure, the silly satitical comedy has since become a cult classic. It's true, camp is back in session. #WetHotAmericanSummer will return for 8 all new episodes. pic.twitter.com/xMgUk9YgqW — Netflix US (@netflix) January 10, 2015 According to Variety, filming has already begun and the majority of the original cast members are all set to return. The series is being created by the film's writers David Wain and Michael Showalter, and Wain will return to the director's chair. Details on the plot are slim, but rumors indicate that the show will be a prequel that will see the cast play younger versions of themselves (despite the fact that they are all now actually fourteen years older). The movie's original ensemble includes: Elizabeth Banks, H. Jon Benjamin, Michael Ian Black, Bradley Cooper, Judah Friedlander, Janeane Garofalo, Nina Hellman, Ken Marino, Zak Orth, David Hyde Pierce, Joe LoTruglio, Christopher Meloni, A.D. Miles, Marguerite Moreau, Amy Poehler, Paul Rudd, Marisa Ryan, Molly Shannon, Showalter and Kevin Sussman. A release date for the 8-episode show has not been announced yet. A monthly Netflix subscription currently starts at $7.99 for SD streaming, $8.99 for HD streaming, and $11.99 for Ultra HD streaming. The service is available on a variety of smart TVs and media players, including the Fire TV, Fire TV Stick, Roku 3, Apple TV and Chromecast. Source: Variety via EngadgetPosted Mon Jan 12, 2015 at 01:00 PM PST by: -
Microsoft's 'Halo: Nightfall' Blu-ray Bound[teaser]The action series based on the popular video game is gearing up for Blu-ray in March. You can pre-order the disc here. [/teaser]In an early announcement to retailers, Microsoft is preparing 'Halo: Nightfall' for Blu-ray on March 17. 'Halo: Nightfall' tells the personal story of Jameson Locke, a legendary manhunter and agent with the Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI), Earth s most powerful and secretive military branch. He and his team are investigating terrorist chatter on the distant colony world of Sedra, when they are caught in a horrific biological attack. Led by Locke, ONI agents are forced to coordinate with Randall Aiken, a local commander with a remarkable history and deep-rooted mistrust of ONI. As they unravel a plot that draws them to an ancient, hellish artifact, they will be forced to fight for their survival, question everything, and ultimately choose between their loyalties and their lives. Specs and supplements have not been detailed yet. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $24.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Halo: Nightfall' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under March 17. Order the Blu-rayPosted Mon Jan 12, 2015 at 12:00 PM PST by: -
'Earth a New Wild' Documentary Series Dated for Blu-ray[teaser]The landmark five-part series hosted by leading conservation scientist Dr. M. Sanjayan is planned for Blu-ray next month. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, PBS will be releasing 'Earth a New Wild' on Blu-ray on February 10. With 45 shoots in 29 different countries using advanced filming techniques, the series provides all the spectacle of the best nature documentaries. It also goes a step further by capturing real-life encounters between wild animals and the people who live and work with them. These up-close looks at a range of species, from giant pandas to humpback whales, African lions and Arctic reindeer, uncover how people and wildlife – even top predators – can thrive alongside each other and be mutually beneficial. Each of the five episodes – Home, Plains, Forests, Oceans and Water – visits a different critical habitat in which humans are engaging with nature in new ways. The stunning nature sequences in these “frontier” places reveal the new and surprising roles that wild nature plays in our lives and the critical part people can play in restoring the natural world. “The pristine views of epic nature shows always leave something out of the picture: us,” said Sanjayan. “I traveled the world to film some of the wildest places. What I found were amazing stories that reveal a new paradigm about us and the planet we live on – that when we save wild nature we really are saving ourselves.” Specs and supplements haven't been revealed yet, but the suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $34.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Earth a New Wild' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under February 10. Order the Blu-rayPosted Mon Jan 12, 2015 at 10:00 AM PST by: -
Sony Unloading 'The Interview' Blu-rays Cheap![teaser]The controversial comedy is coming to Blu-ray and has a suggested list price just shy of $20. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Sony will be releasing 'The Interview' on Blu-ray and the preliminary release date is February 17. In the action-comedy The Interview, Dave Skylark (James Franco) and his producer Aaron Rapoport (Seth Rogen) run the popular celebrity tabloid TV show "Skylark Tonight." When they discover that North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un is a fan of the show, they land an interview with him in an attempt to legitimize themselves as journalists. As Dave and Aaron prepare to travel to Pyongyang, their plans change when the CIA recruits them, perhaps the two least-qualified men imaginable, to assassinate Kim Jong-un. Specs and supplements haven't been revealed yet, but the suggested list price for the Blu-ray is only $19.99. You can find the latest specs for 'The Interview' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under February 17. Order the Blu-rayPosted Mon Jan 12, 2015 at 08:00 AM PST by: -
Tomm Moore's Acclaimed Animated 'Song of the Sea' Dated for Blu-ray[teaser]The 2014 fantastical adventure sets sail to Blu-ray in March. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Universal Studios will be releasing 'Song of the Sea' on Blu-ray on March 17. From the writer and director of the Academy Award-nominated The Secret of Kells comes an enchanting fable about loss, magic and the love of family. When Saoirse and Ben's mother mysteriously disappears into the ocean, the two children go on an epic journey to find out the truth about her, and in the process, discover mystical secrets about both their mother and Saoirse herself. The film's voice talent includes Brendan Gleeson and Fionnula Flanagan. The Blu-ray/DVD/Digital Copy combo pack will feature 1080p video, DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 audio, and supplements include: Audio Commentary with Director Tomm Moore, Behind the Scenes with Optional Commentary from Director Tomm Moore, go to the arc Animation Tests with Optional Commentary from Director Tomm Moore, The Art of Song of the Sea, and Conceptual & U.S. Trailers. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $34.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Song of the Sea' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under March 17. Order the Blu-rayPosted Mon Jan 12, 2015 at 06:00 AM PST by: -
HDD Deal of the Week: 'Pee-wee's Playhouse: The Complete Series' Blu-ray $74.99[teaser]The classic comedy series on Blu-ray is fifty percent off this week at Amazon. [/teaser] Amazon is now selling 'Pee-wee's Playhouse: The Complete Series'' on Blu-ray for $74.99 (50% off suggested list price). Winner of an amazing twenty-two Emmy Awards, Pee-wee's Playhouse is a cultural touchstone for a generation, and its visually dynamic design and offbeat sense of humor were a genuine phenomenon. Whether reliving childhood memories or introducing this beloved series to a new generation, the newly re-mastered Pee-wee's Playhouse will take you back to being a kid. This is an essential Blu-ray collection for loyal fans and collectors. Pee-wee's Playhouse is an educational, artistic, and entertaining show that teaches kids strong 'life lessons.' With its innovative production design and Reubens' rich original characters and humor, Pee-wee's Playhouse is a magical place that sparks creativity and imagination-and brings joy to children and adults alike. Parents and grown-ups have always enjoyed the show's many double entendres. The series features beloved regulars Cowboy Curtis (Laurence Fishburne), Reba the Mail Lady (S. Epatha Merkerson), Miss Yvonne (Lynne Marie Stewart), Captain Carl (Phil Hartman), The King of Cartoons (William Marshall), Jambi the Genie (John Paragon), Ricardo (Vic Trevino) and Mrs. Rene (Suzanne Kent). And of course, Chairry, Pterri, Conky, Magic Screen, Clocky, Cool Cat, Dirty Dog, Chicky Baby, Penny, the Dinosaur family, and the rest of the gang! Pee-wee's Playhouse: The Complete Series Blu-ray box set contains over four hours of brand-new interviews with the cast and crew, plus never-seen, behind-the-scenes footage comprising ten featurettes. This offer is available now through January 18. Order the Blu-rayPosted Sun Jan 11, 2015 at 07:24 AM PST by: -
Samsung Highlights SUHD 4K Displays with Videos from CES 2015 Booth, including a Bendable Model in Action[teaser]Check out video footage of the company's upcoming nano-crystal Ultra HD TVs. [/teaser] As previously reported, Samsung is showing off a collection of new SUHD 4K displays at their CES booth in Las Vegas this week. For those not lucky enough to be in attendance, the company has shared a few videos to demonstrate the TV's nano-crystal technology, stylish design, and Tizen smart TV platform. Check out the clips below to see the 4K displays in action, including footage of 105-inch model that can transition from a flat-screen mode into a curved-screen mode. Samsung's SUHD TVs will be available in sizes ranging from 48-inches to 88-inches. Pricing and release dates have not been detailed yet. Source: SamsungPosted Fri Jan 9, 2015 at 03:00 PM PST by: -
Intel's Compute Stick Turns an HDMI Display into a Windows 8.1 Computer for $149[teaser]The new computer-on-a-stick device adds Windows support to your TV. [/teaser] Need a bit more power from your HDMI dongle? Well then, check out Intel's recently announced Compute Stick. The device plugs into a display's HDMI port, adding Windows 8.1 functionality for "light productivity, social networking, web browsing, and streaming media, such as Netflix, Hulu, or games." Under the hood, the Compute Stick is powered by an Intel Atom quad-core CPU and 2GB of RAM. The device also features 32GB of integrated storage, a microSD slot, a USB port, Wi-Fi connectivity, and Bluetooth 4.0 support. A mini-USB connector is included for power as well. In addition to the Windows 8.1 model, Intel will also be releasing a Linux version with 1GB of RAM and 8GB of storage. The Intel Compute Stick with Windows 8.1 is expected to retail for $149, and the Linux version will retail for $89. Both models will be available in March. Sources: Engadget, IntelPosted Fri Jan 9, 2015 at 02:00 PM PST by: