-
.jpg)
HDD Gear Deal Spotlight: Bluetooth Speakers[teaser]For a limited time, Amazon is offering up to 53 percent off select portable speakers! [/teaser] As part of the online retailer's ongoing electronics sales and promotions, Amazon is running limited time deals on select Bluetooth speakers from Creative, TDK, and Jawbone. Creative D100 Bluetooth Speaker - Currently $38 (53 percent off). Creative D200 Bluetooth Speaker - Currently $69 (47 percent off). Creative D80 Bluetooth Speaker - Currently $39 (22 percent off). TDK Life on Record A33 Wireless Speaker - Currently $120 (52 percent off). Jawbone JAMBOX Bluetooth Speaker - Currently $90 (40 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 Tue Sep 30, 2014 at 07:30 PM PDT by: -
TiVo Streaming Comes to Android[teaser]The company's Android app now supports streaming. [/teaser] TiVo has finally launched a video streaming feature for its Android app. With this new update users can now stream live and recorded programming to their mobile devices. The app offers support for Android 4.1 devices and above with non-Intel or AMD chipsets. Likewise, while most live and recorded content from over-the-air antenna broadcasts or cable TV will be streamable in and out of the home, certain programming may be restricted due to copy protection and other limitations. In addition to TV streaming, the updated app can also stream content from Netflix, Hulu Plus and Amazon Instant Video. Other features include cast & crew info for shows, the ability to tap between mobile and TV playback, and the option to use your mobile device as a remote control for your TiVo DVR. TiVo's new Android app is now available for download from the Google Play Store. An iOS version is also available. The TiVo Roamio is currently on sale for $170, the TiVo Roamio Plus is on sale for $335, and the TiVo Roamio Pro is on sale for $499. Source: TiVoPosted Tue Sep 30, 2014 at 03:30 PM PDT by: -
'Dawn of the Planet of the Apes' Dated and Detailed for Blu-ray and Blu-ray 3D[teaser]The action-packed sci-fi sequel is up for pre-orders at Amazon. [/teaser] As previously reported, 20th Century Fox is preparing 'Dawn of the Planet of the Apes' Blu-ray/Digital Copy combo pack and 'Dawn of the Planet of the Apes - 3D' Blu-ray 3D/Blu-ray combo pack for a release later this year, and now the date has been set for November 11. A growing nation of genetically evolved apes led by Caesar is threatened by a band of human survivors of the devastating virus unleashed a decade earlier. They reach a fragile peace, but it proves short-lived, as both sides are brought to the brink of a war that will determine who will emerge as Earth¹s dominant species. The Blu-rays will feature 1080p video, lossless 7.1 soundtracks, and supplements include: 4 Galleries and Andy Serkis: Rediscovering Caesar. Blu-ray exclusives include: Deleted Scenes with Optional Commentary by Matt Reeves; Journey to Dawn; Humans and Apes: The Cast of Dawn; The World of Dawn; The Ape Community; Move Like an Ape: An Artist s Artist’s Medium; Weta and Dawn; The Fight for a New Dawn; and Audio Commentary by Matt Reeves Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is set at $39.99, the Blu-ray 3D is $49.99, and the 'Planet Of The Apes: Caesar's Warrior Collection' (which also includes 'Rise' and a limited edition Caesar bust from WETA) is $129.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Dawn of the Planet of the Apes' and 'Dawn of the Planet of the Apes - 3D' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where they are both indexed under November 11, while 'Planet Of The Apes: Caesar's Warrior Collection' is listed under December 2 Order the 2D Blu-ray Order the 3D Blu-ray Caesar's Warrior CollectionPosted Tue Sep 30, 2014 at 02:00 PM PDT by: -
Woody Allen's 'Magic in the Moonlight' Will Cast a Spell on Blu-ray in December[teaser]Woody Allen's latest film is planned for Blu-ray in December. You can pre-order it here. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Sony will be releasing 'Magic in the Moonlight' on Blu-ray on December 16. 'Magic in the Moonlight' is a romantic comedy about an Englishman brought in to help unmask a possible swindle. Personal and professional complications ensue. The film is set in the south of France in the 1920s against a backdrop of wealthy mansions, the Côte d'Azur, jazz joints and fashionable spots for the wealthy of the Jazz Age. Specs and supplements haven't been revealed yet, but the suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $35.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Magic in the Moonlight' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under December 16. Order the Blu-rayPosted Tue Sep 30, 2014 at 01:00 PM PDT by: -
'The Doors: Feast of Friends' Blu-ray Announced[teaser]The rare concert documentary film will debut on Blu-ray in November. [/teaser]In an early announcement to retailers, Eagle Rock Entertainment is preparing 'The Doors: Feast of Friends' for Blu-ray on November 11. In April of 1968, filming began for what would become the first and only film produced about The Doors, by The Doors. Funded by the band and helmed by friend and fellow film graduate Paul Ferrara, the footage shot for this film would become the well from which the majority of future documentaries and music videos about the band would draw. This film became Feast of Friends, as Paul Ferrara thought it was a great lyric to use for the title. Other than a few appearances in film festivals the following year, an official release would never be seen. Until now. If not for a poor quality bootleg copy circulated among collectors and eventually via the Internet, the film's existence would have scarcely been known beyond the circle of diehard Doors fans. By many accounts, the original source of that bootleg is thought to have been Morrison's own copy, which he hand-carried when he moved to Paris in 1971 after recording what would be The Doors' final album. Concealed in a paper bag and forgotten at a friend's house, Morrison would never reclaim it, as he passed suddenly a few days later. 'Feast of Friends' offers a cinematic look at The Doors on the road during their summer '68 tour. Whilst never truly completed, as the production funding was abruptly cut due to the band's political problems stemming from Jim's arrest in Miami, the film provides a stylistic approach in true 60's cinéma vérité style. The film is comprised of concert performances which are intercut with fly-on-the-wall footage of the group in their natural habitat - playful, sensitive, chaotic and touching. Other than a few appearances in film festivals in 1968, this is the first official release. Completely restored from the original negative, as supervised by Jim Morrison, the film has been color-corrected and mastered in high definition with the soundtrack totally remixed and remastered by long-time Doors co-producer/engineer Bruce Botnick. Specs and a suggested list price have not been detailed yet, but supplements will include: Feast of Friends: Encore; The Doors Are Open; and The End. You can find the latest specs for 'The Doors: Feast of Friends' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under November 11.Posted Tue Sep 30, 2014 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
.jpg)
High-Def Digest's Essential Picks: September 2014Every 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 dazling, self-reflexive musical, some undead zombies, and a couple of old school gangsters. 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, and August 2014. [teaser]This month, we're covering a star-spangled superhero, a paranormal comedy classic, and a 350 foot monster. [/teaser] Please be aware, that if you haven't already seen them, there are some spoilers for the discs listed. If you can only buy three titles that hit Blu-ray in September, here's what we suggest you pick up, starting with the most essential... 'Captain America: The Winter Soldier' - Consistency is a rare quality to find in a Hollywood studio. Especially one churning out big budget summer tent-poles left and right. But if there was one word to describe Marvel's recent track record, I think "consistent" might be the most appropriate. Not all of their releases have been complete homeruns, but since 'Iron Man' hit screens in 2008, the studio has consistently crafted entertaining and successful flicks -- becoming one of the most creatively dependable movie companies this side of Pixar. And with their latest Phase 2 sequel, 'Captain America: The Winter Solider,' Marvel continues this trend without skipping a beat. In fact, Steve Rogers' latest outing just might be one of their best -- resulting in an action-packed political thriller with a comic book twist.Fully integrating the legendary WWII hero into our current morally ambiguous world, the movie thrusts Rogers into a twisting plot full of dangers from within. Trusted allies become potential threats, and once steadfast motivations are drowned in murky waters, drawing solid parallels between our real world politics and the superhero-infused world of SHIELD. Throughout it all, directors Anthony Russo and Joe Russo keeps things lively, offering lots of cool action set pieces without losing sight of an engaging and surprisingly important story. One that will have very lasting effects on the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Chris Evans continues to do great work as the title hero, highlighting the character's old fashioned nobility and tragically misplaced circumstances. He's a relic from a simpler time being forced to play by new corrupt rules, but you can only push a good man down for so long before he… whacks you with a vibranium shield! Marvel franchise regulars Scarlett Johansen and Samuel L. Jackson also turn in fun performances, and newcomer Anthony Mackie effortlessly joins the pack. We even get a little extra dash of old school Hollywood class with Robert Redford, and the eponymous "Winter Soldier" proves to be a very effective and multi-layered antagonist, challenging our hero not only physically, but emotionally and psychologically as well. In many ways, 'The Winter Soldier' proudly tears down everything Marvel has been building up until this point, slyly offering a greater peek into the full extent of the producers' master plan. In an essentially unprecedented move, the studio continues to create an evolving multi-part universe of interconnecting stories full of escalating arcs. Like Michael Palmer describes in his full review, Marvel has created "the world's most expensive television series," and this episode is one of the show's best. Not just a cog in a greater machine, the movie also fully stands alone, giving audiences a satisfying and entertaining ride. With 5-star video and audio, this is not only one of the month's top demo discs, but one of its best overall flicks through and through. And if this summer's fantastic 'Guardians of the Galaxy' is any indication, then Marvel is nowhere near done. After all, 'The Age of Ultron' will soon be upon us, and I'll be waiting patiently with my bag of popcorn. Buy the Blu-ray 'Ghostbusters 1 & 2 (Digibook, Mastered in 4K)' - "If there's something strange in your neighborhood, who ya gonna call?" Well, if the 80s taught us anything (and I'm not so sure that they did), then the answer is, of course, the Ghostbusters! That is, unless it's an actual emergency. Then the police or fire department are probably a safer bet. But if you've got an unruly spirit that needs catching, then Peter, Ray, Egon, and Winston are your guys. And if you're looking for a funny, imaginative, and infinitely re-watchable movie, then 'Ghostbusters' is definitely the flick for you. And you know what? The sequel ain't half bad either. Yeah, I said it. I have a soft spot in my heart for Vigo and his throne of blood.Successfully mixing comedy, special effects, and supernatural thrills isn't exactly a simple proposition, but director Ivan Reitman and writers Dan Aykroyd & Harold Ramis make it look easy. The tone is pitch perfect, the dialogue is witty and memorable, and the characters are all great -- giving Bill Murray one of his most iconic roles. Each member of the team brings something different to the table and the actors' comedic sensibilities mesh wonderfully. There's Peter's dry sarcasm in the face of the supernatural, Ray's unbridled enthusiasm, Egon's hilariously dull demeanor and, uh... there's also Winston! And while most will concede that the movie's 1989 sequel is an inferior follow-up, I've always enjoyed the flick. Yeah, the Statue of Liberty scene is a bit much, but there's something about Peter MacNicol's ridiculous accent and all of Vigo's villainous grandstanding that always puts a smile on my face. Also, there's dancing toasters. Who doesn't love dancing toasters?In celebration of the first film's 30th Anniversary, this handsome digibook package includes both movies along with a solid array of supplements and great looking "Mastered in 4K" transfers. For the true diehard fans, there's also a 'Limited Edition Gift Set' that features a Slimer figurine. Though plans for a proposed third movie seemingly remain in development hell (where they belong along with Gozer and Vigo), the original film still stands tall as a true genre-bending comedy classic full of quotable lines and even a few important life lessons. You see, I was wrong. The 80s did teach us something very, very important. Don't cross the streams. Ever. That is, except when there's a giant Stay Puft Marshmallow Man terrorizing the city. Buy the Blu-ray 'Godzilla (2014)' - As an unashamed geek, there are very few big-screen sci-fi franchises that I'm not already familiar with. For instance, when the latest Marvel, DC, 'Star Trek,' or 'Star Wars' movies comes out, I go into the films with a built-in emotional investment and a certain level of expectation. You see, I know exactly what I want and expect from a Hollywood version of those characters. I grew up with them, and have some strong opinions about how they should be portrayed. This can lead to some admittedly nitpicky criticisms that get hung up on certain nerdy details -- like why the hell Khan has an English accent, or who the hell thought it was a good idea to sew Deadpool's mouth shut -- but with 'Godzilla,' I have no such pre-conceived notions. No childhood memories. No fervent fanaticism. In fact, I've never actually seen any of the original Toho films. With that in mind, I have very little opinion of what a 'Godzilla' film should be, freeing me up to embrace whatever interpretation the filmmakers have in store here. So, going into Gareth Edward's recent take on the giant monster, I really had only one established criteria: please be better than that stupid 1998 movie. And on that front, the director has easily succeeded… and then some.While I always admire when writers decide to buck convention and stray from usual genre formulas, certain tropes can be very effective if employed correctly. To this point, 'Godzilla' hits all the right giant monster/disaster movie beats without devolving into a clichéd messed. First up, we get a mysterious scientific discovery that has various experts starring with jaws wide open, spouting out lines like, "But that's impossible!" Next, we get a tragic accident that turns one man into a seemingly crazy voice of reason that no one will listen to. And just when it seems like the guys in power might smarten up and take heed to his warnings… whoops! It's too late and the shit hits the fan, leading to many shots of desperate bystanders fleeing in horror from impending doom. It's not exactly the most original setup, but it works pretty well and the filmmakers do a solid job of establishing worthwhile characters and relatively involving human drama -- which then goes on to keep things emotionally grounded once the giant monsters finally show up. And when the CGI spectacle does kick into full gear, Edwards displays an impressive level of style and visual cohesion, keeping things exciting and interesting without overwhelming the audience with constant cuts, superficial angles, and nearly indecipherable action (cough, Michael Bay, cough). Instead, we get a visceral and atmospheric showdown between colossal prehistoric beasts, shrouded in moody lighting and smoke while still offering a clear view of the chaos. Yes, the movie isn't perfect. Despite being the title character, Godzilla gets a surprisingly scant (but still very potent) amount of screen time, the first half is on the slow side, and the thematic material dealing with man's hubris against nature doesn't hit as hard as it should -- but for a summer monster spectacle, the flick ends up being entertaining and very well crafted (the HALO skydiving scene is a real highlight). Unlike more devoted 'Godzilla' fans, I have no real frame of reference here, but if this is what we can expect from Gareth Edward's take on the franchise, then I'm definitely looking forward to the next installment. While this disc might not be the "King of the Blu-rays," with a great technical presentation and solid extras, this Blu-ray easily smashes its way into the last spot on September's list. Buy the Blu-ray So, there you have it. While there are many titles worth picking up this September, 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 September's must own titles?Posted Tue Sep 30, 2014 at 10:01 AM PDT by: -
'Extant: Season 1' Blu-ray Bound[teaser]The first season of the sci-fi drama starring Halle Berry is rocketing toward Blu-ray in December. You can pre-order the show here. [/teaser]In an early announcement to retailers, Paramount is preparing 'Extant: Season 1' for Blu-ray on December 9. Academy Award-winning producer Steven Spielberg launches a sci-fi thriller that explores the realms of family, evolution and, ultimately, the survival of the human race. Academy Award winner Halle Berry plays Molly Woods, an astronaut trying to readjust to life on earth after a 13-month space mission. But slipping back into her role as wife and mother gets complicated when her doctor (Golden Globe winner Camryn Manheim) discovers that after a year-long solo mission, Molly is inexplicably pregnant. Adding to her stress, Molly struggles to reconnect with her "son," a humanoid robot created by her engineer husband (Goran Visnijic), both as a response to their infertility and as a scientific pet project. From the creation of life to the mysteries of space to the future of humanity, the world will never be the same. And neither will Molly Woods. Specs have not been detailed yet, but supplements will include: Extant: Filming Season One; The Story of Extant; Extant: The Pilot Episode - The Premiere; Extant: The Cast; 7 CBS Launch Promos; Interview: Games of Words with Mickey Fisher; The Offspring; The Future World of Extant; and The VFX of Extant. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $69.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Extant: Season 1' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under December 9. Order the Blu-rayPosted Tue Sep 30, 2014 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
'Inspector Lewis: Series 7' Investigating Blu-ray in October[teaser]The next three installments in the PBS series will arrive on Blu-ray this November. You can pre-order the set now. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, PBS is preparing 'Inspector Lewis: Series 7' for Blu-ray on November 25. Kevin Whately and Laurence Fox return for a seventh season of the beloved “Inspector Lewis” series. Hathaway has been promoted to Inspector after an extended break from the force, and Lewis is adjusting to retired life until he’s asked to team up with his old colleague. With their partnership renewed under altered circumstances, the duo continues to solve crimes in the seemingly perfect academic haven of Oxford, England. Specs and supplements haven't been revealed yet, but suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $34.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Inspector Lewis: Series 7' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under November 25. Order the Blu-rayPosted Tue Sep 30, 2014 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
'Tesis' Dated for Blu-ray[teaser]Alejandro Amenábar's acclaimed 1996 thriller is planned for Blu-ray in December. You can order it here. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Tanelorn Films will be releasing 'Tesis' on Blu-ray on December 9. The winner of 6 Goya Awards - including Best Picture - Tesis is an American-style thriller from Spain's director sensation Alejandro Amenabar (The Others, Open Your Eyes). Angela (Ana Torrent: Spirit of the Beehive, Cria), is a university student writing her thesis about violence in the media. During her research, she comes across a shocking ''snuff'' film (a film where a murder is actually committed for the camera) that has apparently been shot on the campus. Investigating further, she uncovers clues that the university's administrators may be involved in an unexplained series of student disappearances, leading her to the ultimate terrifying revelation: she might be the next victim. Tesis has been acclaimed by critics around the world as a superbly constructed thriller that generates considerable suspense and thrills from beginning to end. Specs and supplements haven't been revealed yet, but the suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $39.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Tesis' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under December 9. Order the Blu-rayPosted Tue Sep 30, 2014 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
Hands On with Pioneer's Dolby Atmos Speakers and AVRNOTE: [teaser]This article covers Dolby Atmos for the home, the new Dolby Surround up-mixing, and a few different Pioneer products. It's designed to recreate what it would be like to test out Atmos in your home for the very first time after purchasing the necessary gear upgrades. [/teaser] If you are not already up to speed on the Atmos basics -- no worries at all -- just make sure to read these articles first: High-Def Digest's Dolby Atmos Home Theater Guideby Steven Cohen Dolby Atmos Demo + Q&A (and Follow-Up Answers)by Josh Zyber Chapter One:The Warehouse Three weeks ago, I was in a bit of a pickle. Supposed to review the very first Blu-ray disc encoded with the all new home theatre version of my favorite theatrical surround sound format, Dolby Atmos. One problem. I haven't been able to upgrade my home theatre yet. Luckily, Dolby put me in touch with Pioneer to set up a demo to watch 'Transformers: Age of Extinction - 3D' in Dolby Atmos for the first time. Down in the port city of Long Beach, tucked in behind a sea of corporate cubicles, lies a warehouse reminiscent of the closing shot from 'Raiders of the Lost Ark'. Here too you will find relics... of things no longer sold in stores. Apparently, replacement units and spare parts must be kept seven or eight years after any product is sold. It was like walking into mad scientist's genetic experiment where he crossed a Best Buy with a Home Depot. And there they were -- shelves and shelves teaming with infamous KURO plasma HDTVs. [note: if there's a "heist" at this warehouse in the not too distant future, it totally wasn't me, I swear]. If you're into Pioneer gear, this would have been your elysium. Chapter Two:The Elite System In the back of the warehouse, Pioneer has a few demo rooms. Mine was a rectangular space about twelve feet wide by twenty or so feet long with a ten-foot flat ceiling and a few base traps other acoustic panels on the walls. While much more of a dedicated home theatre space, it was quite close in dimensions to my apartment's living room. Other than the display -- a 65-inch Panasonic TC-L65WT600 LED 4K UHDTV -- the rest of the gear was, of course, all Pioneer Elite. The only difference between what I used and what you can purchase is the AVR firmware wasn't the final version that will be released shortly (I believe in time for 'Age of Extinction'). Pioneer set up a 5.1.4 system to demonstrate the maximum capabilities of their nine-channel Atmos AVRs. The flagship $2,999 Elite SC-89 9.2 channel AV Receiver powered the system. It features 8 HDMI 2.0 inputs (2 outputs), dual subwoofer outs, MCACC Pro calibration, 140 watts of power for all nine channels, and is capable of being set up in more traditional 5.1, 7.1, or 9.1, as well as 5.1.2, 5.1.4, or 7.1.2 Dolby Atmos and DTS Neo:X configurations. While the SC-89 is the most powerful and most expensive in the series line, the $1,599 SC-85 and the $1,999 SC-87 use the exact same Texas Instruments processor to decode Atmos. As Pioneer's most affordable Atmos AVR, the SC-85 provides seven channels of amplification, allowing for a 5.1.2 Atmos configuration. The company hopes to get down to the sub-$1000 price point for next year, as some of its competitors are offering seven-channel Atmos AVRs at around $600. Speakers included one SP-EC73 Elite Center Channel Speaker ($399), one SW-E10 Elite Subwoofer ($599), and four Dolby Atmos enabled SP-EFS73 Elite Floorstanding Speakers -- two up front and two behind my seating position. The EFS73s cost $699 each and consist of three 5 1/4" aluminum woofers and one 4" concentric alumni mid-range with a 1" tweeter, as well as one top-firing 4" concentric alumni mid-range with a 1" soft dome tweeter. The two mid-range/tweeter combos use the same driver with slightly different crossovers. The vertically firing Dolby speaker cuts off everything below 180hz. However, while most of the other manufacturers' AVRs apparently route these lower frequencies to the subwoofer, Pioneer AVRs route them into the non-Atmos part of the same speaker. Smart. This demonstration 5.1.4 setup would cost you -- not including a display, necessary cables, and BD Player -- just under $6800. Swap in an SC-87 and one pair of SP-EBS73-LR Elite Concentric Bookself Speakers ($749/pair), and you have a 5.1.4 Atmos surround experience for just under $5150. Stick to four ESBS73-LR bookshelves and you're good to go for under $4,700. I don't know if I'd trade in my KEF iQ-series speakers just yet, even though Andrew Jones also designed these, but overall this systems sounds terrific. The sub produced voluminous and punchy bass, while the towers admirably handled decent low notes, clean mid tones, and screaming highs. I've always wanted to do an all-floorstanding surround set up, and we played this system at just under reference. They handled it easily. My only thought is that some folks may find them a wee bit on the bright side of things. I did not review Atmos with any in-ceiling speakers. Chapter Three:The CEDIA 2014 Demo Disc I popped in a new Dolby Atmos demo disc, which some of you may have seen at this year's CEDIA. We started with a few Dolby Atmos trailers, including 'Amaze', 'Leaf', 'Conductor', and the original 'Unfold'. 'Amaze' instantly proved the potential Dolby Atmos in the home using upwards firing speakers, transporting me into the heart of a stormy rain forrest. 'Leaf' is, oddly enough, my least favorite Atmos trailer when it plays in my local Atmos auditorium, but with the Pioneer 5.1.4 set up, it came alive, revealing nuances and details I had never noticed before. As we rolled through the other trailers, and an on/off comparison (Atmos vs. No Atmos) of a thunder storm, I was pretty excited. But my hosts had saved the best for last. No, not the movie tracks. The Enrique Iglesias music video, 'Bailando'. Hearing multi-channel Dolby remixes is always a pleasure -- they alter the music only slightly while enhancing the arrangement to reveal surround sound flourishes. 'Bailando' is a catchy tune with spanish guitars, a heavy beat, and even a choral element. The song soared in Atmos, enveloping the entire room, creating an ultra wide soundstage. Simply put, Dolby along with its content and hardware partners like Pioneer have managed to make Atmos for the home an identical experience to it theatrical ancestor. In fact, for some of you with high-end gear, Dolby Atmos for the home may even surpass some professional auditoriums. As such, I don't feel the need to qualify Dolby Atmos "for the home" anymore. Let's call it what it really is and aspires to be: Dolby Atmos. Chapter Four:The First Dolby Atmos Blu-ray After the CEDIA 2014 Demo Disc, I watched 'Transformers: Age of Extinction' (again). As a bonus, Pioneer had the 3D IMAX cut I had not yet received. Skip over to the Atmos portion of the review to get the full details, but it boils down to this: 'Transformers: Age of Extinction' sounds wonderful in Dolby Atmos and even improves on the 7.1 mix in a few places. But it isn't an overwhelmingly different surround experience. Seeing how capable Atmos is at recreating a theatrical experience, and since I've heard better Atmos theatrical mixes, I'm going to assume Atmos on Blu-ray can do a little better. However, in the review, what I did not say was that I'm open to being proven wrong. How, you ask? Atmos is so new and so customizable, there are a few variables at play. First, what would a 7.1.4 configuration sound like? After spending four hours listening to Atmos in 5.1.4, I began to miss my 7.1 system's side surrounds, which I feel close the sonic gap from front to rear channels. Second, what would this mix have sounded like with in-ceiling overhead speakers (I'm less concerned with this variable as the Atmos Trailers proved enveloping)? Perhaps the experience would be more precise. It should be the same, but I'm not sure. Chapter FiveAtmos 5.1.4 vs. 5.1.2 After finishing the film, I compared 5.1.4 and 5.1.2 to contrast the potential benefit of four height channels over two channels. Tucked into the menu (pictured above and below), under speaker settings, Pioneer AVRs allow you to choose between Top Front (TF), Top Middle (TM), and Top Back (TB) height channels. In each of those areas, you can choose either in-ceiling or Dolby Atmos enabled Speakers ("Dolby Sp"). If you select Dolby Speakers, you will also be prompted, during EQ, to tell the AVR how tall your speakers are and your ceiling's height. My two takeaways... 1. you can mix and match pairs in-ceiling and Dolby Speakers if you so choose (or need). 2. To activate 5.1.2, even when using Atmos enabled front channel speakers, you turn those on by selecting Top Middle. To my ears, dropping down from 5.1.4 to 5.1.2 (utilizing the front floorstanders' top-firing speakers) was a bit of a let down. Again, I can't speak to what it would be like to have in-ceiling speakers directly over your seating position (I suspect it would work quite well), but it definitely reduced immersion. The leaf in 'Leaf' didn't swirl as high; the thunder in 'Amaze' didn't boom as loudly behind. I'll have to conduct a few more demos (Onkyo, Denon, Marantz, Yamaha, Integra -- if you're reading this and can help, please reach out to say hello), but after a few quick comparisons, I can see why Dolby calls 7.1.4 an optimum Atmos configuration. That said, stepping up to a nine-channel AVR is expensive enough, let alone an eleven-channel model (or a nine-channel AVR with pre-outs to an extra amplifier). Basically, those who go to the full 5.1.4 and 7.1.4 are more likely to be a niche market unless prices drop. I can't specify to what degree, but I know Pioneer is looking to get prices down on their AVRs for next year, though they will be sticking with nine-channel AVRs due to size and weight considerations. Chapter Six:Atmos vs 7.1 For various reasons like cost, layout, and room size, many people currently have 5.1 setups. If I didn't already own (and love) a 7.1 system, I'd probably be asking myself this: entry-level Atmos AVRs have seven channels of amplification, so what's a better home cinema experience -- 7.1 or 5.1.2? I honestly don't have a recommendation yet. Still need to spend more time with the format. Height channels are exciting and new, but having been less impressed by 5.1.2 than 5.1.4, I wonder if it's worth it with only two height channels. From my very first 7.1 demo, I felt the four rear channels pulling me closer to the screen. Atmos has a provable wow factor, but I'm reticent to trade down from 7.1 ear-level channels. Hopefully some of you will try out 5.1.2, or maybe I'll get a chance to hear some 7.1.2 to get a sense of what that sounds like. Still, to make that jump up to a nine-channel AVR, it's going to raise costs. One option to get an entry level AVR and Atmos enabled speakers, and wire it BOTH for 7.1 and Atmos 5.1.2, though that could be annoying, having to change menu settings (and possibly recalibrating the room?) and plug and play wires every time you swap formats. I wish I had an exact answer on this one, but I think it's going to be dependent on individual listeners and home theatre environments for me to say what's Best (money not withstanding). Chapter Seven:Dolby Surround ~ Atmos Up-Mixing I was pretty thrilled to test out Atmos in the home, but to be honest, I was even more excited to demo the new post-processing element built into Atmos enabled AVRs -- "Dolby Surround." I know the Pioneer team tested 'Captain America: The Winter Soldier' at CEDIA 2014, but I don't think anyone has reviewed this feature yet. First, I can confirm that Dolby ProLogic IIx / IIz has been put to pasture (on Pioneer gear), along with its ability to select variations of the mode for music, movies, or gaming. In Pro Logic's place, Dolby Surround turns stereo, 5.1, or 7.1 mixes into full fledged Dolby Atmos. Or, at least, it's supposed to. I hit a couple snags here. As mentioned, I wasn't using the final firmware on this AVR and while Dolby Surround does work with non-Dolby codecs, in a masterstroke of corporate sabotage a stroke of bad luck, my SC-89 would not play any DTS-HD MA titles. So I wasn't able to find out if 'Gravity' could be turned from 5.1 back into Atmos by up-mixing alone. Boo. Luckily, I had a TrueHD demo disc with 5.1 and 7.1 clips from 'The Dark Knight', 'Batman Begins', 'Star Trek', and 'Super 8'. I immediately selected 'Super 8' for its absolutely epic train crash, listening with and without Dolby Surround while walking around the room to hear the top-firing speakers at work. Sadly, the rail disaster didn't sound any better in Dolby Surround; in fact, on this 5.1 system, it may have sounded a little weaker compared to native 7.1. Trying out a few other movie selections, Dolby Surround didn't alter the mixes in a big way (a good thing, for sure), but didn't live up to it to the potential hype (a disappointment, for sure). Though not all hope is lost. Thanks to the DTS-HD MA snafu, I wasn't able to pop in 'Jurassic Park' or 'Road to Perdition' to check out some stormy, rainy scenes that should work pretty well in Dolby Surround. My last demo was multichannel (Dolby TrueHD) and stereo (CDs) music piped through Dolby Surround. The results here were more obvious, definitely making the music taller, but the center channel was a little loud for my liking. Dolby Surround treated the music more like Dolby ProLogic IIx: Cinema than my prefered music Pro Logic IIx: Music, which prioritizes front left and right channels (as they would for a stereo recording). It's a shame to see the Music option gone, as the DTS Neo: Music clearly adds too much extra bass. ~~~~~~ EDIT (9/30/2014): Dolby sent me a small correction. Dolby Surround does, in fact, include "a control known as Center Spread, which will soften the center speaker focused content, as is often desirable when listening to musical content. Center Spread can also be of benefit for enthusiasts that have a large wide screen display (think projection screen) and seek to spread the dialogue and center channel effects wider across the sound stage for a more natural presentation." Clearly I did not find this feature in my limited time with the product. Thanks to Dolby for the clarification. ~~~~~~ From this very short demo with limited material, Dolby Surround is much less impressive in the way it adds height than what Pro Logic IIx does when adding extra rear channel speakers, but it's probably an upgrade over Pro Logic IIz's height channels. I look forward to more, long-term testing. Chapter Eight:The Final Chapter There we have it, dear readers. My first dive into what I used to call Dolby Atmos in the home, but will now only call Dolby Atmos. Bottom line: with the right mix, Dolby Atmos has the demonstrable ability to treat home cinema enthusiasts to an experience identical to the one we have in our favorite commercial theatres. Customizable to almost every listening environment, with options for all sorts of budget ranges, some of us will be configuring Atmos with seven-channels of processing and amplification; others will be reaching towards 32 channels... All from the same disc or digital stream. Thanks again to Pioneer and Dolby for arranging this demo. It was tons of fun and only fanned the flames of my enthusiasm, even if Dolby Surround wasn't able to create Atmos-quality mixes out of thin air. I just don't know if anything less than 7.1.4 will work for my ears even though wiring / powering eleven channels may prove to be a significant financial hurtle. Hopefully prices will come down, and I look forward to testing out 7.1.2 as well. What about you? Have you gotten to hear any Dolby Atmos Demos? Are you already planning to upgrade? If so, have you decided on in-ceiling speakers, or are you waiting to hear the Atmos-enabled speakers? Showrooms will be rolling the format out to public ears in the coming weeks and months as studios begin to announce more Blu-ray and HD streaming titles (I can't say what rumors I've heard, but I think we're going to see some BIG titles). I highly suggest listening to Atmos for yourself and let us know what you think in the forums. Cheers and thanks for reading.Posted Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 02:20 PM PDT by:
