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Samsung Launches Pre-Orders for QLED Ultra HD TV Series, Prices Start at $2,500[teaser]The new 4K displays are now available for pre-order.[/teaser] Samsung has launched pre-orders for its QLED Ultra HD TV Series. The displays use new metal quantum dot technology for improved colors and brightness. In addition, the company has announced that the QLED TV lineup has received "100 Percent Color Volume" verification from world-class testing and certification association, Verband Deutscher Elektrotechniker (VDE). "The '100 percent color volume' verification awarded to Samsung's QLED TV signifies the excellence of our product and its revolutionary picture quality. As the global TV market leader for 11 consecutive years, we are thrilled to be leading the TV industry into a world of Quantum dot-powered displays featuring the best available picture quality," said JongHee Han, Executive Vice President of the Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. The QLED series consists of the Q9, Q8, and Q7 Ultra HD TVs. The displays offer accurate reproduction of the DCI-P3 color space and are capable of presenting 100 percent color volume, allowing the TVs to produce all colors at any brightness level. In addition, QLED peak luminance is rated between 1,500 and 2,000 nits. These color and brightness performance improvements are a result of the displays' new metal quantum dot materials which can "express deep blacks and rich detail regardless of how light or dark the scene is, or whether the content is being played in a brightly lit or darkened room." Here's a full rundown of current Q8 and Q7 pre-order pricing: 55" Class Q7F QLED 4K TV - $2,500 65" Class Q7F QLED 4K TV - $3,500 75" Class Q7F QLED 4K TV - $6,000 55" Class Q8C Curved QLED 4K TV - $3,500 65" Class Q8C Curved QLED 4K TV - $4,500 Initial pre-orders are expected to ship in late February and early March. Pricing and availability for the flagship Q9 models have not been announced yet. Source: SamsungPosted Thu Feb 9, 2017 at 10:00 AM PST by: -
VIZIO Adds HDR10 Support to Select E-Series SmartCast Ultra HD Displays[teaser]Select E-Series displays are getting high dynamic range support.[/teaser] VIZIO has announced a new firmware update for select E-Series SmartCast Ultra HD Displays. The update adds HDR10 playback support for existing HDR Ultra HD Blu-ray players from Samsung (UHD-K8500) and Philips (BDP7501/F7), along with PS4 and Xbox One S game consoles. "The E-Series collection already stands out as a feature-rich entry-level option, packed with picture quality benefits typically reserved for higher-priced, more premium collections," said Matt McRae, Chief Technology Officer, VIZIO. "By offering the added benefit of HDR10 compatibility on select VIZIO SmartCast E-Series Ultra HD displays, we're giving even more consumers the ability to enjoy the benefits of High Dynamic Range content in their living rooms." VIZIO's E-Series Ultra HD displays feature Full-Array LED panels with up to 12 Active LED Zones. Additional features include Clear Action 240 technology, an ultra-fast 120Hz Effective Refresh Rate, VIZIO's Spatial Scaling Engine, and VM50 Ultra HD Engine for 4K upscaling. Likewise, the displays include support for the VIZIO SmartCast app on iOS and Android devices. Instead of jumping between apps, VIZIO SmartCast lets users search and browse content by genre across multiple apps at once directly on their tablets or smartphones. A standard IR remote control is included as well. Here's a full rundown of E-Series models eligible for the HDR10 firmware update: VIZIO SmartCast™ 55” E-Series™ Ultra HD Home Theater Display™ (E55-E1) MSRP $629.99 VIZIO SmartCast™ 55” E-Series™ Ultra HD Home Theater Display™ (E55-E2) MSRP $629.99 VIZIO SmartCast™ 60” E-Series™ Ultra HD Home Theater Display™ (E60-E3) MSRP $749.99 VIZIO SmartCast™ 65” E-Series™ Ultra HD Home Theater Display™ (E65-E0) MSRP $899.99 VIZIO SmartCast™ 65” E-Series™ Ultra HD Home Theater Display™ (E65-E1) MSRP $899.99 VIZIO SmartCast™ 70” E-Series™ Ultra HD Home Theater Display™ (E70-E3) MSRP $1,299.99 The HDR10 update will automatically be downloaded to supported E-Series displays once they have been connected to the internet. To enable HDR10 playback after the display has been updated, users need to open the VIZIO SmartCast remote control app, tap "Settings," press "Inputs," then "HDMI Color Subsampling," and then enable subsampling for the HDMI port the HDR-enabled Blu-ray player is connected to. VIZIO is also working to expand HDR10 playback support for additional players as they become available in the market. In addition to the E-Series, VIZIO's SmartCast Ultra HD lineup also includes the M-Series and P-Series with HDR10 and Dolby Vision support. Source: VIZIO via PR NewswirePosted Thu Feb 9, 2017 at 09:30 AM PST by: -
'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them' Detailed for Blu-ray & Ultra HD Blu-ray[teaser]The 'Harry Potter' spinoff is heading to Blu-ray and Ultra HD Blu-ray in March.[/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Warner Bros. is preparing 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them' for Blu-ray, Blu-ray 3D, and Ultra HD Blu-ray on March 28. In addition, an Amazon Exclusive Blu-ray with Niffler figurine and a Best Buy Exclusive Ultra HD Blu-ray Steelbook will also be available. Explore a new era of the Wizarding World before Harry Potter. Something mysterious is leaving a path of destruction in the streets of 1926 New York, threatening to expose the wizarding community. Newt Scamander arrives in the city nearing the end of a global excursion to research and rescue magical creatures. When unsuspecting No-Maj Jacob Kowalski inadvertently lets some of Newt’s beasts loose, a band of unlikely heroes must recover the missing beasts before they come to harm, but their mission puts them on a collision course with Dark forces. The Ultra HD Blu-ray will feature 2160p video and the Blu-ray will feature 1080p video. Both versions will feature a Dolby Atmos soundtrack and supplements will include: - Before Harry Potter: A New Era of Magic Begins!- Characters- Creatures- Design- Deleted Scenes (11 scenes) Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $35.99. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray 3D is $44.95. Suggested list price for the Ultra HD Blu-ray is 44.95. Suggested list price for the Amazon Exclusive Blu-ray is $129.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule and our Ultra HD Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under March 28. Order the Ultra HD Blu-ray Order the Blu-ray Order the Blu-ray 3D Order the Amazon Exclusive Blu-rayPosted Mon Feb 6, 2017 at 01:00 PM PST by: -
Warner Bros. Announces 'Harry Potter' Series for Ultra HD Blu-ray[teaser]All eight films are coming to Ultra HD Blu-ray.[/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Warner Bros. is preparing 'Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix,' 'Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince,' 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1,' and 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2' for Ultra HD Blu-ray on March 28. In addition, the studio will also release 'Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone,' 'Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets,' 'Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban,' and 'Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire' later this year. All eight films will feature 2160p video, DTS:X soundtracks, and supplements will mirror those found on the previous Blu-ray releases. Suggested list price for each Ultra HD/Blu-ray/Digital HD combo pack is $44.95. Order the Ultra HD Blu-ray Order the Ultra HD Blu-ray Order the Ultra HD Blu-ray Order the Ultra HD Blu-ray You can find the latest specs for all of the titles listed above linked from our Ultra HD Blu-ray Release Schedule, where they're indexed under March 28 & PENDING.Posted Fri Feb 3, 2017 at 12:00 PM PST by: -
'Monster Trucks' Blu-ray & Ultra HD Blu-ray Pre-Orders Live[teaser]The acton comedy is racing toward Blu-ray and Ultra HD Blu-ray.[/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Paramount is preparing 'Monster Trucks' for Blu-ray and Ultra HD Blu-ray. Looking for any way to get away from the life and town he was born into, Tripp (Lucas Till), a high school senior, builds a Monster Truck from bits and pieces of scrapped cars. After an accident at a nearby oil-drilling site displaces a strange and subterranean creature with a taste and a talent for speed, Tripp may have just found the key to getting out of town and a most unlikely friend. Specs and supplements have not been detailed yet. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $39.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Monster Trucks' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule and our Ultra HD Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under PENDING. Order the Ultra HD Blu-ray Order the Blu-rayPosted Thu Feb 2, 2017 at 06:00 AM PST by: -
High-Def Digest Essentials: January 2017Every 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 classic Hollywood heist flick, a miracle on the Hudson, and a bittersweet comedy. 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, December 2015, January 2016, February 2016, March 2016, April 2016, May 2016, June 2016, July 2016, August 2016, September 2016, October 2016, November 2016, and December 2016. [teaser]For January, we're covering a quintessential screwball comedy, a harrowing disaster film, and a delicate animated adventure.[/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... 'His Girl Friday' - Fully emphasizing the "quick" in quick wit, Howard Hawks' 'His Girl Friday' just might be one of the sharpest Hollywood rom-coms ever made. Practically overflowing with rapid-fire dialogue and a never-ending barrage of verbal spars, the film turns the act of conversation into a genuine cinematic art form. A quintessential screwball comedy, the flick is guaranteed to have you quoting lines for days. That is, if you can manage to keep up with it. Marked by playfully antagonistic chemistry between stars Rosalind Russell and Cary Grant, the movie plops viewers into the fast-paced world of news, pitting a former reporter against her ex-husband (and ex-editor) as he tries to woo her back to the job (and away from her new fiancé). This leads to a humorously escalating game of quips, scheming, and romance -- all mixed in with a breaking news story focused on an escaped death row inmate (lots of gallows humor ensues, literally). Throughout it all, director Howard Hawks expertly stages the comedy, frequently using long takes to allow the back-and-forth dialogue to breathe and build uninterrupted as multiple characters talk over one another while sharing the same frame. This all comes to a head in the film's brilliant final act, which sees the ensemble coalesce in a single location as the script's screwball hijinks come to a head. And beyond speedy jokes, the flick also offers some solid observations about media ethics and gender dynamics, presenting its female lead not just as an object of desire for the movie's male star, but as a genuine equal. Hell, she may even be his superior. Fun, breathlessly paced, and tinged with a faintly dark edge, 'His Girl Friday' remains surprisingly relevant and its rapid-fire humor hasn't aged a day. A defining Hollywood comedy and a genuine classic, this is an essential must own title. Buy the Blu-ray 'Deepwater Horizon' - Over the course of his career, director Peter Berg has gradually cemented himself as one of the industry's more capable purveyors of bombastic entertainment, often bringing a welcomed sense of nuance and cohesion to his big-screen spectacles. With 'Deepwater Horizon,' Berg continues this trend, grounding the film's harrowing action through a thoughtful adaptation of a real life disaster. Respectful and thrilling, the runtime packs engaging substance into every heart-pounding explosion. Using a simple grade-school lesson as a means of quickly and efficiently explaining the basics of offshore drilling, Berg wastes no time thrusting us into the story. Likewise, the director does a great job of economically establishing the cast of characters through the workers' everyday banter on the rig, offering a sense of their daily lives as the movie's mounting pace continually builds toward an inevitable burst. And when all hell does eventually break loose, the film erupts into a visceral, hand-held explosion of controlled cinematic chaos, giving thrilling form to the protagonists' harrowing plight without every fully crossing into overblown sensationalism. Don't get me wrong, Berg's quick cutting, high-octane approach occasionally skirts the line toward excess, but the director manages to keep us invested in the characters while simultaneously providing a decent examination of the greedy business motivations and careless safety priorities that led to the disaster. Serving as a slightly more refined alternative to the over-the-top bravado of a typical Michael Bay flick, 'Deepwater Horizon' offers a powerful account of the 2010 oil rig explosion, broaching its real life subject matter with gripping style. Add in a strong video transfer, a few worthwhile special features, and a 5-star Dolby Atmos audio mix, and this Blu-ray release easily earns a spot on this month's list of top titles. Buy the Blu-ray Buy the Ultra HD Blu-ray 'Long Way North' - When it comes to visual storytelling, sometimes, less is actually more. Even in animation. And Rémi Chayé's beautifully understated 'Long Way North' is a perfect example. Marked by a minimalist aesthetic, the movie eschews hyper-detailed imagery in favor of a more stripped down and concentrated style, weaving a bittersweet adventure focused on engaging characters and delicate mood. Through Sasha's determined journey to find her missing grandfather, the filmmakers take viewers on a perilous seafaring expedition to the North Pole. And though the movie is home to a few exciting set pieces along the way, the overall tone and rhythms of the piece veer toward a decidedly subtle, methodical, and realistic air, eliciting drama from evolving character interactions and genuinely life-threatening stakes. Indeed, while the film is still perfectly suitable for family audiences, the material bears a delicately mature nature, layering the simple story with gentle pangs of tragedy and inspiration. And to complement the modest yet emotional storytelling, the movie employs a deceptively striking minimalist hand drawn animation style which, despite the exceedingly simple character designs and occasionally stiff movements, is capable of evoking surprisingly potent emotions through thoughtful compositions, deliberate pacing, and key lighting/color choices. With its sobering conclusion, 'Long Way North' blends loss and hope into an affecting tale about perseverance, growth, and finding one's way in life. Fueled by elegantly staged simplicity, the film's humble animation style enhances the character-driven storytelling, filling the screen with unassuming beauty and emotion. And thankfully, this Blu-ray preserves the movie's unique style well, offering a nice technical presentation along with a solid assortment of supplements -- helping the disc plant its flag as the last title on January's Essentials. Buy the Blu-ray 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 Tue Jan 31, 2017 at 10:10 AM PST by: -
CyberLink Bundles PowerDVD Ultra HD Blu-ray Software with Pioneer Ultra HD Blu-ray Drives[teaser]Pioneer's upcoming Ultra HD Blu-ray drives will include PowerDVD software.[/teaser] CyberLink has announced plans to bundle a customized version of its flagship PowerDVD program with Pioneer's upcoming Ultra HD Blu-ray drives. The new software will be included with Pioneer's BDR-S11J-BK & BDR-S11J-X, which are expected to start shipping by the end of February. "As a member of the Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA), CyberLink is working closely with PC manufacturers to lead consumers to the ultimate 4K experience," said Dr. Jau Huang, CEO of CyberLink. "PowerDVD is already recognized as the number one solution for playing media content on Windows PCs, and with the added support of Ultra HD Blu-ray we are excited to bring next-generation technology in home and personal entertainment to every family." With the customized PowerDVD software and a Pioneer Ultra HD Blu-ray drive, users will be able to play Ultra HD Blu-ray discs through supported PC setups. Additional requirements for Ultra HD Blu-ray PC playback include: an Intel 7th Generation Core i5/i7 processor (selected models: KabyLake-S & KabyLake-H), Intel HD Graphics 630 chipsets, as well as HDR, HDCP 2.2, and HDMI2.0a compatible motherboards and displays The Ultra HD Blu-ray format is capable of supporting content with a resolution of 3840 x 2160, an expanded color range, HDR (high dynamic range), high-frame rates (up to 60fps), and the latest object-based immersive sound formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. Beyond the bundled software, retail versions of PowerDVD with Ultra HD Blu-ray support are expected to be available early this year. Outside of the upcoming PowerDVD software and Pioneer Ultra HD Blu-ray drives, several companies recently announced new hardware Ultra HD Blu-ray players models, including the Panasonic DMP-UB400, UB310 and UB300, the Samsung M9500, the Sony UBP-X800, the Philips BDP7502, the Oppo UDP-205, and the LG UP970. Source: CyberLinkPosted Wed Jan 25, 2017 at 02:30 PM PST by: -
'Hidden Figures' Blu-ray & Ultra HD Blu-ray Pre-Orders Live[teaser]Theodore Melfi's acclaimed drama is rocketing toward Blu-ray and Ultra HD Blu-ray.[/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, 20th Century Fox is preparing 'Hidden Figures' for Blu-ray and Ultra HD Blu-ray. As the United States raced against Russia to put a man in space, NASA found untapped talent in a group of African-American female mathematicians that served as the brains behind one of the greatest operations in U.S. history. Based on the unbelievably true life stories of three of these women, known as "human computers", we follow these women as they quickly rose the ranks of NASA alongside many of history's greatest minds specifically tasked with calculating the momentous launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit, and guaranteeing his safe return. Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, and Katherine Johnson crossed all gender, race, and professional lines while their brilliance and desire to dream big, beyond anything ever accomplished before by the human race, firmly cemented them in U.S. history as true American heroes. Specs and supplements have not been detailed yet. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $39.99. Suggested list price for the Ultra HD Blu-ray is $39.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Hidden Figures' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule and our Ultra HD Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under PENDING. Order the Ultra HD Blu-ray Order the Blu-rayPosted Tue Jan 24, 2017 at 01:00 PM PST by: -
'La La Land' Blu-ray & Ultra HD Blu-ray Up for Pre-Order![teaser]The musical starring Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling is dancing toward Blu-ray and Ultra HD Blu-ray.[/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Lionsgate is preparing 'La La Land' for Blu-ray and Ultra HD Blu-ray. Written and directed by Academy Award (R) nominee Damien Chazelle, LA LA LAND tells the story of Mia [Emma Stone], an aspiring actress, and Sebastian [Ryan Gosling], a dedicated jazz musician, who are struggling to make ends meet in a city known for crushing hopes and breaking hearts. Set in modern day Los Angeles, this original musical about everyday life explores the joy and pain of pursuing your dreams. Specs and supplements have not been detailed yet. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $39.99. Suggested list price for the Ultra HD Blu-ray is $42.99. You can find the latest specs for 'La La Land' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule and our Ultra HD Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under PENDING. Order the Ultra HD Blu-ray Order the Blu-rayPosted Tue Jan 24, 2017 at 12:00 PM PST by: -
'Fast & Furious 6' & 'Furious 7' Bound for Ultra HD Blu-ray[teaser]The action flicks are racing toward Ultra HD Blu-ray in March.[/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Universal is preparing 'Fast & Furious 6' and 'Furious 7' for Ultra HD Blu-ray on March 28. 'Fast & Furious 6' - Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Dwayne Johnson and Michelle Rodriguez lead an all-star cast as the global blockbuster franchise built on speed delivers the biggest adrenaline rush yet in Fast & Furious 6. Hobbs (Johnson) has been tracking an organization of lethally skilled drivers, whose mastermind (Luke Evans) is aided by the love Dom (Diesel) thought was dead, Letty (Rodriguez). The only way to stop the criminal mercenaries from stealing a top secret weapon is to outmatch them at street level, so Hobbs asks for the help of Dom and his elite team. Payment for the ultimate chase? Full pardons for all of them and a chance to make their families whole again. Order the Ultra HD Blu-ray 'Furious 7' - Vengeance hits home in Furious 7 as Vin Diesel, Paul Walker and Dwayne Johnson lead an all-star cast across the globe in their most gravity-defying and emotional adventure yet. Targeted by a cold-blooded black-ops assassin (Jason Statham) with a score to settle, their only hope is to get behind the wheel again and secure an ingenious prototype tracking device. Facing their greatest threat yet in places as far away as Abu Dhabi and as familiar as the Los Angeles streets they call home, the crew must come together once again as a team, and as a family, to protect their own. Order the Ultra HD Blu-ray The Ultra HD Blu-rays will feature 2160p video, a DTS:X soundtrack, and supplements will mirror those found on the previous Blu-ray editions. Suggested list price for each Ultra HD Blu-ray is $39.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Fast & Furious 6' & 'Furious 7' linked from our Ultra HD Blu-ray Release Schedule, where they are indexed under March 28.Posted Tue Jan 24, 2017 at 10:00 AM PST by:
