Consumer Electronics Daily News

LG Audio Video Lineup with Convenient Smart Features and Explosive Sound

LG Electronics' U.S. audio video lineup will be showcased at next month's 2014 International CES® (booth #8204). The premium selection of products offer consumers solutions with rich, deeply satisfying sound along with the plethora of convenient smart connectivity features.

"TV screens may get the majority of consumers' attention in the showroom but the unsung hero of great home entertainment is sound," said Byung-hoon Min, Senior Vice President of the AV Division of LG's Home Entertainment Company. "At LG, we devote a significant portion of our TV research and development on the audio experience because we believe this will be the next battleground for winning the hearts and minds of home entertainment aficionados."

Combining Smart TV with Astonishing Sound 
LG expanded its offerings in the emerging SoundPlate category with an all-in-one home entertainment unit, (model LAB540W). At a mere 39.5mm high, this stylish device is space efficient and can be placed directly underneath a variety of 32- to 55-inch class TVs to minimize clutter. The new model is equipped with a robust 4.1 channel, 320W sound system and an external wireless subwoofer.

The SoundPlate can also serve as a connectivity portal and features a built-in 3D Blu-ray player along with LG Smart TV functionality, transforming any flat screen TV into a Smart TV with powerful sound performance. Additionally, customers can wirelessly stream music to the LAB540W from a compatible smart phone or tablet via Bluetooth.

Streaming High Quality Music to Multiple Rooms 
LG extended its audio lineup to include a versatile home audio system with a selection of networkable wireless speakers. LG's Multi-Room Speaker System provides a great solution for consumers by allowing them to wirelessly stream audio files from their compatible smartphones, tablets, or computers to multiple speakers simultaneously. Several speakers can be set up in any combination of rooms, connecting an entire house under a single system.

The embedded network technology makes it possible to choose between playing the same song throughout the home or different songs through each speaker. LG developed a downloadable app to turn a smartphone into an easy-to-use master control unit with an interface that lets users seamlessly stream locally saved music or audio from online sources. Overall clarity is enhanced by a dual-tweeter arrangement and 24 bit/192kHz offers studio-like sound quality. The two speakers in the lineup include:

NP8740 – 70W Speaker, with built-in Wi-Fi (2.4/5GHz), Bluetooth enabled and MESH network  capable.

NP8540 – 40W Speaker, with built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth enabled and MESH network capable.

Compelling Audio Sophistication in Minimalist Design
LG refreshed its Sound Bar options for 2014 with two new models that are the perfect complement for a wide variety of TV sizes and styles. The NB5540 is LG's flagship model with an aesthetic meant to match LG's modern thin-bezel TVs. The system features 4.1 channels and a powerful 320 watts output and a wireless subwoofer. Despite its low profile body, the NB5540 delivers rich, room-filling audio thanks to two forward-facing and two rear-facing channel configuration. The unit will employ a Hi-Fi DAC and Analog Class D amp to ensure superior HD audio quality, minimizing the loss of detail and producing clean, natural sound.

For easy connectivity, it supports HDMI with Audio Return Channel (ARC), and is also Bluetooth enabled, facilitating wireless audio streaming from compatible smart devices such as a Smart TV or smartphone.

Also key to the 2014 bar lineup is the NB3740A, which offers consumers premium streaming content from embedded partners including Netflix, Vudu, CinemaNow, Pandora and vTuner. It is also a 4.1 channel, 320W system that features HDMI/ARC and Bluetooth connectivity.

Winning Track Record
The 2014 lineup includes a number of other premium products to deliver convenient wireless connectivity and an unforgettable auditory experience. LG will introduce three new Blu-ray Disc players in 2014. The flagship model (BP740) will offer a range of comprehensive Smart features via Built-in Wi-Fi capability. Content options include premium services such as Amazon Instant Video, Hulu Plus, Pandora, Netflix and YouTube as well as web browsing. It will also include the LG Magic Remote, enabling customers to navigate the system with easy pointing and-wheel based actions. A unique convenience feature called Private Sound Mode 2.0 will allow users to route the sound from either disc-based or streaming media straight to a compatible Bluetooth headphone or smart phone so content can be enjoyed without disturbing others. Additional Blu-ray players in the U.S. lineup include:

BP540 – Full HD 1080p 3D Network Blu-ray Player features LG Smart functionality, Private Sound Mode 2.0 and built-in Wi-Fi capability.

BP340 – Full HD 1080p Network Blu-ray Player with a streaming content suite consisting of Netflix, VUDU, YouTube, CinemaNow and Pandora* as well as built-in Wi-Fi capability.

For consumers looking for a more powerful audio experience, LG has also created a 500W Home Theater System in 2014 (model BH5140S). With a streaming 3D Blu-ray player included, it is another all-in-one solution offering augmented sound and numerous content options that consumers have come to expect.

Unu, The First Universal, Portable, Smart Entertainment Hub Hits Retail This November

Starting today, consumers can preorder unu, the world's first universal entertainment hub, at Gamestop retail stores, Gamestop.com, and Newegg.com. The product will go on sale in November at Amazon.com, BestBuy.com, and Walmart.com.

Available in two versions for the November launch, both have full access to the more than 1 million games and apps to enjoy via the Google Play store. The unu Media Edition comes with a TV docking station and an air mouse controller with keyboard for $199.99 MSRP, and the fully-loaded Gaming Edition adds an advanced game controller supporting tens of thousands of video games for $249.99 MSRP.

"unu may just be the 'why didn't I think of that' product for 2013," says Nicki Repenning, Vice President of Business Development, Sunflex. "The tablet is one of the most exciting consumer technologies in the last 50 years, but we knew it could and should do more. So, we built a custom smart TV user interface and two different controllers to match up with every entertainment experience found on the Google Play Store. That's how unu was born."

So, you can either be bummed you didn't think of it, or you can spoil yourself, friends, or family. Given its universal use, unu may be the best and easiest solution to the constant wail from kids of all ages, "I'm bored!" And, since it can move from TV to TV and room to room, it might even bring peace over living room big screen arguments.

unu is the lightest, easiest, and most unobtrusive way to play video games, watch movies, or enjoy hundreds of thousands of other experiences on any TV. Or, just enjoy it as a tablet. The backside of the air mouse also includes a keyboard for super easy Internet browsing, typing emails, or chatting on social media.

The slender, lightweight 7-inch system is an HD-display Android 4.2 tablet that can be used on its own or docked to your TV as a smart TV. It comes with a sleek portable docking station and a proprietary Bluetooth air mouse remote that lets users explore apps with immense ease. unu's proprietary user interface is simple and powerful. Enabled by the latest 1.6 GHZ quad-core processor, users will enjoy full HD 1080p videos, and seamless execution of any app.

Sunflex is the creator of unu. With 17 successful years in making gaming peripherals, unu's wireless game controller delivers high precision and extremely low latency, a crucial feature for gamers. And, it comes pre-loaded with APK support for nearly every video game app available.

Consumers can preorder today at http://theunu.com

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FreeCast's Rabbit TV Takes Web TV to the Next Level

FreeCast Inc. announced today substantial updates coming to its Internet TV guide Rabbit TV, including a redesigned user-interface, new interactive features, and multi-device compatibility. This announcement comes shortly after the subscription-based Rabbit TV service reached a landmark one million paid subscribers less than 18 weeks after its launch.

FreeCast has become the universal aggregator for web-based entertainment content through the use of their proprietary eMedia guide technology, which crawls and organizes over 2 million digital media/video links daily, including popular shows, movies, sports events, and more. Rabbit TV delivers this content in an easily searchable, user-friendly interface for consumers to access all their entertainment from one location.

According to FreeCast, the forthcoming updates to Rabbit TV are designed to create what the company calls a 'complete entertainment ecosystem.' One of the primary updates is the integration of web-based subscription services such as Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon, among others. This added functionality allows users to easily browse freely available content on the web (already available in the current guide) plus a variety of paid and subscription libraries from one central location, eliminating the need to log in to multiple accounts to explore content options.

The new updates will also include multi-device compatibility, allowing subscribers to access Rabbit TV from not only their computers, but also their smartphones, tablets, and HDTVs (smart TV or not). FreeCast CEO Bill Mobley anticipates that this will provide a decisive advantage over device-specific services such as Roku, Boxee, and Apple TV.

"It's clear that content is all going to be served through the web — now we have to focus on developing services that unify all of the consumers' devices, giving them the ability to access their entertainment no matter where they are," says Mobley. "Many of today's devices are certainly capable, and now we're already seeing bandwidth providers like Time Warner Cable beginning to loosen up and allow third-party units on board."

Mobley is referring to the recent announcement by Time Warner that they will allow their cable service to be delivered directly through third-party set-top boxes, without the need to rent the standard cable box.

Additional features coming with the update will include personalized content options, custom watch lists and recommendations, enhanced social integration, and tools to build your own a la carte programming package.

FreeCast plans to roll out these new features in time for the holiday season. The company has also leaked word of a 'super set-top box,' which they plan to unveil in January 2014 at CES.

For more information, visit http://www.rabbittv.com.

Sony PS Vita TV: A Surprise Innovation

Sony surprised everyone today with an announcement for the new Sony PS Vita TV. The product will initially be available in Japan and selling for $95 US, which puts it in Apple TV's price range ($99). 

The device performs the same features as the Apple TV and Roku, but also works as an extension of the PS Vita and PS4. A small slot in the front of the PS Vita TV allows for PS Vita games to be played on a big TV screen with a playstation controller. Like its counterparts, it streams TV and Movies-- the Youtube video didn't hint much at the user interface, so no word on how it stacks up to the clean and easy-to-navigate Roku. Finally-- and here's the kicker-- the PS Vita TV can wirelessly stream PS4 games to any TV in your house that has a PS Vita TV hooked up to it.

Check out the demo video below and get stoked!  

 

 

Gameloft Announces The Dark Night Rises Optimized for the LG CINEMA 3D Smart TV

Gameloft, a leading global publisher in digital and social games, today announced that one of its most popular games, The Dark Knight Rises, will be available for download from LG Smart World on the LG CINEMA 3D Smart TV.

Combining power, performance and elegance, the LG CINEMA 3D Smart TV offer players an immersive game experience like never before. Players will be able to use their smartphones or tablets as game controller thanks to an application that can be downloaded from the App Store, Google Play and Amazon Appstore.

"We are thrilled to offer a successful HD game that will look incredible on the big screen," states Alexandre Tan, Vice President Business Development & Brand Partnerships at Gameloft. "The Dark Knight Rises on LG CINEMA 3D Smart TV will make this platform even more appealing to consumers who wish to play a great game on a large screen in the comfort of their living rooms."

The Dark Knight Rises will be available in Q4 2013.

PRNewswire

Blu-ray Player Ratings and Surround Sound Systems Announced by 10rate

2013 has seen a number of new models introduced for all sorts of home theater equipment. Steve Holdgren, one of the main technology editors at 10rate.com, knows how important it is to find the best product to get the job done for the best deal. HDTVs, budget LED TVs, and 32" to 42" LCD TVs were his main focus while he also compiled lists of the best blu-ray players and home theater systems. Some of the criteria he used to rate the products from 1 to 10 were up-conversion video quality, features like built-in wifi and 3D playback, price vs value, and ease of use. Editor's choice awards for Best Quality, Best Value, and Best Budget products were assigned to those excelling in each category.

While reviewing TVs, Steve Holdgren started out broad before narrowing down his lists. For the HDTV Ratings page he awarded the Panasonic TC-P60VT60 plasma TV and the Samsung UN60F8000 LED TV top spots on the list. The Panasonic "has exceptionally saturated black levels and best in the market contrast. In fact only OLED TVs can beat the black levels and wonderful color saturation," while the Samsung has an incredibly bright picture, a plethora of Smart TV features, and a very appealing appearance.

He chose the Samsung UN55F6400 for the top spot of his Budget LED TV list. A big plus for this TV is the inclusion of active 3D playback as well as the Smart Touch remote that he claims is "about 2x faster than pressing arrow buttons" when surfing the internet and browsing the Smart Hub features. This model was also given the editor's choice award for Best Quality.

He wrapped up his TV reviews with a list of the best 32 to 42 inch LCD TV Ratings. Samsung's UN32F5000 was given the Best Value award because the "side angle viewing is better than most LED TVs of this price range due to the clearer screen. Appearance and design are also much better than the competition," Holdgren said. The price tag is also very appealing.

When it comes to watching media on a brand new HDTV, a blu-ray player is going to be one of the best options. His 3D Blu-ray Player Comparison list has the Samsung BD-F6700 as the best model with a rating of 9.5 and the Best Quality award. He said, "A big improvement over previous models is the inclusion of 4K upscaling. This is still relatively new technology, but for those capable of displaying UHD content it is a worthy addition."

A new TV and blu-ray player are not complete until they are set up with the right sound system. 10Rate's Home Theater System Reviews list features a number of affordable 5.1 speaker set ups perfect for anyone trying to level up their setup. The Sony BDV-N7100W was the top choice because, "It's a feature packed system that includes a 3D blu-ray player with 4K upscaling, wifi for connection to streaming media, and a 5.1 surround experience that will take your movies and games to the next level," the review said.

PRNewswire

Sony Introduces World's First Curved Screen LED Television

Today Sony introduced the world's first curved screen LED television, model KDL-65S990A. Available in October at Sony Stores and select electronics retailers nationwide for $3,999.99, the KDL-65S990A provides an all-in-one cinematic experience for the home, combining a subtly curved visual panel with Sony's acclaimed TRILUMINOS® Display color system for accurate, deep, vibrant colors, and a powerful angled surround sound speaker system to complete the home theater like never before.

A new cinematic experience evolves in the living room
The unique curved screen of the Sony KDL-65S990A creates a new way for viewers to experience their favorite movies, sporting events, television programming and video games. The edge-to-edge curved construction is engineered to provide a greater sense of the picture's depth of feel, and allows for a wider viewing angle so there is not a bad seat in the house. 

Color has never been so real
The KDL-65S990A features TRILUMINOS® Display, a color technology unique to Sony, and creates incredibly true, natural shades of colors-- just the way directors, cinematographers and producers want viewers to see them. Hard-to-reproduce reds, greens and blues are displayed beautifully, so landscapes and seascapes look more vivid, richer and more intense. Faces look better, too, with satisfyingly natural skin tones. It's all thanks to a new-generation TV panel that makes colors pure and more distinct; giving images a heightened texture and a true, life-like feel to everything you watch.

Color, clarity and detail at their best
Sony's X-Reality™ PRO picture engine allows the KDL-65S990A to present stunning picture quality with a wide range of detail, whether viewers are watching movies on Blu-ray Disc, regular cable or satellite TV broadcasts, web videos or low-resolution smartphone clips. Sony's latest-generation processing engine analyzes, cleans and refines images, restoring beautiful results from any source with more natural detail, richer colors and high contrast. The latest Sony innovations in its Reality Creation database and Super Resolution processing optimize images for incredible detail and sharpness, in both 2D and 3D.

Precisely-angled surround sound powerfully rich and immersive
The KDL-65S990A contains Sony's powerful signal processing technologies which transform any audio source into surround sound. Additionally, the S990A features a 4-channel Multi-angle Live Speaker configuration that provides sound you might expect from a dedicated surround sound system, enhancing your viewing experience. A total of eight front facing speakers (six front and two surround) are angled in multiple directions for a surround sound experience that is superior to a conventional slim, "flat panel" TV.

The inward facing speakers are precisely angled to deliver specific sounds, such as voice dialogue, directly towards viewers while the outwards angled speakers push sound outwards to fill the room and wrap audiences with clear, full-range surround sound, powered by Sony's power signal processing S-Force Front Surround technology. This Multi-angle Live speaker construction also features dedicated tweeters to create smooth, rich, satisfying audio with little distortion.

PRNewswire

Streamrollin': Channel-Surfing in the Age of Streaming Media

Harris Interactive "Streaming" continues to be a major trend in Americans' constantly evolving television viewership habits. A 2012 Harris Poll found that a majority of Americans had watched TV shows via this method, and other polls since have explored its use as a way to watch programming on one's own schedule and the role of sports viewers as the rare exception to increasing reliance on streaming and other "delayed" viewership options.

But looking specifically at those watching videos through subscription services, what are viewing habits looking like inside the "stream?" Does the vast amount of content encourage subscribers to pick and choose? And does the rise of streaming mean the fall of channel surfing?

These are some of the questions The Harris Poll set out to answer, in a study of 2,242 U.S. adults surveyed online between June 17 and 22, 2013 by Harris Interactive. (Full results, including data tables, can be found here)

Are Subscription Streamers Sticking with their Selections?

Over a third of Americans (35 percent) qualify as "subscription streamers," indicating that they sometimes or often watch streaming videos through a subscription service; an additional 12 percent say they rarely do so. 

The majority of subscription streamers (56 percent) indicate that when watching streaming video through a subscription service, they either "dip their foot in" (meaning they give it a few minutes to catch their interest – 24 percent) or "quarterstream" (meaning they give it until about a quarter of the way through to do so – 32 percent). An additional 11 percent give it until "midstream" (or about halfway through), while one-third (33 percent) go "full stream ahead" (committing, once they start, to watching the whole thing).

When asked to reflect on their viewing habits by agreeing or disagreeing with a series of statements, seven in ten subscription streamers (70 percent) fess up to being very picky about what they watch through a subscription streaming service. Majorities also agree that checking out the beginnings of several videos on such a service is "the new channel surfing" (59 percent) and that when streaming through a subscription service, a video needs to wow them quick or they'll find something else (56 percent). One-third (32 percent) will watch just about anything on such a service, and two in ten (20 percent) think they might have "SADD – Streaming Attention Deficit Disorder."

To see other recent Harris Polls, please visit the Harris Poll News Room.

Want Harris Polls delivered direct to your inbox? Click here!

Roku TV Box Trumps Apple TV in the States

In their report titled, "Connected TV: Trends and Innovation," Parks Associates found, among households with a streaming video media device, 37 percent primarily use a Roku compared to 24 percent that primarily use an Apple TV.

According to Business Insider, this doesn't come as a suprise-- the Roku 3 is "really good." The Roku streams TV shows and Movies much like Netflix and Hulu, and gives the option to rent or buy TV shows or movies, and matches the features of other Smart TV apps and Apple TV. However, the Roku's biggest strength is its interface. Compared to the clunky menus of Apple TV, it takes a Roku viewer minimal effort to begin watching their desired show. 

With Smart TVs still pricey and relatively new to the market, it is a smart move to go with a streaming device. There is still plenty of room for innovation in the Smart TV market, and at a lower pice, streaming devices can provide TV viewers with the services that they want today. "Innovations such as next-gen game consoles and 4K or ultra-HD TVs will boost unit sales for these devices, but overall, consumers are reluctant to replace these big-ticket items solely for smart upgrades," said Barbara Kraus, director of research at Parks Associates. "As a result, streaming video media devices will have a thriving market because they can offer innovations such as streaming video at low prices. Devices such as Roku's streaming players and Google's Chromecast will benefit from these market conditions."

Read more on why Business Insider prefers the Roku 3 to Apple TV here.

VIZIO Releases Next-Gen Smart TV Platform: Can This Save the Smart TV?

Though numbers show that Smart TVs are being outflanked by tablets, smartphones, and even video game consoles, Vizio has released a new model that may bring legitimacy back to the Smart TV market.

VIZIO today announced the availability of its all-new connected platform – VIZIO Internet Apps Plus.  Building on the brand's #1 position in the smart TV industry, VIZIO Internet Apps Plus combines a best-in-class connected TV experience with an all-new, powerful platform and additional apps. The new smart TV experience debuted on VIZIO's all-new M-Series Razor LED smart TV collection, the brand's latest most feature-rich smart TV line-up to date, ranging from 32" to 80" in size.

VIZIO Internet Apps Plus provides consumers with an intuitive smart TV experience. The platform features advanced, full-screen app browsing and discovery, HTML 5 app support, the ability to control apps with mobile devices and an intuitive app launcher.

Users can now control apps with a mobile device, paving the way to seamless second screen interactivity between phones, tablets and smart TVs. The innovative YouTube "Send to TV" feature allows consumers to send a YouTube video from their mobile device to the TV when both are connected on the same Wi-Fi network. 

Based on consumer feedback and research, VIZIO is also introducing their latest innovation to compliment the smart TV experience on VIZIO's M-Series TVs. VIZIO's new Wi-Fi Direct Smart Remote features a faster response time than IR by using Wi-Fi to communicate with the TV, which gives users great range from anywhere in the room and without needing to point directly at the TV. VIZIO will deploy a software update to new internet-connected M-Series TVs and alert users to follow the onscreen directions to update their remote with the added Wi-Fi features later this summer.

As part of VIZIO's unwavering commitment to providing consumers with the latest and best technologies, VIZIO's next generation smart TV platform also supports HTML 5 apps, which allows developers to create richer app experiences using a more efficient protocol that enables better interactive design and features for consumers.

Current popular apps that have helped VIZIO become the smart platform consumers connect to most include Amazon Instant Video, HuluPlus, Netflix, VUDU and YouTube among others. New apps to join the new platform include:

• M-GO – M-GO is the people-friendliest, new pay-as-you-go digital entertainment service that makes it easier than ever to browse, rent, buy and enjoy the broadest, newest and best selection of movies and TV shows on your screens. Created by people who love entertainment for people who love being entertained, M-GO's mission is to transform the world of digital entertainment on the viewer's terms. Whether viewing at home or on-the-go, M-GO makes it even easier for consumers to enjoy the freshest releases and a deep catalogue of hits with handpicked recommendations, paying only for what they want without needing to commit to subscription fees.
• ESPN ScoreCenter – Gives sports fans real-time game scores and information from all major leagues and sports.  ESPN ScoreCenter is a data-driven application that features stats, schedules, rankings, scores, personalization and video highlights.
• ESPN EXTRA – Allows college football fans to enjoy a personalized experience with short-form clips during College Football Season (September 2013 through February 2014).
• 3DGO!™ – Unique to the VIZIO Theater 3D Smart TV experience is SENSIO's 3DGO!, the world's first dedicated 3D video-on-demand service featuring a wide array of premium 3D content including some of the latest Hollywood blockbuster titles. Based on the award-winning SENSIO^® Hi-Fi 3D technology providing the best 3D image quality, 3DGO! is the perfect app for 3D movie enthusiasts who desire instant access to new 3D content, with an intuitive and easy-to-use interface, and requiring no subscription or additional equipment. 

VIZIO's new M-Series with its new smart TV platform now extends its award-winning smart TV collection with screen sizes from 32" to as large as 80", perfect for enjoying the latest movies, TV shows and more on-demand with stellar picture quality and near borderless, ultra-thin design. The new M-Series lineup is now available at VIZIO.com and at retailers nationwide including Amazon, Best Buy, Costco, Sam's Club, Target and Walmart.

For more information on VIZIO's all-new VIZIO Internet Apps Plus smart TV platform or the latest M-Series HDTV collection, please visit www.VIZIO.com.  

 PRNewswire