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Sony partners with Google. Adds Android TV

by Abe Abrahamian / @Abe_Abrahamian / January 21st, 2015

Sony has partnered with Google to add Android TV. With the cord-cutting generation in full force using applications to stream content to Smart TV, this is a major strategic move by a television manufacturer making a comeback. Dish Network is offering a $20 cord-cutting package. Coupling this with services like Hulu Plus, Amazon, Netflix, and Vudu, the cord-cutting generation is picking up full stream. Partners such as Haystacks TV with Google's Android TV allows users to aggregate news and stream it through Android TV. With TV manufacturers over the past 5 years offering low quality Smart TV interfaces, this is a breath of fresh air in an industry that needs it. 

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Disney Partners with Google Play Movies

Disney has partnered with Google Play Movies. When you sign up for a Disney Movies account you can now link it to your Google Account. This will allow playback of the movies directly from Google Play movies. Both the Disney APP  and Google Play APP can be streamed via the Chromecast button within the APP. Disney is the lone hold out of the Ultraviolet Consortium allowing the end user to digitally store movie content in the cloud. 

Source: Disney

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Sonos Beta Version 5.2 adds multiple user accounts

The latest Sonos Beta has added the ability to add multiple accounts. The only other company that had access to this was Autonomic Controls. Sonos is now making a game changing move adding this functionality. Services such as Google Play Music, Pandora, and Spotify can now be access from multiple family members using their own account.

Source: Sonos

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Google Play Movies and Chromecast

by Abe Abrahamian---8.18.13

I played my first Google Play movie last night controlling it via my Galaxy Nexus through my Chromecast. I have included some screen shots below. The experience was seamless and had no issues. The picture quality is on the level of 1080i/720p. My TV did not re-sync the image to 1920x1080 at 24Hz,  which would have provided 1080 at 24p playback. I get this type of quality through HDX movies at VUDU and DirecTV. The transport controls were Instantaneous. The locked screen for 'play' and 'pause' worked well.

Amazing how a $35 device provided each of use of renting and streaming content to my living room TV. So much easier than the mess of Smart TV applications on the market today. 

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Samsung cuts 55" Curved OLED price

by Abe Abrahamian---8.17.13

Samsung has slashed the price of its new 55" (KN55S9C) curved OLED TV set. This undercuts competitor LG by $6000. Samsung states the production yields have increased over the past several years with OLED production thus reducing cost. When OLED TV sets were first introduced they were small and expensive. Although this is a 1080p TV set it is the fundamental basis of future 4K curved OLED screens. Now what we need from the TV industry is a 4K 2.35:1 anamorphic OLED TV and we are at the maximum threshold of TV technology.  

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HDMI 1.4a to HDMI 2.0

With all of the new 4K TV sets hitting the market all of them have the older HDMI 1.4a connection. HDMI 1.4a can do 24 fps at 8 bit color. 4K is expected to push this to 10/12bit color at 60fps. The only manufacturer that has stated they will provide an upgrade kit is Samsung. 

4K (UltraHD) resolution is 4096x2160p. This is fine for watching movies shot in 24 fps. But when switching over to video based content such as television and video games this high resolution will not work properly.  Displayport technology can do 2160p at 10 bit color but this will not be the standard in the consumer audio video industry. Technically we need 4 HDMI cables combining the 1080p signals from each at 1920x1080p (2million pixels) to achieve 4096x2160p (8millions pixels.) This will probably not happen via 4 HDMI cables. With faster chip sets and the HDMI 2.0 specification update we will have access to 8 million pixels of high definition glory!

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Chromecast through a Sound Bar

By Abe Abrahamian---8.12.13

After using the Chromecast for about a week there are so many neat applications for this device. I will posting several more applications this week. 

1.) Stream Netflix content. 2.) Stream Google Play Movies, TV Shows, and Music. 3.) Stream You Tube. 4.) The API has been released and Google will authorize more apps in the future. 

Most people will add this to a TV set and use the television speakers. However, another great application will be to use it with the Sound Bar connected to your TV set. When you select the HDMI source, which the Chromecast is connected to, the audio from the stream will play through the Sound Bar connected to your TV set. The Sound Bar also includes a sub woofer on most models.  The majority of TV sets out there have a very slim profile and this forces the manufacturers to use small 'quarter' size speakers. The sound is terrible from modern day LED LCD and Plasma sets. In the good old days of tube and rear projection television sets sound was not an issue. Now with the advent of Chromecast coupled with a modern TV and sound bar. Streaming content to our living rooms has become so much easier!

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Chromecast and the Future of Television

Google's bombshell news of the Chromecast device will change the television industry whether they like it or not. You now have the ability to use your mobile device to send a request for a device to pull down from the web your request.  I work in the custom audio video design industry where I have seen generational changes for video distribution devices ranging from component video switchers to HDMI matrix switchers now. 

This device also can be connected to audio video surround sound receivers and matrix HDMI switchers. With the open API developers will introduce both audio and video apps for the end user to cast over to the device. Other devices who have tried this are part of a closed ecosystem. The Google Chromecast is not.

Some future updates I see on this is connecting a video camera to the USB connection for use with Google Hangouts. Also, video gaming.All your friends come over with Chromecast loaded on there devices and launch a game. 

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Twitter Launched #Music

by Abe Abrahamian---4.18.13

Twitter launches it's new music service. It is tied in with Spotify or Rdio. Take a look at their new site: #music​. Post your thoughts on this new service below in the commenting section

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Sonos Playbar

by Abe Abrahamian--2.14.13

Sonos has introduced the Playbar. Designed to enhance television sound and provide stunning audio from more than 20 sources. Create a Sonos 3.1 channel system by adding the SUB, or create a 5.1 channel system by adding the SUB and two PLAY3 speakers. The Playbar will be shipping on 3.5.13 and priced at $699. Check out AVClubhouse.com review of the SONOS system here: SONOS REVIEW

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Sonos Playbar

by Abe Abrahamian--2.14.13

Sonos has introduced the Playbar. Designed to enhance television sound and provide stunning audio from more than 20 sources. Create a Sonos 3.1 channel system by adding the SUB, or create a 5.1 channel system by adding the SUB and two PLAY3 speakers. The Playbar will be shipping on 3.5.13 and priced at $699. Check out AVClubhouse.com review of the SONOS system here: SONOS REVIEW

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Kaleidescape releases movie download store

by Abe Abrahamian---12.22.12

Kaleidescape has released a beta version of  their online download store. The company has been hit with multiple law suits over the years. The first partnership is with Warner Bros. If you own a Kaleidescape movie server you will be able to purchase content online and it will be available for viewing on the server. The initial launch will have Blu-ray quality downloads. In Q1 2013 Ultraviolet will be released along with full 1080p Blu-ray quality movies. 

PRESS RELEASE:

Kaleidescape to Offer Films from Warner Bros. Digital Distribution for Purchase Through Kaleidescape Store

Titles Purchased Will Be UltraViolet®-Enabled as of March 2013

Users Can Upgrade Existing Warner Bros. Titles in Their Kaleidescape Digital Libraries to UltraViolet and Enjoy Them Across Multiple Devices

SUNNYVALE, CA – December 11, 2012 - Kaleidescape, Inc. today announced it has signed a multi-year agreement with Warner Bros. Digital Distribution to offer films for purchase. In addition, the company will upgrade all Warner Bros. titles purchased through the Kaleidescape Store to UltraViolet in March 2013 – giving users a powerful way to enjoy their collection across their various devices. This agreement also enables a Kaleidescape owner to convert Warner Bros. titles that were previously imported to their Kaleidescape movie server to UltraViolet or to upgrade their Warner Bros. titles from standard definition to high definition – both for a small fee.

UltraViolet is an industry wide initiative that was launched last year in the United States. It gives consumers the ability to buy and collect movies and TV shows from any authorized retailer, and download or stream the content to a wide range of connected devices such as compatible Internet-connected TVs, Blu-ray players, smartphones and tablets. Over seven million consumers have registered for UltraViolet to unlock their digital film and television libraries and enjoy a more convenient and accessible entertainment experience.

"We couldn't be more excited about working with Warner Bros. and offering this extensive catalog of well-known and well-loved titles to our customers," said Michael Malcolm, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Kaleidescape. "In addition, the inclusion of UltraViolet in our service will give owners of Kaleidescape movie servers a whole new way to enjoy their content."

Through this licensing agreement, Kaleidescape System owners will initially have the ability to buy thousands of Warner Bros. titles via the Kaleidescape Store including the "Harry Potter" series and "The Lord of the Rings." When UltraViolet functionality is launched in March 2013, available titles that are purchased now will be automatically upgraded to UltraViolet at no additional charge. These titles can then be easily accessed through UltraViolet compatible applications including Flixster – one of the most popular movie discovery applications available. With over 60 million downloads of the app to date, Flixster makes finding, managing and enjoying movies and TV shows simple.

"Kaleidescape is well-known for its user-friendly system that lets consumers access and watch movies from their home collections with the touch of a button," said Thomas Gewecke, President, Warner Bros. Digital Distribution. "Now their users have the same one-touch simplicity with purchasing new movies electronically. UltraViolet will extend its ease-of-use further, with automatic upgrades for purchased titles and even more ways to watch movie libraries both at home and on the go."

About Kaleidescape Kaleidescape is pioneering the development of movie servers that redefine how film enthusiasts purchase, organize and enjoy their movie collections. Featuring a breakthrough user interface that gives viewers unprecedented flexibility and control over the movies they watch, the Kaleidescape system makes it easy for customers to select and enjoy films from their entire collection of DVD, Blu-ray and downloaded movies from any television in the home. Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, Kaleidescape sells its products through custom installation dealers and distributors throughout the world. For more information, please visit www.kaleidescape.com.

About Warner Bros. Digital Distribution Warner Bros. Digital Distribution (WBDD) oversees the electronic distribution of Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group's content through Video-On-Demand, Pay-Per-View, Electronic Sell-Through and Subscription Video-On-Demand via cable, satellite, online and mobile channels. WBDD also distributes content through third party digital retailers and licensees. A worldwide industry leader since its inception, WBDD also manages the Studio's E-commerce sites that include WBShop.com and WarnerArchive.com. Twitter: @WBDigitalDist

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Kaleidescape releases movie download store

by Abe Abrahamian---12.22.12

Kaleidescape has released a beta version of  their online download store. The company has been hit with multiple law suits over the years. The first partnership is with Warner Bros. If you own a Kaleidescape movie server you will be able to purchase content online and it will be available for viewing on the server. The initial launch will have Blu-ray quality uploads. In Q1 2013 Ultraviolet will be released along with full 1080p Blu-ray quality movies. 

PRESS RELEASE:

Kaleidescape to Offer Films from Warner Bros. Digital Distribution for Purchase Through Kaleidescape Store

Titles Purchased Will Be UltraViolet®-Enabled as of March 2013

Users Can Upgrade Existing Warner Bros. Titles in Their Kaleidescape Digital Libraries to UltraViolet and Enjoy Them Across Multiple Devices

SUNNYVALE, CA – December 11, 2012 - Kaleidescape, Inc. today announced it has signed a multi-year agreement with Warner Bros. Digital Distribution to offer films for purchase. In addition, the company will upgrade all Warner Bros. titles purchased through the Kaleidescape Store to UltraViolet in March 2013 – giving users a powerful way to enjoy their collection across their various devices. This agreement also enables a Kaleidescape owner to convert Warner Bros. titles that were previously imported to their Kaleidescape movie server to UltraViolet or to upgrade their Warner Bros. titles from standard definition to high definition – both for a small fee.

UltraViolet is an industry wide initiative that was launched last year in the United States. It gives consumers the ability to buy and collect movies and TV shows from any authorized retailer, and download or stream the content to a wide range of connected devices such as compatible Internet-connected TVs, Blu-ray players, smartphones and tablets. Over seven million consumers have registered for UltraViolet to unlock their digital film and television libraries and enjoy a more convenient and accessible entertainment experience.

"We couldn't be more excited about working with Warner Bros. and offering this extensive catalog of well-known and well-loved titles to our customers," said Michael Malcolm, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Kaleidescape. "In addition, the inclusion of UltraViolet in our service will give owners of Kaleidescape movie servers a whole new way to enjoy their content."

Through this licensing agreement, Kaleidescape System owners will initially have the ability to buy thousands of Warner Bros. titles via the Kaleidescape Store including the "Harry Potter" series and "The Lord of the Rings." When UltraViolet functionality is launched in March 2013, available titles that are purchased now will be automatically upgraded to UltraViolet at no additional charge. These titles can then be easily accessed through UltraViolet compatible applications including Flixster – one of the most popular movie discovery applications available. With over 60 million downloads of the app to date, Flixster makes finding, managing and enjoying movies and TV shows simple.

"Kaleidescape is well-known for its user-friendly system that lets consumers access and watch movies from their home collections with the touch of a button," said Thomas Gewecke, President, Warner Bros. Digital Distribution. "Now their users have the same one-touch simplicity with purchasing new movies electronically. UltraViolet will extend its ease-of-use further, with automatic upgrades for purchased titles and even more ways to watch movie libraries both at home and on the go."

About Kaleidescape Kaleidescape is pioneering the development of movie servers that redefine how film enthusiasts purchase, organize and enjoy their movie collections. Featuring a breakthrough user interface that gives viewers unprecedented flexibility and control over the movies they watch, the Kaleidescape system makes it easy for customers to select and enjoy films from their entire collection of DVD, Blu-ray and downloaded movies from any television in the home. Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, Kaleidescape sells its products through custom installation dealers and distributors throughout the world. For more information, please visit www.kaleidescape.com.

About Warner Bros. Digital Distribution Warner Bros. Digital Distribution (WBDD) oversees the electronic distribution of Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group's content through Video-On-Demand, Pay-Per-View, Electronic Sell-Through and Subscription Video-On-Demand via cable, satellite, online and mobile channels. WBDD also distributes content through third party digital retailers and licensees. A worldwide industry leader since its inception, WBDD also manages the Studio's E-commerce sites that include WBShop.com and WarnerArchive.com. Twitter: @WBDigitalDist

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Kaleidescape releases movie download store

by Abe Abrahamian---12.22.12

Kaleidescape has released a beta version of  their online download store. The company has been hit with multiple law suits over the years. The first partnership is with Warner Bros. If you own a Kaleidescape movie server you will be able to purchase content online and it will be available for viewing on the server. The initial launch will have Blu-ray quality uploads. In Q1 2013 Ultraviolet will be released along with full 1080p Blu-ray quality movies. 

PRESS RELEASE:

Kaleidescape to Offer Films from Warner Bros. Digital Distribution for Purchase Through Kaleidescape Store

Titles Purchased Will Be UltraViolet®-Enabled as of March 2013

Users Can Upgrade Existing Warner Bros. Titles in Their Kaleidescape Digital Libraries to UltraViolet and Enjoy Them Across Multiple Devices

SUNNYVALE, CA – December 11, 2012 - Kaleidescape, Inc. today announced it has signed a multi-year agreement with Warner Bros. Digital Distribution to offer films for purchase. In addition, the company will upgrade all Warner Bros. titles purchased through the Kaleidescape Store to UltraViolet in March 2013 – giving users a powerful way to enjoy their collection across their various devices. This agreement also enables a Kaleidescape owner to convert Warner Bros. titles that were previously imported to their Kaleidescape movie server to UltraViolet or to upgrade their Warner Bros. titles from standard definition to high definition – both for a small fee.

UltraViolet is an industry wide initiative that was launched last year in the United States. It gives consumers the ability to buy and collect movies and TV shows from any authorized retailer, and download or stream the content to a wide range of connected devices such as compatible Internet-connected TVs, Blu-ray players, smartphones and tablets. Over seven million consumers have registered for UltraViolet to unlock their digital film and television libraries and enjoy a more convenient and accessible entertainment experience.

"We couldn't be more excited about working with Warner Bros. and offering this extensive catalog of well-known and well-loved titles to our customers," said Michael Malcolm, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Kaleidescape. "In addition, the inclusion of UltraViolet in our service will give owners of Kaleidescape movie servers a whole new way to enjoy their content."

Through this licensing agreement, Kaleidescape System owners will initially have the ability to buy thousands of Warner Bros. titles via the Kaleidescape Store including the "Harry Potter" series and "The Lord of the Rings." When UltraViolet functionality is launched in March 2013, available titles that are purchased now will be automatically upgraded to UltraViolet at no additional charge. These titles can then be easily accessed through UltraViolet compatible applications including Flixster – one of the most popular movie discovery applications available. With over 60 million downloads of the app to date, Flixster makes finding, managing and enjoying movies and TV shows simple.

"Kaleidescape is well-known for its user-friendly system that lets consumers access and watch movies from their home collections with the touch of a button," said Thomas Gewecke, President, Warner Bros. Digital Distribution. "Now their users have the same one-touch simplicity with purchasing new movies electronically. UltraViolet will extend its ease-of-use further, with automatic upgrades for purchased titles and even more ways to watch movie libraries both at home and on the go."

About Kaleidescape Kaleidescape is pioneering the development of movie servers that redefine how film enthusiasts purchase, organize and enjoy their movie collections. Featuring a breakthrough user interface that gives viewers unprecedented flexibility and control over the movies they watch, the Kaleidescape system makes it easy for customers to select and enjoy films from their entire collection of DVD, Blu-ray and downloaded movies from any television in the home. Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, Kaleidescape sells its products through custom installation dealers and distributors throughout the world. For more information, please visit www.kaleidescape.com.

About Warner Bros. Digital Distribution Warner Bros. Digital Distribution (WBDD) oversees the electronic distribution of Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group's content through Video-On-Demand, Pay-Per-View, Electronic Sell-Through and Subscription Video-On-Demand via cable, satellite, online and mobile channels. WBDD also distributes content through third party digital retailers and licensees. A worldwide industry leader since its inception, WBDD also manages the Studio's E-commerce sites that include WBShop.com and WarnerArchive.com. Twitter: @WBDigitalDist

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JVC DLA-X95RKT

by Abe Abrahamian---12.12.12

JVC has introduced a flagship up-converting 4K projector. The effective resolution of all content will be scaled to 3840x2160p. Sony and LG are the only companies offering native 84" 4K sets at over $20,000 and $25,000 respectively. This projector retails for $11,999. With the lack of 4K content this is a great stepping stone for a high quality image in the interim. 

The projector features lens memory that will allow for 16:9 to 2.35:1 anamorphic modes without using a lens. The additional resolution assists in providing a stunning anamorphic image. This flagship model is also 3D ready, THX certified, and with ISF calibration modes. 

FEATURE SUMMARY:

The Competitive Advantage

Improved 4K e-shift2 for upconverted 3,840 x 2,160 precision

New 8 Band Detection 2K to 4K scaling

New MPC Control with 5 selectable 4K profiles

1,920 x 1,080 content is up-converted to 3,840 x 2,160 (2D Mode Only)

Reduces or eliminates anti-aliasing and stair-stepping

Improves edge transition and enhances contrast in detail areas

Allows for closer viewing with no visible picture structure

Highest NATIVE Contrast Ratio in class (130,000:1)

Provides deepest blacks and vivid peak whites at the same time

Does not use a dynamic iris

THX 3D Display Certification

ISF C3 Licensed

100% "Frame Addressing" provides brighter image reproduction in 3D

2 year warranty

Performance Features

New Illumination System: 230W NSH lamp & new power supply

Up to 4,000 hour lamp life/low lamp mode

4th Generation Wire Grid Optical Engine minimizes light leakage

Up to 255 Mode Screen Adjustment

7 Axis Color Management

High Precision Pixel Alignment System

Enables adjustment down to 1/16th pixel

Adjustable on 121 points on the screen

Advanced Color Profiles including Xenon Lamp Modes & Adobe RGB

New Pincushion Control

120Hz Clear Motion Drive

23dB ultra low noise design (normal lamp mode)

1,200 lumens

3D Features

Upgraded Cross Talk Cancelation Circuit

2D to 3D Converter

Developed from JVC's experience in broadcast 3D conversion systems

Allows 2D content to be converted to 3D in real time

Works on broadcast as well as packaged media

Extensive 3D Input supported though HDMI

Frame Sequential: 1080 24p/50i/60i

Frame Sequential: 720 50p/60p

Side by Side: 1080 24p/50p/50i/60p/60i

Side by Side: 720 50p/60p

Top and Bottom: 1080 24p

Top and Bottom: 720 50p/60p

Direct access to 3D modes from remote control

No special screen needed for 3D playback

New 3D RF Glasses and RF Emitter (Optional)

New RF Glasses: PK-AG3G (Two pair included)

New RF Emitter: PK-EM2G (Included)

The DLA-X95 can also be used with the previous generation JVC IR Emitter & Glasses, (PK-EM1, PK-AG1, PK-AG2) although it is not possible to mix RF & IR accessories.

Convenience and Set-Up Features

Automatic Lens Cover

Wide Lens Shift functionality (V: 80%, H: 34%)

2X Zoom (1.4 to 2.8 throw ratio)

Improved 10 Position Lens Memory for easy Cinemascope and 16:9 HDTV setup

Motorized Focus, Zoom & Lens Shift

New iOS App: Full remote control of the projector via iPhone, iPad  or iPod Touch

Inputs & Outputs

Dual 3D enabled HDMI v1.4a input with Deep Color and CEC

Component Video

RS-232C

RJ45 LAN Connection

12V Trigger

Wired Remote Input

D-Sub, 15-Pin PC Input

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XBOX Smartglass App for Android

by Abe Abrahamian---10.28.12

Microsoft has released the XBOX Smartglass App for Android. It allows you to do the following:

Navigate your XBOX with a swipe and a tap.

Use your phone's keyboard to type on the XBOX.

Browse the internet.

Search the entire catalog of XBOX games, music, and videos.

Track your achievements.

Change your Avatar.

Chat with friends on XBOX Live.

Check it out here: Google Play

Source: XBOX