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4K Netflix to Debut Via Embedded Players

Jeff Kleist — Thu, 19 Dec 2013 15:59:20 +0000

The number of devices that can push 4K video right now is pretty much limited to two: A PC or Sony’s brand-locked streaming box. So with a pile of 4K televisions scheduled to debut at CES 2014 in a few weeks, the question is still: Where’s the content?Amazon has tossed their hat into the ring, and upstart NanoTech has a box they’ll be showing that one…

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For the Budjet-Minded Non-Vampire: Screen Innovations Slate Screen

Krissy Rushing — Thu, 19 Dec 2013 10:10:47 +0000

We all know that traditionally, projection screens and ambient light don’t mix. And some of us prefer watching movies on a big screen during the day without that being shrouded in total darkness. Yet, for a really big image, projection is often the way to go; flat panels at larger sizes (they currently go up to more »

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Streaming 4K at CES 2014

Krissy Rushing — Thu, 19 Dec 2013 09:41:41 +0000

There is little 4K (UHD) content on the market, but plenty of buzz about networks and shows shooting more and more for the format. With the prospect of imminent content fueling the fire, NanoTech Entertainment announced today that it will show the Nuvola NP-1 4K Streaming Media Player ($299) and UltraFlix streaming media channel at International Consumer more »

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Samsung and LG Announce 105″ Curved UHD TVs: The Race Begins!

Krissy Rushing — Thu, 19 Dec 2013 07:38:17 +0000

Do you ever wonder what makes something earn the title of “first,” “largest,” “slimmest,” etc.? Perhaps it’s when the press release hits, because tonight (last night for those on the East Coast) we saw a bit of a battle between LG and Samsung, with both announcing 105-inch curved UHD within hours of each other. (I can just see the PR execs scrambling!) Rather than speculate on the marketing hype of who wins the “first to market” war, as exciting as that may be, here’s what we know for certain:

Samsung 105″ Curved UHD TV

Samsung…

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5 Tips for Better Home Networking

Krissy Rushing — Wed, 18 Dec 2013 21:18:14 +0000

You are trying to watch a film in high-def on Apple TV, your daughter is listening to Spotify while she’s doing homework, your wife is working on her laptop, your toddler is playing on the iPad, and your son is, gulp, doing some serious PC gaming. All this online action can bring your home network to its knees.

With the ever-growing trend in home networking of connected home-entertainment gadgets and gear adding to this already gridlocked state of affairs, a strong home network is a must . . . but not a given. To get the most out of your IP-based toys, we talked with the folks from Luxul, maker of robust networking products for both the home and office. Here are a few tips for making sure your network is ready and optimized for smooth operation.

Luxul XBR-4400 Wired Router with VPN capability

1) Upgrade Your Router

The router is the heart of your network and manages all…

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Is Your WiFi Router the Source of a Black Thumb?

Jeff Kleist — Wed, 18 Dec 2013 20:33:40 +0000

People have been claiming for years that WiFi gives them headaches, causes cancer, and a host of other spurious claims that when tested, fail to hold much water. But some kids at a Danish science fair have some results on their hands that are mighty interesting.

The placed a tray of planted seeds next to several WiFi routers and another tray in a room sans routers. When they came back a few weeks later, they discovered that the seeds in the WiFi room had failed to sprout.

The experiment began when the five students realized that they had difficulty concentrating in school if they slept near their mobile phones the previous night. Intrigued by…

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Incandescent Bulbs to Turn Off in 2014: Are You Ready?

Krissy Rushing — Wed, 18 Dec 2013 14:48:14 +0000

Light Bulbs. They are really hot right now. Who would have thought?

As 40- and 60-watt incandescent light bulbs are set to disappear from store shelves in 2014 due to the incandescent bulb ban, the transition to more energy efficient forms of lighting is upon us and products abound. Unfortunately, it also opens up a whole new world of specification and compatibility issues.

“For the longest time we’ve been dealing with simple, 60-watt incandescent bulbs, but now we have to worry about color temperature, beam angle, and lumen output,” says Wayne Ortner of Energy Squad in a recent article by HES Insider. “If you [put in] the wrong bulb, it may fit the lamp, but the results could end up being disastrous.”

For example, if you put in…

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Amazon Goes All-In on 4K Series

Jeff Kleist — Tue, 17 Dec 2013 18:28:18 +0000

Streaming media companies have realized in the last few years that they’re only as good as their licensed films and TV shows. So like Netflix with House of Cards, and Microsoft with Halo, Amazon has been creating shows that they hope people will like, and that equally as important, that they own. Today Amazon doubled down on their commitment by pledging to film all 2014 programming in stunning 4K. So what kinds of things will we be looking at in UHD?

Amazon Studios announced earlier this year that it will debut five new…

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amphiro Self-Powered Energy and Water Meter

Krissy Rushing — Tue, 17 Dec 2013 15:52:12 +0000

To me, the idea of water and batteries don’t mix. Irrational as it may be, I feel like somehow battery acid is going to leak into my shower or drinking water. Luckily, the amphiro a1 is the a self-powered energy and water meter for individual showers that saves 23% on consumption. It displays water and energy more »

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Spotify now on LG Smart TVs

Krissy Rushing — Tue, 17 Dec 2013 08:44:41 +0000

Spotify and LG just announced the availability of the service on LG Smart TVs. For Premium users, the Spotify TV app gives you access to more than 20 million songs, and is compatible with all 2013 model LG Smart TVs. You can also share music and playlists with friends via Facebook. Kewl. For those of you who already more »

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