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As we settle into 2021 and await our turn in the vaccination queue, there’s plenty to keep us entertained on Netflix until we get to the front of the line.
Sony introduces SRS-RA5000 and SRS-RA3000 wireless speakers
by Andy Bassett
Designed to take full advantage of 360 Reality Audio and provide a home filling sound, Sony unveils the SRS-RA5000 and SRS-RA3000 wireless home speakers.
Roku unveils its Roku TV Ready wireless soundbar reference design to enable OEM brands to create easy to use audio devices, especially for the streaming specialist’s ecosystem.
The world’s largest TV and film streaming service, Netflix, is increasing prices, and for UK customers on the top tier this will mean a rise to £13.99 per month.
Just before Christmas, Disney announced that Star, its international version of Hulu, would be rolling out to Disney+ subscribers outside the US on Feb 23rd. It’s now revealed some of the lineup that will bring more mature viewing to the streaming service.
Updated 12-Jan-2021: There’s a double header of new Marvel releases to get things rolling for Disney+ in 2021 with WandaVision the first of the promised shows with MCU characters making the switch to the small-screen, long-form storytelling.
The HBO Max streaming service may have launched later than its rivals but, from today, it will be added to Roku’s millions of devices as it plays catch up.
Sky has announced the launch of the Amazon Prime Video app on its Sky Q and NOW TV platforms as well as confirmed that the NOW TV app will appear on select Fire TV devices and Fire TV Edition smart TVs for the first time.
Updated 12-Jan-2021: New year, new hopes, new vaccines, 2021 will bring many things that we’re looking forward to but one thing’s for sure, there will also be new content from the world’s largest streamer.
Disney announces Star Wars, MCU expansion plus huge production slate
by Andy Bassett
Disney’s latest Investor’s Day saw a price increase for Disney+ revealed, though the company will hope the sting is soon dulled by a massive slate of content announcements.
Disney+ adds Star for streaming mature content outside U.S.
by Andy Bassett
Disney’s latest Investor Day has come off like a trip to Santa’s Grotto with huge subscriber numbers reported, masses of new content announced and confirmation of the mature content themed Star service for non US subscribers.
Home AV News
Manhattan T3-R update adds Britbox
by Andy Bassett
The latest update to Manhattan’s T3-R Freeview Play smart recorder adds Britbox, third channel viewing and timeshifting, improved reminders and more.
Movies & TV News
Samsung TV Plus launches UK comedy channel
by Andy Bassett
Samsung, the world’s biggest TV manufacturer, has added to its TV Plus service by launching a brand new, UK exclusive, comedy channel.
What's new on Amazon Prime Video UK for December 2020
by Andy Bassett
Updated 4th Dec: Having loaded up on Christmas calories in its November lineup, the content on offer for December seems leaner and meaner - a drama based detox, if you will.
Updated 14th Dec: 2020 will soon draw to a close and most will be glad to see the back of it, so just how does the world’s largest streaming service plan to see out the world’s annus horriblis?
Updated: 3rd Dec: December sees more seasonal fare drop onto the Disney+ UK service along with two of the year’s biggest movies - one of which you might have already paid for if you were impatient back in September!
A fully functioning Windows 10 Pro PC with 64GB storage, 4GB RAM, dual band Wi-Fi, all the same size as a choccie bar? Surely, you cannot be serious. I am and don't call me serious.
If Showtime's dramatisation of the life of a religious abolitionist and his ill-fated plan to lead a bloody capture of the US arsenal doesn't sound like it might be a laugh a minute, I think I might be able to change your mind!
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Hi-Fi News
Naim debuts free HD Radio upgrade
by Andy Bassett
Naim introduces a range of HD Radio stations plus a radio upgrade for all its streaming systems.
The MP-40 is the smaller venue based AV Processor from Lyngdorf with 12-channels of decoding for Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and Auro 3D, along with RoomPerfect calibration and full system integration. It offers exactly the same performance as the MP-60 but in a smaller package, so just how good is it?
Amazon Prime Video launches Watch Party for UK subscribers
by Andy Bassett
After launching the Watch Party feature for US subscribers in the summer, Amazon Prime Video viewers in the UK now have the option available to them too.
What's new on Amazon Prime Video UK for November 2020
by Andy Bassett
Amazon Prime Video has proved it can keep a secret with the surprise release of Borat Subsequent Moviefilm very recently. And if it’s attempting something similar for its November lineup it’s doing a damn good job of keeping a lid on that too!
The UK service is still playing catch up to its US counterpart but this month sees the appearance of some long awaited content alongside the more usual synchronous launches, bringing Disney+ UK closer to parity with its transatlantic cousin.
Winter’s here, nights are longer and Covid-19 just won’t go away. The good news is that Netflix is one way of forgetting about the woes of the outside world and it’s clear the streaming giant intends to ramp up its Christmas feel good content in a big way.
Hi-Fi News
Lithe Audio AirPlay 2 ceiling speakers world's first
by Andy Bassett
The first smart ceiling speakers with Apple’s AirPlay 2 built-in allow for discreet multi-room, multi-brand audio solutions.
Google’s Chromecast streaming dongle has had a revamp and now comes with a much requested remote and a new browsing and recommendation layer called Google TV.
Roku announces Streambar and adds Airplay to streaming devices
by Andy Bassett
Roku’s new Streambar adds 4K HDR streaming and cinematic sound to any TV that needs its ‘smarts’ upgrading. In addition, Apple AirPlay 2 and Homekit compatibility will be coming to select 4K Roku devices in the coming months.