HP has updated its popular flagship laptop, the HP Spectre x360, and the early reviews are quite impressive. HP has added Intel Core Ultra processors with neural processing for AI tasks and a 9MP webcam and Wi-Fi 7 capability. The Spectre x360 14 features a 14-inch screen and Intel Arc integrated graphics processing, while the Spectre x360 16 screen is two-inches larger, and includes the option to add an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 GPU. Both OLED screens display at 2,880 x 1,800, 120 Hz, with VESA True Black HDR 400. The 2-in-1 laptops use Intel’s latest H series chips, which are 14th generation, Meteor Lake, integrating both x86 and Arm cores on the same chip. Continue reading CES: HP Spectre Laptops Get Intel Core Ultra, 9MP Webcam

TCL’s new 115-inch mini-LED television is drawing crowds at CES 2024, where it’s garnering notice for its 20,000 local dimming zones and 5,000 nits peak brightness. The IMAX Enhanced TV has a 120Hz QLED display panel with anti-glare coating. The model, TCL QM891G, also features built-in 6.2.2-channel Dolby Atmos speakers and an ATSC 3.0 tuner for NextGen TV broadcasts. TCL says its new smart TV is 2.5 times brighter than any currently available television. The company also debuted two other mini-LED TVs (at 75-98 inches) and a pair of new QLEDs (43-98 inches). All of them offer 4K resolution. Continue reading CES: TCL 115-Inch Mini-LED TV Has 20,000 Dimming Zones

Xgimi wants to bring the IMAX experience to your living room. The China-based company has unveiled what it says is the first long-throw home projector to earn certification as IMAX Enhanced, a designation previously limited to premium units. Xgimi’s Horizon Max projector is intended for mass market viewing enthusiasts. The IMAX Enhanced specifications include Dolby Vision and DTS:X sound. The Horizon Max promises 3,100 ISO lumens brightness and a contrast ratio of 2,000:1. Pricing was not disclosed at the CES 2024 product announcement, but the projector is expected to ship in the second half of this year. Continue reading CES: Xgimi Announces First IMAX Enhanced Home Projector

Smart TVs were among the hottest products of CES. One set that seemed to generate raves all-around was TCL’s 98-inch 4K QLED with Dolby Vision HDR and Google TV. The unit features a built-in subwoofer, powerful Mini-LED backlight system and more than 2,300 dimming zones. During the show, TCL announced it was readying its first QD-OLED TV and committing to Samsung Display panels. However, the company later explained that a line in the “press release confirming plans to launch the brand’s first QD-OLED television this year was incorrectly included.” TCL, which said it will be “focused” on Mini-LED this year, showed a range of compelling TV tech. Continue reading CES: TCL Expands TV Lines, 98-Inch 4K QLED Model Is a Hit

IMAX Corp. has acquired SSIMWAVE, a leader in AI-driven video streaming solutions for $21 million in a mostly cash deal. Ontario-based SSIMWAVE lists Disney, Paramount Global and Warner Bros. Discovery among those currently using its technology, which lets streaming and broadcast providers deliver what IMAX says is “the best possible image” to any device for on-demand and live video. The move marks a significant expansion of IMAX’s strategy to deliver its own super-sized content at the highest quality to a variety of screens, including phones. As a service, SSIMWAVE fits IMAX’s financial strategy to generate new, recurring revenue. Continue reading IMAX 3.0 Underway with Acquisition of Streaming Tech Firm

Sony debuted its Bravia Core (the ‘CORE’ stands for ‘Centre of Real Entertainment’), a 4K streaming service exclusive and free to owners of its 2021 Bravia XR TVs. Its content draws from the Sony Pictures library for new releases and older movies. Sony stated that Core provides lossless 4K streaming “at a much higher bitrate than Netflix and other streaming services,” HDR, DTS sound and “the largest IMAX Enhanced movie collection.” The service, accessed through the Bravia Core app, is not available on older Sony smart TVs or other devices. Continue reading Sony Unveils 4K Streaming Service for Latest Bravia XR TVs