Smart Home Cinema News - The Electric Playground

Freeview Play adds new content discovery tools

1 August 2022

The Explore Freeview Play TV channel app has received a major update, introducing new content discovery tools which bring new recommendation genres, and a new dedicated Box Sets area. The move is designed to offer viewers improved access to Freeview’s extensive on demand library. Explore Freeview Play is available on Channel 100 on Freeview Play TVs. Alongside over 80 live TV channels, the platform is home to over 40,000 hours of on demand content and

Apple TV+ and Paramount+ win big as viewers churn

25 July 2022

US subscription viewers are churning to Apple TV+ and Paramount+ as they service hop, according to new research from Ampere Analysis. These second tier streamers are now the most popular destinations for grazing goggleboxers. The definition of a Subscription Video on Demand (SVoD) switcher is someone who moves from one subscription service to another contract within 60 days. 11 per cent chose Apple TV+ and Paramount+. Netflix was third according to the Ampere survey.. The

Onkyo, Pioneer and Integra set for UK return, made by Sharp

18 July 2022

Some of the UK’s most familiar Japanese AV brands are set for a return. Premium Audio Company, a subsidiary of VOXX International Corporation, has announced that Onkyo, Integra, and Pioneer will soon be available for order through its existing network of distribution and retail partners in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The first products will be available this autumn, details yet to be announced. In September 2021, Premium Audio Company, through its joint venture

Sony A90K and A75K OLED TV’s now available for preorder

25 May 2022

Sony’s new XR Master Series A90K and XR A75K OLED TVs are available to pre-order in the UK and Europe, with the manufacturer confirming UK pricing. The 48- and 42-inch A90K (pictured above) sell for £1,899, and £1,799, and ship June 20 and July 11 respectively, while the 55- and 65-inch A75K are priced at £1,999 and £2,799, out June 15. The new OLED TVs pair Sony’s Cognitive Processor XR technology and XR OLED Contrast

Denon embraces future with streaming Multiroom Hi-Fi Amp

25 May 2022

Denon has unveiled a trio of new Hi-Fi components at the Munich High End Show.The new 900 Series includes the first Denon HEOS built-in integrated amplifier in a standard size chassis, the PMA-900HNE (pictured top), alongside the matching DCD-900NE CD player with USB playback. With streaming convenience to the fore, the PMA-900HNE has Wi-Fi network connectivity, as well as AirPlay 2, Bluetooth, and multiroom audio capability. Completing the brand’s new line-up is the PMA-1700NE, a

Virgin Media debuts 4K Stream TV Player to Counter Sky Puck

3 May 2022

Virgin Media has launched a new, non-contract IP TV streaming service, appropriately named Stream, for users of its high-speed broadband service. The compact box supports 4k HDR10 and HLG, and offers TV channels, video apps and streaming subscriptions. It’s available from today. Designed primarily for voice control, it allows users to chop and change their subscriptions on a monthly basis; all billing is handled by Virgin on a rolling 30 day contract, so there’s no

Sky Confirms Sky Glass Streaming Puck Solo Launch

19 April 2022

Fully IP delivered Sky TV, without the need for a Sky Glass screen, will be available later this year, the broadcaster has confirmed. Delivered via a Sky Stream puck over Wi-Fi, the service will join the Sky Glass streaming TV and Sky Q. The move gives Sky a significant new product to counter the rise of OTT services. Currently, the streaming puck is sold as a multiroom option to Sky Glass customers, but unlike the

BBC Radio Stations no longer available on Sonos Radio or TuneIn

16 April 2022

In the continuing fight for BBC to gather as much information about you as is humanly (or mechanically) possible, BBC radio stations are no longer available on Sonos Radio or TuneIn. However you can still listen to live BBC radio by signing up to the BBC Sounds services in the Sonos app but you’ll have to have an account and sign in to use. All the regular stations are there but you’ll need to delete

Samsung Unveils 595BOLED TV and 2022 BK Neo QLED Range

21 March 2022

Samsung has unveiled its 2022 TV line-up, with a new Screens Everywhere, Screens For All mantra, and in the process introduced its first QD-OLED TV, alongside new Neo QLED 8k, and updated lifestyle models. Eagerly anticipated, Samsung’s first QD-OLED, the S95B, utilises a Neural Quantum 4k processor, and comes with Object Tracking Sound and Q-Symphony audio with Dolby Atmos. Samsung describes the screen’s design as LaserSlim. The S95 also features an OLED Brightness Booster (which

Bowers & Wilkins unveil Panorama 3 one-box immersive soundbar

2 March 2022

Bowers & Wilkins has today introduced its first Dolby Atmos soundbar, the Panorama 3, an all-in-one solution designed to create an immersive audio experience. Back in 2009, the British audio brand introduced its first soundbar, the Panorama. The name was derived from two iconic film technologies from the golden age of cinema – Panavision and Cinerama. The original Panorama was unique in its design concept, offering high-quality sound from a single speaker with no need

LG debuts new 4K Projectors including UST Laser TV model

14 February 2022

LG has unveiled two new CineBeam 4k HDR projectors, the HU715Q and HU710P. The former is an Ultra Short Throw model, a new entrant into the nascent Laser TV market. It needs to be placed just 21.7cm from a wall to cast a 100-inch image. A Kvadrat fabric cover helps harmonise with home furnishings and interiors. The more conventional HU710P has a 2.9-4.6m throw with a 1.6 zoom, and utilises a Hybrid Laser and LED

Personalising your Control4 system

2 February 2022

Control4 OS 3 has amazing features, a fresh interface, and more than a thousand enhancements. Our “How Do I” videos will show you how to get the most out of your Control4 System. Learn how to personalize your Smart Home with favorite rooms, devices, and scenes and organize them to your liking. From sharing media, customizing wallpaper room backgrounds, and favoriting devices and media for easy access, there is a video to show you how