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BenQ Announces First 4K UHD HDR Home Theater Projector

2017/11/15
boothby
Geek News, News, Tech News

COSTA MESA, Calif. — Nov. 15, 2017 — BenQ America Corp., an internationally renowned provider of visual display solutions, today announced the launch of the CineHome HT2550 DLP® projector, offering movie aficionados 4K UHD HDR cinematic quality right at home and at an incredible value. The HT2550 comes fully loaded with true 8.3-megapixel UHD 4K resolution, 96% Rec 709 CinematicColor™ accuracy and projection-optimized HDR for stunning true-to-life image quality.

“Homeowners today want to replicate the magic of the big-screen 4K digital cinema at home,” said Lars Yoder, President, BenQ America Corp. “The HT2550 makes that possible, delivering striking 4K resolution for spectacular movie nights. Engineered with advanced audio and video enhancements and HDR capabilities, it’s an incredible value for the finest home cinema experience.”

Stunning 4K Comes to Life
Producing 8.3 million distinct pixels for true 4K UHD performance, BenQ’s HT2550 projector uses 0.47″ single-DMD-chip DLP technology. This minimizes the projector’s profile for a sleek, compact design that fits modern lifestyles. Its pure, 4K-optimized optical system produces ultimate image precision and color accuracy without artifacts that are known to plague LCD projectors. In addition, it employs exclusive BenQ CinematicColor technology and a RGBRGB color wheel to meet the film industry’s highest standards of color accuracy. With over 96% coverage of Rec. 709 color gamut with precise Delta E<3 performance, it faithfully reproduces exactly what filmmakers intended.

Advanced Technology for Uncompromising Entertainment
The HT2550’s pristine 4K video quality is supercharged by high dynamic range (HDR10) support, offering greater brightness and contrast with auto image optimization to bring out every lifelike detail and breathtaking realism for cinematic enjoyment. Powered by the same durable 2015 Academy Award of Merit Oscar®-winning DLP technology used in 90% of the world’s digital cinemas, HT2550 delivers long-lasting picture quality with precise colors and razor-sharp clarity without maintenance or degradation. Its performance is further enhanced by motion-adaptive edge pixel enhancement, sophisticated color algorithms, accurate flesh tone rendition and proprietary CinemaMaster Video+ and CinemaMaster Audio+ 2 technologies, giving even modest spaces the likeness of world-class cinemas. With full support for the latest HDCP 2.2 copy protection, it allows users to enjoy all the fast-growing choices for 4K content.

Contemporary Design and Easy Setup to Fit Any Space
Blending beautiful aesthetics with flawless function, HT2550’s lightweight design, sleek profile and compact footprint blend perfectly into any décor. It’s designed to set up fast with auto keystone correction and powerful 1.2X big zoom, overcoming any installation hassles with ease. In addition, the HT2550 quickly becomes a smart projector by simply connecting an HDMI dongle, such as Google Chromecast, Roku, or Amazon Fire TV Stick, to instantly stream TV shows, movies, sports, and even video games to the big screen.

The BenQ HT2550 will be available in North America in Jan. 2018 for under $2,000 retail. To find out more, please visit http://www.benq.us/product/projector/HT2550.

Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire Closed Backer Beta Launches Today

2017/11/15
boothby
Geek News, News, Windows PC News

IRVINE, CA – November 15th, 2017 – Obsidian Entertainment, developers behind Fallout: New Vegas, South Park: The Stick of Truth, and many award winning role-playing games, along with publisher, Versus Evil, announce the launch of the closed beta for their upcoming, record breaking, crowdfunded title, Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire.

The closed beta will allow players to try out Deadfire’s new features, such as multiclassing and its overhauled combat system. Obsidian is committed to revealing new features over the next few months, giving those who opted in to the Backer Beta an early peek at the world of the Deadfire. Backers with access to the Backer Beta are encouraged to provide feedback, helping Obsidian make Pillars II an even better experience.

“It’s no surprise, but we love RPGs here at Obsidian. So, it’s awesome to be able to bring the beta of Deadfire to our backers this far out from launch.” commented Feargus Urquhart, CEO Obsidian, “Showing off all the new things we have added to Pillars of Eternity over the last two years is both exciting, and a bit scary. However, it’s key to who we are as a developer to find out what our backers think, and then using that feedback to make Deadfire an even more amazing game.”

The Backer Beta is available to those who pledged at higher tiers during the original Fig campaign, or purchased it separately as an add-on, which is still available. Backers will have the opportunity to choose either Steam or GOG as their preferred platform for the Backer Beta. Those who want to get in on the closed beta can still do so by adding the Backer Beta to their pledges on Obsidian’s official Pillars of Eternitybacker portal at http://eternity.obsidian.net/backer.

Sequel to the million unit selling Pillars of Eternity I, Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire is a massively deep, single-player, role-playing experience offering the choice, consequence, and powerful storytelling that Obsidian has delivered time and time again. While players explore these depths, they will voyage across the Deadfire Archipelago hunting down a god to save their own souls.

Fans and RPG enthusiasts alike are encouraged to create an Obsidian.net account so they can become aware of closed betas, get access to content early, and other fun special events from Obsidian.

Razer BlackWidow Ultimate Improved with Water and Dust Resistance

2017/11/14
boothby
Geek News, News, Peripherals News

SAN FRANCISCO, (Calif.) – Razer™, the leading global lifestyle brand for gamers, introduced a newly improved Razer BlackWidow Ultimate mechanical gaming keyboard to its best-selling keyboard line-up today.

Augmented with water- and dust-resistant features, the latest Razer BlackWidow Ultimate is redesigned to be the most resilient gaming keyboard to date. With an IP54 rating, the keyboard has been tested to protect against accidental water spillage and harmful dust particles.

“We’ve never stopped making improvements to our gaming keyboards,” says Min-Liang Tan, Razer co-founder, and CEO. “The Razer BlackWidow Ultimate is now more durable than ever and our first mechanical keyboard to incorporate water- and dust-resistant features.”

The Razer BlackWidow Ultimate continues to boast individually backlit keys. Each green LED is easily customizable through Razer’s Synapse software, which offers a wide range of dynamic lighting effects which include: Wave, Ripple, Reactive, Starlight and more. Gamers are able to create various lighting profiles via the advanced lighting effect configurator.

The Razer BlackWidow Ultimate also comes equipped with the award-winning Razer™ Mechanical Switches, the world’s first key switch designed specifically for gaming. Available for this keyboard in a single switch variant – the Razer Green Switch – Razer continues to lead the industry with gaming-optimized actuation and reset responsiveness. With a rated lifespan of up to 80 million keystrokes, the Razer Mechanical Switch is engineered for durability and reliably delivers top performance with every key press.

For more information, please visit https://www.razerzone.com/gaming-keyboards-keypads/razer-blackwidow-ultimate

A Total War Saga: Thrones of Britannia Announced

2017/11/14
boothby
Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

LONDON – November 14, 2017 –SEGA® Europe Ltd. today announced the new historical strategy game Thrones of Britannia, the first title in the new ‘A Total War™ Saga’ series from its studio, Creative Assembly.

It is 878 AD, and the Viking Invasion of Britain is over. The Norse warlords are firmly established, but the ambitious kings of England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales have aspirations of their own – not least the great King Alfred of Wessex. Britannia is a furnace of possibilities, from which the template for modern Britain will be forged, across the most detailed Total War campaign map ever made.

“Our aim with Total War Sagas is to explore key flashpoints at distinct places and times in history”, said Series Director, Mike Simpson. “Unlike our era-spanning titles, we’re putting defined geographical areas under the microscope, building super-detailed campaign maps with a strong cultural focus and flavour that players can dive into. This will complement our broader-scope titles perfectly”.

A Total War Saga: Thrones of Britannia will be available for PC in 2018, visit the store page on Steam here: http://store.steampowered.com/app/712100. And watch the announce trailer here:

For the latest news about this title and the other Total War games, subscribe to Total War’s Youtube Channel for future news about gameplay videos.

AVerMedia Unveils SonicBlast Sound Bars and Subwoofer

2017/11/13
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Geek News, News, Tech News

TAIPEI, Taiwan – November 13, 2017 – AVerMedia Technologies, Inc. today introduced a brand new line of gaming audio solutions called SonicBlast. The opening lineup includes two soundbar variations — the SonicBlast Soundbar GS331 and GS333, both of which deliver crisp and clear sound for a variety of occasions. Both soundbars are optionally complemented by the GS335 Subwoofer, a dedicated add-on that brings powerful bass and groundbreaking performance.

Featuring three EQ modes for games, movies, and music, the SonicBlast GS331 is a 2.0 channel soundbar that delivers 40W of rich sound and connects wirelessly via Bluetooth. Meanwhile, the SonicBlast GS333 is a straight audio beast with 60W of roof-raising audio, built-in subwoofer for heavier tones, three EQ modes, and Bluetooth connectivity. For the bass hounds out there seeking an extra dose of thunder during their bombastic gaming sessions, there’s the SonicBlast GS335 that features 70W of in-your-face bass, a simple wireless setup, and intuitive on-board volume controls. The GS335 Subwoofer can be paired seamlessly with the GS331 and GS333 soundbars.

“Gamers have very specific needs when it comes to sound,” said Betina Huang, Marketing Assistant Manager of AVerMedia Technologies, Inc. “We’ve studied user feedback in terms of their preferences for gaming audio and have finally delivered products that crack the code with the SonicBlast soundbars and subwoofer.”

The SonicBlast GS331 and GS333 Soundbars and the GS335 Subwoofer are available now on Amazon.

Total War: ROME II Empire Divided DLC Release Date

2017/11/08
boothby
Geek News, News, Windows PC News

November 8, 2017 – It is the crisis of the third century. A string of inept emperors and usurpers vying for power have torn the Roman Empire into three factions, and with barbarians and Eastern Empires ready to exploit the chaos, it’s do-or-die time. On November 30th, players can reunite the empire or tear it down in this new, grand-scale campaign pack for Total War: ROME II.

Total War: ROME II – Empire Divided features a host of new content to give a new lease on life to ROME II; including 10 different playable factions, new victory conditions and new campaign features such as plagues, cults and banditry. Empire Divided also puts a heavy focus on telling the stories of the characters and powers involved in this rich and fascinating period.

Also joining Empire Divided on November 30th is the free Power & Politics patch update. This update overhauls ROME II’s political system to create a more subtle and intriguing experience with farther-reaching consequences.

Full details on Empire Divided, plus info on how ROME II players can gain entry to the Power & Politics open beta, can be found in the Empire Divided Q&A.

Total War: ROME II – Empire Divided is available now to pre-order through Steam now:
http://store.steampowered.com/app/694880

Total War: ROME II is currently available through Steam here: http://store.steampowered.com/app/214950/Total_War_ROME_II__Emperor_Edition/

Homefront: The Revolution Xbox One X Enhancement Update

2017/11/07
boothby
Geek News, News, Xbox One News

Larkspur, Calif.  –  November 7, 2017 – Deep Silver and Dambuster Studios today confirmed the details of the Homefront: The Revolution Xbox One X Enhanced Update. Xbox One X users will benefit from improved visuals and performance when playing Homefront: The Revolution.  The update includes the following:

  •     The game is rendered in 3200 x 1800 which is a four times increase over the standard Xbox One version. This resolution will provide superior image quality on 4k TVs and a crisper, super-sampled image on 1080p TVs.
  •    All HUD and UI elements are rendered in native 4K for the highest quality image.
  •    The Time Splitters 2 arcade machine content is now rendered in native 4K.
  •    The game takes advantage of Xbox One X’s increased memory which will support more high quality textures on screen at any given time.
  •    Frame rate performance is further improved.
  •    HDR support has been added to both the Xbox One X and Xbox One S hardware.

Players that already own Homefront: The Revolution can download the update today and enjoy all of the enhancements. For those that would like to purchase the game, the full range of content including the main game and all DLC is available through Deals with Gold with discounts of up to 70 percent off. The deals will be available from today until November 14, 2017. A free trial is also available on both Xbox One and PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, containing the entire first ‘Red Zone,’ offering up to four hours of single player gameplay, and unlimited access to ‘Resistance Mode,’ the online co-operative mode in Homefront: The Revolution.

For more information and to get the latest updates on Homefront: The Revolution, follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @HomefrontGame or on Facebook at Facebook.com/HomefrontGame, or visit Homefront-Game.com.

Respawn Launches New Line of Gaming Chairs

2017/11/07
boothby
Geek News, News, Tech News

HOLLY SPRINGS, N.C. – November 7, 2017 – OFM, a leading workplace furniture company, today announced the launch of a new gaming furniture brand, RESPAWN. With decades of experience in ergonomics, OFM created RESPAWN to deliver quality, accessible gaming furniture without sacrificing comfort or performance. The first RESPAWN products to market are a lineup of eight racecar-style PC gaming chairs that are designed to suit a range of gamers’ needs, including a range of adjustable seat depth, tilt, and arms, ergonomic comfort, and a variety of personalized colors and materials selection.

More information on the gaming chair lineup from RESPAWN visit: RespawnProducts.com. The chairs are now available for purchase via Amazon, NewEgg, Rakuten and via the official RESPAWN website.

“Gamers have specific ergonomic and aesthetic needs that aren’t met by standard office chairs, and many of the seating options out there are outrageously priced or offer features that don’t provide comfort in a stylish way,” said Blake Zalcberg, CEO of OFM, Inc. “We knew that there was a need in the  market that we could fulfill based on our 20 years of experience at OFM, and decided to create the RESPAWN brand. RESPAWN delivers an affordable and durable product designed specifically for gamers.”

The RESPAWN chair lineup has eight different options so gamers can select their preferred type of comfort, style and functionality. Features include:

  • Ergonomic Comfort: Whether the chair has a steel tube frame design encased in molded foam to provide highly-contoured support, or if it boasts segmented padding for a cushier feel, chairs have an adjustable headrest and lumbar support pillows to provide comfort that lasts. RESPAWN-200 and RESPAWN-205 feature reinforced mesh backing to increase airflow to regulate body temperatures and enable lightweight support.
  • 4D Adjustability: Find optimal positioning by raising or lowering the chair, tweaking the height and depth of armrests or reclining from 90-130 degrees on the RESPAWN-100, RESPAWN-105, RESPAWN-110, RESPAWN-200 and RESPAWN-205 and up to 180 degrees on the RESPAWN-104, RESPAWN-115 and RESPAWN-120. Each chair has a full 360 degrees of swivel rotation to enable dynamic movement.
  • Premium Make: Upholstered in bonded leather in your choice of bold, contrasting colors, or in a darker professional-looking option, all RESPAWN chairs have up to a 275-pound weight capacity for long-lasting use.
  • Warranty and Support: All chairs are backed by the RESPAWN Limited Lifetime warranty with dedicated year-round representative support.

Rise of the Tomb Raider Xbox One X Enhancements Trailer

2017/11/07
boothby
Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Xbox One News

REDWOOD SHORES, CA (November 7, 2017) Today, Square Enix® and Crystal Dynamics® announced that enhancements for the critically acclaimed Rise of the Tomb Raider® are now available for Microsoft’s Xbox One X in conjunction with the new console’s launch. Players who have already purchased the game for Xbox One can now freely download and experience the wide range of new technical features on Xbox One X.

“We’re always pushing ourselves to deliver the highest fidelity experience in our games and we love taking those next steps with any new technology,” said Scot Amos, Head of Studio at Crystal Dynamics. “This launch coincides perfectly with our commitment to always offer the best we have as a reward for our dedicated and passionate fans. Providing these awesome new enhancements as a free upgrade enables Xbox players to maximize their Tomb Raiding experience.”

View the Rise of the Tomb Raider Xbox One X Enhancements trailer here:

Developed in partnership with long-time partners Nixxes Software, the Xbox One X features for the award-winning experience include the highest fidelity graphics ever in a Tomb Raider game. The new technical enhancements leverage the full power of Xbox One X and offer visual settings that gamers can tailor to their taste.

“Partnering with Nixxes Software has allowed us to deliver an incredible level of fidelity and immersion,” said Ron Rosenberg, Head of Studio at Crystal Dynamics. “They have proven once again that they are masters at getting every ounce of power out of a new platform.”

Xbox One X players can choose from one of three visual modes:

  • Native 4K: (full 3840 by 2160) for the highest fidelity resolution
  • Enriched Visuals for stunning graphic upgrades
  • High Frame Rate for the smoothest possible gameplay

New Xbox One X tech enhancements for Rise of the Tomb Raider include:

  • HDR display support for more vibrant and accurate color representation
  • Spatial audio support, including Dolby Atmos®, for true 3D audio
  • Enhanced texture resolution for Lara Croft®, NPCs, and environments for even more immersive and realistic details

Additional visual enhancements include:

  • Improved volumetric lights
  • Improved reflections
  • Enhanced foliage
  • Upgraded polygonal detail
  • Improved anti-aliasing
  • Amplified texture filtering

In addition to these visual enhancements, current season pass owners who own an Xbox One X will receive all of the new content featured in Rise of the Tomb Raider: 20 Year Celebration™. This includes the “Blood Ties” single player content, co-op play for Endurance mode, “Extreme Survivor” difficulty setting for the main campaign, 20 Year Celebration outfit and gun, and five classic Lara skins. Additionally, all previously released downloadable content such as Baba Yaga: The Temple of the Witch, Endurance Mode, Cold Darkness Awakened, 12 outfits, seven weapons, and 35 expedition cards are available. With over 50 hours of gameplay, this is the most comprehensive version of the award-winning experience.

Rise of the Tomb Raider: 20 Year Celebration received over 100 awards and nominations and is one of the highest rated games on next generation systems. Lara Croft becomes more than a survivor as she embarks on her first Tomb Raiding expedition to the most treacherous regions of Siberia in search of the secret of immortality.

Related Links
Official Homepage: www.TOMBRAIDER.com  
Official Twitter:  @TOMBRAIDER
Official Facebook page:   http://facebook.com/TOMBRAIDER
Official Tumblr:   http://tombraider.tumblr.com/
Official YouTube Channel:   http://youtube.com/TOMBRAIDER