Qualcomm announces Snapdragon chip for 4K TVs

The latest crop of smart televisions, particularly of the 4K Ultra HD variety, have all the latest video technology crammed into beautiful form factors. However, there is much left to do in terms of user interface and online integration. Qualcomm aims to boost the browsing and app capabilities of the UHD sets with Snapdragon 802 quad-core SoC to help with 4K content playback and application multi-tasking and operation. It even comes with Hollywood Quality Video processing engine designed to upscale 1080p videos to near 4K image quality.

Engadget reports some of the more technical specs including quad-core Krait 1.8GHz CPU; Adreno 330 GPU; AllJoyn integration; two-stream, dual-band 802.11ac; and Snapdragon Studio Access content protection.

Netflix to produce all future original programs in 4k, partners with Sony and Samsung

Netflix CEO Reed Hastings took to the stage of Sony’s press conference at CES to announce that they have partnered with Sony to push 4k content and 4k televisions of the tech company. Hastings said the streaming service aims to make 4k a viable option for streaming with Netflix’s Ultra HD offering capable of working under 15 Mbps bitrate.

Netflix will also be joining Amazon to partner with Samsung to deliver 4k streaming content to Samsung UHD TVs.

Source: The Verge

Polaroid introduces 4K UHD TV at CES

Polaroid is looking at the bigger picture (quite literally) with a new product they are launching at CES. Polaroid will be offering a 50-inch Ultra HD television worth about US$999.99. Empire Electronics licensed Polaroid’s brand to develop and market the new 4K TV. It will feature three HDMI ports and the imaging company claims it will have the “highest quality picture resolution at the best price.” Polaroid will also introduce a 50-inch Smart TV equipped with Roku Streaming Stick for half the price at $599.99.

Source: Polaroid

Sharp introduces THX 4K-certified UHD TV to Canada

It’s not enough that the new Sharp television features Ultra High-Definition 4K resolution, the new AQUOS UHD LED TV is also THX 4K certified. The 70-inch screen comes with Sharp Revelation 4K upscaler, six-speaker sound system with DuoBass dual subwoofers, and built-in Wi-Fi. The AQUOS UHD will start shipping this month with a suggested retail price of $7,999.99.