T3 India

Entertainment

Yamaha RX-A4A Aventage is a new AV receiver home-theatre system that transforms viewing

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“Feel your walls melt away” is what Yamaha’s marketing tagline reads with respect to the all-new RX-A4A which is their latest home-theatre receiver system delivering breath-taking audio and high-quality visuals. The A4A comes packed with smart features and is integrated with AI to boost its performance.  This new 7-channel AVR system belongs to the AVENTAGE series of Yamaha and it strives to deliver high precision

The A4A makes users experience movies and games like never before with its state-of-the-art specs. Users can view or play games at 8K/60Hz or at 4K/120Hz (through a firmware update) that deliver an extremely higher quality of visuals. The gaming-dedicated functions, like ALLM, VRR, QMS, QFT, are all also available through a firmware update. Multiple and updated HDMI inputs support next-gen gaming consoles as well.

The RX-A4A is integrated with Yamaha’s proprietary sound field creation technology – the CINEMA DSP HD3 — which was created by combining ‘measured sound field data with digital signal processing. This means that the audio performance of the RX-A4A enables a realistic experience while viewing different kinds of scenes, which requires different kinds of recreation of sound – whether it is concert halls or a music club. The device analyses the acoustics of the user’s space or room and optimises the parameters of the sound accordingly.

The RX-A4A is powered by the 64-bit Qualcomm QCS407 which transforms the surround sound to the next level with support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. Extraordinary signal-to-noise ratio and up to 120 dB of dynamic range for professional quality audio is also delivered through the SABRE ES9007S Premier Audio DAC.

More so, the RX-A4A system is self-sufficient when it comes to protecting its inners from external vibration. This is through the newly-design Anti-Resonance Technology (ART), H-shaped Cross Frame and a mechanical structure. The receiver stays still while delivering a crystal clear sound.

The Yamaha RX-A4A is also integrated with smart features like Alexa and Google Assistant as well. The receiver can be controlled through the users’ smartphones as well from the MusicCast App. The cutting-edge design of the RX-A4A houses a High Slew Rate Amplifier and has a rated output power of 135Watts. The device weighs 16.2 kg and consists of an Auto Power Standby mode, and an ECO mode. Here are the complete specifications of the RX-A4A:

The Yamaha RX-A4A is priced at Rs. 1,29,490.

MG Unveils Astor SUV with AI Assistant and Autonomous Level 2 Tech

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MG Motor India today unveiled the industry-first personal AI assistant and first-in-segment Autonomous Level 2 technology, to be featured in their upcoming mid-size SUV – Astor. MG aims to further its auto-tech focus by building on the concept of Car-as-a-Platform (CAAP) of possibilities and services.

MG is working on emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enable the development and application of services and subscriptions to support the ‘on-demand in-car’ needs of the customers. Astor is the first car to get a personal AI assistant in the company’s global portfolio.

The personal AI assistant is designed by the acclaimed American firm ‘Star Design’. It depicts human-like emotions and voices and can give detailed information on every topic through Wikipedia. It will engage with people in the car and is powered by i-Smart Hub. It is a platform on which the partnerships, services, and subscriptions of CAAP will reside. It will allow customers to personalise their set of services.

Speaking about India’s first personal AI assistant and the first-in-segment Autonomous Level 2 car Astor, Rajeev Chaba, President and MD, MG Motor India, said, “As an auto-tech brand, we have always introduced breakthrough technologies and now, we are moving forward with Artificial Intelligence. Astor is a step further and a catalyst for disruption with first-in-the-industry and best-in-class features that customers only get in premium/luxury segments. With a relentless pursuit of innovation and software at the heart of the production, our vehicles will continue to provide a smarter and safer driving experience by leveraging AI.”

The Autonomous Level 2 MG Astor is powered by mid-range radars and a multi-purpose camera that can realize a series of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). These include Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Departure Prevention, Intelligent Headlamp Control (IHC), Rear Drive Assist (RDA) and Speed Assist System amongst others. These functions can significantly improve driving safety and comfort, and they have been further optimised for Indian traffic conditions.

The name Astor is derived from Raytheon Sentinel, an airborne battlefield and ground surveillance aircraft formerly operated by the Royal Air Force (RAF), UK. MG Astor shares the popular ZS platform sold by MG across the globe in countries such as the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Middle East, Norway, Netherlands and other countries in Asia too.

For the first time in India, MG recently showcased CAAP with endless possibilities. Building an ecosystem of various in-car services, it hosts subscriptions and services, including maps and navigation with MapMyIndia, Jio connectivity, the first-of-its-kind Blockchain-protected vehicle digital passport by KoineArth and more. MG car owners will also get access to music on the JioSaavn app along with the industry-first feature of reserving a parking slot through a head unit (powered by Park+ – select cities to begin with) in the car. CAAP will create various possibilities which will evolve with time, creating a safer and smarter driving experience.

Hikvision Announces its Webcam Debut

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Hikvision, an IoT solution provider with video as its core competence, has announced the launch of its new webcam products to the global market. The product family currently comprises four series – Ultra, Pro, Live, and Value – designed for various scenarios and user groups, and with bespoke feature sets.

According to industry analyst firms, the global live streaming market is expected to continue growing significantly the coming years. The increase in video streaming among citizens and businesses in all verticals is reported as the main driver for market growth, with content creators diversifying their material and activities, and connecting with audiences in new ways. In addition, complete and partial lockdowns during the COVID-19 crisis also positively impacted the live streaming industry. To provide immersive video conferencing and streaming experiences, users need webcams that deliver high-resolution imaging and excellent-quality sound in a range of scenarios. Hikvision has designed and developed its new webcam range to meet this need.

Ultra and Pro webcams for remote conferencing

The Hikvision Ultra series of webcams are specifically designed for remote conferencing. The highlight of this series is its PTZ control capability, which offers 5x optical zoom capabilities. This means that users can see meeting presentations or discussions without straining their eyes. Additionally, PTZ control allows users to pan across 330°, helping them adjust their viewing angle easily, without missing a thing.

Hikvision’s new webcam range also includes Pro webcams for remote conferencing. These are ideal for business professionals, offering an outstanding, immersive sound and video experience, with a sleek design and an elegant, anodized finish. Pro webcams offer an Auto Focus feature and built-in dual-microphone, ensuring that audio and video is always crystal clear during presentations, conferences, or group discussions.

Live webcams for live streaming

The cube-shaped Hikvision Live series of webcams is designed for live streaming, eCommerce, and gaming applications. If a product is being presented in a live program, for example, the webcam view can be changed – both horizontally and vertically – thanks to magnetic mountings on all four sides of the casing. These webcams also offer Sharp Auto Focus, which ensures that images of people and objects are sharp and clear at all times. Importantly, the webcams’ ‘touchable supplemental LED light’ feature enables users to adjust brightness in accordance with the surrounding environment.

Value webcams for online education

The Hikvision Value series is our range of entry-level webcams. These have a compact design, making them perfect for online education applications that connect school teachers and students. The webcam comes with a built-in microphone, which incorporates advanced algorithms to reduce noise and improve sound quality. Its wide-angle lens provides maximum coverage, with no image distortion. This is particularly useful for teachers giving lessons in a classroom, where both the teacher and the blackboard, or wall-mounted screen, can be viewed clearly in a single frame.

All Hikvision webcams are driver-free, offering ‘plug-and-play’ installation via a standard USB interface. This allows users to begin conferencing or streaming in seconds. All Hikvision webcams can also be flexibly mounted on users’ equipment, on tables, laptops, monitors, or tripods. Importantly, Hikvision webcams are equipped with a dedicated PC-based client software, called HIKIN. Users can use this software for video previews, and to configure image and sound parameters. Notably, the webcams can be used with all the leading third-party conferencing platforms with video parameter configured using a simple drop-down menu. All Hikvision webcams are delivered with a standard 2-year warranty.

Celebrate this Star Wars Day online

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May 4th is unofficially and unanimously declared as a day dedicated to one of the cinematic franchises and universes ever created – Star Wars. The popular saying ‘May the fourth be with you’ is punned on the popular catchphrase right out of the epics which is: ‘May the force be with you’.  In honour of the gigantic legacy and impact of Star Wars on all of us, we have decided to collate a few links to help you enjoy all-things Star Wars – be it the iconic movies, games, TV serials, or goodies – which are not in a galaxy far, far away but just available through the click of a button.

First off, if you wish to do a Star Wars movie-marathon, all the 9 episodes (movies) are available on Disney+ Hotstar online. Yes, even the latest Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, which released in December 2019, is available. Here is the link which will direct you to the Star Wars page on Disney+ Hotstar. Do watch them in order of their release date i.e. Episode IV: A New Hope, Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back, Episode VI: Return of the Jedi, Episode I, II then III and then the newer ones: Episode VII, VIII, and the series finale IX.

In addition to the movies, Disney+ Hotstar also has the latest Star Wars spin-off TV Show called The Mandalorian – which hit the charts and raised eyebrows with Baby Yoda winning the internet (sorry for the spoilers). The famous Star Wars Clone Wars’ final season is available too. Even the fantastic movie, Rogue One is available along with the other spin-off Solo, a movie based on the early days of Han Solo.

When it comes to games, we highly recommend the new Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, and Star Wars: Battlefront II, the latter bearing a fantastic multiplayer system which was also received a lot of criticism for its ‘pay to win’ structure. But still, it has been updated and it’s a lot of fun. You can play on PS4, Xbox One and PC. Older classics like the Knights of the Old Republic is available on platforms like Steam.

Smartphone users can also play the classic Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, which is designed for Android, and games that area available on both iOS and Android, like LEGO Star Wars, Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes.

With delivery of Star Wars items being uncertain during the lockdown, we hope that accessing all-things Star Wars through the digital world would be enough. Stay safe and enjoy these movies and games at home. May the fourth be with you. Always!

Flixjini will tell you what’s streaming across various platforms

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It’s not hard to deduce that literally each of us have come to a dead end when we’re looking for a movie or TV show we’ve been eager to watch. It’s also clear that even our favourite streaming platforms are missing some fantastic movies, documentaries and more – one can’t have all. At least now, with the help of Flixjini, you can find where you can stream any of your desired shows or movies are.

Realistically speaking, one can also do some research on Google with relative ease and discover whether or not a particular movie or TV show is available but there in today’s world, time is of the essence and anything that streamlines processes is welcomed. Additionally, going to each service and searching can take up some time too. Flixjini, as an OTT content search-engine, provides information on where any movie, show, documentary and more can be streamed. It gathers information from sources like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hotstar and over 25 other legal streaming platforms. Through this, content-bingers can easily find where they can stream what they desire.

There are thousands of movies and shows available online. Powered with AI-driven recommendation systems, Flixjini also displays useful information of content like average review ratings, the number of awards won, it’s performance on-screen, and more. Thus, users have more information to deal with which could possibly lead to better decisions.

Flixjini is the trip advisor for entertainment, a true streaming advisor for your watching needs. Especially now that you are advised to spend more time at home, our advanced AI-driven recommendation engine will help users spend more time watching on the right platform than browsing across platforms. The recommendation engine gets better with your continuous interaction. You need to be on it to experience it.

Mr. Jigar Doshi, Co-Founder, Flixjini

Additionally, Flixjini also provides information on movies and shows that are not available on streaming platforms. The Flixjini app is available on Android and Apple App Store and also on the web, here. It will soon be available on TVs via Android TV and Fire TV Stick.