Home Cinema Choice September 2017

Good news for those with futureproof AV systems this month, with the BBC confirming that any future 4K content will also use HDR and wide colour technologies (not to mention 5.1 or possibly greater surround sound). As the Beeb's Andy Quested asks (p9), what's the point in making Ultra HD programming in REC.709? Actually, though, I think there is a point. The new football season is kicking off about now, and will mark the third year that BT (via its pay-per-view package) has aired football games in 4K. Sky is unleashing its second season, combined with a Summer of Ultra HD cricket coverage. Neither broadcaster has yet embraced HDR, but it's not the sort of thing that necessarily occurs to you when gawping at crystal-clear sports. That's not to say…

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS C SEED Bonkers 262in ultra-wide 4K LED TV unveiled BBC HDR and wide colour to go hand-in-hand with Ultra HD LOEWE OLED TV with '60s style SONY UBP-X1000ES deck targets automated setups NEWS X10 The hottest news stories in bite-sized chunks ALIEN: COVENANT Prepare to be scared witless on 4K Blu-ray… & MORE! Laser for your discs Dell S718QL ? www.dell.co.uk Dell's S718QL needs little room to create a bigscreen experience, using an ultra-short-throw lens and laser light source to deliver 100in images from a projectorto- wall distance of just 12cm. While the businessleaning corp flags up the PJ's 'presentation' skills, the unit's HDR support and HDCP 2.2-enabled HDMI input make it ripe for partnering with a UHD BD deck, especially in a regular living room – brightness…

C Seed 262 ? www.cseed.tv/indoor-tv Billed as 'the world's largest 4K widescreen TV' – and weighing 800kg – the 262 from luxury Austrian brand C Seed measures a mammoth 262in diagonally across its CinemaScope-ratio LED-lit panel. Bonus features for its mega-rich buyers (pricing is as yet unspecified, but it won't be cheap...) include an integrated 4K media server, 10-strong speaker array and a motorised fabric cover to hide the TV when it's not in use. We'll take one for the downstairs toilet, thanks... Sony targets custom installers Sony has now launched its 4K Blu-ray deck aimed exclusively at the custom installation market in the UK. Part of the brand's ES range, the UBPX1000ES offers the AV bell and whistles we've come to expect from a UHD Blu-ray player and adds…

The BBC says its future UHD programming will be shot in High Dynamic Range and wide colour. In a swipe at both Sky and BT TV, which currently broadcast 4K with conventional REC.709 colour, BBC HD & UHD Head of Technology Andy Quested insists that the two must be inseparable. 'We're not going to invest in programmes that are REC.709,' he says. 'What's the point?' Speaking at an industry conference organised by satellite operator SES, Quested went on to say that surround sound 'or better' would also be standard for all new commissions. 'We're mandating surround sound as the minimum requirement for Ultra HD programmes, hopefully moving to object-based, or Dolby Atmos later,' he says. 'This has got to happen.' Quested also suggests that adopting advances in broadcast technology is…

John Wick: Chapter 2 (Ultra HD BD) This sequel comes out all-guns-blazing on UHD Blu-ray with its dazzling 4K visuals and explosive Atmos audio. It's also the only way to get the film uncut in the UK. Get Out (All-region BD) Jordan Peele's smart sociological horror is supported by a collection of thoughtful extra features on this hi-def platter. Fast Times at Ridgemont High (Region B BD) The seminal 1982 teen flick stands the test of time rather well on this welcome Blu-ray re-release. Mickey One (All-region BD) Revisiting Arthur Penn's arty 1965 noir pastiche is easier than ever thanks to this restored Blu-ray. A Quiet Passion (Region B BD) A sumptuous HD presentation of Terence Davies' compelling and witty Emily Dickinson biopic.…

Annabelle: Creation August 11: This second spin-offfor The Conjuring's deadly dolly turns back the clock to reveal its origin. While the first Annabelle film was a dud, the presence of Lights Out director David F. Sandberg behind the camera has us expecting good things from this creepy prequel. The Dark Tower August 18: A bigscreen follow up to the popular series of novels by Stephen King, this fantasy-horror- Western hybrid stars Idris Elba as gunslinger Roland Deschain and Matthew McConaughey as the nefarious Man in Black. Logan Lucky August 25: Steve Soderbergh comes out of feature film retirement to direct Daniel Craig, Channing Tatum, Adam Driver and more in this ensemble heist flick that calls to mind Ocean's Eleven, only less glitzy.…