Barb Gonzalez

Streaming Device Reviews
Amazon Fire TV Stick Review
Barb Gonzalez  |  May 01, 2015  |  0 comments

Performance
Features
Ergonomics
Value
PRICE $39

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Easy installation in any HDMI port
Straightforward, simple menus
ASAP technology loads full resolution videos instantly
Plenty of free content for Amazon Prime members
Minus
Missing some major apps including Vudu and M-Go
Global search favors Amazon results
Remote app is inconsistent and voice search may not work

THE VERDICT
A great streaming choice for Amazon Prime members, particularly those who travel.

In case the 3-inch-square Fire TV was too big for you, Amazon has released its follow-up to that high-performing streaming media player. Along with reducing size to fit on an HDMI dongle, Amazon has also reduced the price—to $39, versus $99 for the full-size Fire TV. While the Stick comes without the original’s built-in remote control microphone for voice search (a mic remote is an option) and uses a dual-core processor rather than a quad-core processor, the differences are hardly noticeable in use. Both Fire TVs make it easy for Amazon Prime members to stream over 40,000 free movies and millions of songs as well as access an unlimited number of personal photos stored in the Amazon Cloud. And the Stick’s small size and weight should make it perfect for tossing in your luggage for streaming in hotel rooms while traveling (assuming, of course, suitable Wi-Fi access).

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SmartStream
Hulu Scores Seinfeld and AMC Exclusive, New Features, Yada Yada
Barb Gonzalez  |  Apr 29, 2015  |  0 comments
Hulu announced that it has licensed all 180 episodes of Seinfeld in an exclusive Subscription Video On Demand (SVOD) streaming deal. The news was presented at the annual Hulu UpFront event for potential advertisers. Along with the Seinfeld deal, Hulu unveiled its new lineup of original content and another exclusive deal with AMC for future shows.
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TV Reviews
TCL FS4610r Roku LED/LCD HDTV Review
Barb Gonzalez  |  Apr 17, 2015  |  Published: Apr 16, 2015  |  1 comments

Performance
Features
Ergonomics
Value
PRICE $500

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Roku home screen accesses source inputs as well as streaming channels
Universal search results finds titles on most channels
Excellent value at under $500
Minus
TV picture can’t compare with high end models
No Ethernet port for wired network connection
Settings for closed captions and many other features require returning to home screen

THE VERDICT
TCL’s Roku TV may be the easiest TV to use for everyone in your family—a great second TV.

Roku is the king of streaming media players. Whether it’s the Roku 3 streaming box or an HDMI streaming dongle, no other streaming system can claim the same variety of channels or simple, intuitive graphic interface. TCL is one of several manufacturers that has integrated Roku into its TVs in some capacity, either with a Roku-friendly remote that can be mated with a Roku stick, or, in this case, a fully-integrated platform in the 48-inch model 48FS4610R ($500 list before discounting). While its picture quality can’t compare with high-end TV models, this is one TV that everyone in the house should be able use.

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SmartStream
Do Online Streaming TV Offerings Make it Easier to Cut Cable?
Barb Gonzalez  |  Apr 16, 2015  |  1 comments
New online streaming TV offerings makes it tempting to cut the cord and cancel your cable, satellite, or telecom provider. Is it time and will it save you money?
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SmartStream
Tips for Watching “Game of Thrones” Premiere As HBO Now Launches
Barb Gonzalez  |  Apr 10, 2015  |  1 comments
HBO Now is available on Apple TV and Sling TV. If you want to see the Game of Thrones premiere or other live events as they air, you may need to find another way to watch.
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SmartStream
Jay Z Relaunches Tidal with a Parade of Celebrity Artists
Barb Gonzalez  |  Apr 01, 2015  |  0 comments
Jay Z relaunched the newly purchased Tidal hi-fi music streaming service with hopes that it will change the way artists are paid. Check out the details and the star-studded video of the Tidal press conference from March 30.
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SmartStream
Dish Subscribers Get Showtime Anytime and Other Streaming Improvements
Barb Gonzalez  |  Mar 25, 2015  |  1 comments
At long last Dish subscribers can watch Showtime Anytime on media players and mobile devices. Here are the details.
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SmartStream
HBO Now to Launch on Apple TV in April
Barb Gonzalez  |  Mar 20, 2015  |  Published: Mar 18, 2015  |  1 comments
As promised, the HBO standalone subscription service will be available in April to Apple customers. Unlike HBO Go, the service will not require that viewers authenticate by also subscribing to HBO on cable or satellite. Find out how to get HBO NOW in April.
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SmartStream
Streaming Is Safe for Now Thanks to Net Neutrality Ruling
Barb Gonzalez  |  Mar 04, 2015  |  8 comments
With the new reclassification of broadband providers under Title II, the FCC can enforce net neutrality and we don't have to worry that our 4K streams will be slowed down. What are the new rules and what does it mean in the future?
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SmartStream
Comcast Boosts Live Streaming for Xfinity TV Go App
Barb Gonzalez  |  Feb 25, 2015  |  0 comments
In the last 15 months since Comcast launched its Xfinity TV Go app, the cable company has doubled its initial offering of streaming live TV channels.
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