Barb Gonzalez

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Netgear Routers and Devices to Include Apps
CES 2012
Barb Gonzalez  |  Jan 17, 2012  |  0 comments
Netgear showed off the new Smart Network Cloud Application Platform on its 2012 routers, network attached storage (NAS) drives, and media players, where users can access a number of useful home networking apps through a dashboard called the AppManager. These third-party-developed apps include home lighting and power control, media search capabilities, and internet usage meters.

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New Amazon Fire TV Lineup Has 4K, Gaming, More
SMARTSTREAM
Barb Gonzalez  |  Sep 23, 2015  |  3 comments
The next generation of Fire TVs is coming in October along with updates on the existing models. Amazon is upping the ante with great new features and capabilities.
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New Apple TV Will Have Siri and Apps
SMARTSTREAM
Barb Gonzalez  |  Sep 09, 2015  |  1 comments
A new Apple TV arrives in October and it's (finally) been upgraded significantly.
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New Epix and Amazon Deal: Is it time to Get Amazon Prime?
SMARTSTREAM
Barb Gonzalez  |  Oct 03, 2012  |  0 comments
As Netflix's exclusive deal with EPIX has expired, Amazon jumped at the opportunity to enter into a new multi-year licensing agreement with the cable channel content provider. The deal brings EPIX movies and original programming to Amazon Prime Instant Video streaming.
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New HDMI Standard -Simplifying Connections
CES 2009
Barb Gonzalez  |  Jan 10, 2009  |  0 comments
HDMI Licensing LLC, who won a Technology and Engineering Emmy for their contribution of the HDMI™ single cable audio and video standard, has announced the development of a new HDMI specification beyond the current 1.3 version. While not final, it is expected that the new standard will include transfer of Ethernet over the new HDMI cable. The other significant addition will be an “audio return channel.” Currently when a source—say, your HD satellite—is connected directly to a TV, an optical audio cable must be connected to an AV receiver to hear your satellite programming in surround sound. This new bi-directional feature brings it back to a single connection that will send the sound back to AV receiver without the need for an additional cable. Woohoo! We’re getting closer to a single cable connection, I’m all for that type of simplicity. Go HDMI!
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New Linksys Wireless Connector Improves HD Streaming
CES 2013
Barb Gonzalez  |  Jan 09, 2013  |  0 comments
Linksys showed its new ultra-fast AC1300 Wireless Universal Media Connector at CES. Although a number of routers were launched last year with the new 802.11ac capability, few devices are available to take advantage of the faster speeds. Smart TVs, Blu-ray players, AV receivers, and media streamers can be connected to the AC1300 via Ethernet cables. The device receives the wireless signal from the router using 802.11ac and transfers the stream to the devices for higher quality HD video without lagging, long buffer times or other interruptions.

The previous 802.11n standard can connect at speeds up to 300 Mbps (megabits per second) on a home network. The new standard is capable of gigabit speeds with single wireless connections at up to 500 Mbps. While a Vudu 3D HDX movie only requires a speed of 9 Mbps to a streaming player, wireless speeds decrease drastically over distance. It's important that a wireless router is sending the signal as fast as possible as it can dip below the speed needed over relatively short distances within a home.

The AC1300 can receive the fast stream from the router making sure that your device doesn't downgrade your Netflix 1080p stream to a standard definition movie. This 802.11ac connector is available now for $159.

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New N3TWORK Streaming App Matches Videos to Your Tastes
SMARTSTREAM
Barb Gonzalez  |  Aug 27, 2014  |  11 comments
The new social video app N3TWORK does an excellent job of pulling together and personalizing high quality web videos. But does it have what it takes to be a hit?
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New Netflix Profiles Provide Personalized Recommendations
SMARTSTREAM
Barb Gonzalez  |  Aug 08, 2013  |  0 comments
It's easier to find the titles you want to watch with the newly added Netflix Profiles feature. Find out how it works and which devices are compatible.
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New Upgrades to Chromecast, Roku 4, Hulu, YouTube, and Amazon Prime
SMARTSTREAM
Barb Gonzalez  |  Oct 08, 2015  |  1 comments
This fall brings lot of streaming news with the release of new Chromecast and Roku models as well as new features to Hulu, YouTube and Amazon Prime. It may be time to upgrade.
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NFC- Not Just For Smartphones Anymore
CES 2013
Barb Gonzalez  |  Jan 10, 2013  |  1 comments
Near Field Communications (NFC) will be available on many streaming Home Theater devices. Here's how NFC makes connectivity easier.
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