Barb Gonzalez

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SmartStream
Live TV Streaming Services Are the New TV Providers
Barb Gonzalez  |  Apr 25, 2018
It is now possible to stream almost any TV show using dedicated apps. HBO Go, NBC, and other “TV Everywhere” apps provide unlimited access to stream new TV series’ episodes and movies if you already subscribe to the channel and sign in with the cable, satellite, or telecom provider. With more and more people switching to live TV streaming services, apps can now be authorized if you subscribe to the channel on Hulu Live TV, Playstation Vue, Sling TV, DirecTV Now, and others, though not all channels are offered by all live TV streaming services.
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CES 2012
Locking HDMI Cables
Barb Gonzalez  |  Jan 13, 2012
If you have any TVs or monitors with a vertical HDMI connection where the HDMI cable comes loose and wriggles itself out, you’ll appreciate the locking HDMI cables being shown by Perfect Path. The cable locks into place because its end cover slides back and forth to lock or release the cable.
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CES 2014
M-Go Premium App to Stream 4K/Ultra HD
Barb Gonzalez  |  Jan 08, 2014
Samsung showed a 4K UHD TV with the M-Go Premium App. This app will stream 4K movie titles to the TV. It also will stream titles that have been “optimized for 4K.” These are movies that were not shot in 4k, but because M-Go is owned by Technicolor, the titles have been optimized in the lab and made available for streaming. While M-Go limited their announcement to Samsung TVs, it was clear (yet unspoken) that the Premium service will extend to other manufacturers’ UHD TVs.
CES 2014
M-Go Shows Improvements in Updated App
Barb Gonzalez  |  Jan 08, 2014
The M-Go online movie streaming service moves closer to fulfilling its potential with new sub-genres, powerful search and playlists.
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SmartStream
Making Home Theater as Easy to Use as a Roku Player
Barb Gonzalez  |  Jan 16, 2020
Roku is about to simplify home theater in the same way that they simplified streaming to the TV. Last week at CES 2020, Roku announced the Roku TV Ready certification program. The certification is available for soundbars and AV receivers, allowing them to integrate seamlessly with Roku TVs.
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SmartStream
Mastering the Maze of Streaming: A Guide to the Marathon TV App
Barb Gonzalez  |  Apr 24, 2024
In the labyrinthine world of streaming, where TV shows sprawl across many apps, it can be daunting to keep track of what you are watching and want to watch next. The Marathon TV social app replaces posting on Facebook for recommendations or scrolling through Rotten Tomatoes and IMDB ratings.
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SmartStream
Max Adds Discovery Channels and 4K Plan
Barb Gonzalez  |  Jun 14, 2023
HBO Max is now just Max. Beyond the name change, Max combines Discovery Plus and HBO Max content. Not all content is available from the numerous Discovery-owned channels. Plus, you'll need the Max Ultimate plan to get more than a couple of dozen movie titles in 4K UHD. 
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Media Server ReviewsOther Source Component Reviews
Microsoft Xbox One as Content Hub
Barb Gonzalez  |  May 27, 2014

Performance
Features
Ergonomics
Value
PRICE $499

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Integrates with cable or satellite set-top box with advanced One Guide
Improved Kinect camera for voice and gesture control
Blu-ray player works with voice and gesture control
Minus
Requires Xbox Gold membership to stream from some services
Some streaming services available on Xbox 360 not yet on Xbox One
Can stop playback to say “hi” to a new user that has stepped into the room

THE VERDICT
For gamers who want a streaming all-in-one entertainment device, this is the console to buy.

The Xbox One was released in November 2013, exactly eight years after the release of Microsoft's last game console, the Xbox 360. In those eight years, the Xbox 360 was updated and upgraded, including the addition of the Kinect camera for voice and gesture control. In the past couple of years, a number of streaming services were also added, making the Xbox 360 a viable whole-family entertainment device. Now, the Xbox One has “improved” on the 360’s features. The Kinect has been upgraded. TV integration and a Blu-ray player have been added. The result: the Xbox One may be poised to fulfill Microsoft’s hope to make it the only component you’ll need to add to your home theater.

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SmartStream
Mighty's Mini Music Device Plays Spotify Without a Phone
Barb Gonzalez  |  Feb 25, 2016
Mighty Audio has launched a Kickstarter campaign for an iPod Shuffle-like device that stores and plays Spotify playlists.
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SmartStream
Minx Air 100 Speaker vs. Sonos
Barb Gonzalez  |  Jun 18, 2013
Cambridge Audio's Minx Air 100 speaker streams music via Bluetooth and AirPlay. See how it compares to a Sonos home music system.
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