Barb Gonzalez

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CES 2012
Netgear Routers and Devices to Include Apps
Barb Gonzalez  |  Jan 17, 2012
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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SmartStream
New Amazon Fire TV Lineup Has 4K, Gaming, More
Barb Gonzalez  |  Sep 23, 2015
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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SmartStream
New Apple TV 4K Ups Refresh Rates, Adds Color Balance
Barb Gonzalez  |  Apr 28, 2021
It’s been four years since the first Apple TV 4K was released. And as well as that model has held up to new technologies, it was high time for a refresh. To that end, Apple recently announced a next-generation Apple TV 4K with features that could noticeably improve picture quality.
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SmartStream
New Apple TV Will Have Siri and Apps
Barb Gonzalez  |  Sep 09, 2015
A new Apple TV arrives in October and it's (finally) been upgraded significantly.
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SmartStream
New Epix and Amazon Deal: Is it time to Get Amazon Prime?
Barb Gonzalez  |  Oct 03, 2012
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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CES 2009
New HDMI Standard -Simplifying Connections
Barb Gonzalez  |  Jan 10, 2009
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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CES 2013
New Linksys Wireless Connector Improves HD Streaming
Barb Gonzalez  |  Jan 09, 2013
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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SmartStream
New N3TWORK Streaming App Matches Videos to Your Tastes
Barb Gonzalez  |  Aug 27, 2014
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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SmartStream
New Netflix Profiles Provide Personalized Recommendations
Barb Gonzalez  |  Aug 08, 2013
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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SmartStream
New Roku Channel Offers Free Movies
Barb Gonzalez  |  Sep 27, 2017
Roku is offering free, ad-supported movies through its new streaming movie channel.
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