Barb Gonzalez

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Streaming Device Reviews
Samsung Smart Hub Streaming Platform
Barb Gonzalez  |  Dec 31, 2012
Barb Gonzalez uses and abuses the Smart Hub streaming platform Samsung builds into many of its TVs and Blu-ray players. Just how smart is this hub and is it all that it's cracked up to be?
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SmartStream
Year-End Review: 2012 Streaming Video Innovations
Barb Gonzalez  |  Dec 27, 2012
2012 was a banner year for innovation in streaming media—innovations that are changing the home theater experience.
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SmartStream
Yes, Virginia, There Is Netflix 1080p Streaming Video
Barb Gonzalez  |  Dec 18, 2012  |  Published: Dec 17, 2012
Netflix stops X-High HD streaming but still offers 1080P Full HD streaming at lower bitrates.
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SmartStream
Disney-Netflix Deal: Future First Run Movies and Back Catalog of Classics
Barb Gonzalez  |  Dec 06, 2012
Landmark deal leaves cable in the cold and gives Netflix exclusive first-run rights to future Disney, Pixar and Marvel movies.
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SmartStream
The Best Media Streamers to Buy Your Parents
Barb Gonzalez  |  Nov 28, 2012
Buying a gift for your parents or another technologically challenged person on your list? Here are three media streamers to consider.
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SmartStream
Xbox Enhances Video Streaming with SmartGlass Update
Barb Gonzalez  |  Nov 19, 2012
Xbox 360 launches new SmartGlass app for smartphones and tablets and updates Bing search. The combination make the video game console one of the best media streaming experiences available for home theater.
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Other TechSmartStream
A Word About Video File Types
Barb Gonzalez  |  Nov 12, 2012
Ever try to stream a video from your library only to find that it won't play it—or find that certain files don’t appear on your media player when you browse the folders where they are saved? The problem could be that your media player doesn’t recognize those file formats.
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SmartStream
FCC Ruling Ensures Higher Bills for Basic Cable Subscribers in Future
Barb Gonzalez  |  Nov 07, 2012
The FCC has ruled to allow the National Cable & Telecommunication Association's (NCTA) to scramble (encrypt) basic cable. While the cable companies claim that it is more cost-effective and easier for customers if they can scramble all signals sent to homes, the new ruling ensures that people who don't pay for basic cable can't access it without a cable box or CableCARD.
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Streaming Device Reviews
Sony NSZ-GS7 Internet Player With Google TV
Barb Gonzalez  |  Oct 26, 2012

Performance
Features
Ergonomics
Value
Price: $200 At A Glance: Bluetooth and IR universal remote control • Lighted extended keyboard • Access live TV and streaming sources in one place • Global search includes live TV

When I decided to review two Google TV media streamers back to back, I thought there would be little difference between them. After all, Google TVs run on an Android platform, and both the Sony Internet Player with Google TV and Vizio’s Co-Star would have most of the same apps— pre-loaded apps or those available through the Google Play Android Market. I was surprised to find that there was more difference than I had expected. Sony knows home theater, and as with its other media streaming devices, low-quality video appears nicely cleaned up for viewing on a big screen. I’ve been unable to get a straight answer from Sony on what’s under the hood that improves the picture. Still, picture quality of identical content is noticeably better with the NSZ-GS7 than its competition.

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Other Tech
DLNA Certification: What It Means for Streaming Video
Barb Gonzalez  |  Oct 24, 2012
Digital media streaming has exploded in recent years. It’s everywhere—from sharing digital photos (does anyone print photos anymore?), to streaming a missed TV show on Hulu Plus, to watching high-definition movies on Vudu. Internet and router speeds have increased to accommodate streaming high-quality audio and video. Find out what DLNA certification means and why it's important.
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