SmartStream

The Tablo Dual OTA (over-the-air) DVR can record local broadcasts and stream local TV to devices both in your home and while you're on the road. In my hands-on testing I was pleasantly surprised.

The Apple TV 4K has upgraded to 4K HDR capabilities and Apple's upgrading your movie library to go with it. If you have a 4K HDR TV, this may be the best streamer for you.

This past year has seen the maturing of many features that were formerly only hopeful ideas. Streaming 4K, streaming live broadcast TV, cloud-based DVRs, and voice control are all readily available.

The new Xbox One X launched in early November so I have had a couple weeks to test it. With streaming 4K HDR capabilities, 4K HDR gaming, and a built-in 4K/Ultra HD player, this game console has all the 4K content you could want in one device. However, Microsoft is pushing gaming at the expense of simplified streaming and movie/TV/video playback.

Sonos recently introduced the Sonos One smart speaker with built-in Alexa voice control. But you don’t have to buy a new speaker to use Alexa to control your Sonos system.

Roku is offering free, ad-supported movies through its new streaming movie channel.

Google has added features to its Google Home smart speaker. Find out how to pair a phone using Bluetooth and make phone calls directly from the voice-activated speaker.