Barb Gonzalez

Streaming Device ReviewsSmartStream
Roku 4 Streaming Media Player Review
Barb Gonzalez  |  Nov 04, 2015

Performance
Features
Ergonomics
Value
PRICE $130

AT A GLANCE
Plus
4K streaming to UHDTV
Agnostic search finds titles in multiple services
Notifications when specific movies become available

Minus
Remote mic is inaccurate
Search can’t find specific episodes of specific seasons

THE VERDICT
If you own a 4K TV, this is a slam-dunk. If not, the advances in hardware are still enough to step up from a Roku 2.

One must wonder if Roku waited to release its fourth-generation media streamer until the aptly named Roku 4 was capable of streaming 4K content. The newest Roku box can connect to compatible UHDTVs to stream 4K movies, TV shows, and videos from Netflix, Amazon, YouTube, M-Go, and a growing number of 4K streaming sources. And though 4K streaming is the Roku 4’s main appeal, improvements in hardware and the software interface make it the best Roku box yet.

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SmartStream
Review: Amazon Fire TV 2015 Edition
Barb Gonzalez  |  Oct 21, 2015
The new Amazon Fire TV streams beautiful 4K video but it doesn't yet have all the features listed in its product description.
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SmartStream
New Upgrades to Chromecast, Roku 4, Hulu, YouTube, and Amazon Prime
Barb Gonzalez  |  Oct 08, 2015
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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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 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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NVIDIA Shield Review - 4K Streaming for Android TV
Barb Gonzalez  |  Aug 19, 2015
The NVIDIA Shield follows the Nexus Player as one of the first stand alone media players with Android TV. A sleek, angled device, the Shield’s focus may be on gaming but it performs as one of the best streaming devices available. Still, it is limited by Android TV’s app selection and interface.
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Streaming Device ReviewsOther Tech
D-Link DIR890L/R Tri-Band Router Review
Barb Gonzalez  |  Aug 07, 2015

Performance
Features
Ergonomics

PRICE $130

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Three bands with automatic switching for greater dedicated bandwidth to individual devices
Fast, reliable streaming throughout home network
Two USB ports make hard drives accessible within home and remotely
Minus
Dashboard makes it hard to customize some settings
Automated band switching and QoS remove options to change settings to suit your needs
No backup or media management software

THE VERDICT
A speedy, reliable router that’s great if you accept its automatic settings.

As I’ve taken to streaming as much 4K video as I can from Netflix and Amazon, it was important to get the fastest router. Perhaps there’s something psychological about the candy-apple red glossy exterior that reminds me of a cross between a drag racer and a spaceship, or perhaps it was its impressive specs, but either way, I was inspired to try out D-Link’s DIR890L/R top-of-the-line tri-band router.

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Chicago to Tax Streaming Movies and Music
Barb Gonzalez  |  Aug 06, 2015
Chicago to extend Amusement tax to streaming services from Apple Music to Netflix.
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SmartStream
Comcast Starts Beta Testing “Stream” Online TV Service
Barb Gonzalez  |  Jul 22, 2015
Comcast has started beta testing the new Stream online TV service to its Internet customers. But is it enough to entice a new generation of TV viewers?
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Smart Speaker ReviewsWireless Multiroom Speaker Reviews
Amazon Echo Review — Your Family’s Personal Assistant
Barb Gonzalez  |  Jul 15, 2015

Performance
Features
Ergonomics
Value
PRICE $180

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Speaker and remote respond to plain English
Voice control initiates music, weather, traffic, and more
Voice-command access to music by artist, song, or radio station
Shopping list and reminders transfer to companion mobile app
Minus
Best used with Amazon Prime membership
Tendency to push Amazon products

THE VERDICT
The most useful gadget since the invention of the remote control.

When Amazon first made the Echo available to a limited number of Amazon Prime users, it seemed like a novelty device possibly destined to end up in the Land of Forgotten Gadgets. Instead, this voice-controlled Bluetooth speaker has become the device I wouldn’t want to live without.

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