Barb Gonzalez

CES 2013
Toshiba's Smart TVs Become Cloud TVs
Barb Gonzalez  |  Jan 08, 2013
Toshiba is taking their Smart TV streaming capabilities a step further, announcing that their new TVs will have the Toshiba "Cloud TV." A list of features includes a Toshiba server based system for ongoing upgradability.

The Smart TV ePortal hub has a redesigned multi-page ePortal for "ease of use." The ePortal not only displays streaming media apps, it now includes a constantly updating news feed, weather, personal messaging and a family calendar. There is also a new MediaGuide with recommendations of TV shows and movies that you might like to watch.

All Toshiba Cloud TVs work with their wireless keyboard with touchpad accessory that is included with the L7300 TV models and above.

To make it easier to stream media from other devices, the Cloud TVs feature "Miracast" to mirror Android tablets and phones to the TV and are WiDi enabled to use the TV as a second display for your laptop.

The Cloud TV was announced at a mixer Sunday night where Toshiba demonstrated the features of its new TV line. While I'm not a fan of playing games on a TV, a poker game they demonstrated looked fun. Each player connects using the KontrolTV app on their device or on the Toshiba TV and can see their poker hand. Rather than challenging one other player, a group of friends or family can play.

CES 2013
Terk Digital Antenna With Roku
Barb Gonzalez  |  Jan 08, 2013
Although the idea of a digital antenna to receive over-the-air broadcasts with a built in media streamer makes odd bedfellows, it could be the answer to cutting the cable cord. Voxx Accessories announced that it is developing a digital TV antenna with Roku streaming capabilities. The product will be released under the RCA and Terk brands.

Part of Voxx's Roku-Ready partnership, the photo showed a Roku stick attached to a flat omnidirectional powered antenna. It is slated to be released in the fourth quarter of 2013. Few other details are available and I have a lot of questions about how it will work.

For now, it looks like a great solution for TV viewers who like network broadcast TV and a variety of streaming movie options like those available from Roku. We'll keep you posted as we get more details.

CES 2013
NETGEAR Releases NeoTV PRIME with Google TV
Barb Gonzalez  |  Jan 07, 2013
At the CES 2013 NETGEAR press conference, the company announced NeoTV PRIME, a Google TV streaming player that is available now for $129.99. Like other Google TVs, a growing number of apps can be added from the Google Play store. And like other Google TVs, it has global search to find the titles you want whether they are on live TV, streaming Internet services, web pages, or your own media on your home network.

What NETGEAR brings to the PRIME is a full access Chrome web browser. With Flash and HTML 5 plug-ins, it will (theoretically) play videos from any website (though certain websites have blocked Google TV access).

The included two-sided remote has a QWERTY keyboard, appears to be identical to the Vizio's Co-Star Google TV keyboard. The other side has a touchpad mouse control, directional navigation buttons and direct play buttons to immediately access Amazon on Demand, HBO Go, Crackle, Netflix, and YouTube. The YouTube smartphone app will have a "play to Google TV" button to send a video directly to the Google TV YouTube app. There is also a button for MyMedia that brings up the network attached storage (NAS) drives and other DLNA sources including ReadyShare available on NETGEAR routers.

SmartStream
CinemaNow Offers Disc-to-Digital Service From Your Computer
Barb Gonzalez  |  Jan 02, 2013
Best Buy's CinemaNow launches Disc-to-Digital service for buying digital versions of DVD and Blu-ray titles you own from your home computer.
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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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