Barb Gonzalez

Streaming Device Reviews
Amazon Fire TV Cube 3 Review
Barb Gonzalez  |  Jan 22, 2023

Performance
Features
Ergonomics
Value
PRICE $140

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Super Resolution Upscaling to 4K improves HD and SD content
Hands-free control of the Fire TV Cube and Smart Home Devices
Fast navigation and loading of content
Connect thumb drive or external drive to view/listen to media
Connect webcam for video calling
Minus
Sponsored apps, ads, and Amazon’s FreeVee monopolize home screen and search
Set-top box integration didn’t work with DISH Hopper

THE VERDICT
If you have Amazon Prime, cable or satellite, and smart home devices, definitely consider upgrading to the Fire TV Cube 3rd generation.

The 3rd generation Fire TV Cube has several new features that may make it worth upgrading from your current Fire TV. One of these features is HDMI pass-through, which allows for easy integration with set-top boxes. Additionally, the cube has a more powerful processor that improves picture quality. As the top-of-the-line Fire TV model, the cube combines the functionality of a smart Echo speaker and a streaming Amazon Fire TV.

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SmartStream
Epix Channel Becomes MGM+
Barb Gonzalez  |  Jan 18, 2023
On January 15th, MGM+ launched as an independent app and Amazon Prime channel. This comes as no surprise after Amazon bought MGM in 2021. The vast library of high-quality titles, previously available on the now-closed Epix channel, is now live on MGM+. This is no B-movie service. It's MGM, founded 99 years ago, the makers of all the movies in That's Entertainment .
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SmartStream
Plex to Add Rentals Becoming Complete One-Stop-App
Barb Gonzalez  |  Jan 12, 2023
With the coming addition of movie and TV rentals, Plex will become the first app you should open on your streaming device. Although we’ve written about Plex before, so much has changed that it’s time to do an overview of all of its features.
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CES 2023
Roku to Release Its Own Roku-Branded TVs
Barb Gonzalez  |  Jan 04, 2023
On the eve of 2023 CES, Roku announced plans to expand its A/V hardware offerings to include for the first time Roku-branded TVs.
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SmartStream
2022: A Year of Streaming Commercials, Big Mergers, and Faster Players
Barb Gonzalez  |  Dec 28, 2022
As we look back at streaming in 2022, there have been few innovative new services or products. Instead, streaming is showing signs of its maturity. Both streaming providers and streaming player manufacturers are playing catch-up with the competition.
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SmartStream
Why Westworld and Other Titles Will Be Removed From HBO Max
Barb Gonzalez  |  Dec 14, 2022
Following this past year’s merger of HBO Max and Discovery, it appears the new service will be called simply “Max.” This could be a foretelling of the new service, as many series, including Westworld, were canceled and will soon be removed from the service altogether. CEO David Zaslav is taking a radical stance to reduce costs and make investors happy.
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SmartStream
How to Keep Streaming Costs Down as Disney+ and Others Hike Prices
Barb Gonzalez  |  Dec 07, 2022
Disney+ is raising its streaming subscription rates tomorrow (December 8), ending a year of price hikes that started with Netflix, Hulu, and many niche streaming services. If you act fast, you can still get some deals before the higher prices go into effect. After that, you’ll need to get creative, so your monthly subscription budget doesn’t look like your old cable bill.
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Streaming Device Reviews
2022 Roku Express HD Player Review
Barb Gonzalez  |  Dec 01, 2022

Performance
Features
Ergonomics
Value
PRICE $29.99

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Quick and easy setup
Excellent picture quality when upscaled on a 4K TV
Connects to TV USB for power
Voice control, private listening, and hidden control with mobile app
Minus
It only supports up to 1080p high-definition resolution
Is not Dolby or DTS enabled, requires pass-through
It cannot be hidden behind the TV
No volume buttons, microphone, or TV control on remote

THE VERDICT
With its Roku OS simplicity and surprisingly good performance for an HD streamer, it’s an excellent choice for anyone looking for a budget device to go with a second TV.

Considering its low price, it wouldn't be fair to compare the entry-level Roku Express with higher-end 4K models. This 1080p streamer isn't trying to be the best in the market, but it does an excellent job for what it is—a value-priced HD player. When the Roku Express goes on sale, it's an easy choice as a gift or to go with that legacy TV in the second room.

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SmartStream
Black Friday Streaming Deals on Services and Players
Barb Gonzalez  |  Nov 23, 2022
Take advantage of the Black Friday streaming deals if you need a new streaming device or want to try a streaming service. Significant savings are available on Roku, Amazon, Apple, and Chromecast, and even the Nvidia Shield is on sale. With prices about to go up on many streaming services, the Black Friday deals are the best time to lock in lower rates or get substantial discounts.  
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SmartStream
Netflix Basic With Ads Tier Is a Good Budget Choice
Barb Gonzalez  |  Nov 09, 2022
The Netflix ads tier has launched. After years of being considered the antithesis of commercial broadcast TV, Netflix has succumbed and now offers a less expensive option with ads. But is Netflix’s new ads tier a good choice?
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