Barb Gonzalez

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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Streaming Device Reviews
Apple TV 4K 3rd Generation Review: Smaller, Faster, Cheaper
Barb Gonzalez  |  Nov 03, 2022

Performance
Features
Ergonomics
Value
PRICE $129 (64GB) / $149 (128GB)

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Lower price than any recent Apple TVs
Excellent sound and picture quality
Now supports HDR10+
Agnostic "Watch Next" suggestions
Supports Dolby Atmos for movies and music
Minus
Scrub fast-forward and rewind can be squirrelly
Limited Siri Commands
Netflix integration remains minimal

THE VERDICT
The Apple TV 4K 3rd generation is a must-have for anyone with an iPhone or other Apple device. It still has great sound and picture quality, but the processor is faster and it supports HDR 10+. If you are invested in the Apple ecosystem, the Apple TV 4K should be the streamer you use. Also, if you have a Samsung TV that supports HDR10+, you might want to think about getting the new model.

The latest Apple TV 4K is the company's most compelling and feature-rich streaming box yet. It performs better and has more features than its predecessors while costing less...

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SmartStream
Improved Gen 3 Apple TV 4K Coming Soon
Barb Gonzalez  |  Oct 19, 2022
On November 4th, Apple will release the third generation Apple TV 4K. The updated streaming player costs less than its predecessor and offers several improvements, including the new, more powerful A15 Bionic processor and an updated tvOS 16 operating system.
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SmartStream
SongCatcher Names the Tune Stuck in Your Head—And Then Plays It
Barb Gonzalez  |  Oct 12, 2022
Can’t remember the name of that catchy song stuck in your head? No worries, Deezer’s updated SongCatcher feature will not only find it for you but it will play the song, too — a first in the app world.
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