Here is how you can convert a byte array into a string:
Dim b() As Byte = {255, 128, 234, 244}
Dim s As String = System.Text.Encoding.Default.GetString(b)
Debug.WriteLine(s)
Debug.WriteLine(System.Text.Encoding.Default.GetByteCount(s))
Result:String = ÿêô
Byte count = 4



