Netgear's NeoTV multimedia receiver a steal at $40 Video
Netgear's NeoTV multimedia receiver a steal at $40 Video Transcript
Hi, I'm [unk] from CNET.com and this is a review of the Netgear NTV 300. There was a time when Smart TV had some promise when you pay a premium to be on the stream network but a whole bunch of that boxes have come by. That means you can now get your networks pick for $150. They basically come in every packet of cereal. Okay, some point is the Netgear Neo TV NTV 300. It's a little hockie pock size but it streams dozens of channels to your TV and dispenses with other peripherals like DLNA and laptop memory. At the moment, it's only $40. As most of these devices have the same services on them and the neo TV [unk] had Netflix, Hulu Plus, Pandora and even a Slingbox app, what it really boils down to is the ease of use and interface. And here is where the neo TV falls down - first off, [unk] remote pretty terrible. It has smooshy buttons and wide too easy to hit the colored button as a part of the 4-way direction pad. As a result, you can very easily start moving off on the round on the frame by knocking the blue button without realizing. In comparison to the simplicity of the rotor, the Netgear's interface is just another wall of icon. But at least, as we found, the shortcut, I cut the [unk] even if accidentally. There are some other [unk] with the Netgear. For example, occasionally, it will understand and leave a black [unk] consent and sometimes the flap installed and cause video and audio to go out of sync even on the usually steadfast Netflix. Well, the Netgear is one of the cheapest devices. Others I've seen are not quite as robust or quick as its competitors. And so, I'd recommend a rotor LC instead. This is [unk] for CNET.com
Related Videos
Netgear Digital Entertainer HD
This Netgear media receiver with HDMI streams HD movies, YouTube videos, iTunes content, and more from a PC or a Mac. We take a look at it at CES 2007.
JBL Micro Wireless plays big for its size
This $59 hockey-puck sized portable Bluetooth speaker has some kick.
Sleek, compact, and affordable, the Netgear WNDR3300 is one of the first wireless-N routers on the market that offers hybrid dual-band supporting both 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz wireless client simultaneously, though not exactly in the way we would like to see it.
A dashboard that is really a PC
CNET Executive Editor Brian Cooley shows you a Volkswagen's dashboard featuring programs and functions that mirror your laptop computer or your Treo handheld.
Netgear Powerline AV+ 500 Adapter XAV5501
The bulky Netgear XAV5501 Powerline adapter proves that large physical size could really translate into great performance."
Netgear's WNDR4700 is now an entirely different beast
Netgear's new media storage router integrates storage functionality that offers consumers backup, storage, streaming, and wireless networking in a single package.
Netgear EVA8000 Digital Entertainer HD
The Netgear EVA8000's awesome array of features should delight tech-savvy digital media hounds, although it's not as slick as Apple TV and its performance isn't flawless.
We like the HP Pavilion dv6000's attractive design and multimedia features, but initial performance results are a bit underwhelming. We thought this Core 2 Duo laptop would be speedier.
Netgear WNR834B RangeMax router
Though its maximum throughput is solid and its speed at long range is respectable, the Netgear WNR834B's mixed-mode speed is not. Save your cash until more Draft N routers make it through CNET Labs.
Our best picks for laptops and Netbooks; Acura's car of the future; and how to stream live video to your phone.
Netgear NeoTV (NTV300) Review
The good: The Netgear Neo TV NTV300 offers a decent selection of programming -- including Netflix, Hulu Plus, YouTube, and Pandora -- and some customization of its home screen. In video quality it's mostly on par with other units of its type.
The bad: Some key video apps are missing. The unit is prone to sluggishness either in the interface or on occasion during playback. The remote control is overly squishy and the D-pad makes navigation harder due to some poor design decisions. The UI is a little crowded in comparison with those of competing products. Connectivity is limited to HDMI-out only.
The bottom line: The Netgear Neo TV NTV300 is one of the cheapest streaming boxes on the market, but it doesn't offer any compelling distinguishing features compared with the Roku.
Netgear NeoTV (NTV300) Specs
Manufacturer: NetGear
Part number: NTV300
- Product Specifications
Netgear NeoTV (NTV300) Prices
Online stores
| Store | Certified rating | Inventory | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 |  Rate this store See store profile | In stock | $45.43 |
 | Rate this store See store profile | In stock | $45.43 |
 | Rate this store See store profile | In stock | $49.99 |
| TheNerds.net | Rate this store See store profile | In stock | $62.99 |
| Home Depot Inc. |  Rate this store See store profile | In stock | $84.00 |
