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Netgear's EVA2000 Digital Entertainer Live gets reviewed: decent, but lacking

by Darren Murph posted Oct 22nd 2009 at 10:17AM

Netgear's EVA2000 Digital Entertainer Live came packin' a lot of promise for just $150, but according to a critique over at TrustedReviews, those into a thing dubbed "high-definition" may want to keep on saving and pass over this one. You see, the only 720p content it's capable of playing back is MPEG-2; other than that, you're stuck watching SD material or upscaled-to-720p SD material. To the box's credit, it did manage to play back content satisfactorily, and the built-in PlayOn software was indeed a boon to the device's overall utility. In the world of media streamers, though, you've got oodles of options, and it seems as if one from WD or ASUS just might be a better overall value. Tap the read link to decide for yourself.

Netgear 3G Mobile Broadband Wireless Router unboxing and impressions

by Darren Murph posted Sep 28th 2009 at 8:19PM

Originally announced at CES this year, Netgear's 3G Mobile Broadband Wireless Router just recently started making its way into stores. Essentially, the MBR624GU enables your USB WWAN stick to become an internet source for multiple computers, handhelds or any other device that understands WiFi. You simply plug your USB WWAN modem into the rear of the unit (or into the bundled USB dongle), fire it up, and connect via WiFi or Ethernet. Sounds good in theory, right? Follow us past the break for a few impressions on how this admittedly promising device performed in the real world.

Gallery: Netgear 3G Mobile Broadband Wireless Router unboxing

Continue reading Netgear 3G Mobile Broadband Wireless Router unboxing and impressions

Netgear delves into consumer NAS market with $229 1TB Stora

by Darren Murph posted Sep 21st 2009 at 8:30AM

Clearly autumn is a time for change, and with Seagate diving cautiously into the consumer NAS market just last week, it follows logic to think that rival Netgear would do likewise. The company has had a few years of experience with professional and business-minded NAS units, but the now-available Stora is the first dumbed-down version meant to cater to the masses (and the strapped-for-cash). Essentially, it's targeting users who want to make their media catalog available over the internet, and there's even a MyStora.com location that lets users easily access files remotely when an FTP client just feels far too intimidating.

It's compatible with Mac, Linux and Windows platforms, it can double as an iTunes or DLNA server and it ships in a two-bay configuration that is automatically setup to mirror data. Oddly enough, the $229 MS2110 model includes only a single 1TB drive, though we definitely prefer this setup over having twin 500GB HDDs; after all, any shopper worth their salt can snap up an extra 1TB unit for a lot less than Netgear would sell it to 'em.Oh, and we're told that an "optional yearly premium service to support additional remote access and third-party service integration such as Flickr and mobile phones is available for $19.99 after an initial 30-day trial period," but frankly, that doesn't sound appealing at all.

Gallery: Netgear delves into consumer NAS market with $229 1TB Stora

Continue reading Netgear delves into consumer NAS market with $229 1TB Stora

Netgear expands Digital Entertainer line with the EVA2000 Digital Entertainer Live

by Nilay Patel posted Sep 8th 2009 at 5:05PM

Netgear's Digital Entertainer media streamers have always been well-admired as capable and flexible home theater units, and it sounds like the new Digital Entertainer Live will keep that trend alive while bringing prices down -- the $150 box will play back just about any format you throw at it from just about any source, while offering YouTube, pay-per-view CinemaNow movies and VuNow and PlayOn support in the bargain. Seems like a pretty decent piece of kit, no outrageous claims here -- oh, except for this line about the Live's new video search tool that can "locate videos on the entire worldwide web" by searching "more than hundred thousand websites." That sounds... ominous. Way to go, guys -- first you add MKV support, then you try to blackmail the entire world. We always knew this would happen.

Update: We just spoke with Netgear and learned a couple interesting tidbits. First, although remote bears a resemblance to the one used with the Western Digital WD TV HD, that's all -- the actual box itself is completely different hardware, and the remote has a totally different layout. Second, PlayOn will be offered at a 25 percent discount to DE Live buyers, making the whole thing seem like even more of a bargain.

Netgear ships ultra-speedy WNDR3700 dual-band router

by Darren Murph posted Sep 1st 2009 at 11:56AM

If you've grown increasingly incensed by those annoying dropouts caused by your 80s-era wireless router, it looks like Netgear has your cure. Though, we must say, there's at least a decent chance you don't have the coinage to procure said medicine. At $190, the RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N Gigabit Router (WNDR3700) is one of the pricier WLAN routers on the market, though the amenities list is pretty impressive. The ReadyShare feature enables any USB hard drive to be viewed on the network, while the DLNA support and "real-world" throughput of 350Mbps shines up an already glistening device. There's even a broadband usage meter for those unfortunately dealing with Comcast caps, and if you actually use this as a remote media server, you'll definitely want to keep an eye on that.

[Via HotHardware]

Netgear's Home Theater Internet Connection Kit spreads content on power lines

by Darren Murph posted Aug 12th 2009 at 10:29AM

Not so fond of those wireless streaming solutions? Unable to strew Ethernet cables all across your abode for fear of an SO beating? Fret not, as Netgear's now-shipping Home Theater Internet Connection Kit has you covered. The $179.99 bundle consists of an XAVB1004 Powerline AV Ethernet switch and a single Powerline AV Ethernet Adapter (XAV101) to get you started; just connect your web-ready wares to these adapters via Ethernet, and connect said adapters to your home's vast array of power outlets. It's magic, really.

[Via HotHardware]

Netgear MoCA Coax-Ethernet adapter reviewed by Engadget HD

by Ben Drawbaugh posted Jun 25th 2009 at 6:39PM

Have you ever wondered why you can't use the existing coax cable in your house to stream things like HD around the house? Sure WiFi and powerline modules work for some, but unfortunately they don't for everyone. So if you're still looking for a way to stream data like HD around your house and are at wit's end, head over to Engadget HD to learn how the Netgear MoCA Coax-Ethernet bridge handled the most demanding HD needs.

Netgear's MoCA coax-ethernet adapter kit now available, explained with bizarre cartoon

by Ross Miller posted Apr 22nd 2009 at 3:43AM

Netgear's coaxial-hijacking adapter kit MCAB1001 MoCA is now available. The pair of devices, which turns your cable outlets into a home networking solution with transfer speeds up to 270 Mbps, is retailing on the company's online shop for a penny under $190, and if you'd like to watch an infomercial on how it works, chock full of oddly-chosen metaphors and trippy visuals, we've got the perfect read link for you just below.

Read - Product page
Read - "MoCA in a Nutshell" video

CSIRO's patent lawsuits conclude with the final 13 companies settling

by Ross Miller posted Apr 22nd 2009 at 12:53AM

Looks like CSIRO's legal days are over -- for the moment, at least. Having already reached an agreement with HP, the Australian government-funded research firm announced this week that it's settled with the remaining 13 companies it sued for patent infringement, claiming it owned the rights to 802.11a/g. For those who haven't been keeping track at home, that includes Dell, Intel, Microsoft, Nintendo, Fujitsu, Toshiba, Netgear, Buffalo, D-Link, Belkin, SMC, Accton, and 3Com. The details of any of the settlements are undisclosed, but as iTnews reports, it's expected CSIRO ended up with some substantial monies now that the dust has settled. Chief Executive Dr. Megan Clark noted that it'll continue to "defend its intellectual property," so if you're a high profile tech company who creates WiFi-equipped gadgets and hasn't been served a lawsuit yet, we don't blame you for being a little nervous right now.

Netgear Digital Entertainer Elite available worldwide for $399

by Darren Murph posted Apr 20th 2009 at 4:04PM

The verdict is already out on Netgear's EVA 9150 Digital Entertainer Elite, and now the ball's squarely in your court. The self-proclaimed "flexible digital media player" -- complete with its dual-band 802.11n WiFi, integrated 500GB hard drive and broad video codec support -- is now shipping worldwide. In case you've forgotten, this unit plays nice with Windows, Mac and Linux platforms and boasts a pair of USB ports for adding flash drives and additional storage. Worth $399? Answer with your wallet, bub.

Netgear EVA 9150 Digital Entertainer Elite unboxed, previewed, well loved

by Ross Miller posted Apr 7th 2009 at 7:18AM

When we last got some hands-on time with Netgear's EVA9150 Digital Entertainer Elite at CES, we found it to be a pretty impressive media streamer. The aptly-titled MyDigitalEntertainer's managed to get an early unit -- packaged and everything -- and has provided ample unboxing pictures and some hands-on impressions. It's love all around, with a faster interface, extended support, and a new buffer ability that makes it a lot smoother than its predecessors. The RSS feature is functional enough, but any video podcast streams you subscribe to should be great. YouTube HD support is an added plus, but we've got no word on CinemaNow and we're admittedly a bit bummed by no Netflix. Hit up the read link for the full preview.

Netgear rolls out 4-bay ReadyNAS NVX

by Donald Melanson posted Apr 6th 2009 at 2:53PM

Netgear doesn't exactly go all out with the styling or blinkin' lights on its ReadyNAS devices, but that all-business exterior is no doubt just what some folks are looking for, and it doesn't look like they'll be disappointed by the company's latest ReadyNAS NVX model. According to Netgear, this one offers "double the performance" of previous NV+ models, which is apparently explained in part by the addition of iSCSI support, along with a number of other new features like an improved ReadyNAS "RAIDiator" operating system (fully compatible with Time Machine) and, of course, a whole range of other on-site and off-site backup measures. That won't exactly come cheap, however, as the base 2TB model starts at a hefty $1,500, with an extra $5.95 to $19.95 a month required for Netgear's ReadyNAS Vault backup service.

Netgear Digital Entertainer Elite interface hands-on

by Ross Miller posted Jan 8th 2009 at 10:28PM

One very patient Netgear rep took us through the interface of the new Digital Entertainer Elite while we feverishly snapped images of every menu blade. Not every one was a keeper -- expect a few gaps here or there -- but this should provide you ample impressions on how you'll be cruising around on this thing.

Gallery: Netgear Digital Entertainer Elite menu at CES 2009

Gallery: Netgear Internet TV Player, Digital Entertainer Elite hands-on at CES 2009

Netgear announces 3G mobile broadband wireless router for 802.11g's on the go

by Ross Miller posted Jan 7th 2009 at 5:35PM

Netgear didn't go for any fancy-schmancy new form factor with its 3G mobile broadband wireless router, instead opting for the standard shell we know and love. Nine different Sierra and Novatel 3G modems are currently supported, and just plugging one into the USB 2.0 slot will provide you web access via either ethernet LAN or 802.11g. Usual amenities like WEP / WPA encryption are here, and it includes both AC and 12V DC adapters. The router is due out this month for $130. Anyone up for a World of Warcraft campfire LAN party?

Gallery: Netgear 3G mobile broadband wireless router

Read - List of supported 3G USB modems

Netgear unveils Internet TV Player, Digital Entertainer Elite with CinemaNow

by Ross Miller posted Jan 7th 2009 at 4:38PM

We've now got a content provider giving support to Netgear's Digital Entertainer Elite, and that honor goes to CinemaNow. At today's overly-enthusiastic press conference -- seriously, they threw apples, footballs, and a beer can at certain points -- the company showed off the pay-per-view service on both the aforementioned media streamer as well as the new, much smaller Internet TV Player that's coming this summer for $199. It's very lightweight and has an HDMI output alongside two USB 2.0 ports. It's got YouTube support as well as North American, Europe, and Asia internet TV. The upscaled video looked good, although nothing that's gonna replace your HDTV anytime soon. One very nice feature is support for torrents that you can trigger remotely for download to the player (presumably on an attached disk drive here, as there's no internal storage from what we can tell). No word on codec support, but if they're touting torrents, we're hoping for at least some DivX / XviD and MKV love. The much larger and heavier granddaddy Elite, whos specs we've already heard care of the FCC, is coming February for $399. A fun little feature touted in the presser allows you to pause a video on one TV and watch it on another -- provided you've got a separate Elite unit connected to each. The bad news? Neither device supports Hulu or Netflix, although a rep told us that they're kinda sorta looking into adding the latter sometime in the future.