Netgear

NETGEAR had a little something for the connected home enthusiast at their PR event today. Adding Sling to the NeoTV MAX was neat, but unless you have a Sling box it wasn't nearly as interesting as the NeoTV PRIME. While I have to question the name (don't we have enough PRIME devices out there?), their implementation of Google TV did look interesting - especially as that product matures with Google Play, a full implementation of Chrome and OTT services like Amazon Video and Netflix.

For those dabbling in home automation, the VUEZONE looked pretty slick because of its zero touch installation. The battery operated, wireless camera can be had with night vision and a weather guard so much easier than figuring out a more traditional security camera install. It will be interesting to see how easy it is to pull the video off the devices (it's "cloud" backed) but still very cool.

If you need a wireless extender, NETGEAR had something for you as well with a slim DLNA audio/AirPlay repeater announced as well.

Click through for the photos from the press event.

NETGEAR just announced the NTV200S (aka NTV PRO) as successor to their popular NTV200 media streamer this morning. Those with familiar with the previous device will be forgiven for not noticing the difference as it essentially the same device (offering all the good stuff we loved like VUDU and Netflix) just with WiDi support (via 2x 2.4GHz antennas) for $20 more ($69.99 v. $49.99) - which is a steal if you were looking at adding that feature to your home theater (standalone WiDi devices usually run $80-$100).

Datasheet, PR and more information after the click.

We reviewed the Netgear NeoTV NTV 200 media streamer a couple of months ago and generally liked what we saw, especially the setup experience and the inclusion of HDMI CEC, but sometimes it helps to catch a glimpse of a device in action when forming an opinion. The folks over at GigaOm have posted a new episode of the Cord Cutters reviewing the NTV 200. I'm not totally sure I agree with their take on the value of exclusive content in judging a media streamer. What do you guys think?

Netgear is trying to compete with its former partner Roku with its own streaming media player, the Netgear NeoTV, also know as the NTV 200. Check out our review ...

GigaOm

We ran the Netgear NeoTV NTV200 through its paces a couple of months ago and were generally impressed with the hardware and interface, but felt a bit letdown by some of the apps on the device. However, one of the best parts about these Internet-connected media streamers is that they continue to evolve over time as the manufacturers release new updates and work to take better advantage of the services the devices tap into, and so it is always worth checking out new reviews as they become available. Our friends at AnandTech have taken a turn with the NTV200 and, unfortunately, have also come away with some mixed feelings. I find it particularly disappointing that the Netflix experience does not seem to have improved since our initial review given how rapidly the service is being reiterated on other devices.

Last year, we looked at one of the Roku models that Netgear rebadged, and came away satisfied. This time around, Netgear has decided to come out with its own device for this purpose, namely, the NTV200. The NTV200 is a low power palm sized box slightly larger than Roku 2. Its intent is to serve up premium service apps like Netflix and Vudu and make your TV a connected one.

AnandTech