Netgear has been getting into the connected world a lot recently. Arlo, their home security system, allows you to monitor your home from anywhere. Orbi and wireless data storage are a couple more examples of the connected world offered by Netgear. Netgear has also gotten into the streaming media world.
NeoTV is the Netgear streaming service provider. It comes in two options, NeoTV Prime and NeoTV Streaming Player. The NeoTV Prime comes with the power of the Google Play Store. That also includes the Chrome internet browser for full internet viewing. The traditional NeoTV player has the Netgear interface. Because the NeoTV Prime uses a familiar interface I will primarily focus on the NeoTV Streaming Player.
Specifications and The Device
The standard NeoTV comes with a great line of specs. Like most streaming devices, it can utilize WiFi to connect to the internet. It can also use ethernet to provide you with a faster, more stable internet connection. I personally like using ethernet for my streaming because it ensures that you have the best quality available.
Netgear doesn’t tell us what kind of processor the NeoTV comes with but it also has two higher end models available to help increase the power and storage capacity. We do know that the NeoTV allows for 1080P HD video streaming across all of the apps that you can get. That means you will see some of the sharpest and highest quality images available. For connection, it uses an HDMI port with the latest HDMI technology.
The Remote
Part of any device is the remote that comes with it. The Netgear remote is quite impressive. Its ergonomic form fitting factor doesn’t take away from its function. It features all of the buttons you would expect from power to navigation but includes more. You can also use shortcut buttons to open some of the most popular apps. Netflix and Hulu for example.
For those that hate typing with a directional pad, there is good news for you. You can upgrade to a higher end remote. The upgraded Netgear remote has more space for buttons and includes the same buttons with more space in between them for less chance of accidental clicking. It also features a QWERTY keyboard on the back so you can type and search easier.
Lastly, for those that want even more control over their television, they can opt to use their cell phone to control the NeoTV. Whether you are using an iOS or Android device you can use the Netgear app to select what you want to watch, to type, or even to read the descriptions of movies. I personally would rather read about the movie on the phone screen where the description is closer to me. Through your phone you can even share what you are watching on Netflix. Connecting your TV experience with your friends and giving you a conversation start on Facebook.
What Is Available?
On the NeoTV Streaming Player you can watch all of your favorite streaming services. We have already mentioned that it has Netflix and Hulu available but it comes with much more either pre-installed or available for download. Other apps include:
- YouTube
- Crackle
- CinemaNow
- Vudu
- CNet
You can even download apps like Pandora to listen to music on your high quality television sound system. No matter what you want to listen to or watch, chances are Netgear has you covered.
This is ever more true since Netgear has included WiDi connection to your computer screen on its latest model of NeoTV. That means without any wires, that you can stream your computer screen right to your television. A feature that many people fall in love with.
If you want a smart TV on your not so smart TV, you can do so with Netgear’s NeoTV Streaming Player. The device is made by one of the most successful router/modem companies in the world. If anyone knows about the internet and streaming media, it is these guys. While the NeoTV Streaming version is perfect for most people, the idea of the Google Play Store on my television is quite intriguing and you should take the time to check that device out too.
