Netgear NeoTV MAX HD Streaming Player Review

Introducing Netgear’s New Streaming Player

Today we look at Netgears next-generation of multimedia player, the $69.99 shipped NeoTV MAX. The NeoTV MAX is designed to play your personal media from external drives and DLNA media serves. Netgear wanted their users to be able access the ever-increasing online content that is available. From Youtube, Hulu, Vudu, Pandora, Spotify, and others, Netgear wants you to have every opportunity to grab your content without relying on your cable or satellite provider.

The NeoTV MAX comes packed with a bunch of features which will be very attractive to those who dont own a so-called Smart TV. The NeoTV can play 1080p HD video and produce 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround sound, and has built-in WiFi making placement easy. Netgear even includes a full QWERTY keyboard that is on the bottom-side of the remote control. You can even stream 3D movies from Vudu to your television. This all comes in a very small package that rivals the tiny Apple TV. In fact, the Netgear NeoTV is actually thinner than the famed Apple TV. The NeoTV unit measures in at just over 7 inches by 6.5 inches and 2.5 inches thick. Because its so small, you should be able to connect the NeoTV device to any television or monitor in your house.

Lets take a quick look at the official feature list that Netgear built into the NeoTV MAX:

• Media playback from USB or DLNA storage devices
• Remote control with keyboard
• Wireless Display (Intel WiDi)
• Works with virtually any TV
• Up to 1080p HD streaming
• Built-in wireless-N
• Easy on-screen setup guide
• Ethernet port
• HDMI video output
• 5.1 surround sound audio
• Dimensions: 7.4 x 6.5 x 2.5 inches; 1 pound

As we mentioned, the NeoTV MAX is one of three new players in the Netgear NeoTV family. Here is a quick comparison:

Netgears NeoTV MAX (NTV300SL) is one of a series of set-top multimedia players that Netgear has recently introduced. The biggest difference in the units is the remote control and the ability to play from USB storage. You can find the NTV300 for $39.99 shipped and the NTV300S for $49.99 shipped. The NeoTV MAX (NTV300SL) is still a pretty good deal at $69.99 Shipped.

Lets go ahead and crack open the box and set the unit up.