Netgear NTV200 : Over-the-Top Streaming for Non-Networked TVs
by Ganesh T S on December 22, 2011 10:50 PM EST- Posted in
- Media Streamer
- Home Theater
- NetGear
A summary of the characteristics of the various streaming services supported by the Netgear NTV200 is provided below.
| Streaming Services Compatibility Details | |
| Netgear NTV200 | |
| Firmware Version v1.01.10 | |
| Service | Notes |
| Netflix | No Support for 1080p or DD+ |
| Adaptive Streaming Implemented | |
| YouTube | Leanback Interface |
| Max. 720p Supported | |
| Miscellaneous Video Services | Amazon VoD, Hulu Plus Not Supported |
| VUDU HDX Supported with Seamless Adaptive Streaming | |
| Crackle Not Supported | |
| Miscellaneous Audio Services | Pandora Supported |
| Spotify Not Supported | |
| Web Browser | Not Supported |
| Miscellaneous Apps | Revision3, Flingo, Blip.tv, CrunchyRoll, Vimeo etc. [ Apps List Video ] |
| Developer Support for Custom Channels | Exists [ Developers can contact Netgear directly ] |
I have purposefully not talked too much in detail about the social apps (like Facebook and Twitter), games and news feeds. As Matthew Moscovciak at CNET points out, these apps just don't lend themselves to a big-screen experience.
In addition to these specifications, some consumers might also care about proper 24 fps support. Unfortunately, despite Netgear claiming the NTV200 as being 24 Hz capable, I found that the Netflix and Vudu 23.976 / 24 fps streams played back with a refresh rate of 60 Hz only.
One of the areas where the NTV200 excels is the power consumption profile. Even when streaming the maximum quality Vudu movies, the unit consumed only 5.1 W at the wall outlet.
An important aspect that we have not touched upon in the review is the Wi-Fi capability of the player. Despite all the recent OTT media streamers coming in with built-in Wi-Fi, our advice is always to have a wired connection. While Wi-Fi might work in specific situations (and considering the fact that the maximum bitrate video being streamed on the NTV200 is going to be in the whereabouts of 10 Mbps), there is always the inherent environmental conditions which prevent us from concentrating too much on this aspect of the media streamers.
In summary, the NTV200 is a mixed bag. The only redeeming features seem to be good CEC support, the excellent Vudu app coupled with a very low price point (I have seen the player on Amazon for as low as $50). Other aspects (including the UI and the Netflix / YouTube apps) have lots of scope for improvement. Would I recommend this for purchase? As a gift, this is definitely better than the lower end Roku 2 models (particularly when the Vudu apps are considered), provided it can be purchased between $50 and $70. For personal use, I suggest spending a little extra and getting a better featured and comparatively well supported unit in the WDTV Live Streaming Media Player.
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ender707 - Friday, December 23, 2011 - link
Every time I see one of these reviews for media player, I wonder how it compares to the Xbox and PS3 in terms of streaming video etc.Does any one have any input on how these stack up to the current consoles?
MGSsancho - Friday, December 23, 2011 - link
These devices exist because Sony and Microsoft refuse the listen to their customers and supports formats for media we have. Had Microsoft and Sony had more backbone then none of these other devices would really exist.Tetracycloide - Friday, December 23, 2011 - link
Even if the Xbox/PS3 were the best over-the-top boxes they could possibly be there would still be a market for competing devices that don't have the added cost of including expensive gaming hardware. The NTV200 is $70 on amazon right now for example.Matt355 - Friday, December 23, 2011 - link
Very true. I have a Xbox and a playstation and the Boxee Box is still my go to device. Because it plays everything. Since I purchased it about 2 months ago at Best Buy for $89 vs $300 Xbox and $500 Playstation. it has never failed to play anything and will stream video from my iPhone to the TV like an Apple TV. I get all types of News, Anime and even Adult channels free through streaming. With a dedicated Netflix button and all without ever using more then 15W.Matt355 - Friday, December 23, 2011 - link
The Xbox has very limited codec's and needs most video transcoded for streaming even ones it should play if they don't have 2 channel audio, No mp4 with dolby digital audio, It will not allow files over 4g to stream unless their wmv, has no web browser, No mkv, and is the only device that makes you pay extra for viewing Youtube, hulu and Netflix, $60 Xbox Gold account required.The Playstation is a lot better as a media hub. free streaming of Netflix, Hulu and Youtube. CEC so you can use your TV remote, and plays my Blu-Ray disc's But the browser is horrible, No mkv files and forget Blu-ray disc backups with Cinavia
The Boxee Box has become my go to device. It simply plays everything and mine has a dedicated Netflix button.
Death666Angel - Friday, December 23, 2011 - link
Considering that neither Xbox360 nor PS3 can play back the .mkv format and lack support for certain codecs, they are pretty limited in terms of usability. Unless one goes through the process of building their library based on these two devices, most people are better off with a dedicated media player or a small HTPC. :-)bknight555 - Thursday, February 9, 2012 - link
PS3 can play MKV if encoded with proper codec (PS3 has native support for H.264). There is a catch though, the file needs to be copied locally on the PS3 file system.Just last night I copied 30 gig of Cowboys & Alliens rip (transfer via Java PS3 server took about 4 hours). Once the file was copied successfully I was able playback with no issues.
Sivar - Friday, December 23, 2011 - link
3 letters:M K V
ender707 - Friday, December 23, 2011 - link
Thanks for the feedback everyone, I think I have a better understanding of the limitations of the consoles vs the media boxes now.I think that there are a probably a lot of people like me who already own an Xbox / PS3 who wonder if these devices could provide a benefit to them that the consoles can not provide.
It seems that there is, thanks again.
gudodayn - Friday, December 23, 2011 - link
Why are these Net-TV remote controls so basic .......I would like for once see one with a simple keypad!