NETGEAR Digital
Entertainer
See a DEMO
Digital media devices have been around for a while such as
the Roku Photobridge which I purchased almost seven years
ago. It was pretty decent then but the Netgear has
surpassed it with many more options and ease of use. Tha
being said, after using the Netgear, it is not made for the
novice, so if you are afraid of a computer and technology, I
would pass on this unit for now. However, the
Netgear device has a nice set-up wizard which makes is
pretty configure your system. Even though it has been out
for a few years it will still lock up and will
need an occasional reset. Be sure to upgrade the
firmware when purchased.
The main feature this unit has is streaming your media on
any computer on your network to your TV. There
is a wide range of media format as well. The extra
bonus is the device will connect to the internet which opens
many more options such as internet radio, web browsing, email
and more. It is set up for wireless, but I would
caution this option if your agoing to stream HD movies, but you
should befine with everyhting else.
The Negear also has PVR, which is like a DVR but on
the device. This will take of the problem for anyone
who does not want to cancel their cable or dish because of the
DVR. You do have to have a TV tuner card in your computer and
the software will do the actual recording. I have
information on TV tuner cards here. Check out the Amazon
link for details and more reviews.
Recommendation
Overall I would recommend this to any one that wants to get
all their media on their network and stream in to their
TV. It has many features as well as internet connection,
which will always be improved and bring more options. Be
warned of the stabiltity issues and this is not perfect, but if
you feel comfortable and are patient with technology, this
device is for you.
Any questions or comments - send
them to me.
See current
price.
Pros:
- All your media sent to one location
- Works with HDTV
- Access email, internet and web browser
- Upgrades
- Personal Video Recorder
Cons:
- Unstable at this time, but
improving
- Not for the novice
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FEATURES
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Access and
enjoy your digital entertainment easily on your
TV and HDTV
-
Streams HD
videos, music, Internet radio and digital
photos from your home PCs and storage
devices to your HDTV
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Automatically
finds all the digital media files on your
home network and organizes them into an
easily accessible library
-
Easy set up
using an on screen TV wizard for a fun
entertainment experience
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High-Definition
Multimedia Interface (HDMI) for HD video
resolution up to 1080p
High
Definition Video Support
– The
Digital Entertainer HD supports high
definition playback of Windows® Media
Video 9 or MPEG-4 file formats at up to
1080p resolution on your HDTV.
Play Your
Purchased Content – The
Digital Entertainer HD supports Windows Media
DRM (WMDRM10) to playback protected downloaded
content from major online services. Requires
Windows Media Connect (WMC) server software or
Windows Media Player 11.
Multi-Room
Playback Features – Using two
or more Digital Entertainer HDs in different
rooms, synchronize music throughout the house
(Party Mode) or pause a video in your living
room and resume it in another room (Follow
Me).
Personal
Video Recording (PVR)
– With
a TV tuner card installed in your PC, the
Digital Entertainer HD can schedule
recordings and pause and rewind live TV
from your living room (TV Tuner card not
included).
Instant
Access to USB Devices
– Plug
your USB flash drive, digital camera,
iPOD, or other USB storage device
directly into the Digital Entertainer HD
and instantly access stored digital media
on your HDTV.
Your PC
Desktop on TV – Use the
remote control and TV to view and access your
PC desktop and applications like email or web
browser.
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