Netgear has renewed its interest in online video two years after releasing its first media player, this time preparing to launch the EVA9150 Digital Entertainer Elite streaming media player.
Netgear's latest offering allows users to browse online content from YouTube, Flickr and other popular online web sites. Content will be streamed in 1080p format, and users can stream videos, photos and music directly to the TV.
The EVA9150 has a 500GB HDD, while the Microsoft Xbox 360 has a 120GB HD and the Apple TV has a 160 GB HDD.
Aside from the higher price tag, another problem Netgear faces is that the company doesn't have any agreements with content companies. Roku and Xbox 360 owners can use Netflix, Apple TV users can use Apple iTunes, but Netgear is going to have to rely on free Internet content.
Interested users can use sites such as YouTube and Hulu, but the lack of public agreements with content makers is a downside that will be difficult to overcome.
The EVA9150 will cost $399 and is expected to launch in Q1 2009.
Online video is a growing market that manufacturers expect to be a major revenue maker in the years to come. Netgear's latest technology will face stiff competition from the Apple TV, Rokun Netflix player, Linksys Media Extender and gamers using their Xbox 360 to stream content through Netflix.
Not surprisingly, Apple TV has received the majority of headlines, even though both analysts and consumers have not been overly impressed with Apple's offering. Netgear has had a digital player available for two years, quietly gaining fans with its media player.
