All of us want different things from a multimedia device.

For some, it means that the ability to stream content from popular online services, and for others it means using our own library for viewing on the big screen TV. If you are interested in doing the latter, and use a variety of file formats, then Netgear NeoTV 550 HD media player is designed with you in mind.

For this reduced price, the NETGEAR NeoTV 550 NTV550 Ultimate HD Media Player comes widely recommended and is a regular choice for most people. Netgear Inc have provided some great touches and this means great value.

Keep reading to find out whether this is the ultimate media player for you.

Content Services

Netflix: No
Hulu: No
Amazon Video: No
YouTube: Yes

NeoTV 550: The Good

Format Support: Since NeoTV 550 is designed as a media player for your local files, it's good news that it supports a wide range of file formats. This is something that the streaming boxes such as Apple TV and Roku are not great. Rivals such as WD TV Live and Boxee Box do a lot better, but NeoTV has the ability to match these and more. The reason why most users choose NeoTV of these alternatives is that it comes with the ability to play Blu-Ray discs in ISO format, complete with menus and all other options. You can also watch other videos, photos and play music on this device.

User Interface: The user interface on the Netgear NeoTV 550 makes it easy to scroll through a large library of files. It uses cover art instead of file names for a more visual experience to help you choose the files you need. The box is also designed to automatically scan the media for network devices to locate files on connected PCs and laptops fast and uncomplicated.

Connect to the HD and SD TV: because of the ports that come with NeoTV 550, even users with an older analog monitor can connect up to the wide range of multimedia options that this box has to offer. If you have a new HDTV, so just use the included HDMI port.

Design: The design of the Netgear NeoTV 550 is simple and elegant. Although it may be a bit larger than the small choices such as Roku 2, it will fit nicely into any home theater setup, without taking up too much space on the shelves.

The ports on the device lets you connect to USB hard drives, eSATA drives, analogue and digital television, an audio receiver and an Ethernet connection. There is also the possibility of a SD in memory card slot.

Extras: Although it is not intended to be a full-on internet device, but it comes with some extra features like the ability to watch YouTube videos on your TV, via Flickr, a series of Internet radio, photo viewing stations and podcasts and some simple applications such as the weather.

Manufacturer Description

Why NETGEAR's NTV 550? Bring all your digital media to your TV. Play movies, music, and photo collections stored on your networked devices (such as PC, Mac, and network attached storage). The NTV 550 also provides easy access to files stored on your USB drives and SD cards. Features: Automatically searches and scans your networked and local devices, and organizes your movies, music, and photos. Live Browsing provides an easy and fast access to your media collection. Built-in media card slot for convenient access to personal photos and videos (AVCHD compatible). Compatible with a wide range of SD file formats including. Blu-ray with menu, navigation and BD-Live support1. Delivers your movie sound tracks in Hi-Def 7.1 (Dolby, DTS & LPCM compatible). Improved video and audio navigation using movies and CD covert art instead of file names. Custom remote with shortcuts designed for quick selection and ease if use. Disclaimers: 1Blu-ray experience requires an external USB or eSATA Blu-ray drive. Package Contents: NTV 550 (NTV550), Infrared (IR) remote control, Two (2) AAA batteries, Ethernet cable, AV cable, Note: HDMI cable not included, Quick install guide, Resource CD, Power adapter (localized to country of sale).