Media streaming players – Roku vs Netgear

For over two years, I owned Netgear NeoTV Streaming Player (NTV200) which I really enjoyed using, mostly to stream NetFlix movies and TV shows. All the sudden, it stopped working completely without any warning signs.

I thought about purchasing Google Chromecast as a replacement. However, that was not an option since the Chromecast does not come with a remote control which is very convenient and an important factor to me. So, I decided to buy another Netgear streaming player. After searching on eBay, I came across a newer model of the NeoTV streaming player which seemed to be an ideal replacement. First of all, it includes a remote control and secondly it is a newer model.

Why buying Roku?

So I placed my order for Netgear NeoTV Streaming Player (NTV300) from eBay.  The streaming player arrived on time and I was excited to set it up and continue watching my favorite NetFlix movies and TV shows. Unfortunately, the new model of NeoTV (NTV300) would not connect to Netgear server. After multiple failed attempts, I thought maybe the WiFi signal was not strong enough so I connected the streaming player directly to the router.  

After countless attempts to connect to the Netgear server, I gave up! So, I searched online for tips on how to set it up. Sadly, there were many negative comments from NTV300 owners, stating that Netgear discontinued support for the streaming player. Since NTV300 requires connecting with Netgear server to check for software updates prior to initial use, the streaming player is basically useless. The funny thing is that it is still available for sale on Amazon and other websites but do NOT buy it!

Luckily, I contacted the seller, whippetinthefastlane, whom I purchased NTV300 from to request a return and explained the reason. The seller right away issued me a full refund of the item without even the need to send it back, in which I greatly appreciate. No more Netgear products for me!

[Photo credit]: www.roku.com